saffee on the Rio Major: "It's gonna be crazy man"

Despite falling to Evil Geniuses in a close game earlier in the tournament, FURIA did not falter in their path to the Major. With a nicely handled 2-0 over paiN in their 2-1 matchup, FURIA have solidified their Challengers Stage position.

Following their victory, Dust2us's Liam "Slevo" Slevin interview their star AWPer, Rafael "saffee" Costa on the RMR, the Major, and what it means to him.

Now that you've qualified to the Major in Brazil, what does that mean for you?

It means a lot. I think every player wants to play in a Major and being able to play a Major in your home country is something really special. I'm really looking forwards to it.

You had to play paiN in your 2-1 game to qualify, considering there's a lot of your former teammates in that team, what does it mean to compete against them for a spot in Rio where it means so much for all of you?

First of all, I have a lot of respect for them. They're still my friends. It's nice to see them here fighting for it, but during the game it's just a game. I'm playing to win, they're playing to win. At the same time though, I feel happy to play against them. I have tons of respect for them and I'm also cheering for them to make it to Rio because I know it would mean a lot for them as well.

The one game you did lose here was that map against EG who went on to qualify against 9z. What surprised you about their performance, because a lot of people had you as the favorites?

I think the last few games in Pro League, EG did a really good job. They've been playing well lately, and on that Nuke game, we messed up a couple rounds that lost us the game. We lost both games and things like that, which can hurt you a lot in a best-of-one.

Some people might be asking questions about arT's style, as it is very aggressive. Some people might say that it could be predictable for teams. What things have arT and the coaching team done to change your style a bit?

First of all, we need to be true to our style. No matter the team we play against, we always need to be true to our style because that's what got us here. Of course, there are some tweaks we do in preparation for our opponents, but mostly we are going to be playing the way that arT sees Counter-Strike.

For you personally, in terms of your form this event compared to say the last few events, what's in been like for your to hit the same heights as we saw from you in paiN at this event?

I think its about confidence, for me. Just trying to improve day by day, taking it one day at a time. Losing in Pro League hurt of course, but you just have to keep thinking about the next day and improving tomorrow.

FalleN is a player who is very storied in the Brazilian scene as well as an AWPer like yourself. With the comments he made earlier this week hinting that his career might be winding down, tell me about what he means to you as an inspiration.

Not only for me but also far all the Brazilian scene, he is definitely the godfather for Brazil and even all of South America in general. What he did back in his day made us a very strong community. I hope he can qualify for Rio and that he can make a really good farewell.

Another team to qualify just before you guys was 9z. Tell me some of your thoughts on their run here at the RMR.

9z has been a really strong team for a while now. I expect a lot from them but people on the outside see them as underdogs. They've been together for so long, I think zakk is doing a good job with those guys, and nqz as well, he's been playing really well lately. I'm happy for them as well.

Recently ESL made the announcement that all three stages are going to have fans. Tell me your thoughts now that its Brazilian fans for all stages of the Major.

It's gonna be crazy man. I don't think anybody has ever seen a Major like the one that will be in Rio. It's gonna be so many fans, I just can't imagine.

As you guys are pretty much the face of Brazilian Counter-Strike for the past few years, anything you want to say to those fans?

I just want to say thank you for the support, there's a lot of criticism but that comes with the job. Thanks for all the support, all the love. I'll see you in Rio.