Heroic`s Counter-Strike 2 player, Andrei “tN1R” Tatarinovich, recently offered a window into the world of professional esports team dynamics, shedding light on Heroic`s latest roster adjustments and providing a fascinating comparison of player mentalities across different regions. Speaking ahead of the FISSURE Playground #1 tournament, tN1R discussed navigating recent changes, integrating new teammates, and the subtle yet significant differences between CIS and European approaches to the game.
Tatarinovich`s recent off-season was a period of travel, spanning Moscow, Belgrade, Italy, and Armenia before returning home. Despite a curtailed vacation due to the early start of the tournament season, he confirmed he managed to get sufficient rest. His commitment to improving his English, a crucial skill in international lineups, continues, though at a reduced frequency due to a packed schedule. He notes that simply being immersed in an English-speaking environment serves as a constant learning process.
Discussing the previous season, tN1R addressed the departure of Álvaro “SunPayus” García and Eetu “sAw” Saha, information the team received before IEM Dallas. He emphasized the importance of open communication within the squad once the decision was known. This transparency allowed the team to accept the situation and focus on their final tournaments together, even achieving strong results despite the impending changes. Playing with the knowledge of these departures didn`t create pressure, but rather fostered a “Last Dance” atmosphere where everyone sought to enjoy the remaining time together.
Regarding the recent Major where Heroic finished 9th-11th, tN1R suggested their strong performance in the preceding online tournaments (CCT and MESA Nomadic Masters Spring 2025, netting them $10,000 combined) and their subsequent LAN wins at IEM Dallas (over teams like Aurora and FaZe) boosted their ranking considerably. The Major provided valuable ranking points, solidifying their position.
The new additions to Heroic include Belarusian teammate Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin and coach Tobias “TOBIZ” Theo. tN1R stated the recruitment process was handled entirely by the coaching staff. While finding a compatriot in gr1ks is “cool” for the occasional Russian chat, tN1R stressed that nationality is secondary to dedication and shared goals. His focus remains on teammates who are committed and visibly striving towards collective success.
Nilo also joined the team after a break. Having only had a week of practice together, tN1R found it difficult to fully assess his level but noted a striking characteristic: nilo`s extreme calmness. Comparing him to a character from the anime “Blue Lock,” tN1R described nilo`s presence as so quiet and clear in communication that “you don`t feel like he`s there.” This is a stark contrast to a previous teammate who was more emotional and energetic. Gr1ks, conversely, seems to be the more emotional player in the current lineup.
Looking ahead to FISSURE Playground #1, tN1R was pragmatic about expectations. The tournament is primarily a testing ground for the new roster and structure under a new coach. With significant changes and only a week of practice, integrating two new players means not everything is fully ironed out. The immediate goal for this debut event is simply to advance from the group stage – a realistic target given the circumstances.
tN1R also offered brief takes on notable transfers elsewhere in the scene. He believes Perfecto`s move to Virtus.pro after a long break isn`t necessarily a disadvantage; motivation and ambition are more critical than time away. Adaptation will come with practice and official matches. Regarding kyousuke joining Team Falcons alongside stars like m0NESY and NiKo, tN1R acknowledged kyousuke`s raw aiming skill (“can just hit shots no matter what”). However, he highlighted the inherent difficulty of thriving in an international team, calling it a “different world” compared to his initial expectations, suggesting while kyousuke will perform well, reaching the level of dominance seen from some breakout stars might be challenging due to the complexities of international rosters.
This brought the conversation to the fundamental difference between CIS and European teams: mentality, approach, and communication. Based on his experience, tN1R sees European teams as more composed and restrained, less prone to emotional outbursts or mid-game arguments often seen in CIS squads. While he finds comfort in the calmness, he admitted to sometimes missing the higher emotional energy of CIS teams, which he feels can fuel passion and allow players to vent. This emotional release, while potentially leading to arguments, can also translate into more energetic gameplay.
Communication, too, is profoundly affected. Playing in one`s native language offers “more functionality,” allowing for richer detail and easier coordination during intense moments. Even for teammates with high English proficiency, coordinating in a second language is inherently more challenging than in their native tongue. He pointed to the three Swedish players on Heroic; when they switch to Swedish amongst themselves, the ease and depth of their communication are noticeably different.
Wrapping up, tN1R shared a message for the community. He thanked fans for their support and offered advice to aspiring professional players: don`t overrate pros, recognize that any goal is achievable with effort, never give up, constantly develop, and avoid the trap of thinking you know everything about the game. A simple, yet powerful, message that resonated well.
As Heroic steps into its first tournament with the updated lineup featuring gr1ks and nilo, guided by coach TOBIZ, the focus is clearly on building chemistry and refining their approach. tN1R`s insights reveal a team navigating a significant transition, managing expectations, and acknowledging the unique challenges and dynamics inherent in competing at the highest level with an international roster.
Gilbert Pendleton