mezii: "Confident I can fill the role well and continue winning tournaments"
Despite roster instability throughout his entire time with the team, mezii was the shining light for fnatic since his arrival in 2021.
Eventually becoming the IGL of the team, he led them back to the Major playoffs and, since then, has put in superstar performances despite underwhelming results.
Acquired by Vitality to replace the outgoing Magisk, the 25-year-old will have his work cut out for him to fill the shoes of the legendary Dane, but there is no better place for him to shine.
Ahead of his debut for Vitality at BLAST Premier Fall Final 2023, we got the chance to sit down with mezii to discuss his transfer to Vitality, experiences with fnatic, and whether he would be open to IGLing again in the future.
Interview with mezii
BLAST Premier Fall Final will be your first event with Vitality; how do you feel having joined the reigning major champions?
It’s great to be joining the reigning Major champions, I have been working hard to get this chance and to contend for titles so I am grateful for it. There will be an adjustment period, but I have no doubt I will be able to perform to a high level in this team.
You’re replacing Magisk, one of the most decorated players to have ever played Counter-Strike. Does that add any extra pressure that isn’t there usually when you join a team?
There is no added pressure, it's always the same when joining a new team but of course, when joining a team that are the reigning Major champions, there is still pressure.
I’m not going to be a 1:1 for Magisk and play the exact same as I am a different player. I am confident I can fill this role well and help the team to continue winning tournaments here at Vitality.
Your arrival came as a surprise to many, was it a surprise to you when the organisation contacted you? How did it all come about?
It was definitely a surprise to me to hear that they were interested. I felt I have been improving as an individual and ready to take the next step up but you never know when it will actually happen as a player.
However, when they contacted me and expressed their interest, it was a no-brainer for me to make this transition and I am happy it was smooth.
You’ve been on some high-profile teams, including the Cloud9 Colossus team that was meant to make it big, do you feel like this is finally your time to go all the way to the top?
Definitely. I have been around a few teams with potential and played almost every role in the game and now there is no question this is my time to really push, specialise in my role in Vitality and achieve more within the game.
mezii is replacing Magisk on Vitality. Photo: Stephanie Lindgrenfnatic were quite unstable during your time with the team, how do you deal with being in an unstable team and maintaining your personal momentum and motivation?
It is difficult being in a team that is a little unstable or having to change roles a lot. It’s tough for me individually to really hone in on one role and be the consistent force for the team.
That being said, my motivation was never knocked as I am always in control of that and will always work hard at all the roles I play. I feel it is now the perfect time for me to put everything I have learned over my career into my new role at Vitality.
What did you learn while with fnatic? Obviously, you have been both IGL and star, so how will that help you going forward with Vitality?
All my role changes have helped me massively. Even if it has created some instability or inconsistency in my performances I have learnt so much inside and outside the game. I was able to add a new style to my individual game that I had never done before and also give more to the team in terms of ideas and direction.
Would you be willing to return to IGLing in the future?
It would not be at the top of my list [laughs]. I learnt a great amount from being the IGL but it’s a tough role and I do not envy any of the players doing it. I know I can give so much more just as an individual player and secondary caller where I can focus more on myself. Fulfilling the IGL role made me more aware of my strengths and weaknesses as a player.
What would it mean to open your time with Vitality with a win at Fall Final?
That would be an incredible start. It would be my first tier-one tournament win and that's what I dream of as a competitor. As players we all grind the game and the competition motivates us. Winning makes all the time we put in worth it.
As I said, there will be an adjustment period and Fall Final is a great place to start my journey with Vitality. Even if there is not a win here, I know we will be contending and winning many titles in the future.