volt on 2025 changes: "I have a feeling it’s going to be rough for teams outside the top 32"

Despite starting out the RMR 0-2, GamerLegion went on an incredible run to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major with a 4-2 record.

A result that their coach, ash, called his "biggest achievement", it now sees GamerLegion play in their fourth consecutive Counter-Strike Major.

However, only one player remains on their roster from the previous Major, volt. As the most experienced player on the team, volt's teammates will be looking to him to help guide them into what is sure to be the biggest events of their careers to date.

As we await the Opening Stage of the Shanghai Major, we caught up with volt to discuss the qualification run, GamerLegion's difficult year, and concerns for the changes coming in 2025.

"I think it was ridiculous how Valve responded"

Congratulations on making another Major, are you starting to get used to it now?

Thank you. I can definitely get used to this but at the same time, I’m sad that this was probably the last time we will be able to experience qualifying through an RMR.
This one feels really good especially after the situation last Major where we replaced 9Pandas and the imposter syndrome that came with it.

Photo: Stephanie Lindgren

Take me through the qualification, you started out 0-2 and went 4-2. What did you say to each other at 0-2 and what was each game like from that point onwards?

The first day was very very rough. We played Inferno in both BO1s and didn’t win either. Against Vitality it was fairly competitive and we played with confidence, maybe a bit too over aggressive, but that's still better than playing scared and passive and they were just better in the end.
The game against ECLOT we choked super hard and it felt like everything was going their way and they had some crazy hero rounds. We were all disappointed after the first day but managed to keep believing. We even looked in the past at other teams who also had horrible starts from 0-2 and managed to bring it back, like the Paris GamerLegion roster who also had double Inferno losses in their run.
Even the UNITY game started rough. We just weren’t ready mentally but once we won that first map everything just started flowing again, the communication, ideas from everyone and the energy just increased as we went through the BO3. We had insane determination to make it and played to win, not to not be eliminated, and I think that's what pushed us over the line.

Ash said in an interview that this was his greatest achievement, you’ve both done incredible things at previous Majors, where does this stand for you in terms of your achievements?

I would put it just below the run to the playoffs in Paris. I can definitely understand it from Ash’s POV, how this one means a lot to him. It’s been a stressful period for him as the coach and a lot of responsibility, having to deal with so many changes out of his control as well as trying to make the best moves for the team.

2024 has probably been a really tough year for you with all the changes to the team, how much more does that add to the feeling of making the Major?

For many teams the Major is like the one tournament that decides how successful their season has been, and honestly, this is the best way to end the year for us.
The foundation for our team is there and it is insane how much this means for next year because of the importance of Valve Ranking determining invites for tournaments.

Photo: Stephanie Lindgren

Now that you’ve qualified, what are the hopes for the Major?

I would like to qualify for the next stage, it doesn't matter if it’s 3-0 or 3-2. Just please, not another 0-2 start.

There was a rule change during RMR B that won’t affect you, but what are your thoughts on the change and the timing of the change?

I think it was ridiculous how Valve responded and “apologised” for it. They should’ve spotted this mistake much earlier when the decider match between FaZe and Cloud9 was played, and it feels like they just weren’t paying attention at all since they missed it for so long and it took two underdog teams going 3-0 to change it.
It just makes it worse that this was the way they stepped in. It makes it seem like they really are just favouring the top ranked teams. Teams should be rewarded for performing well and this one must’ve felt painful for BIG and 3DMAX, but at least they still made it with their rank.

Looking past the Major, do you have any hopes or concerns for 2025 and all the changes that will be coming into effect?

The Valve Ranking is currently still very flawed in my opinion. I think they need to rework their formula because prize money is still valued too highly. For example, take when The MongolZ won $500k and jumped up to fifth. It just doesn’t make sense and there are teams being overrated due to this.
Personally, I just hope we’ll have a good enough rank to get some invites because I have a feeling it’s going to be rough for teams outside the top 32.