Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom, who played professionally in CS: GO from 2012 to the end of 2020 and then switched to VALORANT with the release of VALORANT, answered our questions.
Here is our interview with Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom, the MVP of VCT 2021: EMEA Stage 2 Challengers Finals,
one of the architects of the 3-2 win against Fnatic and the player of Team Liquid!
In the Europe Stage 2 Challengers 2 final, you were the second team of the event, after losing 3-1 to Fnatic. This time you managed to beat your opponent. What has changed since then?
ScreaM: In the first final, it was only a warm up, so it was not the most important game for us. We were really tired as well. It was a very bad game for us, the first game and then the second game there was Grand Final for the Championship so, it was way more important for us. We took very seriously and we did less mistake. Even we lost the first map we got slowed. But in the end, we were more motivated for the second game, I would say.
You participated as the best 2 teams in Europe for the Challengers Finals and you will take a part in the first event that different regions will encounter. What do you think about the event?
ScreaM: I think it’s gonna be the first experience. The first clash of the regions. So it’s gonna be good. Good experience. It’s the first time and I’m happy. I’m happy that we’re gonna go there to experience this. I don’t know, how it’s gonna be. I think Europe is very strong. We are one of the best regions, so I think we have a really good chance to win the whole thing. But we need to be careful. Because we don’t know how they play. We need to prepare for the games and analyze. But I can’t wait to play against NA, against South Korean teams, against Brazil teams as well. It’s gonna be good.
In the destiny map of the final, your opponent had 3 entries. Were you waiting for these selections? Has this affected your in-game plans?
ScreaM: Well, it was best of 5. So they of course have some maps that they don’t play good. I think they play the good Split map. The last time we played against them, they were playing 3 duelists, as well. It just because they don’t play the map. But it’s the same thing for us. When we play Icebox, against them, we never play well. So we tried something. I play Jett, I play Reyna. We try. It’s the second time it’s working. We won Icebox when I played Jett. But then we expected, in the Split picks, 3 duelists. Because last time we played against them, they destroyed us in Split. But this time we played very seriously. Also very clean and so we beat them.
You came across two Turkish teams, BBL Esports and Oxygen Esports, in the Finals. You managed to eliminate both of them. What are your general thoughts about Turkish teams?
ScreaM: It’s unlucky that they didn’t qualify. At least one could’ve been because they are a very big community. It’s the same for CIS as well, they have a very big community and very good players. I think Turkish teams have a lot of potentials. But this time only two teams in EMAE, so it was very difficult to qualify. But I think, the BBL has a lot of potentials. If they work more in a tactical way, I think they will be one of the best teams in the world. I think, they just little bit lack of tactic. That’s the only thing. For the individual, I think they are one of the best team in the world, for sure. It’s the same thing for Oxygen. Same, nice individual but tactical, I feel like they need to work a little bit more on the tactical part. I think it’s their weakness. So they can be very good.
In your fight against BBL Esports, you preferred to play with 2 entries on the HAVEN map, but you did not prefer to play with entries in your next 3 matches. What is the underlying reason for this decision? How could you adapt so quickly?
ScreaM: Because on Haven, we feel like, our Haven is not good. So we need to change a little bit. When we played against BBL on Haven, we got destroyed. In general, our Haven is 50/50. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. But when we think about it. With a new Viper buff, we decided to add Viper. We just decided to do a new comp for the map and then it worked very well. It’s very strong so we’re happy about this change. We adapt very quickly. Two days before we changed everything. It’s because of Viper. When Viper comes in with a Buff, you need to play it.
Is there a team in areas outside of EMEA that you find really dangerous?
ScreaM: I think, NA, the Sentinels are very good. I don’t watch a lot of the other regions, to be honest. Because I was focusing on Europe. But I watch NA, South Korea a little bit. I think Brazil is good as well. But I think NA is the best right now, the Sentinels. I think when we’re gonna play against Sentinels, it’s gonna be a very tough game. But as I said, they play very differently. They have a different META. They have different tactics. The different combinations. So it’s gonna be hard to play against everyone. All the teams will be dangerous.
You took part in many LAN events in CS: GO. You will now be at a VALORANT LAN event for the first time. Does this situation excite you? What would you like to say?
ScreaM: Of course, it’s exciting me. First, because of covid it has been a long time there was no event and it’s the first event for VALORANT as well. So, it’s like a little bit of history. Because VALORANT is gonna be big. It’s the first event ever. So I’m really happy to be a part of this. Yes, for me personally, is gonna be amazing to go. Even if it’s a new community but it’s still gonna be like the feeling when you play on the stage against other teams. So It’s gonna be good. I’m very happy to be here. Of course, if I don’t play VALORANT, I would play CS. But I don’t know I would have a chance to play in another event. You don’t know. But right now, I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to play on the LAN. To share my experience with my teammates, like it’s gonna be good.
After being among the CS: GO competitive for many years, you switched to VALORANT. Can you compare the CS: GO competitive arena with VALORANT?
ScreaM: Of course, the biggest difference is the tactical. VALORANT is more tactical than CS. CS is a lot based on aim. A little bit game sense, like positioning. But VALORANT is a lot about team play. Very much about team play and abilities. So, it’s very different when you play VALORANT than CS. The more I play, the more I feel the differences between the two games. There is a very big difference. It takes time to adapt. Now I play VALORANT for one year, but now I finally play VALORANT. Because before I was playing VALORANT that I was playing like CS. I was not used to the game. I was not used to the tactics. But now I’m getting used to it and it’s very unique. It’s very unique and different. But I think, the two games are the, two best FPS games. It’s gonna be the two best FPS in the world.
Do you think VALORANT will replace the position of CS games ?
ScreaM: I think so. Because Valorant is gonna grow a lot. CS has a big community because it’s been like 20 years. People love this game. It’s very easy to watch. When you watch CS, it’s easy to watch when you are a spectator. But VALORANT is a bit harder. You need to understand, what’s happening. You need to understand the abilities. You need to understand everything. I don’t think CS is gonna die. But I think VALORANT will take over. It’s gonna be bigger in a couple of years. Like maybe in two years. We will see. I think VALORANT is gonna be big. This game is amazing. I hope CS is gonna stay. Like all the time. But I think VALORANT will be more famous.
Finally, what would you like to say for your Turkish followers?
ScreaM: To my Turkish followers, I appreciate them. I know a lot of people from Turkey in my community. They follow me a lot. They support and respect me a lot. To all these people, I wanna say thank you. I’m sorry for this time that no Turkish team qualify. But it’s okay, it’s only beginning. I’m sure that %100 if they practice good, one Turkish team will be on top of the world. Like maybe, Top 3 or Top 5 team in the world, for sure. Because they have too much talent. They have too much potential in their region. We will see in the future. I wanna say thank you to supporters from Turkey. I appreciate all of them. I love Turkish peoples, we are brothers.
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