Chad
Appearances
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
It's an artist I found on Etsy. And so I have a collection of Stranger Things, Mandalorian, and I have a Ted Lasso one. My whole office is filled with all kinds of nerdy stuff. I love...
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
comic books and superheroes you can kind of see over here there's a whole bunch of marvel and dc stuff the hall of justice kind of photo there it seems we got superman in the mix yes you know like the famous picture of the construction workers on the beam yeah oh yeah yeah so if you look over it's marvel and dc guys and then you can see i got ninja turtles and everything over here i like this where are you at i feel like i need to ask you to guess
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
I work for the city of Wyoming. Wyoming's just outside of Grand Rapids. I run the Wyoming Senior Center.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We actually have all of our snowbirds coming back right now. Everybody's showing up and telling me all their stories about warm weather and No snow. And it makes me envious.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
I do have a Cedar Point story. So being from Michigan, growing up here, Cedar Point was a regular vacation spot for us. I have a couple of stories. I could have told you how I got engaged at Cedar Point.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Romantic. I could tell you the time when we went in high school. And Dax, are you familiar with the ripcord ride there? No, what's the ripcord? It's kind of like a bungee jumping thing. Oh.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
I have a story about how you have to be 18 and older to do that. And so we were on this family vacation and my mom and aunt and uncles forbid all of us from going on it. And my dad, who can be a bit of a rascal... signed off on the waiver for all of us to ride it.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
At what age? We were probably 16, and he got caught, and he got the silent treatment the rest of the trip from the family.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
No, no, nothing from that. But this story actually is about when I survived three tornadoes that hit Cedar Point. Okay.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
The year is 1998, and it's summer. This particular trip was with my aunt and uncle. my sister, and four cousins. At the time, my sister was 11. Two of my cousins were 13. Me and another cousin were 14, and my oldest cousin was 17. So the plan for this trip is my aunt and uncle are taking all six kids to Cedar Point. The first day, they take us to the park. They are not ride people.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So they're like, hey, you guys go off. We're going to do the shows. We're going to eat some food, meet up with us at these times and don't get into too much trouble. So the second day it comes around, me and uncle have decided they don't really want to do Cedar Point for a second day. So they say, hey, we're just going to drop you guys off at the park for the day. Are you guys staying at Breakers?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Where are you staying? We're staying at a campground outside of Cedar Point. We're not even on property.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Yeah. So their plan is we're going to drop you off in the morning. We'll pick you up at night. I mean, it's the 1990s. Parenting was just a little different. However, I have a 10-year-old son now. And I'm like, there's no scenario where I would just send him to Cedar Point with people a few years older than him with no parental supervision. And cell phones weren't a thing in 1998.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We do what boys and girls do at that age. We split off. We're like, hey, the boys, we're going to go get into trouble and the girls are going to go do their thing. So it's about lunchtime and we decide we're going to ride the power tower. Is that the old demon drop? It's kind of like the demon drop on steroids.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
One side of it will shoot you up really fast and then drop you down and keep shooting you up and dropping you down. The other side takes you up slowly and then drops you really fast like the demon drop.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
I mean, that story lives on forever. I will never not remember wiping my butt with that brown paper towel.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So we're getting ready to get on that ride. We had rode the side that shoots you up really fast the day before, but Today, we're like, we need to get on the other side. The line's always longer. That's got to be the better ride. I do remember it kind of being overcast. We're getting strapped into the ride. The whole time when you're in line, you're trying to figure out when they drop.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So you're counting. You're like 1001, 1002. Do they drop on four? Do they drop on five?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We're talking about this the whole time. So we get launched up on the ride. We're starting to counting. We're looking at each other. And all of a sudden, we all look over at Lake Erie. And we just see three tornadoes coming off the water. Oh, wow. And we're like at the highest spot in the park at this point. So we're like, this is probably the worst place to be for this.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
They're technically called water spouts because they're tornadoes that form over water. They're not far off. So we're at the top. We see these. We're like, oh, this is bad. And then it drops us. So we can't see them anymore. And then it shoots us back up and we see them again. They keep getting closer. And this goes on like three or four times. So everyone else is cheering because of the ride.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
And my cousins and I, we're freaking out. We're going to get hit by tornadoes. We've seen Twister. We know how this goes.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
The wind would kill you. It was cool to see. I mean, I'm not going to lie, but also terrifying.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We get to the bottom and we're just like, we need to get out of these harnesses. The guy unhooks us and we run over to the ride operator and we're like, hey, there's tornadoes coming off the water. You need to alert people now. And the guy's like, keep the line moving.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We know what's coming. So we just take off running. And by the time we get just outside the ride, All of a sudden, all the sirens go off. They come over the intercom and they're like, seek immediate shelter, inclement weather, take cover. Where at Cedar Point are you going to take cover?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So we knew the one bathroom wasn't far away. So we just take off on like a dead sprint. And I mean, winds are picking up. It starts raining crazy hard. You immediately are seeing garbage cans. I mean, they're getting tipped over. Umbrellas from picnic tables are flying around. Picnic tables are like getting lifted up.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
It gets really intense really fast. We end up in the bathroom. Everybody's kind of like panicking and we're a bunch of boys. This is awesome. We're safe.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Yeah, yeah. Who knows? They're being blown all about the area.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So we're like hoping they're okay. So things calm down. We come out of the bathroom, we come out of the men's side, and then just about the same time, my sister and cousin come out of the girl's side.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So my younger sister, she was very upset, obviously, so I was working to calm her down through this whole scenario. Yeah. The whole park is now shut down. It's flooded like crazy. The drainage system can't keep up with how much rain hit. And it just didn't stop raining. We're walking around in like ankle deep water all day.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
And I had these green Nike skateboard shoes on and they dyed my feet green. Oh, sure, sure, sure. I had like incredible Hulk feet. I didn't wear sandals for the rest of that summer because my feet were just bright green. But yeah, so we spent the rest of the day walking around and we couldn't call anybody. We couldn't leave the park.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Right. So we had some money in our pocket and we saw the one thing that was open and there was a guy drawing caricatures. My cousins and I all got caricatures drawn with. tornadoes in the background. So I actually sent that picture to Emma, so I think you guys have a picture.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Braces. I have braces and a pretty epic bowl cut. Yeah, and they went profile. My parents loved that so much that they actually framed it and hung it in my childhood bedroom. So it's still there. That's nice.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
We were the only people at the park at that point. So he had all the time in the world. Was the food still open? Very select food still open. So we were kind of scrounging for the rest of the day just to get by. And then the day went on and night hit and all of a sudden things dried up. So all the rides opened back up. Oh, what a blessing.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Probably 90% of the people had left the park at that point. So we just ran ride to ride and got on every single ride that evening. And finally, at the end of the night, my aunt and uncle come to pick us up and they're like, why is the parking lot so empty?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
The campground was probably like 20, 30 minutes away, not really by the lake at that point. They said, yeah, we noticed some rain.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
natural disasters and roller coasters.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
That's probably a good strategy. But can I give a couple of shout outs?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Shout out to all my family that were involved. So my sister, Sierra, my cousin, Todd, Brian and Katie. And then also my cousin Joe. So unfortunately, he just recently passed away from cancer. Oh, yikes.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
Young age. He had colon cancer. He was a storyteller and a jokester. He would love to know that so many people are hearing this story because whenever we got together... We always talked about our Cedar Point stories. Yeah, of course. Oh, that's sweet. And then also, like I told you, I run the senior center here in Wyoming.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Anonymous: Cedar Point
So my coworker and my wife are guarding the door and they wanted to pop in to say hi real quick.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Don't mind the blue eyes. He's just Caucasian. Our new proprietary roast might seem eerily similar, but don't let your tongue deceive you. It's a Butterfly Dude Roast.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
It's me, your representation, Abraham Lincoln. And I'm here to tell you, don't go out to see a play.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Oh, yeah. And they're like, oh, yeah, all of this will be used in this year for the... That'll be for the lazy river in the post-apocalypse.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Yeah.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
julie roe is fucking insane yeah she's crazy man she's have you seen her tiktoks i have not i have fallen into that hole man julie roe is absolutely ape shit looking great yeah i mean it she's tight as hell and she says you love all these women there's something about these dangerous ass women julie roe kind of looks like the woman who plays callie on gray's anatomy she does yeah she does and she's but the
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
4.3.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Tylee. Who?
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Hours of this. It's very cute. Yes, thank you. It only did involve the deaths of all these children. It would be entirely cute.
Last Podcast On The Left
Episode 610: Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell - The Doomsday Murders Part II - Ticking Time Bomb
Oh, yeah. He was like, owls everywhere.
Prof G Markets
Are We Headed For a Recession? + How Tariffs Hurt Housing (Live at SXSW)
Thanks, guys. Chad from New Jersey. I believe we need to normalize talking about personal finances amongst our peer groups and with our parents. Do you agree? And how do we start doing that?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
You found out something last night.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Do you think that was... Go on. No, I mean, I think you could say that they weren't in their A game, but I don't think they played bad. I don't think they played bad.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
well i think they can i think it's more of a question how will falcons look how will spirit look how will mouse look by then and all these other teams because i think and this has been the case with any team you know being on a run and starting an era is like all the Some of the big players around them and the big rivals are struggling at the time.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I mean, that was the case when Astralis was having it. You know, as I said, for every team, you could make that argument a little bit. But you can see that these teams are trying. You know, obviously Falcons just added Monessi, you know, Spirit. Whether they'll make an actual roster change for them. I was really excited to see them in Melbourne because they would have had...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
time off to practice and everything. And now, you know, they're doing it to rivals, but you have Vitality and Falcons and Mao's all coming in from Australia. So even if, let's say, Spirit beats Vitality and wins this tournament, they're always, you know, they'll always be like, yeah, but these guys just, you know, won the Grand Slam and came back from Australia.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
You know, you need to do it at another, at a different tournament. So I think Vitality, some of the more
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
impressive things coming out of their campus how well they've done managing sort of expectations and also not getting complacent and not taking things for granted right like when you hear them talk about you hear Flamesy give an interview or someone else you know and they're talking about Lisbon and it was important to sort of grind it out because it's been a long it's been like three weeks on the road so the fact that they're able
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
To win a best of five, all five maps, knowing how to approach it right when they're tired already and it's been a long couple of weeks, that's impressive. Also, I mean, look at this. This final was just ridiculous. It's definitely the best fifth map out of any BO5 final ever.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
ever it's up there as the best final i mean in cs2 i think probably shanghai still takes the cake because of how close that third map ended up being out of nowhere and because it was a major But still, it's just it's crazy how they were able to not lose that game, right? Like not lose that final match. It looked like it was over. It was so many times it looked like it was all over.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And then it wasn't. And sure, you can argue that Falcons screwed up some rounds that, you know, didn't really make sense. But it still takes for you to be able to capitalize on them if you're And that's why I think for now they've done such a huge task, has been accomplished with finishing the Grand Slam, that now literally all they're going to be focused on is the Major.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Like, yeah, they're at Rivals now. They obviously want to keep the streak alive. They want to play good CS, and they'll play without much pressure, and they can still go on and win it. But even if they lose... It won't be the end of the world. Same thing for Dallas.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It's all about peaking at the major, making sure you don't get too exhausted by the time major comes in, that you're not feeling fatigued from attending all these events and all the travel. You want to be at 100% for the major. And I don't think that's going to come as a surprise to anyone.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And it feels like, as I said, they've been doing a great job of peaking at the right time and conserving some energy still, even with the crazy schedule and all of that. And I think they'll obviously be feeling confident. So, yeah, I don't think they're going to drop off significantly by the time the major comes along. But I do expect other teams to get better.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I mean, even more so when you didn't play well in the final. I mean, you know, he had his moments, but that's not the level that, you know, he wants to see from himself even, right? Like he expects more from himself, especially in that grand final on Nuke, for example, on the final map. I mean... As I said, he had his moments, but there needs to be more of them.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I mean, he was the lowest-rated player on T-side. With all the rounds that had been played, I mean, when I saw that screenshot, that was crazy. Tessus had 31 kills, and the next player had 13. He had a 2.05 rating on T-side, and then the next guy had 0.93, and that was madness. Oh, my God. That's actually gross. He had more kills on T-side than Robson and ZywOo combined.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
You know, it's so many. And Nico had the fewest at eight, right? And that's just... He had eight kills in... Well, okay, it was 42 rounds, but I don't know how many of them were T-side, but let's say half, maybe 12, 20 rounds, 19, 18 rounds, whatever, to only have eight kills. Like, you just need to do better. And both him and Monessi needed to do a little bit better.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Nico was their best player on CT side, but... You know, it's just one of those games where I'm sure he'll feel like he needed to do more. There was, of course, again, a deagle round on the map where it's just I'm watching this and it was on him in the arena when he was still on stairs and they're coming down. It's like, man, can't he just put it on the guy's head?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Like, get one kill here and it's over. And then, of course, he's in windows and Zyvo's jumping around and Niko's trying to shoot him in his back, jumping, and he can't really... connect and the round falls apart. That was the one. You felt it was over. They got two clean entries on a halfpipe, they get the bombsite and still somehow lose the round. It was crazy.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
felt pretty weak i mean you threw smokes outside sure and and the second wave of smokes but no one really is putting any sort of real pressure and then you just go for an a execute right like i don't know it didn't it felt like it wasn't very difficult for falcons to read vitality you know on their city side hence the 9-3 scoreline in the end right like
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Also, I think Magisk denying ZywOo the 1v3 clutch in the pistol, that was huge in terms of momentum and everything. But obviously as the game went on and Vitality started stringing rounds together, actually ZywOo bailing them out a couple of times, then it picks up with the other guys as well and it's starting to look more like Vitality.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I'm sorry, but I think when you see Falcons and what they do in such a short amount of time, in a way, and we've kind of been fooled. I feel like we've been fooling ourselves. I think we've all been lying to ourselves about... for the past six months or so that Mongols could win a Tier 1 tournament or that Aurora can actually go and win a Tier 1 tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Or actually, not even that, maybe they can, but that they could be a contender in the long term. I think we've just been fooling ourselves. I think that's part of the weakness of the field, though. Yes, exactly. I think it was more that it was all these...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
some of the big names or teams that had some big players were struggling and are going through different problems while because of the results that that aurora was able to make or mongols were able to make you're sort of just expecting it like that's how it's kind of supposed to go right that could have gone another way in reality you can't do it without superstars right any tournament
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
big-ass tournament, whether it's the Major, it's Cato or Cologne, something that has a lot on the line, a high-pressure environment, your players need to deliver. You're not going to call yourself to a tournament win like that. You're going to need someone to pull off the shit that Zyvo does or that Robbs does or that Monacy does or that Nico does or that Donk does.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
You're not going to win a tournament like that By having five E3s all the time because all your openings are working and you're reading your opponent perfectly. I think at the time, though, they could have.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But they were never going to beat Vitality or Spirit. Like, Eternal Fire's best chance was Pro League that one time against Na'Vi, and they had them. But that was in Malta, in a studio, you know? Like, it didn't have all the pressure around it. We saw them crumble against, actually, the Mongols in Katowice. The Mongols crumbled against Mousesports in Shanghai, right? Like...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It just sort of keeps – and, yeah, they can get better with that. My point being probably their A game is not good enough to beat, let's say, Vitality's B game. They have to catch them on a really bad day.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I am getting aroused. Oh, shucks. It's my job, sir. No, no, no. But I'm getting aroused only for like Falcons Vitality, Spirit Vitality, Spirit Falcons potentially, right? Like those are the games that I want to see. Maus is the one that's like up there.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Well, not necessarily, but actually after I saw them in Bucharest, yes. Even if, let's say, they played again with Dexter, because there they played really good CS.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, I know. But it's also, you know, that with guys... I mean, I don't know if you want to talk about Falcons with Monaco or without. If that's, you know, because of your hypothesis.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I know, but my point is that... if they get their sort of floor sorted right which it seems like they did and they're playing like proper counter-strike you always need that if you don't have that players are not helping you know superstar players are not helping you they're not saving you right like you're not going to be able to find results on a consistent basis but if you have that
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
then the players can give you that extra 5% that you need to be able to beat the other team and lift the trophy, right? And I think with guys like Niko and Monacy, obviously, I mean, you have that ceiling and you have that potential. I don't know if you have that potential with 9-10 and Senzu. I don't know if Voxic and Xantaris can actually play on that high of a level on the stage consistently.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Exactly. Exactly. So how long are done with that?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Also, I think age. I had this thing with ages. I saw that, yeah. It's like it matters in some sense. For example, these are not young guys as well. These are, what, 27, 8-year-old players. So they're mature as humans as well where it shouldn't have even if – let's say they were a little bit inexperienced on the stage with Islam, whatever, it shouldn't affect them as much, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Like it's obviously going to affect someone more who is 18, 19 years old, who hasn't been around as much. It's just like everything you experience it in a different way. So I think that's also what doesn't get him out of a bind. But now someone is going to say, oh, yeah, but then that's the perfect excuse for the Mongols because they're so young. Well, sure, to some extent.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But I also that's where I also don't believe that age matters all that much, because after a couple of times, you either have it or you don't have it. Right. I think there's no that much, you know, young and old players. There's like good and bad players. And that's it. I think the problem with why you don't have that many star players that are 30 plus is twofold.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
First of all, guys who are now 30 plus have not been when they were 20, 21, 22, 25, have been putting in the same amount of work or haven't been working consistently on their game, which is why you see them drop off. And the problem with Counter-Strike and why people fall off as they get older isn't that their reaction speed gets slower. and their aim has lost its edge, and that's why they suck.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
No, it's everything else. Look how many times the game has changed. Look how much different rifles were buffed than nerfed. Look at the movement. Look at how you peak people now. Like, if you see... let's say Niko playing, how he clears angles, he does it differently now than he did in CSGO, for example, three years ago.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And he did it three years ago differently than how he did it six years ago, because the meta always changes and you need to be able to keep up with it, right? For some people, you know, priorities start shifting and they don't put as much time in the game. And maybe it's things like that, right? So I think that's one of the reasons.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And I think you'll see more of players in their 30s who won't just be IGLs that are on the best teams. Like, who'll be on other roles as well. Because those are the guys who've been constantly working on their craft and adapting and...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, well, that's the thing. There's not that many players. But I mean, I think when you see guys like...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
nico elige some of these other guys when they get into their like early 30s i think they'll still be able to play they won't have to become igls to keep a spot on a tier one team you know i still think they'll be good enough to just play um their positions and i will say what was it i don't know if it slipped my mind uh another thing about no here's the thing because a lot of people in that thread were like
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
oh yeah um but they are igls so that's the only reason you know that's the only way how players over 30 can be yeah but apex plays star positions apex plays yard the nuke he plays con on mirage right like he plays the same spots nico plays so what is the What is the problem then? What's the issue there?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Kerrigan also, I mean, sure, he's not amazing mechanically, but he has games where he saves his team's ass.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I know that recently the G2 CEO has been talking in the interview how they were trying to make the team younger, but I don't know if he made that call that you said.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
No, don't get me wrong. Like, I don't think now you should be looking for 27-year-old guys out there. It's, of course, and one of the reasons, again, is because we've literally had a game change where it's just sometimes hard to get rid of old habits. You know, like you've been doing something one way for five years, seven years. Now it's a different game. And that way is no good anymore.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Like, you have to change your mindset. And that takes time. Not everyone is able to do it.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
right and you know for someone like not even donk but whoever is the the next kid that show up shows up cs2 is going to be the first game he touches right and the mechanics are going to be natural to him and all these little things and of course like it anything else it's the newer generation that will always be better than the previous one but for me it's just when people talk about longevity and and you know oh if this guy anyone past 30 can only be an igl
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I don't believe that. And I think like you pointed out, Jason, the main, one of the main reasons for that is like, it just wasn't, there wasn't an opportunity for guys before. It didn't make sense. It didn't compute. I think it does now. And I think five years from now, actually, yeah, let's do it for the 1000th episode of Talking Converse. We'll look back. Still looking for sponsors by then.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
We'll look back and we'll see how many 30 plus year old star players we have.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
They didn't tell you about the mineral deposits. No, they didn't even say a fucking word about the mineral deposits. You should have a house. They should have a mine. Could be making bank, Jason. Just repurpose the building.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
For me, it also tells me that they have no expectations for this major. Right. Like whatsoever. Because when you hear them talking to Furr, I mean, that's getting a vibes, not a vibes guy necessarily, but that's like a cheap option where you have something cool happening around the team. There's going to be a lot of content around the eyes on it.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Furr reunited, Furr is whatever, like a streamer or something now in Brazil. So you've had that whole element. It's like they're not hoping for any results. Like this move didn't happen to get results. Because once the first thing didn't happen, you're getting a kinder. And one of the main reasons is he speaks the same language. He can speak the same language as Molodoy.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, the only thing worse than that is like flying for 30 hours. Yeah, you've always had the rough trip. Potentially. No, it was all right. It could be worse. It could always be worse. It could have been worse. It definitely could have been worse.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
So that, you know, when everyone else is speaking Brazilian, this kid doesn't feel left out. The two of them can, you know, speak Russian or whatever. It's like... I guess, yeah, that is true. They could do that. Why are they doing that?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
When you ask this question, Jason, it's as if they looked at what was the worst thing that Astralis did and the worst thing for Team Liquid and decided to combine them in their team. Switching their AWP IGL to rifle IGL and then bringing a guy that didn't work out for Team Liquid. So... Yeah, I don't really care anymore. Like, I just can't. You know, also for all of these Brazilian teams.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It's like, until you make some moves and you get the players that you're supposed to get, I know that it's not necessarily just up to them. They're all fucking stupid, right? Like, no one wants to let anyone have them, so they'll just all be mediocre forever. I guess that works out, but...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
i don't care none of them is going to do anything pain is not going to do anything special furia isn't mibr isn't legacy isn't like who else is there i don't know i'm forgetting maybe someone it feels like all the brazilian teams have their ceilings every team needs two roster changes to to do something not even one no one's missing one player every team is missing at least two players which is crazy right and i think also if you're let's say furia right let's
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I want to say the biggest org out of all of them, but I think Payne is actually really big as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I don't know how big the gap is between the two, but just do it one time, right? Because imagine if this era of mediocrity for Brazilian teams, which has been going on now for...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Two, three years, you know, more than that? I don't know, right? Because I'm thinking, oh, Rio Major was a bright spot for Fury with all of that. But that was a flash in the pan. That's all it was, right? Like, so you can even say five years, six years before, since they were like, could be a contender or whatever.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Like, imagine if you did shell out whatever it is that they want for Insani and for whoever, right? Or Big Uzira and NQZ, like Chad said, whoever it is. And you actually become a contender, right? How many fans would you get then? How many eyes would you get on your team? How many jerseys would you sell? What are all the cool activations that you could do then?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
The problem is no one wants to take that risk. right because they already get like decent people following them because people in brazil are crazy about cs and all of that stuff but imagine imagine if we talked about furia as a contender right next to falcons vitality spirit whoever right like You almost want it to happen that way because anything else is just stopgaps, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It's just like, oh, okay, this doesn't get me excited in any way whatsoever. Sure, are they going to have – could they have slightly better results and make playoffs here and there? Yeah. Are they going to win a tournament? No. And that's what everyone is in this for, right? Any team, no matter how small they are, they have –
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
In their heads, at the very least, some sort of a long-term vision, long-term strategy. How will they be able to get there in two years' time, five years' time, right? When we had GamerLegion show up and then play the playoffs, and of course they're going to get blown out of the water by...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
the falcons you know it makes sense but look at where mouse was five years ago you know they were they were also a team that phase would just farm then they managed to get carrigan when when phase removed them had some good results won a couple of tournaments and most importantly
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
had the vision to invest into an academy team to invest into their staff to pick the right people to give those people enough control to make good things happen and now you have i think two you could make two top 20 teams worth of just players who have been through mouse academy And they've sort of made a blueprint for how you can get it done, and now they're a contender.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And even they still are not a team that's the best in the world or that lifts the big trophies all the time. They're actually still chasing that, right? And Gamer Legion, you get that feel off of what Mouz is doing, just they have a lesser, smaller budget, and they're doing it on a smaller scale. scale, right? But that's who they're hoping to become.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And then, of course, on the other side, you have organizations like FaZe Clan and Falcons and G2, who in theory, you know, can then buy the player that Gamer Legion or Maus develops. And that's how they augment their roster. And that's how they become, you know, contender. And that's how they build their teams. So we have those two different things. And these Brazilian teams have neither.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
They don't have good enough academy structures where they develop talent and find young players that then play on their main team and become really good. And they're not splashing the money around to grab players from other teams. And that's why they're going to be mediocre.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
turkey to go to fucking balak or some shit you know yeah it happened now with the mongolia tournament like a lot of people were contacted last minute yeah then you had i think josh was contemplating you know from australia does he go home does he go to mongolia he's looking at flies he's like this is all looking like awful so he did the thing where he just like sent them a rate that would
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, no, it's fine, Jason. I want you to not mention it. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Oh, man. You showed it to me. I watched it before it was out.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
He's got no whole water unit. There's nothing going on in this house.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
You know what that means, Chad? He's been perpetually drunk for the last four days. So even if he did see it, he probably has forgotten about it by now.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I think the problem is just like you're trying to do an Office episode in nine minutes, right? Like it all felt... Yeah, I think if it could have been longer, it would have worked much better because you don't even have time to sort of set up some of the jokes and the punchlines and whatnot.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But those were some fun. I mean, we did tell a couple of stories about that when, you know, we're all going from one event to the other. And then it's like, all right, like we can, you know, people end up being on same flights. I traveled actually with Alex to Australia and back. I mean, we are, our paths, they were in Istanbul, but outside of that, it was me and him all the way.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
fatality spirit mouse falcons that's exciting i'd say they're the best four in the world right now um what else the question is would we say that because of the circumstances in which vitality is playing this tournament that this is spirits tournament to lose because they've had so much time off?
