Andrei “arT” Piovezan spoke to HLTV after returning to competition with a 2:0 victory over PARIVISION at Thunderpick World Championship 2026, discussing the interruption caused by his health problems, the loss of momentum for Legacy and the process of returning to their previous level.
The match was the first for arT since he missed ESL Pro League Season 24 with meningitis. He admitted that his individual level is not fully back yet, but was satisfied with how Legacy performed collectively.
ARTS RETURN CAME WITH ALMOST NO PRACTICE
arT said he was still dealing with the effects of his absence when Legacy arrived in Malta.
After being discharged, he remained in Brazil for two more days for tests and treatment before travelling to the tournament. Legacy only managed to practice some maps one day before their opening match.
My aim is still a bit shaky, it’s been a long time without playing CS, I couldn’t play almost at all.
Despite that, Legacy defeated PARIVISION 2:0 in two close maps.
arT said the main priority was stabilizing the team rather than expecting to immediately return at full strength after such a long period without normal practice.
LEGACY LOST MOMENTUM AFTER STRONG RESULTS
Before the interruption, Legacy had built one of their strongest runs of the season, finishing third at Esports World Cup 2026 and winning FISSURE Playground 3.
arT admitted that being unable to continue playing after those results was frustrating. His illness also prevented Legacy from practicing normally before and during ESL Pro League Season 24.
We knew we had a chance to win the next tournaments we attended, based on how we had been performing.
Rather than focusing on the missed opportunity, the in-game leader wants Legacy to use Thunderpick World Championship as a new starting point.
Now we have to look ahead and realize that we have a new opportunity here. We got off on the right foot, which is important, so we’ll try to build on that.
THUNDERPICK WILL HELP LEGACY REBUILD
arT believes the tournament itself can give Legacy enough time and match material to move back toward their previous level.
The team have already begun identifying tactical and collective areas to work on, with each additional match providing another opportunity to improve.
This tournament will be a chance to fine-tune the car as we go. It’s possible that we can fix things in the next few matches.
He also stressed that expectations need to be managed after the disrupted preparation. Legacy are not entering the event expecting to immediately look the same as before the break.
Their first objective remains reaching the playoffs. From there, arT said the focus would shift toward trying to win the tournament.
LEGACY TURN ATTENTION TO FURIA
After opening the event with a victory over PARIVISION, Legacy will next face FURIA in Group B.
arT said the team are approaching the tournament one match at a time, with the immediate focus on continuing the progress shown in their opening series.
A victory would give Legacy another opportunity to rebuild the momentum that was interrupted by his absence and move closer to the Thunderpick World Championship playoffs.
