KRIMZ: “Many former tier-one players won’t play CCT — I just love to compete”

fnatic veteran Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson says he’s not afraid to grind the tier-two circuit as he reflects on fnatic’s difficult run at the Budapest Major 2025. Despite missing the playoffs and enduring one of the busiest calendars of his career, the 31-year-old insists he still loves competing — even in tournaments many top players now avoid.

fnatic exit early after miracle qualification

fnatic were eliminated in Stage 2 after losses to B8, Imperial, and Passion UA, ending a run that required a late push through VRS points and a deep finish at Fragadelphia Blocktober to secure the final Major slot. KRIMZ described the year as nonstop travel and constant officials, saying the team was “away seven days, home for one” for much of 2025.

KRIMZ embraces CCT while others refuse

In his HLTV interview, KRIMZ highlighted that many former tier-one names “aren’t going to go play CCT” — but said he enjoys the competition and believes fnatic built a real identity through months of grinding tier-two events. CCT has become the main proving ground for rising teams, despite ongoing controversies around invite restrictions and integrity rulings.

Pros echo struggles of the tier-two scene

Other players have voiced similar concerns. Astralis IGL HooXi said the current Valve Ranking System “caters to tier-one teams,” forcing smaller rosters into constant international travel. Eternal Fire’s MAJ3R warned that “Counter-Strike changes in one or two months,” while FL4MUS and torzsi have pointed to the intense pressure and talent churn in tier-two competition.

fnatic aim for stability in 2026

KRIMZ believes fnatic’s mix of veterans and young talent — including blameF, fEAR, jambo, and jackasmo — can take advantage of post-Major roster chaos. If the lineup stays intact, he says they’ll enter 2026 with “the upper hand” thanks to the experience gained from a year’s worth of CCT and A-tier events.