Niku recently opened up about Natus Vincere and their difficult campaign at BLAST SLAM VIII. The midlaner pointed to severe exhaustion and unstable form as the primary factors behind the team’s disappointing results.

The squad faced a massive physical and emotional toll after a grueling lower bracket run at PGL Wallachia. With almost no time to reset, the players jumped straight back into official matches immediately upon returning home.

“The break between practices was very short, about three or four days or maybe even less. After the PGL Wallachia final, we returned to Ukraine and already the next day, or maybe even the same day, we played an official match,” Niku said.

Additionally, Niku highlighted that the unforgiving BO1 format at BLAST SLAM VIII leaves zero margin for error, adding immense pressure to an already fatigued roster. Despite the setbacks, Niku praised coach Cy- for delivering exceptional draft preparation throughout their deep run at PGL Wallachia.