bLitz: "The key to closing this gap (between EU and Asia) lies in our mindset"

The undisputed Kings of Asian Counter-Strike, TheMongolz have been making major strides in the Tier-1 scene globally as well, as they are slowly solidifying their position in the top echelons of Counter-Strike.

A strong run in the inaugural CS2 Major, the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 also saw them secure a Top 16 finish which meant they not only made the region proud but also helped Asia book an additional slot for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, which will be the first-ever Major to be held in Asia.

TheMongolz made another strong run at the ongoing ESL Pro League Season 19 event, making it to the Playoffs but eventually fell to Virtus.pro. As these 'upsets' from TheMongolz become a normality, the team contiunes to take the region forward.

Ahead of the ESL Pro League Season 19 Playoffs, Dust2 India spoke to TheMongolz's IGL bLitz, who spoke about the team's performance, the region and much more.

Note: This interview was held before TheMongolz's EPL Playoffs game against Virtus.pro

Q: It's been a strong year, year and a half for TheMongolz. You guys have clearly cemented yourselves as the best in Asia and now have been making big moves in the Tier-1 scene as well. Given that the Asian region hasn't always been at the top level, now that you are doing well against the top teams, do you guys feel an extra pressure (the pressure of a full region) when you guys get in the server?

Absolutely, there's definitely a sense of carrying the hopes and expectations of not just our team or our fans, but the entire Asian region. It’s a big responsibility, knowing that every match we play can impact how the whole region is perceived in the global scene. This pressure is something we embrace as it pushes us to perform better and strive for excellence. We understand that our performance can open more doors for other Asian teams, helping to elevate the region as a whole in the competitive scene of CS2. We take pride in that role and are motivated to keep improving and showing that teams from Asia can compete at the highest levels.

Q: What do you think has been TheMongolz’s main reason for becoming not
only the best in Asia but slowly becoming a solid contender in Tier 1 events
as well?

The journey to the top in esports, like any sport, demands a lot of hard work and giving up comforts. Marvin Hagler once said, "It's tough to get out of bed to do roadwork at 5 am when you've been sleeping in silk pajamas." This means if your life is too comfortable, you might not feel the push to really go after big goals. We've given up a lot to get where we are, and that's what keeps us hungry to win and keep getting better.

Q: You have a very young team, mzinho, Techno and Senzu aren't even 20! When you guys are playing the big teams on big LAN events, does your team get nervous? How do you keep your team calm?

Yes, having a younger team does mean that nerves can be a factor, especially when facing top-tier teams in big LAN events. It's natural for young players to feel some pressure in these high-stakes environments. My role as a leader involves helping them manage these nerves. I focus a lot on preparation—making sure we're as ready as we can be, which builds confidence. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of seeing each game as a learning opportunity, regardless of the outcome. We talk about staying present, focusing on one round at a time, and not getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Being the underdog also has its advantages—it’s like boxing, where a fighter with nothing to lose, (he) can be extremely dangerous. This mindset allows us to play freely and aggressively, often catching more established teams off guard.

Q: While you guys are cut above the rest in Asia, we see Lynn Vision, TYLOO also slowly fighting back to the top. Where do you think the Asian scene lies currently and how far are we behind the EU region?

The Asian Counter-Strike scene has definitely been evolving and growing stronger, with teams like Lynn Vision and TYLOO showing they can compete fiercely. We're (Asian region) progressing, but there's still a gap between us and the European scene, primarily in terms of experience and infrastructure. The key to closing this gap lies in our mindset. As soon as we start believing that we can win against the top teams, and as our approach to training and strategy aligns more with the rigorous standards seen in Europe, we'll see rapid improvement. It's about adopting a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, pushing the limits of what we think is possible. With this shift in perspective, I believe we can catch up to the EU region much sooner than many might expect.

Q: Talk to us a bit about the talent and Counter-Strike scene in Mongolia. What
is the key factor behind Mongolia producing such great talent - what do you
think sets Mongolia apart from the rest of the Asian regions?

The Counter-Strike scene in Mongolia is not just growing; it's thriving because of the deep-rooted ambition and unyielding desire to win. In Mongolia, the key factor that sets us apart from other regions in Asia is our intense hunger for success.

Players here aren't just participating; they're driven by a powerful ambition to dominate globally, to be conquerors on the world stage. This fervent desire to excel isn't just about national pride—it's about making an indelible mark in the world of esports. Our players come into the arena with a mindset focused not just on winning but on crushing the competition. It’s this ambition that fuels rigorous training, strategic mastery, and ultimately, standout performances that push the whole scene forward. This is why Mongolia is producing such great talent, and it’s why we're becoming a force to be reckoned with in global Counter-Strike.

Q: Personally for you, bLitz, you are one of the high-fragging IGLs in the scene, on top of having a very young team, you can be seen making sure that your personal numbers in the game are always good, what is bLitz's secret, is it tough to balance out the in-game calling and impact fragging?

For me, balancing in-game leading and maintaining high personal performance really boils down to mental preparation and strategy. One of the ways I do this is by playing chess. Chess helps me sharpen my strategic thinking and improve my decision-making skills under pressure. It’s all about anticipating your opponent's moves and planning several steps ahead, which directly translates to how I approach in-game leading in CS2. This blend of mental training and practical gameplay practice helps me manage both roles effectively. I make sure to keep my personal skills sharp with regular training while also dedicating time to strategize and think critically, much like in a game of chess.

bLitz signed off with an inspiring message to the fans of TheMongolz and also all the underdogs around the world.

We represent the underdogs. If you're the underdog who is destined to do the IMPOSSIBLE, then you’re one of TheMongolz, my brother. Keep that fire burning. Stand up for what you believe in and protect your dreams.

While TheMongolz's ESL Pro League Season 19 run came to an end, the team will be back in action soon in the $100k LAN in Mongolia - the MESA Nomadic Masters Spring 2024 and then at the ESL Challenger Jönköping 2024 and the Esports World Cup 2024.

TheMongolz's current lineup is:

• bLitz

• Techno

• Senzu

• mzinho

• 910