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
This is also one of those tournaments where three teams make it into the next stage out of four. Give me a fucking break, bro. So... So if you're, you know, Falcons, you only need to not lose to FlyQuest if you even lose to FaZe. And if you're, you know, Vitality is not going to lose to Wildcard. But let's say they do. They only have to beat Pain. And then they're in the playoff. Sick. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Great. Eight teams, six teams go through. So 75% of the teams go through into the next stage.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I mean, this is where it really helps if you've been able to establish a good culture and if the players get along outside of the game too. Because that makes everything else so much easier, right? It makes being on the road easier if you're having a good time with your teammates. Obviously, you're playing well and you're winning. So your work feels better, too. It's easier right now.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, exactly. When things are going well. So, yeah, sure, they'll be a little bit tired and all of that. But because they are great at having the correct mood and bringing the right energy in games, they'll still have the right approach, it feels like. And they still should be able to... have a good result here. You know, I don't think they're going to bomb out.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Someone's going to 2-0 them just because they only just won the Grand Slam because, you know, the organization sort of and what they're trying to build there that you can't have it both ways, right? You don't go and go on this great run only for that to happen. You just aren't built that way, if that makes sense. So...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Also, for what you were talking about, I cannot emphasize enough how big of a difference it is when you're able to give your players time off completely compared to having a lighter practice but online. Being able to tell people, hey, you have five days.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
of no practice so they can spend time with their friends family whatever maybe go on a mini trip if they want to like take their girlfriend somewhere somewhere nice you know do something nice just disconnect uh from the game um it's a huge difference because otherwise that's been the the the main thing for me when i've been looking at you know coaching versus being talent is like when you're
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
on a team even when you're back home from an event still grinding work the grinding still continues you know constantly so being able to give everyone that little bit of time off and then coming back into work and and zoning in on that and preparing for your next tournament i mean it's it's huge so i i don't think it's a um coincidence it's just a simple coincidence that they're doing this and having good results
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yes, I definitely think so. Really tough one. I think I will tell you though, and I don't know, you probably don't care about this, but if you just looked at LAN series, BO3, BO5s, Vitality is second behind NIP already. Okay, because you're the best of ones.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And Liquid would have been behind Astralis if that's the only thing you look at. Well, one of those Astralis.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
NIP is at 28 and Vitality now is at 19.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yes. Okay.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, I'm not doing it to diminish the other streaks or liquid streak or anything. It's more to showcase, you know, like you just say match, right? But you look at that it's all bad, that you constantly have to keep doing it like that. I guess, yeah, I didn't really think of it the way you said it, Chad. It's like easier to get upset in a best of one than in a best of three.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But in any case, the streak has been pretty impressive. I mean, they've, yeah. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
And for me, the craziest thing on that graphic that we kept pulling up with the streaks is that in the list of top 10, there's four different Astralis streaks from 2018, 2019. That's so stupid, isn't it? And even if you include, even with this one that I'm saying, you know, only best of threes, best of fives, where it's like...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
They actually, you know, with just a little bit of luck or losing a game at a different time, could have even beaten NIP's streak when it comes to series, you know, which is just sort of mental to think about. Because I'll tell you here, these four streaks combined are 24, 36. It's like 53, right? Obviously, you can't combine them all together. But if you just combine...
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
you know there's two of them for two of them it says 2019 and then one of them is 1819 so it crossed new years there like if you just combined one of those or like two of those it would be 29 series which would be number one uh in terms of best of threes best players on land which is nuts right the level of dominance also yeah funnily enough the the exact time when i was a coach
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
They were good at the start of the year and at the end of the year, last year. Yeah, the bookenders. In the middle, you know, it was more G2 and Na'Vi, G2 in 23, winning Cairo and Cologne, but then not, you know, like it was teams taking turns in a way.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
The judgment is pretty good of those people.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
This is just Chad saying, even if we had a tournament in Perth, I'm not fucking doing this thing with Russia. This was his first and last time he's going to get to experience this. So might as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It's also why I like the location for a boot camp because it's not hotel rooms that it has. It's like small apartments. So every room has a small kitchen. Some have a living room area separated from the bedroom.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Yeah, too bad Henry's in Mongolia, he could help you with the milk.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Because, you know, if you're going in between tournaments to do a bootcamp so you don't have to go back to your own continent, it might be helpful to sort of just break the rhythm a little bit. You know, some guys like to make at least their own food in terms of like breakfast or something and just have a slightly different dynamic.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
Nice one, Jason. Appreciate that. Might actually just clip this and use it for promotional purposes. Yeah, there we go. But yeah, I mean, Australia is awesome. It's always a pain in the ass to get there, man. But the vibes are so good once we're down there. It was the first time in Melbourne. You know, I don't want to offend anyone from Melbourne. But it's like pretty much to me, I didn't know.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
There's not much difference to Sydney, right? Like it's a cool city, places to go. Sydney has a slightly better beach, it feels like, like when you go to Bondi or something. But yeah. Definitely a lot of cool places outdoors to hang out. Great coffee down there in Melbourne from someone who drinks it very rarely. Chad's been talking about the Australian coffee for years now.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But that's what people ask me there. Hey, how do you like our coffee? They take it as a point of pride. I don't know, man. I drink it for the effect, not for taste. I got to go to KBBQ a couple of times, which for us is a huge deal.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
He's always stocked for milk.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It was crazy. We went there on the day we landed me and Alex. We landed at 7 p.m. and at 9 we went to KBBQ with Chad. It was the loudest KBBQ place I've ever been to. Food was great and everything. We went to an Aussie football game with Chad where he was again struggling to pretend that he knows the rules. And everything – it's like I told – we talked a little bit about this in the last episode.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
It's like baseball for Australia. Like, it doesn't feel like people care too much about the game. They go there to have some beer, some food, and so on. But, yeah, it's always, like, a lot of fun. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
tournament was great we'll get into that I guess a little bit later I was just thinking about what I tweeted and said on the last episode that you know next time they want to do well a major in that time zone Australia would be really cool like you know the crowd always comes up there's one thing though that bothers me about the Australian crowd and you can answer this chat probably you know this better than I do for sure
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
you know for example it was like 12-10 on Mirage or something in the final you know it's like a close game and they're chanting twist his dick twist his dick you know and it's like sometimes I wonder is it just like do these guys even at some point like watch the game still or is everyone piss drunk and like is just having a good time or they're still watching the game and paying attention they just like they just do those stupid ass chants you know because they're
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
I think it also makes sense. I mean, I'd imagine from a business standpoint, because there was a bigger crowd there than there is in Katowice. Like, yeah, that's a bigger that's a lot of tickets you sell, you know, so sure, it's a far away and there's extra cost of getting people there. And I don't know what the costs are in terms of the equipment and everything.
Talking Counter
Episode 133: IEM Melbourne, Vitality and Falcons, FURIA changes, who are the true title contenders?
But I do imagine people run a tournament not to lose money on it, but to make money on it. So, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think it's probably going at a good pace. Yeah. The amount of updates and like small tweaks and changes. So it gets ironed out. And I think it won't be until the first until the Austin major is over where we can really look back and say, all right, some of these things were good. Some of these things are bad and need to be addressed. And some of it is just going to be the nature of the circuit.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I mean, like you had in Cluj with teams deciding to skip out the tournament, losing some points. Other teams obviously get the opportunity to win all that prize money and leapfrog them. It feels like with the result that... Astralis had that unless they have some royal fuck-up, they've secured themselves a major spot with the run in this tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
They missed the last two. They're not...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
And now there's more pressure. Liquid is 15th.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yep. Yeah, I know, but, I mean, we'll have to see how it works in regards to, you know, now they're the 15th seed. Like, you go to a tournament like Pro League or Blast Lisbon, you know, okay, Pro League is different because teams see themselves, but... You're going to have to play, like, Vitality at the start of the tournament. You know, like... Just tougher runs.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like, the runs are going to be just tougher. And then what happens if... I mean, this is what everyone is sort of figuring out. But, you know, maybe Furia. Maybe there's a South American tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
you know region locked that's actually ranked and there you have furia pain you have all these teams that are in the americas and all of a sudden they managed to get get some points that liquid kind and liquid is playing these tier one tournaments having tough runs because they're seeded low i mean now they're on the brink of not being in the top 16 to get invited to these tournaments
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yes, they could be out of it by then.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
It seems like it's a little bit too laggy, you know, everything. You made a good point just now. The fact that Dallas is two weeks before the major. Two and a half weeks, let's say. So if that's already set, then the only thing you're playing for is obviously the major, which is the big one, and that's in April. And after that, you're set. But if they do start...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
If they don't have good results, then that will start affecting invites for next season. And also, it might have the snowball effect where it becomes real bad real fast because there's no mechanisms for you to play at these tournaments.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
i mean none of them do have wild card except for blast rivals or or yeah you know rivals have four they have like one for eu one for na one for south america and one for asia i'm pretty sure i'm sure they'll probably use it on liquid but again If you fall down to that, I mean, that's slim pickings. And does then Liquid as an organization say, well, fuck it. We have to accept these PGL invites.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Because other teams supposedly won't. Some of them will be skipping it. So then there's the opportunity for you.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
And not more than two in one year.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Isn't golf like a lot of tech you need to, you know, you can't just come in and take a swing. That has nothing to do with, I mean, it has very little to do with power and a lot more with.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
100%.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Wow. All right, Jason. Sorry. I guess it's a professional deformation for me. That's what it is.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Well, the fan base and they have the good lineups, the good rosters, the best players in the world on their teams, which is what everyone wants to see, right? And that's what they're leveraging. Well, actually what you said, viewership, just to maybe a different vehicle.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
That's the only way this is fixed. Yeah, but... The orgs don't need to do that if they can find money elsewhere, which is what they're doing with the TOs. I think for me it's fine. It's not, Chad. You say that, but that's not realistic or reasonable because we've grown too much and have advanced a long way for there to be no organizations. We're in a course correction.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Because you need to... Do the salaries need to go down for players? Yes. Probably. Do some of these orgs maybe need to scale down a little bit with some things? Probably.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But the orgs still provide a very valuable service to the players themselves, first and foremost, by providing them with a guaranteed salary, by having people, coaches, managers, performance coaches, so that the players can only focus on playing. That's what you want to do as a player. You can only focus on getting better and performing on the server.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Also, for the ecosystem as a whole, having orgs, having brands, having those orgs also work on maybe creating content. For example, the spirit vlogs from the major or the comms videos from other guys or skits from someone. Whatever it is, it provides extra value. to the viewer and provides extra value to the consumer, provides some hype around these teams, around the brands, around the names.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I don't think we're at a position where I don't think we'll ever see orgs just not be a thing in Counter-Strike for as long as Counter-Strike is a thing.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
he's like he's like everything is there we're just not able to to properly sell this yet to like bring in the money but he thinks that salaries are at a very pretty good pretty damn good place across the majority of the professional scene you know good for players i'll say that but also this whole conversation especially like luber agreement was different and the blasting because you were getting incentives um even if
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Whatever. Even if you performed poorly. Here you have the club prize money for ESL and it's higher the higher you place, but it's only based off your placing. Like if Na'Vi is 14th in the next ESL tournament, they're not going to get a shit ton of money. They're not going to get any extra money. So that's fair.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I just don't like now this sort of narrative or something that people are saying, oh, Blast and ESL are sort of the bad guys. They're squeezing PGL out. Like PGL could easily lower their prize money for a tournament by half a million. make it 750K instead of 1.25 mil and do the same sort of an incentive structure. They just don't believe in that and they don't want to do it, which is fair.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
True. I think Dinko has a lot of things higher on his list than getting around to golfing.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
It's just a different sort of approach that they have, but no one is doing anything shady or...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
illegal or skipping the rules it's just that Blast and ESL are sort of siding more with the orgs and trying to cozy up with the orgs and that way sort of guarantee having the biggest of names at their tournaments and PGL is sort of banking on well surely they'll have to play our tournaments because we have the most prize money it's going to impact the ranking the most PGL is Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Chad, do you know that the frequent flyer thing from Blast, is that counted in the VRS or no? No, no, no. So it's not like club. So that's where ESL sort of found a bit of a, I mean, it wasn't loophole now, it's in the ruling, but then that's a bit of a problem for Blast. Yes.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think just early 20s single fucking you say fucking fucking out there slinging dick will be in Poland a little bit in Northern Ireland, Ireland, airports. I don't know. Airport airports.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
You know, it's been a long one if Chad had a fucking beer.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
It's all prize money. And that's why I also said in my tweet about Maus, Maus and Kluge, the highest ranked team they beat was Falcons in the grand final. They were ranked 8th before.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
the event and they also lost to them in the in the groups outside of that it's teams between the from 11 to like 20 something but the point is like we can't do shit tos can't do much you know pgl can't do much from their side of things to to get orgs to come to their events but the pressure the most pressure that can come can be from within from the players themselves because if you are
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
you know guys on team liquid and you're like well now we're in this situation we didn't go to kluge especially with the playing field we could have had an easier time we're a new team or we made the roster change we're trying to you know get up in the rankings g2 as well the players could have made that same uh case right and you're missing out also
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Especially with PGL, you look at the prize money and considering that still in most cases the players get the vast majority of the prize money, 85% or higher, you know, that's them looking at it and thinking, well, we could have gotten an extra, you know...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
40-50k per player if we went and won this tournament so also to not have any real say into which tournaments you'll attend like also just from a logistic standpoint you know you're you're missing out on a tournament in Europe if you're G2 right then you'll go to actually I think they're skipping Melbourne but let's say a team that will go to Melbourne they'll go to where is it Mexico the rivals
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
You know, like some of those locations, it's like you're going to go halfway across the world for a week or eight, nine days to play some event where realistically how much is there in it for you compared to some other events like a Closure, maybe Bucharest from PGL, you know, like...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So that's where I think, especially this club prize money thing from ESL, if, let's say, the orgs are just like, well, that's not prize money, that we don't have to share that with the players. I think that's where... It's definitely prize money. Yeah, because it's counted in the VRS, right? I think that's the only definition that you would need to use if you're a player.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But, again, semantics and contracts, and, you know, that's where you can run into some issues. No CSPPA, less... Power, I mean, power is a bad word, but less opportunity maybe for the players to... CSPPA was fuck all even when they were around. Yeah, yeah, sure.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But still, just the fact that it existed, I mean, the players got some decent stuff from it, you know, like some basic requirements for tournaments and so on. The hotels, the blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, all these sort of things, just because there was an official body and that, you know, contacted with all the TOs and everything. Yeah, it's turned to shit pretty quick and...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Wasn't what it was supposed to be in the long run, but the fact it wasn't useless to them and
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
How did you feel about the third place game, Chad? I fucking loved it.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think it was good. I think it will forever be difficult for teams to really find motivation. I don't know. I think JW years ago had a tweet about this as well. Sure, there's prize money. I think it's a lot about the matchup, right? If you get two teams where there's a lot on the line for them for that game, then absolutely, it can be a banger. But I think...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
if you ended up having, you know, Vitality, Na'Vi play that game and then you have, whatever, Spirit, G2 in the final and they just lost the semi the previous day, I don't know, maybe it wouldn't be... I guess it's just like when you have two good teams, it's always going to be fun, right?
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I mean, listen. If you have money, you don't need like points. I mean, it sounds kind of dumb, but my point being, if you're going to fly business every time, regardless of, you know, if you're going to pay for it every time, then why would you care which airline you're flying with? You're going to fly with whatever makes the most sense, right?
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like, even if they are a little bit more sloppy, lacking a little bit of discipline, I mean, that's still entertaining, Counter-Strike. So I guess for the viewer, in the end, it's always going to be...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
going to be great, and I agree that it's way better than any sort of a show match or anything, although they were a little bit lucky that the game, the final didn't go to a fifth map, because it would have been past midnight, so maybe with that, you need to start the third place game a little bit earlier, you know, just to make sure that the final doesn't drag on for too long, and of course, they were unlucky with the fact that the first map was two maps, but...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
There's more on the line than the grand final.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
And I think also the argument you said, Chad, about the first team in the arena, if it's four best of threes. I mean, you can just ask that team, would you rather play this game in the studio? Because that's what that upper bracket last game is. I'm pretty sure everyone would answer that they would rather play it in the arena.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, I think we've seen that with Tamar 12, like, sure, there's still potential with four best of threes a day for things to go real bad and to go south and for it to be a really long day. But more often than not, it's fine. Like majority of cases, it's fine in terms of the schedule. That was the reason why we stepped away from four best of threes potentially.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
a day in the arena because with MR15 and everything, it could, you know, we had that crazy one in Katowice one year where we finished at 3, 4 a.m. You know, like that was just ridiculous. But with MR, and for the majors, you had it because, well, there was an extra day in the arena because the budget works a little bit different when it's the major.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So, yeah, I think for these TOs, they can definitely... reevaluate, it's also more content for them. I mean, in a way, right? Like more arena games. I think it's just just provides for a better product.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But if you don't want to pay every single time, then accruing points and then sometimes just being able to upgrade with miles and having some of these perks, even when you're flying economy, it is nice. It does. It hits the spot. It does. Yeah.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
you know yeah between second and third the difference between third and fourth is a lot more it's it's close to 70k so yeah i think it's nothing to be you know laughed at like even if the players have high salaries this is still like extra money that's coming in and and all that stuff and potentially some incentives and if you go up in the rankings and all that stuff
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But yeah, I think for the tournament itself now, Jason, if we could finally get to the Counter-Strike and you can stop talking about all this random bullshit in your fucking baseball movie that no one has seen outside of the United States. Because no one watches the game outside of the United States, the Dominican Republic and Japan.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I don't need to go into a sleeping pod for four hours. I can just go into one of the lounges. They have a quiet area with like single beds where you can sort of take a nap if you want, like, you know, have things like that. Nice little perks. Everybody loves a perk. Yeah, exactly.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think for you, it's just like you can't handle one more thing to keep track of. I think you're at full capacity.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think the thing with Astralis is, on paper, they have too many good pieces to be bad forever. Right? Like, it has to click at some point. Like, sure, you always have Cadian having to play some silly roles with a rifle, but...
