Malady on ATF joining Team Yandex: “We’ve always wanted him, and we consider him the best offlaner in the world.”
Team Yandex support player Arman “Malady” Orazbaev spoke to Paragon Studios after winning PGL Wallachia Season 9 about the integration of Ammar “ATF” al-Assaf into the team and addressed conflicts with his lane partner.
On ATF’s integration into the team
We hadn’t played a single practice match or streamed together. It was the first time we’d ever met him in person, and it was immediately clear that he was one of us—we all felt comfortable with him. We’ve always wanted him on the team and consider him the best offlaner in the world.
[Question: “There wasn’t a single conflict the entire tournament—did everything go smoothly?”]
Yeah, everything was great. Turns out, Ammar is actually a really good guy. I used to report him, and he used to report me.
On conflicts with Watson
I don’t think this will ever be resolved. I think that’s the whole secret to success: when you have spats with your buddy… Truth is born of debate, as they say.
Read also: watson on PGL Wallachia Season 9: “We won Wallachia; the tournament wasn’t the toughest one.”
ATF officially joined Team Yandex a few days before the start of the championship in Romania. Last season, the esports player represented Team Falcons, with whom he won FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2 and made it into the top 8 at The International 2026.
Yandex took first place at the conclusion of PGL Wallachia Season 9, defeating Natus Vincere 3-0 in the grand final. Throughout the tournament, Yandex did not lose a single series. Next, the team will compete at BLAST Slam VIII—the event begins on September 29.
Photo: PGL.
