MOUZ IGL xertioN: role is mainly a mental shift

Dorian “xertioN” Berman described taking over as MOUZ’s in-game leader as largely a mental change after MOUZ defeated 3DMAX in the quarterfinals of BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 2 in Malta to reach the semifinals.

MOUZ began the series slowly, performing below practice level on the first two maps before winning several individual clutches and closing out a stronger final map to win the matchup.

On Dust2, the team struggled with 3DMAX’s B executes after the opponents prepared for the likely pick. “We had three or four rounds where it was almost three B, we knew it was B, and we still lost it,” he acknowledged, calling those losses lapses in decision-making rather than tactical surprise.

The change to IGL involved more responsibility rather than a complete tactical overhaul. “I’m the IGL, I call practically 95% of rounds on both sides, so I have a lot more responsibility,” he said, adding that the larger challenge is staying composed and supporting teammates when results dip. He admitted tilt can be an issue: “Sometimes I tilt maybe a bit too much and need to focus on the game.”

xertioN reported that his individual fragging has improved since taking the role. He credited extra demo study and preparation for better anticipation on the CT side and for keeping his impact high. “I put in more preparation, working on new rounds and things like that, so I try to put us in good positions,” he stated.

MOUZ signed Adrian “xelex” Vincze and Oldřich “PR” Nový, both 18, in the offseason. The organization has lowered short-term expectations to give the young players time to develop, and xertioN praised their work ethic.

With the semifinal draw, MOUZ will avoid Spirit in their half of the bracket and could meet them in the final if both teams progress. He said the team is focusing on improving match to match rather than on specific opponents: “We’re much more focused on playing better… We’re still a very young team, we can’t expect to beat anyone convincingly.”

MOUZ will play a semifinal match at BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 2 in Malta as the squad balances integrating rookies with competing at a major event.