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
outside of that you have device you have i mean yabi and stare i don't even want to mention staun that much anymore because he had another stinker you know for the most of the the playoffs really like not delivering in a way that you would expect for him and for people they're finally seeing you know sort of what stair is capable of and he's showing it a little bit more on the
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
big stage as well but i've been you know calling for this guy to go to australis from 2022 in october or something that was about right yeah before the real man i was saying they would should get him in zyphon but zyphon for some reason still on tier three teams in denmark But yeah, I think he's extremely talented, good mechanics, good game sense.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think from little I could see on Sprout, he was a good teammate as well, has a good attitude while he plays. So it might just be the trio of Yabi, Stair, and Device that are sort of leading the pack from them, but... It's all about whether they will be able to do it on a consistent basis.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
You still see some of those, obviously with Cadian being the IGL, some of the heroic stuff in there with some gambles and stacks and reads and all of that. It can be very frustrating to play against if you can't get some of those reads on your own and if you keep running into those stacks and you get outmaneuvered in that way.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
No, no, no. I'm not saying you're bad at it. I'm just saying you have a lot going on. So that one extra thing is just not worth it for you.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
But also hard to execute that style on a consistent basis and to always kind of be right and be at the right place at the right time. So I think probably the best and the most influential result for the Astralis organization in the last year or 14, 15 months really that they've had with the implications that it's going to have on this season.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Isn't everything goofy or fun? I like Jason. Jason can't do half the things you do.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
he's not in the mood at the moment i don't know i'm just i'm just trying to cheer chad up a little bit but jason's not in a great mood either so i guess i just have to you know utilize some self-deprecating humor um fun things we left the baby with her grandma for the weekend for two nights so we got a taste of you know how it is to not have a kid well you're about to have two and a half weeks of that it felt so good well just me yes
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Not too much. I haven't seen him all that much, but I remember asking him sort of also about the clapping. You see Nico just fist bumps and then Dexter high-fives him, but apparently he's like... A bit of a quiet guy. Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was surprised to hear that as well. Yeah, I thought he was like super outgoing, like that's sort of the vibe he gives out, but not really.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So having him, getting him out of his shell a little bit has been what they've been trying to do. But yeah, still obviously early days for them. They've just been together for two months, right? And they spent... 85% of that on the road together. They had a boot camp that was something around 16 days total.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Then you had Katowice ride and straight into Romania pretty much after that because they had to play the qualifier for Dallas. And then you had Bucharest and Cluj. So, yeah. But I think for them, obviously, a huge result in terms of making the grand final for one, and also looking at the teams that they've had to play along the way. I mean, they beat FaZe 2-0 on the stage.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
They finally beat Eternal Fire after Falcons as an org lost to them the last 130 times that they played. They beat Maus to qualify for the playoffs. They beat Astralis. You know, okay, they lost to Pain and beat FlyQuest in their opening game. So I think they played a lot of really good teams. They had to play a lot of maps.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Good sign for them that Niko was in form, ended up winning the MVP despite losing in the finals. dexter had a lot of good moments and i think after sort of the first series a little bit the second series like the fact that tessis did wake up a little bit in the grand final and showed some of his form on stage from group from the group's
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
on the stage as well in the playoffs i think that's like what you're hoping comes out of this tournament for falcons the most that he's sort of broken that glass ceiling of his and that now he can deliver those sort of performances uh on the stage consistently because that would mean a ton for for this falcons lineup
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, exactly. Yeah, but, you know, it's kind of unfair, I guess. I don't know.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
The Mirage one from Kat, that was nasty.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
That's what I say, Chad, but it's always like, yeah, but then this and this, that and that, that. It never stops. It never stops.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Shout out to the Romanians. Just like with everything else, Chad, you did it first and then everyone copied it.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think you can also tell, man, like some of these rounds, I think in the final things could have gone better for them, but they were losing some silly rounds. Again, having a lot of issues with the anti-force buy rounds at different times. Then you even look at Ancient losing 5v2 in the first gun round. I mean, on the CT side, just completely...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
changes the the way that um ct side goes and it's crazy because of the level of players and the experience of the players that that happens i mean also some situations on on dust there was that 2v4 2v5 that they almost won with actually dexter and tessus where dexter is getting the kills with the galil on the a site and tessus gets one kill on mid and then for some reason
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
He pushes mid to peek window on B while Dexter is already on A and killed all the... Like, the last two players alive are the B players. And, you know, could have played the post-plan there at 2v2 and had a chance to win the round maybe, but whatever. I mean, it's kind of clear the areas in which they could improve still.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So I think also Nico talked in interviews about how they were feeling the pressure early on because everyone's, you know, wanting them to fail and all of that stuff.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So I think this result will probably be a little bit liberating for them in a way, too, where, OK, you know, you guys have shown you've been in some good teams, like you've shown that you can play and now you can maybe just relax a little bit and do some more of that.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
there's nothing you can do i send some flowers back occasionally if there's a if there's a if there's a moment um i leave some notes you know you know somewhere i've done that once not very often wow that's thoughtful oh shit i saw did you see that it was all a fucking ruse which your your your gal getting pregnant it was all a lie yeah of course do everything publicity publicity stunt
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
He loves a fight. Yeah, but you get it on B too.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think for them it's obviously great for the confidence of Brolan and the whole team that, you know, I think the players at the back of their head also removing your IGL, having a new guy have to step into it, like, it's not the easiest of transitions, so the fact that they were able to have a good result early on, right, despite of the teams that they beat, didn't beat, like, it doesn't matter, like, still to go and win three games in the arena and win the tournament, like, that's going to
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
feel good um obviously i think important that exertion had a good final because in some of those yes what jason
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Go on about exertion. All right. But yeah, I think also him having a good final important because he's a guy who can have a lot of impact and has some key positions on maps and has gone missing before in some key games. So a lot of positives in that sense. Like Chad said, still to be, you know, truly tested in the sense of having to play some of these teams that are at the very, very top.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
And how are things going to look that way? But I don't know. I just have, again, a hard time seeing that transpire when they get to that sort of an environment. I even saw Duncan tweet something along the lines, and I kind of agree with it, is... it almost means now, you know, it's all about firepower is the only thing that matters. Like if they pull it off, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like it's just who has the guys who shoot the hardest and there's very little left in terms of nuance and tactics and things like that. If you can just get a rifler in, get rid of your IGL and still... uh, play on a super high level. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see. It came definitely earlier than I expected for mouse in terms of the success and, uh, to see if they can maintain it.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
well we didn't we we just were making a gag you know like because the game was the game was going on the people were having a good drink the crowd was nice and interactive which was fun the romanian people were lovely uh so yeah it was it was it was good that's the difference like when someone like you does it it's a gag like jason could never pull it off because everyone would say just ah jason just finding an excuse to drink on the job of course ah jason couldn't last an hour without a drink uh jason this jason that you know i think it'd be only you
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
No, I wasn't paying that much attention.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Oh, okay, yeah.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I know that he was doing that, and of course, you know, I guess I owe an apology to Brolan and everyone, because he did say in a word when he was talking about his career, well, I could see myself being an entry fragger or an IGL. So I guess, yeah, that means he's always wanted to be an IGL, and... Finally, he got his wish fulfilled.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Maus was the organization that granted him his lifelong wish to IGL and play Counter-Strike. So it all worked out amazingly well for everyone.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
If it were a finals MVP, then you could say so, but for the event, no.
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
consistently because he is the player that tends to go missing for mounds so but i don't think he got robbed of the tournament mvp um i don't think that would be a reasonable surmise not at all situation not at all um i think also do the mongols another choke um from them i felt like they choked at least watching the game um well if you lose new australis on mirage you're doing something wrong aren't you
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, I mean, that was, they got slapped around, even won both pistols, sure lost the second round in the first half, but on Inferno they had a lead and they just couldn't close out, they lost in the end eight rounds in a row, like four in regulation and all four in overtime, and you could tell, like, while they were playing that the stress was starting to come in and all this stuff, and
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Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
It's happened a couple of times now. It's happened against Miles in Shanghai. It's happened here against Astralis. They beat an eternal fire in Katowice who choked, like, for the words of Major himself. And the Vitality lost. You know, Vitality is just a better team. Like, that's fine. So, for the Mongols, like, the choking has to stop. Like, it's fine.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think it's a mentality. I think it's tough. What Jason? What now?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, I think just, you know, there's a couple of ways to do it, but to not get too deep into it, I think just for the Mongols, the problem was it's just five guys and a coach, right? Like, sure, and, you know, they have an organization, but when they started playing, it's the rawest of, you know, guys playing together, going up the ranks, right? I don't think there was too much emphasis on...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
professions and there wasn't a big staff from the start, there wasn't a performance coach, there wasn't like a super strict regimen that they had to follow in terms of nutrition or whatnot, right? Like which is to be expected for the first team to ever do anything coming from Mongolia, right? So I think that's the reason why in these high pressure situations, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Sometimes their emotions get the better of them. And you can tell that with the players individually, sometimes how they approach things as a team. I mean, against Astralis, this happened, like, and they do this all the time. At 12-10, they decide to force buy, right? And it's a bad force. Astralis is not in reset territory, right? And then you have two shit buys to end regulation.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like, why are you doing this? You know, they had one saved gun on Mzinho, the AWP, so what? Like, just...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
having play he'll play with the tech nine last round or a mac 10 you know and then he can maybe pick up a gun from someone else you didn't give yourself the best chance to win the game in regulation and it's that those sort of things like need to stop and they need a little bit more finesse to their game like
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
tactically yes like yeah tactically i think they're good at what they do and and sort of i don't want to call it like too simplistic because it's not but there needs to be a little bit more there in terms of their slow game needs to develop like they're very good when you know they're they're Executes go well, chaos, yeah, like faking mid default, popping on a side.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
If that stuff works for them, they can run over everyone. But if that doesn't work and you can't do the poppy stuff and you have to play a slower default, take map control, pull the rotations right from your opponents, I feel like that's where they still struggle.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I don't think it's going to work. It's a one-player change, but it's much bigger than for all of these other teams, right? Because multiple guys are moving around and Rain especially playing some of the roles that he played ages ago or positions that he played a long time ago, which is...
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
going to take some adjusting but this is it like this pro league window right where they're not playing pro league that like this is where they need to sort of figure it out and they won't have much time post that um to to to work on stuff right like elise is playing well individually i think sort of brokey is another big question mark for them he had a great group stage in kluge but uh pretty abysmal playoffs right and i think
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
this might be sort of the last season slash last year for him to really show to the team that he can, you know, take that next step in his game and play on a consistent level because we all know how difficult it is to have good results when you're struggling to get consistent output from your upper.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
He's playing some of the positions that he played when I was the coach. Because Nico was on the team and then Nico had those roles.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, five. Holy shit, it's been that long.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
What the fuck? Yeah. It's the liver, isn't it?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
So we don't have to go back. The Imperial Valkyries experiment at the Tier 1 event. Officially probably done, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
No, yeah, I think, I mean, just I didn't expect any wild answers. Like, I agree. I think ultimately you can't pass on an opportunity like that. And I think also having that, you know, against Na'Vi and all the and everything sort of. got them the positive response, but I think it's clear that they're not able to compete on that level at the moment, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like, it's been Katowice, Bounty, and Cluj, like, first three big tournaments of the year, so I think people are getting ahead of themselves, and of course they don't deserve hate, far from it, but I think it just tells you that... realistically, it was more of a loophole that they were able to attend these tournaments, that they are good enough to be participating.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Well, it's not a loophole, it's a mechanism. I'm just saying, yeah, the mechanism, you know, the loophole is a bad word, but just the fact how the changes ended up working at the beginning of this year because they were just introduced, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
um so that was that was just a coincidence that time yeah yeah um i think also i like for people to you know probably for the next episode or something as we get into it like how much will people notice yeah probably not much to be honest because a lot of the stuff that you know we came up with over the last couple of seasons are going to be used here well hold up yanko tom eric had the idea first we just executed it first
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
No, I think it's just that's just that. But we'll see. Obviously, the format is different. There'll be more games. And once you have four games a day, there's really not that much space in between to fill it with content and all that much. So just in general, focus more likely going to be on the cast, which is what we all like doing the most, pretty much.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Wow. I know.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
There's three Australian teams there and two Chinese teams, and that's the ceiling that you picked for them?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I mean, I think we're fine. We might do one more from... We got media day on Friday, right? Yeah, we'll see maybe at some point.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah. Or Alex.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Or Henry.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Freya?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
She's so busy all the time.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Wow. Yeah, unfortunately, that's not how principles work, Jason. Unlike love.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Well, I think it's if it's a league, right? And a lot of teams in there and having to schedule everything and, you know, maybe teams having to leave for tournaments, you know, to have that flexibility. I get it. It's just now with the battle stuff, it's kind of tough, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
All right. Let's go out here in Sweden. Yeah. Make up for it. It's about the same amount.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Perfect.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Yeah, in a nice area. In a nice area. Nice stuff around. So, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
Like you either have to adjust it so that there's, you know, mini seasons and then there's updates, you know, or like every whatever. Yeah. figure out a way that it still counts because I saw someone tweet about it how potentially it's screwing with some of the teams when it comes to the MRQs for NA right some of those teams are losing points now because it's not well they don't or whatever
Talking Counter
Episode 126: PGL Cluj Playoff results, PGL's Field of Dreams and the CS ecosystem
I think it'd be only you saying that. Let's see, guys, leave a comment.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, because, well, you know, until the team say it, you just can't, I don't know, feel a little bit unprofessional or just kind of stupid to be like, take it this way. But that's basically how we were phrasing it with that small caveat for, I don't know, whatever reason, but...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I think for them, you know, obviously can be very optimistic about the future with the Counter-Strike they've been playing. And now you add Monacy to that and obviously him and Niko being reunited. I think it's, you know, looking great for Falcons at the moment.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But on the other side of things for G2, it's almost like everything we talked about feels like a coin flip or actually, you know, the complete opposite with G2.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Did you see the tweet from the CEO of G2 and that statement, everything, you know, the whole Monacy thing?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I'll let you find it. Well, I just, uh, talk, give my impressions about the final and I agree with you with pretty much all the stuff you said. Um, when, when you watch them play and, you know, for example, in, in bookers and I said this coming into the final, I don't think they were really tested. Um,
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
up until the grand final because they played uh complexity two times rare atom gamer legion gamer legion in their opening game and then vertus pro who was struggling at this tournament for some reason but they never played you know they didn't have to play falcons or uh phase and
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
who have experienced players, who have big game players, guys who are going to know how to stop the things you like to do the most, teams that will know how to prepare against you. They don't even have to play like an Aurora or the Mongols or anything like that. And their T side is just what works best for them. is first timing plays, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like the first thing that they try to do, whether it's a quick opening for someone or whether it's them grouping up, like if they can get to do that, not get blocked or something and proceed with that plan, it's like that's their best chance of winning the round. But if that gets blocked or stopped and then they're forced to adjust in the mid-round, it does not look great.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
That's where they start to struggle to organize themselves. The timing seems off. The calls don't seem as great. They can play slower rounds, but slower rounds that are more set is where they have success. What I mean by that is, okay, they will...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
do mirage and they will throw you know top mid window smoke and then they will uh you know one guy will go from underground the re-smoke window they'll smoke uh top con right molly con make sure they've cleared all that and then they'll do like a b split you know and that's looks sort of it's like a default with an ending on b but you can pretty much call that round from freeze time As well.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And I think that's like the thing when you talk about eye test and you're watching and playing, this is just looking a little bit. And it also sometimes feel like they have too many things in their playbook when you watch them play. Because, you know, in a half of Mirage, you know, they would do so many different things.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But then it doesn't feel as connected maybe, you know, where you're not conditioning your opponent as much. You're just doing a lot of different things, which I guess makes you unpredictable, but also makes it harder for you to be consistent.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Here it's been amazing. It's been an amazing day. I spent the whole day outside. It was like 25 degrees. I don't know what it is in your Mickey Mouse numbers. It was great.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
No, it was after that. Rumors are true. It was like on Monday, Sunday.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, so that's the issue. Heavy God ended with most kills in the grand final somehow, even though they were banged out 3-0. I got to talk to him a little bit at this event and at Pro League, and he's just a great guy, man. He's awesome. He's a stud. He reminds me a little bit of Rain in the sense of he'll do whatever you ask him to. He's a great guy to be around.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Definitely a net positive for the vibes as well. The vibe checks out. uh with him and and it's just you know skill this was his first grand final of a big event he was a bit slow the first map but all in all uh just played really really solid and i think that's going to be a great pickup for g2 for the for the future
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It was nice. And now I'm here. Bucharest. Well, I guess, you know, Falcons going out with a bang. Against all odds, considering how their tournament started, being humiliated in the first two days. I mean, sure, in hindsight, the complexity loss maybe doesn't look as bad as it initially did, right? Because complexity ended up in fourth place.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, but I think also that's what I wanted to touch on. I wanted to go a little bit deeper into this whole G2 stuff and Monessi leaving and some of the things that he maybe said or alluded to. But I remember we finished the grand final, and I'm seeing this tweet from their CEO, and he's saying things like the way he's phrasing things. Yeah, I'm reading it now.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
We have decided to accept the trades of our young goats of CS. You didn't really have a choice.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Ilya's contract ends in December of this year and we decided to maximize our chance of rebuilding the team our team for the future with this trade instead of hoping for a last minute turn of events it's like yeah it's ending he didn't want to extend it or resign for a very good reason right we'll get into that and then you then you when I saw
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
him say this, after four years of failing to lift CS trophies under the previous management, this roster and their staff have finally landed six trophies in the last two years for the G2 banner, including Cologne and Katowice, among others. Bro, this is just instantly triggered me because this is all you hear from politicians, right? Oh, it's all those guys. This is all left over.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
All the bad things that are happening now is because it's left over from those guys before. Or everything that's good, that's only us. That's only us that we've done that. Even though it was the previous management who built basically the team that won these events or it assembled the core of this team.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
right but it's just such a crazy you know it's kind of crazy thing to say in this sort of a yeah statement and you know it was obvious that he was becoming a bit disconnected uh from the rest of the team due to his situation it was very difficult to have meaningful conversations with potential talents without the clarity around his future meaning if people weren't sure he was going to be on g2 they didn't really want to come to g2 without niko and
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
without monessy and then it's the whole spiel about or they were doing it rebuilds in valorant and league and whatnot and i don't really follow those scenes um and then for me counter-strike is different and he said counter-strike will be no different while the departures are oftentimes hard and some are even painful we're looking forward to unleashing the full potential of a new roster Right.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So for me, there's multiple things here. Right. First thing that, you know, his contract ends in December. It's because he didn't want to extend. He didn't want to extend the contract because Niko wasn't on the team anymore. And he saw how you handled, you know, the whole situation with Niko. Right.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And I think also when he says he was becoming a bit disconnected from the rest of the team, I think you can definitely see that Nico and Monessi think the same way about the game, in a way. You know, like how, I mean, a lot of the stuff, Monessi thinks he sort of learned from Nico in a way, right? He was only a rookie when he joined. So I think they're on the same page about that.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I think there was definitely, you know, clashes within that G2 roster sometimes about how they were going to play or how to handle certain situations, scenarios and whatnot. And, you know, then after Nico leaves, okay, you get Javi God, which is a good player, but you were unable to get bit or someone who would have really clicked with Monacy and maybe you would have had an opportunity to,
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
to keep him um but i think that then nico leaves and i'm honest he's the only guy sort of like or at least he doesn't have nico anymore next to him to sort of fight those battles with him and kind of has to you know potentially play in a way that he isn't like super thrilled about
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But the Gamer Legion won, getting three rounds over two maps. I mean, that's just... It was embarrassing, a word we used a lot for PGL. But after that, man, I mean, talk about a turnaround. Just what was it in the end? Six matches in a row, five best of threes and the best of five. And it seemed like they got better with each and every game they played.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
What does that say about your organization and management? The two of your best players. Look at every single interview in the last... three, four, five years of players who have been on the same team with Niko, you don't hear anything but praise for the guy as a teammate, as a player, his work ethic, his approach to the team, does whatever it takes to win, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So it's like these guys who you sort of didn't want to, you could have, but you didn't want to keep them on your roster and then you even when he made that tweet a couple of months before it's like why are you saying these things this is not you you know this is like bad that this is your approach i i don't see like where's the thought process in that um
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Because I can get that perhaps, let's say, G2 is looking at the financials and whatever, and they're saying, we can't pay these guys, which would be pretty crazy because G2 is one of the biggest organizations out there. In every game that they are, they aim to win championships, right? But let's say for a second that...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Perhaps they feel like, oh, the way to win and our approach, what we want to do is not this having superstars and having the most firepower and be what FaZe Clan was before or whatever. We want to try and take the Ents path. We want to try to take the old Ents. We want to try to take the Maus path. Where we don't have – like we have the best team. We have very good people in the organization.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
We build a very strong culture. We have an academy team that brings up talent. And that's the way that we're going to climb our way.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
That's a very good analogy, by the way. But I agree with you. I'm just trying to play the devil's advocate. But here's the problem with that sort of an approach. It doesn't happen overnight. Cycron was the head coach of the academy team for a while. And those players are now on his main team right before they made the switch to the main team. Then they were struggling for a while.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I mean struggling. It took them a while. to become that team. And they have still not become, you know, the best team in the world. They still haven't won the biggest trophies. They still haven't made, you know, even the final of a major or Katowice or Cologne, right? Sure, there's a couple of pro leagues in there. There's, you know, final of Chengdu, some other events.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Winning Cluj was probably their biggest success yet. And who knows, you know, maybe this year they'll be able to get one of the ones that we discussed. I don't think you have that at the moment in your organization, unfortunately. I'm sorry, but I think if you are banking on Taz and Snacks or Taz Plus One to sort of build you that...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I haven't seen enough from G2 and the things that we've seen about their game where I'm confident that, okay, they have a guy for that, you know, in the same way, you know, like I would be confident about Saul in Heroic, right? Or a different type of a coach.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
you know like you're rolling your dice in this and this in this route as well but i think g2 is just like and i don't know this is the problem with g2 as well they have like one gm then the head of esports then the head of fps division i don't know you know there's so many people there and i don't know who has the final say and also you know the ceo even said that well that was my decision yeah yeah exactly so so you don't know you know and i don't care i don't care about blame like
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
specifically or individually or whoever's fault it is, but just organizationally. Like, look, for example, this for a second, Jason. Think of this, right? So Nico's leaving 100%. Yeah. Monacy, you can sort of... feel that you're going to lose him as well, right? Like you try to keep him, then it's just a matter of time.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And also, G2 had to have sold him when they did because if they weren't going to sell him before the major, Falcons were just going to wait out his contract and he would have gone for free, right? So that's another thing in that whole situation. But let's say you see it coming, the whole Monacy thing. And this is how your roster could have looked like if you just got ahead of it, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So you could have gotten Shui once he was benched on Maus. And I don't care what you think about Snacks and whatnot. You could have just gotten a younger IGL who's been with Maus, so he has tier one experience, right? And I think would have been an upgrade over Snacks. You could have also... jumped ahead and got in jambo before Fnatic had him.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
