Snax on best-of-1 matches: “I blinked, and the match was already over.”
GamerLegion captain Janusz “Snax” Pogozelski shared his expectations for the team’s performance at the tournament, discussed the state of the roster, and assessed the team’s chances of successfully advancing through the first stage in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026.
On competing at the Major
My first Major was 13 years ago, so quite a bit of time has passed. I think I’ve gotten used to it a bit in terms of the game itself. Of course, it’s great to compete at a Major, and I’m glad we managed to make it here with GamerLegion. Plus, I think we’re considered the favorites for the first stage, so things are looking good.
On the team’s condition before the tournament starts
Last time we were sick, and things weren’t that bad. So maybe I should say that someone is sick again. But, as far as I can tell, no one is sick right now. I just had a rough trip yesterday—well, actually, two days ago—with flights and all that. But overall, I think everyone is doing fine this week.
On goals for the first stage
I set us at 3-0, but to be honest, I don’t think we’ll actually go 3-0. In a Bo1, you lose two pistol rounds, lose one force buy or something like that—and you’ve already given up the map. That’s it. You blink, and the match is already over. On paper, we might look stronger, but at the Major, the rules are completely different.
On the first day of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, GamerLegion defeated NRG and SINNERS Esports. Today, Janusz “Snax” Pogozelski’s team will face BetBoom Team for a spot in the second stage of the tournament—the match starts at 5:30 p.m. Moscow time.
Photo — Stephanie Lindgren, BLAST.
