We had the opportunity to speak with one of the key figures in Turkish esports, Cizzx, the IGL of Gank Esports.
In the new episode of our Röportimes series, we conducted an interview with Can “Cizzx” Pars, the 24-year-old in-game leader. He kindly took the time to answer six of our questions with sincerity and honesty.
During our interview, Cizzx talked about how his career has taken shape, discussed his time at Bushido, his transfer to Gank, and even addressed the criticism he receives on social media.
At the beginning of your career, we saw you playing different roles. Later, you transitioned into the IGL role. How did that happen?
Between 2017 and 2018, I was a complete superstar — those were the days when I didn’t have to think too much and just focused on fragging. Good times.
In our country, everyone wants to be a star, but I wanted to stand behind those stars and applaud them. Nobody wants to carry the IGL burden because it’s not just about game sense — it’s about character. Maybe it was a tough decision, but it was the right one. I could’ve been playing as an anchor rifler right now, but I have no regrets.
I believe I’ve had an influence on many young players, just as they’ve had an influence on me.
After Bushido Wildcats, we got to watch you under the Gank Esports banner. How did your departure from BW happen?
Like every other player, with the management’s approval, my manager and I decided to evaluate incoming offers.
It wasn’t a difficult process; I didn’t have any problems with either the management or my teammates. We parted ways on good terms, and I love them all.
Bushido will always have a special place in my heart — the trophy we lifted on stage, the support we received… all of it means a lot to me.
Gank Esports not only signed you but also brought in the core of TESFED CS2 League Season 1 champions, Beşiktaş Esports. You’ve faced these teammates many times before. What’s the atmosphere like in the team now?
The atmosphere in the team is great. Of course, like any newly formed roster, we’re facing some challenges, but we’re aware that it’s part of the process.
They’re all valuable and talented young players. I’m sure that in the future, you’ll see some of these names competing at much higher levels.
We have a strong AWP player, two young stars, and a reliable role player — and behind us, a two-person coaching staff working tirelessly.
You’re quite active on social media and engage frequently with fans. You also receive a fair amount of criticism. What do you think about that?
Yes, people criticize me — but once they get to know me, they usually end up liking me. I’m always open to criticism, whether it comes from someone younger or older than me. But there’s a line, and once that line is crossed, it becomes unacceptable.
My priorities are always my country first, then my team, and lastly myself. I just hope people someday truly understand how difficult the IGL role is. While star players or riflers can easily switch between roles, the weight an IGL carries is something completely different.
I’m just someone trying to be a role model for young players — a person whose only concern is his family and whose goal is to reach the highest level. Not everyone has to like me, but I’d like people to respect what I do.
You’ve been criticized for changing teams often. After joining Gank, you tweeted about this issue. Does Cizzx really have a hand in most Turkish teams? Is that by choice?
I’m a professional player, and like any other player, it’s perfectly normal to evaluate offers that come my way. I have a strong sense of loyalty — leaving Bushido was really hard for me.
Then there was the Pcific period… things were a bit different there. I even started playing for free, but together we achieved something special. It’s a long story.
Of course, I didn’t want to switch teams this often, but that’s how things went. Thankfully, most team owners, managers, and players I’ve worked with like me — because all I’ve ever wanted is to win.
Do you think Cizzx gets the recognition he deserves? Or has the lack of recognition held you back from performing at the top level?
I don’t know if Cizzx gets the recognition he deserves, but what I do know is that Cizzx has never held jealousy or hatred in his heart. Even people who don’t like him have benefited from him somehow — and I’m sure they’ll feel that as they read these lines.
If by “top level” you mean tier one, then if fate allows, he’ll show himself there as well — and he’ll give everything he has to make it happen.
Sometimes you climb the ladder of success slowly and with struggle; other times, you rise all at once. For me, reaching this point under tough conditions is already an achievement. As your brother, friend, or player, I’m trying to climb that ladder step by step — and I’ll keep going.
