Recently, Spirit player Bmagixx sat down with a foreign media outlet to discuss the impact of the Major on his mindset, his strengths and weaknesses, among other topics.
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Q: How did you feel after the last Major, given its outcome?
A: I felt the same as usual; good or bad results don’t affect my mood much. I can quickly move on from matches.
Q: How do you manage to do that?
A: I think as a professional player, you need inner qualities. It helps you understand that you’re not playing terribly, but you’ve already put in a decent performance. Even if something isn’t working now, it’s just temporary.
Q: How would you rate your gaming skills?
A: It’s hard for me to quantify. I can only subjectively assess my level and draw conclusions from that. If you can’t do that, you can rely on your teammates. Then you play more confidently, knowing what areas to improve.
Q: What would you say is your best personal trait?
A: I’d say it’s hard work. I can invest a lot more time in the game than most players. Also, emotional management – I rarely get overwhelmed by emotions. Losing doesn’t bring me down.
Q: Any advice for self-improvement?
A: Have goals in everything you do. In CS, for instance, have objectives in 5v5s; otherwise, you won’t achieve anything. Instead of 100 hours in Deathmatch, mix it up with 20 hours of Deathmatch, 20 hours studying demos, and 20 hours doing other things. That’s how you get better. They all complement each other.
Q: So for you, it’s about the quality rather than the quantity of work?
A: Not necessarily. Both are important, but you need the right attitude towards your work. Otherwise, doing those things won’t matter.
Q: How do you maintain your in-game performance?
A: In the early years, I played and learned constantly. Later, I realized many aspects of CS overlap, and I adapted well at my first Major. Since then, even with ups and downs, my average level has been higher. Attitude is key – relax and you’ll perform well.
Q: So you don’t really get nervous?
A: No, I don’t.
Q: Now that you’ve won a top-tier tournament, what’s your goal?
A: I don’t really focus on records. I enjoy the process, especially improving. Becoming the GOAT or leaving a legacy in the game… I’m not too concerned about that.
Q: Outside of gaming, where do you see room for improvement?
A: Being a good person, avoiding wrongdoing.
Q: What would you say is your weakness?
A: As I mentioned, I struggle to evaluate my own skill level independently.
Q: Do you think a player’s confidence can be improved?
A: Initially, you enter the pro scene with confidence, making bold moves. Over time, you start thinking more. You rely less on aim and more on positioning. Your right hand sets the ceiling, your movement determines the floor.