Magnojez: “We’re used to playing as a mixed team all the time—it doesn’t have a negative impact on us.”

BetBoom Team CS2 rifler Kirill “Magnojez” Rodnov, in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, shared his thoughts after advancing to the third stage of the tournament, compared the roster’s former and current coaches, and spoke about visa issues and frequent roster changes.
On his feelings after advancing to the third stage of the event
The match wasn’t particularly difficult. They outplayed us on Mirage—mentally, we were down because we took Nuke too easily, which is why we messed up. On the third map, the coach managed to lift our spirits and improve the atmosphere, so everything started to fall into place. I think I’m in good individual form right now, since my teammates really support and help me.
On Fierce and RAiLWAY
I’d say the main difference between Fierce and RAiLWAY lies in the system each of them builds. Our current coach has a specific vision for the match; he teaches it to the players, and thanks to that, we manage to be on the same page. Besides that, the coach has certainly helped me a lot mentally, because I had an issue that he resolved. I wanted to win every match, and that really distracted me during important matches. I think we managed to overcome that challenge, which has made me much stronger and more effective this season. So yes, Fierce supports both me and the rest of the team in many ways.
On visa issues and playing with substitutes
I think the main reason for our success is precisely that we’re used to constantly playing as a mixed team—it doesn’t affect us negatively. Of course, it’s very sad that there are always problems with getting visas, but we have what we have. In any case, we have a core: me, d1Ledez, and, importantly, Boombl4. We know how to work together effectively. It’s our partnership with the captain that serves as the backbone of the team structure, especially when it comes to decision-making and playstyle. I guess that’s why we’re seeing such good results right now.
Yesterday, Kirill “Magnojez” defeated Monte in the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a score of 2-1 in a best-of-3 series, securing their spot in the third stage of the championship, which begins the day after tomorrow, June 11.


