paiN Still Undecided on AWPer for IEM Cologne as biguzera Reflects on Team’s Progress

paiN Still Undecided on AWPer for IEM Cologne as biguzera Reflects on Team’s Progress

Brazilian side paiN Gaming remain uncertain about their AWP situation heading into IEM Cologne 2026, according to in-game leader Rodrigo 'biguzera' Bittencourt, who admitted that “everything is still up in the air” regarding the team’s sniper role for the prestigious event.

The comments came after paiN defeated TYLOO at the CS Asia Championships 2026 lower bracket in Shanghai, keeping alive their hopes of reaching another arena playoff appearance. The Brazilian squad had previously secured a quarter-final finish at IEM Atlanta 2026, continuing a period of steady improvement that has elevated expectations around the roster.

During the interview, biguzera reflected on paiN’s recent campaign in Atlanta and admitted the team left the tournament feeling they had missed a major opportunity.

“It was the perfect event for us to make it to the finals, perhaps even win,” the Brazilian captain explained, acknowledging that paiN walked away from the event with lingering disappointment despite their deep run.

The conversation also focused heavily on paiN’s unstable AWP situation. Veteran Brazilian sniper Rafael 'saffee' Costa has been standing in while regular AWPer Lucas 'nqz' Soares remains sidelined, leaving uncertainty around the lineup for Cologne. biguzera did not confirm whether saffee would continue with the team long-term, instead stressing that discussions are ongoing internally.

The temporary move comes during an important stretch for paiN, who have spent the last year attempting to solidify themselves among the elite teams in Counter-Strike. The organization enjoyed a breakthrough in 2025 after reaching the playoffs of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 for the first time in team history. biguzera described that achievement as a dream realized after years of work with the organization.

paiN’s rise accelerated further following the addition of Franco 'dgt' Garcia in 2025. biguzera later admitted that the organization regretted not making the roster move sooner, praising dgt’s impact both inside and outside the server.

The team also underwent tactical adjustments over the past year, particularly involving young prospect João 'snow' Vinicius. biguzera previously explained that paiN had become “robotic” and predictable, leading the squad to give snow more freedom and responsibility in mid-round situations.

Despite recent progress, paiN’s schedule has continued to create major challenges. biguzera once again highlighted the exhaustion caused by nonstop travel, jet lag, and back-to-back international tournaments. The Brazilian IGL admitted the team has struggled with sleep and maintaining energy levels throughout the packed calendar.

The uncertainty surrounding the AWPer role is especially important because Cologne has historically been one of the most prestigious events outside the Majors. paiN competed at previous editions of the tournament with nqz as their primary sniper, including appearances against teams like Team Liquid and BIG during the 2025 edition.

Even with unresolved roster questions, paiN continue to show signs of becoming one of Brazil’s strongest international contenders. Since extending his contract with the organization in 2025, biguzera has repeatedly emphasized his desire to continue building the project rather than pursue a Brazilian “superteam” elsewhere.

Now, as paiN prepare for Cologne and continue their campaign in Shanghai, attention will remain focused on whether the organization sticks with saffee, waits for nqz’s return, or explores another solution entirely before one of Counter-Strike’s biggest events of the year.