GamerLegion enacted a surprise change after missing out on the Singapore Major, replacing veteran IGL Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski with Aleksandr “shalfey” Marenov.
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GamerLegion sign shalfey
The project will be shalfey’s first international team, but the Russian in-game leader isn’t worried about a language barrier creating any problems.
He is set to make his GamerLegion debut at RLG Tesla Cup, where his team will face Envy in the first round with assistant coach Denis “Grashog” Hristov playing in place of Timur “FL4MUS” Marev.
“Yes, we’re starting to play with Denis [Grashog] now, but based even on the one practice day we had together with him, I’d say it’s not as bad as people might think,” shalfey told HLTV before his debut in Belgrade.
Tell us about what happened to you since 9 Pandas benched the roster.
Well, it was a tough period, honestly, because I didn’t play on a team for sixteen months, and a lot of thoughts came into my head. But one way or another, I kept playing. At times I took breaks, rested, but overall I wouldn’t even say it was a bad experience, it’s just part of my path. That’s it.
In that period, did you get any offers? Were there any options to move to a team before you became a free agent?
Yes, honestly there were a lot of options, but the organizations just couldn’t come to an agreement with each other. I could have ended up in Brazil, in America, or even in China.
I could have ended up in Brazil, in America, or even in China
It must feel nice to realize that you’re valued not just within the region but literally all over the world.
Well, of course it’s nice, but besides being valued, you still need to be finally approved. So I personally stay focused.
What was it like when there seem to be interesting options, maybe some not so interesting, but the move can’t happen for reasons beyond your control? Did that demoralize you a lot?
Honestly, yes. But at a certain point I just let it go, because you shouldn’t fixate too much on things you can’t influence. That’s how I calmed myself down, and I basically still carry that mindset now, so I just do everything possible on my end. And whatever doesn’t depend on me, I just kind of watch from the sidelines.
You got an invitation to play for GamerLegion. What was your reaction when that happened? Who contacted you? How did it all happen?
It happened pretty unexpectedly, honestly. The coach messaged me, asked whether I’d be interested in that option or not in general. And after that we started some minimal negotiations, and in the end we found common ground. And now I’m here, I’m very happy.
You took Snax’s spot on the team. Snax went inactive, and it’s not entirely clear for how long. Can you share something about for how long you were signed, or what is the planning horizon for you on the team?
Well, of course it doesn’t all depend on me, but my personal expectation is long-term work with the guys. We’ve already managed to practice together for a bit. I’d put it this way, we’re on the same wavelength and we understand each other. And in general, there isn’t a feeling that the language barrier gets in the way that much. Even though this is my first European team, overall I’m aiming for a bright future.
There isn’t a feeling that the language barrier gets in the way that much
Did you have any doubts or uncertainty regarding specifically the fact that you need to communicate in English as IGL? Did you think you’d have to work on that separately somehow, or were you confident in yourself?
Honestly, from the very start I was confident that everything would work out. But in general, I’m the type of person who doesn’t really have self-doubt that often. So there were no doubts. I was just excited by the feeling that this moment had come, the comeback moment.
What are the goals until the end of this year? Just play out the season, get some first practice with the team, or are there specific results you’d like to get?
We’re aiming for wins at every tournament we take part in. Basically, that’s it.
And at this tournament, FL4MUS will miss his first match. Why?
Timur has his own matters he needs to take care of, and once he sorts out all his issues, he’ll come to the tournament, and quite likely we’ll see him even in the upcoming matches here. So we’re starting with Grashog, and we’ll see from there.
What are your expectations and goals for the first tournament with this lineup?
After the practice days, I’d even say the expectations are high. And I feel like we can comfortably win this tournament. Yes, we’re starting to play with Denis [Grashog] now, but based even on the one practice day we had together with him, I’d say it’s not as bad as people might think.
