Nigma Galaxy’s Maroun “GH” Merhej is a legend of the game, having won multiple major titles over his now-12 year career, and capturing the Aegis of Champions at The International 2017. One of the most intelligent and innovative support players to have ever touched a mouse and keyboard, the community at large knows him as a true consummate professional.

Nigma GH on lack of Ws: “If someone tries to sugarcoat their feelings, it works to the detriment of the team”

He’s been out of tier 1 for a while now, but here he is, back at the highest level of play at BLAST Slam 2. He and the rest of Nigma Galaxy are looking to really put themselves back on the Dota 2 map. I’d say they’ve done a fine job of it so far, considering they’ve already put themselves in the quarterfinals after a spirited performance in the group stage.

I got to sit down with GH a day before the tournament began, for a few words about what’s important when things aren’t going to plan, how much he values Nigma fans, and how excited he is to play in this unique format.

Patrick: Congratulations on the invite to Blast Slam 2, and for qualifying as well for ESL One Raleigh.

So, it looks like we’re going to see a lot more of Nigma Galaxy in LANs in 2025. How does that feel for you and the team?

GH: It’s good to be back on LAN. After COVID happened, and everything started picking up again, it feels like the whole situation is finally behind us.

Patrick: Yeah, it’s great to be seeing LANs and you at LANs again after so long. It’s not often that we see players stick with the team as long as you have. You’ve been with Nigma and previously with the same roster in Team Liquid. How important would you say is a consistent roster to success?

GH DreamLeague Leipzig
Copyright: Adela Sznajder, ESL FACEIT Group

GH: Personally, I believe consistent trust is key, given that all the individuals [in a team] are trying their hardest to achieve the same goal. As long as all the members are in agreement — whether they want to try hard or they want to chill — I think this is what makes the practice, the communication, and everything else 10 times better. Otherwise, when some teams build new rosters, for example, you have the honeymoon phase, but then the problems start appearing afterwards. With an older team [that’s been together for longer], you just kind of know the problems, what they are, and just work really hard to fix them.

In relation to the honeymoon period, what would you say is the best way to level with your team when things aren’t exactly going to plan?

GH: I’m a true believer in honesty. I think everyone should be honest toward themselves, their friends, and their teammates. If someone keeps to sugarcoat their feelings, it works to the detriment of the team. So, I believe in honesty and [cultivating] a safe space to voice your opinion and your feelings, and everyone managing their feelings together so they can achieve what they want to achieve.

GH ESL One Genting 2018
Copyright: Adela Sznajder, ESL FACEIT Group

Patrick: It’s no secret that Nigma has been out of the tier 1 spotlight for quite some time now. But as someone has been in the organization as long as you have, what would it mean to you to bring the team back to the top?

GH: This is the goal of every professional player and every esports organization: to bring the team to a top tier one spot. It’s a long journey. It’s hard, especially for someone who has been there before, only to get knocked out of it. You get back to that point, and then you get knocked out of it again. It takes a lot of perseverance and hard work, but when you get it done, it means you’ve truly achieved your goal: reaching tier one status or even winning tournaments.

What would you say is vital to success in the current era of competitive Dota, especially compared to teams that have had more success lately?

GH: Personally, if I look at it from an objective point of view, I would say it comes down to a lot of routine. You need to know what to eat, when to eat, move your body, exercise, and just have a good routine in general. The team should wake up and play at the same time, practice hard, and give your full time and effort to the game.

Patrick: Interesting. I expected you to speak more about the little details in-game, but that does make sense. Like it’s more about the bigger picture as a squad. So, Nigma fans. They are some of the most dedicated and passionate fans around. I think everyone knows that.

What is it like having their support, and what’s your favorite thing about having them as fans to begin with?

GH: Nigma fans have always been the best. Even from the times that we were playing under Team Liquid, the fans were incredible. They showed the utmost support through the ups and downs, which I’m grateful for. They still managed to cheer for us even through the lean years, which means a lot to me. I truly believe I would not be here had it not been for their support, as well as that of my friends and family.

Patrick: I hear you there. Nigma fans are some of the most die-hard ones I’ve ever seen in this game. I’m sure they’re excited to see you at BLAST Slam 2.

And speaking of BLAST Slam 2, Nigma wasn’t there for the first one, but did you watch the games? What do you think about the format that BLAST uses here?

GH: You’re right, we weren’t there for the first BLAST Slam, but I have seen the format. It’s nothing like we’ve ever seen before. I think it’s pretty interesting — some times advance to the later stages of the playoffs, and some start from the absolute beginning. This is something new, and a breath of fresh air, I would say, so I’m excited to play this tournament.

Patrick: What would you say is the key to success in a format like this in particular?

GH: I haven’t really thought about it too deeply with regards to the specific format. But at the risk of sounding cliché, I’d say it’s to just watch other teams, try our hardest, keep practicing every day, and just see how it goes.