Davai on The International 2026 playoffs: “It feels great. The stage, the booths—everything feels very special.”
Nigma Galaxy
offlaner Cedric “Davai” In an interview following their victory over Team Falcons in The International 2026 playoffs, Dekmin discussed the final game of the series, his first match on the TI main stage, and left a message for his daughter for the future.
On the final map of the series
[I’m sure Nigma Galaxy fans around the world, the moment you went in for the kill and the whole team died, immediately thought, “Oh no, not again.” What was going through your mind then, and how did you manage to pull yourselves together?]
To be honest, we didn’t even bat an eye. We just told ourselves, “Okay, we have two sides and two runes. It’s fine; let them take one side—no big deal.”
On the first playoff match at The International
[What’s it like to finally be in the booth on the main stage of this arena in Shanghai?]
It feels amazing. The stage, the booths—it all feels very special. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment, and I’m glad my first match on the main stage ended in a win.
On a message for his daughter in the future
[We saw you at the hotel and noticed that you came with your daughter. Many years will pass, she’ll become a teenager, and she might say, “Man, my dad isn’t cool at all.” What would you like to tell her today so she’ll hear it in the future?]
I’d tell her, “Try to be happy and follow your dreams. If your dad succeeded, then you will too.”
Nigma Galaxy defeated Team Falcons 2–1 and advanced to the upper bracket semifinals of the playoffs. The final stage of The International 2026 is taking place August 20–23 at the Shanghai East Sports Center.
Photo: Valve.
