“The lineup favors you to win. I’m ready to play until we stop winning”. HObbit on signing electronic and Perfecto, retirement plans, and problems with past roster

During the IEM Cologne 2023 event in August, we conducted an exclusive interview with Cloud9’s veteran player Abai “HObbit” Hasenov. The experienced competitor provided detailed insights about integrating Denis “electronic” Sharipov and Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy into the team structure, addressing previous roster challenges, and outlining his personal competitive timeline.

— A year ago you admitted that it’s possible that soon you will stop playing CS. Now you have a new lineup with electronic and Perfecto — how do you feel?

— The addition of electronic and Perfecto represents a significant revitalization of our competitive approach (laughs). While the description might sound unusual, the underlying impact is substantial. These acquisitions generate enhanced drive and inspiration, making championship titles feel increasingly attainable. The current configuration positions us strongly for victory. My commitment extends throughout our successful competitive period.

Initially, I’m optimistic about achieving consistent results and maximizing my individual contribution within the team framework. My motivation levels remain exceptionally high currently. Self-assessment plays a crucial role: when performance declines, it directly affects psychological drive. Intensive training without corresponding achievement creates uncertainty. When this pattern emerges, corrective measures become necessary to reverse the trend.

— How did you come up with the idea to call the guys in the first place? Were the players involved?

— This transfer represented a logical progression for our organization. Naturally, we actively pursue elite talent like electronic and Perfecto. However, everyone recognized that successful acquisition depends on multiple factors beyond desire, including financial considerations and player preferences. Based on my understanding, our roster ranked highest on their priority selection list. Fortunately, negotiations concluded successfully and the roster changes materialized. We appreciate the Cloud9 organization’s commitment to providing championship-caliber resources.

— Many people said that Cloud9’s biggest problem is three callers. Your voice and sh1ro‘s voice remain, with the third now being electronic. How will that work out?

— From my perspective, the previous lineup’s primary limitation involved comparative captaincy experience relative to other elite teams. This discrepancy created numerous operational challenges. Currently, electronic serves as the primary strategic voice, supported by sh1ro’s input. My involvement now occurs only when specifically requested or when I possess complete certainty about specific tactical actions.

We’re currently experiencing optimal team synchronization. All members demonstrate exceptional listening and cooperation. Future developments will reveal long-term dynamics. Our communication protocol functions as follows: electronic provides primary direction, Dima [sh1ro] contributes supplementary calls, and Denis evaluates agreement. When I develop strategic concepts, I request electronic’s implementation. This framework defines our operational methodology.

— Is sh1ro really that good at tactics?

— Sh1ro possesses exceptional analytical capabilities, studying match recordings with cinematic intensity. Every available break he dedicates to comprehensive analysis. This activity transcends professional obligation—it represents genuine passion! Counter-Strike comprehension exists within his fundamental understanding. He simply possesses innate game knowledge.

Nafany employed a contrasting methodology: more creativity-based with fluid tactical adaptation. However, achieving balanced integration remains essential. I’m confident he will ultimately discover this equilibrium. During his final period with our roster, he approached this balance, but the timing proved insufficient and unfortunately delayed.

Coach [groove], Dima and I focused on systematic development, while nafany’s responsibilities emphasized experience absorption and observational learning. This dynamic potentially complicated his in-game player management. Consequently, operational difficulties emerged. Nevertheless, nafany and I accomplished significant achievements together. Every competitive team encounters challenges. We managed ours effectively.

Editor’s note: after the interview was released in Russian some time ago, nafany commented on it. He disagrees that he was the sole problem, and says that he participated in building the roster and decision making. In his opinion it was just time to make serious changes, and that they grew tired of each other. Hobbit reacted to it, saying that they both got a clean start, so “let’s not hold any grudges”, and congratulated his team with qualifying for IEM Sydney.

— Did you remove yourself from helping with calls during the game?

— Electronic commands substantial credibility. His strategic observations demonstrate wisdom, clarity, and logical consistency. Some concepts were previously unfamiliar to me. The player has achieved Major championship victory, Intel Grand Slam completion, competed for NAVI. Additionally, he accumulated significant captaincy success. My confidence and communication remain undisturbed. I can concentrate fully on individual performance, while tactical systems receive expert management. Naturally, I continue providing strategic support when appropriate.

— How do you and electronic see the new Cloud9 style? Is it a partial update of old tactics or a complete reboot?

— Complete tactical erasure remains impractical. Our previous approach contained numerous competitive advantages, requiring only specific error correction. We simply need to implement these adjustments while incorporating electronic’s strategic perspective. Our target involves developing a hybrid competitive methodology.