That's a bit more of a question mark and a bit more risky. I was surprised they paid 600k for him. That's too much for me. But that's a guy who at the RMR and at the Major played really well in high-pressure games, seemed super calm. His body language on camera doesn't get too excited, just has that same sort of a level, which you probably like. Also, think of how young their roster would be.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like, you would have Heavy God, Malbs, Shuei, Jambo, and Hunter would be the one veteran. That might have been your flaw, in a way, that, you know, the team is a little bit younger. But if you're trying to rebuild and build for the future, and then also, last but not least, you could have cashed out and maybe got an Ashe from the Gamer Legion and team him up with Shuei again.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And that could have been G2... For this major cycle, that could have been your G2, right? But instead, you're getting Hades. Okay, I know he's a stopgap solution, but come on. Just Polish IGL, Polish coach, getting a Polish shopper.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know, and what now? Okay, Hades is going to be replaced, I assume most likely, after the major. Now let's say G2 with this amount of cash that they've accumulated from the Nikko and Monessi transfers are looking to make some moves in the offseason.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, absolutely. But what kind of moves can you make? Especially with the way you've been playing and the way you've looked on the server and the counter-strike you've been displaying. Who's going to come to your team? Yeah, that's it. You need at least two guys, right, to come at the same time. Probably they wouldn't come without the other guy coming. You know what I mean?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like the players you have on the roster outside of, you know, if you remove Hades from the equation, the other four guys are not like super enticing for someone to change rosters, you know, to get a phase player over or maybe someone from, you know, if these teams are going to make changes and shuffles again.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I know, but it just also, that's not necessarily the G2 way, even in other games as far as I'm aware, you know, like going with and then developing over years. And that's the thing as well that, you know, Nico and Monessi are generational talents. That's why I said in my tweet, you can't develop someone into, you know, Nico. Those guys don't fall off trees, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, they just exist and it's obvious. It was very, you know, it was like the Luca trade in a way where... No, really, but when you're in a way, okay, but you don't see these, yeah, I'm sure there's things you're unhappy with about this guy, but he's just a generational talent, right? You might have the first pick in the draft for next 10 years and not have a player like him be available, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It's just kind of wild that, you know, we were talking about FaZe and ROPS and Twists walking for free, but... Even losing and also phrasing it like not wanting to retain a guy like Nico and then due to that also losing Monessi. I mean, why was Monessi's contract so close to expiring anyway? Why wasn't his contract renewed a year ago?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And I know there's a business side of things and whatever. How many sponsors do you think are going to come next year for your CS division or something when you've also lost your biggest names?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I think this is without a doubt the best they've looked. I think they've looked better than in Cluj, even where they also had their one good result this year, losing in the final to Maus. And I think for me, it's just when you watch them play, right, it makes sense the things they're trying to do. And the way they're trying to play, it really does make a lot of sense.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And also, just to, you know, end on, Javi Gaudi said he's a great picker. I think Malb is a really good player. You can see it while Nico was on the team.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, exactly. And he needs to relax and everything. But that was the same problem with Huxley. Huxley wasn't replaced because he was a bad IGL or didn't work hard or anything. He was replaced because he was too emo. Like, he was too down on himself. He was too harsh on himself. Even though the team...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
believed in him and everything you know so at some point that becomes a problem like for malice if he if he can't overcome that just the mental obstacle you know first and and just having a little bit of a different approach about it all then who knows if if he is the long-term solution yeah for them
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, absolutely. I think you're looking at all these teams, them and then 3D Max kind of right behind them as these teams that are national teams and don't have like huge names across the board, but they played good Counter-Strike and have their own kind of brand of Counter-Strike that makes them distinct in a way. And I thought Mongols are the main favorites to win the trophy.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know? But the problem is it almost felt like they were a little bit complacent, you know, and they took it for granted a little bit. They were just going to waltz into the playoffs and then, you know, see what happens there. And they were confident they could, in this playing field, lift the trophy. But, you know, just the loss to Apogee, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like, that's the one that really was the killer for them. And they just haven't looked that...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, probably. And that's why I'm willing to, especially for Aurora, they have three to four weeks off until their next event now. So I'm willing to give them this one sort of off and then see how they will look like at the end of the season with time to practice and everything for Mongols.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And sure, you can talk about the first two days, but... You know, if you look at just the games after that, especially some of the T-sides on maps like Ancient, where they had to sort of come back against the Mongols in that 2-2 game in the Decider and win it. I don't know if... I think maybe even it went to overtime.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I mean, you know, it wouldn't be beyond the realm of imagination that they're just pretty content with where they are. You know, like making playoffs, being there, getting some of this prize money, sticker money, everything. Do they still have the hunger to do what it takes to keep improving and potentially, you know, challenge themselves?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
for these tournaments they're still one of the youngest lineups out there right yeah so i think that's that's the main question for them is you know how bad do you want it
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, avoiding sucking is a nice motivation, Jason. I can concur. But, yeah, it's been back-to-back, the events they've missed playoffs. So Melbourne, I think, in that regard, is going to be very important for them. Gamer Legion making their first playoffs. Played some good Counter-Strike.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Of course it proceeds from your highest high to one of your lowest lows.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
oh it sucks for ash because there's so many cool stories around that team ash res we'll get into that a bit we'll touch on the mrq at least what's been going on so far 3d max i was just shocked bro at their approach against phase i mean in the quarterfinal i know they're a team that's very aggressive on ct and you know just keeps coming at you and keeps sending bodies but that look ridiculous in their game against phase i mean they lost so they got 13 though the first map and they
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
didn't change things much on nuke either rain was saying after the interview after the game in the interview you know we kind of knew what to expect from them wasn't very hard to prepare like yeah you can't be serious if that's how you're going to play in a player game 3d max like i'm just hoping that they got beat so badly that they're going to you know question their life choices rethink everything because they're not gonna do anything with that sort of an approach
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, against FaZe, they had a great T-side, great performance against G2 as well. So really...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And I think that's the big question for me for complexity is can him and Halzerk continue this, right? Not necessarily the same highs, but they can't drop off now significantly. They can't fall off significantly because they both had a great tournament. I think all players have had their moments. JT seems to be rejuvenated.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
solid on that map and i think for me it's always you know in that sense the eye test which doesn't really look great for some of the other teams we'll get into that a little bit later but i think that's what gives you confidence if you're a falcons fan right like what you said they definitely seem to have clicked in some of these mid rounds you know and then post-plan situations there were a couple of rounds i mean
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, getting some of those, you know, getting into that apex mindset in a way, right? So for them being able to take down FaZe, being very close to beating G2, I mean, remembering how they looked at the start of the season in Katowice, at Bounty, and I think Cluj as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, it was looking pretty grim. So, yeah, that was a great turnaround for them. FaZe Clan on the other side, I mean... I don't know. It was like they looked better in a way, but then also they lost to Astralis and Complexity. Okay, then in the quarterfinal, easily dispose of 3D Max, and then they go on to lose to Falcons, who end up winning the tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But they were too slow to get started in that Falcons game. I mean, they were down, what, 11-5, 11-6, something along those lines when the Kerrigan Tech 9 round happens, and they bring it all the way back. Yeah. It's just you almost wish they lost convincingly so that it would prompt them to maybe make a change or to do something, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You feel like... Especially how Brokkie played on Mirage against Falcons. I mean, he couldn't hit a barn.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Unfortunately, because he had a good tournament, right? So then you might just look at it and like, well, you know, Brokkie will say, if I just wasn't a bot, you know, we would have won that game easily. And then they would have been in the finals against G2 where they would have been favored. So... It feels kind of hard still to evaluate FaZe at this moment because they've looked good.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
The eye test was good for them, right? Like the T-sides from Kerrigan and stuff. It looked good. Just couldn't win pistols or they would win pistol, lose second round. Just they were plagued by bad starts.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, and Astralis, who beats them in the first game and then goes on to lose to Apogee, and they miss out on the playoffs as well at the very end. Who did they get beat by? GamerLegion?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
yeah you know like that's also you'd expect i mean you expect you expect the names to do more but also once you get around to the mrq they're playing right now they're playing against big they're down a map they lost 13 to 11 on map one If they lose that, they're out. And even if they win that, they have to win like two more games or something. It's crazy.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But just the last couple of teams, I guess Astralis, yeah, just, I don't know, just really, it's just disappointing. It's still not looking that great for them. Watching KD anchoring B on Mirage with a rifle is just painful.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
From the game against FaZe, I know I did one at the desk, you know, where they're slowly just sort of baiting Broky's shot outside of Cave, then Kikson spams him through wood from the outside, Altacis is baiting the shot, all the while Dexter is covering from wrap with the AWP, you know, the other side of side. It was just...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah. That's why when they announced KD, you could have just had Hooksy, guys. You could have just gotten Hooksy. I know. And I don't know what the fuck has this guy done in the Danish scene, man, that he's marred or plagued by... you know, that no one wants to pick him up, but he would have been the role that you need. He's played with Yabi before, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I mean, he's won big tournaments, in-game leading, right? All this stuff, like his, the resume is there. And then you're just going out of your way to bring Kadian back. I mean, I don't know. I don't know what happened. I don't know how Astralis is like running if they miss another major. It's, it's crazy.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So... Holy shit, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Imagine telling that to someone in 2019. I know. Or, you know, 2018. I know.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah. What about your boys in liquid?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I think obviously it would have liked them to have won a game, but... In reality, I know they played Legacy in the first game, and I'm going... For me, Legacy... looked the best out of any of the Brazilian teams. Furia or Payne, I think they were a little bit unfortunate in some of their games. You know, they lose 2-1 to Gamer Legion. They lose 2-1 to Astralis. They had to play Aurora.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
They got 2-0'd. And this all after 2-0-ing Liquid, right? Looks in the IGL-ing role, looks solid. Like, the way they've been playing some of the mid-rounds have been really good, which is...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
kind of wow Dumau and Lato showing some of those flashes still prospects even after in four years after their first major that they played over in Godsend but yeah I almost feel bad for Legacy they couldn't win at least one more game just for the VRS points because I feel like the level of play and the eye test tells for me I felt like they've earned it
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But, you know, I know it's going to feel shitty that they didn't, but I think they could definitely be happy with how they've played, right? And if they can continue that, you know, I think they can make the major and, you know, keep trending upwards.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know, looking clinical for them in a lot of these situations, you know, leading against FaZe, probably should have won that game 2-0 if it weren't for that one Kerrigan Tech 9 round, then it goes into a third map, they have a great first half, all of a sudden they're behind because they lose pistol in the first gun round and...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, absolutely. And there were a couple of concerns to me, regardless of a little time to practice and everything. One of them was some of the CT side play wasn't something you'd come to expect from a team full of veteran players. I mean, handling rounds with advantages, the constant re-aggression all the goddamn time, man. It's like you guys are in a 4v3 situation.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And they only have Ramp on Nuke. They have to come down B to you. And then you have two guys walking up Ramp to re-clear. One player is holding and gets both kills.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It's like, come on, man. What are you guys doing? That's worse and that's been a bit of a problem for them. Even with previous iterations of the roster. And then also this thing was a little bit strange. I don't know if it was even you who said that, where Shui is saying, oh, yeah, like Twist told me, like, I make all the calls, you know, I'm the boss. It's like, yeah, why are you asking it?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know, why does he even, right? It was surprising to see them play Anubis two times, which Shui hasn't played on Maus, right? I can get it. It's a bit tricky because Liquid...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
felt really good on the map but and maybe you just want to at this first event sort of just give shui a taste of how it feels like on the map and how you want to go about it if you don't care about the result too too much you know it was going to be hard to go deep um anyways but yeah uh obviously they deserve more time but well they'll have to hit the they'll have to pick it up soon right there's not that much time before yeah exactly
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know, just mentally being able to overcome that, too, I think is no easy feat. And they didn't do it by sort of yoloing it and calling some rushes or pops or I don't know what. They did it by playing default, you know, playing a little bit slower, sort of taking their time, letting the players, giving the players a chance to make plays. And they did, you know, all across the board.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I feel you. All right. That feels like Bucharest. Bucharest covered. Is it starting to come back, Jason?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
All right, let's check out some of this MRQ stuff.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Fnatic is out, man. After bringing over Jambo for 600k.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Also, I think this is just karma for benching Krimz, man. Sort of like just saying, oh, Borb will be a stand-in for the MRQ. I mean, was it ever like... Boris, let me see this.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Okay, Krimz is set to step back from the squad due to personal reasons.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I don't know. Okay. I mean, yeah, it's hard to tell. I mean, I don't... Either things have deteriorated in the team and he doesn't agree with the approach to play in the game with, you know, fear or whoever that he just can't be bothered to pretend or play on the team anymore. Yeah. Or something has happened, you know, personally that he can't play and might...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
retire i just don't you know crims doesn't just feel a guy that would bail on the team you know before the mrq without a really really good reason right i feel like even if he is if he was unhappy with you know whatever the the approach or the direction the team was going he would have stuck it out um at least for a while
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Oh, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, it does feel like. I mean, who knows? Maybe he goes to the major with Metisport, Jason. The first full Swedish lineup to make the major since NIP in 2019.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
NIP, Jason. I need to check. when the last major NAP who played for NAP in in 2019 at the major, it was still of course, forced to get right and res and golden and lacrosse so forced and get right. We're on the NAP line of the last time a full Swedish major may made it to the full Swedish lineup lineup made it to the major.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So that's crazy. And I think also, man, just again, NIP as an org, it's just so funny, isn't it?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like they didn't even make it to the MRQ, right? They weren't high enough in the rankings to get invited. They went full international. Meanwhile, I think Adam was on the Young Ninjas lineup. Plopski was on NIP. Hampus was on NIP. So you have three guys that were there. Was Isak there for a little bit after? Yeah, Isak was there. He went from Gamer Legion to NIP for like six months.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So four out of the five guys were actually on NIP at some point. Not to talk about...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
other players you know in other teams obviously brolan is the easy one but there's so many different names etr on game okay not going to be at the major but he's doing a good job um with uh with gamer legion lnz right on heroic they've also made it they were one of the first teams to make it uh alongside og and it's just funny like seeing it happen one more time you know
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, Gamer Legion, obviously the big shocker, right? The main one, because they've been so good when it came to the major circuit. They just made the playoffs in Bucharest. First time they did that at an event of that stature. And I wonder how much it hurt them not having Ash there, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You know, coaches can't be in the room with the players because of all the fucking shenanigans and the cheating that was happening with all these different bugs and scandals and whatnot. So for such a young team, I mean, and a team that doesn't have too many veterans on the lineup, I think that was a big loss for them. And, you know, how...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
God, I don't want to swear too much, you know, to all the kids out there. But how ridiculous is it that in the year of our Lord, 2025, MR12 online Counter-Strike, we're playing best of ones in the major qualifier, man? Like, shame on you, Valve. Shame on you, seriously. Like, what's preventing you? The calendar? Like, who cares? Add one more day to it. You know, other people will have to manage.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like, it's online. There's no costs for the TOs for the production, you know, or at least they're minuscule compared to the whole thing. It's like, it's crazy that you could, you know, play two best. And this is also the problem. If you lose two games because there's only six spots, right? There's only one spot left if you lost two games, right? There's not eight spots. There's six spots.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So all these teams that are playing in the 2-2 games, like they'll have to play. at least one more, and one team will have to play two more games, right? Like six teams are basically, I'm very overcomplicated in this, but the six remaining teams are playing for one slot, not three slots, right? So you lose two best-of-ones,
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And all of a sudden, right, you could be... Yeah, yeah, you're battling it out. Your road becomes you could have to win four or five best of threes maybe to get that one last slot. I mean, it's just crazy. It's just ridiculous. There's nothing that justifies it anymore, not with MR12, right? The games aren't even that long, the best of threes, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So you could do four best of threes a day, no problem. We've seen it done multiple times. PGL, bro, we would be done at like 7, 8 p.m. local with four best of threes even in the rolling schedule, so... I think that's just ridiculous.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
If you really wanted to get crazy, you could pull it off.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So yeah, it was a little bit surprising how dominant Namiga was. Sure, they've shown up here and there, had some good results here and there, but I think some of their wins were pretty... 13-3 over BIG, 13-11 over BIG in that series...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
yeah there were there were some convincing wins in their bed boom managed to grind you know they had the best one against fanatic managed to win it in ot fanatic lost to gamer legion and bad boom in the best of ones yeah they beat wait what they lost to bc game i know they beat gamer legion okay so they lost to bc game 13-2 they beat gamer legion then they lose to bad boom in the 1-1 game and then they lost to ends today in the 1-2 game tell you what bc game could have used that sticker money
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Bleed, just under a different name.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, absolutely. And it's one of those like details where it is a little bit confusing to me even because you look at teams in these split of players, right? There's two European, two American and one Asian player is like, well, then they've changed the rules that you go where the more slots are.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But I see where Swisher is coming from. And I think these rules get updated all the time to try to shut down some of these loopholes. But whether it will ever be...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
perfect i'm not so sure because unless you do something where you force the teams to have three players from that region right which then you're influencing how you build the roster as well like it's very difficult it seems pretty difficult to sort of build a a foolproof rule right if you will if you can always have two to one and then there's some details that decide like where you play or what not i mean
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, and Magus was saying the same thing after, like, their win against Pain or maybe their second win. I don't know. He was saying, yeah, we just needed to sort of be more patient in games. We need to take it a little bit slower, trust each other, play together, not be too individualistic. And then in their wins later on, you could see that, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I think that's strange, but I don't see how you police that.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, because, you know, the guy has a passport of a country, right? I mean, that's... I think it might be something, maybe something that you have in, like, sports where once you declare that you're, you know, going to play for, represent this country or play for this country, you can't change it, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
So if you say...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
oh yeah i'm german because i was born in germany and that's like who i represent then it's that but if you decide because you spent let's say your adult life in the united states and you stay there and i live there and you say well i choose to represent the united states because i feel more like that then that's it and that's i see that's how it's set okay interesting but it doesn't you know
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It doesn't feel like it was as much of an exploit or that they were doing it necessarily like on purpose that just their kind of roster. Yeah, I don't know. Just one of those VRS things where probably neither you or me are informed enough to make educated opinions and we just shoot in the dark.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I'm looking into that as well. I mean, we'll cover Melbourne, I guess, before.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
There was the one in just the one with, you know, from PGL and Fury and Fury, a bench cello and bring in. Oh, that's right. A Kazakhstani. How old is he, Molodoy?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, and that's how they're going to hit the major. I mean, it's interesting. Let's see. His name was floated as one of the talented up-and-coming aupers from the CIS region. So Fallen probably feeling like they need more output in that role and that maybe he should just focus on IGLing. Although for me,
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, supposedly, unless Chad decides to go on vacation again. As you put it, Jason, he's somewhere.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It was always I felt he played the best when he was upping IGLing and he IGLed the best when he was upping in addition to that. So going to have to wait and see.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like, you could see exactly that and how they were really good at those things. Yeah. I think also something that, I don't know, I don't want to say misrepresented, but I think there's a big difference between, you know, the Monacy thing and then this whole Kyosuke thing. Like, it's nowhere near the same in terms of the level of credibility that it's going to happen.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
A lot of moving parts.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, I don't know. It's just strange, man. It's also... These Brazilian teams, like, they'll just never... We'll never have a Brazilian super team ever again, it feels like. I don't know, the contracts and everything. Was it them?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It was Fiora and Payne in the race for DGT, apparently, and then Payne beat them on it, and I guess he's going to be announced, I don't know when, as the fifth for Payne, instead of who they have now, but... So you didn't get the rifle you wanted and you decided to go with the opera from Kazakhstan and change things even more with, what is it, less than two months before the major starts?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I don't know. We'll see. It still feels like these Brazil teams will keep being irrelevant.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I don't know. Brazilians are usually not late to parties, but in this case... Usually right on fucking time. It's a little bit different. All right. Cool. That was fair enough. Let's go hate watch Astralis now. Beautiful. Peace. See ya.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, the seriousness of it, right? Because the Kyosuke thing is, you know, Falcon sort of inquiring, like, what's the situation here? With him, you know, when they were looking to make changes and looking to build a team with Nico coming in. And I feel like that's you doing your due diligence, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I feel like that's what a lot of these teams should have been doing too, you know, whether it's FaZe or Liquid or... Well, not Na'Vi, but some of these teams that are maybe looking to make changes or looking for an upgrade. Same way G2 plucked out Monessi out of the Na'Vi academy team, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Because Na'Vi had S1mple on the roster and Monessi wasn't going to go anywhere in that organization anytime soon. For me, that's not like they're putting Tessas and Dexter in the same boat. I don't think that at all. I think for Tessas, it would have been a different situation.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Somewhere in Australia, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I'm pretty sure the team would have approached, whether it's Zonic or someone from management, would have had a quick call with him or a quick meeting there in person and just tell him, hey, listen, we're in no talks with... anyone about your seat, right? Like I think Tess definitely has what it takes skill-wise and, you know, even game sense-wise and everything. Like I think he's fine.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Allegedly having a good time, if Chad is capable of that at all. But yeah, we just didn't feel like really going for any guests for this one. I think we'll just focus on some of the bigger news and just wrapping up. Bucharest, I guess since both you and me were there witnessing it live.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I think it's just about the mental side. Like that's the only thing in a way he needs to overcome because when he is playing confident, like he's not only shooting well, but he's making proactive plays. He's getting good information for his team. He's just making plays that make sense and doesn't have to work every time.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But when your players do that, you're going to be in positions to win games most of the time. I felt like it's only when he gets a little bit too nervous or when he starts playing not to lose instead of playing to win is when he struggles. But definitely he didn't necessarily feel like he had any pop-off games that
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I mean, bro, you and me know best, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
In a way, right? I mean, when you go into a big project and the aspirations are the biggest and then things are not working, not only are they not working, they're going horribly wrong, right? It's one thing to not win. You need time to get results and everything, but to get banged out as they did, not to win a single map. We're talking about game religion and complexity.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
All due respect to guys on those teams, but you have Magisk...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
nico on your team right you as the coach as well like you know that this just you know it shouldn't be going like that even with everything you know everyone can beat everyone nowadays and whatnot so yeah i'm sure he wasn't feeling all too great about it but props to him i mean we heard that from the players in interviews you know they had team talks constantly he was trying to rally the troops he was trying to imbue them with confidence and
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
you know, sometimes all you need is a win or two, right? To get back on track, sort of to remember that you don't suck. Like you can actually be pretty good at the game. And it feel like when that, it's almost like, you know, a dam broke after, uh, they were able to take down pain. Um,
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
which is a funny place for that damn to break as if like you were like oh fuck yeah pain that's a scalp yeah and i think also you know a lot of narratives again being talked about oh yeah they're just going to whatever attend this tournament and not care and monacy is coming in after the tournament so whatever you know you can see that they're not trying at all their heart's not in it it's like whoever thought that has no idea what they're talking about or
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I guess it either doesn't follow any of the people involved or has no idea what it actually takes to win, man. It's hard to win in Counter-Strike, right? Even just a single tournament like they did just now, let alone to achieve and win as much as Zonic did, win as much as Magisk did. Even Nico, you know, in the last couple of, you know, winning Cologne and Katowice is not easy.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And you don't get it by, you don't get to that point where you win those tournaments by taking events off and slacking and anything along those lines. So those guys were giving it their all.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, and I think – and also, okay, Dexter is going to leave. Monessi is going to come in. We still have five out of the six people closely involved with the team the same, right? Like that's not – Monessi isn't a magic sort of, you know, mulligan or some sort of a – he's a very good player, but if you have things fundamentally flawed with your team, he's not going to bail you out.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Like, yeah, you might lose a little bit less here and there, but you're not going to –
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
he's not gonna he can't win you the fucking trophies but he can make you look better than you are like he can overcome some of them but if there's there's a limit to his fucking wizardry exactly and the same thing with dexter you know people want expecting him to be sort of dejected and like you know whatever like hate being hate being hate having to play in this tournament you know when he's going to be replaced again
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You have no idea how pro Counter-Strike works. Like, if you think that that attitude would have gotten him anywhere, no, it wouldn't. Like, this is also a guy who was going to be benched on that heroic team. So by the move to Falcons, even though Monessi was, you know...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
probably always going to arrive, like that gives him a new lease on life that gives him an extra couple of months to sort of showcase what he's capable of.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
He's actually a guy whose rating goes up against top 5 or top 10 teams, right? It's crazy. He plays his best Counter-Strike in those games. And I'm sure, let's say, if you're FaZe Clan, you might be thinking about it. You're wondering why G2 didn't just get him in the trade. Yeah, in the trade. And something along those lines.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
You're wondering if maybe Team Liquid will think, well, Ultimate is not growing. I don't know, right? But I think, not to mention the Russian teams... Right? Yes. So, yeah, I think he definitely then, you know, he has some flaws, not maybe the best awareness at times.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
Yeah, the supporting stuff isn't that great. But, you know, some of that stuff can be coached potentially. And at the end of the day, you know, you can maybe build a little bit around that.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
That's sort of like missing the forest for the trees. Yeah, exactly. And those are the things that can be very frustrating for his teammates and the team at times, but, you know, you just live with it, right? Because the pros probably outweigh the cons in that sort of scenario.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
And listen, the way he's played in some of those big games, the only player who could replace him with that form is Monessi, that they could realistically get. You know, they cannot get Zayvo, I don't know who else, right? 9-10 is unavailable, obviously, so...
