[Exclusive] Spinx: "As for the whole “aura” thing, I don’t know, maybe I’m too old, but I think it’s more of a TikTok thing"

Following MOUZ's victory over G2 in the quarterfinals of IEM Krakow 2026, we conducted an exclusive interview with MOUZ player Lotan “Spinx” Giladi. In our conversation with Bo3.gg, we discussed the team's progress over the past year, the match against Vitality, and how he perceives criticism of the team from fans. 

Since joining MOUZ, the team has reached the playoffs 15 times in a row, but has only won one trophy at the PGL event. What do you think is holding this roster back from winning consistently?

Right now, I think we’re lacking performance in the crucial moments. Every time we lose in a semifinal or something like that, we usually feel we could have played better when it mattered most.

It’s not about the opponents — it’s the same teams we play all the time. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, that’s part of the game. But we still feel like we can do better in those key moments, and that’s the most important thing for us going into 2026 — to perform when it really counts.

Is there something you feel needs to change right now, maybe to beat Vitality in your next match?

I wouldn’t say we need to change anything. We just need to show up. If we play our A-game, we can definitely beat them, 100%. We just need to bring our best level.

What’s your message to the haters who say MOUZ has no “aura” and can’t win when it matters?

I understand where that talk comes from. You can look at the results — we can’t deny them. As for the whole “aura” thing, I don’t know, maybe I’m too old, but I think it’s more of a TikTok thing. I even laugh about it sometimes.

The CS community is special — sometimes for the worse, sometimes for the better. Right now, it’s more on the worse side. I believe that if we start performing and getting results, that narrative will change. But in every community, someone has to be hated.

When you joined MOUZ after the team had reached the semifinals, many people called it a downgrade. What do you say to those critics now?

Downgrade or upgrade — I don’t care. I didn’t play with the previous lineup, so I can’t really compare. People can say whatever they want. The five of us enjoy playing together, we have good vibes, and we’re focused on improving. The only thing that’s missing right now is trophies in our backpack. That’s it.

So the hate doesn’t really affect you?

People get hated 24/7 for all kinds of reasons — that’s social media. It’s just part of the world we live in. For me, when I meet fans in real life, I always get love. That’s what matters most to me.

Tomorrow you face Vitality in the semifinals — the team that benched you and then went on to win two Majors without you. They’ve already beaten MOUZ in two finals. Is this just another match, or something more personal?

In the second half of 2025, we started doing better against them. In the first half, they completely demolished us — they won everything.But later on, I think we beat them twice, at least from what I remember. One of those matches was also the Cologne semifinal. So yeah, it’s a very important game. I’m confident — really confident.

What’s the key to beating Vitality?

You have to show up and play a good game. They’re a strong team, no one can deny that. Even when they’re not at their best, their A-game is very strong. So we just have to show up and play well. That’s it.

Last question: if MOUZ win IEM Krakow 2026, who will be the MVP from your team?

Torszi. If we win the trophy, anyone can have it. What matters is that MOUZ win.