Donk’s take on Team Spirit and the comparison between magixx and chopper—highlights from the YouTube show with tN1R
Дария Ушакова
Team Spirit rifler Andrei “tN1R” Tatarinovich appeared on the YouTube show “Hazyayeva on Wheels.” Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights in our article.
On hally’s absence from the IEM Cologne Major 2026, the analysts’ work, and donk’s departure from Team Spirit
According to tN1R, the absence of Team Spirit coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 was definitely felt, especially during tough matches. He could only assist the team remotely, as he had been hospitalized due to poor test results.
In addition, the “Dragons’” rifler criticized some analysts, noting that he often disagrees with their comments and doesn’t understand why they’re getting paid.
Speaking about Danil “donk” Kryshkovets’ potential departure from Team Spirit, Andrei stated that this is unlikely, since Kryshkovets is loyal to the Russian squad, and he would face communication challenges in English on an international team.
On international teams, the difference between European and CIS players, and GUN5 Esports
tN1R noted that in international teams, players often use simplified terms to communicate, as was the case with HEROIC.
Comparing esports players from the CIS and Europe, the Team Spirit rifler emphasized that Europeans are calmer and less confrontational, while Russian-speaking players try harder to achieve something.
Andrey also said that when he joined GUN5 Esports, it was a joke team, and he has since moved on to another organization.
On his move to HEROIC and what makes a player stronger
Tatarinovich noted that if a player shows solid results, esports organizations will take notice sooner or later, but he himself didn’t expect to end up playing for HEROIC. Thus, it came as a surprise to tN1R.
During his first few months at HEROIC, Andrei had to devote a lot of time to learning English while also training with the team.
tN1R stated that the earlier a person starts playing, the faster they develop intuitive experience, although talent and aptitude also matter. That said, he himself never thought he would become an esports player, since he had previously been very involved in soccer.
On the possible role of captain, chopper, and magixx, and on taking time off
tN1R commented on rumors that he might become captain of Team Spirit, noting that this had indeed been discussed. In his opinion, an IGL must not only have a deep understanding of the game but also be able to unite the team. Andrei cited Dan “apEX” Madeskler of Team Vitality as an example.
Tatarinovich also compared Boris “magixx” Vorobyov and Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov in the role of IGL. According to Andrei, chopper is very strict, but magixx is more open to new ideas and willing to try and incorporate them.
tN1R added that the team is currently on break, so he’s trying not to play Counter-Strike and is spending time in real life, hanging out with friends.
Read also:
- tN1R on hally’s absence at the IEM Cologne Major 2026: “When it comes to tough matches, we definitely missed him” (first part of the show).
- tN1R on GUN5 Esports: “When I joined, it was a real joke of a team” (second part of the show).
- tN1R: “I never even thought I’d become some kind of esports player” (third part of the show).
- tN1R on comparing chopper and magixx: “Boris is more creative when it comes to calls” (fourth part of the show).
On July 6, Valve released an updated VRS ranking, in which Team Spirit took first place. Team Falcons followed in second, while Team Vitality dropped to third.
Photo by Adela Sznajder, ESL.
Daria Ushakova
