In an era where professional athletes are increasingly revealing their multifaceted interests beyond the stadium, the world of competitive gaming often emerges as a surprising parallel passion. Such is the case with Russian football star Fedor Smolov. Known for his prowess on the pitch, Smolov recently pulled back the curtain on his digital life, offering a candid look into his long-standing love affair with video games, and, more specifically, his strong opinions on the enduring rivalry between CS2 and Dota 2.
The Genesis of a Gamer: From Saratov Arcades to Global Stages
Smolov`s journey into the digital realm didn`t begin with high-speed internet and global esports tournaments. Instead, it harks back to simpler times, to the nascent computer clubs of Saratov when he was just seven years old. He reminisced about an era before ubiquitous internet connectivity, where local area network (LAN) battles reigned supreme. His vivid recollection of iconic maps like “Mansion” and “Aztec” in the original Counter-Strike paints a nostalgic picture for any veteran gamer.
“I`ve been playing computer games since I was seven. I started in Saratov when all these computer clubs were just appearing, [when] there wasn`t even internet yet… On Mansion [you fight], if you entered first for the attack, it was an easy match. Or on Aztec, you`d shoot from the bridge.”
This early immersion laid the foundation for a lifelong hobby, one that would surprisingly persist through the rigorous demands of professional football.
The Great Migration: Why CS2`s Loss Became Dota 2`s Gain
For many years, Smolov`s primary digital battlefield was Counter-Strike. However, a significant shift occurred with the release of CS2. The transition to a new engine, coupled with changes to core mechanics and hitboxes, proved to be a critical turning point for the seasoned player. In his own straightforward terms, the game “became trash,” prompting a dramatic pivot.
His disillusionment with CS2 led him down an entirely different path: Dota 2. This wasn`t a casual exploration; it was a full immersion, spurred by a close friend who had already established himself in the complex world of Valve`s legendary MOBA. Smolov confessed to having accumulated around 1,400 hours in Dota 2, a respectable figure, but one that came with a steep learning curve.
“When CS2 came out, they changed the engine, changed the mechanics and hitboxes, the game became trash — and I switched to `Dota.` My best friend started playing much earlier, and he, in fact, pulled me over. About 600 hours passed before I even started to understand a little bit of what was happening. Well, and I got hooked. I liked it. I think `Dota` is much more interesting, but also longer.”
The dedication required to grasp Dota 2`s intricate mechanics speaks volumes about Smolov`s competitive spirit, a trait clearly transferable from the football pitch to the Radiant vs. Dire conflict. The perceived depth and intellectual challenge of Dota 2 evidently resonated more strongly with him than the revamped CS2.
Pitch vs. Pixels: The Athlete`s Digital Double Life
Balancing the demands of professional sports with a passionate gaming habit is no small feat. Smolov revealed that even during the peak of football season, he and his teammates from FC Krasnodar maintained a unique tradition: pre-match matchmaking sessions. This wasn`t merely a casual pastime; it was an integral part of their routine, with laptops accompanying them on every away trip – a modern-day ritual, perhaps even a “recipe for success,” as he put it, in an intriguing blend of serious competition and digital camaraderie.
However, such late-night digital escapades inevitably drew the attention – and mild disapproval – of coaches. Smolov recounted instances where his captain, Eduard Spertsyan, was gently admonished for the team`s late-night gaming sessions. The classic coaching advice of “get enough sleep” often clashed with the gamer`s irresistible urge for “just one more game” after a loss. A sentiment familiar to millions globally, irrespective of their primary profession.
“[Question: `And the coaches didn`t scold you?`] They did. They didn`t tell me anything, but the coach approached Captain Edik [Spertsyan] a couple of times and said: `Let`s not play so late, otherwise you`re yelling at two in the morning.` All coaches, when you play late, tell you that you need to get enough sleep before a game. But no one played until six in the morning, so… You know yourself: if you lost a match, you`re like: `Damn, let`s do one more.` You don`t leave on a loss.”
The Expanding Horizon of Athlete Gamers
Smolov`s revelations aren`t an isolated incident. The world is increasingly witnessing prominent figures from traditional sports openly embracing esports. Just recently, 31-year-old mixed martial arts fighter Khamzat Chimaev also declared his long-standing fandom for Dota 2, having played the MOBA since he was around 16. These anecdotes highlight a growing trend: the convergence of physical and digital athleticism, where the strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and competitive drive honed in one arena find a natural home in another.
Fedor Smolov`s story is more than just a footballer talking about his hobby; it`s a testament to the universal appeal of competitive gaming and the human desire for challenge and camaraderie, regardless of one`s professional field. It underscores how elite athletes, far from being one-dimensional, navigate a complex world where the roar of the crowd can be just as exhilarating as the triumphant “Victory!” screen after a hard-fought Dota 2 match. His candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the digital lives of our sporting heroes, proving that sometimes, even a football maestro just wants to play “one more game.”
Finley Holt