YEKINDAR: “After FalleN retires, I might become the captain.”
FURIA rifler Marek “YEKINDAR” Galiņskis, in an interview at BLAST Open Porto 2026, analyzed the reasons for the loss to Team Spirit, discussed the division of responsibilities within the team, and shared his thoughts on changes to the tournament map pool.
On the match against Team Spirit
I think it was individual mistakes that prevented us from winning this match. This was especially noticeable on Cache: at some point, we started reacting too emotionally to what was happening, which affected our mental state.
On the IGL role
We agreed that I would serve as IGL on Cache and Ancient. I’ve been playing Ancient for a long time, while Cache is a new map where FalleN has never really felt comfortable. As for Anubis, I’ll be calling the shots there as well. We came to this decision in part because, after FalleN retires, I might become the captain. Although, to be honest, I don’t really want that.
On the team’s development
To be honest, things are a bit chaotic for us right now: we don’t know how we’re going to play, who will take on the IGL role on each map, and so on. Yes, we’re still putting up good results, but we still have a lot to fix.
On the tournament map pool
Generally speaking, people play the most difficult maps—such as Train, Cobblestone, or Overpass—the least. On those maps, you have to play methodically and slowly, gradually taking control of different areas of the map, and only then moving out onto the main area. I think we performed well on those maps. Last season, the removal of Train from the map pool was a blow to us, and now Overpass has been removed as well. Instead, we’ll be playing Cache, which is, of course, easier.
Earlier, Team Spirit defeated FURIA 2-0 in a seeding match for the BLAST Open Porto 2026. The “Dragons” proved stronger on Ancient (13–10) and Cache (13–5). Thanks to this result, the Russian team will start the playoffs in the semifinals, while FURIA will have to play in the quarterfinals.
Photo: Esports Foundation.