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
But, you know, so it's unfortunate for Dexter, but it feels like at least he went out with a bang.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
It's kind of wild that he didn't get the MVP as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 131: PGL Bucharest results, Falcons & G2, early results at the EU and NA MRQ, FURIA changes
I think so. I mean, the Falcons – I don't know if he's a sub for Falcons. I imagine not. Yeah. But if not, then he's just not registered for any roster probably. And then he could be added, I think, in that May cutoff as a substitute. That's right. Or even now in April, I don't know if the submission for Austin was before the MRQ or after. In any case, he could still play at the Major.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, I didn't get to catch any of their games, unfortunately. But, yeah, just from the results, OK, sure, I mean, they played Na'Vi, VP, G2. But when you take into account how, you know, VP didn't make the playoffs in the end, G2 had Taz playing, it's like you need to get something done there. At least it's unfortunate because it feels like they've... regressed.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They came from a boot camp as well in Belgrade. They're going back there again. So we'll see if they'll be able to sort of work on the mistakes and just come back stronger for the major because there's not really that much time left.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think also, Chad, what you said, Odik, when they beat Pain, DGT was already here. Like, Pain lost their last two games to Odik and MIBR with DGT. He arrived. Like, he was just not there for the... First day or two, I think. He wasn't there on the first day. Two days. Like, he wasn't there for the Astralis game and the Hoth game. Oh, that's right.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Like, what are we pinning? I don't know. He's, like, been saying in a lot of these interviews that, you know, Flammas and IC need to find their confidence. They need to, you know, play with more confidence, which basically tells me that he maybe feels they don't take enough initiative at times on their own, right? When the space is there to be taken, that they don't go and take it.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And if you play that default heavy style, you know, a slower style, you need to be able to do that. You need to put pressure on the opponents to bait out their nades. Because let's say if, I don't know, Flammo says in Boiler, right, and there's a banana fight and a lot is going on there and they're playing more passive on A, he needs to put some pressure to bait out the nades.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
So you avoid, if you want to come back to a bit 40 seconds left, 30 seconds left, they still have a smoke and molly, right? Like in a most basic sense of it. And I'm not trying to put the blame on them. Like that's what it sounds like from some of the interviews. I think definitely the approach could be better, a little bit more aggressive at times. I don't have a problem with slow default style.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Like that's how majority of the teams play 70%, 80% of the rounds on their tee side.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
problem is when you're not putting enough pressure you know you're just like chilling instead of taking space that's that's being given to you right and then you find yourself in these tough spots when there's not a lot of time left on the clock you get blocked and that's when everything starts to turn to shit right a lot of these rounds kind of sort of make sense and then all of a sudden you see wait but how are they blocked with this much time well that's because
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
they weren't really putting enough pressure and then what can you do you can flash through the smoke and go break the smoke and go all those options are bad at that point in time or rotate to the other side which is kind of obvious easy to read and and also not a good option i when you say that then that coming from electronic and he's the one who also chews people out when they don't do things the way that he wanted them to do it right so
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And I think they probably need some sort of a performance coach, sports psychologist. Whatever it may be. Because I feel like every tournament, they start off with a loss. Like, you know, the first game of the tournament. They're always slow to get into it. I don't know. Probably something to be said about the way Electronic interacts with its teammates. Like...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
you know he's a bit more old school obviously the navi lineup with simple you know they had a a way to communicate with each other and you know even when you look at navi now like it can be fine if everyone's on the same page but if some of the guys are like just not built that way and that's how you interact with them you know it can cause them to sort of
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
go into their shell and kind of get a little bit emo. Then their energy goes down. The communication isn't as good, right? The energy just isn't there anymore. So you need to be careful about that when there's new guys coming in, especially younger players in a way.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
So I think they could benefit from that because on paper, there is a decent amount of skill and firepower where they could be doing more with what they have.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Oh, I mean, maybe just time has passed him in that. You adapt or die. I mean, you know, because this was his sort of final shot, it feels like, in Tier 1. And sure, there's still the major coming around the corner. But, you know, there's been... They had four coaches in a year, right? Like, there's been changes in that department, too. So... I don't know.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think it will be very clear whether they have faith in him or whether he is the problem after the major is over and the offseason comes. Because definitely there's a lot of talent and just players in general in the CIS region. So I don't think making a change would be difficult for Virtus.pro if they did want to make one.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think it's even past the deadline for the rosters. But Dexter and Boombl4 for IC and Electronic.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Sounds pretty good.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They're still just a Brazilian team. They're still two roster changes away from being relevant.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They can win one game, Chad, because they're playing FURIA in the quarterfinal, and then it's the winner of Spirit and IP. So they cannot beat Spirit. It's just that, you know, their ceiling is the same as Shanghai, right? Like, they can win a best-of-one if someone has a live game like Insani did on that Inferno and they beat Na'Vi, right? And that's pretty much it.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They're not going to do any significant damage in best-of-threes. They're not going to make the playoffs, right? It's just going to be more of the same. Like, it's just too many average players on these teams. Who can all have moments, but, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. They cannot consistently perform on a high level and probably not at the same time.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
There's just too many teams that are just better. And all these teams, no one plays some different sort of brand on Counter-Strike to try to make up for the lack of those players. They all just try to play the same way and it's not going to be successful. I wouldn't put them going from Stage 2 to Stage 3.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah. Well, also, I mean... I'm going to probably have Brazilian teams at 0-3 in every fucking stage that I can put it.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I just can't anymore. I just can't anymore, man. Calling his shots ahead of time. I just can't anymore. At least the Asian teams, at least the Chinese come up with something. At least there's something there when you watch them. Even a pop-off or anything. Brazilians, it's nothing. They've become the most boring region to watch. Can you imagine saying that a couple of years ago?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I'm like one-eighth Brazilian, it's fine. Oh shit, it doesn't count if I'm the one doing the... never mind.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, like it probably did make them better just incrementally. Enough of these false prophets from Brazil, man. Like people were hyping up Snow as if he is the next I don't know who, man. He's just like...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
okay ish he's fine i don't know i don't know if he's playing out of position or whatever like some people are saying he's more aggressive i don't know i don't really so he was he was in his previous teams before he's picked up i know they switched his roles when he came in i haven't like kept track of it to notice like if it's adapted or changed at all over the years so i mean they had like sorry they have like they have looks and cowers and then six months later they're both gone it's like
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
How are you going to be excited about this team? The players they pick up, what goes wrong? Do you talk to these players? Do you watch their games? What goes south once you pick them up? Now Lux is in Legacy and he was doing pretty well IGL-ing there, right? I don't know. It's kind of wild. That's why let's not waste any more time talking about it.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It's not fun. But I really want to see where they will end up in the ranking, let's say, after the season, for example, or before the major. Because they've been last in so many events. They've lost so many games, so many series. Surely they will be out of the invites cycle, right? If not, there's something terribly wrong.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think it's probably the worst environment to have to play in for actually pretty much everyone on that team. Like, for... Hades, he only has like three events with the team that's undergoing changes. He's going to go through more changes to sort of showcase his skill set. And there's already been rumors of them chasing after another full-time AWPer. Yeah, exactly.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Who is definitely better than him, right? There's no doubt about that. You have him in that situation. You have Snacks, who's also most likely being replaced. I mean, you know, I don't see a world in which G2 willingly keeps him on the roster. Taz, the same thing. So the leadership of the team is changing.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And now, you know, you also had to boot, you're doing all these things, like you're trying your best, but you know these changes are going to be so significant, right? And then, I mean, for Malbs and Heavy God, they're still sort of, Getting experience in tier one, getting reps, which is like in a way fine because that's going to be good no matter what.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
But still to have to go through that in a dysfunctional team might put a big dent in their confidence.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, maybe, but he had a poor first two days. I mean, some of the damage has already been done to him at the start of this year. This whole season has been a nothing burger for G2. There's not going to be anything positive about this first half of the year for them, right? It's just been wasted away, right? There's plenty of blame to go around it anyway.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
At least they don't have to worry about coming on time to Dallas. They have plenty of time to get to Dallas on time.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I do have to say just about Taz that I do think G2 should move on, but I don't think that means he has to be done as a coach, right? I think it's his first foray. Yes, it's a tough situation to be put in. I know it very well. When you go to a team, your first coaching gig, and it's a team that's there to win championships, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And just the situation that you're going into, maybe you're thinking, you know, just the CS or whatever that I'll focus on and whatnot, or maybe it's the opposite, but just you're very surprised by what the job ends up being compared to what you think it is. And I think he definitely learned a lot of lessons from this G2 stint, you know, from dealing with...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
star players and all of that stuff to having younger players and lacking a star player on your roster and whatnot so I think he can definitely bounce back in the future and still be a good coach but it does it does feel like his time in G2 has come to an end you know just with with everything that's been going on and some of the missed opportunities and whatnot that
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
it makes sense for G2 to move on. And especially, I mean, if they're able to get someone like Saw, I think at this point, it's really a no-brainer that it's an upgrade for them.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Bro, they were from 1.12 on K-Serato to 1.08 on Molodoy. Like, they're all in between that, too. So they're all, like, sort of around that 1.1 level, which is, you know... Good for them that everyone's contributing and everyone's doing their job. I think Jekinder, obviously, the way he plays on any team is going to be, a lot of it is going to depend on him and how successful he is.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think it was one of the main reasons why they made the playoffs, him playing well.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, 200-something days. Holy shit, really? And they get to play against MIBR, which they already beat, right? Yes. Didn't they beat them yesterday, didn't they? Yeah, 2-1.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, I think so. Aurora has looked poor. Aurora did not look like a team. And maybe this is a great segue to your next category, however it's called, where they are. Stake your claim for the major. Aurora, Mongols and Na'Vi. There you go. So I think they don't look like a team that had a month off. They look like a team that came from a tournament yesterday.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
You know, like everything is the same. They haven't added versatility to their game, you know, trying to utilize lurkers a little bit more, not death balling as much. And also just the frustration in the body language. The body language gets to me. Yeah, they don't. seem like they're having a great time or do they love being here? I don't know. It just feels off, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And maybe it's a consequence of starting slow in the tournament and maybe a couple of wins will alleviate that or them being back in the playoffs. By the way, they made playoffs every single tournament they attended this year. So that streak continues for them and that's nothing to be scoffed at.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And I have no idea what it is. This is the drum that I'm beating on from whichever episode, Chad. I think it was in Australia. I just think Aurora, the Mongols, we were just fooling ourselves that they can become a contender. I think we were only saying that because other teams were struggling, weren't good enough or couldn't step up.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
uh now that you see for example i think they'll lose who they'll lose the semi whoever wins that game whoever wins between navi and astralis like navi or astralis will be in the final i don't know why mongols seem that they Might be closer to it. I would give a bigger chance maybe to them.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Sure, they're still the youngest team out there, but they've been getting a lot of experience over the course of the last six months or so. And if Senzu doesn't become their worst player again in the playoffs, they might have a chance. But I just haven't seen enough, you know, and that's why you even, you think about, you watch Astralis play with Hooksy, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
First of all, Hooksy is playing great individually, but also when you see sort of Staun have a good game and Device have a good game again, it reminds you of what these players are capable of when they have, you know, the proper tools and when they're used in the right way. So, yeah, I think just would be great for Aurora. Aurora made playoffs every single time.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Didn't win a single playoff game, I don't think.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Cluj, they lost the quarter. Kato, they lost to Mongols. Lisbon, they were straight to semis lost. Bucharest, they lost in the quarter to Complexity. That's it. And probably give most to someone.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It feels like Memzinho is their most consistent player. I know he's not the best statistically, but it feels like his drop-off is the smallest, right? In a way. And sure, Senzu can have higher peaks, especially in groups, but what's the point if you drop down to, what, 0.88 rating? It's the same conversation with Stown. Yeah, exactly.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And for Astralis I think and Ston it's maybe not having the right teams and it was difficult to play to find any sort of a good result so hopefully just getting to be in front of an arena again for a lot of these guys will help them even though they have a really tough opponent ahead of them.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think it was... For example, they qualify by beating Aurora, and they don't pick Mirage, they pick Train, right? Which I was like, well, that's a curveball, right? And Mirage would make sense against Aurora, but they were probably just tired of playing it, I don't know, and they managed to win Train and win...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
2-0 in a close fashion the same way which would they lost to mongols the day before and they really collapsed against the mongols like they had the lead they had everything they lose to sort of a half buy on a after that it's like a 3v2 retake that they mess up and all of a sudden you know mongols just come back and win four or five rounds in a row st on inferno to
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
to win the game and then Mirage also being a struggle for them. And you can see just lacking that last 5%, you know, like a guy to step up and get the multi-kill instead of just getting one and being traded. Someone with an aggressive move at a key moment to get some information to enable them to make the correct call and make the right play. Just that last bit is missing for them.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
And that felt like it was JL last year. Right.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It was the playoffs of Lisbon, I think.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It was to go to the playoffs.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
At Pro League, it was a quarterfinal. No, it wasn't a seeding game. Upper bracket semi? Yeah, that's the game to get to the playoffs.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
well yeah I know it's unlikely but I'm just saying I think they can is there still a chance but you can there is a chance you can say that for a lot of teams if it is what you say it is right like if that happens yeah absolutely I wouldn't say that for Mongols or for Aurora if they were both playing their best counter-strike possible I don't think they would beat Vitality
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
yeah i think that's also playing their best counter-strike possible i think that's also fair i think you also nailed it with saying for these two teams they have to make the final beating each other is not enough if they can make the final then you have us something that we can you give us something to talk about but if not and especially if you end up losing to let's say if astralis somehow beats navi and they're in there like you know we're just done yeah come on bro do you have uh we're running out of time you have like 10-15 minutes chad
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Great. Thanks for that, Jason. Does my lighting satisfy you now, you asshole?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
so ugly they put him on the bench is he benched already?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They'll probably just say, oh, yeah, the visa still isn't here, so Acre's going to stick around.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
yeah something something's got to change right if it hasn't clicked by now it's it's it's not coming exactly um yeah i was going to say uh i would give him until the end of the year with hooksy potentially right like just as a sort of i don't want to say parting gift but kind of an opportunity to really prove himself but yeah definitely
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
you know on thin ice when it comes to that and i think you can see why everyone was everyone wanted hooksy not cadian to that team you know i mean from from besides raga from the community that was a weird one that was why would he tweet that or why would he say that whatever wherever he said it why would you say that out loud like holy fuck bro It's crazy, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
But, well, I also saw the rumor about Barry and different teams looking at him. I think he's a great pickup for whoever. I think he's a great guy, a very good coach. So if Astralis can get him, I think he and Hooksy would work very well together. But, yeah, just for them also, I don't know if you guys caught the Hooksy interview when...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They asked him about Ancient, and, you know, they picked it two times or played it two times. It didn't go very well. It was the best map for the whole lineup. And he said yes, but, you know, it kind of felt like the only thing they had was all in mid. And I tried to call, like, the first two games kind of with their stuff and their style, and it just felt off, and I didn't think it was good.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
So I just sort of called on the fly the third time, and that was the Ancient that they won. I think it was the third map against VP for a playoff spot, right? Yep.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
um and they were able to win it of course which is just such a bowler thing to also kind of be uh honest about like uh and put out there and yeah i mean it's the best they've looked in a while not didn't have the toughest of opposition but that's why they're really be tested in this quarterfinals they had what nine days with hoopsie of practice so this is a great result uh for them all things considering
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Talk talk 123 Astana is very warm. Very, very warm. I think I think this hotel thinks air conditioning really means just pumping air but without cooling it first. Like I've never been in a warmer room in my life being conditioned They like offer me to go to a different room on the other side of the hotel or it's not scorching hot. I have blinds 24 seven.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
No, but they can't beat Spirit, right? They already played them and it got close on Train and they have that going for them, but it's really hard seeing it going any different in an arena as well, right? I think if they had a different opponent, they might have still surprised.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
But it feels just Spirit, especially with the bracket that they have, like, it feels like they're a lock for the finals and then who's going to beat them in a best of five, right? Like, you want to say Na'Vi is the biggest opponent on the other side, but Na'Vi has... traditionally struggled against Spirit, right? Like, so, yeah. But that was my last game.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Yeah, obviously for NIP, it was a big, you know, they had some tough opponents as well in this tournament. Like, they play VP, then Spirit and Aurora lost those two games and beat Hotu and G2 to qualify in the end. Had some definitely good moments, had some sloppy moments too, but I think that's to be expected.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They had a different kind of pressure on them, but they sort of had to perform because this is their one big land and one opportunity to get the points and get into the invite cycle for next season. And they've achieved that, and everything else from here is a bonus.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I have seen the sun once in four in five days. I don't know. And it's the same in every room. I've talked to five different people. Everyone had this hot in their rooms. They're just trying to save money on electricity. I guess they don't want it to pump in people's rooms.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I don't know, man, because in which scenario they don't make a change? Like, they win this tournament and then win the Major, and then, okay, you keep the five players. I don't see how they can win the Major, right? Like, I don't think... What if you get to the Major? It will happen what happened in Shanghai, where, like, the teams that are supposed to be there fail and, you know, are not there.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
In a way, I think Vitality is definitely, obviously, the team to beat. Falcons, Mouser are both better than Spirit at this point in time, like... I don't know. And then the problem is, well, you're letting Kyosuke go, so you have to go elsewhere for your upgrades when you want to change the roster.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It's true. You're not thinking past that. I agree.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
as soon as i walk out of my room it's like 30 cooler it's actually kind of maddening i think we're all part of some social experiment i'm not really sure um i had the same thing recently when i did blast for the the group stage the hotel rooms were so warm and that's when it just started to be like sunny-ish days again
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Go.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think they have a very good mindset in terms of... You rarely get teams like this. And the fact that you're on top and maybe some of your counterparts are struggling and still figuring it out. You have to maximize this moment. They're not taking it for granted. They're still going to want to win the tournament, obviously. They're going to try hard to win the tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Sure, it doesn't matter if they don't as much as the Major does, which is around the corner. But you're definitely coming in...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I don't see a way in which they how they put this like I don't mean don't try as hard or like be complacent I think that's the that's where their culture and all the staff and everyone they have around the team is like that's not going to happen to them they're not going to get complacent they're not going to take it for granted and
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
They're not going to think this tournament doesn't matter because the major is around the corner. Every tournament they play matters because they're the best. And they can also – I mean, at the end of the day, they can extend this fucking streak still. There's other things that they can put for themselves as goals. They know they'll lose eventually. They know it's not the end of the world.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Obviously, they would say it would be better to lose in Dallas than it would be in Austin. But you come into every game and you prepare for every – and that's the –
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
strength of a culture if you treat every game the same and prepare the same for every game then what's the difference in it for the players like if you create that sort of environment and where it is like that and everyone's honest about things as well in terms of you know where people are at and how they're
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
feeling like that's the key and they also give breaks to their players okay they had a week off after Copenhagen right then it's back to some online practice that may be a boot camp and now you're refreshed you're going to the tournament it's you know like so I'm not worried about vitality in that sense
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I always liked your line. I always like your line, you know, if everything is hype, then nothing is hype. Like you need to pick and choose your moments in a sense. And then, you know, just be genuine. Like what excites you, you know, it's going to then people are going to see, OK, you're not faking it and not trying to make everything exciting because it's not right.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
You still need to do justice to the teams and the players. They're still out there competing and most of them trying their best. Yeah. Right. And just because it's not the most interesting storyline or game or whatever, like for as we said, for some of them, it's their Super Bowl or is their first showing or is this or is that. And, you know, you need to sort of respect that and honor that.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I'll get sick as soon as I get there. I just already know everything that's going to happen. It's fine. But... I did the thing I asked him about, you know, can maybe send the engineer to check if it's like, you know, and the dude comes in and like turns the knob and it's like, okay. And then it puts his arms up on the thing and like, see, like, you know, there's air flowing.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I'm like, yes, but this is not, this is not cooling the room. Like, you know, if it's going to, if it's not going to speak English. So it was just like a thumbs up. I'm like, yeah, thumbs up. I guess, man, you earned your paycheck today.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It's actually even worse. He didn't even turn it off and then on. He just sort of turned the knob, which, yes, I have tried turning it to lower temperature, right? Just doesn't really do much. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I'll sit up for you, Jason. You don't have to sit up.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
We're going to KBBQ tonight because tomorrow is just rehearsals in the afternoon. Everyone's going. It's going to be a large group. Has the city been nice? Have you seen the city? I wanted to go to Astana and see the place. Jason, I haven't seen the sun, let alone the city. Probably tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be 35 degrees, of course. That's a nice day, though.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
scorching hot outside somehow even warmer in my room so my sunscreen on you know you'll be all right you'll be fine yeah i'll i'll have to put a hat on put some sunnies on slip slop slap we call it in oz you sit in the shade yeah people are raving about the botanical gardens apparently everyone cares about flowers now all of a sudden so maybe we'll go and see that
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
It's like hearing these motherfuckers talk about the botanical garden. It's like, what the fuck are you on about? I guess if you want to sit on a bench in a park, cool. But you don't care about flora. Or fauna, for that matter. Yeah, exactly. Sounds like Yank is having a great time. I know. I'm afraid to ask. I took a nap. I got to take a 20-30 minute nap.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I got switched again to the morning shift for this last day. And again, it's very warm. So I wake up in the middle of the night a couple of times. Just sweating a little bit.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Chad and I have a different experience. For us, it's super smooth. I mean, there was no like massive, there was no delays or anything. It's just...
