kakafu on Legacy: “They play with great passion and really want to win.”

Monte coach Alexander “kakafu” Shimanchik commented on the team’s loss to G2 Esports in an interview at IEM Cologne Major 2026, discussed the penalty for showing emotions during the match, and explained the curious situation regarding map side selection.
On the match against G2 Esports
We worked a lot on Mirage, and we’ve always had trouble against G2 Esports. I think they’re a very well-prepared team—they don’t have many weaknesses. And they’re tough to play against. Overall, I’m happy that we played a good game. But in the end, obviously, we didn’t win in overtime, and that’s what upsets me. But I think our performance was pretty solid.
On the ban on coaches showing emotion during matches
After the scandal with the coaches, they’ve been taking cheating very seriously. I was told that if I cheer and a player sees it, it could mean that, for example, next time they’ll rush B. Valve strictly enforces this rule, and, of course, ESL has to apply it. That’s why I wrote the tweet. I think maybe it would be better to do it like in VALORANT or League of Legends, where coaches are in a separate room.
On the situation with picking sides after the veto
This happened to me for the first time. You have an app where you make your vetoes, choose the final map at the end, and then you have to pick a side. And I guess I was nervous and had already talked to the captain about the maps, and then I put my phone down. I just forgot to pick a side. And then the app automatically picked a side—that’s what happened. And the head admin was very strict about it. So there’s no going back. I just find it funny because this already happened with paiN Gaming against BIG on Overpass. But it’s my mistake, so I don’t hold any grudges against ESL.
On the match against Legacy
We’re confident. I think a lot can happen in a bo1. You win one eco, maybe one good force, and everything can change. So, I think the match will be even. We’ll see. We need to match their passion. I think that’s always important when playing against Brazilians. They play with a lot of passion and really want to win. If we can match that, we have a good chance.
Right now, Monte is playing Legacy in the 1:1 bracket of the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. The winning team will compete tomorrow for a spot in the third stage, while the loser will fight to stay in the tournament.
Photo — Viola Sophie Schuldner, ESL.


