Siuhy on Dust 2: “With our current form as a team, any new map in the pool would be good for us”

MOUZ enters BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 riding tremendous momentum following their dominant performance at ESL Pro League S19. Contrary to expectations that success might breed complacency, team captain Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek emphasizes that their championship achievement has actually amplified the squad’s competitive drive. These insights emerged during post-match discussions after MOUZ’s convincing victory over Virtus.pro in the group stage.

— Following your EPL S19 championship win, how does the team recalibrate motivation levels? Does triumph create satisfaction or intensify the desire for additional success?

— Absolutely, because throughout previous tournaments leading up to EPL, we consistently advanced to playoff stages and delivered competitive performances, yet never secured the ultimate prize. Now that we’ve experienced championship glory, it generates even greater appetite for victory. Arriving at this event, I sense heightened comfort and confidence among our players. Their determination to capture another title has strengthened significantly. Winning provided that crucial taste of what ultimate success feels like.

— During your opening match at this tournament, Dust 2 presented challenges, yet today you dominated Virtus.pro comprehensively on the same battleground. Is this growing confidence with the map or simply BetBoom Team demonstrating superior proficiency compared to VP?

— Certainly, initially I should mention that we dedicated substantial practice time to Dust 2 throughout EPL preparation, anticipating opponents would select it against us. The choice seemed inevitable, so we prioritized preparation accordingly.

As a reintroduced map that we haven’t competed on extensively recently, these official matches serve as crucial adaptation periods where we continue discovering strategic nuances. There’s significant difference between scrimmage environments and high-stakes tournament play. The more competitive reps we accumulate here, the stronger our positioning becomes. We’ll develop increased comfort levels and secure tactical advantages over competing squads.

— Do you consider Dust 2 strategically advantageous for your roster? Does its inclusion in the active map rotation strengthen MOUZ’s overall competitive standing?

— Given our squad’s current performance level and cohesive dynamics, I believe virtually any addition to the competitive map pool would benefit our playstyle. It remains premature to definitively assess Dust 2’s specific suitability for our approach, as numerous elements require refinement. Time will ultimately determine its effectiveness, but presently we feel strategically comfortable executing on it.

— From personal preference perspective, do you favor Dust 2 or maintain stronger affinity for Overpass?

— Regarding Overpass’s previous position in the map rotation, it represented a distinctly different tactical environment compared to other options. It shared similarities with Nuke’s structural complexity. Now with Dust 2’s reintroduction, the available maps demonstrate greater stylistic cohesion regarding engagement pacing, territory control methodologies, and rotational speed. Consequently, I personally appreciate its inclusion, especially considering the revised skybox architecture which I anticipate will stimulate minor meta shifts and innovative smoke deployments. Teams will develop creative tactics and we’ll witness refreshing strategic developments. Thus, I’m enthusiastic about its competitive potential and currently value its addition.

— Your squad entered as strong favorites on Vertigo, yet failed to secure victory. Did Virtus.pro execute unexpected strategies that caught you off-guard? What factors contributed to that outcome?

— I wouldn’t attribute the result to their tactical surprises, as the primary issues originated from our execution. Periodically, we found ourselves strategically exposed. Alternatively, perhaps following our Dust 2 triumph, we approached Vertigo with slightly reduced intensity, leading to suboptimal performance. Additionally, technical complications arose, which naturally disrupts player rhythm during critical moments.

I’d suggest despite the close scoreline, under normal circumstances we would likely clinch that map nine instances out of ten, though not this particular occasion. However, competitive setbacks occasionally occur. Nevertheless, we maintained confidence entering the decider map, anticipating a comfortable victory, which materialized as expected.

Donk: “Other Team Spirit players like Dust 2, but not me. So far it’s the most uncomfortable map for me”
Could that make Team Spirit weaker?

— When leading 10:0, did the team contemplate pursuing a perfect 13:0 victory for symbolic significance?

— I wouldn’t state we concentrated specifically on achieving 13:0. Naturally, accomplishing that feat would prove immensely satisfying, but during the match’s concluding stages, around 9:0 or similar, I continuously reminded teammates: “These rounds remain competitive, so conceding even the final two rounds might allow opponents to regain momentum, therefore maintain our established approach and remain focused and performing optimally until conclusion, don’t relent”.

— Donk expressed anticipation about facing your championship roster from the previous tier-1 competition. Do you share similar enthusiasm for that potential matchup?

— Definitely, during our previous encounter with Spirit, we emerged victorious. I consider them favorable opposition and enjoy competing against squads of their caliber. They employ intriguing tactical approaches, and I personally relish challenging players and teams exhibiting those characteristics. Therefore, I anticipate another competitive engagement. Likely it will materialize given we represent the tournament’s two premier teams. Consequently, I’m excited about that prospect.

— Could you elaborate on what you mean by describing them as “teams like that”?

— Team Spirit unquestionably fields exceptionally skilled competitors. They demonstrate adeptness at balancing aggressive and conservative styles, and I appreciate chopper’s in-game leadership approach. Without delving deeper into my understanding of their strategic patterns — clearly, they constitute formidable opposition.

Torzsi: “I’m happy BetBoom Team picked Dust 2, and we were first. It’s nice to play it again”
Another tournament for MOUZ just two days after winning EPL S19.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Siuhy on Dust 2: “With our current form as a team, any new map in the pool would be good for us” MOUZ IGL siuhy reveals how EPL victory fuels team motivation and Dust 2 adaptation strategies