As the competitive CS2 season heats up, few teams have generated as much buzz as Aurora. At the heart of their resurgence stands MAJ3R, the experienced Turkish in-game leader who has been quietly rebuilding one of the most promising rosters in the scene. We sat down with him to discuss everything from team chemistry to his personal goals for the year ahead.
Setting the Bar for 2026
When asked about Aurora's ambitions for the new season, MAJ3R doesn't shy away from bold targets. The IGL believes his squad has what it takes to compete at the highest level, but he's also realistic about the work required to get there.
"We want to be a consistent top-10 team by the end of the year," MAJ3R explains. "That means showing up not just at one event, but proving ourselves across multiple tournaments. Consistency is what separates good teams from great ones."
His leadership philosophy has matured significantly over the years. Having experienced both the highs of major qualification and the lows of roster instability, MAJ3R now emphasizes a methodical approach to improvement. He spends hours reviewing demos, studying opponents, and fine-tuning strategies that play to his teammates' individual strengths.
"I used to think being an IGL was mostly about calling mid-round. Now I realize the biggest impact happens outside the server — in preparation, in building trust, in making everyone feel like they have a role that matters."
Integrating Soulfly Into the System
The addition of Soulfly to Aurora's lineup was one of the more talked-about moves in recent months. Bringing a Brazilian talent into a predominantly Turkish roster raised questions about communication and playstyle compatibility, but MAJ3R insists the transition has been smoother than expected.
"Soulfly is incredibly talented mechanically, but what impressed me most is his willingness to adapt," says MAJ3R. "He came in ready to learn our system instead of trying to force his own style. That kind of attitude is rare."
The role distribution within Aurora has shifted to accommodate the new arrival. Soulfly has taken on a hybrid role that allows him to anchor sites on CT side while having freedom to create space on T side. According to MAJ3R, this flexibility has opened up new tactical possibilities that weren't available before.
"Having someone who can hold a site solo and still contribute on the aggressive end gives us options. We can play more unpredictably now, which is exactly what we needed."
Communication happens primarily in English within the team, and MAJ3R notes that Soulfly has even picked up some Turkish callouts, which gets laughs during practice sessions.
Map Pool Shakeups: The Return of Anubis
With Anubis making its way back into the active map pool, teams across the board have had to revisit their approach to the Egyptian-themed battleground. For Aurora, this is actually welcome news.
"We always felt comfortable on Anubis," MAJ3R reveals. "Our style of CS — structured but with room for individual plays — works well on that map. The verticality and the timing-based gameplay suit us."
He acknowledges that the competitive landscape around map vetoes has become more complex, with teams needing to be genuinely proficient on at least six maps to avoid being exploited in best-of-three series. Aurora's current focus is on building depth rather than relying on a couple of signature picks.
"You can't afford to have a perma-ban anymore. Every team at the top level will punish you for it. We're investing time into every map equally so we can walk into any veto feeling confident."
The Istanbul Major: A Dream Realized
Perhaps no topic lights up MAJ3R's face quite like the upcoming Istanbul Major. For a Turkish player who has spent years flying the flag for his country's CS scene on the international stage, having a Major in his home city is nothing short of a dream come true.
"I've been waiting for this moment my entire career," he admits. "Playing a Major in Istanbul — in front of Turkish fans, in a city I love — it's going to be incredibly special. I get chills just thinking about the atmosphere."
MAJ3R believes the event could be a watershed moment for esports in Turkey. While the country has a passionate gaming community, mainstream recognition and infrastructure have lagged behind regions like Scandinavia or Brazil. A successful Major could change perceptions both domestically and internationally.
"Turkey has so much untapped potential in esports. The talent is there, the passion is there. What we've been missing is visibility and big events that show the rest of the world what our scene is capable of. The Istanbul Major can be that catalyst."
He's also aware of the added pressure that comes with competing on home soil, but views it as motivation rather than a burden. "Pressure is a privilege. Not everyone gets to play a Major in their home country. I plan to embrace every second of it."
Beyond the Game: Family and Legacy
On a more personal note, MAJ3R shares that one of his ongoing missions is helping his father understand and appreciate esports. Like many parents of professional gamers, MAJ3R's father initially struggled to see competitive gaming as a legitimate career path.
"He's come a long way," MAJ3R laughs. "He watches some of our matches now, even if he doesn't fully understand what's happening. When I told him about the Istanbul Major, he was genuinely proud. That meant a lot to me."
It's a reminder that behind the strategies and statistics, professional esports is still a deeply human endeavor. For MAJ3R, success isn't just measured in tournament placements — it's about proving that dedication to your craft, no matter how unconventional, can lead to something meaningful.
As Aurora gear up for what promises to be their most important year yet, all eyes will be on MAJ3R to see if he can lead his team to new heights — and perhaps inspire a new generation of Turkish Counter-Strike players along the way.