Falcons' championship run at the Cologne Major will go down in history as undoubtedly one of the greatest title wins in Major history. It was a perfect full-circle moment that brought countless storylines in the CS scene to a close. Regrettably, however, the team has yet to turn that championship into dominance over the CS scene.
Falcons are now competing in their third tournament of the season — BLAST Open Porto, where they will face G2 in the quarterfinals. The team is eager to turn their season around and claim their first trophy of the second half of the year.
In Copenhagen, BLAST's official interview chatted with TeSeS about his comfort in his role, the boost karrigan brings, and what it feels like to lose after winning the Major.
TeSeS: Our whole team is ready to fight for what we believe belongs to us. The end of last season couldn't have gone better for us, but this season started a bit slow. I'm feeling quite mixed right now, of course I wish the season had gone more smoothly, but that's just how it is. Our whole team is ready to fight for what we believe belongs to us, to fight for the goals we want to achieve.
Q: After that peak in Cologne, followed immediately by playing like that in the first two tournaments, what impact did it have on you?
TeSeS: It's really frustrating. You think you're the best in the world, and then you lose to a tier-two team, I don't want to speak badly of them — but on paper that's what kind of team they are. Of course you can't take anything away from Legacy's form, but this isn't where we want to be. We want to do better.
Q: The loss at EWC also has an impact on the Club Championship. Does the club have any additional expectations for you?
TeSeS: There are indeed very high expectations. We are one of the teams they invest the most in, and CS is also one of the most competitive titles. But they don't voice that pressure, they handle that really well. But the expectations are indeed high, because they want a three-peat. We didn't manage it this time, we didn't help, which is a shame, because we really wanted to make it happen.
Q: From a player's perspective, what is it like at a comprehensive event like the EWC? Do you follow the Club Championship?
TeSeS: Of course. We've been watching matches from other games because the whole event has an Olympic-like atmosphere, which is a really cool format for the entire esports scene. I really like it, and I'd feel the same no matter which team I was on.
Q: Over the past few years you've talked multiple times about comfort with your positions, and you switched positions again after karrigan joined. How comfortable are you now?
TeSeS: It's definitely much more comfortable than a few months ago. Back at the Major, on some maps I was playing the most uncomfortable spots I've ever played, and it was pretty interesting to be able to win while feeling like that. It's definitely much better now, especially in practice and on the CT side. On the T side it's still a bit uncertain, because my role is quite hybrid — sometimes I have to entry, sometimes I have to lurk, but I'm gradually figuring out when to do what.
Q: Looking back over the past few years, do you think the in-game role changes have made you stronger, or might have prevented you from reaching a higher peak?
TeSeS: It definitely held me back from reaching my peak, and denying that would be irresponsible. If I had been able to keep developing in the same position, it would have been much better than constantly switching positions. But that's also one of the reasons I've been able to stay on this team — my adaptability, and being able to contribute wherever the team needs me. So I'm still here, ready to adapt to any situation.
Q: This time, of course, karrigan is here. How much has he helped you adapt?
TeSeS: He has a clear idea of how to do things, and it's easier for me to follow his direction in-game, so it's really helpful.
Q: Falcons have always had a reputation for "choking". With karrigan by your side in Cologne, what feels different?
TeSeS: wow, amazing. In matches in those big arenas, having him by your side makes you feel invincible. Throughout the whole tournament I felt like we couldn't lose, it felt like God was with us, I almost became religious.
Q: It feels like you think karrigan might be Christ reincarnate.
TeSeS: It's possible (laughs).