Chopper on FaZe: “They look extremely fired up and motivated”
Team Spirit’s in-game leader Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov shared his thoughts ahead of facing FaZe Clan in the ESL Pro League Season 22 playoffs. Writing on his Telegram channel, Chopper said the quarterfinal will be a tough test: FaZe “qualified [for playoffs] from 0–2… they look extremely fired up and motivated. It’s a kind of mini last dance. Add ropz there and it’s almost Shanghai… FaZe Clan magic and all that. I think the game will be difficult.”
The message came a day before Spirit play FaZe on Friday, October 10 at 16:30 MSK (15:30 CEST). ESL Pro League Season 22 is taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, from September 28 to October 12, featuring 24 teams competing for a $400,000 prize pool. The Spirit–FaZe winner advances to the semifinals to face the winner of Vitality vs FURIA, while the loser exits the event.
Why this matchup has extra spice
Shanghai rematch energy. Spirit beat FaZe 2–1 to win the Perfect World Shanghai Major in December 2024, with donk earning MVP honors and setting several records — part of what Chopper alluded to with “almost Shanghai.”
Form and seeding. Spirit recently climbed back to #3 in HLTV’s world rankings during the EPL S22 week, coming into playoffs as one of the tournament favorites.
FaZe’s roller-coaster week. FaZe started Stage 2 with a forfeit to G2 after fielding an ineligible lineup under EPL/VRS rules. The team then flew in rain, lost to 3DMAX, and rallied with wins over Astralis, Inner Circle, and Aurora to clinch the last playoff spot — a comeback that justified Chopper’s comments about them being “fired up and motivated.”
Related developments & player quotes
Playoff bracket set: Quarterfinals on October 10 feature Spirit–FaZe (16:30 MSK), MOUZ–NAVI (14:00), Falcons–3DMAX (11:30), and Vitality–FURIA (19:00). Semifinals will be held on October 11, followed by the grand final on October 12.
Karrigan on Twistzz and leadership: “This is the first time I’ve had a secondary caller since NiKo… [Twistzz] brings a tornado of fresh air… now I can focus a bit more on playing,” said FaZe’s in-game leader. He also spoke about rain’s situation and the intensity of the 2025 season.
FaZe’s 0–2 to 3–2 run: After a disastrous start, FaZe went from 0–2 to 3–2 “in true FaZe fashion,” securing a playoff spot with a decisive win over Aurora.
FaZe’s crucial victory: Karrigan delivered a memorable ace clutch as FaZe cruised past Inner Circle to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Spirit’s playoff qualification: Team Spirit reached the playoffs after a clean 2–0 sweep against G2, winning Dust2 13–8 and Mirage 13–9 during Stage 2.
