Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin, the newest AWP player to join the ranks of the prominent esports organization Heroic for their Counter-Strike 2 roster, has recently shed light on his personal playstyle and the professional snipers he looks up to. The Belarusian talent shared his perspective during a video feature produced by the team.
Describing his approach to the demanding AWP role, gr1ks stated that he identifies as an aggressive sniper. His core philosophy revolves around proactively seeking opportunities on the map. This includes activities such as “trying to find holes in the opponents` defenses” and, crucially, “creating space” for his teammates to operate effectively. This aggressive mindset is often key for AWPers looking to impact rounds beyond static holding positions.
When asked about players who inspire him or whose gameplay he studies, gr1ks offered a candid view. While he doesn`t feel he has a single, overarching inspiration figure, he highlighted specific players he enjoys watching. Notably, he expressed a preference for analyzing the demo recordings of Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, suggesting a focus on learning tactical nuances and execution from one of the scene`s current elite young AWPers.
In addition to studying contemporary players, gr1ks also paid tribute to a legend of the game. He specifically mentioned Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, unequivocally stating, “And, of course, I like s1mple – he is the GOAT.” This declaration aligns with the widely held sentiment across the Counter-Strike community that s1mple represents the pinnacle of AWPing skill and overall impact in the game`s history. It seems even rising professionals acknowledge the undisputed king.
Gr1ks officially joined Heroic on June 29th, transitioning from his previous team, Astrum. His much-anticipated debut under the Heroic banner is scheduled to occur at FISSURE Playground #1. This LAN event is set to take place in Serbia from July 15th to July 20th, offering fans the first glimpse of how gr1ks` aggressive style will integrate into Heroic`s strategic framework.
The addition of gr1ks signals an interesting direction for Heroic, and the community will be watching closely to see how this young, aggressive AWP talent makes his mark on his new team and the competitive landscape.