Lucas “nqz” Soares has opened up about his departure from paiN and his early experiences with MIBR, offering a candid look at the internal factors that shaped one of the more notable Brazilian roster moves of the season. Speaking after MIBR’s opening loss at the Esports World Cup, the AWPer detailed the disagreements that ended his long stint with his former team and explained why he believes the new project can unlock his potential.
Now less than two months into his tenure with MIBR, nqz is navigating a new language, a new system, and the weight of expectations that come with wearing one of Brazil’s most iconic tags. His reflections paint a picture of a player seeking structure and creative freedom, and of a team still searching for the consistency to match its ambition.
The move came after a period of internal friction at his previous organization. nqz explained that his decision to leave paiN was driven by disagreements both inside the game and with the organization itself. He described the situation as involving some unfortunate events and points of disagreement that ultimately convinced him his time there had run its course.
The young AWPer did not lack options. He confirmed that other proposals arrived, but one factor stood out above the rest: a long-held desire to team up with Felipe “insani” Yuji. The two had maintained a dialogue over time, sharing a mutual wish to compete together. When the MIBR opportunity materialized, it aligned perfectly with that ambition.
Beyond the personal connection, the broader project proved compelling. nqz pointed to the entire roster as a major draw, stating that every player on the team made him eager to join. He also acknowledged the challenge of switching to English communication as something he actively wanted to experience and understand, viewing it as a new frontier in his career.
Why nqz Chose MIBR Over Other Offers
The decision to join MIBR was not made lightly. nqz had spent roughly two and a half years with paiN, a tenure that ended not because of a lack of opportunity elsewhere, but because of fundamental differences in how the game should be approached. He cited internal disagreements and organizational issues as the breaking points, framing the departure as a logical step once those problems became irreconcilable.
The pull of playing alongside insani was a decisive factor. nqz revealed that the two had long discussed the possibility of teaming up, and when the MIBR offer came, it satisfied that personal goal while also presenting a prestigious organizational tag. The project’s vision and the caliber of his new teammates sealed the deal.
He also spoke about the appeal of the English communication structure. Rather than seeing it as a barrier, nqz treated it as a challenge he wanted to tackle head-on. The chance to grow in a multilingual setting, combined with the structured system MIBR promised, made the move feel like a natural progression in his career.
- Internal disagreements with both the in-game direction and the organization led nqz to conclude his cycle at paiN had ended.
- A long-standing desire to play with insani was a primary motivation for choosing MIBR over other proposals.
- The entire MIBR roster, not just insani, attracted nqz to the project, along with the challenge of English communication.
- MIBR’s structured system and LNZ’s open approach give nqz more freedom to express his ideas than he had at paiN.
The transition to an English-speaking environment under Swedish captain Linus “LNZ” Holtäng has been a central theme of nqz’s early weeks with MIBR. He described the experience as both challenging and enjoyable, noting that the presence of four Brazilian players helps maintain a familiar team atmosphere despite the language shift.
Adapting to English Comms and a New System
Adjusting to in-game English has been one of the most immediate hurdles. nqz admitted he is still working through difficulties, particularly when it comes to calling positions and expressing his intentions quickly in a second language. The early days were tougher, but he feels he is adapting steadily.
Despite the language barrier, nqz has found a level of freedom within MIBR’s system that he says was missing before. He contrasted the two teams directly, describing MIBR’s approach as far more structured, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. In his previous team, he felt the style was looser and less organized.
From the very first day, LNZ gave him a clear mandate: he could do whatever he wanted on the server, as long as the rest of the team understood his plan and could support it. This open, collaborative philosophy has allowed nqz to express himself more freely, something he believes was not always possible at paiN. He noted that everyone on MIBR maintains a broad view of the game, a quality he values highly.
| Aspect | nqz’s Experience at paiN | nqz’s Experience at MIBR |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Style | Looser, less structured approach | Much more structured with clearly defined roles |
| Freedom to Express Ideas | Limited; broad team vision was not always present | High; encouraged by captain LNZ from day one |
| Communication | Portuguese only | English with four Brazilian teammates; still adapting |
| Reason for Joining/Leaving | Left due to internal and organizational disagreements | Joined to play with insani, attracted by the project and challenge |
The EWC represents a critical early test for this new lineup. After a last-place finish at the XSE Pro League, where the team had only a single day of practice, nqz is cautious about drawing conclusions. He emphasized that the China event was not a fair benchmark, and that the current focus is on steady improvement and letting results come naturally.
Looking ahead, the team’s immediate goal is clear: reach the playoffs. nqz stressed a step-by-step mentality, saying that the squad is showing itself in practice and tournaments that it has the capacity to go far. He warned against setting expectations too high or too low, advocating instead for a commitment to playing quality Counter-Strike and seeing where that path leads.
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