The 19-year-old sniper, nqz, praised his in-game leader biguzera and paiN Gaming as the Brazilian team advanced to the Legends Stage in the Major.
nqz’s paiN secured their place in the Legends Stage with a 3-1 record in the opening phase of the Major.
This is his second Major, having qualified by defeating SAW 2-0 in Copenhagen.
His first Major was in 2022, where he participated in the Challengers Stage with 9z, but paiN has already achieved better results. In this tournament, biguzera has been the highest-rated player so far.
Commenting on biguzera, nqz said, “To me, at least, he’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever worked with. Although his stats seem incredible, it’s not just his individual performance; his mindset, his psychological tactics, the way he approaches the game, are the most important factors behind his high rating.”
paiN’s advancement ensures that the Americas region will have at least five spots in the Shanghai Major later this year, with the Brazilian squad’s campaign still ongoing.
Q: Congratulations on advancing to the playoffs. How do you feel?
I’m really happy. The team performed incredibly today, full of energy and passion.
Q: What makes paiN and other Brazilian teams so active and supportive in the Major matches? You guys are always the loudest, what drives paiN and Brazilian teams forward?
For most Brazilian teams, we haven’t tasted much success in international competitions in recent months or years. It means a lot for us to participate in events of this level, and of course, winning is crucial. Therefore, we want to express how happy and fortunate we are to advance in such tournaments. We’ve all dreamed about this moment, right? In the past years, only FURIA has done well. Now we’re stepping up too.
Q: In the current paiN roster, you’re the second-most experienced player despite your young age. Do you feel like you have more say in the team? After all, you’ve been to the Rio Major and other events?
I don’t necessarily feel like I have more say because everyone likes to talk a lot, express their feelings, and calm our emotions. Everyone does that, not just me and biguzera. They might not be as experienced as me, but they’ve performed exceptionally well in their first international tournament, which eases the pressure off me and biguzera. These brothers are very calm, positive, and full of energy for the game.
Q: Let’s talk about your journey. Starting from 9z, then 00NATION without much success. Looking back, what do you think? How do you feel now?
In 9z, I was very happy, playing comfortably, and the team had decent results overall. Now, with my new teammates, we’ve only been together for six months, but we’ve made it to the Major and performed well in it. It’s a beautiful memory that stays with me.
With 00NATION, I felt like my playstyle didn’t quite fit theirs. They didn’t have a sniper during their GODSENT days, so I felt like my style didn’t align with the way they wanted to play. There were also some other things that made me uncomfortable.
I believe the best decision was exploring other options, and paiN found me. For me, it was the best decision of my life because the people here are lovely, always encouraging me, and they bring me good vibes all the time. They motivate me both in and out of the game.
Q: In paiN’s new system, with biguzera and all the support staff, do you feel more capable of achieving success?
The way they approach the game gives me space to play my style, which naturally leads to more success internationally. I don’t have much experience in international events, so they’ve helped me a lot, allowing me to do what I feel comfortable doing. biguzera and rikz (the coach) have played significant roles in this.
Q: paiN Gaming is very popular in Brazil, especially in League of Legends. But do you think there’s still room for growth in CS? Considering FURIA’s inconsistent performances, can paiN fill that gap?
I wouldn’t say it’s about filling a gap, but we certainly have a lot of potential to explore with our new CS lineup. As you mentioned, PaiN is a big club in Brazil, but their focus in terms of promotion leans more towards League of Legends. We still have a lot to prove, and once we do, all the attention and recognition for our roster will come.
Q: One last question about biguzera. He’s currently the highest-rated player in the tournament, the in-game leader, and the ‘dad’ of the team – is that a joke? What’s it like working with him?
To me, he’s one of the smartest players I’ve worked with. He prepares thoroughly for matches and almost feels what the opponents are doing. Although his stats seem incredible, it’s not just his individual performance; his mindset, psychological tactics, and the way he approaches the game are the main reasons behind his high rating. He knows what the opponents will do, positions himself well, and aims well too. Playing alongside him is great; he makes me feel very comfortable, giving me a lot of freedom to do whatever I want while always being there to support anything I need. He’s a versatile player.
Q: Moving into the next stage, you’ll be the underdog again. How confident are you in shocking everyone once more?
Our approach will be different. We’ll face top-tier teams, and for us, it’s about maintaining our form and preparing as much as possible, which will be harder. But we have the ability to do it.