Molodoy: “In life you need to go through stages when you get out of comfort zone and improve. That’s why I chose FURIA”Exclusive

Prior to FISSURE Playground #2 commencing, we secured an exclusive interview with FURIA’s primary AWPer, Danil “molodoy” Golubenko. His recruitment generated considerable surprise within the esports community, yet the young marksman possessed clear strategic reasoning for selecting this particular roster. Given FURIA’s eventual tournament victory, his decision appears increasingly justified. Our conversation explored his motivations, adaptation process, and perspectives on elite competitors.

— Your transition to FURIA genuinely stunned the Eastern European scene. What circumstances led a player from our region to join a Brazilian organization?

— I conducted thorough deliberation, as multiple competitive offers were available. FURIA emerged as my preference primarily due to FalleN’s presence. During contract negotiations, management indicated they’d acquire another CIS-region player for support. I selected this path because, fundamentally speaking, it doesn’t simply provide assistance but rather creates necessary growth phases where leaving comfort zones drives improvement. This philosophy guided my FURIA selection, and current results validate that choice.

— Did apprehension factor into your decision?

— Genuinely no. My personality type rarely experiences intimidation from new challenges. I maintained absolute confidence in my ability to succeed.

— How did your relatives respond to your international relocation, and to what extent did you consult them?

— My family historically maintained skeptical views toward gaming careers. When I signed with my initial Kazakhstani team, they expressed strong disapproval. Subsequent transitions to different organizations and relocation to Serbia gradually improved their perspective. Reaching this professional tier finally secured their endorsement, which brings me genuine satisfaction.

Initially, my mother displayed particular astonishment. She questioned: “Why specifically Brazil? How will communication work?” among other concerns, given my nonexistent English proficiency initially. Continuous immersion produces steady improvement, confirming I joined the appropriate team environment.

— How could they seriously evaluate your potential without English language capabilities?

— Somehow they trusted my capacity to adapt and overcome obstacles.

— Are you currently undergoing intensive language training?

— Presently no, due to scheduling conflicts between tournaments, practice, and formal instruction. Balancing these demands proves challenging, but I dedicate time to self-study during available gaps.

— How would you assess your linguistic development? Are you making tangible progress?

— Absolutely, complete transformation. Upon joining, my communication skills were virtually nonexistent. Basic greetings represented my entire vocabulary. Currently, I comprehend conversational English and engage in basic dialogue, so I consider my current proficiency reasonably functional.

— Do you implement communication partitioning, allowing Portuguese usage while you operate in Russian?

— Correct, we maintain this structure. During clutch scenarios or coordinated plays with YEKINDAR, we consistently communicate in Russian, while Brazilian teammates utilize Portuguese.

— FURIA’s trademark aggressive methodology is well-documented. How effectively does this approach align with your personal style?

— It suits me perfectly because they grant creative freedom to execute my preferred plays, which I genuinely appreciate.

— Beyond linguistic and cultural differences, age disparities exist within the roster. How successfully do you establish connections? Do you engage in team-building activities beyond competitive matches?

— Indeed, we invest substantial time together. I continuously acquire knowledge. FalleN, YEKINDAR, KSCERATO and yuurih provide extensive guidance based on their accumulated experience, offering various professional and personal advice. This represents significant added value from my FURIA experience. Their willingness to share expertise brings me considerable satisfaction.

Kyousuke: “I did not watch CS as a child, I started playing just recently”
Kyousuke explains his dislike of Inferno.

— You competed at PGL Astana, among your initial major events, performing before home supporters. What emotions did you experience during those matches?

— This experience undoubtedly accelerated my career trajectory. Entering the domestic arena immediately triggered competitive instinct. The sensation was extraordinary, with crowds enthusiastically chanting my name, creating genuine belonging. Kazakhstan’s overwhelming support brings me profound happiness.

— You haven’t yet encountered Brazilian audiences, renowned as global esports’ most passionate followers. This intensity sometimes generates social media criticism. Have you faced similar situations?

— Not substantially. Honestly, I minimize social platform engagement and avoid comment sections, though teammates emphasize Brazilian fans’ exceptional dedication. With IEM Rio scheduled next year, we’ll experience that environment firsthand.

— While avoiding social platforms, what preparatory routines do you employ? Any specific rituals for tournament mental preparation?

— No particular ceremonies. I simply enjoy music pre-match. Skryptonite [prominent Kazakhstani rapper] and similar artists, that’s the extent. Nothing elaborate—simply embracing the competitive thrill.

— Beyond Skryptonite, could you identify additional preferred musicians?

— I appreciate both Russian and American musical styles, regularly listening to Drake, Skryptonite… Other preferences? I also deeply enjoy MiyaGi [Russian rapper]. These three artists constitute my primary preferences.

— Provide your perspective on CS’s top-three competitors. Not merely current standings but historical greatness, explaining their significance.

— My primary selection is s1mple. Extensive viewing established him as my benchmark. Secondary position belongs to coldzera. Third placement goes to AdreN. [Kazakhstani connection?] Affirmative.

Sasha maintains top position due to stylistic similarities. Coldzera exemplifies comparable aggressive methodology. AdreN represents… With expanded rankings, I’d incorporate Hobbit and mou. AdreN likely holds greater domestic recognition and fame. The Krakow Major achievement significantly elevated regional esports development. This rationale informs my AdreN selection.

— Have you engaged in personal conversations with these professionals?

— Yes, I communicate with virtually everyone: AdreN, Hobbit, mou. I’ve likely interacted with all prominent Kazakhstani competitors.

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“Confidence is the most important thing a player can have.”

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Molodoy: “In life you need to go through stages when you get out of comfort zone and improve. That’s why I chose FURIA”Exclusive How a young CIS sniper transformed his career by embracing discomfort and adapting to Brazilian esports culture