Luchov credits Superlight 2 for career-best Overpass in Cologne

9z opened Stage 3 of the Cologne Major with a win over PARIVISION as Luciano ‘luchov’ Herrera posted a career-best 2.83 map rating on Overpass and a 2.00 rating for the series.

Herrera, 25, reverted to his long-used Superlight 2 mouse after trying a Superstrike. He told reporters the Superlight 2 made him feel more confident in shooting and decision-making. ‘It’s my mouse from a long time ago, and it gives me more power,’ he added with a laugh.

The Overpass performance mirrored Herrera’s strong showing against PARIVISION at the previous Major in Astana. 9z began Stage 3 with momentum and must win three matches to advance further in the tournament. The squad says it will approach each match individually and avoid raising expectations based on a single result.

Herrera described his preparation as study and practice: he watches many team demos to learn tactics and spends time in deathmatch servers to sharpen aim. He mentioned NiKo and makazze as players he studies for ideas and approaches on specific maps.

He acknowledged feeling nervous before big events and while at his peripherals, but added those feelings fade once matches start and he focuses on play.

Herrera praised coach BIT for preparing game plans and studying opponents, and credited captain max for listening to players and keeping a calm presence in-game.

9z reached Stage 3 in Astana, the best Major result for a Hispanic-American team, and the win over PARIVISION gives them a 1-0 start in Cologne as they prepare for their next matches.