[EXCLUSIVE] GIANTX Redgar excited by team's progress: "We are improving and you can see it"

The matches of Valorant Champions Tour EMEA showcased intense battles and unexpected outcomes. Recently, Strafe Esports had the opportunity to talk exclusively with Igor "Redgar" Vlasov, GiantX's IGL.

Following a tough loss against Fnatic, Redgar shared insights into their approach heading into the series. He emphasized their primary focus, opponent strategies adptation, moments where they outplayed Fnatic and areas for improvement in their synergy and decision-making.

[Interviewer] Redgar, can you take me through what was your game plan heading into this series against Fnatic?

"Overall, our game plan was to try to play our game, and if we see that they like to do some certain stuff, try to counter them. Like on Breeze, we understand that they want to go middle because they can't play on edges, and we just read them and outplayed. On Bind, it was more a little bit rough because after we had a good start, we started maybe a little bit overthinking or wasn't on the same page. Because the rounds were really close. It didn't feel like 13-5 or 13-6, I don't remember what was the score."

Transitioning to discuss roster changes, Redgar mentioned the smooth integration of Purp0 into the team after replacing Nukkye. He highlighted Purp0's ability to energize the team, complementing their playstyle and contributing positively both in and out of the game.

[Interviewer] Obviously you guys just replaced Nukkye right before you guys started Split 1. And you're the new IGL for this roster as well, so can you take me through some of the challenges that you've had working with this new roster?

"I don't think that we had any issues in terms to find out the common points in understanding what we want from the team. (...) We didn't start good with our plan and how we want to play, it was our fault with Mr. Pipson [GiantX Head Coach].

Right now we understand more clearly what we want from the game, what we need to work on, and we are working on that. I think in Fnatic's game we showed that we're improving. And I hope till the next games we're going to be more prepared and we're going to continue to grow as a team, not only as a person, but also as a team."

Amidst a diverse meta, Redgar elaborated on GiantX's approach to experimentation with different compositions, emphasizing the importance of having a clear idea behind their strategies. He stressed the significance of adaptation and understanding how to counter the evolving meta.

[Interviewer] I also wanted to speak on the meta currently. (...) You guys pull out the Yoru and Bind as well and are experimenting with new things. How is that going in general, (...) what sort of direction are you guys aiming towards?

"First of all we're trying to find out what best suits us. And when we see that something [on other teams] is working, we're testing it. If it's okay on the long distance, not like one week, but if it's a longer distance, we are okay with that.

(...) For example, GentleMates when they're playing on Ascent with the Phoenix and Yoru, right? You see they have an idea. And BBL, I think it was one of their best maps - they show that you can play whatever you want, but if you have an idea and understanding what you want to do, you need to play with it.

It's key to be in the meta and understand how to counter it."

When asked about their expectations for the rest of the Split, Redgar expressed a focus on continuous improvement as a team rather than solely on match outcomes. He acknowledged the challenges posed by strong opponents like Karmine Core and Fnatic but remained optimistic about their progress.

[Interviewer] Redgar, you guys have obviously had a sort of a rough start in this Split so far. You lost to Karmine Corp and now Fnatic. Obviously, both are very strong teams. What are some of the expectations that you guys have set for yourself for the rest of this split?

"I would say that was our expectation [to lose both matches]. We knew that our first two games will be versus the strongest teams in the EMEA league. And we understand that if we win one, it would be really good for us as a team to have a good start.

But if it's going to be 0-2, it all depends, are we going to take the best from these games, from our mistakes, and improve or not? And right now we see that we are improving, so we are in the right way. And in terms of positioning ourselves, of course, we want to qualify not only for the champions, but also for Shanghai and try to get as much points as we can and show our best.

But first of all, we are improving as a team and I think you can see it."

Reflecting on past performances, Redgar addressed the impact of their rough start in the kickoff and subsequent roster changes on team morale. He emphasized the collective effort to identify and rectify mistakes, highlighting their commitment to improvement as a unit.

[Interviewer] Prior to this Split you guys played in Kickoff and that also wasn't the best showing for you guys. And after that, Nukkye was replaced. Did that affect morale in any way that you guys didn't show your best footing in Kickoff?

"I think at the beginning, losing sucks, right? But we also started to speak more on the distance - what we need to do, how we can improve it, what mistakes did we do during our preparation - not only before the game, but in general.

And I think every one of us took some bad points that were made and we're trying to fix it together as a team. Because it's not about only one person or if we kick the person or if someone is losing - it's not only on him, it's on the team, right? Something goes wrong then and we need to fix it.

And we found out that this is the way that our team and our organization wants to go and we just follow for that. And I don't think that it was a bad decision, but we're going to play better and better every week and I hope that we'll continue to improve it." - Redgar

Looking ahead to future matchups, Redgar expressed excitement about facing his former team, Liquid, highlighting his anticipation for the upcoming challenge. He emphasized a step-by-step approach to their matches, focusing on the present moment rather than looking too far ahead.

[Interviewer] You guys will be playing against Liquid next week. And of course, you've got your old teammates that you'll be facing, your old organization. So what's your expectations heading into that series?

"Yeah, I want to play versus nAts. Because we never played versus each other before. I think maybe we played like two or three years ago versus each other when we were in different teams.

But in the franchise, it's going to be the first time and I'm really excited to show him the best game and to show how much I improved. Because I know how he's playing and how he's thinking and he knows how I'm playing and how I'm thinking.

And I want to show our best game and be satisfied how I played and we played as a team after it's going to end."

In a lighthearted moment, Redgar shared what was his favorite map, praising its unique design and gameplay possibilities.

[Interviewer] Last question Redgar, do you have a favorite map in Valorant currently that you enjoy playing?

"The best map that I liked was Fracture. It's a unique map and you can play different like slow, fast, mid timings. And it's different in terms of rotation, how you should play around the map."

As the interview concluded, Redgar expressed gratitude and bid farewell, showcasing his determination to excel in upcoming games.

Follow the official VCT EMEA for updates on GiantX's journey in this Split and beyond.

Stay tuned to Strafe and our Social Media for more exclusive interviews and insights from the world of Valorant. Follow our YT Channel for all the latest interviews as well.

Feature image credits: Riot

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