BetBoom’s Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov reflects on team development, LAN performance, and bigger goals after Roman Imperium Cup V victory

BetBoom’s Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov reflects on team development, LAN performance, and bigger goals after Roman Imperium Cup V victory

At the Roman Imperium Cup V in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Russian side BetBoom secured a 2–1 victory over 100 Thieves to reach the tournament’s semifinal stage, but their captain Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov stressed that the squad is still in the process of establishing its identity under a new coaching setup. 

The match itself demonstrated both resilience and inconsistency: after falling behind 12–4 on Nuke, BetBoom battled back to force overtime but ultimately dropped the map. The team then recovered to close out the decider on Ancient, showcasing a strong performance when fully dialed in, particularly from rising star Daniil “d1Ledez” Kustov — who was cited by HLTV as averaging a 1.50 rating in the event. 

Following the win, Boombl4 gave his thoughts on the team’s current state, emphasizing that the group is still adjusting to structural changes since bringing in new head coach Artem “Fierce” Ivanov. The coach only took charge of the roster about a month before the tournament began, meaning the team has had limited time to assimilate his approach. Boombl4 noted:

“A new coach, new structure, and we’re trying to find our game as a team.”
“The main thing he’s trying to do is make it so every player can think and do something without my call.” 

This quote underscores a transition in leadership dynamics within BetBoom: where Boombl4 historically served as the primary in-game leader, Fierce’s philosophy appears focused on empowering individual players to make smart decisions independently — a shift that inevitably requires adaptation and may partly explain occasional inconsistencies seen on LAN. 

Addressing past tensions and team atmosphere

When asked about earlier reported internal “bad vibes” from the PGL Bucharest event — where teammates including Artfr0st described friction and arguments affecting their results — Boombl4 responded that those specific issues are no longer present. Instead, he attributed the team’s major difficulties to nerves and structural adjustments, rather than unresolved disputes:

“I don’t think we have these issues right now… the main problem is a little bit of nerves, and then something goes wrong.” 

His comments indicate a quieter, more professional environment — although still a work in progress — compared to past events where BetBoom struggled to match high expectations against top competition.

Evaluating d1Ledez’s evolution

Boombl4 also spoke about d1Ledez’s role in the current lineup. Though the young player was known for his raw firepower and sharp aim, Boombl4 pointed out that his continued development involves learning deeper tactical understanding, something that may occasionally suppress his fragging output in the short term. This reflects a broader coaching emphasis on calculated play over pure mechanical aggression. 

Upcoming semis and history with Gentle Mates

BetBoom’s next challenge comes against Gentle Mates in the Roman Imperium Cup V semifinals — a matchup with recent history. The Russians lost to the Spaniards in both the IEM Rio 2026 closed qualifier and during the group stage at Bucharest, eliminating them from that event. Boombl4 acknowledged those losses but was measured in his language: while he said he wasn’t planning revenge, those past results are clearly motivating his squad. 

The bigger picture: Major qualification and the road ahead

One of BetBoom’s major objectives this season is earning enough VRS points to secure an invite to an upcoming CS2 Major. With the window closing soon and several LANs on the schedule — including Journey Spring in Stockholm, BCG Masters Championship in Bucharest, and Roman Imperium Cup VII — Boombl4 confirmed that achieving consistent results and qualifying for a Major remains a top priority. He specifically noted that results matter, but so does establishing a coherent team identity: “If we’re talking about results, of course the Major is the main goal. But if we’re talking about the game… trying to be a team. Like, a real team.” 

Context on Boombl4’s career

Kirill Boombl4 Mikhailov, now 27, has been one of CS’s most talked-about leaders since rising to prominence with Natus Vincere and winning PGL Major Stockholm 2021 before being removed from the squad in 2022. After several team changes — including a stint with 1WIN and a brief stand-in role for Cloud9 — he joined BetBoom in early 2025 and has since taken a core leadership role. His career has been marked by both major success and periods of transition, making his current project with BetBoom both challenging and pivotal.