Blitz: We know the competition is fierce, but we're ready to take on anyone and everyone.

1/  RMR experience and Post match celebration.

Q: Congratulations, The Mongolz, on qualifying for the Copenhagen Major! Your performance in the Asia RMR was truly impressive, with what appears to be a dominant stance in the APAC scene. Could you share your thoughts and feelings about your team's journey through the RMR?

bLitz: Our performance, which might seem dominant, is the result of countless hours of practice, strategy sessions, and learning from our setbacks. We've been focusing on building not just our individual skills, but also our synergy as a team. It's all about trust, communication, and understanding each other's play styles. 

Feeling-wise, it's a mix of surreal and exhilarating. There were moments of doubt and frustration, sure, but the belief in each other and our collective goal kept us going. Standing where we are now, looking ahead at the Copenhagen Major, it's hard not to feel a sense of pride in what we've achieved together. 

But we're under no illusion about the challenges that lie ahead. The competition at the Major will be fierce, with teams that have years of experience at the top level. But we're ready to learn, adapt, and give it our all. Our journey through the RMR has shown us what we're capable of when we play as a unit, and we aim to carry that momentum into the Major.

Q: After Lynn Vision secured their victory in the lower bracket against Grayhound, bLitz shared a video of your team celebrating together. Can you describe the atmosphere of that dinner? It seems you all share a very close bond. 

bLitz: Absolutely, that dinner after the RMR was a special moment for all of us. 

Both The Mongolz and Lynn Vision, representing Asia at the Copenhagen Major. We decided to celebrate together, to not only share our joy but to solidify our bond as teams with a shared mission: to bring more recognition and opportunities to the Asian Counter-Strike scene.

The atmosphere of that dinner was electric yet warm. Between the laughter and the clinking of glasses, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Even though we know that if we face each other in the game, we won't hold back and will fight to win, we also understand that outside the game, our friendship remains intact. 

These relationships we've built go beyond just one tournament; they're about elevating each other and our region as a whole. That dinner was a celebration of our journey thus far and a toast to the future—where we aim to secure even more slots for Asia and show the world the talent that our region possesses.

2/  European Training, FPL

Q：In a recent interview with Techno, it was mentioned that your team underwent a bootcamp in Serbia just prior to the Asia RMR. During this time, many of your players achieved high rankings in FPL, earning praise from none other than s1mple himself. Could you elaborate on how the experience in FPL and the bootcamp in Serbia have contributed to elevating your team's performance?

bLitz: Playing in FPL, especially, had a profound impact on our performance. It's one thing to practice as a team against known strategies, but it's another to compete in FPL where you're up against a mix of the world's best players, all bringing different styles and approaches to the game. This exposure forced us to adapt quickly, think on our feet, and refine our decision-making process. It's like being thrown into the deep end—you either sink or learn to swim with the sharks.

The bootcamp itself, set in the serene yet disciplined environment of Serbia, allowed us to focus entirely on our game. Away from the distractions of home, we were able to bond as a team, discussing strategies, reviewing game footage, and identifying areas for improvement. This intensive period of training and camaraderie-building was crucial in elevating our game to the next level.

3/  Mongolian CS: The average age is very young

Q：As the team with the youngest average age (19.5 years) among the Asia RMR competitors, how did you discover and recruit such promising new talents? Additionally, how have the team's IGL, bLitz, and coach, maaRaa, played a role in developing these young players into competitive forces?

bLitz: Our approach to recruitment is pretty hands-on; we keep a close eye on various platforms and tournaments, looking for players who not only have raw skill but also show potential in terms of teamwork and adaptability. We often delve into the FPL circuit, online leagues, and even local LAN events because that's where you find hidden gems, young players who haven't yet had the chance to shine on a bigger stage.

The average age of 19.5 years in our team speaks volumes about our focus on youth and potential. We believe that younger players bring fresh energy and a willingness to adapt and learn, which is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of Counter-Strike. However, talent alone isn't enough; it's about how you develop and hone that talent into something formidable.

That's where our coach, maaRaa, and I come into the picture. Our role extends beyond just strategy and in-game calls. We work on building a mindset that's geared towards growth, resilience, and teamwork. MaaRaa is exceptional at individual player development, working closely with each player to refine their skills, while I focus on how these skills fit into our team's overall strategy. We emphasize communication, decision-making under pressure, and adaptability.

Developing young players into competitive forces is about striking the right balance between harnessing their natural skill and teaching them the nuances of high-level competitive play. It involves a lot of demo reviews, individual feedback sessions, and creating an environment where it's okay to make mistakes, learn from them, and improve.

Q：We’re really interested in the thriving CS esports scene in Mongolia. Could you shed some light on why esports, particularly Counter-Strike, is so vibrant there, leading to the frequent emergence of young talent?

bLitz: Absolutely, the esports scene in Mongolia, especially for Counter-Strike, is quite a phenomenon. There are a few key factors that contribute to its vibrancy and the consistent emergence of young talent.

Firstly, the community support is immense. From local internet cafes hosting tournaments to schools and organizations recognizing the potential in esports, there's a growing ecosystem that nurtures and celebrates gaming talent. This environment makes it easier for young players to get involved in competitive gaming from an early age.

Moreover, the success stories of Mongolian players and teams on the international stage have been a huge motivator. When young players see their fellow countrymen succeed, it inspires them to pursue competitive gaming with a belief that they, too, can make it big. It creates a cycle of inspiration and achievement that continuously fuels the scene.

Finally, the Mongolian esports scene benefits from a tight-knit community where knowledge and experiences are shared. Veteran players often mentor younger talent, providing guidance and helping them navigate the competitive landscape. This culture of mentorship accelerates the development of young players, making them competitive forces at an early age.

4/  Major goal, Fans message

Q：Following the conclusion of the RMR, how will your team prepare for the upcoming Copenhagen Major? Additionally, what goals have you set for yourselves in this Major tournament?

bLitz: Our goal for the Major? To dominate. 

We're not just aiming to participate or make it through the first few rounds. We're setting our sights on the championship. This is about more than just proving ourselves; it's about claiming what we believe is ours. We know the competition is fierce, but we're ready to take on anyone and everyone. Our dedication and hard work are unmatched, and we're hungry for victory.

This Major isn't just another tournament for us; it's a battleground where we intend to leave our mark and show the world the strength and spirit of our team.

Embracing Hemingway's wisdom, "A man can be destroyed but not defeated," we stand resilient. This principle guides us, reminding us that our spirit is unbreakable, regardless of the challenges ahead. Setbacks will only fuel our determination. We're here not just to compete, but to win, to embody the true essence of champions.

Q：As a final question, is there anything you would like to say to your Asian CS fans who have supported you?

bLitz: To all our amazing fans in Asia and beyond, your support has been our backbone through every battle, every victory, and every setback. Your cheers, messages, and belief in us fuel our drive and determination on this journey.

We're not just a team; we're a family, and you're an integral part of it. Your unwavering faith in us, especially during those nail-biting moments, does not go unnoticed. It's your encouragement that pushes us to exceed our limits, to innovate, and to persist against all odds.

As we step into the arena at the Copenhagen Major, know that we carry your hopes and expectations with us. We're committed to not just doing our best, but surpassing what we've achieved so far. This journey is ours to share, and every step we take, we take together.

Thank you for standing by us. Let's make this Major unforgettable. Here's to all the matches we've won together and to those yet to come. Together, we are stronger, and together, we'll continue to elevate Asian Counter-Strike on the world stage.