Before the start of the Six Invitational 2025 group stage, we had the chance to speak with w7m Esports player Gabriel "volpz" Fernandes. In an exclusive interview for Bo3.gg, the professional player shared insights into the team's preparations as representatives of the reigning champion organization, the challenges of staying at the top, and the pivotal role of the Brazilian scene in shaping Rainbow Six Siege as a competitive title.

How would you assess your team's current form ahead of the Six Invitational? How long have you been at bootcamp and what aspects of preparations have you focused on the most?

The team is doing very well, we always keep in mind that we need to be confident and ready for any challenge, focusing on the trophy. We've been training for 2 weeks and 3 days, but we're going to train for another 2 days during the S.I. and we want to use this time to acquire as much knowledge and understanding among the team as possible.

Your victory in Montreal put you into the spotlight. After 2 months, have you figured out what “clicks” for your team? And how to replicate it this time at the Invitational?

I think when we beat Liquid 2-0 and went 3-0 up we had a surreal confidence that we knew we'd go far, now in the final at the end of the lab it was a championship turnaround.

It is going to be the first (and hopefully not the last) anniversary of your roster in March. What makes you the most excited about that team? What makes it different from everyone else for you?

We're very excited and confident for this S.I. For me, the difference will be the desire to win another trophy and the great preparation we're having can help us to improve once again.

Looking back on the season, was there a specific match or moment where you felt the team really leveled up or overcame a significant challenge?

When we qualified for the major I felt that we had put our team on the map for good, there I felt that we were ready for any future challenge.

Rainbow Six: Siege is as much a mental game as it is mechanical. What’s your approach to staying adaptable and outsmarting opponents during a match?

I just think about doing my job and doing it well. Obviously there are factors that can affect this, but my job is to focus on the successes and not get frustrated with the mistakes.

Which teams do you consider to be your main competitors at this tournament? Which teams you are the most eager to fight with?

I think the main teams are: BDS, FaZe and us (w7m) and, if I could choose, I'd like to face Faze, they're a great opponent and I think it would be a very competitive and exciting game to play.

Who has had the greatest influence on your career as a player?

From the scenario, nesk was a person who helped me a lot to develop as a professional and will always be a great influence on my career.

Rainbow Six: Siege is known for its deep tactical gameplay. What part of its design do you think sets it apart most as a competitive title, and how does that impact your approach to preparation?

It's a lot of fun because you always have to adapt to be ready for different situations during the 12 rounds or even more. I feel like you always have to be on your toes and ready for any scenario.

w7m’s has a great victory with R6, last year the roster was victorious at the Invitational and you’ve set the bar even higher throughout the year. Do you feel extra motivation or pressure knowing the expectations for you to perform at that same championship level?

I don't feel any pressure, I need to do my job well, if it's good enough to get the trophy it'll be perfect, if not, let's get ready for maybe the next attempt.

How do you think the current meta is in Rainbow Six: Siege, and are there still operators that need some rebalancing?

For me, the shield meta isn't the one I enjoy playing the most, many players and teams abuse it because they know they'll have an advantage over the defense, and with that, we need to adapt to also know how to use it when necessary.

Which map is currently your strong suit, and which one still needs improvement?

Our best map at the moment is Chalet, I think we do very well, and we're working on all of them to improve, we want to be strong on all the maps.

What would you suggest to young Brazilian players and other hopefuls trying to make it into the professional Rainbow Six: Siege scene?

Believe in yourself and know that it won't be easy, because you need to be seen by the Pro Players, so focus on making yourself seen and making people want to play with you