YEKINDAR after BLAST Rivals win: “All these memes about the power of friendship instead of power of money, you know, maybe it’s true”

FURIA just won their third consecutive trophy here at BLAST Rivals in Hong Kong after taking down Team Falcons in a 4 map series. Just at the final map, we got to talk with Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis about his feelings on the tournament.

Saumya: So with this win, you not only secured momentum for your team, but you also denied Falcon’s momentum.

Tell me more about its importance going into the Major.

YEKINDAR: We didn’t necessarily think about it that way. I feel like it was more about, like, we’re gonna try our best if, you know, it’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen. And that’s what happened. And all these memes about the power of friendship instead of power of money, you know, maybe it’s true, maybe something in the world works like that.

Saumya: Before joining FURIA, you obviously spent a bit of time away from the game. So tell me about how you collected yourself to come back to Tier-1 and play on this level again.

YEKINDAR: Yeah, well, I’ve been playing CS for two months and only then recognized, after the first month, how my body was very exhausted. I just took even more break and tried to come back. But at the same time, mentally, I feel like a lot of pressure came off me, and I was able to recharge my mentality and come back stronger.

Saumya: Tell me about finding your own identity in FURIA and playing with Fallen.

How you were able to sort of rejuvenate that old YEKINDAR?

YEKINDAR: Yeah. I think Fallen is one of the main reasons, one main pillar, because of what this team is working. Because of his leadership qualities and never tilting. The guy sometimes makes mistakes in game and you can be a little bit harsh to him, but this guy is giving you 90% more every time. Sitting there after practice, after games, preparing and creating stuff. I have huge respect for him and of course all the young stars, I feel like the main strength of our team is that we have five players who can pop off at any random moment.

Do you think Molodoy is the best AWPer right now?

YEKINDAR: Well, this past month, yes. I think he’s improved rapidly and also he beat ZywOo two times and was ahead in duels against any AWPer out there. So definitely, for me.

Saumya: And last question.

Fallen obviously talked about passing on roles. He said he already passed on the role of AWPer to Molodoy, and now wants to pass on the role of IGL. You have already IGL’d in Liquid, is there a connection here?

YEKINDAR: I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t want to IGL that much, but if I have to, maybe. But I hope Fallen is going to stay for another year. That’s what I hope.