Techno on overcoming ESL Pro League disappointment “We came back with a new fresh air, a new atmosphere”

Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold continues to impress as a key piece of The MongolZ puzzle. As part of the roster, he has helped transform the team into consistent title contenders, which is why they’re among the favorites heading into the Thunderpick World Championship 2025.

As The MongolZ arrived in Malta, we were able to catch up with Techno and gather all of his thoughts ahead of the match vs. 9z to kick off the Thunderpick World Championship 2025.

Techno on practicing and being favorites at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025

Sophie McCarthy: How has your journey to Malta been?

Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold: It was quite a good flight and a good rest after the Pro League. We had such a complicated… not the result we wanted and yeah, it is what it is. We came back with a new fresh air, a new atmosphere I guess.

Sophie: You’re returning to this event as the defending champions. So do you think that has any added pressure because you won last year?

Techno: No, not really. Because you know, we were competing so many tournaments, comparing to that time when we got the champion, we were like… Not too much experience at the time when we became champion. And now we’re here again. I don’t think there is more pressure or something like that.

Sophie: It’s nice to come in and feel a bit more relaxed, I guess. So throughout the year we’ve seen The MongolZ become a team that performs at the highest level of Counter-Strike. So what expectations do you have for yourselves coming into this tournament?

Techno: Obviously we want to be a champion.

Sophie: Have you guys been practising this time?

Techno: Yeah, we had pretty good practice, I guess after the Pro League finished. We stayed on in Sweden and the Bootcamp for like three or four days and we came to here.

Sophie: Okay, so you mentioned the ESL Pro League already. But you know, it was a little bit of a tough one. Have you guys managed to improve anything in such a short space of time?

Techno: This tournament will be a test for us and we will see about that.

Sophie: Okay, so your first game is going to be against 9z. What are your thoughts on that matchup from what you’ve been able to see of them?

Techno: Of course I think we’re considered the favourite team on that match. But we cannot underestimate our opponent. I think if I remember correctly, we faced against them was like Pro League a year ago. And they were like a different style team and have a very unique style and yeah, we will do our best.

Sophie: I mean that’s all we can ask. Okay, I just had one last question for you. So after 9z, you’ll go on to face either OG or FURIA. How do you feel about how tough this Group A is?

Techno: I think there’s no difference in both groups. Better teams will win, I guess.