AW: Not Ready to Win Tournaments Yet, but Major Is Goal

Andrey “AW” Anisimov commented on his team’s elimination from FISSURE Playground 3 in China after a playoff defeat to Alliance. The 20-year-old acknowledged the squad underperformed despite earlier wins over FaZe and PARIVISION.

He admitted his individual play was poor and called the exit disappointing. “Damn, I’m upset,” he said, adding that if they were meant to win they would have. He blamed inconsistent form and the team’s inability to maintain momentum built in recent events.

magic reached playoff stages at PGL Astana and the Esports World Cup in recent months, but single-match losses kept the team from longer runs at FISSURE Playground 3. Those prior results had raised expectations within the squad.

Against PARIVISION, the club he left late last year, AW said the match carried extra interest. He described a handshake with PARIVISION’s dastan that felt personal, denied any intent to offend and suggested emotions after matches can be misread.

On tactics, he pointed to map choice and veto strategy as areas needing work. He said the team often picks Ancient because they are confident on it and currently lack reliable alternatives. Expanding their map pool and improving consistency are priorities.

AW set Major qualification as the season objective and noted recent wins narrowed a points gap in the qualification race, placing the team in a stronger position. “I think we’ll make it to the Major,” he added.

Reflecting on his recent career path, he said he did not expect to be back at international LANs so soon after being benched by PARIVISION, but credited belief and hard work for the turnaround. He said the team will continue refining maps and strategies to perform more consistently at future events.