Malady on the substitution at BLAST: “Two days before the tournament starts, we find out we’re playing against Aurora.”
In their team vlog from BLAST Slam VII, Team Yandex players commented on the change of opponent in the playoffs and talked about the uncomfortable playing conditions on stage.
On the opponent change due to a shift in the roster
Malady: To be honest, this is the first time I’ve been in this situation. It’s the first time I’ve seen a scenario where, because one team can’t travel, the seeding for every team gets shuffled. Because we were originally preparing to face the Falcons. Two days before the tournament starts, we find out we’re playing against Aurora. Of course, it’s not the most pleasant turn of events.
[Question: “Is this a plus or a minus for us?”]
I don’t know. It seems like both teams are beatable, so it doesn’t really make a difference.
On the first map against Aurora Gaming in the playoffs
watson: Something was off in the voice chat.
Saksa: I heard literally everything. Insane.
watson: Nightfall says, “Guys, let’s go for Roshan.” And Saksa: “Guys, they want Roshan.”
On the atmosphere in the match against Aurora
Malady: ...Not at you. I can’t play.
watson: I know it’s not at me, just that you’re losing your cool, and it’s... Did you guys feel like he was losing his cool? His tone was a little aggressive.
Teammate: Honestly, I didn’t notice.
Malady: Honestly, it’s impossible to play. It’s a total *** [nightmare]. They turned the lights on, then I asked them to turn them off, they turned them off, and they turned them back on during the game.
Teammate: Martin [Saksa] said that’s how it would be.
Malady: I tell him, turn it down so it’s cooler. He says, “We’ll do it right now”—and *** [nothing] changes.
watson: Just hang in there!
Malady: So I was patient, I didn’t say anything to you.
watson: You weren’t talking to me, you were just... Even when you were dying, just: “A-a-a-a!” And something like: “If only my hands were faster...”
Malady: Don’t pay any attention to it, *** [damn it].
watson: So why even bring this up? I’m already fully focused.
Malady: Let me vent my emotions, what’s wrong with you?!
About playing on stage
CHIRA_JUNIOR: I’m literally in a sauna—it’s the same thing.
<...>
DM: In terms of the weather conditions inside the stage—yeah, it was really unpleasant. As for the comfort of the headphones, because you’re using “earbuds” plus the so-called “headphones,” it’s not very comfortable either. But, overall, we managed. Those who adapt are the ones who win, right?
The BLAST Slam VII playoffs took place at the organizers’ studio in Copenhagen from June 4 to 7. Team Yandex took first place, defeating LGD Gaming in the grand final with a score of 3-1. Next, Yandex will compete at the Esports World Cup 2026 and The International 2026.
