alex: Iberian Soul Playing Without Org Is Affecting Us Mentally

Iberian Soul captain Alejandro “alex” Masanet has opened up about the psychological strain his team is under as they compete at the Esports World Cup 2026 Open Qualifier without organizational backing. The Spanish squad is once again searching for a new home following Gentle Mates’ decision to withdraw from Counter-Strike, a move confirmed while the team was still playing their group stage matches.

Speaking after a mixed first day that saw a loss to 6666 followed by a flawless 2-0 victory over FKOMAR, alex admitted that the uncertainty surrounding their future is taking a measurable toll on the players’ focus and motivation. The captain also confirmed that this tournament will be the last with stand-in Joey “CRUC1AL” Steusel, as the team prepares for a roster transition that will likely require looking beyond the Spanish domestic scene.

While the second match was underway, Gentle Mates confirmed that they were exiting Counter-Strike after a year-long association with the Spanish team, leaving Alejandro “alex” Masanet’s troops once again on the lookout for a new home. In a quick post-match interview, alex admitted that the team has found it hard to stay motivated and focused since losing Gentle Mates’ support, though he expressed hope that they will be able to find a new organization “soon.”

Iberian Soul ended the first day of the Esports World Cup qualifier on a positive note, beating FKOMAR 2-0 without losing a single round, after losing their opening series to 6666. The Spanish captain revealed that this will be the last event that the team will play with CRUC1AL.

The team will most likely have to go international to fill the void left by Antonio “MartinezSa” Martinez’s departure. Gentle Mates wanted to quit CS, and the players had nothing to say about it.

The Mental Cost of Organizational Uncertainty

alex did not attempt to downplay the emotional weight of the situation. He stated directly that the lack of an organization is affecting the team mentally, framing it as a problem that needs to be solved sooner rather than later. The captain’s choice of words reflected a group that understands the professional necessity of stability but is currently forced to operate without it.

The contrast with their position just a few months ago is stark. At the Roman Imperium Cup, alex had spoken optimistically about the team’s trajectory and their path toward the Major. That positive momentum has now been interrupted by Gentle Mates’ exit and the subsequent departure of AWPer Antonio “MartinezSa” Martinez. The rapid sequence of events left the team with no preparation time before their next commitments, forcing them to bring in CRUC1AL as an emergency solution for a Stake tournament and the current qualifier.

Despite the challenges, alex was careful to express gratitude toward Gentle Mates for the time they spent together, declining to characterize the separation as a disappointment. He simply acknowledged the organization’s decision to leave Counter-Strike as something the players had no power to influence. His focus remained firmly on the practical steps needed to stabilize the roster and secure new backing.

The captain also confirmed that Daniel “djL” Narancic is now the team’s official coach, providing at least one fixed point in an otherwise fluid situation. This formalization of the coaching role offers a small measure of continuity as the squad navigates the uncertainty surrounding its playing personnel and organizational future.

• Iberian Soul lost their opening Esports World Cup 2026 qualifier match to 6666 before recovering with a 2-0 win against FKOMAR without dropping a single round in the second series.
• Gentle Mates confirmed their exit from Counter-Strike during the team’s second match, ending a partnership of approximately one year and leaving the Spanish roster without an organization for the second time.
• alex revealed that the team is currently in talks with some organizations and expressed hope that a new home will be secured soon, though no specific names or timelines were disclosed.
• Stand-in Joey “CRUC1AL” Steusel is playing his final event with the team, as confirmed by alex, who noted the squad is operating more like a mix than a cohesive unit.

The immediate competitive future of Iberian Soul is tied to resolving the AWPer vacancy created by MartinezSa’s departure. alex was frank about the limitations of the Spanish player pool, identifying only Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia and MartinezSa as top-tier domestic snipers, both of whom are already attached to other teams. This scarcity makes an international addition the most realistic path forward.

When asked directly about SunPayus as a potential option, alex acknowledged the possibility but expressed doubt, suggesting the player is likely to continue his own international career. The captain’s assessment was pragmatic rather than pessimistic, rooted in the practical difficulty of recruiting from an extremely shallow domestic talent pool at the AWPer position.

Roster Transition and the Search for an AWPer

The departure of MartinezSa created an immediate crisis that the team had to solve under the pressure of an active tournament schedule. alex explained that the timing left no room for a proper search or trial period, which is why CRUC1AL was brought in as a short-term solution. The captain was explicit in his appreciation for the stand-in’s commitment, noting that CRUC1AL is giving his all despite knowing his tenure is limited.

The team’s current state, by alex’s own description, falls short of a fully functioning unit. He characterized their play as resembling a mix rather than a practiced team, identifying this lack of cohesion as a primary area requiring attention. The acknowledgment is significant because it separates the organizational problem from the purely competitive one: even with a new club secured, the roster will need time to develop the synergy that has been disrupted by recent changes.

The preference for a fully Spanish roster remains, but alex was realistic about the obstacles. The AWPer market within Spain is effectively closed to them at this moment, forcing a broader search. The captain’s comments suggest that the team’s identity as a Spanish project may need to evolve in order to remain competitive at the level they aspire to reach.

The coaching situation, with djL now officially in place, provides a foundation for whatever roster configuration emerges from the current transition. Having a confirmed coach allows the team to begin the process of rebuilding their tactical approach even as the player lineup remains unsettled, a small but meaningful advantage as they work through the challenges ahead.

Iberian Soul ended the first day of the Esports World Cup qualifier by beating FKOMAR 2-0 without losing a single round, after losing their opening series to 6666. alex stated that the team has found it hard to stay motivated and focused since losing Gentle Mates’ support, though he expressed hope that they will be able to find a new organization “soon.”

The team’s immediate task is to navigate the remainder of the qualifier with a stand-in AWPer and a roster that, by the captain’s own admission, is not yet functioning as a cohesive unit. Beyond the tournament, the dual challenges of securing a new organization and finding a permanent fifth player will define the next chapter for alex and his teammates. The captain’s tone was measured but not defeated, grounded in the practical steps already underway rather than empty optimism.