Yuri “yuurih” Santos revealed that FURIA held a serious internal discussion after ESL Pro League Season 24 to address frustration and excessive criticism inside the server. Speaking to Dust2 Brasil after FURIA reached the Grand Final of Thunderpick World Championship 2026, he said the team are now playing with a much calmer mentality.
FURIA secured their first Grand Final appearance since the IEM Cologne Major after defeating Aurora in the semifinal.
FURIA changed their mentality after Pro League
The atmosphere inside the server had been one of the issues surrounding FURIA during ESL Pro League Season 24, with players previously speaking about frustration and mental fatigue.
According to yuurih, the team directly addressed the problem after the tournament.
After that tournament we had a very serious conversation about it, so these things wouldn’t happen anymore.
He believes the change has already been visible during Thunderpick World Championship.
If we’re fighting against ourselves inside the server instead of against the other guys, we’re going to lose.
yuurih admitted there will still be moments when emotions rise, but said the team are now significantly calmer and more focused on playing the match rather than criticizing each other.
FalleN role change helps FURIA on Inferno
FURIA have also adjusted their CT setup on Inferno.
Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo has moved into a rotation role, while Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato now plays around the B site.
yuurih believes the change allows FalleN to have more freedom while putting one of the strongest riflers on the roster into a position that requires more firepower.
Now FalleN can play his game more. It’s easier to play when you’re rotating. Playing B is very difficult, you need someone with firepower.
He added that the new setup still requires time, with FalleN learning the position and the team needing more matches together to improve the coordination.
FURIA want another trophy before the Major
Reaching the final gives FURIA another opportunity to win a trophy before PGL Singapore Major 2026 and during the final stretch of FalleN career.
yuurih said another title would provide confidence after a season in which FURIA have regularly reached the later stages of tournaments.
Reaching the final and winning, getting that feeling of winning again, especially before the Major, is very important because it gives us a lot of confidence.
He also acknowledged the importance of adding another trophy for FalleN during his final season.
We’re going to give our 200% to win.
However, yuurih said he does not personally feel additional pressure to win every remaining event simply because FalleN is approaching retirement.
FURIA have played a heavy schedule this year, and yuurih believes the team also need to understand when recovery is necessary.
Major remains the main goal
While another tournament title would be important, yuurih made clear that the Singapore Major carries even greater significance during the final part of the year.
I’m really focused on the Major at the end of the year for FalleN. It’s all or nothing.
For now, FURIA have already secured another Grand Final appearance after recovering from the issues that affected the team at ESL Pro League.
The next test will be turning that improved mentality into another trophy before the Major.
