Fnatic CS:GO Team Claims Intel Extreme Masters World Championship
The Fnatic Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) team secured victory at the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) World Championship in Katowice, Poland on March 4. This win marked the team’s third IEM title and their first championship since the roster change that occurred six months ago. The team assembled with Jonas “Lekr0” Olofsson and Maikil “Golden” Selim replacing Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer and Dennis Edman.
The Journey to Victory
Following the roster change, Fnatic faced its fair share of challenges. However, their triumph at IEM Katowice 2018 served as a turning point for the team. In an interview with , Golden, Katowice MVP Robin “flusha” Rönnquist, and head coach Jimmy “Jumpy” Berndtsson discussed Golden’s growth as an in-game leader, the team’s progress, and their resurgence in Poland.
Golden’s Development as an In-Game Leader
When asked about his development as an in-game leader, Golden shared that he dedicated himself to the role during his time on the Fnatic Academy roster. Through extensive demo analysis and practice, he gradually improved his calling abilities. As his individual skill began to rise, he transformed into a more complete player.
The Role of Coaching and Team Relationships
Golden highlighted the impact of coaching and the team’s support on his development as an in-game leader. Working alongside experienced players like flusha and with the guidance of coach Jumpy, Golden refined his leadership skills and adapted his style to better suit the team dynamics.
Flusha’s Perspective on Roster Changes
Flusha emphasized the hunger and drive brought by the new roster with Golden and Lekr0. Their determination and fresh perspective contributed to the team’s success. Additionally, the clear definition of roles within the team improved their overall performance.
Learning from Losses and Personal Growth
Golden mentioned that the team learned a lot from their losses, particularly the disappointing performance at the Kiev tournament. Despite the setback, they were able to bounce back and prove their abilities at Katowice, demonstrating their hunger for success and their continued growth as a team. Flusha added that the team helped him develop and regain his confidence on the big stage.
Overcoming Challenges and Mental Blocks
The team revealed that their poor performance at StarLadder, where they finished last, had a detrimental effect on their confidence and synergy. Taking a break from the team, engaging in individual practice, and focusing on regaining their team spirit led to their successful comeback at IEM Katowice.
The Sweet Taste of Victory
When asked about their emotions after winning the championship, the team expressed their happiness and pride. Golden mentioned how winning alongside his teammates, especially veterans like flusha, JW, and KRIMZ, brought him joy and fulfilled a personal goal. Flusha echoed the sentiment, stating that he was proud of the team’s ability to reset mentally after a difficult first map and come back to win the championship.
Being Part of Fnatic and Future Goals
Being part of Fnatic, a prestigious organization in the world of CS:GO, was considered an honor by the team. They expressed their gratitude towards Fnatic and their fans, while acknowledging the need to continue performing well in upcoming tournaments to solidify their position among the best teams in the world.
Onward to Dreamhack Marseille
The team looks forward to their next challenge at Dreamhack Marseille, where they aim to perform strongly and maintain their momentum. They hope to secure a big win, which will further boost their confidence and position in the competitive scene.
Ranking Among the Best Teams
When asked about their current ranking among the best teams, the team acknowledged the fierce competition among top teams like FaZe Clan, Liquid, and Mousesports. They believe that future tournaments will determine the hierarchy and that Dreamhack Marseille will be a crucial event for showcasing their abilities.
Final Thoughts
In their final comments, the team expressed their pride in each other’s achievements and their gratitude towards fans for their unwavering support. They extended their appreciation to ESL for organizing a great event.
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