lauNX on FUT Esports: “Everyone on this team is great at managing their emotions.”
Dan Kleiman
FUT Esports CS2 rifler Lavrentiy “lauNX” Tsyrlea shared his thoughts in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 following the victory over TYLOO, and also spoke about the team’s atmosphere, training, and the roster’s approach to the tournament matches.
On his feelings after the victory over TYLOO
The game felt great today, partly because we trained a lot and prepared for this tournament—especially after our disastrous US tour, if I may say so. Of course, we talked about this with the guys, and now I’m happy with the performance the team is putting on. We’ve put in a truly massive amount of work over the past two weeks, and the overall self-confidence and emotional stability seem like a good sign to me. This means that even if the team, for example, gets crushed in practice matches, it won’t affect morale in the slightest.
On the team’s atmosphere and its run at the event
In the match against TYLOO, I had a strong feeling that we were in control of the game. However, despite that, the team still gave up a few rounds that we shouldn’t have. This happens quite often, and you simply have to correct these mistakes one by one. The match against B8 was different: that was our debut here, and I felt there was much more pressure than in the subsequent match. Today was easier. Maybe we were a bit too complacent going into this game, because even the coach said at one point that we needed to pull ourselves together and not let our guard down too early. We really didn’t want to lose right off the bat and fall behind 0-1, because from there it’s not far to 0-2—it’s all very dangerous and unpleasant, especially for such a young team. It’s nice to win, to advance smoothly, and to gradually build form and confidence from game to game.
On the team’s attitude toward the championship
Even though this isn’t my first major, I wouldn’t say I have enough experience in tournaments like this to mentor my younger teammates. Everyone on this team is great at managing their emotions. I can feel how each of the guys has made incredible progress, especially mentally. I won’t talk about our skill level—everyone’s discussing that everywhere without me anyway. I like that we’re taking the event in stride and want to prove ourselves. Of course, no one sees the Major as just another tournament, but no one is putting undue pressure on themselves either.
FUT Esports advanced to the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a 3-0 series win. In addition to B8 Esports and TYLOO, Lavrentiy “lauNX” Tsyrlea’s team also managed to defeat G2 Esports in a best-of-3 series.
Photo — PGL.
Dan Kleiman
