gr1ks: “Mentality accounts for at least 50% of success in CS”

How did meeting your new teammates at the bootcamp go?

Everything went really well. I already knew Andrey, and Simon and I had often played FACEIT together. I met LNZ and nilo for the first time there. They are pleasant people, easy to talk to, and there were no difficulties at all.

— gr1ks

Has tN1R helped you adapt to the new team?

Yes, he has helped me settle into the new environment a lot. He has already been with the team for around half a year, so whenever I do not understand something, I try to ask him.

— gr1ks

When you and tN1R are left together in a clutch, do you switch to Russian?

Yes. Why make life more difficult for ourselves? If the two of us are left in a clutch or want to set up some kind of play together, we speak Russian. It simply allows us to communicate faster, and that is perfectly normal.

— gr1ks

How would you rate tN1R’s performance for HEROIC last season?

I would give him an eight or nine out of ten. It is not because he did anything badly. I simply know that this is not his ceiling. When he starts destroying everyone on his own, then it will be a ten. He is still developing and is only just entering his prime. Compared with the top players, he does not yet have that much tier-one experience. But he is an absolute beast either way.

— gr1ks

You are working with a psychologist in HEROIC. Is that new for you?

I had already worked with a psychologist in Aurora, but that specialist was much worse. Compared with that experience, the new psychologist is on a completely different level.

— gr1ks

How important is working with a psychologist to you?

I am now planning to actively develop my mental game. Andrey is an example for me in that regard. He works hard with the psychologist, and it gives him a huge boost. I want to focus on it as well. A psychologist can help a great deal if you genuinely want to improve your mental side. Mentality is one of the most important things in Counter-Strike — it accounts for at least 50% of your success. Since I have the opportunity to work with a good psychologist, I will definitely make use of it.

— gr1ks

What are your expectations for FISSURE Playground?

I am not setting any expectations for the tournament. I understand that we have only just come together, there are two new players in the lineup, and this is my first experience communicating in English all the time. It is a little difficult, and I am only starting to get used to it. All I want is to show good Counter-Strike, demonstrate how I can play, and give everything I have.

— gr1ks

What goals have you set for your first season with HEROIC?

The main goal is to develop — and in many different areas: mentally, individually, and as a teammate. I also need to gain experience at the tier-one level. I do not have any specific result-based goals. That will depend on how things go. But I think everything will be fine. We have young players, and everyone is extremely motivated. I can already see a huge amount of commitment from every teammate, and that motivates me enormously. I am confident that everything will work out well for us.

— gr1ks

How do you prefer to play: strictly according to the stratbook, or with more freedom for individual decisions?

I prefer having more freedom. In my view, that approach allows a player to develop much faster. When someone can make their own decisions in the game, each situation becomes valuable experience. Over time, that player develops a much better understanding of Counter-Strike.

— gr1ks

You are considered one of the most promising players in the CIS region. Why do you think people see you that way?

Previously, I only had one real strength, my individual skill, but I also made far too many stupid decisions. That was why I was removed from Nemiga’s academy roster and failed trials with Team Spirit Academy and FORZE Reload. After that, I sat down and realized that things could not continue that way. I understood how badly I wanted to develop and become better. I started working on my decision-making: watching demos, communicating more, thinking through my actions, and correcting mistakes. I worked extremely hard, and the work paid off.

— gr1ks

How important is talent in esports?

I think Counter-Strike is less about talent and more about having a natural aptitude for the game. Hard work, learning, and constant practice matter much more. If someone treats the job carelessly, no amount of talent will save them. The most important thing is to be passionate about the game and give it everything you have. degster is a great example. He is an incredible worker.

— gr1ks

Do you think it was difficult for degster to play under pressure at PGL Bucharest, when reports already suggested he would definitely be replaced?

I think that comes down to a person’s professionalism. Abdul deserves a lot of credit for continuing to try until the very end. A professional player has to show their maximum in every situation, and that is exactly what degster did. Had he simply gone through the motions, it would have looked terrible and affected whether other teams wanted to sign him. You should never give up.

