Natus Vincere came into BLAST Premier Spring Finals in turmoil, having suffered in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and having just removed their IGL, Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov. sdy has been brought in as a short-term replacement, with his future hinging on this tournament result.
The campaign in Lisbon started poorly for the CIS squad, with a surprise loss to a brand-new OG lineup playing with a stand-in, but they recovered well with a relatively comfortable 2-0 over BIG to make the quarter-finals.
sdy needs NAVI to perform in Lisbon to secure his future with the team
Having just secured that all-important first win with his new team, sdy had a quick chat with HLTV to talk about his experience joining Natus Vincere, what it’s like playing with Aleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, and his opinion on Denis “electroNic” Sharipov as an in-game leader.
Congratulations, how does it feel to win your first series with NAVI?
It feels great, I am happy that we didn’t go out of the tournament.
Were you expecting to get the call from NAVI?
No, not really, I was surprised as I have mentioned already in some interviews. My agent did a really good job.
What was it like coming into the team, settling in with the players?
They have some difficulties, some problems, but overall we are trying to do our best, practicing and fixing our mistakes in the game, and as you see we are doing a bit better day by day.
What was the role situation like for you, did NAVI ask you where you wanted to play, or are you fitting in with what they need?
Most of the roles I am fitting in the places that they need me, but I am fine with it because I am a versatile player and have played a lot of positions before. Of course there are some roles that I didn’t play before in my life, but it’s fine, I am getting used to it and learning something new is cool.
I didn’t expect anything from this game, I just came and played round by round, that’s it.
Were you expecting to 2-0 BIG?
I didn’t expect anything from this game, I just came and played round by round, that’s it.
s1mple put in a vintage performance in this series; what is it like to play with a player whom many consider the GOAT?
It’s a good experience, especially when you see him doing his “show” if you can call it that (smiles). It’s one hell of an experience.
Is the goal to win this tournament?
I didn’t set a goal for myself, but for this team, of course. For me I am trying to go step by step, my goal is to play better each day.
How has electroNic been as an in-game leader, from your perspective?
I think he is an insanely smart person in game and outside of the game, and he is doing a great job because he sees the game on another level. He’s just good.
