As Imperial faces ECSTATIC in a Major qualifying match today, host Banks interviewed the Brazilian squad’s in-game leader, Vinicius Figueiredo, also known as VINI. Under his command, the team advanced through RMR with a 3-0 record and defeated ENCE and Apeks, just one win away from the top 16.
Banks: You’ve rebuilt yourself, transitioning from player to in-game leader. Can you share your journey?
VINI: It was a good experience, a lot of work and things to consider. Looking at the game from this perspective, it’s like everything has shifted. Now, my focus is on leading the team and how the players want to approach the game.
Banks: Can you talk about the significance of “The Last Dance” for Imperial? You were the only remaining player from that lineup, but Imperial persisted. So, in a way, this team is new to you.
VINI: I was foolish, thinking everyone would leave and there would be no point in continuing or rebuilding. FURIA took that away from me.
Banks: After leaving FURIA, you joined Imperial, and they said, “Let’s do one last dance.” Did you expect this?
VINI: Yes, it was a very interesting experience. Imperial wasn’t big before, but now we’re a team, united, and growing together.
Banks: Let’s talk about the team coming together. You advanced through RMR with a 3-0 record. HEN1, the veteran, has been on fire. Since his arrival, you qualified for the Major, EPL, and BLAST Respawn. There must be a lot of confidence.
VINI: Yes, we know we can play great. We just needed to adapt to the European style, which is quite challenging. Our first match against FURIA was nerve-wracking, but I want us to improve and play as usual because we have the opportunity to face top teams. The situation is similar now, but I remind myself that we’ve beaten them before, so we can do it again.
Banks: What did you learn during the ten days of training in Europe?
VINI: Training was unusual. Personally, I felt like everyone wasn’t doing what they should have. After losing scrims, we’d analyze the entire map, not just specific areas, trying to understand why we lost.