YEKINDAR on FalleN: “We’re here for him, and he’s here for us.”
FURIA rifler Marek “YEKINDAR” Galinskis commented on the victory over 9z Team in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, discussed the team’s struggles at the start of the match, and spoke about the impact of Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s decision to retire.
On the rough start against 9z Team
We’d already been in this situation at the Major in Austin—we played against a team from the same region, were the clear favorites, and all that. We lost then. And today, things also got off to a very rough start. But for me personally, the most important thing is that everyone was able to find their rhythm again as the match went on.
On the discussions between maps
The conversation between maps went something like this: “Listen, they took the map. No big deal. We’ve won plenty of best-of-3s after losing the first map.” And I think that’s exactly what helped everyone shift their mindset. We also agreed that we needed to focus on communication. We understand what’s happening on the map. We understand what our opponents are doing. The key is to make plans together and execute what’s expected of us.
On preparing for the Major
The bootcamp leading up to this Major was terrible. Well, not exactly terrible, but I was really surprised by how everyone on the team managed to perform in the first official matches—against B8 Esports and other teams—it was as if something had clicked in everyone’s heads. People were playing completely differently. And I started to think that when players say, “Oh, it’s just practice; I’m just trolling a little and stuff,” maybe they really are just trolling. But in official matches, they start playing for real. But, to be honest, this is testing the limits of my patience.
On Problems on the Attack
It seems to me that, overall, the meta is heavily skewed toward defense right now. It’s very difficult to play against a team that knows how to play CT well. Especially if they win the pistol round, gain momentum, and secure the economy. It seems to me that a lot of matches in this tournament hinge on the rhythm of the game: who won the pistol round, who won the anti-eco, and who controls the economy. Usually, that’s the team that starts pulling ahead in the score.
On FalleN’s upcoming retirement
I think there was a moment during the announcement of his retirement—how should I put it... I wasn’t quite sure what to make of that news. But the most important thing is that we’re here for him, and he’s here for us. He wanted to retire last year, but he stayed because he sees these young, talented players. I don’t think anyone on the team is feeling pressure because of this. During IEM Rio 2026, there might have been a moment like that, but I wouldn’t call it pressure. It was more like being overwhelmed by emotions. And now we’re just playing. By the way, he jokes almost every day: “Do you think it’ll look bad if I just keep playing and people forget that I was going to retire?” I tell him, “Do whatever you want.”
Earlier, FURIA defeated 9z Team 2-1 and secured a spot in the semifinals of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. In their next match, the team will face Aurora Gaming. The match is scheduled for June 18 and will begin at 4:45 p.m. Moscow time.
