Cypher: “This game is literally written into my DNA”
Right after his 4:0 grand final win over AGENT, Cypher gave a short interview on the Russian-language stream.
Shambler (Interviewer): Congratulations on the win — that was an amazing performance. First of all, did you enjoy the 250 FPS League?
Cypher: Thanks! Yeah, I really liked the league. I’ve said many times on my own stream that I’m always happy to have the chance to participate in tournaments like this — big thanks to EGB for making it happen. It’s great to hear there’s another season planned. Was there anything I didn’t like? Maybe just that it would make sense to have some standardized rules, like letting all the players vote on the map pool and things like that.
Shambler: Out of the entire 250 FPS League, including the finals, who do you think was your toughest opponent?
Cypher: What do you think?
Shambler: Let me guess… maybe pavel?
Cypher: Yeah, pavel was solid and ash was playing well too — but of course, the hardest matches were against AGENT.
Shambler: Yeah, you and AGENT really put on a show in the final. Was there any particular match that stood out to you?
Cypher: The match against Fog really stood out (note: this was the only match Cypher lost in the league). I kind of underperformed there, or maybe Fog just choked me out with his “Star Wars” games.
Shambler: How does it feel now that the season is over and you can finally take a bit of a break?
Cypher: Feels like mission accomplished. I’m glad I won and proved once again that I can still take tournaments — even after a long break. After all, this game is pretty much written into my DNA. I'm definitely happy, not sure what else to add.
ZERG (Interviewer): I’ve got a question. On your streams, you’ve been revisiting your old matches and adding more non-gameplay content — more discussion-based, conversational themes. You’ve mentioned wanting to grow your YouTube channel. Do you have any further ideas for creating YouTube content that’s not strictly about first-person gameplay?
Cypher: First of all, I’d really like to finish what I started with the retrospectives of my old matches. I want to create a kind of personal archive — something I can come back to in 10 years and listen to my own thoughts, because you forget a lot over time. Honestly, even now I find myself forgetting many details. After I review the games, I often realize there was so much more I could have said or explained. It’s a bit sad, but that’s just how it is with age — memories fade. That’s really the main reason I started doing those videos. For now, the plan is to finish what I started. I don’t have any new ideas just yet.
ZERG: I really liked that idea. One night I tuned into your stream and as a fellow Quake player, it was awesome to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from past tournaments. Great job starting that series — it’s really valuable.
Cypher: Thanks a lot!
ZERG: Back to the league — you played against opponents with very different playstyles. Who do you think is gaining momentum and might stand out next season? Anyone you’d highlight?
Cypher: That’s a tough one. First, I’d mention all the players in the top 4 — but they were already strong ten years ago. Among the newer players, Fog and H3LLDOWN stood out. Especially Fog — he’s got a lot of potential. It’s a pity Cyber didn’t participate, it would’ve been great to see him play.
ZERG: You faced ash and pavel. Is there anything in their gameplay you think they’re missing — something that’s preventing them from beating players like AGENT or yourself? What would they need to challenge you both more seriously?
Cypher: I think the biggest thing is the mental aspect and also the speed of decision-making. You need to make moves on the map that will put you in a stronger position 20–30 seconds later. That’s what I’d call the positional part of the game. Overall, ash and pavel play a pretty standard game — they have clear, recognizable styles and if you understand their patterns, it’s hard for them to surprise you.
ZERG: So, in your case — you need to be surprised?
Cypher: Yeah, especially by quick decision-making. AGENT is really good at that, which makes him tough to play against. ash and pavel tend to give you breathing room — they let you restack and all that. But Quake is a game of stack, weapons and timings — and in those areas, you can catch them off guard. With AGENT, it’s much harder.
If you give AGENT full control, you risk losing very quickly. So if you have a chance to keep up with him in terms of pace and pressure — you should take it. Even so, AGENT can be “read” sometimes. He runs items very efficiently, which makes him a bit more predictable than someone like pavel. With pavel, you can sometimes give up an item but still get caught off guard elsewhere. Everyone’s got their own tricks.
Shambler: Here’s a question from the chat: “Which maps from the current pool would you remove and which would you like to add?”
