Author: Sam "AN1MO" McKenzie

Many were unsure what to expect when Vitality’s French project came to an end, and it was announced the organization would be going international. However, some were excited by the prospect with the signings of former Astralis trio Emil “Magisk” Reif, Peter dupreeh” Rasmussen, and Danny “zonic” Sorensen.Sadly, it didn’t work out, with star Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut’s performances taking a hit. He failed to carry them to the heights he had while the team still spoke in his native tongue. Young star Kevin “misutaaa” Rabier was the player to take the fall, with one of the stars of early-2022, ENCE’s…

Vitality made the Playoffs in Katowice, the first time their star Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut had played in the Spodek. It didn’t go entirely to plan, however, as they could never have predicted what would happen in their eventual elimination against Liquid.In the second half of our interview with IGL Dan “apEX” Madesclaire and coach Danny “zonic” Sorensen, we discuss the game versus Liquid and their hopes for the rest of the year. You can view part one here.AN1MO, BLIX.GG: The Liquid series was a rollercoaster of emotions the whole way through. Can you guys take me through that and how…

Vitality made the Playoffs in Katowice, the first time their star Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut had played in the Spodek. It didn’t go entirely to plan, however, as they could never have predicted what would happen in their eventual elimination against Liquid.After their match against Liquid, we sat down with coach Danny “zonic” Sorensen and In-Game Leader Dan “apEX” Madesclaire to discuss their relationship, as well as the evolution of both of their roles. This is part one of the interview. You can view part two here.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: Okay, so how would you describe your approach when you first…

Olga “olga” Rodrigues is one of ESL Impact’s premier players. Her team, FURIA Fe, has long been the second-best team in the competition. After recent changes and the inclusion of Gabriela “bokor” Bokor, they are looking to stake a claim for Nigma Galaxy’s coveted position of the best team in Women’s CS:GO.Although they fell to Nigma in Katowice, they are hopeful for their future. After the loss to Nigma, we caught up with olga to discuss just that.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: So despite a very close series, unfortunately, you lost in the semifinal. How are you feeling about it?Olga “olga”…

Back in 2022, Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov was defeated in the final of his first LAN on G2 in Katowice. Now, a year later and with his star shining brighter than ever, the young AWPer finds himself on the winning side after G2 took down Heroic 3-1.After the final, we sat down with m0NESY to discuss the match and his ambition to become an even more dangerous player.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: Congratulations! Can you take me through the series from your perspective?Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov: We did an amazing job. We won 3-1, even though we lost a map. But it doesn’t…

Years after joining and eventually being joined by his cousin, Nikola “NiKo” Kovac, Nemanja “huNter-” Kovac finds himself as a key figure in the best team in the world. After trouncing the competition at IEM Katowice 2023, the Bosnian was awarded the MVP as he and his cousin claimed their first big event trophy together.After the final, we caught up with huNter- to discuss his feelings after lifting the trophy, as well as winning the MVP for the event and how much further this seemingly unstoppable G2 team can go.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: Congratulations, you won the final 3-1. How…

Still a new figure in the biggest organization in his region, Andrii “npl” Kukharskyi has been thrown in at the deep end of tier-one CS:GO. With an IEM Katowice semi-final appearance now under his belt, we caught up with the young Ukranian at the event to discuss how he feels he is settling in at Natus Vincere.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: You’re still very new to NAVI, how would you say you’re adapting to the system?Andrii “npl” Kukharskyi: I think pretty well, we just need more time and then we will play better.BLIX: Are you happy with your time so far…

With Saints unable to field Iuliia “sckrafft” Gerasimova at ESL Impact Katowice, they turned to Kaia “KiKi” Holmen to stand in for them at the event. While the team may have struggled in a tough group, KiKi performed admirably. After their elimination, we at BLIX.GG sat down with KiKi to discuss her professional future and streaming career.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: You’ve been standing in for Saints at this event. When did you know you were going to be standing in? How did that come about?Kaia “KiKi” Holmen: It was about two weeks ago, and I got added to their Discord…

With impressive victories over teams such as FaZe and Vitality, Liquid may have been hopeful that IEM Katowice 2023 was their time to finally bring a trophy home. Unfortunately for them, they would have to face the unstoppable force of G2 in their semi-final, and their time in Poland was cut short.After the match, we had the chance to sit down with their AWPer, Joshua “oSee” Ohm, to discuss the gap between the two teams and his progress towards reaching his comfort zone on Counter-Strike’s biggest stages.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: You’ve made the top four here at Katowice, are you…

As a team without an organization, Saints were perhaps a surprise inclusion to the lineup at ESL Impact Katowice. Defeating Evil Geniuses Gold to make the event was no small feat, and IGL Anna “buhnny” Cheung is hoping it will be the spark for organizations to look at signing her roster.After being handed a tough group in Katowice, we sat down with the driven buhnny to discuss her team’s time in Katowice, as well as her outlook on being the leader of her team.Sam “AN1MO” McKenzie, BLIX.GG: You started in Katowice against Nigma Galaxy. When we were talking beforehand, you…