Legacy’s Improved Team Chemistry Fuels Deep IEM Atlanta Playoff Run, Says arT

Brazilian Counter-Strike team Legacy have emerged as one of the biggest surprises of IEM Atlanta 2026 after bouncing back from a disappointing IEM Rio campaign to secure a semi-final berth with victories over M80, Astralis, and NAVI.

Following Legacy’s dominant group-stage performance, in-game leader Andrei “arT” Piovezan credited the team’s improving chemistry and growing confidence for the squad’s recent success.

“The chemistry of the team getting better helps me because I can play more solid CS,” arT told HLTV after Legacy defeated NAVI.

The Brazilian captain explained that better communication and stronger trust between players have allowed him to focus less on chaotic mid-round recovery and more on structured calling. According to arT, that stability has helped both his individual form and the team’s overall consistency ahead of the upcoming Counter-Strike Major.

Legacy rebound after difficult IEM Rio exit

Legacy’s impressive IEM Atlanta playoff run comes just weeks after the team suffered an early elimination at IEM Rio 2026. The Brazilian squad exited the tournament in last place after a 0-2 loss to HOTU, including defeats on Dust2 and Ancient.

At the time, arT openly admitted the roster still had major issues to solve.

“We still have a long road ahead of us to make the team better,” arT said after the Rio elimination.

The veteran leader also pointed to mentality problems during the event, explaining that the team struggled to recover emotionally after losing important rounds. Those concerns appear to have been addressed in Atlanta, where Legacy have looked significantly more composed in high-pressure situations.

dumau highlights balance between arT’s system and player comfort

Legacy star Eduardo “dumau” Wolkmer previously discussed the team’s evolution during IEM Atlanta, emphasizing the importance of balancing arT’s aggressive tactical vision with the players’ natural tendencies.

“arT’s trying to find a balance for what we like and what he sees in the game,” dumau explained in an earlier HLTV interview.

That adjustment has already produced strong results. dumau delivered one of the best individual performances of the tournament during Legacy’s win over Astralis, posting a 1.59 rating on Dust2 after opening the map with a crucial ace.

Meanwhile, Bruno “latto” Rebelatto dominated on Nuke in the same series, finishing the map with a 1.71 rating as Legacy secured a convincing 13-6 victory.

Legacy defeat NAVI to secure IEM Atlanta semi-final

Legacy’s biggest statement came against NAVI, where the Brazilian side secured the win needed to advance directly to the IEM Atlanta semi-finals.

The victory continued Legacy’s upward trajectory and reinforced their status as a dangerous dark horse heading into the playoff stage. arT said qualifying for playoffs was one of the roster’s main objectives before the event began, especially with the Major season approaching.

The Brazilian in-game leader also stressed that confidence will be crucial if Legacy want to challenge for the title.

“If we make the final, we can fight for the trophy if we keep believing in ourselves,” arT said.

GamerLegion await Legacy in IEM Atlanta playoffs

Legacy’s next opponent will be GamerLegion, who advanced to the semi-finals after defeating paiN Gaming in a three-map series.

Ahead of the match, GamerLegion player Sebastian “Tauson” Lindelof praised the Brazilian squad and acknowledged the challenge of facing arT’s aggressive style.

“They’re a very good team,” Tauson said. “They’re loud, they’re in your face.”

With momentum building and confidence rapidly increasing, Legacy now have a chance to complete one of the biggest redemption stories of the 2026 Counter-Strike season.