After a prolonged period away from the competitive spotlight, Artem “ArtFr0st” Kharitonov is back, making his mark as a stand-in for BetBoom Team at the FISSURE Playground #1 in Belgrade. This tournament marks a significant return for the young AWPer, who has spent the last year and a half navigating the often-unforgiving landscape of professional Counter-Strike 2. His journey back is a testament to unwavering dedication and a deep-seated passion for the game, fueled by the very legends he once admired.
The Unseen Grind: Life on the Sidelines
ArtFr0st`s recent competitive hiatus wasn`t a choice but a circumstance. While officially part of PARIVISION, the team’s instability led to what he candidly describes as “a lot of wasted time.” Roster shuffle after roster shuffle, coaching changes, and a general lack of cohesion meant little actual competitive play. For a professional player, this period can be a soul-crushing experience, a purgatory where skill stagnates, and ambition wanes. Yet, ArtFr0st approached it with a surprising, almost stoic, resilience.
“I was basically away from the keyboard for a year and a half, doing strange things,” ArtFr0st reflects, “but I just kept playing 10-12 hours a day – Premiere, DM, watching demos. I understand why I`m doing this; it`s my goal. No team? Doesn`t matter, you need to keep developing.”
This unwavering dedication ensured his personal skill and game understanding remained sharp, ready for the call that eventually came. His career has seen peculiar twists, notably being replaced by esteemed players like sh1ro in Spirit and Jame in PARIVISION. While he finds it “funny” how fate orchestrates such replacements, he remains unfazed. It’s an “unlucky” turn of events, perhaps, but one that only reinforces his commitment to the grind.
A Long-Awaited Call: BetBoom Team
The invitation to join BetBoom Team as a stand-in arrived just two weeks before the FISSURE Playground #1 tournament. For ArtFr0st, this wasn`t just any offer; it was the offer. He had been eyeing BetBoom Team since winter, drawn by the presence of close friends Pasha “s1ren” and Magnojez. This connection made the decision almost immediate, disregarding other potential opportunities. The tournament’s location in Belgrade, where he resides, adds a comforting layer of familiarity, making it feel like a “home tournament.”
His role as a stand-in means his future with the team isn`t set in stone. The ultimate decision rests with the organizations, but ArtFr0st is determined to leave no doubt. “I`ll try to do my maximum: individual play, analysis, and just maximum contribution to the team to show myself,” he states, promising to give “121%” effort. This isn`t merely about securing a spot; it`s about validating years of unseen dedication.
Synergy with Boombl4 and the LAN Atmosphere
Working alongside Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov, the team`s in-game leader, has proven to be a surprisingly comfortable experience for ArtFr0st, even in their short time together. “Boombl4 suits me very well as a sniper,” he notes, praising their ability to adapt to each other’s playstyles. This immediate synergy is crucial for a stand-in looking to integrate seamlessly.
The return to LAN play, especially with an audience, is also a welcome change. While some players might find the crowd a source of pressure, ArtFr0st is indifferent to it, focusing solely on the game. He acknowledges the added “hype” of live audiences but stresses that it doesn’t negatively impact his performance. A true professional plays the game, not the room.
Insights from a Sniper: The Legends and the Learning Curve
As an AWP player, ArtFr0st offers valuable perspectives on the global Counter-Strike landscape, from dominant teams to individual legends. His admiration for Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, for instance, runs deep. S1mple isn`t just a player to him; he`s the very reason ArtFr0st embarked on his CS journey.
“S1mple was basically the player because of whom I switched to CS,” ArtFr0st reveals, adding, “I wouldn`t be playing and wouldn`t have become the player I am now if not for s1mple.”
For three years, before he even owned a computer, ArtFr0st exclusively watched s1mple`s gameplay. This foundational influence explains his excitement over s1mple`s return to the scene, noting the “aura” that no other player possesses—a unique “champion-like, tough” energy that charges and motivates. It`s a sentiment many fans and pros share, a testament to s1mple`s unparalleled impact.
When asked about learning for aspiring snipers, ArtFr0st`s advice is pragmatic. While Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut is undeniably phenomenal, ArtFr0st points to players like Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov and Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov as superior teachers for fundamental sniper play, emphasizing their movement and positioning. ZywOo, he explains, is more of a hybrid player, often using rifles, making his AWP play less consistently illustrative for pure sniper learning. This nuanced view highlights his technical understanding of the role.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
ArtFr0st also touched upon the state of other top teams, acknowledging Vitality as “next-level” – a team where every player performs “ten out of ten,” with ZywOo seemingly flawless. Defeating them, he suggests with a hint of irony, requires becoming “exactly the same team, and then a little bit better.” This perfectly encapsulates the monumental task of unseating a dominant force in esports.
Regarding roster changes, such as Spirit`s recent swap of magixx for zweih, ArtFr0st remains cautious but optimistic. He knows zweih personally from FACEIT and recognizes his immense skill, but the true test lies in how he adapts to a tier-1 competitive environment. It’s a reminder that individual talent, while crucial, must seamlessly integrate into a cohesive team structure.
As ArtFr0st steps back into the bright lights of LAN competition, his message to his fans is one of profound gratitude. Their unwavering support, even through the quieter times, has been a constant source of motivation. He promises to channel that support into relentless effort, hoping this return marks the beginning of a successful new chapter.
“Thank you to all the fans for their support,” ArtFr0st conveys. “I read all the comments, all the messages… I hope everything works out now. I will do 121% to show myself well. I will do my absolute maximum, and then whatever happens, happens.”
ArtFr0st`s journey is far from over. It`s a narrative of setbacks, perseverance, and the burning desire to leave a lasting mark on the game he loves. His return to the server is not just a personal victory but a compelling story for anyone who understands the intricate, often brutal, demands of competitive esports.
Jasper Hawthorne