LOUD DaviH: "We’re going to give everything we have for this last step"

LOUD suffered a defeat to NRG on Friday, August 28, dropping to the lower bracket of the VCT Americas Stage 2 playoffs. The Brazilian organization remains alive in the race for a spot at the 2026 Champions, with another series standing between the team and a potential trip to Brazil for the final stages of the tournament.

In an exclusive interview with Sheep Esports, David “DaviH” Cruz analyzed LOUD’s defeat to NRG and pointed to the team’s lack of composure during key rounds as one of the main factors behind the result. The Portuguese player also discussed the team’s preparation during its extended break and his confidence in LOUD’s chances of reaching Champions.

David “DaviH” Cruz: “On the first map, I think we could have won. We had rounds where we should have slowed the game down more, but we rushed and made mistakes because we wanted to end the round quickly and win the round quickly. Then we lost some rounds that we shouldn’t have lost, and it became a snowball. On Abyss, honestly, we had a good comeback. I think tkzin (Enzo Zimiani) and lukxo (Lucca Travaioli) were making great rounds and managed to carry that game. And on the last map, honestly, I have nothing to say. It started well, and then I think they bought well, and we didn’t have any chance.

DaviH: I think it’s mainly about staying calm during the most chaotic moments of the game. And continuing to work, because there are maps where we are very strong, others where we are okay, and on those maps we need to work so that when we play them, we can go toe-to-toe with any team.

DaviH: Honestly, that already gives us a lot of motivation to work every day. I believe we are giving our maximum on a daily basis because we really want to make it there in front of the crowd, and it would be a dream for anyone.

DaviH: I think the days off we had were very important because we were able to work on things that we previously had little time to work on, and it gave us some room to breathe as well. Our preparation was focused on ourselves, and when we found out who our opponent was, we focused specifically on the opponent, which was FURIA.

DaviH: Honestly, I don’t see much criticism. I know it exists and I’m aware of it, but I can’t control that. It’s out of my control. I’m simply going to hold myself to a higher standard than any fan would. It doesn’t affect me much. I have to keep doing my job, stay focused, and try to improve.

DaviH: I’m 100% confident that we can beat any team we play against. It doesn’t matter who. I think it’s possible, and we’re going to give everything we have for this last step. It’s now or never.

DaviH: I’d rather play against EG. I don’t know, honestly, I don’t have a specific reason. I simply prefer playing against EG.”