FURIA artzin: “I hope everyone keep understimate us”

Arthur “artzin” Araujo made his MIBR debut in 2024, but it wasn’t until 2025 that he began gaining recognition for his talent. In 2026, he returned to his former role as in-game leader (IGL) after moving to FURIA. In an unprecedented run, FURIA brought unmatched energy to the stage, taking down some of the biggest names in the scene to reach the Upper Bracket Grand Final.

Facing Sentinels and G2 Esports, two of the biggest names in VCT Americas, was no easy task. But FURIA proved everyone wrong. They are no longer the underdogs of past seasons, but a true force of nature. "We knew the game against G2 was not going to be easy," FURIA artzin said, "but we already had an idea of how they played. We just need to replicate what we do in practice."

Although G2 dominated the second map, artzin knew the team wasn’t lacking in aim or strategy. In his view, the issue was overthinking. The reads were there, but the squad had lost focus on their own gameplay.

As FURIA's IGL, artzin is very proud of the team for all they have been conquering in the past weeks. "This thing of me becoming the team's captain really fits now. They really follow a plan I want to play, and I'm very happy about our preparation," the player added.

FURIA has never gone this far in a Kickoff event, opening the door to new opportunities for both the players and the coaching staff. The team has not appeared at an international event since 2023, when they were eliminated by the eventual LOCK//IN São Paulo champions, Fnatic.

FURIA’s artzin has taken on multiple roles, shifting from Sentinel to Controller and even Initiator. He highlighted this versatility as one of his greatest strengths: “What makes the most sense for me on any given map is to fill whatever role the team needs. This flexibility helps us a lot. We can create many different possibilities.”

A few months after moving to FURIA, artzin will now face his former team for a spot in the VALORANT Masters Santiago tournament. Not only will this game be an incredible demonstration of the game, but we will also be seeing, at least, one Brazilian organization at the event.

I hope everyone keeps underestimating us,” the IGL said. “To those who don’t respect us, that’s fine. We’ll keep playing our game regardless of what anyone thinks. That’s the motivation of an underdog.

However, artzin still holds great respect for MIBR. According to him, 2025 was one of the best years of his career, as it gave him the opportunity to gain valuable experience and qualify for international events. “Playing against world-class teams, the best from every region, was crucial in helping me grow, especially as a captain,” artzin said.

He admitted he was dealing with off-game issues at the time, but decided it was time for a change. Known for sometimes letting frustration get the better of him, artzin believes this past off-season was crucial in helping him manage those emotions, focus on his well-being, and seek the support he needed.

At the VCT Americas Kickoff, FURIA artzin sees a far more competitive field, with many strong teams in contention. “There isn’t a single dominant team like last year, when G2 won all three tournaments. The level of talent in the Americas is much higher now, and I’m very grateful to be here, helping this team compete at this level,” he said.

As part of an English-speaking team, both FURIA artzin and coach shaW have brought a little bit of the Brazilian culture to the team. "We teach them a lot of nonsense, and we joke a lot in the team. They might not know what the words mean, but they keep saying them," he laughed. "I always try to bring a bit of my culture, of the Brazilian vibe."

If FURIA loses against MIBR, they still have two more chances to qualify for the first international event of the year. In the mid bracket, the losing team will have to face G2 Esports. In the lower bracket, they can also play against teams like Cloud9, 100 Thieves, and NRG.