headtr1ck Sets New Goal After B8’s Major Run: “The Next Level Is to Reach Big-Event Playoffs”

Overview

B8 AWPer Daniil “headtr1ck” Valitov says qualifying for playoffs at a top-tier CS2 event is now his main career goal. In an extended set of HLTV interviews, he reflected on B8’s progress through the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, their playoff appearance in PGL CS2 Major Bucharest, and his development from NAVI Junior to becoming one of the most stable young snipers in tier one.

Why This Story Matters (SEO Summary)

headtr1ck interview HLTV — major quotes from Budapest & Bucharest.

B8 CS2 performance in 2025 — multiple deep runs, repeated 2-3 finishes.

Career development — from NAVI Junior → NIP → B8.

Relevant keywords: CS2 Major, B8 Esports, headtr1ck interview, NAVI Junior, NIP roster changes, CS2 AWPer rankings, StarLadder Budapest Major, PGL Bucharest Major.

B8’s 2025: From Bucharest Playoffs to Budapest Heartbreak

B8’s Budapest Major journey began in Stage 1 and ended only in the decisive 2–2 match of Stage 3, where they were eliminated by Natus Vincere. Despite falling one win short of playoffs again, headtr1ck called 2025 a “great year”:

B8 qualified for both Majors of the season.

They reached playoffs at PGL Major Bucharest.

Their last three elite events all ended with 2–3 records—a sign of proximity to the next tier of success.

“For me, the next level is to qualify for the playoffs of a big event.” — headtr1ck (HLTV)

He also emphasized that reaching top-10 consistency is the team’s main organizational goal for 2026.

Leadership Shift: How alex666 and maddened Transformed B8’s Structure

In late 2025, B8 made a crucial change: alex666 replaced npl as the team’s in-game leader.
According to headtr1ck:

He now feels “more fluent and free” in calling and positioning.

The IGL works in full synergy with coach maddened, aligned on prep and mid-round ideas.

Earlier systems were more individually focused; the new structure is tactically cohesive.

This adjustment contributed to B8’s successful 3–1 run in Budapest Stage 1, including a tight victory over Legacy.

Notably, he also praised former IGL npl earlier in the year, stating that npl had grown significantly as a leader and brought valuable experience from NAVI.

Developing Under Pressure: B8 Finally Winning Close Games

A recurring theme of headtr1ck’s interviews is the struggle to close out high-pressure LAN maps.
At the Budapest Major, B8:

Played three 13–11 games and an overtime map.

Demonstrated improvement in converting clutches they previously lost.

Focused on tight advantage play and strengthening economic control through clean rounds.

Still, versus NAVI in Stage 3, small mistakes and missed utility timings cost them decisive rounds.

From NAVI Academy to Tier One: The Evolution of headtr1ck

headtr1ck’s rise is one of the most watched trajectories in CS2:

📌 NAVI Junior (2020–2023)

Star performer with a 1.28 rating across WePlay Academy League 2022.

Stand-in appearances for NAVI main roster (EPL, BLAST).

Early criticism from coach B1ad3, who said he wasn’t yet ready for elite play — a statement many now see as an early challenge that fueled his growth.

📌 Ninjas in Pyjamas (2023–2024)

Became NIP’s full-time AWPer at age 18.

Stressed desire to gain big-stage experience, learn from losses, and build consistency.

📌 B8 Esports (2024–present)

Core star and franchise AWPer.

Maintains a ~1.10 rating while B8 sit around the top-16 world ranking.

Now fully comfortable leading space and taking initiative in mid-rounds.

headtr1ck’s Goals for 2026: What to Expect

His targets are clear and highly search-relevant for CS2 fans:

🎯 1. Reach playoffs at a major tier-one event

B8 have come within one BO3 multiple times.

🎯 2. Achieve stable top-10 world ranking

No more fluctuation between 12–20.

🎯 3. Win more matches against top-10 / top-20 teams

Consistency is the focus, not upsets.

🎯 4. Maintain the mindset that “the only limit is ourselves”

A phrase he repeated after the Budapest loss.

How This Shapes the CS2 Landscape

headtr1ck represents the new generation of AWPers trained in structured academy systems but hardened in real tier-one competition. His progression mirrors modern CS2 development:

High expectations from NAVI academy

Early skepticism from top coaches

Pressure of replacing a star AWPer at NIP

Now a leadership voice at B8, a rising Ukrainian squad competing at both Majors

Given B8’s strong international showings and his upward statistical trend, headtr1ck is positioning himself as a future top-tier AWPer, no longer just a “prospect.”