“I didn’t even consider someone could do better than me during tryouts”. Magixx on Team Spirit rebuild and number 69Exclusive

In an exclusive discussion with EScoreNews editor Roman Petukhov, Team Spirit’s rifler Boris “Magixx” Vorobyev provided deep insights into their competitive approach ahead of the BetBoom Dacha tournament. The conversation explored roster reconstruction dynamics, academy player integration strategies, and detailed AWPer performance analysis across different competitive eras.

— How does the team approach their first international LAN appearance at BetBoom Dacha?

— The atmosphere feels genuinely exciting. This marks our new lineup’s inaugural international LAN experience, creating a perfect testing ground for team synergy under pressure. We maintain realistic expectations focused on replicating our strong scrim performances rather than chasing specific placement targets. Achieving consistent execution would provide ideal momentum heading into the winter competitive break.

— Having competed across various tournament environments, what distinguishes studio LANs from arena settings?

— Each competitive environment presents unique psychological factors. My arena experience remains limited to approximately three major events, while studio LANs constitute the majority of my tournament background. The energy dynamics and spectator presence create noticeably different competitive atmospheres that impact player focus and performance rhythms.

— Do you employ specialized mental preparation techniques for LAN competitions?

— We avoid overcomplicating the mental preparation process. Excessive ritualization can create unnecessary pressure rather than enhancing performance readiness.

— As one of the roster’s veteran players alongside chopper, does additional leadership responsibility influence your approach?

— My experience naturally positions me to contribute more substantially to strategic discussions and in-game leadership. However, we maintain an organic approach to psychological readiness—no forced routines or artificial intensity building. The team embraces a calm, focused mentality where nobody experiences pre-match anxiety about the competition environment itself.

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— Regarding your March social media post about CS2 testing at Valve headquarters…

— That represented pure trolling creativity. Liquid’s former strategic coach moses originally circulated this narrative, and I simply adopted the humorous concept for our community engagement.

— How do you balance authenticity with entertainment value in your Telegram communications?

— I maintain approximately 69% ironic content ratio while ensuring competitive insights remain genuinely valuable for followers seeking professional perspective.

— Your iconic jersey number 69 remains active—what inspired this distinctive choice?

— Team Spirit’s management distributed an available numbers document during roster formation. Staff members and Dota 2 professionals claimed certain options, but I recognized the perfect opportunity to secure this legendary identifier. Limited numerical options provide similar cultural impact within esports communities, making 69 my permanent competitive identity that I thoroughly embrace.

— What distinguishes ArtFr0st’s playing style from your previous primary AWPers?

— Compared to w0nderful’s more calculated approach, ArtFr0st demonstrates significantly higher aggression thresholds and creative playmaking instincts. His adaptive decision-making processes allow quicker in-game adjustments while maintaining strategic discipline. The degster comparison proves challenging due to temporal distance and meta evolution affecting role expectations and team dynamics.

— During the roster construction phase, management evaluated both you and s1ren—did potential replacement concerns ever enter your mindset?

— Tryout sessions with academy prospects flowed exceptionally smoothly, creating immediate competitive synergy. Both personally and collectively, we operated with top-tier team coordination from initial practices. The gameplay simplicity and effectiveness made alternative roster configurations unimaginable. Despite recognizing these were evaluation scrims, I never entertained scenarios where alternative players might outperform my contributions.

— Team Spirit consistently integrates younger, less experienced players—is this organizational philosophy deliberate?

— Academy integration represents strategic preference at certain developmental stages. Acquiring three prospects simultaneously imports established team chemistry, facilitating smoother in-game cooperation and strategic alignment. Our previous roster configuration developed organically around three established players successfully integrating two developing talents.

— After four years with Spirit, were departure considerations ever substantial?

— That topic remains outside current discussion parameters.

— Following Rio Major’s strong EEU representation, Paris delivered historically poor regional results—what caused this performance shift?

— Our regional focus shifted toward CS2 preparation intensity. Teams prioritized developmental investment in the new title rather than maximizing outgoing CS:GO tournament performance.

— But CS2’s beta release occurred just one month before the Major…

— We employed advanced visualization techniques, mentally preparing for the incoming competitive landscape transformation while maintaining fundamental skills.

Team Spirit’s BetBoom Dacha opening match demonstrated dominant form as they comprehensively defeated FURIA across two maps. Emerging star Danil “donk” Kryshovets led the offensive charge with impressive 43-28 kill-death ratio and 1.11 average damage per round. Their subsequent Virtus.pro encounter revealed strategic adjustments needed, setting up a decisive rematch against FURIA to determine tournament progression.

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No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » “I didn’t even consider someone could do better than me during tryouts”. Magixx on Team Spirit rebuild and number 69Exclusive Team Spirit's Magixx reveals roster rebuild insights, AWPer comparisons, and tournament preparation strategies