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
i love accelerated schedule is goated when you're on the ground i know jason for you it's kind of hellish yesterday was here it's awesome here it's awesome it's just like there's no bullshit just do the games talk about the games like and and that's it just do your job i think it's awesome how quickly you can uh bang him out yeah
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Well, I'm glad that we could get to the bottom of that. I've seen that, too. You're using an effect on camera, though. What's that? You are, you know. There's an effect, like, on camera. Where it looks like blacker?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I think my lighting... What's that effect called, Jason?
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
I've been hit with it. I mean, for a guy who took the L on the, you know, hair, he's not going to dye your beard.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Chad, I do have a question for you. Oh, no. All right. As an expert on show matches. Yes. What do you think about this lineup for Team PGL that's going to go up against Team Windline? Maui. Okay. Maui on a pixel. Hugo, Harry, and Blair. Who's on Windline? Moe, Adren, Dimitri Lix, Bratishnikov, Bratishkinov, and Booster. These three guys are streamers, I guess. That Busta. Yeah, but not Buster.
Talking Counter
Episode 135: PGL Astana - FURIA's gamble pays off, G2 stumbles, Return of the IGL for NiP & Astralis
Buster, the owner of Gun5. Oh, okay. Or whatever. Yeah. Who's the fifth? Bratishkinov. Oh, he's well-known. I don't know, some streamers. I'm mostly asking you, Chad, about the English lineup, right? Yeah, but that's the thing.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
And then Trance and... Connor, Launders, Maui, Dinko.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
No, I thought maybe you'd be placed at all different areas.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
We're teething.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
So Complexity's dead. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
I left the main group because the other day you I know we were spamming stickers. I'm fucking out. You left the group. Dude, I was laughing so hard.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
Now, I just... I'm kinda European. Now, I've been doing the morning schedule.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
I've been doing the morning schedule.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
Yep. I've heard that was in there for so long. It was impressive.
Talking Counter
Episode 117: Shanghai Major Opening Stage and the Top 16 teams at the Major
No. Actually, quite the opposite.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Or if it was... That's great, actually.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
18?
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
17.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Yeah, he's fucked, isn't he? Where's open? I don't know. Not G2, not Liquid, not FaZe. Well, Mouz could have an open.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Well, you never know. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Ain't no fear there. Shut up, Jason.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Well, this is better than Jambo and you jerks, right? Because, like I said... Just because they'll play the big events.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Dexter had some good moments at the Major.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
People seemed to be happy. People cheered. Yeah, right at the end. Yeah. It was a good show. They did a good job of not blowing themselves up.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Yeah. I don't know. I don't remember the exact point you were going to. Nico losing a voice. The power vacuum. More responsibility for snacks. Yeah. But Jason hasn't started talking about liquid yet.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
No.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Yeah, but that's the thing as well. He likes doing that, doesn't he? Yeah, he does.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Fucking hippies. You don't do that, man. That's too much for them. You guys can't read this, right? Because it's backwards. Bottle made from 100% recycled plastic.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Mantu and Gade.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Shocking.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
I want to go to bed. Yeah, I think.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
You're getting painted as an alcoholic today.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Terrible twos. The terrible twos. You doing any surfing, Chad?
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
Except for you.
Talking Counter
Episode 120: The Rostermania Episode- FaZe, G2, Liquid, Vitality, Falcons, Cloud9, VP all changing
It's a podcast, not a call.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
I didn't know the million-dollar man really needed the credit that much. I thought he got the paycheck.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
That's what the cock chat's for.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Ah, it is a good film.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
What do you want to see exactly?
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Even then, how was it cutthroat? I don't know.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Yeah, we didn't get more grim. Of course we did.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Droids. This is a Star Wars episode. Something about R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Who knows?
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
But the only way to have an esport... The rules are all there.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Well, apparently they did.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
I didn't know what the limit was. She was looking at you and she's like, this motherfucker, he wants a second piece of garlic bread. And with the tomato soup, it went well. Get a little dippy in there? Yeah. Good for you. How about the garlic bread? Hey. Yeah, the cock chair in business class looks a little bit different.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Because it's always angled at the bed.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
I didn't make it easy.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
So you're still pretty heavy handed.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
I thought he cut off communication to us today, man. The amount of messages. I was like, Jason, did you see that thing? And he's like, what? I'm like, in the other group. And he's like, oh yeah, I haven't looked at that.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
Oh, okay. I love this. Now we're getting some edge stuff. All right.
Talking Counter
Episode 122: First reactions of new rosters, HLTV Awards, Updates, and VRS
When I say it like that, it doesn't make much sense though, does it?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It was only FaZe that stayed.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, it was more just like... You don't understand the cable situation right now, Lucas. My bed is fucking thrown up against a wall at the moment. It could be better. It could be worse. It's just the way life is. So the talking counter people get the gift of that exchange?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's true. Shout out to FaZe, though. They stayed. Good on you, FaZe. Good stuff, FaZe.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's true. Confirmed by some of the results. We'll get to the results soon of Katowice. I just want to blast through this because once we're through skin and air, we're going to just become more free-flowing. All right. So it'll be more of what you two are used to. but the HLTV confirmed users are used to me being more structured, which you guys know how much I love structure.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Timestamps are my favorite. These are a big fan of structure. Okay, so the Kluge skips, we just spoke about that. I'll probably do an episode with you guys and with you guys before Kluge anyway. We're planning on doing an episode on Monday nights, which is about to get into the next topics regarding if we get home and everything works out. We're hoping to really focus in on,
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
the tier two fallout that we've been seeing and talking vrs again and getting some people who are feeling impacted by that on the show to have them talk for you know 10 15 minutes get their point across and then go from there hello snappy uh snappy would be one of them yeah maybe we get messioso back on how do you know that it's crazy he was he was he was bitching on twitter again a bitch is a bit too harsh he was voicing his valid concerns publicly shout out snappy one time
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The next one that I just want to quickly tick off the list before the Tier 2 stuff, though, is to do with the February invite cutoff. You had a little tweet thread with Mark Winther where he didn't think that it was going to be a mid-event thing, but turns out you were right.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well...
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So what are we saying the solution is?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So when it was drawn on Monday, which was what?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Monday was the fourth. It'd be a week later. Yeah. But when it was drawn on Monday, the third, any results from Katowice would not have counted. But how does that work with the way that the semantics and the rules and even the way that you structure events on your website, how would that impact it? So for example, you guys call it the play-in, but ESL call it stage one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's true. He is Danish. He says some wild shit. We've all been around pimp. We all know what Danish Nico said before.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That was the semantics we were talking about, right? That was the online portion of Bounty, even though it's just a straight line bracket.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
well it wasn't a straight line bracket because of the way the seating works so you're an idiot chat but it was just a 32 team bracket but the first couple of games were like the qualifier for the land portion yeah that's how these that's also something that you kind of have to separate also even just for the online versus land part right because they have the land wins part of it so there's there's got to be some separation there right or at least at least you can you have to take it into account what about kluge though
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So Cluj is group stage.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
This is all so stupid. But then, in that way... Thanks, Jason, for your contribution.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
All right, intro's rolling, guys. If you got anything you want to say, you got 30 seconds now. This is the last 30 seconds that Hager TV confirmed won't get.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I love having to add the player to the context filter. That's always fun.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I was just going to say, though, should it be broken up more then? Should it be broken up into like once the group stage of Katowice ends or once the group stage of Cluj ends, then we break it up and now that's separate from playoffs.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Someone in chat has made a very good suggestion. MalpaSCP has said, semifinals are just to qualify to the finals.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I have to do this to listen to Lucas.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah. Well, okay. We don't do format talk on this show. Actually, no. We do do format talk on this show, but we don't do format talk on the other show because he starts to get drunk.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But yeah, we just discussed some of the particulars with that cutoff, the solution that they could have and the problems that have come out because of that. Okay. Nice little recap there. Now the tier two fallout, I'll be honest. I just read a lot of tweets of people complaining.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And I didn't even bother to try and understand it because I'm still trying to wrap my head around what it means for tier one. But it isn't a lot of the things that we already thought were going to be problems. It's going to be hard for tier two teams to move up. Didn't we set like, we thought last year. Yeah. We don't do it. Like we did a, what are the odds that NIP would make,
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
the the mrq and those odds are pretty low like i don't know how they're meant to get there within one season yeah maybe for next season you have to win a qualifier and then play in a big event and get good results but that's not necessarily tier two right that's that's teams entirely starting entirely from scratch of course they kind of went around the system right then they use the whole the whole standing thing with jack situation and kind of
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay, cool. Guys, we're getting ready 543 Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Catatrack fans around the globe, welcome to HLTV Confirmed, ex-talking counter, and that's the greatest reception we've ever had. Quick shout out to our sponsors, One Expert, Remember to Gamble Responsibly, and Skin Place. If you're looking to sell some skins, head over to Skin Place.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
We've got Striker on one end, representing HLTV Confirmed, and myself. I'm like 50-50. I'm like Two-Face from Batman, and Jason and Yanko representing Talking Counter, and I'm also representing Talking Counter. So you are outnumbered by one and a half people.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
This is the crux of the issue, though. The reason we're talking about this right now is because there's been a bit more of an uproar on Twitter within the last 24 to 48 hours, right? That's why this is now a talking point. because NIP threats made a tweet. Snappy's made a tweet. They're kicking up a bit of a fuss about things.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's a big loss, of course. I saw Copenhagen Wolves made a lengthy tweet about the VRS as well. But the long and the short of this is, and I don't want to boil it all down to one thing and put everybody in the same category, but like I said, I didn't sit there and read all of the stuff that they were talking about, and I don't understand enough on their level of what they're going through.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You're wearing a Counter-Strike t-shirt, which we can respect.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But when you read that stuff, is there actually a problem that they're complaining about?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
There you go. Jason has a Counter-Strike hat on.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
As the number one ESO, sure, correct yourself. Blast was extremely locked down. ESO was not.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
There was shitloads of avenues.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And region. No, of course. I didn't say it wasn't a little. You said extremely. I'm pushing back on the word extremely. Okay, fair. Sure.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, they're Counter-Strike.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I had my beard trimmed by the barber that ESL paid for, so in a way, Counter-Strike got me that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Buckethead, and Buckethead's a trusty man, he says only 15 teams signed up for the North American Blast Open Qualifier.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What's that got to do with North America, Jason?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Whoa, you brought Kinga's water? Kinga water. Damn. Shout out to Kinga one time.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I am happier with the beard trim because it's less bushy. I've been going to the same barber for a long time, and then recently I've had to go to different barbers because I haven't been home, and they've been taking more off, and I'm happier.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You're very vulnerable at the moment. Why? Well, you've been forgetting things. You've been rocking out late. You're having 7pm coffees.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You guys are going out for dinner.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. Well, that's true. But sometimes it's just fun.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I don't know what happened. Where's your watch?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So, look. We're going to try and do an episode. Jason, it's all right. Take a deep breath, okay?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Valve take their data from them. Really? Where else do they get the data from? Their fucking Valve is their game. What do you think? They're monitoring every game account on private servers.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
We've learned a lesson lately. We've learned a lesson. You shouldn't do work for free.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Let them squirm, Striker.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, I feel it was too bushy before.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Who doesn't? I do. Lots of bush in Australia, Jason.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Found my way out, though. Just so everyone is aware, we're doing this live and direct from my hotel room in Katowice, Poland. Prof was on vacation. He's not here. But Striker, you're here covering everything for HLTV as you normally would. So we've combined forces. Why are you laughing, motherfucker?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And on that bombshell, we're going to have to check in with Jason. Jason, I'm sorry that we upset you.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, Justin, sorry, man. We weren't trying to upset you, man. We want you here, man. People at home want you here. You okay? Yeah, I'm good. All right. Cool. Get your drink later. If we can recover from this, we can recover from anything. From anything at all.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
pretty clear well when i said i thought that i said something i wasn't meant to say and i was like oh no it's over i thought that was known or wasn't that like kind of announced they had they have the little line they've had that in the first place that they're getting all the data from us but remember when they used to have the the was it the rank no they had the matches in game for a certain point right like they would have when it wasn't right yeah it wasn't just major stuff and stuff like that they had that was from us yeah the only people who get access to hrtv's api is valve
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Can I say that? Can I say that? It is... Yeah, you sure? That's on you.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He said you can buy access to the API, just contact sales. But then he says it's expensive.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, like I said, we're going to talk more about the Tier 2 fallout and whatnot. We'll get into the different angles at a later date. We've got Katowice to talk about.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's okay. 45 minutes isn't bad. What we're going to do now is... You ready to contribute?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Let's just keep it moving. Okay. All right. Well, we're going to do a sponsor segment right now. Okay. This one is... We don't know how those feel like a talking counter. No. This is going to be who wants to be a skinionaire. And this one is brought to everybody by Skin Place.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Now, the two of you will be contributing for these answers. Are you happy to take the task? You can either go one question at a time or you can work as a brain trust. It's up to the two of you.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
we've got a lot it will be very embarrassing for the both of us but we'll we'll give our best okay so for the people in chat right now type skin place that'll be your raffle ticket to enter the draw to potentially win a 50 voucher for a skin otherwise it might be less than 50 it depends on how many questions they get right all right skin place in chat right now gentlemen are you ready to get this thing underway i will let the subject matter is katowice history katowice history over the years oh you know the subject matter
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's on the screen right there.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Here we go. God dang it. Who wants to be a skinnier? Brought to you by Skin Place. Question number one. How many Katowiczes have been majors? Two, three, or four?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Locking in B, three.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, it's fine.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Wow. Okay. Well, thanks. Okay.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay, so first, correct. Question number two. Coming in thick, fast, and hot. In 2015, Vox Emanor beat one team in the group stage. Who was it? Flipside, Na'Vi, or Fnatic?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Locking in A, Flipside. It's got to be. And the correct answer is... It's got to be Navi. Flipside. It was on Cash. That was nice. We dumpstered him. How'd you do? Oh, we fucking binned him. It was like 16-3. We gave him the fucking beans.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's before we became renegades, so I don't know if we were in NA at that time. But anyway... Shout out to me one time. Question number three. Katowice's first best of five grand final was in 2016. That's a fun fact. Who did Fnatic beat 3-0 in that final? Was it A, Luminosity, B, Astralis, C, and B?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Are you happy with the answer that Jason has provided?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, we're live on talking counter, but we're not live on HLTV confirmed. That's how it works now.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay, boys. You're doing well. Three from three. Nice. Question number four.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Apex has only missed one Katowice in its 12-year history. What roster was he on in 2017? That's when he missed it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Envy, Titan, or G2.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Going to be locking in CG too. And the correct answer is.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
G2. It was an online qualifier. We're back. And they came fourth place in the online qualifier.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Was that the one with him that was in Dallas as well?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The fifth and final question. For the $50 skin, who is the MVP of IEM Katowice 2021 Online Edition? Was it A, Shiro, B, Axl, C, Hobbit? Axl.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
2021 yeah when we were in the pandemic as well yeah they beat vertus pro in the final yeah that was when your kinder was on vertus pro yeah it'd be exile or shiro wouldn't it it has to be yeah i think it's exile he was a monster he's a fucking monster now you get the third you get one phone a friend you can check in with striker uh striker ring ring I think it's Shiro.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Locking in A, Shiro. And the correct answer is Shiro. Five from five. The confetti comes streaming down. A bouquet of flowers. The people can't believe it. Everyone's on their feet. They're shouting and money is everywhere. Lucas is going to draw a winner. I won't be able to see who the winner is. He's going to probably put it in that bar.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But that was a quick quiz about I Am Katowice history from 2014. That was a nice one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Sometimes, I don't know. Sometimes I want them to be hard. Sometimes I want them to be easy. Wait, these were easy? They were easy compared to what I gave them two weeks ago. If I can bend them over a barrel two weeks ago, there's no way they'll get any right there. How would you say that, Yanko?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Two I's. Lipukituri. Lipukituri. I bet it's from Finland.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Lipukituri. To the Finnish gentleman who we think is Finnish and a gentleman. Our people reach out to your gentleman or your people. Anyway, that sounded weird. Who wants to be a skinnier?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, I'll drink it so it doesn't get a waste. Okay. I think about the poor children in Australia.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Straight left and right.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
okay guys uh so you know as i was talking about maybe this was in the talking counter portion of the show that the hatred tv confirmed people didn't see not sure but you know how i said that i have a segment that i stole yes yeah let's do it i'm gonna so the thing is the segment you guys are just going to kind of guess the stories based off of these headlines but i stole this from hamish and andy they're radio presenters turned podcasters in australia they're quite a famous comedian duo
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Uh, and essentially the segment they would run, it was called like salacious headlines. And what would happen is they had like a third guy. He was the guy that pressed the buttons who would be our Rushley or for example, Lucas in this situation. And that guy, they would come in and say like three good stories that happened, just three stories of what happened to them in the week.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Like, uh, I went to the gym or. You know, I went to a winery, you know, with my wife and some friends, just anything. And then the comedy duo had to turn them into salacious headlines to make it sound more nefarious than it was. So I've just grabbed some of the things that have happened over the course of Katowice and I've turned them into headlines. Now, this might be a terrible segment.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Could be great, though. But let's see how it goes.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Or we can just talk about the topic because it might be pretty obvious. For example, journalists denied players pushed back. Stryker, you didn't get many interviews. What happened?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, that was my next salacious headline. Analyst steals trade secrets. Wait, but we're not pimp.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, we're starting very talk-encounter, but we'll soon go very HLTV confirmed. Don't you worry about that. What I want to do is I want to get through some of the recent happenings, and the recent happenings all seem to be around the VRS, and that's perfect that Stryker's here because he can answer all the questions.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Because we got informed that there was a complaint about it, which I never go out there because I just... And you wouldn't either. We never even go out to the studio area. I haven't seen you guys. So I know it's not about me. So it kind of whittles it down to a few candidates.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The two of you normally ask me, and I pretend like I know, but normally I just get all my information from Stryker.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
All right, well, I'm going to close this and I'm going to pick up their notes and I'm going to fold it in half. I'm going to take it to them.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You don't need to be confused. So right now we're recording. I'm recording from this video feed here.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I agree with the sentiment if members of the broadcast are going to be having ties to teams, whether or not I think
