Grim: “There were definitely some growing pains when we got kvem”

biguzera: “We lost a bit of our identity after Austin, but we’re working to rebuild it”

Following paiN’s disappointing run at the Austin Major 2025, in-game leader Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt reflected on the team’s recent struggles, the mental toll of pressure, and their ongoing efforts to regain consistency and confidence.

The Brazilian captain admitted that expectations after qualifying for back-to-back Majors had weighed heavily on the squad. “We came into Austin with high hopes, but once things started going wrong, we lost our focus and energy,” biguzera explained. “We weren’t playing our game anymore — we were chasing results instead of trusting the process.”

Adapting after the Major

paiN’s early exit at the Austin Major sparked internal discussions about direction and preparation. According to biguzera, the team identified overreliance on individual form and communication breakdowns as key weaknesses. “We had moments where we weren’t on the same page,” he said. “In CS2, that’s fatal. Everyone needs to trust the system, and when pressure hits, that’s where cracks show.”

Despite the setback, the team remains committed to its core lineup. “We’re not thinking about drastic changes,” he emphasized. “We believe in each other — it’s about rebuilding our structure, not replacing people.”

The mindset reset

biguzera highlighted the importance of mental preparation as paiN works toward the next season. “After the Major, we took some time off to reset mentally. It’s easy to get lost in the grind, but you have to step back, breathe, and remember why you play. We want to bring that hunger and joy back to our game.”

Looking ahead

paiN’s focus now shifts to consistency across international events. The team aims to perform steadily on LAN and refine its CT setups, one of the main weaknesses exposed in Austin. “We’re rebuilding our identity — solid, structured, and fearless,” said biguzera. “We want to show that Brazilian CS is still strong and that paiN can fight anyone.”

The veteran IGL concluded with optimism: “Pressure is part of being at the top. What matters is how you use it. We’ve learned from Austin, and we’ll come back sharper.”