HooXi:" I am just pissed that we didn’t show what I know we are capable of [in Cologne]"
HooXi to Astralis seemed like one of the safest moves in Counter-Strike history, but that doesn't mean that they haven't exceeded expectations since he joined as a stand-in for PGL Astana.
The runners up in that event, they may since have had a blip at IEM Cologne, but with another second-placed finish at FISSURE Playground 1, the upturn in form has got everyone on notice.
Ahead of their entrance at BLAST Bounty, we sat down with the Danish captain to discuss his arrival on the team, the form of his stars, and why some games have just gotten away from them.
"It becomes embarrassing"
You’re officially a part of Astralis now, how does it feel?
It feels great. It’s a brand that means something special to most Danish players and it obviously carries a certain amount of pressure, but nothing bigger than I have dealt with before.
Given that you had some time without a team, do you feel like you have a point to prove with them?
I don’t think I have much I need to prove. If anything I just need to prove to myself that I can keep developing as a player, IGL and captain in general.
HooXi won BLAST World Final 2022 as part of G2. Photo: Stephanie LindgrenYour time with the team so far has been pretty successful, with two runners-up finishes in three events, did such a good start surprise you?
I was positively surprised about our level in Astana, yes. I don’t think our result in FISSURE came as a big surprise to anyone and to put it nicely, I was unhappy about our performance in Cologne.
That said, you were eliminated from Cologne Stage 2 in last place, is that anything you’re concerned about or do you think it’s just a sign that it’s still early days for you with the team?
Concerned is probably not the right word, but I am just pissed that we didn’t show what I know we are capable of. I’ve said the same thing in every interview, I don’t care about results, but we need to show up every time we get the chance, to make sure we consistently improve and that last game at Cologne we just didn’t, which still bothers me.
jabbi has stepped up a lot since you came into the team, is that something you wanted to ensure happened as you implemented your system?
Honestly I think jabbi can succeed in pretty much every role in the game, it just so happens that the one he plays now is what fits the team. I think the most important thing for him as a player is that he feels like he can take calculated risks on both T and CT.
I won’t take credit for him stepping up, that’s all him. He is grinding to make it happen and he has adapted to his new roles better than anyone could expect of him this quickly.
However, stavn seems to be struggling slightly, how important is it for the future success of the team to get him back to his best?
I haven’t worked with stavn before so it’s still a learning curve for me to understand him as a player and a person, but he is also adapting to new roles and spots, which, of course, normally takes time.
I actually think his overall level has been pretty solid and I am confident I can help him to elevate his level even more.
HooXi was cut by G2 after BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024. Photo: Stephanie LindgrenDespite some strong performances, there has also been some rough ones looking at games like TYLOO at FISSURE Playground and FURIA in Cologne, why do you think the team seems to just fall apart sometimes?
I think it’s very different games and very different reasons as to why we lost. Against TYLOO we had a hard time keeping up with their individuals, which we will have to work on, to be stronger individually.
Against FURIA, at least in the second game against them, I felt like we didn’t show up at all and our fundamentals were completely gone. It was honestly unacceptable and a slap in the face that if you are caught slacking on game day... it becomes embarrassing. As to why it happened, I'm not sure. But I am sure it wont happen again.
Looking ahead, your next event is BLAST Bounty, how are you feeling about it?
I don’t really know what to expect. I have never played online with these guys and sometimes that has an effect. I also think the tournament format is interesting to say the least. So I honestly don’t know how to feel.
As one of the higher ranked teams you’ll be one of the hunted during the event, how do you feel about that?
I think it’s a weird system, but I see the entertainment value. I don’t feel like a favorite in any way, but I guess we sort of are. Our mentality hasn't changed though. We are still in a build up phase.
The BLAST Premier Bounty S2 is BLAST's first studio event show as part of their multi-year deal with GamingMalta.
