M80 had a strong start at BLAST Porto: they first upset NaVi, then took FURIA to overtime on Cache, though they ultimately lost the series 0-2.
s1n is proud of M80's performance on Cache, believing the team had solid T-side plays and CT-side starts, but failed to secure several key rounds that should have closed it out.
After achieving positive results at the start of the tournament, s1n hopes that M80 can continue advancing in the losers' bracket and seek revenge against Aurora, who defeated them in the Esports World Cup.
Q: First of all, this is clearly not the outcome you wanted. Could you look back at this series from your perspective?
s1n: The Cache we chose, I think it was a very interesting match. We played several brilliant rounds, and honestly, I'm really proud of the team. This was also our first time truly bringing Cache into an official match, and I'm proud of how we performed today.
Our T-side played well, and we had a strong start on the CT side, but we lost some crucial rounds. I remember we were already at 12 rounds or 11 rounds, with the score around 5-3, and then we somewhat fell apart. We definitely should have closed out this map, and I think that was the most notable turning round.
We squandered a massive advantage. From a mental standpoint, we can learn from what happened next: look back and re-listen to the team comms, see where things went wrong. Honestly, especially on the first map, I'm really proud of how we played.
Arriving at Dust2, there was a sense of déjà vu. I feel like we've had similar matches against FURIA in the past: their games were full of chaos, and YEKINDAR proactively controlled situations across various points, amplifying that chaos further. Today, we didn't handle it well, but regardless, I'm especially proud of the team's performance on Cache.
Q: I'd like to ask about your reasons for choosing Cache. You represented Germany in the esports national cup qualifiers and played many matches on Cache. BIG has also been frequently playing Cache recently. Is this a connection between German players? Do Germans simply prefer Cache?
s1n: I think so. As a German player, I remember playing Cache a lot in ESEA Main long ago. I've always loved this map, and I'm glad it's back. Now we can finally bring it out in official matches too. Let's see how many Cache matches we can play going forward.
Q: Today's results were obviously disappointing, but defeating NaVi was a huge victory for you. Can you talk about the team's feelings after that match?
s1n：Defeating NaVi holds huge significance. We haven't won a match in a long time, especially significant ones. After yesterday, we even felt that perhaps a new era is about to begin (laughs).
We have now certainly gained a great deal of confidence, I feel this repeatedly proves we have the ability to be a top-tier team. But in these key moments, we still need to step up and perform better, and today was a great example of that.
A top-tier team like FURIA, which boasts some of the world's best players, always finds a way to win even when the situation is tough. That's why I believe this is exactly where every player, myself included, needs to step up. If we can learn from this and improve ourselves, then from a macro perspective, we definitely have the capability to do so.
Q: You must feel like you're moving in the right direction. Getting so close to FURIA today and defeating NaVi, it feels like you're gradually getting closer to your goal.
s1n: Yes, to be honest, I already had this feeling before the Esports World Club Cup. Because we went through a very valuable bootcamp and also had Munstur join the coaching staff to provide support; he and dephh are doing an excellent job together.
So I'm quite satisfied with the current situation. We still have one more match ahead, and I think we'll face Aurora, where we can get our revenge.
Q: Yes, it's Aurora. How do you feel about this match?
s1n: We've faced off at the Esports Club World Cup. Honestly, I remember both maps in Paris ended 13-9, and we were a bit disappointed with that match from our own perspective. We didn't perform well on the first day of that tournament.
However, now we've had some solid pistol rounds and gained new confidence. I think we can hold our heads high entering this match, and beat them with confidence.