BIG's run at XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 ended in the quarter-finals after a 2-1 defeat to PARIVISION, but Josef "faveN" Baumann believes the tournament still marked a step forward for the German organization.

Speaking after the elimination, the German rifler reflected on BIG's performance in China, compared it to the team's disappointing IEM Cologne campaign, and outlined realistic goals for the remainder of the 2026 season. Rather than focusing solely on the result, faveN emphasized visible improvement, continued consistency inside the world's top 30, and the opportunity to earn valuable ranking points before the summer player break. 

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Quick Summary

Topic	Details
Player	faveN
Team	BIG
Event	XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026
Result	Lost 1-2 to PARIVISION in the quarter-finals
Main takeaway	BIG showed improvement compared to IEM Cologne
Future goal	Finish the season inside the Top 20–15
Confirmation	Official HLTV interview

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What Happened?

BIG entered the XSE Pro League looking to bounce back after an underwhelming showing at IEM Cologne, where the team suffered an early defeat to B8.

In Guangzhou, the German squad managed to reverse that storyline by defeating B8 during the tournament and securing a place in the playoffs before eventually falling to PARIVISION in the quarter-finals. According to faveN, the difference between the two events was noticeable.

Rather than describing the tournament as a disappointment, the 26-year-old called the playoff appearance "okay," explaining that the team demonstrated measurable progress compared to Cologne while competing at one of the season's highest-prize events. 

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faveN: Improvement Was Visible

Although BIG were eliminated before reaching the semi-finals, faveN believes the team's overall level increased.

He explained that BIG had several correct reads during the deciding series against PARIVISION but repeatedly failed to convert advantageous situations because their opponents consistently won key duels.

According to the German rifler, the tactical decisions were often correct, but individual execution ultimately determined the outcome of the match. He specifically highlighted several CT-side rounds on Ancient where BIG anticipated PARIVISION's attacks but still lost the fights. 

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Why BIG Compare This Event to IEM Cologne

For BIG, Cologne carried far greater emotional weight than a typical tournament.

The German Major represented an opportunity to deliver a memorable playoff appearance for local fans, something the organization had been chasing for years. Instead, the campaign ended earlier than expected, leaving the roster frustrated.

faveN admitted the Cologne result was heartbreaking but believes Guangzhou showed the team has already taken small steps in the right direction.

One example he pointed to was BIG's victory over B8 at XSE Pro League after previously losing to the same opponent in Cologne. 

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Looking Toward the End of 2026

Rather than setting unrealistic expectations, BIG are approaching the remainder of the season incrementally.

According to faveN, the squad has remained consistently inside the global Top 30 since January or February. The next objective is to continue climbing toward the Top 20—or potentially even the Top 15—by the end of the year.

The player also revealed that the roster will take a short player break before returning to practice with refreshed motivation. 

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Why Attending XSE Pro League Was Important

The timing of XSE Pro League forced BIG to delay part of their planned vacation.

Nevertheless, faveN believes accepting the invitation was the correct decision.

Besides competing at a tournament featuring a seven-figure prize pool, BIG also viewed the event as an opportunity to collect valuable VRS points, something that could help strengthen their position heading into the second half of the competitive season. 

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Tactical Impact

While BIG's overall structure appeared more stable than it did in Cologne, faveN's comments suggest the team is still searching for greater consistency in late-round execution.

Key observations from the interview include:

• Better strategic reads against opponents.

• Improved overall tournament performance.

• More confidence after reaching the playoffs.

• Individual duels remained the deciding weakness against PARIVISION.

• Long-term development remains the priority over short-term expectations. 

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Why This Matters

BIG have spent much of 2026 rebuilding stability after difficult seasons that saw inconsistent results at the highest level.

Although a quarter-final exit is not a breakthrough, reaching the playoffs at a major international LAN provides encouraging signs that the team's progress is continuing.

If BIG can translate improved decision-making into stronger individual performances, the roster may become increasingly competitive against higher-ranked opposition during the remainder of the season.

Importantly, the team's objectives remain realistic rather than result-driven, focusing on steady improvement instead of immediate title contention. 

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Timeline

Date	Event
IEM Cologne 2026	BIG lose to B8 and exit earlier than hoped
XSE Pro League Group Stage	BIG defeat B8 and qualify for playoffs
10 July 2026	BIG lose 1-2 to PARIVISION in the quarter-finals
Post-match	faveN discusses progress since Cologne and outlines season goals

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BIG Roster (mentioned)

Player	Status
faveN	Active player
Remaining roster	TBD (not discussed in the interview)

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Key Details

Category	Information
Interviewee	faveN
Team	BIG
Tournament	XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026
Opponent	PARIVISION
Final placement	Quarter-finals
Main message	BIG improved since Cologne
Season objective	Reach Top 20–15
Player break	Planned after the event

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Impact Analysis

In the short term, BIG leave Guangzhou without a trophy but with evidence that the team's trajectory is improving.

The roster demonstrated greater resilience than it showed at Cologne, qualified for the playoffs, and earned additional experience against strong international opposition.

From a broader perspective, the tournament reinforces BIG's strategy of gradual improvement. If the squad continues building consistency after the player break, its stated goal of climbing toward the Top 20 becomes more attainable, though it remains an aspiration rather than a guarantee. 

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What Changes Now?

• BIG enter the scheduled player break.

• The team will reset before preparing for the second half of the season.

• The organization continues targeting incremental ranking improvements rather than immediate championship expectations.

• Attention shifts toward future international events and maintaining upward momentum. 

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What to Watch Next

• BIG's first event after the player break.

• Whether the team can convert playoff appearances into deeper tournament runs.

• Progress toward the Top 20 ranking goal mentioned by faveN.

• Continued development against higher-ranked opponents.

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Related Teams, Players & Events

Teams

• BIG

• PARIVISION

• B8

Player

• faveN

Events

• XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026

• IEM Cologne 2026

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FAQ

Why did faveN say BIG improved since Cologne?

He pointed to the team's stronger overall level in Guangzhou, including a victory over B8 after losing to the same opponent at IEM Cologne, and a playoff appearance at XSE Pro League. 

What was BIG's result at XSE Pro League?

BIG reached the playoffs before losing 2-1 to PARIVISION in the quarter-finals. 

What are BIG's goals for the rest of 2026?

According to faveN, the team hopes to continue improving and finish the season inside the Top 20—or potentially the Top 15—after remaining consistently in the Top 30 for several months. 

Why did BIG attend XSE Pro League despite the timing?

faveN explained that the team delayed part of its player break because the event offered both a major prize pool and an opportunity to gain valuable VRS points.