We met with B8 player Artem "kensizor" Kapran after his team advanced to the second stage of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. In an exclusive interview with Bo3.gg, he shared insights on the intense series against Wildcard, what was key to winning on Dust2, and why everything went smoothly and confidently for the team on Inferno. Kensizor also shared his thoughts on B8's chances in the playoffs and hinted at possible tactical strategies for upcoming matches.

Train was very intense. What was happening in TeamSpeak?

Nothing special. Just emotions. There was a lot of noise in TeamSpeak because it was a tense game.

What went wrong in the overtimes? The victory slipped away at the last moment.

In the last rounds as CT, we were reinforcing point B. They kept going there every round, and there were only two of us, so we couldn't counter them. I believe that was the main issue.

Dust2 was very confident from you, and headtr1ck had his best LAN map of his career. Could he have been the key factor for the win on the second map?

On Dust2, I think everyone played well, but headtr1ck played even better than the others. He played excellently, outgunned everyone, and hit his shots. However, I didn't even know it was his best LAN game of his career.

Inferno looked like Dust2 never ended. Did it feel like you were just playing with a positive vibe and enjoying the game?

Yes, on Inferno, we were playing with a positive vibe. We played very well as CT, doing the right things. Everything was done well: good setups, good communication, and coordination.

How would you describe Wildcard? How challenging are they as opponents for you?

I wouldn't say they're particularly challenging. They're just an average, default team. Nothing special about them.

You've advanced to the second stage. Is the minimum goal achieved? How do you assess your chances of reaching the third stage? Do you have any strategies left to surprise stronger opponents?

I didn't have any specific goals. We just did what we had to — we made it to the major. We came here just to play, show our best, and make it to the playoffs.

Yes, the minimum goal is achieved. I believe we have a good chance of reaching the third stage. I think we can do it. But the main thing is not to slow down and continue to show good performance. Strategies? I think we have some. If there are any, you'll see them.

Thank you all!