SoNNeikO: "I have a vision of what the team should be like and how it should be led"

AVULUS player Akbar SoNNeikO Butaev gave an open interview to Cybersport ahead of the FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2025. In the conversation, he shared his thoughts on his approach to leadership, the current level of competition in the professional scene, and his expectations for the upcoming tournament.

Akbar admitted that he has his own vision of how a team should be built. Despite his strict approach and introverted nature, he always strives to create a comfortable environment for all team members.

I have a vision of what the team should be like and how it should be led. I like for it to be followed. But I also believe there should always be some freedom in the team so that everyone feels comfortable and can approach me... But yes, perhaps because I’m not very communicative, it doesn’t always work out that way. Still, that’s my vision

SoNNeikO also emphasized the importance of a clear structure in Dota 2. In his view, even the most talented players cannot succeed without it.

Everyone can play very well individually, but if you don’t have a strong structure, the game will, in my opinion, feel scattered and unclear. You always need full focus so that everyone knows we’re moving in this direction. If you don’t control the process and think that everyone will handle it based on experience, that’s a mistake. Dota 2 is a team game, and ensuring you’re all moving in the same direction requires daily attention

Additionally, Akbar spoke about the current state of the professional scene and team form, stating that he doesn’t see significant rivals apart from Team Spirit. According to him, competition between teams was much higher last year. When discussing regional qualifiers, SoNNeikO explained why AVULUS prefers to compete in Western European qualifiers rather than exploit loopholes like some other teams.

We understood our strength and decided there was no need to exploit the system — we already rated our chances quite highly. But what Chimera or other players are doing is fair. For now, it’s allowed by the rules

While Butaev expressed his opinion on competitors, he was modest about AVULUS’s chances at the upcoming championship in Belgrade. According to him, the team currently ranks solidly in the top 6, but their final results will depend on their performance on stage.

I feel we’ll make it into the top 6. It was the case in Bangkok, and it will likely stay the same here. But if we feel good on stage, we should firmly make the top 4, and from there, it will depend on how we develop throughout the tournament. On paper, I feel we’re a stable top-6 team right now. I hope so

Earlier, CyberScore.live reported that bookmakers named the favorites for FISSURE PLAYGROUND DOTA 2.