— gr1ks

If you could currently add one Belarusian player to the team, who would it be?

Probably nobody. Perhaps 1eeR, although things are already going well for him in Nemiga. The other players from our region are not yet ready for HEROIC’s level.

— gr1ks

What is the Belarusian professional scene currently missing?

We are a small country, and esports is barely developed. There are not enough players or tournaments. That is starting to change. tN1R has become an example for many Belarusian players. Everyone supports him, and over time that could give the entire region a major boost. I think that within a year we will see more players from Belarus. Even now, we have m1QUSE, senka, and FenomeN, who are actively playing in HLTV-covered events and continuing to develop.

— gr1ks

Can Minsk House establish themselves as a team?

I think they are capable of reaching the level of events such as CCT. At the very least, that opportunity is certainly open to them.

— gr1ks

What is the difference between the current gr1ks and the gr1ks of late 2024?

I am more motivated now, and I have gained experience. Although last season with Aurora and Astrum did not meet expectations in terms of results, it was very productive for me as a player. I have definitely become stronger, and I think things will only get better from here.

— gr1ks

If you had to eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

The most practical choice would probably be shawarma. It has vegetables, meat, and carbohydrates — everything you need.

— gr1ks

I will name a transfer, and you rate it on a five-point scale. Let us start with broky returning to FaZe.

broky is a solid AWPer, but it was noticeable that he had grown tired of Counter-Strike last season. He has now had time to rest and is returning with renewed energy. I think he wants to prove that it is too early to write him off. I will not hide the fact that after the Major, I expected s1mple to remain with FaZe permanently. I feel really bad for Sasha. I watched his latest appearance and could see the fire in his eyes. I was incredibly happy to see a legend return. I would rate broky’s comeback three out of five. FaZe could have tried signing someone on the rise, such as r1nkle or Jambo. Both are performing extremely well and, as far as I understand, were on the team’s shortlist. It would have been worth trying, considering that broky had not shown his old CS:GO level over the previous year.

— gr1ks

zweih to Spirit.

I am very happy for Vanya. I would give this transfer a four-plus, even though it will be his first tier-one experience. I will be rooting for him very hard. He is my brother, and we get along well. I like players who live and breathe what they do, and zweih is exactly that kind of person. I think he will fit Spirit well because of his discipline and composure. I am sure everything will go well for him.

— gr1ks

kyousuke to Falcons.

I would also give this transfer a four-plus. Maksim is currently one of the most mechanically gifted players in the world. He has not had much serious team experience, but from playing with him on FACEIT and watching his official matches, I can say that he understands the game very well. In terms of firepower, he is an enormous upgrade for Falcons.

— gr1ks

Perfecto to Virtus.pro.

Perfecto is definitely still one of the strongest anchors in the world, even though we have not seen him in official matches for a long time. He will bring a great deal of experience to the team. Perhaps that is exactly what Virtus.pro were missing. Personally, I am glad that Ilya has returned to Counter-Strike. I would give it four out of five.

— gr1ks

What do you think about the FL4MUS situation? Does he still have a chance to return?

I feel sorry for Timur. It is a really unfortunate situation. If the asking price is reasonable, he will find a new home. But if they are only willing to release him for a large buyout, it will be difficult. The price should eventually come down either way. I simply hope that he gets to play again because he was performing well.

— gr1ks

HooXi joining Astralis permanently.

I would definitely rate that transfer four and a half out of five. He improved the team massively at PGL Astana 2025, even though he was only playing for them on loan at the time. Astralis had terrible results beforehand, but with HooXi they immediately finished second, losing only to Spirit. He also performed well individually and produced many impressive moments in Astana.

— gr1ks

Which team would you like to face this season?

I would like to play against the strongest teams: Falcons, Spirit, Vitality, MOUZ, and The MongolZ. I want to face the best of the best, learn from the experience, and beat them.

— gr1ks