Bymas on Monte’s goals for the IEM Cologne Major 2026: “I think making it to the playoffs would be perfectly fine for all of us.”
Alexey Mikhailov
Monte rifler Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras reflected in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 on receiving an in-game sticker and BIG’s comeback from a 0-12 deficit in their match against NRG, and also spoke about his team’s goals for this tournament.
On receiving the sticker
My emotions were through the roof when I opened CS and saw my in-game sticker for the first time. I think every professional player strives for this. It’s a dream come true. I’ve wanted a personal sticker since I was a kid. It’s just incredible.
On BIG’s comeback from a 0-12 deficit
During that match, we were sitting in the practice room. I remember that with the score at 10-0 in NRG’s favor, we decided to start preparing for TYLOO, since the decider map was almost over. But literally 20 minutes later, our manager walked in and said, “It’s going into overtime.” We were in shock and couldn’t believe it was even possible. A truly insane comeback by BIG. I’m speechless. This is probably one of the craziest moments in Major history.
On Monte’s goals at the IEM Cologne Major 2026
We have to be realistic. Our team doesn’t have much experience competing in major LAN tournaments. I think I’m the only one on this roster who’s played at a Major before. So, I think making it to the playoffs would be perfectly fine for all of us.
Monte defeated paiN Gaming in the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a 2-0 map score (13-5 on Nuke and 13-11 on Dust2). Thanks to this victory, Bymas’s team secured a spot in the main stage of the championship.
Photo — João Ferreira, PGL.
Alexey Mikhailov
