FL4MUS Vows Comeback: “I’ll Practice More to Prove I’m a F\*cking Player” After Virtus.pro Bench

FL4MUS Vows Comeback: “I’ll Practice More to Prove I’m a F\*cking Player” After Virtus.pro Bench

Timur “FL4MUS” Marev, the 21-year-old Russian rifler once hailed as a rising star in the CIS scene, is determined to reclaim his place among Counter-Strike’s elite. Speaking candidly after his debut with the mixed roster **9BOOMPRO** at **Majestic LanDaLan 3** in Moscow, FL4MUS opened up about his recent benching by **Virtus.pro**, his struggles to adapt to new roles, and his unwavering belief in his individual talent. “I plan to practice more to show that I’m a f\*cking player,” he declared—a raw, defiant statement that encapsulates his current mindset.

FL4MUS first gained widespread attention in early 2024 through standout performances with **GamerLegion**, where his aggressive AWPing and consistent rifling earned him a reputation as one of the region’s most promising talents. That momentum led to a high-profile signing with **Virtus.pro** in July 2024, a move seen as a major step in his career. However, his tenure with the historic organization lasted just six months. By early 2025—shortly after Virtus.pro failed to qualify for the **PGL Major Copenhagen**—FL4MUS was moved to the bench, replaced by academy standout **Mikhail “tO0RO” Tregubov**.

According to FL4MUS, the transition within Virtus.pro was far from seamless. While he declined to elaborate on specific internal dynamics, he acknowledged that being assigned unfamiliar in-game positions significantly disrupted his rhythm. “There were many reasons [for my performance dip], but I don’t really want to go into this,” he told HLTV in a post-match interview conducted in Russian and translated by staff. His reluctance to assign blame reflects a mature, forward-looking attitude—but it doesn’t mask his frustration.

Now competing with **9BOOMPRO**, a spontaneous mix of benched CIS players including former Nemiga standout **Alexander “shalfey” Fomin**, FL4MUS sees LanDaLan 3 as more than just another tournament—it’s a proving ground. “I want to show that I’m not in bad form individually,” he said, adding with a laugh, “but I want to fucking note that I’m not in my peak form!” Despite the self-aware caveat, his confidence remains intact. The team’s opening victory over **Nemiga**—a respected regional side—was, in his view, no fluke. “There are no unwinnable teams,” he asserted. “We can win over anyone.”

His comments come at a pivotal moment in the CS2 competitive calendar. With the **PGL Major Copenhagen 2025** looming, the transfer market is heating up, and organizations are actively scouting for undervalued talent. FL4MUS confirmed he has received interest from multiple organizations since his benching but declined to specify which ones or whether he’s seriously considering offers. “There was interest from organizations,” he said, followed by a firm “No comment” when pressed further.

Notably, FL4MUS expressed genuine admiration for his replacement, tO0RO, whose breakout performances helped stabilize Virtus.pro’s lineup in recent months. “He’s got a big future… If VP made the Major, then tO0RO’s input would have been tremendous,” FL4MUS said, praising the young player’s ability to “find his place within the team” and deliver clutch moments. When asked if he ever thought, “That could’ve been me,” he dismissed the notion entirely: “No, I don’t have such thoughts at all. What happened, happened.”

Perhaps most striking is FL4MUS’s attitude toward his long-term contract with Virtus.pro, which reportedly runs until **2029**. While such a deal might seem like an anchor for a benched player, he insists it carries no psychological weight. “I signed the contract myself… It doesn’t put any weight on me,” he explained. Instead of dwelling on contractual obligations, he’s focusing on what he can control: streaming, practicing, and performing. “This game makes my eyes light up,” he said, recalling the electric atmosphere of his LanDaLan match. “I really loved yesterday’s atmosphere during the game. It’s great—I like it.”

His immediate plan is clear: grind, stream, and stay visible. “I would join someone even right now,” he said, emphasizing his readiness to return to a top-tier environment. “A good team, on a good level. I’m confident that I have more to show.” While he avoided setting a timeline—“I don’t really know… Can’t say anything”—his urgency is palpable.

The context of FL4MUS’s situation is critical. The CIS region, once a powerhouse in Counter-Strike, has seen its influence wane in the CS2 era. With only limited VRS points available and fewer international LAN invites, players like FL4MUS face an uphill battle to regain relevance. Events like **LanDaLan**, though not VRS-accredited, offer crucial exposure and competitive reps—especially for benched players seeking to demonstrate they still belong on the big stage.

His story also reflects a broader trend in professional CS2: the volatility of roster spots, even for highly touted prospects. Organizations are increasingly willing to make swift changes in pursuit of Major qualification, leaving little room for prolonged slumps. FL4MUS’s benching wasn’t necessarily a verdict on his talent, but rather a reflection of Virtus.pro’s need for immediate results.

Now, with 9BOOMPRO, he has a low-pressure environment to rebuild his confidence and refine his game. If he can string together strong performances—not just at LanDaLan but in upcoming online cups and qualifiers—he could attract interest from teams in Europe or even Asia, where several orgs are actively rebuilding.

In the end, FL4MUS isn’t asking for sympathy or second chances. He’s demanding an opportunity—to prove, through action, that he remains a “f\*cking player.” And in the unforgiving world of professional Counter-Strike, that’s the only currency that matters.