G2 secured their spot in the IEM Cologne quarter-finals by dominating their opponents in Group A’s Lower Bracket. Ahead of their match with MOUZ, which ultimately led to their elimination from the tournament, we had the opportunity to speak with Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski.
Credit: G2 Esports
Bruno: Congratulations on reaching the quarter-finals. The loss to SAW must have been tough to start with.
What surprised you the most about that match?
Snax: It was the first match of the tournament, and we weren’t fully prepared to face SAW. Perhaps we were too overconfident, and lacked the necessary energy for such a significant match. Credit to SAW for playing well and countering our strategies effectively. That’s about it.
Bruno: In the lower bracket, you had a dominant run. Were you surprised by how easily you defeated teams like Spirit?
Did you anticipate such success?
Snax: It wasn’t a surprise to me because we had shown promising results in previous events. While we were disappointed by the loss in our first match, we were determined to bounce back. We knew we wouldn’t face easy opponents, but we were confident in our abilities to perform at a high level.
Bruno: When you and MalbsMD joined the team, many had doubts about role adjustments. However, you both adapted quickly and performed well.
Were you expecting such a smooth transition?
Snax: Mario is a positive influence in the team, and we had productive discussions about our roles. I had no issues with the adjustments and was able to adapt seamlessly. Mario also embraced the changes positively, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to the team. I made some necessary adjustments quickly, considering the limited time for practice, and trusted my teammates to execute well.
Bruno: Moving on to the quarter-finals, you faced MOUZ in the first match, featuring siuhy who is excelling in Liquid.
Do you believe that Polish CS is currently in a favorable position?
Snax: Polish CS is not in a strong position overall. While we have talented players, the scene lacks organization and cohesion. There is potential to build a competitive Polish team with skilled individuals like siuhy, ultimate, and others, but the lack of organization hinders progress. The scattered nature of Polish talents reflects the current state of the scene, marked by the absence of centralized efforts.
Bruno: You may face NAVI in the semi-finals, a team with a strong record against G2. Are you mentally prepared for this potential rematch?
How do you feel about facing NAVI again?
Snax: Playing against NAVI in Riyadh was a valuable experience that helped me understand their strategies and tendencies. I believe we have learned from our previous encounters and will approach the potential rematch with confidence. Personal experiences and insights gained from previous matches will aid in our preparation and performance against NAVI.
Bruno: Transitioning from GamerLegion to G2 means playing with a higher caliber of players. Does this impact your calling style?
How has playing with elite players influenced your approach?
Snax: Playing alongside top-tier players allows me to take more risks and experiment with different strategies. The experience and skill level of my teammates make it easier for me to lead and execute tactical decisions. Their expertise and reliability enable me to explore new strategies and adapt dynamically during matches.
Finally, what is your favorite memory from Cologne over the years?
Snax: While it’s been a while, I fondly remember the vibrant atmosphere of the arena in Cologne. The energy from the crowd and the overall experience of competing in such a prestigious event are moments I cherish.
Bruno: Thank you and best of luck.
This interview was conducted in Polish and translated by Bruno Sobieraj for Esports.net.
