Collapse: “Interaction and communication are great for easing stage fright—you just stop thinking about it.”
Team Spirit offlaner Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov, in an interview during the Spanish-language broadcast of The International 2026, talked about how the team deals with nerves during matches and shared his impressions of performing on stage.
On how the team deals with nerves
We just try to... Take the first map, for example, where they [1w Team (Iron Wing)—Ed.] staged a comeback. We had a great laning phase and start to the game, but they turned everything around in the late game. And, of course, we got a little nervous. But we just try to talk through every move: what we’re going to do, what they’ll do, what we’re expecting, and how we want to engage in a fight. Talking and communicating really help take the edge off the nerves—you just stop thinking about it. You’re completely focused on what your teammates are saying and what you’re saying yourself.
On performing on stage
Well, I’ve already gotten used to playing on stage—just like at other major tournaments. So I don’t feel any intense pressure. I’m just having fun. I really love how the crowd cheers and supports us; it gives me a real energy boost.
Earlier, Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov spoke about Alexey “not me” Kosmyinin’s play at The International 2026: “It seems to me like he’s trying to create some highlights. He’s playing at The International—it’s his first Int—and for him, it’s all about the hype.”
Photo: Valve.
