Boombl4: Make Playoffs First, Target Deeper Runs

BetBoom lost 2-0 to FaZe in the quarter-finals of the XSE Pro League in Guangzhou on July 10, 2026. The opening map ended 13-2. BetBoom had topped its group 3-0 but failed to recover in the knockout stage.

Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov pointed to several factors behind the result: the reintroduction of Cache to the map pool, a five-day break between group play and the quarter-finals, and limited practice time with returning player S1ren. He explained those elements made map preparation difficult and interrupted the team’s momentum.

Boombl4 noted that scrimmage results had looked promising, but practice matches are not the same as official games and the long pause made it hard to assess match readiness. He also mentioned FaZe played more matches en route to the quarters and that finding timely scrims on some maps in the Asian region is challenging.

The captain described roster instability that affected training and competition. Visa problems and the use of multiple stand-ins in recent months meant the squad did not train with a steady lineup. BetBoom spent a month with stand-in FL4MUS before returning to a full roster for this event, which increased physical and mental fatigue.

BetBoom does not plan immediate roster changes. The club’s short-term objective is to consistently reach playoffs to build experience, then aim for higher finishes next season. Boombl4 set targets to secure a top-16 ranking to qualify for premier events, attend more LANs with the main roster, and convert regular playoff appearances into more semifinal results.

Boombl4 commented: “It was very hard to readjust to this map pool for the tournament. We also didn’t have many practice days with S1ren to refresh the core maps. That ended up costing us.” He added: “The team’s task right now is to hold the position we’re in, try to climb higher, and for now start consistently reaching the playoffs, to gain experience so we can eventually win in those playoffs.”