Alkaren: “I Want to Show That I’m Not ‘Mid’”

Alkaren: “I Want to Show That I’m Not ‘Mid’”

Overview:
Eighteen‑year‑old AWPer Alimzhan “Alkaren” Bitimbai, formerly of Spirit Academy, has made the leap to HEROIC, where he’ll make his LAN debut facing his old club, Spirit—an appropriately symbolic matchup. 

The Transition:
Initially believing he would remain with the academy, Alkaren shared, “I thought I would continue playing for the academy,” but the veteran organization came calling, and he embraced the opportunity.  He expressed a clear preference for maturity within the roster:

“I like to play with experienced players who have played more than just in an academy. Which is why it’s more comfortable with them, they know more.” 

Communication Challenges:
Adjusting to English in-game calls remains a work in progress for Alkaren:

“In terms of communication, it’s not really that hard, but sometimes there are difficulties.”
He’s confident, however, that familiarity will come:
“It will just take time, and I will get used to English… and I will be able to communicate.” 

Personal Goals & Motivation:
Discussing his mindset ahead of the Esports World Cup 2025 opener, Alkaren was refreshingly candid:

“I think we will just try to show our best game… We'll just try to play.” 
On a broader horizon, he set a bold personal target:
“I want to show that I’m not mid. I want to show my level and prove that I’m able to compete at this level. And try to develop with my team and get better.” 

Context & Team Composition:
HEROIC faces significant upheaval following the departures of Eetu “sAw” Saha and Álvaro “SunPayus” García, along with the benching of Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin. The responsibility now falls partly on Alkaren and the new coach, Tobias “TOBIZ” Theo, to restore stability and cohesion. 

Stat Snapshot:
Here’s a quick glance at Alkaren’s profile at the time of the news:

• Age: 18

• Team: HEROIC (on loan from Spirit Academy)

• Rating 1.0: 1.07

• Kills per Round (KPR): 0.70

• Deaths per Round (DPR): 0.60

Expanded Context from Related Sources

While no other HLTV article directly delves into Alkaren’s move or sentiments, we can offer supplementary context that enhances understanding:

Young Players Stepping Up: Alkaren is part of a growing wave of academy talents being integrated into top-tier lineups — a common trend as organizations seek fresh potential and synergy. No direct quotes, but this mirrors broader narratives seen in other team transitions tracked by HLTV.

Comparative Perspectives:

Former pros often discuss adapting roles or proving themselves under new circumstances. For example, k0nfig once reflected on the emotional drive to show his worth, saying:

“I really wanted to beat them, I wanted to show them what they’re missing.”
While not the same situation, the sentiment resonates with Alkaren’s goal to “show that I’m not mid.”

Others, like tabseN, have spoken about undeterred determination after setbacks — calling obstacles a “motivation” rather than a barrier.

These parallels, though not directly linked, underscore themes of ambition, proving one’s value, and resilience in the face of high expectations.

Final Thoughts

Alkaren’s statement frames not just a personal ambition, but a narrative of youthful promise meeting elite-level pressure. As HEROIC recalibrates following offseason upheavals, his growth as a communicator and performer on LAN will be crucial—not just for himself, but for the team’s competitive stability.