refrezh: "We came here with low expectations"

After Cloud9 stamped their third win in the round robin after beating Ninjas in Pyjamas 16-14 in the fourth round, we caught up with the team's stand-in, Ismail "⁠refrezh⁠" Ali.

Cloud9 have been the surprise of the tournament, as they're in contention for a spot in the grand final after beating MIBR, FaZe, and Ninjas in Pyjamas, with their only loss being against Natus Vincere at the start of day two.

After their latest win, refrezh spoke to us about the team's surprising form and how he has fit in with the rest of the lineup in such a short period of time.

Tell me about your journey so far - you have surprised here with three wins and are in contention for a spot in the final, did you expect yourselves to get in this position?

No, not at all. We came in here with low expectations, we knew that we have a disadvantage because we have a stand-in, flusha is the IGL, and the other teams are looking strong. We just came here trying to do our best.

How come it has been working out, what do you think has been the key to that?

Our personalities mesh really well, our chemistry in-game is really chill, we are good at keeping composure, we're not stressing out in tough situations. In 3v3s, mid-rounds, we're doing really well and all of the players are good at being patient and good at being aggressive when needed to.

What about individually? You've been doing well yourself, how are you fitting into the system?

I think the other guys are helping me a lot. I have a lot of freedom, so there's not so much pressure on me, but of course there is a limit to the freedom, you should play for the team, not for yourself. I'll sometimes try to go for plays if it makes sense and the guys are really good at telling me what to do and what not to do, it's a good balance.

Your fate lies in the match against Astralis, how do you think you'll be able to fare against them?

I haven't thought much about who we are playing, I'm just trying to get in the zone, be calm, trying to play well with the team. Of course, now we're going to meet the best team in the world, it's going to be on a different level now, but I will try to be as calm as possible and try to focus on the team aspect.

Since we last spoke on the HLTV Confirmed show, has anything changed regarding your future? Have you committed to someone, or at least have some new offers?

I have a few offers, but, right now, my mind is only on this tournament. I will look further into it after the tournament.