Danil "Donk" Kryshkovets from Team Spirit talked about his journey in esports, significant victories, and his view on the new tournament system. In an interview with Bo3.gg, he shared his thoughts on the importance of teamwork, controlling emotions during matches, and key moments in preparing for opponents. Donk also expressed his opinion on individual awards and how, for him, stability is more important than occasional victories.

At 18, you have already won several major tournaments. Which victories are especially important to you, besides the Major?

Every victory has its value, as it represents a certain path. The reaction to them is always different, but overall they are all important.

If you had to choose one most significant for you?

The Major. It was a dream.

How do you feel about the new BLAST tournament format? Have you figured out the bounty and all-in systems?

To be honest, I don't care. The main thing is to win, and the details of the format are not that important.

What about the option to choose opponents? Do you like this format?

We have never picked anyone, nor have we been picked. Overall, it's not crucial for me. The only thing I don't like is playing online. LAN tournaments feel totally different.

This tournament is not going smoothly: you lost to NAVI for the first time in a long time. What went wrong?

We just made more mistakes than they did and were punished for them. But it's a deserved result, and I hope we'll have a chance for a rematch.

Are you ready for the match against NAVI in the semifinals? Is the preparation different from other teams?

No, it's the same. I am always interested in playing against NAVI because every match with them brings something new. They were the best team in the world last year, and who is the best now will be shown over time.

In the quarterfinals, you played against VP, who had a substitution. Did you consider the match easy because of this?

I didn't think about the difficulty of the game. The main thing is to show our game and win. You can't underestimate the opponent.

You've been named MVP of tournaments multiple times and was recognized as the best player of 2024. Previously, you said individual awards don't matter to you. Why?

Because individual achievements are impossible without the team. It's more important for me to play well within the team than to stand out personally.

Which would you choose: four Majors in a row like Astralis, or being top-1 in the world for four consecutive years?

Being top-1 four years in a row means dominating the course, but four majors means only two years. I don't know. Four years of winning two majors.

M0NESY named you and ZywOo his main individual rivals. Do you have any similar rivalry?

I don't think about it. The rivalry is only between teams.

You are an emotional player. How are emotions regulated during matches in the team? Are there any rules?

I'm not as emotional now as before, and I control myself better. Of course, emotions sometimes take over, but overall they don't greatly affect the game.

Is team atmosphere important? Do you try to support your teammates?

Yes, morale is crucial. If I can encourage the team, I do it.

Kyousuke is called the new you. Do you agree with this? How do you feel about his play in the Spirit Academy?

If Kyousuke is compared to me, it means he is truly good. I believe in him and try to support him. If he continues to work as hard, he will succeed.

Do you think he can reach the tier-1 level this year already?

Yes.

In China, you proved your superiority. Do you need to win a second Major to solidify your legacy?

I don't think the last Major proved our superiority. CS is a marathon, and stability is more important than a single victory. Winning a Major is great, but consistent results in all tournaments are more important.

Do you expect this season to be more challenging for your team? Will opponents prepare for you even more seriously now?

I don't think the preparation of opponents for us will change. We've always been studied. It all depends on us and our approach to tournaments.

Spirit defeated GamerLegion and advanced to the quarterfinals of the playoffs IEM Katowice 2025. You can follow the news, schedule, and results of the tournament here.