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“I’ll never be Leo,” crashies on taking over the Initiator role for FNATIC in 2025

BBG News

In a conversation post their removal from the 2025 VCT EMEA Kickoff tournament, esports.gg talked to the player known as crashies from FNATIC.

FNATIC has been knocked out of the VCT Kickoff 2025 by FUT Esports. They still have Stage 1 and 2 to look forward to, but for now, they need to regroup following their elimination. Interestingly, Austin “crashies” Roberts will stay with the team as Leo is still recovering from an illness.

Before Coach Elmapuddy’s departure, we spoke with Crashies following our defeat against FUT. He expressed his gratitude towards the team for their warm welcome, admitted that he might not be able to match up to Leo, and shared some insights on the In-Game Leading styles of Boaster and FNS.

FNC crashies on filling Leo’s shoes and the team bouncing back after Kickoff elimination

To begin with, let’s discuss the game itself. The FUT team is not inexperienced; they managed to qualify for both a Masters and Champions tournaments last year. When preparing for them, was there any specific aspect that the team emphasized during their training, given the back-to-back games?

As a fan, here’s how I might rephrase it: “Indeed, we faced back-to-back matches, while they had the luxury of a day off, possibly watching our game. However, I firmly believe we were well-prepared for the challenge. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much insight into their Abyss since they hadn’t revealed it yet.

We had been prepared for Fracture, but they surprised us with Neon instead, which was unexpected. We mainly concentrated on our own performance and reflected on the game we played yesterday. We looked at the minor mistakes we made or the positive aspects, and aimed to maintain the same level of enthusiasm today.

In summary, both maps have been successful for FNATIC so far this year. The match on Abyss was particularly close. What are your initial thoughts about that map?

The attack was progressing well, but I believe we could have held out for a few more rounds. It seems our pistol duels didn’t go our way today. In fact, we lost all four, which is quite unfortunate and poor performance.

“In this match, pistols can significantly shift the momentum, giving us an advantage right from the start. Unfortunately, when all of them get lost, it’s quite frustrating. Regarding defense, I believe we were playing fairly well. We knew their strategy and they had an unusual composition, if I may say so.

“With the double recons, the Vyse and the Yoru. Something we’ve never really seen before. I feel like we handled some of their stuff pretty well. We were just messing up, some simple mistakes that we usually shouldn’t let happen and yeah, defense just kind of slipped by us and that was that.”

On the map Fracture, I conversed with Boaster and he mentioned it’s an excellent team map for him, and he’s glad it’s now part of the rotation. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for you too this time, so let me inquire. What was different about your encounter on Fracture against FUT as compared to your earlier victories on the same map during the tournament?

In simpler terms, it seems like you’re saying that your team lost another pistol (which is a type of gun in a game) during defense, but managed to recover it thanks to good strategy, regaining some momentum. There was only one round where things didn’t go as planned. The opponents were using KAY/O and Neon characters effectively.

Essentially, their approach was direct and forceful, yet predictable, which we anticipated. Our defensive strategy might have been more effective if it were slightly adjusted, perhaps to 8-4 or even 7-5. Regrettably, our offensive play today lacked cohesion; nothing seemed to be working smoothly.

They kept stopping us, pushing both sides, and getting kills every time. We lost our pistols again, so they were clearly outshooting us today, with some mistakes on our part contributing to the outcome.

Given that FNATIC is out of the picture now, we find ourselves in a situation reminiscent of last year’s. Your team managed to recover and reach Shanghai and Champions. With new elements added to the puzzle this season, including yourself, how assured are you that this squad can regain their footing when Stage 1 begins?

Crashies: “We’ve had around a month of practice since I started playing with them in late December, after the holidays. As of today, January 31st, it has been approximately a month and a few days. In that short time, I believe we’ve demonstrated impressive gameplay, but there have also been instances of less-than-optimal play.

Essentially, we’re aiming to find a harmonious and effective approach to playing this game together. It’s about that perfect fit, that understanding. And as I mentioned earlier, I have absolute trust in these teammates. I believe in each one of them wholeheartedly. We share a great camaraderie outside the server too.

