M0NESY: “I don’t know what NiKo is feeling, but I always dreamed of playing at a home event myself”Exclusive

Team Falcons star AWPer Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov provided exclusive insights into the team’s current competitive state and discussed the unique dynamics of FISSURE Playground #2 serving as a home event for teammate Nikola “NiKo” Kovač. The interview occurred immediately after Falcons secured playoff qualification with a flawless 3-0 record in the challenging Swiss format group stage.

— Congratulations on advancing to playoffs. Did the team’s dominant performance surprise you given the tournament’s competitive density?

— The match against FaZe in a best-of-three series, particularly on Nuke, presented significant challenges. Many difficult situations we encountered were self-inflicted through tactical errors. While FaZe executed well strategically, we maintained consistent control throughout critical moments. Professional teams focus on execution quality rather than categorizing matches as simple or complex — our approach centers on maintaining optimal performance standards regardless of opponent strength.

— Kyousuke expressed confidence in the team’s pre-tournament condition. Did you implement specialized training regimens specifically for this competition?

— I concur with his assessment. Following our victory against Virtus.pro, I emphasized similar observations. Certainly, they faced organizational challenges with substitute players and new in-game leadership structures. However, our preparation level clearly exceeded previous tournament standards. Each player demonstrates strong individual form, though we recognize substantial potential for further performance enhancement.

— Some competitors report strong pre-tournament confidence that deteriorates during actual matches. Do you experience similar performance fluctuations?

— Individual performance rarely experiences sudden realization of poor form during competition. However, as tournaments progress, players may detect gradual performance degradation — diminished aiming precision, reduced confidence levels, decision-making hesitation. Consecutive poor map performances can trigger self-doubt across subsequent matches. Teams gauge collective form through practice session outcomes, whether experiencing dominant performances or struggling to execute strategies. Multiple performance factors require continuous monitoring and adjustment.

— How would you characterize the team’s current competitive state and readiness?

— Currently, both individual skill levels and team coordination demonstrate strong competitive readiness. We possess all necessary components for tournament victory, though significant opportunities exist for elevating our gameplay to exceptional levels through refined coordination and strategic execution.

— The local audience will support you, Kyousuke, and particularly NiKo. How noticeable is crowd support during matches, and what value does it provide?

— The home tournament advantage for NiKo creates an exceptional competitive environment. I recall attending EPICENTER Moscow with my brother before entering professional gaming. That inaugural major event experience as a spectator — observing teams’ stage entrances, experiencing crowd energy — created unforgettable memories that shaped my competitive aspirations.

While I cannot precisely articulate NiKo’s emotional experience, I’ve always envisioned competing in home territory events. He mentioned the surreal experience of literally viewing his residence from the tournament hotel. For our team, the potential crowd support generates excitement and motivation. We aim to fully embrace the stage environment and competitive atmosphere. The actual attendance numbers will determine the full impact of this advantage.

— Will family members or friends attend to provide personal support?

— Potential attendance includes relatives and possibly my brother. Parental attendance appears unlikely. Friends may join the audience. With playoff qualification secured, I’ll begin coordinating attendance plans with potential supporters. Current attendance details remain undetermined pending further coordination.

Professional esports athletes employ sophisticated mental preparation techniques to maintain peak performance throughout extended tournaments. These include visualization exercises, breathing control methods, and structured routine development. Understanding how to leverage home crowd energy represents a critical competitive advantage that separates elite performers from competent competitors.

Team communication protocols must adapt to tournament pressure conditions. Establishing clear callout systems, developing non-verbal communication methods, and creating contingency plans for high-stress situations ensures consistent performance regardless of external factors.

Performance recovery strategies become essential during multi-day competitions. These include physical exercise routines, nutritional planning, sleep optimization, and mental reset techniques between matches. Professional organizations increasingly incorporate sports psychology principles to enhance player resilience and performance consistency.

Advanced players recognize that tournament success depends on balancing confidence with continuous improvement mindset. This involves post-match analysis procedures, targeted practice sessions between competitions, and systematic weakness identification and improvement protocols.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » M0NESY: “I don’t know what NiKo is feeling, but I always dreamed of playing at a home event myself”Exclusive Professional CS2 player m0NESY shares insights on team preparation, home crowd advantage, and tournament mindset strategies