After a tense opening match at the Budapest Major, Snow spoke with us in an exclusive interview about the team’s mistakes, his personal form, and the challenges of adapting to the highest level of competition. Reflecting on the loss, new roles, and Brazil’s evolving CS scene, and explained what he needs to improve to reach that next step.
How was your preparation for this Major? Did you have a bootcamp?
Yeah, we were in Brazil to play the Major. We were there just to play some practice because until Brazil we were in Europe, playing three or four tournaments in a row. Sometimes you need to go home and be with your family and your friends, and we followed this path before coming into the Major.
Your CT side today was amazing. What’s the key behind it?
I think Nuke is a good map for us. The team loves to play this map and all the positions match each player well. I like to play this map too. It’s a strong map for us, and yeah, it was a good map.
But on T side you had some trouble. What went wrong?
I think they played really well at the start of the game. We also lost the second round, the first buy, and if you win that round maybe the game is different. It was a hard game. They played really well and it was tough, but we made it with two force buys and one key round, and it was good.
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What are your thoughts on South America’s performance at this Major?
The region can play well. It’s important for Brazil and for the whole region to have a lot of teams in the playoffs to get more slots in the next Major and show people that Brazil is good.
If we exclude your team, what would be your ideal Brazilian lineup?
Yeah, I think FalleN, biguzera, KSCERATO, yuurih and VINI.
Why do you think mixed rosters with European players are becoming common in Brazil?
I think sometimes you need to make changes in your lineup, and sometimes there are more good players in Europe than in Brazil. Brazil doesn’t have that many players ready to be in top teams. Of course Brazil has good players, but sometimes you have to risk it and put some guys from Europe to change your playstyle or other things.
After the previous Major, did you ever consider adding a European player like other Brazilian teams?
No.
What are your expectations for yourself at this Major?
I think it’s to reach the playoffs again and to be consistent as individual performance. I hope I can do it and hope the team can make it to the playoffs. After that, it’s my dream to reach a final.
Did your roles change compared to the previous Major?
Yeah, some roles changed. My roles changed on T side and I like it. I like to play aggressive roles on some maps. I’m happy with that. The team is playing well with it, and we are playing good right now.
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Do you think you are already adapted to Tier 1, or not yet?
I think not yet. I think it’s baby steps. Maybe one day I will take this consistency. At some point I will reach that if I keep motivating myself and dedicating myself to the game. You just have to work and believe in the process because this is our goal.
In the future, can we see you in a European team, or only in Brazilian/North American teams?
Maybe at some point, maybe. But I have to improve my English. My English is not good, and to play in a team that speaks English is hard.
SkinClub Pick’em
The SkinClub Pick’em for Stage 3 is now live, giving fans the chance to predict which teams will advance, who might cause upsets, and which favorites could fall early. Study the matchups, trust your intuition, and lock in your own Pick’em for a chance to secure the main prize.