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
that you know Pim's the example at the moment he'd be doing anything nefarious I don't think Jacob would be I don't think but the fact that it exists I don't know the fact that it exists that's the qualm right that it could it's even a conversation that's the same thing when we're always talking about conflict of interest it's not about is it actually happening it's about could it the potential for it exactly yeah
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then the one about the Kassad one, that's another angle. But I want to offer an alternative to this for the players. And if we had signed agreements or something along those lines, which I think for talent working in an event to say, hey, Janko is going to stand out behind. You're not in the peripheral vision. You're standing behind.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
and you stand out there for a couple of rounds and you're watching the game from that perspective, that's my favorite way to watch a game of Counter-Strike. I mean, it is great, though.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So my point is that if Janko's standing behind and watching the game from, I don't know, let's just say Vitality's perspective, and he's watching how a round unfolds, and on the cast, the way that me or Jason would have portrayed it is there should have been this information, but maybe they didn't comm something, or maybe they commed something bad. And then Janko catches that, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then Janko goes into his death segment. He's like, nah, look, they made the wrong comm. Like that guy, he made the wrong play, but Apex said 3B and there wasn't 3B. Right. Like that angle of it, I think helps because it really informs the conversation, but there would need to be an agreement that this type of information isn't going to be like just used willy nilly or for the advantage.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Like the Seoul one's a good example where it was trashed on JKS.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, he was like, that was just like locker talk, you know.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's how that gets aired.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Lovable goof loses loose tooth. That's a good one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But yeah, they're true. It's not. But it's still a TMZ headline, right? You can still see it in TMZ. And then he played with a mask. And the whole game, I was like, that's really respectful of JL. If he's not feeling well, he's wearing a mask, so he doesn't get his teammates sick. I really respect that. And then he was still high-fiving. I was like, but maybe he shouldn't be high-fiving.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, the important ones. Okay, next headline. That one didn't get a lot of conversation, but that's an event first.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Actually, no. Study, guys. It's probably better than what we all did. No, but let's get stuck into this. Let me get my clickies going on here. So the VRS early impact is what everyone is kind of working through right now. Everyone's understanding. Well, maybe not understanding it. Everyone's seeing it unfold.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What we could do right now is we could go find the house cleaner who threw away the tooth and interview them.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Did you sell the tooth?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
In a hotel room. Now that's a question. Okay. Next one. Cheap guns found in Poland.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What a great game I made.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You got more? Okay, yeah. Have we noticed an uptick in FAMAS?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
it's nice it's a nice one not if you're actually i will say one thing i'll say one thing it's still true it still doesn't show up in the uh starts wheel which which i haven't touched burst fire yet though there we go okay well that means it's not one percent of usage right i don't remember if it's one or two but something like that yeah but it was also the update was all only used for stage two it wasn't that would be kept separate from stage one to stage two because the way they have their database in they still have stage one listed as play-ins just teams just play really well on ct you know they didn't need to play with it true
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then the cheaper M4, obviously.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's the real attention grabber. Well, I still saw the MP9 doing a shitload of damage. For example, like, Flames got an ace against VP with the MP9. He picked up an AK for the last two kills, but he still got, like, a really big 3K with it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But that, I guess, is the intention, isn't it? It shouldn't be a weapon that you can use short to mid range and long range and get these fucking three or four bullets first.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, fair enough. Okay, next headline. Let me look here. Shocking, unprofessional crash out in the caster booth.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No one understands it. But it is starting to unfold, right? We saw the points that came out with Bounty. You had the spreadsheet with that. And then people are seeing like the invites coming forward for Cluj and teams who are skipping. And there's a whole lot of conversation at the moment coming out of the tier two. So this is kind of all going to meld into one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It was pretty good though, wasn't it? Everyone was entertained. Some people really didn't like it. There was one guy in the Reddit thread who was saying that I'm like a self-professed terrible person.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
whoa there was one guy in a reddit thread of course well there was more than one guy how could you ever miss that this was the one guy in the reddit thread and i and he's like yeah he calls himself a terrible person on talking counter it's probably nicholas ellis it probably is it's like yeah i do call myself a terrible person you're back in the discord no am i still in there no stick around no he left immediately i came in to be like sup and then i left okay yeah and i'll
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That video feed will be our version to upload. So it doesn't have all the sponsors and fans.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
There's room service.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay, next headline, next headline. Frenchman finally finds pleasure in Poland. That's a good one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, the two of you are on the cock chair, so...
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
This is loveseat. Well, either way. Yeah, obviously it's about Apex Vitality ZywOo having their best results so far in a Katowice. So that's good news. We're going to get more into these deeper conversations. I hate that that's such a line.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But I guess we just touched on the early impact. Everybody's confused. Are you less confused than everybody else?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
They won some loss, didn't they?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. We got a couple more of these. 17-year-old massacres five Danes on first day at job.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Really? Yeah, they're in struggle straight.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
They beat FlyQuest. That doesn't count either. They do have a European Open now though. Got a few more of these. Forced deportation, conspiracy or catastrophe?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But as people are aware, Flamas will not be playing in the playoffs. Mir is going to come and stand in for him. The visa that he got was while he was on Game Allegiance.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I've got two more. Scandalous. French look for older, more experienced man to meet their needs.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Looking after that old man body. Now, there's only a year difference between Joko and body.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's true. And he is a lot more experienced. So that's an interesting one because I think 3D Max have been on the rise. I've really enjoyed watching them.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He's mechanically very sound.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Henry beat Freshie. Trace beat Freshie. Trace ruined Freshie's life. Why did he do that to the poor guy? For people who may have missed this, during EPL a couple of seasons ago, we did this tournament, and then Trace had a pro come to be his champion, and his champion was Freshie. And then Henry just glocked against Freshie. And then Freshie was like, well, I can't lose to Glocks.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I started using the pistol as well and got absolutely wrecked. Smashed, yeah. He got destroyed by Henry G. Rear. Yeah, okay. Great. That's the last one I have.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, that's what we call him. There we go. Danes and Brazilians get sloppy on a Monday night.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I didn't see much of the game. I just know that Harry and Hugo were saying that it was a bit of a miracle match. Was that the horrible cello game? Or was that the other one?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
gentlemen yeah what i want to do now is we need to run an ad break so what we're going to do is the salacious headlines are over we're going to run an ad break when we come back it's going to be more talking counter conversation about anything and everything i'll buckle your pants up all right lucas are we talking to talking counter during this ad break or is this just an ad break we can be talking to talking okay so we're still yeah we're hanging there boys
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What did you think of that, though? I thought that was pretty good.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So the way that the game actually would work, like the way that I was explaining they did it, is like, let's say, what did I do that was good today? I ate a... This chair is so bad. I ate a beef bulgogi. Sure. And it was nice. Yeah. You know, and then you'd be Australian...
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then we'd make it as crazy as possible. But yeah, that's the way they do it on their thing. Because normally there's a nice story or just not a negative thing. So it always gets turned around.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I was going to do it for a Pro League segment, but the thing is it would mean people would have to do homework. And we tend not to want to do homework at Pro League.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
true but that's all right yeah well that's fine um so yeah when we come back from this break we'll just come on like i won't be able to hear lucas count us in so we'll just keep talking uh but we'll save any actual substance uh and then we can just talk about whatever right because we did hash over a few of the things right there but we can get into more of them in more detail um
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
lucas niemian i don't know uh at faust cs2 let the man have a hobby won't really change anything no matter what he hears oh my god all right well uh welcome back for the break everybody we're gonna get uh the show back underway now gentlemen uh yeah you guys all know what i was just saying because we're just saying so i did salacious headlines any big takeaways hugo's back from dinner
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He's my next-door neighbor. But any massive takeaways from Katowice so far that you want to get stuck into?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, that's true.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So what will happen is Luke is going to run the ads and then he's going to say to me, he's going to say five, four, three, two, one. And I'm going to do an intro into that camera there. And then I'm going to pretend like I'm a host. Wow, that must be nice.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's not bad teams, though. They're not good teams. SAW, don't try and tell me.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
SAW are one of the worst four teams in the tournament alongside of, like, Complexity, FlyQuest.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But it kind of, like, what you were talking about with Furia when Art and Gary were still there. even though Fallen had come in to lead, let's say that because we never, we know, and maybe you had similar experience as Striker trying to get interviews, but we were never allowed to talk to Jame or Electronic.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then there were even tournaments where casters were told they're not even meant to talk about who is leading VP when those guys were in the team.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's literally our job.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
uh but i guess you started this talking about i think it's probably like electronic was starting to become a bit of a scapegoat for the team in the sense of he's a team destroyer that was like the new angle yeah i get it and i said it on day one when i talked about them i feel like this is electronic slash chance on a tier one team which i think like this is where he has to sort of he's only 26 which is
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What? What happened? Is your PTSD from the Amcal days like fucking... What?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, the game I did, well, actually, they did get dumpster by Vitality, so maybe that's not fair.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
They got a... They had two 10-2 halves against them, so yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And you're like, bro, that's how from bounty.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Everything else was just as average as usual.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, I have a... So, I think... Nerds.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I think that Mongols series, they definitely could have won.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, the type of rounds that they were losing were pretty rough. I feel like the Nuke scoreline was only close because of a couple of crazy rounds that went in the favor of Mongols, like the 2v4 defuse on the lower side that never should have happened. And then they lost... one or two light by rounds. So then the scoreline reads close Mirage.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
This is, this is the reason I got a, like with the ultimate reaction, he had a really bad first map. Right. And then in the second map, it's the pistol round. And he had a chance to get a kill to start building his confidence and went for the sneaky beaky play, which then would have tanked his confidence more, which then carried through the rest of the series. And it's like, I get it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He's a young player and he's still learning and stuff. But people were saying that round was inconsequential. It's just the pistol round. I was like... He had a bad map one. It's a series that they already knew that Gamer Legion had beaten Mouz, I'm pretty sure, at the time. Because we were saying that on the cast. That you get to play against Gamer Legion for a spot in the playoffs.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then if you drop to the lower bracket, we all knew it was going to be Spirit versus Na'Vi as that game. And one of those two was going to be in the lower bracket. There's no way you're getting past that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Because I think they're the team who needs to kind of take that risk in the map pool to have a bogey map.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Or Naf. Could be either. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah. But that's the thing. I would put Naf on B, by the way. Eternal Fire don't really play anybody Ivy. They put Woxic's AWP Ivy for the start of the round because it's a tough position to throw in a util to. He just posts up with the AWP as Mad just supports... Who is it? Wakadia and Zantara is getting close pop and main.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then as the round settles in, once they blocked Pop, they blocked Main, and Woxic's watched Ivy for ages, then maybe Magi will come and take it, and Woxic gets freed up, and he can actually play somewhere else on the map with the AWP.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's just curious to see what Valve address as the changes. Because the complaints from the players is a lot nostalgia based on things that they liked from the old version. But what's going to happen is the adjustments are going to go based off of what is being played in the new version. What is the meta? What are teams abusing? What is the most standard moves? Is it too slow?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Is there one spot that they're always hitting? So you probably see the adjustments come into areas like that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I read a comment on Twitter and it was like, the only reason they did this was like an overreaction to Blast's closed circuit. It's like, overreaction? Was it an overreaction?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
he had an idea that was just keep where pops drop down was, but no ladder. So like as a T you can drop in and then you're committed or you can still go around the long way.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And the thing is because teams like complexity are throwing like harassment, Hey cheese or Molly's through the gap that exists to stop them scaling pop. You could throw that Molly and then you could have someone drop down pop straight away and be there quicker.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So it's risk versus reward because you're locked into that position in that fight, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It makes it more of a...
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
versatile position yeah and how it can be used right you see more variety in that area whether or not that variety is good variety there's more variety it's not good for the teas you can at least not for now they have to expel more utility right you saw complexity as well would drop a low ramp molly and a he on the t side while running through the white walls before they go through the gap so
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
um i have one that i need to ask about because i didn't get to do any of their games phase what are we making of them with the elise edition i i watched some of the the skybox and i see the positions elise is playing and launder's made a tweet which i'm kind of in line with for in my opinion for and people are gonna say but frozen played well i don't care frozen should take over all the robson's positions and elise and rain should get the positions that they want i like people like oh but rain paid anchor before okay fine
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's like, those matches when you would talk, I don't know what's with the webcam, guys. It wasn't doing that before. Lucas, what did you say? Say it to me again. That's why I'm wearing the headphones. Is everything okay? Chad to Lucas. Oh, he's fixing.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Frozen is naturally more baity. Rain is not. Rain is going to be more selfless for the team. And I think Alige should get all the positions he wants as well. That's just my opinion.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Don't worry about the blinking.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But with that, like Valve, when you would talk to them, they would label those type of matches as exhibition matches. I won't say the Valve guy's name.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
This is the thing. I need to go back and watch more of the games. I think they're probably going to change a lot between now and what the major looks like in terms of the way that they approach the game. This is just so early.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I don't think they're going to play the same as they're playing right now. I think they'll have conversations.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Twitch chat, you guys can tell me if I'm wrong here, but I'm pretty sure when I was looking at Nero's table of all the positions that Kerrigan is now anchoring the A bomb site on Anubis. I'm trying to remember if I... Yeah, I saw it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But if Kerrigan is the A anchor on Anubis, then they've... They're dead. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. They need to ban that now. That's crazy. Yeah. Why would you put Frozen there?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Mid. Was he mid?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Put Frozen there. Put Rain there. Don't put Alige there. Either put Alige mid or pop. Don't put Kerrigan as the A anchor on Anubis.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Someone in chat said B, but I don't believe them. I don't know why I'm getting one guy.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Definitely A. I got fucking one guy again. That's one guy. That's one guy. Fucking one guy. All the time, one guy. All right. I guess we're going to hit a few other of the big teams. Sure. Janko's favorite, G2.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, you know, sometimes you're a little bit sly to borrow opinions every now and again, just like I do from Reddit.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But the thing is, we know this is going to take a while to adjust. The problem is the fallout is being felt by the players, the orgs and the teams immediately, right? We've started to see some negative things happening, endpoints, one of them just coming out and they're no longer functioning. And a lot of people are putting this to the changes that have happened with the circuit. But other than...
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Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I agree with that sentiment. I think they have to try and work out what their identity of their approach is going to be. Because, again, Nico is one of, if not the greatest rifler of all time. And the level of impact that he has on the game and the decision he makes, he has such a high IQ for the game, right? So he's often making calls and then Snacks could organize everybody else around that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
and that is you know either seen as a luxury or not it depends like it's if you want to be an in-game leader who i guess more like probably what hooks he was like where you're calling the shots all the time then that becomes a harder balance but if i had an eco on my team i would want to play to that strength of having an eco now that they don't i guess that they're in a period of time it's working out based off what you said yeah malice you can't replicate maybe mechanically you can but decision making you can't in terms of what nico would bring and then you have monacy who's also still pretty young even though he's a great player and then
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Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Heavy God, who this is his best team ever. So then you look to Hunter, which is why when Taz said in the interview that Hunter's going to do the CT sides, that's not a surprising thing.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
How are you meant to, as Snacks playing anchor positions, organize the CT side? That's the whole reason, like, that's why, like, an Apex will still play a position on a map that is, like, a map control position so that he can coordinate. And people will be like, oh yeah, but you should put your weakest player as like Mirage bigger. Okay, fine.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But that means your system and trust, big thing Yanko talks about with vitality, or at least once upon a time, needs to be really strong. Like Na'Vi. You know, everybody goes to class in Na'Vi and Blade to the front with the fucking blackboard and he's writing everything down and they're sitting up there and they're not on their phones and they're listening. They all know the theory.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
they alexi doesn't need to make the decision what's happening on mid on mirage because imma is because bit knows how to react because jael knows what he needs to do right like everybody knows what's going on whereas this isn't the case for all the teams maybe one day it will be but the strength of a good coach yeah so i don't think what you said jason was talking out of your ass at all i think it's bang on yeah
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well... Our broadcast isn't supposed to have a host, but it does have a host. That's going on Talking Counter. Here's the thing that I want to say. I have stolen a segment idea this evening, but I'm happy to tell everybody that I stole it as opposed to acting like I came up with it. From a podcast duo known as Hamish and Andy. They're giving you a lot of ideas over the years.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I'm going to say other than Imperial female, right? Are there any teams who were in bounty and in Katowice who probably otherwise shouldn't have been, who do we think we were missing anybody?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I think it's more to do with round openings and setups than it is to do with, like, mid-round.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
think a lot of it comes down to are you going to be the ones to have the dictating opening move on the ct side or are you going to be the ones to have the reactive move right like nuke if you're losing yard all the time well you need to do something you need to play a yard control on the ct side with two to three players push a guy behind red get a guy looking towards top silo or do we go okay we're just going to drop a guy down secret instantly if they do smoke while you get that early information
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
like it's obviously map dependent and stuff but even back when i was playing like okay mirage okay we've just we've them on the extremities it's likely they're going to go into default to take control of mid let's do a mid control you know that's behind the mid box let's push up let's fight um if they don't come immediately let's hang around because they might just be defaulting late or if we get mid let's now just quickly hedge the sites because they're about to exit but
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Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, Bounty was 32. This is 24, but this is normally 24. Yeah. So I think the question is more about the possible moves up. Let's get into the Tier 2 stuff in a second. Let's jump into the Cluj skips and talk a little bit about that because a bunch of us have gotten win that teams like Liquid, Na'Vi, Vitality. Who else am I forgetting? G2. G2.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
We didn't do Falcons, but what is there to really say about Falcons?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
When you mentioned Kassar just then, you made me think of another salacious headline.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I was going to say cracks starting to show in analyst team. Pretty good.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The donkey stuck in the mud if we're talking about that. Right. Okay, let's get on to the... Can we get on to the playoffs?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay, the playoff bracket is set. I don't think we need to talk about VP because they're going to have a stand-in and we already touched on that. Which sucks, but it is what it is.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So let's make the broad assumption that we're going to get Spirit moving forward, which I think we all would have gone with anyway, to take on Na'Vi. That's going to be the later games. And then to start off... You're going to have... Yes, and then the winner of that will take on Vitality. So I guess let's start with...
