arT returns as Legacy open Thunderpick campaign with win

Legacy opened its Thunderpick World Championship campaign with a 2-0 win over PARIVISION on Oct. 14, marking Andrei “arT” Piovezan’s return to competition after he missed ESL Pro League Season 24 with meningitis.

The two maps were closely contested. ArT, 30, acknowledged that his aim was still shaky after a long break from Counter-Strike, while Legacy relied on its tactical play and key individual rounds to secure the win.

“I think it was good. We managed to play good CS,” arT said after the match. “I wasn’t that on point, my aim is still a bit shaky, it’s been a long time without playing CS.”

Legacy had built momentum before arT became ill. The team finished third at the Esports World Cup, won FISSURE Playground 3 and had close matches against Vitality and Falcons at BLAST Open Porto.

After returning from China, the team took three days off before planning to resume practice in Brazil. ArT then developed headaches and could no longer play. Legacy was unable to practice in Brazil during his recovery, which extended the team’s break from competition.

“Every team that builds that momentum and manages to use it — that’s really good for confidence and everything,” arT said. “So there’s this feeling of frustration, right? That helplessness of not being able to help or do more.”

He followed some of Legacy’s preparation while recovering but had limited ability to help without a computer. He also watched the team miss chances to close out matches at ESL Pro League, including its meeting with PARIVISION. Legacy had match points in that series and held a lead against 1win, while also beating ShindeN.

ArT was discharged from the hospital and remained in Brazil for two days for tests and further treatment. He arrived at the tournament one day before media day and had only one practice day before the match against PARIVISION.

“I wasn’t 100 percent mentally ready for CS either; I wasn’t tactically ready, and my aim wasn’t there either,” arT said. “This tournament will be a chance to fine-tune the car as we go. It’s possible that we can fix things in the next few matches.”

Legacy’s next match is scheduled for Oct. 15 against FURIA. The team’s stated target is a playoff place, while its immediate focus is the next match.

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