“We are quite far away from it being really consistent” – TeSeS on Falcons under karrigan at IEM Cologne Major 2026

Bruno Sobieraj Published June 18, 2026

Team Falcons are one of the teams that could stop Vitality on the team’s way to their third consecutive Major title at IEM Cologne. If they are to win out that battle in the quarterfinals, Rene “TeSeS” Madsen will certainly be one of the key performers.

Despite being one of the least popular names on the team, TeSeS’ impact is always felt on the server. We had the opportunity to speak to him ahead of the playoffs.

Congratulations on making it to the playoffs. You had a very good game against NAVI when you won a close game. Also recently in Astana, you won against FURIA in playoffs in a close game. Does that give you confidence coming into the playoffs that you are closing out these close games?

Yes, definitely. It’s always nerve-wracking when you come into these close games. And I think in the past, we tended to lose more of those games. But now that we’re able to close it out brings you some kind of confidence when you get into these late stages of the game.

What’s changed within the team since karrigan arrived around two months ago?

From the inside, many things have changed. I think the two biggest changes is definitely the mentality in the team, the way he leads the team and takes care of everyone.

And then on the T side, just tactically and strategically, many things are different, and it’s something that all the players have to get used to.

But I think everyone can see the glimpses of when it actually works out really well. Then that’s what we have to do more of.

How close do you think you are to it working out as often as possible?

I still think we are quite far away from it being really consistent. It’s something that will come next season for sure, because two tournaments and this being the third one is not enough. And not with not much practice in between either. It’s hard to be able to fully connect all the time.

It’s a whole different ball game for TeSeS with karrigan in the team. Image credit: © PGL

Since karrigan’s arrival, you also had some spot changes on some maps. How is it playing A on Mirage, for example?

Haha, I feel like you’re trying to set me up with this question. Against NAVI it was really tough. I don’t like Mirage A particularly much right now. I think it’s a really tough position. So, yeah, this is one of the positions I really need to work on because it’s not my comfort.

On your team, you have a lot of star players. What should a player in your role focus on?

For me, it’s a lot about giving as much space to the others as possible, but also a fair amount. Because I also need resources to be able to lift up the team so I don’t become an “anchor”, you know, so I pull down the team.

So, I cannot let that happen, but kind of find a balance in between of setting myself up but also helping others. And when you have star players like that, you kind of need to always keep them happy and do good things for them and be able to sacrifice yourself in certain moments, if it’s going first for them or offering to do whatever they need for them to succeed. Those are kind of my focus points.

Your last game at the LANXESS was three years ago against Astralis, when you lost 0-2. How have you changed as a player since then?

I’ve changed a lot. Way more knowledge, way more experience since then. Moved from a Danish team to an international team.

I feel like I’ve learned a lot since then and everything from my gut instincts has gotten a lot better and I’m following them more, more and more often.

Yeah, just a lot of development within myself.

But since then you haven’t changed your sitting position, your angle?

Haha, no, that’s almost the same, yes.

Read also: “If he’s not killing, I don’t know what we’re gonna do” – YEKINDAR on FURIA’s chances if molodoy isn’t firing

Featured image credit: Team Falcons