alex after B8 Esports’ elimination from the IEM Cologne Major 2026: “Lack of experience is our main problem”
Alexey Mikhailov
B8 Esports captain Alexey “alex” Yarmoshchuk shared his thoughts in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 following the loss to FUT Esports, highlighted his team’s issues, and summed up the tournament for the Ukrainian squad.
On the loss to FUT Esports
I’m disappointed with our result. I think we could have put pressure on our opponents on Mirage while defending, but we didn’t listen to each other and ended up losing the map. As for Ancient, everyone fought until the end, but unfortunately, we lost in the final round—we just didn’t have any luck there. Our game plan was a bit different from how we played against FUT in the second stage, but the final score turned out to be essentially the same.
On B8 Esports’ struggles
In the third stage, it was difficult to compete against strong teams. If something didn’t go according to plan, no one could get us back in the game—our coach missed this tournament. Maddened is very important to us. ...> I think we need to gain experience so we can adapt more quickly to our opponents’ moves. Plus, we often lost our advantage as the maps progressed. I believe a lack of experience is our main problem.
On the team’s results at IEM Cologne Major 2026
I want to thank all our fans for their support. I think this Major went worse for us than the previous one. We’ll keep playing and try to make it to the playoffs of a tournament like this someday.
B8 Esports lost to FUT Esports in a match of the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a score of 1:2 (13:10 on Dust2, 9:13 on Mirage, and 11:13 on Ancient). The team finished the tournament in 15th–16th place and received $20,000 in prize money.
Photo — StarLadder.
Alexey Mikhailov
