Team Spirit’s magixx: “We’re Not Washed” Ahead of BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026

Spirit look to bounce back after EPL disappointment as magixx promises more to come

Team Spirit are aiming for a strong comeback at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, with in-game leader Boris “magixx” Vorobiev уверенно stating that the team still has “something to play with” despite their recent playoff exit at ESL Pro League Season 23.

After a disappointing quarter-final loss to Astralis, Spirit are shifting focus to the next big event, where they open their campaign against Team Liquid.

magixx: Spirit “still not washed up”

In a pre-match interview, magixx подчеркнул, что команда еще не раскрыла весь свой потенциал:

“I feel we still have something to play with and we are still not washed up.”

According to the Spirit IGL, the team prepared for multiple events simultaneously and still has strategies and ideas that haven’t been revealed in official matches yet.

He also highlighted that the BLAST format, which provides breaks between matches, allows teams to better prepare and adjust:

“It’s comfortable because you have time to prepare for your next opponent.”

ESL Pro League setback: Astralis dominate Spirit

Spirit’s confidence comes after a tough loss at ESL Pro League Season 23, where Astralis convincingly eliminated them 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

Astralis’ stand-in phzy delivered a standout performance with a 1.76 rating

Spirit failed to replicate their strong 3-0 online group stage run

The series exposed consistency issues on LAN

Magixx later described the result as a “fluke,” pointing to individual overperformance from Astralis players.

On the other side, phzy offered a different perspective:

“It felt easy… I don’t know if it was because we played well or they played bad.”

A new era for Team Spirit

One of the key factors behind Spirit’s inconsistency is their evolving roster and leadership structure.

Key roster changes:

magixx became the new in-game leader

chopper was moved to the bench

zont1x returned to the active lineup

tN1R joined as a new piece

Despite familiar names, players insist this is essentially a new team.

Tn1R explained:

“It looks like the old roster… but in reality, it’s a full new team.”

He also pointed out the team’s biggest challenge:

“Our hardest opponent is ourselves.”

Leadership shift and tactical identity

The transition to magixx as IGL has brought noticeable changes:

More structured mid-round calling

Greater stability in communication

Adjusted player roles, especially for tN1R

Zont1x emphasized that the goal isn’t to rebuild from scratch, but to refine the system:

“You need to make changes to have better results.”

The team continues working closely with coach hally to stabilize their performance.

Bootcamp strategy signals new approach

Another major shift in 2026 is Spirit’s renewed focus on bootcamps.

Magixx confirmed that the team:

Completed a productive pre-EPL bootcamp

Plans to attend more bootcamps throughout the year

Is prioritizing structured preparation for tier-one events

This marks a significant change after reportedly avoiding bootcamps for nearly two years.

BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026: A crucial test

The upcoming BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 (March 18–29) represents a key opportunity for Spirit to prove their progress.

Key details:

16 teams competing

$1.1 million prize pool

Group stage in Copenhagen, playoffs in Rotterdam

Spirit placed in Group B

Their opening match against Team Liquid will be an immediate challenge.

Liquid clash adds extra pressure

Team Liquid arrive at BLAST with a full roster after NAF’s return, making them a dangerous opponent.

This matchup is important for both teams:

Spirit need redemption after EPL

Liquid aim to stabilize their form in 2026

Can Spirit deliver on magixx’s promise?

Heading into BLAST Open Rotterdam, the message from Team Spirit is clear:

The team believes their peak is still ahead

The current roster is still developing

Internal consistency remains the biggest challenge

With magixx confident and the team better prepared, Spirit now have the chance to prove they are still a top contender in CS2.