paiN’s biguzera: “We have to think the same way all the time, because that’s what Counter‑Strike means”

paiN’s biguzera: “We have to think the same way all the time, because that’s what Counter‑Strike means”

Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt has stressed the importance of consistency and mindset for paiN as they try to return to form following a slow period. The Brazilian team recently secured their first win at FISSURE Playground 2, beating HEROIC, and biguzera spoke openly about what needs to change. 

What’s been going on

After an impressive top‑four finish at the BLAST Austin Major thanks in part to the addition of Franco “dgt” Garcia, paiN’s momentum seems to have dipped. Since the summer break, they’ve played only 10 official matches in two months. biguzera believes this limited competitive activity has hurt their confidence. 

The match versus HEROIC was tense: paiN lost some rounds they felt they “shouldn’t,” interspersed with very good and very bad rounds. According to biguzera: “It was a lot of stress all the time….. We played a lot of good rounds, but at the same time a lot of very bad rounds.” 

Key quotes & themes

• On consistency and shared mindset:

  “I don’t think it’s about time, it’s about mindset. If everyone stays on the same page, with the same mindset, we’ll be good at the server. So I think we just have to adapt a couple things and think the same way all the time, because I think that’s what Counter‑Strike means. I think the same way as all the five players and the coach, of course, I think that's the way.” 

• On lack of official matches affecting performance:

  “We are a team that used to play a lot of tournaments, so when we stay like one month without any tournament, of course it’s not good for our confidence.” 

• On confidence and form:

  “Yes, kind of. But at the same time, I’m pretty sure that they can make these [decisions]. We just have to be confident all the time, like we are at home and practicing. In Brazil right now, we did a great job practicing. We were amazing, and I think we just have to repeat what we were doing.” 

• On expectations at FISSURE Playground 2:

  “To be honest, I’m just thinking about the trophy, the first place. But at the same time, I know that we have a lot of good teams here, so I don’t care about placement. I just care about how well we are playing. If we lose, but we play well, I’m not sad. It’s about not just winning, but about playing well.”