The mechanical proficiency demonstrated by the Gambit roster during 2021 reached extraordinary levels. The online competition period provides validation, showcasing pure strategic execution unaffected by stage pressure or equipment variation. We demonstrated championship capability during that era.

Competitors must recognize that LAN environments require tactical adaptation. Overly sophisticated strategies sometimes prove ineffective, occasionally demanding simplified approaches. We’re actively pursuing balanced solutions.

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— What happened with the team after the transition from online to LAN tournaments?

— When LAN competitions resumed, [it introduced] initial psychological hurdles. The players lacked stage experience, feeling community pressure with constant “must-win” expectations. Competing under such conditions demands previous exposure. Gradually, we understood the necessity of professional adaptation—simply focusing on competitive execution.

Upon joining Cloud9, we received psychological support services. The specialist communicates primarily in English, creating expression limitations. Even using Russian—your native language—articulating complex issues proves challenging. These represent precisely the areas where psychological assistance proves valuable.

This represents the core challenge: professional support became available approximately one year ago, but linguistic and cultural differences create communication barriers. We attempted collaboration… And I personally engaged—the experience proved beneficial. My English proficiency remains adequate, yet complete thought expression remains difficult.

Subsequently, we briefly accessed Russian-speaking psychological support. Limited availability—only one week—proved insufficient before Major tournaments. Essentially, we lack consistent Russian-language psychological resources, only maintaining English-language support with communication complications.

— LiTTle said that your new roster had problems in training. Is there any truth to that rumor?

— This represents my initial exposure to this narrative. Previous discussions consistently emphasized our competitive difficulty for opposing teams. Certainly, we experienced occasional losses, typically during initial matches or preparation games. Generally, following defeats, we achieve subsequent victories through comprehensive error analysis.

— The core team has always played Vertigo and banned Nuke, the NAVI guys had it the other way around. Have you decided on the final map pool?

— Allow me to clarify: we completed three training weeks, insufficient for comprehensive 4-5 map preparation. We’re aspiring… Actually, differently expressed. Our objective: seven competitive maps, including 3-4 exceptionally strong selections, with remaining choices determined by opponent analysis. We intend competing across all seven maps—that defines our strategic target.

— CS:GO is coming to an end, CS2 and updated maps are coming soon. You play 7 maps, and in a couple of months there will be a new game, won’t that be an issue?

— I believe we should implement progressive training methodology. This explains our roster reconstruction, planning for competitive longevity. Primarily, the maps maintain substantial similarity. Additionally, strategic concepts and tactical principles, round objectives and strategic intentions—all these elements will persist. Execution represents the adjustable component.

— Do you see yourself in the future as a CEO of any club, a coach or some big boss?

— Honestly, I haven’t contemplated this extensively yet. My current objectives involve securing every available championship trophy in CS:GO or CS2—the specific title proves irrelevant. Upon retirement, I’ll determine subsequent direction. Primarily, I seek achievement satisfaction and personal fulfillment. The requirements for such fulfillment constantly evolve.

— Were the insiders right that Cloud9 was considering several options for a new roster?

— Absolutely not, no such considerations occurred. I cannot provide additional commentary, but the information represents unfounded speculation.

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— The first CS2 major will be held in Copenhagen. The next one is probably China. How realistic is it to bring the tournament to Kazakhstan?

— Kazakhstan absolutely deserves Major tournament hosting! Our community demonstrates massive scale! I guarantee complete stadium occupancy with exceptional crowd energy! The experience will prove extraordinary, I maintain complete confidence. We conducted a community survey regarding preferred Major locations—I published it on my social media, receiving overwhelming “Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan, Astana!” responses. This community enthusiasm brings tremendous satisfaction!

We possess exceptionally strong and extensive esports development infrastructure, though visibility remains limited due to connectivity quality. Our internet infrastructure proves inadequate, generating 100ms ping delays. This limitation prevents highest-level competition. Our country contains numerous gaming facilities and competitive arenas. A substantially large, undervalued competitive community. Consequently, Valve implementing a Kazakhstan Major represents logical and appropriate decision-making.

— After the words about full arenas I immediately remember Rio, where everyone left the stands after the departure of the Brazilians…

— This scenario will not materialize. The singular consideration: Kazakh supporters will easily match Brazilian crowd intensity. Our community members demonstrate exceptional passion—they genuinely enjoy enthusiastic support and vocal expression.

What I appreciate about our supporters involves remarkable loyalty. When Kazakh fans select an organization, they maintain committed support until conclusion. And they demonstrate this commitment authentically.

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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » “The lineup favors you to win. I’m ready to play until we stop winning”. HObbit on signing electronic and Perfecto, retirement plans, and problems with past roster Cloud9's HObbit reveals team dynamics, tactical evolution, and championship ambitions with new roster