FURIA secured their place in the Thunderpick World Championship semi-finals after defeating Legacy 2-1, settling the score against their Brazilian competitors following recent setbacks at the Esports World Cup and FISSURE Playground 3.
The team's relentless tournament schedule has become a hot topic lately. Thunderpick represents their seventh competition this season, as they push hard to capture silverware before Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo's retirement at year's end.
The veteran addressed how their packed calendar affects preparation. With back-to-back events leaving no room for traditional practice, the squad trains immediately before matches. Some players were even spotted napping before their Legacy clash, exhausted from pre-match drills. They squeeze in two to four maps on game days, the only viable training window available.
FalleN believes Thunderpick offers their strongest opportunity to claim a trophy before the season concludes. Successfully defending their 2025 championship would inject crucial confidence into the roster for upcoming battles.
Reflecting on their previous winning streak, the Brazilian emphasized how tournament victories transform team morale. Players grow more assured, happier, and fulfilled. Their near-consecutive championship run last year demonstrated this momentum effect perfectly.
Regarding their semi-final matchup against either 9z or Aurora, FalleN showed no preference. He considers Aurora slightly stronger but acknowledged 9z's capability to challenge them if they replicate their opening performance.
Despite reaching the Major finals and multiple playoffs this year, FURIA's elevated standards mean anything short of titles feels incomplete. The squad craves that championship sensation again to validate their grueling efforts and reignite their competitive fire.