It feels like we click well as a team. We find it effortless to converse about the game, brainstorm ideas, and discuss various topics. Sadly, we didn’t win today, but I’m optimistic that we’ll continue to progress during Stage 1.

In VALORANT recently, we’ve been witnessing teams being referred to as ‘super teams.’ If you go back two or three years, a team with you, Chronicle, Alfajer, and Boaster would have likely been labeled that. They were successful, collecting numerous trophies along the way. Given your past achievements in this game, do you think this experience boosts confidence and keeps everyone aligned, or do you find disagreements arising about what a successful FNATIC team looks like in 2025?

I don’t believe we have any issues that cause us to clash. Instead, I think our shared experiences of handling pressure on stage and staying calm are beneficial. Nobody is acting nervously or anxious. Although Kaajak may be new, he has performed at the Ascension stage and qualified in a significant match, making his latest win quite impressive.

It’s clear he hasn’t won any awards yet, but he’s been remarkably composed about it. Interestingly, there seems to be no conflict between us at all. I believe everyone on the team is mature enough to handle disagreements or feedback constructively, which makes our team environment quite harmonious. In essence, it’s a well-balanced and respectful team dynamic.

With Leo being absent, you’ve got some significant footsteps to follow. However, considering your past performances, it seems like you possess impressive abilities in your own right. Can you express your unique style on the team, or have they requested that you attempt to replicate the playing style Leo exhibited?

crashies: They haven’t instructed me to mimic Leo’s style; instead, they’ve discussed with me certain aspects they anticipate from me or desire from me as a player. I can contribute unique qualities to the team, such as enhancing Booster’s performance or collaborating effectively with my Duelist, kaajak, for instance.

While I may not be able to match Leo’s unique skills as the top Initiator globally, perhaps even the best player worldwide, I strive to emulate his abilities in my own way. I aim to contribute small yet significant aspects to Booster or the coaching team, sharing ideas that have proven effective in North America and might not have been considered before. I believe this blend of experience and fresh perspectives will prove beneficial.

As a passionate fan, here’s my spin: “Hey there! I’ve been pondering about the surge of American players shifting to EMEA this year, and I can’t help but wonder if FNATIC played a significant role in this move or if it’s more about the allure of the region itself. Could you share your thoughts on this intriguing trend?

The opportunity was undeniably a FNATIC appeal. The chance to team up with Chronicle, Boaster, and Alfajer is one you don’t usually pass up. I was aware that Leo might return at any moment; he’s not well, as you know. So, stepping out of my usual comfort zone and joining a top-tier team like that seemed appealing because there would be much to learn.

This unique adventure has brought immense joy and satisfaction. Reflecting on it now only strengthens my delight that I chose to embark on it – living abroad and all the associated experiences. To sum up, it’s been an exceptional journey thus far, despite today’s defeat. The warm welcome and familial treatment I’ve received have made it a decision well worth making.

Alright, let me ask one more question that might be challenging. In both the Americas and EMEA regions, you’ve played under two of the top in-game leaders in VALORANT so far – FNS and Boaster. I’m curious to know how you would compare and contrast them.

Indeed, it’s truly fortunate and heartening for me to be under the leadership of not one but two exceptional In-Game Leaders, who are indeed legends in this gaming realm. Listening to Boaster’s insights into the game and his unique style of calling is quite fascinating to me.

Since my background is with FNS and I’m familiar with their specific style and techniques, it’s natural for me to approach ideas differently. However, his unique perspective aligns perfectly with our team, and many of his suggestions resonate with me.

Boaster is incredibly dedicated, intelligent, and tactical. He consistently invests a great deal of effort into his work, which I admire greatly. Given that we won a trophy together at FNS, it’s safe to say he holds a significant place in my heart. To sum it up, Boaster has been truly exceptional.

Boaster seems to attract quite a bit of criticism from the community, yet his dedication and hard work behind the scenes, focusing on improving his skills, strategies, and teamwork, often goes unnoticed. What truly sets him apart is his relentless pursuit of victory and ensuring the success of those around him. This earns him a great deal of respect in my book. While I won’t delve too deeply into his calling techniques, it’s clear that he has a keen understanding of the game and an inherent talent for it.

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2025-02-06 22:42

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