FURIA continue their fight for their first major trophy in the final stretch of the season. After defeating Legacy at Thunderpick World Championship 2026, FalleN spoke about the team’s packed schedule, the lack of practice time, and explained why a single title could completely change the team’s mentality.
FURIA took revenge against Legacy
FURIA defeated Legacy 2:1 and advanced to the semi-finals of Thunderpick World Championship 2026. For the team, this was an important revenge victory after two previous losses to their Brazilian rivals during the season. FalleN was particularly pleased with their performance on Mirage and how the team responded after losing the first map.
I think we played well. We had chances on the first map too. I especially liked how we played Mirage. We managed to get a 9:3 score on the T side, and right now it is difficult to win that many rounds on that side. I was happy with the team’s resilience and our performance.
The victory allowed FURIA to end their losing streak against Legacy and remain in contention for the title. FalleN did not exaggerate the significance of their previous head-to-head matches, but acknowledged that Legacy had shown strong enough results throughout the year, making another meeting particularly important for FURIA.
The team has to play with almost no practice days
One of FURIA’s main problems has been their extremely packed schedule. Thunderpick World Championship 2026 is already the team’s seventh tournament in this stretch of the season, leaving practically no time for proper practice between events. The roster has been forced to adapt its routine during tournaments.
The main change is in our daily planning. With so many tournaments, we simply don’t have time to practice. That’s why we practice every day before our matches. Sometimes we manage to play two, three, or even four maps before an official game.
FalleN even mentioned that two players were resting after practice before the match against Legacy because of fatigue. According to him, this is essentially the only way to maintain the team’s form right now: FURIA have to combine preparation and official matches on the same day, compensating for the lack of proper practice blocks.
FURIA are now expected to win titles
Another problem is that expectations surrounding FURIA have risen significantly. The team has already reached a Major final and regularly appeared in the playoffs of major tournaments, but after a successful 2025, that is no longer enough. FalleN himself admits that individual good results are no longer considered a complete success.
Even though we have had some decent results throughout the year — we played in a Major final and reached the playoffs several times — our expectations now are about winning tournaments. So there is always this feeling that something is missing.
That is why Thunderpick World Championship 2026 is particularly important for FURIA. The team has already reached the semi-finals, and another successful step will bring them closer to ending an exhausting series of tournaments with an actual trophy rather than another high placement.
FalleN wants to feel the boost of winning again
FalleN separately emphasized the psychological impact of becoming champions. According to him, last year’s first trophy became a turning point for FURIA: the team gained confidence and then started winning tournaments regularly.
Winning a tournament really gives you a huge boost. You become more confident, happier in your everyday life, and more satisfied with what you are doing. And it is no coincidence that last year, after gaining that momentum, we won almost four tournaments in a row.
Now FURIA want to repeat that scenario. The current season has brought the team many deep tournament runs, but it has not yet provided that same feeling of accomplishment. A trophy could be exactly what the roster needs to regain confidence ahead of the decisive part of the year.
The semi-finals will not be any easier
FURIA’s next opponent will be the winner of the match between Aurora and 9z. FalleN did not name a preferred opponent, although he acknowledged that Aurora look stronger on paper. At the same time, he pointed out that 9z have already shown enough quality at this tournament to cause problems for the favorites.
I don’t have a preference regarding the opponent. I think Aurora are slightly stronger than 9z and would theoretically be a more difficult opponent for us. But 9z played a great game against Aurora, and if they show the same level against us, it will be very difficult.
For FURIA, this semi-final will be another test of whether the team can convert consistent performances into a title. After months of a packed schedule and constant playoff appearances, FalleN is clear about the main goal: victory is needed not only for the trophy itself, but also for the psychological momentum that helped FURIA begin their winning streak last year.
