headtr1ck backs alex666’s move to IGL as B8 surge in Bucharest

B8’s AWPer Daniil “headtr1ck” Valitov says the team is settling well after handing in-game leadership to Alexey “alex666” Yarmoshchuk — a switch he credits to alex666’s people skills and communication. “He’s kind and able to find the right way to speak to each person… it’s easier to work with him as an IGL, and I think that npl can show very good results individually as a non-IGL,” headtr1ck told HLTV during PGL Masters Bucharest. 

The IGL change, first noted earlier this month, meant B8 juggled roles while also playing the CS Asia Championship with a stand-in and calling in English — circumstances headtr1ck called “hectic.” With the full lineup reunited and calls back in their native language, B8 have looked sharper in Bucharest, defeating Astralis and 3DMAX in straight maps to reach the 2-0 pool and stand one win from playoffs. 

Recent form and how the switch happened

Headtr1ck said the team reverted to a busier match schedule after trying to game the VRS ranking — and that sheer repetition has helped. “We used to play many officials, and we are playing better when we have a lot of game experience,” he explained. He added that ESL Pro League and CAC results were impacted by the mid-event leadership swap and English comms, but that B8 are “trying to find and feel the comfortable way” with alex666 now steering the team. 

The leadership change itself was publicly flagged in HLTV’s “Short news” round-up, which cited npl’s post noting that alex666 had taken over the IGL role. 

What Bucharest tells us

B8’s 2-0 over 3DMAX featured grit on Ancient (13-11 from 1-5 down) and a confident Inferno, with clutch moments from kensizor and esenthial and a strong Inferno from npl. That result followed a 2-0 of Astralis and put B8 into the 2-0 qualifying pool at PGL Masters. 

Related quotes & background

On npl’s leadership earlier this year: “I feel that he became a better leader, and he’s also playing better individually,” headtr1ck said around the Austin Major, before the later switch to alex666. The new setup keeps npl focused on rifling — something headtr1ck believes will boost his output. On B8’s LAN woes last month: “I’m sad that this happens over and over again,” headtr1ck admitted after close LAN losses, noting the team were chasing VRS points and consistency. The current Bucharest run suggests a course-correction. 

Roster notes: B8’s current five (headtr1ck, alex666, npl, kensizor, esenthial) sit inside HLTV’s top 25 and have built familiarity over the season; npl’s transfer to B8 was made permanent in August. 

The bigger picture

B8’s momentum in Bucharest — plus the all-round buy-in to alex666’s calling — hints the leadership bet is paying off. Headtr1ck says the goal now is simple: treat the 2-0 match “as a usual game,” prepare normally, and convert one of three shots at the playoffs.