CrePoW on JBa's brother Maxuel: "He is a smart kid... he has potential to grow into something bigger"
Following DETONATE's elimination at FRAG Midwest: St. Louis, Milan "CrePoW" Libbrecht discussed his transition to the AWP role, the dissolution of the Fisher College project, and the potential of his young teammate Maxuel.
After DETONATE lost to SportsBetExpert in the lower bracket of FRAG Midwest: St. Louis, Milan "CrePoW" Libbrecht sat down with Jeffrey "Mnmzzz" Moore from Dust2.us. The interview covered the team's recent performance, the end of the Fisher College collegiate project, and the state of the Belgian Counter-Strike scene.
Reflecting on his first LAN event with DETONATE, CrePoW acknowledged that the team aimed for a better placement than top six. However, he felt the squad performed well given the circumstances, particularly against the top two seeds. He noted that their victory over regain was solid, and while the loss to SportsBetExpert was disappointing, it was close on a map the team had not extensively practiced.
CrePoW explained that his move to DETONATE was driven by his relationship with tatm, a close friend from Fisher College. Transitioning to the AWP role required a fresh start, and he wanted a comfortable environment to build his skills from the ground up. He emphasized that the current team dynamic is positive, with everyone getting along well as friends and colleagues.
The end of the Fisher College super team was not a sudden decision. CrePoW revealed that the group had been playing as a mix for a year without consistent practice. Differences in how much the players wanted to practice eventually led to the disbandment of the competitive roster, although they continue to play collegiate games. He described the split as a natural progression where players chose to pursue individual paths.
Regarding their 0-3 record at Astana, CrePoW stated that the result was expected against top-tier opponents like G2 and PARIVISION. He felt the team could have done more against The Huns, potentially securing at least a map win. Despite the losses, he valued the experience of competing at a tier one event, interacting with fans, and being in the same environment as professional players.
CrePoW is still a student at Fisher with two years remaining. His primary goal is to enjoy the game and take on the challenge of the AWP role. He does not have a rigid plan to become a top three North American AWPer but wants to see where his skills take him. He believes the AWP role suits his movement and shooting style, which previously relied on body shots with a rifle.
When asked about standout talent on the team, CrePoW highlighted Maxuel, the team's anchor. He described Maxuel as a smart and young player with significant potential to grow. CrePoW noted that Maxuel is eager to improve and that he hopes to help him gain experience, similar to how he mentored younger players in Belgium with Genk in the past. He also praised carN and chante for their skill and the positive environment they create.
CrePoW recently learned that Maxuel is the brother of JBa. He initially thought it was a joke but recognized their physical resemblance. He sees flashes of brilliance in Maxuel's gameplay and believes he has the mentality to succeed. He hopes to apply his experience to help Maxuel develop, drawing on his past success in nurturing young talent in the Belgian scene.
On the Belgian scene, CrePoW expressed excitement about the return of legends like ScreaM and Nivera. He also highlighted the progress of Keoz and Chuckyy, who are playing for GenOne and recently qualified for an international LAN in Los Angeles. He noted that while French-speaking players often move to the French scene for more opportunities, it is positive to see a mix of talent in the Benelux region.
CrePoW will be participating in the Los Angeles event with a team including Keoz, Chuckyy, and Stumble. He described the upcoming global esports event in December as a significant occasion for national pride, similar to the Olympics, with no prize pool but high prestige. He is excited about the opportunity to represent Belgium on the international stage.