soulfly on the IEM Cologne Major 2026: “I dreamed of getting my sticker”
Daniil Korzhuev
Aurora Gaming rifler Kaner “soulfly” Kesichi shared his thoughts on his debut Major in an interview at IEM Cologne Major 2026, discussed the team’s start at the tournament, and highlighted the support from his teammates.
On his first Major and the victory in the opening match
This is my first Major. Sometimes during the game, I look at my sticker and it feels a little strange. Because I dreamed of getting my own sticker; I thought that maybe one day I’d have one, that perhaps I could make it happen. And now I have it, and we’re starting the Major with a win. Honestly, it feels good, because starting with a 1-0 lead gives us confidence. We had a boot camp before the tournament, we worked hard, and now that work is starting to pay off.
On my performance in the match against Monte
On the defensive side on Nuke, I didn’t start off very well. Then MAJ3R told me everything was fine, and everyone was trying to support and motivate me. But for me, it’s important to remain a good teammate even when things aren’t going well. If I can’t get my shots to land, that means I can be used as bait. So yeah, the guys help me out, and I try to keep my emotions in check during the game too.
Earlier, Aurora Gaming confidently defeated Monte 2-0 in the first round of the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. Today, Kaner “soulfly” Kesic’s team is set to play in the 1-0 bracket against Team Spirit.
Photo — Sophie Barrowclough, BLAST.
Daniil Korzhuev
