“Always been sacrificing a bit too much”: HooXi at IEM Katowice –

Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen has become a crowd favorite at the Spodek Arena, though he maintains strong reservations about Counter-Strike’s latest competitive map addition.

G2 Esports delivered a flawless performance throughout IEM Katowice’s initial stages, advancing to the semi-finals without conceding a single map. The team’s captain, widely recognized for his leadership presence, contributed significantly through strategic command and unexpectedly strong individual plays. With championship aspirations clearly in sight, only two crucial matches separate the international roster from lifting the trophy. WIN.gg secured exclusive interview time with HooXi discussing Katowice’s unique competitive environment, evolving defensive rifle strategies, and his gaming interests beyond professional Counter-Strike.

WIN.gg: Is there a sense of excitement about playing in the capital of CSGO, Katowice?

HooXi: Competing in Katowice generates tremendous excitement. This represents a historic tournament hosted in an iconic venue, creating an incredible atmosphere and realizing the aspiration to perform at this elite level.

How do you feel about Anubis now that you’ve had some time to explore the map?

Our squad collectively performs well on Anubis, but I consider the central area design problematic. The layout permits bomb site executions without establishing mid control, which undermines fundamental Counter-Strike principles. Map control opportunities concentrate almost exclusively in middle, yet even that area suffers from poor design execution. I would advocate for substantial revisions, though our current competitive success on the map remains the primary focus.

Any thoughts on the current split between M4A4 and M4A1-S?

I strongly favor the M4A4 and hope this remains the prevailing tactical approach. The silenced weapon meta evoked memories of the AUG dominance period, creating monotonous gameplay patterns. I dislike when matches become excessively defender-favored and economic systems spiral out of control. The A4 definitely aligns with my preferences.

G2 has now won its last four matches against Na’Vi. Are they still a rival? Or just any other team?

We share comparable map preferences and currently maintain superior competitive form. They’re navigating multiple roster adjustments, which primarily explains the recent outcomes. Their positioning several months from now will likely produce more closely contested matches.

Gigachad HooXi, your fragging has drastically improved since you first joined G2 last year. Is there a secret to your rapid improvement?

Multiple factors contributed across six months of dedicated development. The foundation involves substantial effort and increased focus on individual performance rather than exclusive team orientation. Historically, I sacrificed excessively for collective benefit, ultimately harming the team through neglected personal skills. Intensive practice, English communication adaptation, and team synergy development all played crucial roles. As teammates adjusted to my leadership style, overall coordination improved significantly.

Are there any other games that you enjoy playing outside of CSGO?

Currently, I don’t actively play alternative titles. I previously invested considerable time in Teamfight Tactics, so that represents my secondary gaming interest.

What do you think about Valorant esports compared to Counter-Strike?

I haven’t personally experienced the gameplay and find the visual presentation unappealing, though I believe competitive rivalry benefits Counter-Strike’s ecosystem development.

Was there an exact point when you were playing CSGO and realized you could make a living as a pro?

I can’t pinpoint a specific moment. I maintained consistent belief in the possibility, but joining Copenhagen Flames solidified the professional reality.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » “Always been sacrificing a bit too much”: HooXi at IEM Katowice – G2 captain HooXi shares insights on Katowice, Anubis map flaws, and his rapid improvement journey