TACO: "I don't remember the last time I felt like this"

Despite falling early to 9z at the beginning of the RMR, 00 Nation then went on a near-flawless run, only losing a map to Complexity in their bo3 qualification match that they ended up winning. Following that stellar performance, Dust2us' Dafydd Gwynn interview Epitacio "TACO" de Melo to talk about what it means to him to make the Brazilian Major, as well as his future plans with 00 Nation.

You've just qualified for the Brazilian Major, can you put into words how you feel right now?

It's a dream come true to be really honest, I worked really hard for this moment. After the pandemic we knew that the Rio was postponed, it is what it is because at the time I don't think we would have qualified for the Major, I was playing with MIBR. And after two or three years here we are, with another project, a very different team with three very young guys that are also accomplishing their dreams. I am very proud of them, and I am very happy to be a part of it. So the feeling now is that I'm just grateful for everything that has happened the last month and I just want to keep going.

When would you say is the last time you felt like this?

I don't remember the last time I felt like this, it's so unique. It's a new feeling, it's a different story, and it's a different moment as well. I think what I'm feeling now is just something that I cannot explain, it's something that I never felt in my entire life. But it's a good feeling, it's a great feeling! (laughs)

Do you have anything to say to the fans who have supported you?

I just want to thank everyone who believed in me anyway, if it was through social media or people that I met, or other players, or staff, or people from other organizations. I just want to thank them because they are also a part of it, not everyone thought that I would have this comeback in my career. I always wanted to play CS and I always wanted to do my best playing CS and be the best that I can, I just want to thank everyone that believed in me.

You mentioned the younger players, are these guys the future of South American Counter-Strike?

Yes, try, dumau, and latto, they are all very skilled and very good guys to work with as well. They have a good mindset, they learn fast, and they are very hard workers. After many years of playing CS, all I want to do is share my experience and my knowledge about the game. I want to help them accomplish their goals in their careers. They are just getting started, I believe deep in my heart they are the future of South American CS and I am doing my best to help them.

You've been part of legacy teams in the past like SK and MIBR for example. Is 00 NATION ready to be the next face of Brazilian Counter-Strike?

I wouldn't say we're ready right now, but I would say we are on the right path. We have the right mindset and we have what it takes to be a great team. coldzera and I could accomplish what we did in our old lineups. We can accomplish great things together, but there's still a long way to go. There are a lot of things to practice and work on and change in the team. For myself, learning how to be an in-game leader, and to be a leader outside of the game too. I think it's a work in progress and we are on the right path.

You mentioned becoming a leader, how much of the leaders that you've played under in the past influenced how you lead?

I think FalleN played a big part in influencing me as a leader. I learned a lot from him, he actually taught me how to play CS. All the basics, all I know about strategies, all I know about CS, of course, I worked hard for it but FalleN taught me a lot. Even in the beginning when I joined GODSENT almost two years ago, I would message him and ask him how to guide the guys, how to build the team, and he would help me a lot. I'm very grateful to FalleN. Another person who helped me a lot was dead. We had a lot of talks, and we keep talking. He teaches me every day how to be a good leader for this team. Like I said, it's a work in progress. I believe in the future I can be as good as FalleN in the past, as good as all the in-game leaders in CS:GO.

To bring it back to today, you just beat Complexity in a really close, tough game. How did you feel about that?

I think Complexity is a very difficult team to play against. They change a lot of their setups and the way they played. They came very prepared. It was clear to me they came with a very good game plan coming into this bo3. They played really well too. It was a bit difficult for us to play against them since they are very aggressive. They're always fighting for space and they're good at throwing utility as well. They rotate really quickly too. It was definitely a very difficult game to play. I also think they had many chances to win the bo3. It was a very close game and I'm happy that in the end, we could win the game. I wouldn't say it was easy at all.

You're going to Brazil. ESL has announced that there's going to be a crowd throughout the group stage now, how happy are you about that?

I always love to play in front of a crowd. It's one of my favorite things about being a CS:GO pro player. The Brazilian crowd is something else as well. They bring a lot of hype and I'm going to be playing in my home country. It's not every day you get the chance to play in front of your home crowd. I'm very proud of that and I'm super excited to see everyone there in the group stage, the challenger stage, and the legends stage, everyone who's going to be supporting us and watching us.

You've played with a few of the Liquid guys, are you excited to maybe play against some of them on LAN with a Brazilian crowd behind you?

Yeah! I had a great time in Liquid. I would say after that time in Liquid, I changed a lot as a person. I think that we were a great team, we were the second-best team in the world. When I joined them, we weren't even in the top ten. When I left, we were the second-best team on the planet. I had a great time in Liquid, I really like the guys there. nitr0, EliGE, and NAF, they're great friends of mine. We always talk when we meet at tournaments. I think they're super good as a team and as players as well. I will be very if I get the chance to play them on LAN in front of our home crowd. It definitely would be a fun match.

What's next for you right now? What are you going to do when you get home, how are you going to celebrate, what's next for TACO?

I don't drink anymore, it's been two years since I drank alcohol or anything like that, but I'm going to celebrate my own way. I'm very chill nowadays. I am going to talk to my family, I'm going to talk to my girlfriend, and I'm going to talk to my friends. I am going to celebrate with people that matter to me and my life, to people who helped me get here as well. That's how I'm going to celebrate. Also, with my teammates, with the staff from 00 NATION, and with everyone from the organization. I'm very happy.

After the game, you called your mom immediately. How important is family to you?

My mom is my biggest supporter. She watches every game even though she doesn't understand everything about CS. Every time that we play, even online or at a small tournament, it doesn't matter the time, it doesn't matter the date, she's going to be watching me and sending me messages. My mom is great and I'm very grateful that I have this kind of support in my life because it was really important for me throughout my career and still is very important to me.

Is there anything you want to say otherwise?

I want to say thank you for your time and everyone that is reading or watching. Keep supporting 00 NATION. We're doing our best to accomplish our goals. We are working really hard and I want to thank you guys.