Cypher: I’d remove Hektik and add Cure. I’d also love to play on Vertical Vengeance. House of Decay is a decent map too. But those are just my personal preferences. I think it’s important for a map pool to include one map without rail and one without shaft — that opens up opportunities for certain players. Some people feel more comfortable playing without railgun, others without LG, so these maps can act like "trump cards" for them.
ZERG: What about dm6 (Campgrounds)?
Cypher: dm6 could be added too, but I think it plays better in Quake Champions because it’s a bit more spacious and open. I always liked dm6 in Quake Live, but if I compare the two versions, I actually prefer the Quake Champions version (Blood Covenant).
I also prefer ztn (Blood Run) in Quake Champions. It feels a bit fresher — there’s more room to maneuver, more dynamic options.
Shambler: Congrats again — that was a championship-level performance. You dropped only one match in groups and went undefeated in the playoffs. Great job.
Cypher: Thanks for organizing the tournament — especially to EGB and everyone involved. Keep it going! I’ll do my best to support these events however I can.
Shambler: We’re definitely looking forward to seeing you next season — the prize pool will be bigger and the matchups should be even more exciting.
ZERG: Please bring Cooller! We want to see that legendary derby again.
Cypher: I doubt Cooller would agree to play as a competitor. Maybe as a caster — but I’m not sure he’d want to play Quake again at this point.
ZERG: I’m sure a lot of people would love to see him back in action.
Cypher: As far as I know, k1llsen is planning to play next season. And we should see some new names enter the scene as well.
Shambler: k1llsen said he’d decide after watching today’s final. I’m already in talks with him about joining the next 250 FPS season.
ZERG: Would you want to play him in the league?
Cypher: Of course. He’s an amazing player, always has been one of the very best in the world. I’d definitely love to face him.
Shambler: I can say for sure that rapha won’t be in Season 3 — he’ll be traveling the entire month of July. And sadly, baSe also doesn’t want to participate in the upcoming season.
Cypher: Maybe they’ll join for Season 4. It’s funny — no matter what Quake title comes out, Quake IV, Quake Champions — it always comes back to Quake III. Even after all these years.
Shambler: Thanks again for the interview. We’ll hear from you again soon!
Cypher: Thanks and see you around!
Shambler (Interviewer): Congratulations on the win — that was an amazing performance. First of all, did you enjoy the 250 FPS League?
Cypher: Thanks! Yeah, I really liked the league. I’ve said many times on my own stream that I’m always happy to have the chance to participate in tournaments like this — big thanks to EGB for making it happen. It’s great to hear there’s another season planned. Was there anything I didn’t like? Maybe just that it would make sense to have some standardized rules, like letting all the players vote on the map pool and things like that.
Shambler: Out of the entire 250 FPS League, including the finals, who do you think was your toughest opponent?
Cypher: What do you think?
Shambler: Let me guess… maybe pavel?
Cypher: Yeah, pavel was solid and ash was playing well too — but of course, the hardest matches were against AGENT.
Shambler: Yeah, you and AGENT really put on a show in the final. Was there any particular match that stood out to you?
Cypher: The match against Fog really stood out (note: this was the only match Cypher lost in the league). I kind of underperformed there, or maybe Fog just choked me out with his “Star Wars” games.
Shambler: How does it feel now that the season is over and you can finally take a bit of a break?
Cypher: Feels like mission accomplished. I’m glad I won and proved once again that I can still take tournaments — even after a long break. After all, this game is pretty much written into my DNA. I'm definitely happy, not sure what else to add.
ZERG (Interviewer): I’ve got a question. On your streams, you’ve been revisiting your old matches and adding more non-gameplay content — more discussion-based, conversational themes. You’ve mentioned wanting to grow your YouTube channel. Do you have any further ideas for creating YouTube content that’s not strictly about first-person gameplay?
Cypher: First of all, I’d really like to finish what I started with the retrospectives of my old matches. I want to create a kind of personal archive — something I can come back to in 10 years and listen to my own thoughts, because you forget a lot over time. Honestly, even now I find myself forgetting many details. After I review the games, I often realize there was so much more I could have said or explained. It’s a bit sad, but that’s just how it is with age — memories fade. That’s really the main reason I started doing those videos. For now, the plan is to finish what I started. I don’t have any new ideas just yet.
