adeX on the transition from Europe to Asia: "Everyone and everything is chaotic"

Adelin "adeX" Nica's Asian adventure started several months ago now with Alter Ego, with the 25-year-old Romanian sniper taking a leap of faith into a new region.

His arrival heralded a huge change for the Alter Ego project. Combined with the arrival of Martins "shadiy" Gūtmanis, the new European-Asia mix-squad set about making a run for the PGL Singapore Major.

But between several player changes and visa issues preventing the squad from competing, adeX's dream of making the major with Alter Ego in their first season together fell apart.

What he didn't bank on was ending the season in Australia, of all places — but he's making the most of it. Already one of Asia's highest-rated players for the season, he's brought his form to DFRAG Invitational, entering the team's maiden grand final with an astounding 1.25 HLTV rating.

It's been a hell of an adjustment for the Romanian, who spoke to DFRAG about the transition into Asian CS2 over the past few months, and how it differs from CS2 at home.

What a slogfest that lower-bracket final was against NEXVOID. Double overtime with a huge missed chance to take Dust 2, but you and Alter Ego fought back and ultimately took the win after a back-and-forwards Ancient.

"I mean, it's unbelievable to be honest, a crazy game. It went the full three maps; the first map we managed to come back from a five-round deficit, we thought we had it but we ended up losing it — it was harsh.

"But then we went into the second map… again, all three maps were just really close and really intense, so I feel like it’s really nice that we came out on top today. I’m really happy right now."

This is the first LAN for this iteration of Alter Ego, at last, after a few false starts and visa issues, but take me back to the start of the year before the move happened. Did you ever expect to be spending your October in Brisbane, Australia playing in a CS2 tournament? How are you handling the transition from Europe to Asia?

"It’s actually insane. I never, never imagined I would be coming here and also to Asia to play.  It feels like a fever dream, but I'm enjoying every second of it.  

"The squad forming was actually a long process, it wasn’t a one-time change. I came into the team with laxiee, then we brought Bloody and shadiy — I played with shadiy in Gucci Gaming a few years ago, so I have known him for a while now. Bloody also played with PokemoN, so there are a few connections.

"The transition to Asia is something different; from playstyle to everything, it’s nowhere like compared to Europe."
Adelin "adeX" Nica

"The rounds are way, way faster. Here, everything happens in the first 30 seconds. Everyone throws their utility, but they don’t play that slow. Everyone and everything is chaotic."

You entered DFRAG Invitational as one of the region’s highest-rated players for the season. Talk me through how you became accustomed to playing under PokemoN and alongside this international lineup.

"At first it was difficult, because we are all from different regions, so we all have a different playstyle in mind. We have been working on communication a lot and understanding from both sides what I like, what PokemoN likes, what laxiee likes, and so on.

"I feel like we’ve got a really good understanding of each other now, and fitting into one team, even though this was our first LAN."

There have been plenty of disruptions affecting Alter Ego’s season. Everything from visa issues to Hansel “BnTeT” Ferdinand’s wedding and honeymoon has affected the trajectory of the squad. Would you say it’s been a frustrating season for you?

"I fully agree, this season has been a rollercoaster for us. We were like one time happy, then one time sad because we were applying for LANs, happy we were going there, and then suddenly we didn't get the visas and we couldn’t make it in time. It's been really, really harsh.

"It’s not really on me to answer about what’s happening with BnTeT, I’ll leave that to the organisation, but we are just enjoying every moment together that we get to play, I love playing with the boys."

A rematch against FlyQuest coming up now, and a best-of-five at that. How confident are you feeling heading into the series, especially given you’ve already seen a bit of what they can do against you?

"The last time we played [in the upper-bracket final], we felt the game was much closer than it looked. I felt like some rounds killed our momentum, and four of our players have gotten sick, so it’s been harsh on us.

"We are hoping that by tomorrow we will all feel way better. We spent this morning starting some recovery, so I’m expecting a good game tomorrow."

How about for the rest of your time in Australia, and for the rest of the year at that? Have you had the chance to do a little tourism in Brisbane?

"We’re leaving on November 2, but we’re really hoping we can get to the Gold Coast, it’s really close. We haven’t managed to do it yet, because we’re focusing on the tournament and the game, but we will have some time I am sure."

It's been a debut LAN to remember for adeX and Alter Ego, but the job's not done yet. AE takes on FlyQuest in Sunday's best-of-five grand final — a prime opportunity for adeX and co. to begin building their VRS bank for the next season.

For more on Asia CS2 and the DFRAG Invitational, check out DFRAG.gg.