BLAST Open Porto kicks off tonight, with G2 set to debut against Aurora. Ahead of the match, HeavyGod spoke to pley.gg about the team's current situation — disappointing results in the first two events of the new season, a somewhat subdued atmosphere within the team, r1nkle still settling in, and the whole squad working hard to rediscover their form. As a team that has been knocked out in the quarter-finals multiple times since 2026, can G2 take the first step in Porto? HeavyGod put it bluntly: "We need to play well in the playoffs."
Q: HeavyGod, after playing two tournaments this season, how is the team atmosphere at G2 right now?
HeavyGod: How should I put it, it's hard to describe. If I had to say, it's a bit stifling. We're currently in an up-and-down phase, trying to keep the team united and working hard to boost morale both on and off the server. Everyone is just grinding through this period.
Q: What areas for improvement are you mainly discussing?
HeavyGod: Quite a lot. The season has just started, and we're clearly not at the rhythm we want, both in and out of the game. Mentally, we need to be more united, with less pressure, and stay calmer in many situations during matches. Off the server, it's about bringing the whole team closer together.
Q: r1nkle has been here for two months, how do you think he has adapted?
HeavyGod: I think as an AWPer, he has a lot to think about right now, after all G2's system is very complex. He's learning completely new tactics and is slowly adjusting his playstyle. So far he's adapting quite well, taking it step by step, and we're also helping him integrate into the system.
Q: Since 2026, you've basically been at the quarterfinal level. What do you think it will take to go further?
HeavyGod: We need to play well in the knockout stage.
Q: Are there any key issues that you have clearly identified?
HeavyGod: I can't say for sure either, but I know we need to play better in the playoffs, on stage. We all like playing on stage, but when it gets to that point we might still feel a bit nervous. Even if you don't feel it yourself, you'll inevitably have some thoughts and pressure in your mind. I think the first thing to do is to improve our individual form.
Q: What are your expectations for BLAST Porto? At least what placement are you aiming for?
HeavyGod: Honestly, we haven't seriously discussed specific goals yet. But we definitely want to play high-level CS, show our strength, and do what we are capable of.
Q: Aurora wasn't really an opponent you particularly wanted to face before, but they've made roster changes now. How do you view this matchup?
HeavyGod: I think it will be a very exciting match. I've played against them before, they still have the Turkish core. It should be very intense, with both sides fighting until the end.
Q: Many people mention you when talking about the world's top defenders. How do you feel when you hear such praise?
HeavyGod: Of course I'm happy, it would be a lie to say I don't want to hear that. This kind of praise gives me more motivation to become stronger, be a better teammate, and handle the details better. There's room for improvement both on and off the field. I really appreciate this recognition, but I still have a lot to prove.
Q: Looking back on your career, it feels like you've had a steady journey, from Endpoint to Cloud9 to G2, with each step solid. Was this planned, or did you take it one step at a time?
HeavyGod: No one can predict something like this. Making it all the way to G2 may have involved some luck, but it also had to do with my own choices. Other teams had approached me before, but I chose the place I wanted to go. I still don't regret it to this day — stick to my decision, then give it my all.
Q: Many people are curious, are you about to take the next step soon? Is there anything you'd like to say?
HeavyGod: I can't really say, I'm not a prophet. I'm at G2 now, and I'm really enjoying where I'm at. I'll do my best for the team and the club.
Q: You just renewed your contract with G2 before the Cologne Major. Why do you think G2 is the right place for you to continue growing?
HeavyGod: If I say it, I'd be showing my hand. So I'll keep it to myself.
Q: Faced with so much praise, how do you stay grounded? How do you avoid getting carried away and maintain your motivation to train?
HeavyGod: For me, I train until late every day, sometimes I keep practicing even after training time is over. I really believe in hard work, it's been like this since the start of my career. Play as much as possible, until my hands hurt — I truly believe in that. In CS you can't let up, not even for a second. Every day, every minute you have to give it your all.
Q: Is this also why we've seen you keep improving over the years?
HeavyGod: Probably. I've always believed in the value of hard work, and in walking my own path and chasing my own dreams. Believing in yourself is also important. Maybe that's why I believe in these things so much and do this every day. It really works for me, I've been pushing myself to improve a little bit every day.
Q: By the end of 2026, what kind of results would you consider satisfactory?
HeavyGod: In terms of results, it would be great if I could win a few championships. That's the goal I should have in my current position, and it's also what G2 pursues as a club. I just want to lift trophies. I don't care much about other things. Of course, individual form is important too, but what I want even more is to win championships.