KSCERATO: "This is the best FURIA we've had in a long time"

KSCERATO spoke about the additions of skullz and sidde, and FURIA's run to the quarter-finals at the Esports World Cup.

FURIA's debut following the addition of Felipe "⁠skullz⁠" Medeiros and coach Sid "⁠sidde⁠" Macedo ended with a quarter-final finish at the Esports World Cup on Friday.

The team had lost their first match with the new lineup to NAVI and went on to traverse the last-chance stage, before they got eliminated after a competitive series against MOUZ.

After the elimination loss, Kaike "⁠KSCERATO⁠" Cerato spoke to HLTV about the new team, his decision to extend for another three years with the organization he has represented since 2018, listening to other offers, and the Esports World Cup run.

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You survived the Last Chance stage but ultimately lost to MOUZ in the quarter-finals. How do you feel about your run, considering you recently made changes to the roster?

I feel pretty confident about the next one. We've been practicing for two weeks, and it's a pretty new team, so we had to fix some stuff. We have to find a lot of ways to win and close out maps. We need time. Next time we'll be better.

What are your thoughts on this series?

What I saw on my screen was that, every time, I was dying from someone from behind or something like that. It was crazy but they played really well. We did play well in the first map, I think we just need to close some rounds because we lost some rounds that really ruined our economy. And when your economy is bad, the last rounds of a half are pretty bad. It's hard.

The second map was tough. We missed some smokes, we missed some strategy. They played really well. They are pretty good. Torzsi is really confident. I think FalleN did a good job. I think they just missed some individual stuff. The third map was also tough. We got some frags on banana but lost trades on middle or something like that. Or even on banana as well. That's it.

I want to ask about your contract renewal with FURIA. Three more years in addition to the six that you have already spent on the team. What does it mean to dedicate such a big part of our career and life to this team?

This organization has given me everything. I'm pretty grateful for that. I think now is not the time to leave them. I need to win some tournaments before I leave or something like that. I want to bring a Major to Brazil and I think I have time [for that]. I have more than ten years left. I'm not going to stop playing this game.

There was a lot of talk about where you could possibly go. Did that annoy you or bring any pressure?

Not at all. I listened to some offers, but for now I'm staying with FURIA.

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KSCERATO and yuurih sign three-year contract extensions: "They are FURIA"

yuurih has also signed a new contract with FURIA. Did the two of you discuss this matter?

I think we have had this thing since the beginning. We're like brothers, you know? We used to play 15 hours [straight] of CS, more than that. Sometimes even 20 hours, back in Brazil. And I think we have a good relationship. It's like brothers. We didn't discuss it, but if I were to choose another team, I would have discussed it with him.

Right around the time your contract extension was announced, skullz joined the team and sidde was promoted to head coach. How do you feel about these changes?

skullz is pretty good, and sidde is doing a good job together with FalleN. I feel really good playing this game. I think this is the best FURIA we've had in a long time. I'm pretty confident. I think we need to fix some stuff. As I said, having time is important for us to gain more confidence, gain more experience together, more trades and stuff like that. Next time will be better. We're going to practice now, and I hope we can bring a trophy to Brazil.

How has the introduction of skullz affected your roles? Do you feel more free with him taking anchor positions?

He always plays as an anchor. He's like a technical guy. He always knows when to smoke, when to rotate and stuff like that. And I feel confident. He also knows how to play with utility. And that gives me a lot of confidence to play aggressively, like on connector on Mirage.

What is your opinion about skullz's potential? Do you think he can be a Top 20 player like you?

Yeah, I think he can do it. I think he needs time. He's a new guy, and he's playing the best CS he could play. I think he needs time to understand our game style. I think he has a chance. If I'm in the top 20 this year, I'll probably put him [as a bold prediction].

There was a small but loud crowd, with Neymar among them. What can you say about the support you got on stage?

Neymar is like the best, he's an idol for me. He has been through a lot, so his support is important for us. It's a boost for us. I'm already playing with FalleN, who is also an idol of mine, and to see another idol cheering for me is amazing. The crowd support was very nice. I love it. This country is nice. The people are so kind. They know how to talk to you. They treat you like a king. So it's nice. I love it.