This photo would have seemed like fan art a year ago: YEKINDAR in a FURIA Esports T-shirt. The Latvian star riffler unexpectedly joined the Brazilian five as a frontman. But this move is more than just a transition: a return to the top level, a new role in the team, and a seemingly regained form. In an interview with PGL Astana 2025, Marek shared how he ended up in this lineup, why “everything fell into place” and what he has become for FURIA Esports .
Marek admits that this transfer was not obvious to him. Historically, he is a European player, has no connection to the Brazilian scene, and does not speak Portuguese. But the situation was such that the door opened and he decided to try.
Honestly, I was as surprised as everyone else. There was just an option: do you want to come to FURIA Esports , to work for us? And I thought: this could be the perfect chance - not long-term, but right now.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
At first, he had his doubts: the language, the style of play, how comfortable he would be with FalleN and the others.
I didn't know how much they were into the game, how they were with English in the game... But I was pleasantly surprised. Communication is fine, FalleN , KSCERATO , yuurih are very smart guys.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
FURIA Esports 's lineup is now a real international mosaic. In addition to YEKINDAR , they were joined by molodoy from Kazakhstan . For most people, this is an unexpected addition, but YEKINDAR sees great potential in it.
To be honest, I didn't know who he was, because when he took off, I was probably having the worst year of my career. I didn't follow molodoy at all back then.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
But after the first screens, he realized that molodoy had talent and could play a key role. It is especially interesting that YEKINDAR also acts as a “bridge” between the players, as he speaks fluent Russian:
In the game, it often happens that molodoy says something to me in Russian, and I immediately translate for the Brazilians. And it works. I'm like a translator between cultures.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinski
YEKINDAR singles out FalleN 's game. The legendary Brazilian sniper switched to the role of a rifleman, and it surprised even Marek .
I didn't expect him to do so well as a referee. But in the game, you can immediately see that he is one of the smartest players I have ever seen.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
His experience as an IGL is evident not only in team circles, but also in his actions on the server:
He knows what to do in any position. It's as if he's been training others for years, and now he's become a universal soldier himself. And most importantly, his shooting is also on par.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
A separate part of the interview is about the state of YEKINDAR himself. After a difficult period in Liquid, a drop in form and an unstable role, he admits that this was his low point. But the reboot seems to have worked.
Yes, it was the worst year of my life as a player. The lineup at Liquid, the pressure, the uncertainty - all of this broke my pace. But I changed my resolution to 4:3... and I felt like myself again.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
He smiles. He is calm. You can tell he's really enjoying the game again.
I'm not in meme shape, I'm in real shape. I am back. I want to play again - and I believe I can win again.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
This is only YEKINDAR 's first tournament in the new lineup, and the question of his future is still open. But he doesn't rule anything out - it all depends on the result.
This is a loan. But if everything goes right, why not? There is potential here, there is good chemistry. And, most importantly, here I feel like a player again.
Mareks " YEKINDAR " Gaļinskis
FURIA Esports + YEKINDAR is not just an unusual combination. It's a chance. For a player who is looking for himself. For a team that wants new momentum. And for the fans - to see something real born out of chaos.
