HooXi talks nightmare brackets, pre-match rituals, and CS2 at IEM Dallas

Despite being considered championship contenders, G2 Esports faced a challenging tournament at IEM Dallas that saw them eliminated earlier than expected. Team captain Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen refused to attribute their performance to simple bad luck or difficult bracket draws.

G2’s campaign concluded with defeats against top-ranked squads Heroic during group stages and FaZe Clan in playoff matches. The talented roster departed Texas with a fifth-place finish. Immediately following their elimination, WIN.gg secured an exclusive discussion with HooXi about the team’s tournament obstacles and his perspective on Counter-Strike 2’s upcoming official release.

WIN.gg: HooXi, G2 experienced disappointing results at IEM Dallas. Does facing elite opponents provide any consolation?

HooXi: Naturally, losing to inferior teams would be more frustrating, but that doesn’t significantly ease the disappointment since these are precisely the squads we need to overcome to achieve our goals. The situation remains unfortunate, and I’m genuinely disappointed we couldn’t deliver stronger performances.

What specific issues require resolution for G2 to recapture their dominant early-year form?

The challenges aren’t fundamentally structural. If we identified clear problems, we’d implement solutions immediately to restore our competitive edge. The complexity lies in identifying precise improvement areas since we previously encountered CT side difficulties while maintaining strong T side execution. At this competition, the dynamic reversed completely.

We introduced innovative preparation techniques for this event, shifting focus from extensive opponent analysis to intensive self-development. This approach potentially enhanced our CT sides but simultaneously impacted our T side coordination. We’re actively determining optimal preparation methodologies, though I remain confident about our eventual resurgence.

You mentioned experimenting with new preparation methodologies on social platforms. Could you elaborate on these techniques?

The approach isn’t revolutionary. Previously, we allocated substantial time analyzing opponents’ tendencies and anticipated strategies. We recognized we were becoming overly focused on countering other teams while neglecting our own gameplay identity.

Consequently for this tournament, considering the exhaustive demands of Major preparation and competition, we determined this was the ideal opportunity to reduce external analysis and dedicate additional resources to internal development.

G2 possesses exceptional individual talent, arguably the most concentrated firepower among top teams. Does this create distinctive leadership challenges?

Absolutely not—it creates extraordinary opportunities! (laughs) I consider myself fortunate to lead such a skilled roster.

Your squad has already secured qualification for Pro League 18 and IEM Cologne. Do you perceive these events as redemption opportunities?

Cologne unquestionably holds significant importance. Cologne and Katowice represent equivalent prestige levels within competitive Counter-Strike, and I’m exceptionally motivated to compete there.

Achieving victories at both Katowice and Cologne within the same competitive year would represent an extraordinary accomplishment, correct?

That achievement would be phenomenal, though I refrain from premature celebration before securing the championship trophy.

With the Paris Major concluded, does the absence of future Majors impact your competitive drive?

The disappointment intensifies from missing playoff qualification and the opportunity to perform before Paris audiences, which I consider among the most enthusiastic crowds witnessed recently. Naturally, we all aspired to claim the Major trophy and exerted maximum effort, though the setback remains particularly disheartening. We’ve exhausted all available options, performed at our maximum capacity, and must now concentrate on upcoming premier tournaments. This wasn’t Counter-Strike’s final significant competition. I’m especially anticipating Cologne.

Assuming additional maps become available, do you believe Counter-Strike 2 possesses sufficient stability for professional competition?

I maintain uncertainty regarding tournament readiness. Numerous technical issues require resolution before widespread adoption. Once the competitive community transitions fully, all underlying concerns will become apparent. The situation remains difficult to assess definitively, though personally I strongly dislike the current HE grenade and smoke interaction mechanics. I hope developers address this before official launch.

I lack comprehensive understanding regarding the “tickless” server infrastructure comparisons. The system doesn’t feel substantially different from traditional CSGO matchmaking experiences.

Not enthusiastic about the “sub-tick” server architecture?

I cannot definitively state my position since I lack sufficient technical expertise in that specific domain. From my perspective, the gameplay experience didn’t differ dramatically from standard CSGO competitive matchmaking.

What specific balance modifications would you prefer seeing implemented within CS2?

I perceive the game currently exists in a reasonably balanced state. Developers must resolve the ongoing dilemma between M4 variants regarding silencer attachment preferences versus standard configurations. The optimal solution involves maximizing balance between available options, which appears currently achieved. The community remains divided currently.

Additionally, enabling players to purchase both M4 options within single matches represents my most desired feature, beyond eliminating the problematic HE-smoke interactions.

HooXi, numerous professional players we’ve interviewed at IEM Dallas express similar perspectives regarding grenade interaction mechanics. How do you anticipate these changes influencing competitive meta strategies?

I strongly oppose modifications to fundamental gameplay mechanics. I completely support innovation efforts and ensuring all weapon options remain viable. However, altering core systems like this… I cannot envision satisfactory resolutions.

Everyone consistently references the identical scenario involving smoke walls on Nuke. Simply deploying an HE grenade eliminates the smoke barrier entirely, creating strategic dilemmas. This represents an obvious illustration, though similar situations occur at crucial map control points where Terrorists attempt smoking or Counter-Terrorists establish defensive smoke screens.

A single well-timed HE grenade provides complete information if executed precisely. I cannot comprehend potential solutions. I sincerely hope developers implement corrective measures.

Do you maintain particular skin preferences?

The selection carries nostalgic significance, specifically the AK-47 | Fire Serpent. I own this skin and consistently desired it, so when financial circumstances permitted acquisition, I immediately obtained it! (laughs) This preference doesn’t stem from aesthetic considerations but rather enduring cultural significance within the community.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » HooXi talks nightmare brackets, pre-match rituals, and CS2 at IEM Dallas G2 captain HooXi reveals team strategy shifts, CS2 concerns, and future tournament ambitions