{"id":301531,"date":"2025-11-22T00:54:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-22T00:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/community.skin.club\/?p=301531"},"modified":"2025-11-22T00:54:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T00:54:22","slug":"flamez-furia-vitality-valve-sticker-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.skin.club\/en\/news\/flamez-furia-vitality-valve-sticker-interview","title":{"rendered":"flameZ on HLTV Confirmed: FURIA Are the World\u2019s No.1 Team, Vitality Preparing for \u201cWar\u201d at the Major"},"content":{"rendered":"

After Vitality\u2019s Asian tour \u2014 a silver medal at IEM Chengdu and a top-4 finish at BLAST Rivals Hong Kong \u2014 Shahar \u201cflameZ\u201d Shushan appeared as the main guest on HLTV Confirmed. He spoke candidly about the team\u2019s form ahead of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, the rise of FURIA, and his own personal challenges. He also touched on the most painful topic of the entire conversation \u2014 Valve rejecting his new autograph sticker \u2014 and shared rare details about preparation, the mindset of favorites, and the reality of life as a professional CS2 player.<\/p>\n

FURIA: The No.1 Team in the World and the Main Major Favorite<\/h3>\n

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flameZ devoted the most time to discussing the Brazilian powerhouse FURIA, who are currently experiencing the strongest form in their history. According to him, there is no doubt that they are the best team in the world right now.<\/p>\n

To be honest, FURIA look insanely strong right now. They play like the No.1 team. They barely make mistakes.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

FalleN\u2019s squad has won two consecutive titles and created the impression of being almost unshakable. However, flameZ stresses that the Major is a different world, and the \u201cfavorite\u201d label often becomes a burden rather than an advantage.<\/p>\n

The hardest part isn\u2019t becoming the best \u2014 it\u2019s staying the best. Everyone is watching only them now. Preparation against the favorite is always tougher.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

He warns that when you\u2019re at your peak, opponents spend days studying your demos, dismantling every round. His prediction: FURIA will arrive at the Major in phenomenal form \u2014 but the pressure could decide their fate.<\/p>\n\n

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Why Vitality Don\u2019t Copy FURIA \u2014 but Study Them Carefully<\/h3>\n

Despite his admiration for the Brazilians\u2019 game, flameZ explains that Vitality are not trying to replicate their style. Instead, he extracts specific tools \u2014 timings, micro-moves, behavioral patterns.<\/p>\n

I watch their demos not to copy them, but to understand how they solve difficult situations. If I see an idea that can work for us, I take it.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

Because of this analytical approach, the hosts jokingly suggested that flameZ might become an IGL one day. His response was honest and grounded:<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a huge responsibility. I\u2019m not sure I want to sacrifice everything for the IGL role right now. Maybe someday\u2026 but definitely not now.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

apEX, Stability and Individual Work Before the Major<\/h3>\n

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One of the most open parts of the interview was his commentary about Vitality\u2019s captain apEX, who had a shaky performance during the Asian events. flameZ emphasizes that judging an IGL by his frags is misguided.<\/p>\n

If apEX plays at his level and we\u2019re winning \u2014 that\u2019s more than enough. He builds the foundation you don\u2019t see in the stats.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

He also admitted that the team sometimes goes through \u201cform dips,\u201d and the solutions are often simple: more DM, reviewing positions, adjusting timings. He noted separately that Vitality players practice actively on Refrag \u2014 a platform he called \u201cone of the best in the world for mechanics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Preparing for the Major: \u201cNow It\u2019s Work Time \u2014 Rest Comes Later\u201d<\/h3>\n

After returning from China, Vitality took a short break \u2014 but flameZ says it only looked like one from the outside. Internally, the team is already living the Major.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t a vacation. It\u2019s a moment to reset and get ready for real work. There\u2019s no room for doubt at the Major. That\u2019s where the war begins.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

In the first days after returning, he:<\/p>\n