yuurih: “Every time before a final or semifinal, I get sick. I don’t know what’s going on.”
FURIA rifler Yuri “yuurih” Santush spoke in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 about health issues he faced during the tournament, commented on his impressive clutch stats, and reflected on the most important moments in the team’s journey to the semifinals.
On how he was feeling before the semifinals
Actually, I started feeling a little sick yesterday. I’m feeling a bit better today, but I’m happy to be here. Everyone’s happy.
On the possible causes of his illness
I don’t know—it feels like this is my third final in a row. Every time before a final or semifinal, I get sick. I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe it’s because of the air conditioner—I turned it on, and the next day I already started feeling sick. But everything’s fine; I’m taking medicine.
On the nickname “Brazilian Xyp9x”
I don’t know what’s going on; I just win clutch matches. And that’s great. Actually, last year I told myself one thing: “I need to get better at clutch matches because I’m one of those players who often ends up as the last man standing. That’s why I have to win clutch matches.” And this year I’m winning a lot of them, so I’m happy.
On the most important clutch plays of the tournament
Actually, there were a lot of them. There were many long one-on-one situations. Maybe against Natus Vincere—I think I had three clutch plays like that there. But my favorite was the clutch in the previous match against Natus Vincere, though I don’t remember exactly which one it was. But all clutches are important, right? Every clutch is one round, which means it ultimately makes a huge difference.
Earlier, FURIA defeated 9z Team 2-1 and secured a spot in the semifinals of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. Right now, Yuri “yuurih” Santush’s team is battling Aurora Gaming for a spot in the tournament’s grand final.
