We had a chance to talk with Vitality’s apEX at BLAST Premier Spring Finals 2023 in Washington after the semifinal match of Vitality versus G2.
BLIX: apEX, congratulations on the win. I have a few questions for you.
apEX: Thank you. Let’s go.
BLIX: Will Vitality maintain the momentum and end the CS:GO Chapter as the number one team?
apEX: I don’t know. Anyway, even though we will lose the final tomorrow, I think we are the best. It’s the third final in a row, two tournaments. I think we show some character. As I said, we didn’t have much practice for the last four weeks. But we try to get our momentum together and bring out the best.
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BLIX: Has reality sunk in yet for you as a Major champion with a different lineup?
apEX: Yes, of course, I think we realize we won the major and “ba ba ba,” but it’s really difficult to get into the game. As I said, we need a lot of practice. Yeah, we are really happy that we are Major Champions, but no, it’s a new chapter. The Major is our back.
BLIX: After losing the opening match against Imperial and going to two overtimes in the next two series, do you think it’s just a bump on the road to glory after a dominant year?
apEX: Well, I don’t know. I think we are fighting in each game, and that’s what matters. I don’t think we are much better than the rest of the teams.
BLIX: In an interview with HLTV during IEM Katowice 2023, you mentioned that Spinx struggled to play for himself; considering he’s playing with the likes of ZywOo, do you think that he improved on that aspect up until this event?
apEX: Well, of course, he improved a lot. He’s doing really well. The beauty right now with the team is that everyone can step up at some good moments. Like magisk and Spinx were really insane on T Side and Nuke. While Zywoo, Dupreeh, and I were struggling. So the most important thing is to have players that are able to play well and to be able to have good games individually. And I think that’s what happened today.
BLIX: Dupreeh raised a lot of question marks around his recent performances, and as an IGL, how are you managing the situation considering he’s having the worst event this year?
apEX: Well, I think that when you’re an entry fragger, and everyone is tweeting your game and blah, blah, blah, and you don’t have much time to practice, I think it’s really tough. So obviously, it’s tough for him, and I understand that. I think it’s not his fault. It’s most likely, like, the time faults, and I’m trying to do my best to help him to get through that, but it’s never easy. So I don’t think he plays that bad, but just, of course, he has tough moments, but overall I don’t think he played that bad.
BLIX: The French Counter-Strike is in a tough spot. Do you think CS2 will bring back the French glory?
apEX: I hope so. I mean, I’m French, and I love my country. I’ve done a lot for this scene, and I hope it is going to come back at some point because right now, I think it’s the worst statement he’s ever been in the entire sales go so for the last eleven years. So I hope CS two will help everything.
BLIX: So far, you have beaten the title’s best contenders: FaZe and G2. Is it enough for the squad to feel confident and close out the Grand Final?
apEX: Well, let’s not forget Heroic. I think they’ve been really good for the last year, probably so. I think that you don’t have to underestimate Heroic in any tournament. I think it’s going to be a rematch from the Rio final. I think, in any way, we are the two best teams in the world without the Dub. But let’s show who is the best, and hopefully, it’s going to be us.
BLIX: What’s the most important factor in winning a game against a team like Heroic?
apEX: I think that’s to stay calm in a tough situation, to have good plans, and to have good communication, and I think the rest will come. That’s it.
BLIX: How confident are you to lift the Spring Finals Trophy?
apEX: I think we are confident in the team even though today, for example, Zywoo had a rough nuke. We are able to win, and that’s what is really important for us. Not to rely only on this superstar guy but have everyone step up. So we’re confident but never confident because we know that it can go away really fast. So let’s see.
BLIX: Okay, thank you, apEX.
