[Exclusive] molodoy: "You can't relax at the Major — miracles sometimes happen at the Major"

After FURIA's victory over Imperial at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3, we interviewed FURIA's sniper, Daniil "molodoy" Golubenko. In our conversation with Bo3.gg, we discussed the team's mood, their preparation for the Major, and their matches against NAVI and Imperial.

Hi, molodoy! Congratulations on the win. You only gave up seven rounds in two matches. What are your emotions, how did this happen?

The emotions are great, for sure, because we won two games in a row. But you can't relax at the Major—sometimes miracles happen, and you don't want to end up in those situations. You always need to enter the match super strong. If you relax somewhere—boom, the opponent is already a round ahead, and you have to catch up. So you always need to be as focused as possible.

Did you have a bootcamp before the Major, or did you prepare on-site like Falcons?

We had a bootcamp for five days. A couple of days were unproductive, but the other three were very high quality. We caught the right rhythm before the Major.

Why do you think it was so easy for you to beat NAVI on Nuke?

Honestly—I don't know. Maybe they didn't wake up, maybe we played too well. It's hard to say.

Why did the second match go so easily?

I don't know. I made some good kills a few times—maybe that decided something for us.

Do you feel extra motivation because YEKINDAR is sick now, and it seems like you have more responsibility?

No, not really. We just play, believe in each other, and trust Fallen's calls. We enjoy each other's gameplay—and that's probably the most important thing in Counter-Strike for me personally: faith in your teammate.

Does the Major affect your state of mind? Maybe there's nervousness or, on the contrary, more desire to prove yourself?

Not really. By nature, I'm a calm person. I love peace, but at the same time, I love to play aggressively. Maybe those are my strengths.

You said aggressive play is your strength. What moments in the game bring you the most pleasure besides winning?

Probably the moments when I get kills—they bring pleasure. And when we win a round—that's also a very strong feeling.

Are there situations where you try to surprise your opponent with unconventional decisions: overpeeks, repositioning? Is this based on preparation or intuition?

I always try to surprise the opponent. But more often, it comes from the feeling of the moment. It's a game of situations. It's not like I prepare everything in advance. It's unlikely you can prepare a move and be sure it will work. So I come up with a lot right in the moment.

How much freedom does Fallen give you on the map? And do you participate in pre-round calls?

Yes, I participate. I ask if I can do this or that. The percentage that I'll get the green light is probably 95%. Sometimes they'll say "no" because the round is structured in a way that it's better not to risk it. And that's normal.

Do you have a desire to play against someone specific in Stage 3? Or to beat someone in the final?

It doesn't matter at all. We enter each game with the same mindset. I don't see the point in wanting someone specific—you just go out and enjoy what's happening.

Your next match is against G2. Will you prepare separately, or are you already ready?

I don't know—I just found out from you that we're playing G2. We'll see how we prepare.