During the 100th episode of the Half Time with K Bizzy podcast, Michael 'Grim' Wince reflected on one of the most painful moments in his professional career. The NRG rifler discussed the team's stunning collapse against BIG at IEM Cologne, where they surrendered a dominant 12-0 advantage in what became their last match at the Major.
The former Complexity and Passion UA player revealed he maintained confidence in securing the victory until BIG climbed to 11 rounds. At that moment, reality set in: overtime was becoming a genuine possibility, and eventually, it happened. Grim tried his best to keep the team composed and provide reassurance, but he acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining focus when everyone's mental state was deteriorating rapidly.
Reflecting on the match, Grim pointed to NRG's struggles on the attacking side before delivering a stark assessment of the defeat's impact on him personally. The aftermath brought some touching moments, including FalleN from Furia offering him a comforting embrace. Teammate Sonic shared practical advice, revealing his plan to disconnect from all social platforms for a week or two to avoid the massive wave of criticism that followed the game.
The podcast conversation later touched on how returning to North America between tournaments helps Grim manage the mental toll of such devastating losses. He contrasted his current situation with his time on Passion UA, where the team remained in Europe for extended bootcamp periods. With NRG, players enjoy the flexibility to return home between competitions, and Grim emphasized how this additional recovery time significantly benefits mental well-being.
