Bleh: "Despite the ascent of The MongolZ, I feel the rest of the region still trails behind stylistically"

Considering the recent success of the Asian team, The MongolZ, it would be remiss not to talk to their biggest fan, the Indian analyst Bleh. In the interview, Bleh shares how he became a fan, reveals his favorite players, and discusses how other Asian teams can learn from The MongolZ's growth.

You have been a MongolZ merchant for as long as the team first broke into the space. What drew you so deeply to the team?

It was the first time in CS:GO when The MongolZ decimated Renegades in the IEM Taipei (2016) finals. An unbelievable result. And while that particular lineup never would up doing anything much afterwards, it made me a fan. And I find it so poetic how the new version of the team has not just surpassed them but have achieved more than any Asian team in modern day CS.

Which player on The MongolZ do you particularly enjoy watching, and what makes them stand out for you?

I think it's a tie between bLitz and mzinho. Blitz, because of how as an IGL he navigates the map while fragging out. mzinho because of how quickly he's evolved in his role and how much impact he finds for his team despite being the youngest.

Given the similarities in a lot of things, including limited resources, between The MongolZ and the local scene here (India), what lessons do you think Indian teams could learn from them?

There are many but the most obvious one for me is scouting. The MongolZ (or perhaps just maaRaa have an excellent eye for whom to pick). I think India struggles with finding new talent and keeps recycling a lot. Secondly, putting in the work. These guys grind hard. Even before they found success, they'd play with high ping and just play EU FACEIT to get better practice. They try and make do with whatever little they have and that is an admirable trait that everyone could learn from.

"I think India struggles with finding new talent and keeps recycling a lot."

What are your expectations for The MongolZ in the upcoming Major?

Man, I would absolutely love to see them make the playoffs. But to do so they need to get past the mental barrier of expectations and the pressure. Winning the Thunderpick LAN over HEROIC hopefully managed to chip away at it. Huffing my massive bag of hopium, they should reach playoffs.

Where do you see Asian Counter-Strike evolving in the next two years?

Despite the ascent of The MongolZ, I feel the rest of the region still trails behind stylistically. They still play 'Asian CS'. Hopefully with so many S tier events happening in Asia and of course the Shanghai Major, hopefully we have the blossoming of new talent and everyone else starts to emulate The MongolZ.