Following the semifinals, Spirit captain magixx sat down for a post-match interview to explain why the team adopted a different playstyle after S0tF1k joined the CS2 roster. The coach did not alter hally's previous overall framework, but instead granted more freedom in role assignments.
Q: You've started playing more aggressive positions, even though tN1R was initially playing those positions.
magixx: Yes. Initially, we expected tN1R to be a more aggressive player in matches. But for a long time, it just didn't work. At some point, I started trying to make changes little by little. When hally was busy dealing with health issues, S0tF1k joined us. He didn't try to change everything; instead, he allowed me to do whatever I wanted. This enabled me to make a lot of changes on the defensive side, which in turn brought changes to the offensive side. I really changed a lot. He wanted to make everything easier for me to understand. Giving certain players more space in certain areas. Making the game easier to play. Therefore, compared to early 2026, we now have different roles and positioning assignments.
S0tF1k previously stepped in for hally at IEM Rio 2026 and PGL Astana 2026, with the team finishing as runner-up and champion, respectively. Prior to IEM Cologne Major 2026, he became the official assistant coach, but both coaches were absent from this Major.