YEKINDAR: Molodoy’s Overconfidence, “Flaming” Him, and New CT Concepts

YEKINDAR: Molodoy’s Overconfidence, “Flaming” Him, and New CT Concepts

Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis opened up about FURIA’s shaky start in Stage 1 of ESL Pro League Season 22, attributing some of the turbulence to overconfidence following their FISSURE Playground 2 victory.

Although FURIA were widely expected to cruise into the playoffs after their success in Belgrade, their performance in Stage 1 was much more contested than anticipated.

“You win an event and then you’re thinking like, ‘Oh, you’re the gods,’ and then you get settled down really fast,” YEKINDAR said, reflecting on the shift in mindset after winning FPG 2.

He pointed out that Danil “molodoy” Golubenko, who had tasted success at FPG 2, gradually grew overconfident during the early EPL games — something his match results forced him to recalibrate.

“Sometimes his confidence goes a little bit too much, you know? … During these games he kinda understood the balance of confidence and overconfidence,” YEKINDAR explained.

Regarding team dynamics, YEKINDAR admitted he doesn’t see himself as a “guide” or mentor to molodoy, though he does joke, roast, or “flame” him when needed, trusting that molodoy will respond well.

“Usually I just flame (smiles). … Sometimes I'm saying like, ‘Bro, relax,’ or something a little bit more straightforward … but it's more or less the whole team that's kinda guiding him into the right direction.”

He also praised the positive role of sidde, the team’s coach, as a figure who supports molodoy’s growth.

Tactical Adjustments & CT Philosophy

Beyond interpersonal dynamics, YEKINDAR detailed how FURIA adjusted their tactical structure, particularly on CT (Counter-Terrorist) sides, which he believes became a core strength during the tournament.

Instead of rigid, scripted set plays, the team aimed to build duo structures across maps—pairs of players who can communicate plans on their site, with one or two rotators filling flexible roles.

“People on each of their sites see their own opportunities … they have their duo player with whom they can communicate and make a plan with. That was our focus, and I think our CT sides have been great.”

He also acknowledged that the team couldn’t practice properly after FPG 2 because of visa issues and logistical complications, which affected their rhythm going into Stage 1.

FURIA vs Aurora: Securing a Playoff Spot

FURIA clinched their spot in the EPL Season 22 Playoffs by defeating Aurora in a best-of-three series, 2–1 (13–3 on Inferno, 9–13 on Mirage, 16–12 on Overpass).

In that match, YEKINDAR was the standout performer: he posted a 3.0 rating, led in kills (62), and registered 25 AWP kills.

FURIA’s path to the playoffs was less smooth than expected. Earlier in Stage 1, they suffered losses to HOTU and Legacy—matches they assumed they should win.

“We lost to HOTU and we lost to Legacy, and in hindsight, obviously we should beat these kinds of teams,” YEKINDAR admitted.

He also reflected on one Overpass CT half where Aurora gained eight rounds on the Terrorist side — a scenario he believed they should have closed out earlier.

Broader Context & Related Developments

FURIA’s Challenge in Stage 1
Coming off a victory at FPG 2, the high expectations placed considerable pressure on FURIA. They stumbled early and had to adjust mid-event, both in mindset and tactics.

Other Playoff Qualifiers
Alongside FURIA’s qualification over Aurora, Team Vitality and MOUZ also secured playoff berths in EPL S22 after their respective wins.

FURIA’s Roster & Momentum
FURIA’s lineup currently features FalleN, yuuriʰ, KSCERATO, molodoy, and YEKINDAR, with sidde as coach.

YEKINDAR’s own CS performance has been consistently strong — he holds a career map count over 1,600 with a rating around 1.11.

Upcoming Challenges
With playoffs approaching, YEKINDAR emphasized that he doesn’t want to just aim vaguely for a win. Instead, he hopes the team will leave the event without regrets — playing with intent and refining what’s necessary.

“It would be nice for us to come to these playoffs and play in a way where we’re not going to regret how we played … just having the understanding of playing the long game.”

Head-to-Head vs G2
Earlier in Stage 2, FURIA clashed with G2 Esports and lost 0–2 in their matchup.