GX ara: “Before I joined GIANTX, I was really bad with the operator. After pipsoN showed me some stuff, I barely miss the shots.”

After falling to Team Liquid in the VCT EMEA: Stage 2 Grand Finals, GIANTX’s Eduard-George "ara" Hanceriuc reflected on his mistakes and the areas he needs to improve before the VALORANT Champions. In an interview with esports.gg, the 20-year-old discussed his upcoming international debut, potential opponents, and shared a heartfelt message to the team’s fans.

esports.gg: Even if the day ended with a loss, today is a day of firsts: your first VCT EMEA Finals and your first qualification for an international event. How are you feeling? How have you been dealing with all those emotions?

GX ara: To be honest, I felt confident; I didn’t feel any pressure. In this Final, during the games, I think we played a little bit scared, we avoided fights in important rounds, and I think, personally, I ran out of fuel. It has been a long season!

Do you feel tired?

GX ara: I’m a little bit tired, not going to lie. It has been a long lower-bracket run.

What was the strategy for today’s match? How did you prepare yourself?

GX ara: We don’t really have a lot in mind. For example, in the BBL game, we did our scrims and stuff, but today we didn’t do anything different. We played our normal game, but it didn’t work out.

There were moments when GIANTX looked in control, but TL managed to swing things back. What do you think made the difference in those momentum shifts?

GX ara: As I said before, they punished us for our mistakes in the most important rounds, but I think in our previous games we fought a lot, took spaces and control zones. It didn’t feel like we played our normal game.

Which map, in today’s match, showed the best GX ara?

GX ara: I don’t know, I didn’t play well, I played like mid, but I think I played normally in Lotus and probably Bind. In Sunset, I didn’t step up. However, in Lotus and Bind, I think I did my job okay.

Do you feel extra pressured because you’re a rookie?

GX ara: Not really. I feel confident because my teammates always support me, and that’s why I performed better against NAVI, BBL, and other teams. I didn’t feel the pressure, but let’s see for Champions.

Compared to the start of the split, what’s the biggest improvement in your own game that you’re proud of?

GX ara: I think my operator got better. Fun fact: Before I joined GIANTX, I was really bad with operator. I didn’t know I could play this good with the operator. After pipsoN showed me some stuff, showed me the mistakes I made with the operator, I started to kill them and especially on one ping, like it happens here, I barely miss the picks.

In an interview, you mentioned feeling more mature in your approach to the game. Can you share how this mindset influenced your playstyle today?

GX ara: I think I started to focus more on the game; I see it differently. Now, I know how out take space, fighting, and take smokes, for example. I was not the best, but now I can do all of that with my team.

What are the things you need to work out before heading to Champs?

GX ara: To be honest, I have been dealing with consistency problems this season. One game, I am dropping plus 20 kills, I guess it happened against BBL, and then I dropped minus 20. I would like to find the solution.

Is there any team or player that you would like to play against in Champs?

GX ara: I’m excited to play against Korean teams, and also MIBR aspas. I would love to play against him because I used to look up to him.

What would you like to say to the fans who have supported GIANTX throughout this journey?

GX ara: Thank you, guys, for supporting us. Keep supporting us. We are working hard and will see you at Champs!

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