Despite ongoing roster instability throughout 2026, Aleksandr “zorte” Zagodyrenko remains committed to the current BetBoom lineup. We spoke with the Russian AWP’er before the playoffs in Cologne, where he talked about his situation in BetBoom, where his future is not yet settled after the Major and a tournament in China before the player break.
I want to continue the playing with the guys, I really enjoyed it now,” zorte stated during the media day ahead of the playoffs.
This commitment comes amidst a surprising tournament run. BetBoom has secured a playoff spot at the IEM Cologne 2026 Major by advancing from Stage 1 to the quarter-finals. The team navigated severe roster complications, culminating in Pavel “s1ren” Ogloblin missing the Cologne event due to visa issues. Daniil “d1Ledez” Kustov was called up as an emergency replacement.
Adapting without traditional practice
The addition of a stand-in drastically altered the preparation for the team. zorte confirmed that the roster entered the Major with essentially no practice alongside their new fifth player.
It is great for sure because we didn’t expect it before this event,” zorte said. “We didn’t practice at all, but we adapt our strategies that he gets into it and understand everything. We didn’t practice some maps and it was kind of hard because we just play in four maps on this event, but somehow we managed to do that.
Playing as an AWPer in a disrupted system presents specific challenges. zorte approaches the environment with a structured mindset by explaining that late-round scenarios often play out similarly regardless of the overarching preparation. He relies on individual skill and clear communication inside the server to manage chaotic situations.
Shifting pressure and a favorable bracket
Competing with an incomplete roster naturally lowered the initial expectations placed on the team. As BetBoom advanced to the final stage of the Major, the competitive reality shifted.
We don’t feel like it’s just like a less pressure for us because nobody expects this,” zorte stated. “On the last stage, we have a bit of pressure because we understand that they’re capable to lose the playoffs. When we just come to the Major from the first stage, we didn’t expect it, and we just try to show good CS.
BetBoom will face Aurora in the quarter-finals on Thursday. zorte acknowledges a potential path to the grand final and considers Aurora a strong first opponent, pointing out that their players are also experiencing a Major arena setting for the first time.
The frustration of persistent visa issues
The absence of s1ren is a recurring theme for BetBoom, an organization heavily impacted by travel restrictions this year. The situation took an emotional toll on the players right before the Major began.
It is really frustrating because we were at a bootcamp when S1ren realized he didn’t get a visa,” Zorte explained. “I think many European people and organizations do not understand how hard it is to get a visa nowadays. BetBoom have had issues with visas before, and it is really annoying because when you need to reach the next level, you have to have five players at the event to show results.
You can see the full interview with zorte in the video below.