ZERG: I really liked that idea. One night I tuned into your stream and as a fellow Quake player, it was awesome to hear some behind-the-scenes stories from past tournaments. Great job starting that series — it’s really valuable.
Cypher: Thanks a lot!
ZERG: Back to the league — you played against opponents with very different playstyles. Who do you think is gaining momentum and might stand out next season? Anyone you’d highlight?
Cypher: That’s a tough one. First, I’d mention all the players in the top 4 — but they were already strong ten years ago. Among the newer players, Fog and H3LLDOWN stood out. Especially Fog — he’s got a lot of potential. It’s a pity Cyber didn’t participate, it would’ve been great to see him play.
ZERG: You faced ash and pavel. Is there anything in their gameplay you think they’re missing — something that’s preventing them from beating players like AGENT or yourself? What would they need to challenge you both more seriously?
Cypher: I think the biggest thing is the mental aspect and also the speed of decision-making. You need to make moves on the map that will put you in a stronger position 20–30 seconds later. That’s what I’d call the positional part of the game. Overall, ash and pavel play a pretty standard game — they have clear, recognizable styles and if you understand their patterns, it’s hard for them to surprise you.
ZERG: So, in your case — you need to be surprised?
Cypher: Yeah, especially by quick decision-making. AGENT is really good at that, which makes him tough to play against. ash and pavel tend to give you breathing room — they let you restack and all that. But Quake is a game of stack, weapons and timings — and in those areas, you can catch them off guard. With AGENT, it’s much harder.
If you give AGENT full control, you risk losing very quickly. So if you have a chance to keep up with him in terms of pace and pressure — you should take it. Even so, AGENT can be “read” sometimes. He runs items very efficiently, which makes him a bit more predictable than someone like pavel. With pavel, you can sometimes give up an item but still get caught off guard elsewhere. Everyone’s got their own tricks.
Shambler: Here’s a question from the chat: “Which maps from the current pool would you remove and which would you like to add?”
Cypher: I’d remove Hektik and add Cure. I’d also love to play on Vertical Vengeance. House of Decay is a decent map too. But those are just my personal preferences. I think it’s important for a map pool to include one map without rail and one without shaft — that opens up opportunities for certain players. Some people feel more comfortable playing without railgun, others without LG, so these maps can act like "trump cards" for them.
ZERG: What about dm6 (Campgrounds)?
Cypher: dm6 could be added too, but I think it plays better in Quake Champions because it’s a bit more spacious and open. I always liked dm6 in Quake Live, but if I compare the two versions, I actually prefer the Quake Champions version (Blood Covenant).
I also prefer ztn (Blood Run) in Quake Champions. It feels a bit fresher — there’s more room to maneuver, more dynamic options.
Shambler: Congrats again — that was a championship-level performance. You dropped only one match in groups and went undefeated in the playoffs. Great job.
Cypher: Thanks for organizing the tournament — especially to EGB and everyone involved. Keep it going! I’ll do my best to support these events however I can.
Shambler: We’re definitely looking forward to seeing you next season — the prize pool will be bigger and the matchups should be even more exciting.
ZERG: Please bring Cooller! We want to see that legendary derby again.
Cypher: I doubt Cooller would agree to play as a competitor. Maybe as a caster — but I’m not sure he’d want to play Quake again at this point.
ZERG: I’m sure a lot of people would love to see him back in action.
Cypher: As far as I know, k1llsen is planning to play next season. And we should see some new names enter the scene as well.
Shambler: k1llsen said he’d decide after watching today’s final. I’m already in talks with him about joining the next 250 FPS season.
ZERG: Would you want to play him in the league?
Cypher: Of course. He’s an amazing player, always has been one of the very best in the world. I’d definitely love to face him.
Shambler: I can say for sure that rapha won’t be in Season 3 — he’ll be traveling the entire month of July. And sadly, baSe also doesn’t want to participate in the upcoming season.
Cypher: Maybe they’ll join for Season 4. It’s funny — no matter what Quake title comes out, Quake IV, Quake Champions — it always comes back to Quake III. Even after all these years.
Shambler: Thanks again for the interview. We’ll hear from you again soon!
Cypher: Thanks and see you around!