[Exclusive] br0 on goals at the Major: "Honestly — having zero expectations"

After losing to Imperial and being eliminated from StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 with a score of 2-3, we interviewed NRG player Alexander “br0” Bro. In our conversation with Bo3.gg, we discussed the team's preparation for the Major with a replacement, expectations for the tournament, and the player's performance.

So what are your emotions after this tough loss and dropping out of the Major?

One word to describe it best is embarrassing. It was a decent opponent for us, and we also had a decent chance yesterday. So yeah — embarrassing.

You showed a solid CT side on Nuke, but on the T side everything fell apart and you won only two rounds. What went wrong?

For me personally, I kind of checked out a bit. I felt like I was calling things but not being heard, and we weren't doing the stuff we talked about. And that carried over into the second map as well. We just… I don't know. Only God knows.

Speaking of Train — you played it one month ago. Why did you pick it? What was the plan?

The main plan was that daps felt confident calling on it, and it was actually the map we practiced the most. But that also means we need to execute more precisely. And like I mentioned — already in the very first round, we didn't do things correctly. You probably saw my reaction on camera. And that was basically the story of Train: we said things, but we didn’t do them.

How would you describe daps as a player on this Major, considering he hasn’t played CS seriously for about a year and a half?

He still plays PC, so it wasn’t like he came in completely cold. He brought a lot of experience, and he could take care of himself mechanically. So that was nice — at least he wasn’t an amateur out there.

A month ago you played an BO5 final against M80 and made an incredible comeback from 0–2. But here at the Major you lost to them 0–2. What went wrong this time, even though you were prepared?

I think it came from us beating NiP and FaZe. We got happy, we set expectations for ourselves because we were playing a team we had just beaten. And then we got a bit scared, stopped playing our own game, stopped being relaxed… And that’s what happens.

What allowed you to roll over NiP and FaZe so easily this time?

Honestly — having zero expectations. Going into matches versus more experienced and favored teams, everyone expects them to win. That makes it easier for us — you win a couple of key rounds in a BO1, and suddenly the whole game swings your way.

You said you had zero expectations. What were your emotions when you found out that daps would replace nitr0?

Of course it was sad. But at the same time, I appreciate my family, and I respect nitr0 for appreciating his. So it was mixed emotions: I’m very happy for Nitro… but unfortunate for us to play this event with a stand-in.

You showed really strong numbers at this tournament. How would you rate your performance from 1 to 10, and why?

A solid 7. I think I showed up when needed. I’d give myself an 8 if I played a little bit better today, but overall I’m happy. It shows improvement — though there are still things I need to work on.

What things exactly?

For example, staying focused until the last round. Usually I’m good at that, but when the same mistakes keep happening over and over, it becomes a challenge. I need to keep my concentration better.

The season is coming to an end. How would you rate your year as a player, and what was the most memorable moment for you?

The most memorable moment was qualifying for the Austin Major — my first Major. Some people say NA competition isn't that great, but for me it was still huge. Overall, it was a good year. I learned a lot — not only as a player but also as a person. I’ve improved a lot, I’m ready for bigger challenges, and I’m excited for the future.