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Out of Mongols and Tunnel Fire. Yeah. So that's actually the best matchup that they could have gotten against each other because they're both so inexperienced in those matches. Would you say second arena match for Mongols?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Game of Legion skipped, but that was for a different reason.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, I don't know. Thunderpick was a pretty good arena. That was the Thunderdome.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
500,000.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's not bad for them at all. They looked really flat against Na'Vi, but by losing the game to Na'Vi, they avoid Spirit's side of the bracket. So, I don't know. You tell me who's the real winner.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
There was one more team that skipped. Liquid.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But they have a bit of history. Mongols and Eternal Fire, they played last year in the Sky Esports thing. Mongols beat them. They played in Cologne. Mongols beat them. Mongols lost to them at EPL.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
One more. G2, Na'Vi, Liquid.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He was having some impactful anchor rounds, but he's not as proactive as someone.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But Spirit aren't part of the Panda League cabal.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
We should have answered it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
If they call again, answer. We'll do it on the show. Let's see who it is. Hello?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So why are they not doing it?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I did a playoff podcast today with Mazzinio and Techno and then Alexi Mfit on the other side. And I was like, oh, does Mara ever get mad? And they were like, yeah. And I was like, in-game? When you're playing, he's like, yeah. And I'm like, how can we tell if Mara's mad? And he goes, hold on, I've got too many things. I'll hold it for this, yeah. He goes, Mara's eyebrows go like this.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, Bit was pretty good. He was pretty energized. Bizzino's good fun. Techno's very timid. Even though he speaks the best English, he's quite timid. So I've got to work out how to get him out of his skin.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I think he can be funny. Mazzino's hilarious.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's the same. I had Fame and Flit come and join me as well. And we asked for electronic initially, but Dennis said, I don't want to do it. I don't want to do a podcast in English. And then when Flit and Fame came before we went rolling, they were like, We just can't express ourselves as well as we want to.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's what I said to them. I said, your English is good. And I was like, and look, if you struggle, we'll help you get there. That's why we're here. We're here to help you get to what you want to say. But that was really good vibes. I had Apex, Flamesy, Flit, and Fame, and it was actually pretty funny. That's got to be pretty good. That was a pretty funny one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So if we had to do picks around the room, Mongols or EF?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
EF are going to ban Ancient. Mongols are going to ban Train. I think EF would pick Anubis. What are they, eight in a row on Anubis right now?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I'd go with EF as well. I would go with EF too. I think this... Xantaris. It'd be like Anubis pick... I think Anubis pick for EF, Mirage pick for Mongols, maybe Nuka's the third. Okay. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's true. I think Mongols are maybe more reliant on their individuals hitting hard and making plays, whereas I think Eternal Fire are a bit more team-based. It doesn't mean that I don't think the Mongols have an approach to the game. They definitely do. And I think that they still can have good macro at times, but it's based on individuals understanding where the gaps are and making plays.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, I asked today, Mazzino said, I said, what percentage would you put on it? Like 70%? He said, oh, like 30. So maybe he didn't understand the question. Because I was like, oh, so he's not wearing the thing anymore. And he was like, no, he's still wearing it, just not when he's playing. I was like... Because he's a man. Yeah, that's what he said on air.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I heard that. And I asked how he broke it. And apparently... because the picture was from their company New Year's meal or whatever. But what happened was they were saying it was minus 30 degrees where they were and everything was icy and he slipped over and that's how he broke his hand.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. So that would give us EF versus Vitality. And then I think we're all going to assume VP with a stand in can't beat Spirit.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And again, we already spoke about VP.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
All right. So the raisin striker.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, this is interesting because I brought this up today. And the answer that I got from... I, uh, from Alexi was regionally speaking, right? Like it's always a bit funky. Like when you're playing, he was explaining that when he, we used to play in a finished team and play as another finished team and how anything can kind of happen in a game like that. Um,
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then actually we started talking about, they were like, yeah, and Mia's coming and they're all scared of Mia and pugs. Like apparently Mia's like a pug god. I didn't know this was the case. Apparently like when the fan was like, yeah, when we're playing against Donk and Simeon Bakken and Mia's on our team, like me, Flit and Mia, we were all queuing and stuff and they're scared of him.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And I'm like, oh, okay. I think, you know, it's obviously just from pugs and stuff, but I obviously don't think VP are going to win that game. So yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's a hard one to call then, right? The map was probably going to be the same. Mirage does too.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Which is like, okay, so we should probably be careful when we talk about this stuff.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, but what I mean is if we're throwing out wild accusations, Janko... that are unfounded, maybe we'll get sued. You want to get sued?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Navi have five, I don't know if they're head-to-head. It's head-to-head, yeah. But Navi have won five Mirages in a row, Spirit have won nine Dust IIs in a row, and Eternal Fire have won eight Anubises in a row. So there's some teams with home maps in this playoffs. Those are quite clearly those home maps right there for those names.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I understand Ropses Vitality of one of the last five nukes in a row but in the last six months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 12 out of 13 nukes played in the last six months Vitality of one so we've just identified home maps for four of the teams in the playoffs okay That's great.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You can't do that anymore. He's here. So now you can ask all the questions.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Mirage for Navi. It might even extend past that. I don't know. So you said you're going to take Navi if it comes to a third?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. We don't have to make a prediction. We know that that's not the fun part of the conversation.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, let's do this because this could inform this conversation based off what we think. We're going to do what are the odds. This one's brought to the lovely people at home by 1xbet. Now, you guys, I don't know if you've been on the show since we've done what are the odds.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So what are the odds, essentially, is a little question that we ask. And we're all going to give a percentage of what we think the likelihood of this question is going to be. The people at home get to vote in polls on Twitter slash X and Instagram.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And we've set, not whose, but we set the odds. So between us, there's an average of percentages made. Gotcha. That determines the odds.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And then it creates a kitty of money that they all win prizes from.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So we give them prizes. So yeah, what are the odds brought to you by 1xbet? And this week's question... Drumroll.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
From the producer. Chad Birchall calling.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He's at 1.45 rating. It's not 1.75, Jason. That's great. I didn't say it was. Jason, I'm sorry. Just take a breath, okay?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Jason, I'm here for you. Bid's at 1.38. Now you're here for him. JL's at 1.32 and Zyra's at 1.28. The next left in the tournament is Zyra's at 1.26. So let's say that Donk farms the fuck out of VP. Do you wait it based off the fact they have a stand-in or that doesn't matter?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
yeah so let's say that donk wins the wins the quarter has a huge rating like a 1.7 1.8 rating right and then loses to navi but has on par for what his rating's been so far so maybe there's a series where he gets like 1.45 like on which would be crazy and they lose but bit has a good series there well and bit has a good series in the final then it's like you know it would it would win
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I don't know.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's true.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I would imagine that's going to be somewhere like that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
60% for Striker. 60% Lucas will whack that one up on screen.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The question is, yeah. So make it 40%, Lucas. Donk does not win the MVP.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That is a crazy scenario.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
67% that Donk doesn't win the MVP. No, it's the other way around. 33% that Donk doesn't win the MVP.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Fair enough. Then we're also making an assumption That spirit, beat, vitality, most likely, in the final. Shout out to all the Turkish fans.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. Yeah, okay. All right. What are you giving it?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
50% on the nose for Yanka. Yes. And Lucas, I would like to forfeit my percentage and give it to the people in Twitch chat and see what the people are thinking right now to compile the final portion of the odds. So we're going to find out what that... Unbelievable.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, but I want to see it now. And these people might not have an X account or an Instagram account. Maybe they just have a Twitch account.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So Lucas has to do the poll. So that'll come up in a second, I assume. And if not, I can't hear Lucas. So if you can't do that, Lucas, then you need me to give a percentage.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
He's put it up. Here we go. We don't see it, though.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
uh i can see you should see it oh it's it's a pretty quick poll here we go what are we voting for uh donk will be oh well he's done the wrong way around so he's put will donk be iem katowice mvp yes or no oh 63 of people have gone with no okay i gotta go with yes i mean it is it is like two matches you have to win to get to the final i think that's not too unreasonable we're gonna the votes are still coming in
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Jason's on the count that he won't be back. Okay, so the people have voted will don't be the I am kind of it's MVP 60% of said no. 60 or 60 60% of said no. 40% of said yes. So yeah, so 40% same as you.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What do you reckon their secret society is called?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
All right, people at home, you can have your vote for what are the odds brought to you by one expert on this. It'll be on X slash Twitter and Instagram. And I want to let you guys know you were wrong about Train being played more than five times. And I was right.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Oh, this is a bounty.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
here seven times that many well let me check so how the fuck did we not get to the fifth i don't think it's seven i think it's because someone said train was played eight times it was like picked and every by the picked one yeah every time yeah but then it got played one more time in the third map of the ef game so yeah maybe there's only five times
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I like the freedom that it's given to Flamesy and Mezzy in some situations. Like Rops is more than happy to take a lot of those anchor spots. That's what he likes to do and the lurky boy stuff. So it's actually given Mezzy and Flamesy more responsibility across different types of maps. And again, another little tidbit that I got today by talking to the players.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
One of the things that Flames and Apex were attesting to is the work ethic that he brings. Happens more than you think.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
it's inspiring it's inspiring to the others it kind of not the jacking off and watching anime uh the having having robs in the server and you know coming up with all these ideas and being there to always talk counter-strike about it's kind of driving everybody in that direction and people at home are probably going to take that statement and they're going to be like well they should be like that anyway they're playing professional counter-strike but
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's not. It's just not like that.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
um yeah it's something we know about robs we've known for a long time so it sounds like he's a nice fit over there um and the thing is within the interviews and like with robs when he's at an event he always feels like he's in his own bubble but i think we've all seen robs when he's a bit more outgoing or a bit more trolly but i just don't think we get that version of him i think that um
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
probably with the whole car situation which i'm sure he wants to completely forget it i don't even know why that's a thing people just given you're giving flack to it right it's so crazy and it's like he's he's a young man like he's not a he's not an old head by any means he's a very very good counter-strike player who's dedicated his entire life to this he got in a position where he was able to buy something that was a dream for him and then he was able to do it and then people just shitting on him and it's like
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I mean, come on now.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, but see, when you step back from it, right? Then, yeah. But that's the same with all of this stuff.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
You just have to be like, who cares? How many times in his career has Ropz, other than the start when other pro players were accusing him of cheating and he had to go to the face-offers, other than that, how many times has he ever been negatively portrayed in the spotlight?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Exactly.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The thing is people on the internet are mean, bro. Yeah. They're nasty on the internet, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
These fucking Eastern Europeans, Jason, they know nothing about mental health.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Chad really went downhill after the transplant, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I'm a human being just like everyone else.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Well, we got it, man.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's over. It's all over. Show forehead. What are you talking about? My hairline is fucking great.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's what happens when you pay a couple thousand dollars for a guy to fucking take the hair follicles out the back of your head and put it in the front of your head.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
They're helping you out. Their version of the idea, which I don't want to get into just yet. Do you want some more? I can give you a little bit more.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Did you do that? No, I didn't do that. Lucas did that. But this is what happens when you have a producer.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Maybe one day we'll have some sponsors. I did say 2025 was going to be the year we got sponsors.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I don't know. I feel this crossover. Do you think it's done us any favors? Do you think we're going to get more viewers?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Look, I want to say something to HLTV and Talking Counterviewers because I'm starting to read this a bit more in comments. People are like, why don't they have players on? Why would you do that? So with HLTV confirmed, I think with players, there's some who you know are going to be good for a whole episode and there's some who you take a risk on and they're not great.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's hard to get stuff out of them. So what we need to do is be a bit more tactful with who we pick and how long we have them for. But also the other problem that we run into is because we do it live, right? It's not pre-recorded with HLTV confirmed.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So if a player isn't available in the time slot that we have, because we not only have to worry about me, ProfStrike, we also have to worry about our producer and make sure everybody's available for that. Then we can't get the player. So it does get a bit tougher from that perspective. And then our perspective, we're talking counter in terms of we do pre-recorded, but we're in an event like this.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So we tried to get Flamesy the other night, but then he had a team dinner and then he had the VOD review. And then if we want to get them, okay, what time do we have available before we have to start casting? Are we on the same shift? Where are we going to do it? Right now, we're in my hotel room with a flipped up bed.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
People are just saying there is an app?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I should be doing everything I say.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, I'd like a house with a garden.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, but, you know, one and a half, two. But it's nice to have a rainy day.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Sydney, just in Perth. I'd like to be in the Golden Triangle. Maybe up in Swanbourne or Claremont. That'd be nice. Oh, Claremont. Fremantle.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
that's a callback all right here we go i think we found our topic this is our men's mental uh men's health now yanko's brought it up the bush now i'm not talking about their bush i'm talking about i'm just gonna do this because my back is dying well now he's on the ground we can't oh we can still see him we can still see that's so jason yeah as the elder statesman sure in the room and then it's me and then i don't know if it's yanko or if it's striker but it doesn't matter
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
you've had plenty of years now to tussle with your pubic hair. What have you found is the best method?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
And how do you like it? Do you keep it neat and tidy or do you just go full bush?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Neat and tidy?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
But what's your weapon of choice?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. We're learning so much today. It's not a regular thing, Chad.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Oh, so I thought you maybe did it for the wedding. We're getting married, baby.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I just think if you're keeping it tidy, you just need a pair of manicure scissors.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
If it's trim and tidy down there, you don't need to get a hedge trimmer out. You get in there before the growth gets out of control.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
No, you're not. What are you, fucking three years of age with scissors? Safety scissors. No, they're not.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
I wasn't going to say it.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
The one blade.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
On Talking Canada, we like to do men's health topics.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's got a good point. That is true. And they're much better. Thank you for asking.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Okay. Well, Striker doesn't have a lot to add in there.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
It's a weird topic to talk about.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Or not, if you're getting waxed like Jason.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
What I would like to do, I would like to do an episode about fatherhood with the two of you and Harry. And I will be the ignorant non-father asking non-father questions. Because we did molding about balding.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
So we need to do one about child... No, not balding one.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Yeah, but we need Harry. But you're not a father. I know, but you are. All right, we should do that. Okay. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
All right. This has been an episode of HLTV Confirmed Meets Talking Counter. We'll be back with episodes probably on both next week at different times. Quick shout out to the sponsors, One Expert and Speedplace.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
At the same time. That'd be fun.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
How does that work?
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
That's weird. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. All right. Cool. Hope everyone enjoyed tonight's show and good night. Enjoy the playoffs. Peace. So Lucas will stop recording now and then we're still live for Talking Counter People.
Talking Counter
Episode 123: VRS deep dive, HLTV, IEM Katowice groups, reviewing new rosters
Shit. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Like you would need to have a team of like 60. Put down a few horses every game as well. It's like, Just this battlefield, dead dudes, dead horses, loose balls trapped underneath them.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Yeah, that's good as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
He's awake now. I'm locked in, Chad. Woo! It's like that video of the dude that smashes the two glasses together in the pool. Come on, man. You can't be this much of a boomer, Chad.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
And then, like, a month later, it's like, oh, at least I get to play with Modesty.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Stop doing too much, bro.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Like, how the fuck did that happen? No, we didn't mean in groups like in playoffs. No, dude, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
When you're already playing for another team.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Come on, let me hear you. Let's get louder. Welcome to Talk Encounter. Come on, let me hear you. Let's get louder. Welcome to Talk Encounter.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Sun the anus. What's happening right now? I don't know what's happening right now.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Well, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 132: ft. JustHarryGG, IEM Melbourne, G2/Falcons/m0nesy triumvirate of engagement
Yeah, because you weren't doing shit with soccer.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
I got socks this year. Didn't have socks last year. Good for you.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
I got stuck in Kuala Lumpur for 12 hours. Which actually you said worked out great for you? Yeah, it was actually fantastic.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Is it on Spotify still?
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Interesting. All right.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
I love coming to the airport and what's called plane spotting. So he was like, oh, can we have photos? Took a photo and then that was it. We nipped off and away we went.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
They just want sticker money.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Yeah, everyone wants sticker money.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
I don't know. Apparently he likes the beers.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
People change. Yeah. Sometimes. Sometimes.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Yeah, I'm with you. And as someone who loves North American Counter-Strike, it does pain to me to say that.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
We'll give it a couple of weeks.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
But we did do it. I will just say that. We did provide the content. Is that journalism?
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Take that now. Yeah, I just fucking... I think you just journalized. I just journalized. Should we go to this mixer?
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Oh, no. Anyway. We're all in Belgrade.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
All right.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
All right.
Talking Counter
Episode 121: Train is BACK, reflecting on roster moves, status of the NA scene
Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
So I was watching the game. And as I was watching, I was in Flom's stream. He was co-streaming. And Flom said something which I think on face value, people will probably take as pretty reductive. But I kind of get what he means when he said this regarding the matchup against MIBR. And it was the sentiment was essentially... they're trying too hard. Like, and I kind of get it.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Like they're over-complicating things. Like you have good players, kind of just keep it a bit more simple or be willing to take more heads up jewels or be willing to do stuff. Because some of the decisions I see Liquid making, either they're too indecisive because they're talking about too much shit and no one can make a decision. Or it's like, you can see what they're thinking.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Oh, it's late and this. And it's like, a lot of these teams, you should just be able to bully.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I did get you good last time.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
yeah yeah their map pool seems weak i i think liquid's map pool seems very weak the maps that i would like to see them play more of are ancient and anubis like those are the maps where i think they might actually have a punch because those are their two best maps yeah but we've seen them like obviously best of ones but in some of these cases like watching them play inferno i hate watching them play inferno um
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
like their mirage is they punished picked it today which is good but I didn't think they would because their stats are bad on it like their dust too I think it's pretty mid as well like I
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Exactly, just a constantly moving piece.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
When they were 10-manning.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Alex was using it as banter.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I think they pick either Vertigo or Ancient into Maus, and Maus are comfortable on both those maps. Maus haven't played a lot of Ancient recently, and I think they're on a two-map losing streak, sure. I think Maus have to pick Mirage.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I saw MIBR as well also went to start on the T side of Mirage there on Liquid's choice, I guess, to try and set the tempo, which I was like, well... I guess, like, give it a go, because it fucking sucks. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The thing is, if you look at maps 1 and 3, Liquid dominated them. Yeah. But then when you bring Nuke into the conversation, you're like, oh, hold up a second.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It doesn't look great. 13-2, 13-5 on maps 1 and 3. So they own them. And to think you had to cast that, but there was still a bigger blood of the day, fucking 13-4, 13-3. Like, I cannot believe the FaZe versus G2 series. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
10-mans are pretty different after the alcohol.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
i i told you this morning i woke up to watch that and i was i woke up like 20 minutes 30 minutes in and i was like nah i'm good it wasn't worth it like the thing with that series was there was probably a couple of rounds that were close that like could have changed the dialogue like if obviously a phase don't lose the force by in the second round then they get likely and they shouldn't have it was a fucking 2v5 they should have had like a 3-0 round conversion out the start right and then their t half we're talking five or six rounds i think i think they managed 8-4 or was it 7-5
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
so they could have had i think they could have had five or six rounds within their first half right pretty comfortably but then their ct side it's the classic phase situation when they don't give themselves a bigger buffer they're just fighting fight like forcing and fighting forcing and it's like first gun round inferno and you don't have full utility to get banana control you don't have the he's to soften them up you're lacking the molotovs yeah it's like good luck like good luck like i don't know what you're meant to do so more stop kills modesty one on that inferno
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, well, like, that's the thing that all barely played in the like, opening was was such a non factor throughout that series. Maybe a little bit on Mirage he got going.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, the way they came out into the third, they, they actually had a good crack. Carrigan went apartment super fast with a tech nine, got two kills. They had a three V five and then all those trades back and then, and then I think frozen got left in a one V one and then he lost it. So the first three rounds were exciting and then everything else was shit.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
it just you know and there was there was other rounds where so like rob they double orped and robska this is mirage double orped robs is in market with the orb he kills him as they're executing b and then carrigan is shooting hunter in the back and he dinks but whiffs hunter kills him and then kills robs and they lose the site so it's like and then they lose around and hunter like gets four kills or something like that it's like you know just it's the little details hunter owned them i hunted when i'm gonna have a big boy game i fucking love that
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
and just just mold them so for phase tomorrow versus furia like i don't think mib i have have much of a chance against mouse unless mouse shit the bed um so and i don't think that's gonna happen i think it's gonna be to her mouse furia versus phase i'm with you i think furia have a real shot if anything they're the favorite be the favorite yes they are the favorites like they're a 60 40 favorite yeah like it's it's pretty like this is the thing though because i'm i'm fed up with the narrative at the moment i can't rule phase out
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It's just... The worst. Like, comparable to all experiences. Like, you're talking about... To be honest, I don't really... Four non-communicative Russians in face.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
They lack a third selfless rifler. They have two betas.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I hate your TV forums now, bro.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, well, people are like, I'm throwing PGL under the bus for saying we're in Romania. And I'm like, no. Yeah, that's been known for a while. This has been publicized for an extremely long time. Because I said, oh, we started this morning at 5 a.m. local here in Romania, and it's just gone 6.30, and the series has come to a close.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
This was meant to be game of the day, and it's over in an hour and a half. And then there was that thread, and I was like, no, I'm not throwing PGL under the bus.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
people are just trying to start drama man this is a perfect world major right and we do a pgo broadcast from romania okay it is what it is to get just waking up early in the morning suck yes but hey you know with all this dialogue right that's been happening around the viewership and everything like that and oh you know it sucks and europeans have the most viewership blah blah blah blah bro this is the 21st major and the first time we've ever had one in this time zone
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
If every 20 majors go by and then we do one, I think that's kind of okay. Every decade we do one in this time zone. Yeah, I think that's fine, guys.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
all day all the games like that that um happen but outside of that um you know i will say this it makes perfect sense right this is us being adults about the situation right looking at it from a you know an adult perspective exactly and what a business would do and all of that i will say from a personal selfish perspective i would love yeah i would rather i would rather fucking be there i mean also just i'm going crazy
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Four Snickers bars and four bananas. That's why over there in the corner of the room there's that massive shit stain. It's because Jason's dying. He just can't control himself. Oh, shit.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
What are they going to do about it? It's fine. They're stealing the carpet. She'll be right. We'll get through it, mate.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Why does it, why does it irk you so much?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I'm good. I played one face yesterday and I solo queue because I can't play with like the Harry's and Alex's or Hugo's or whatever because I think I can play with Hugo now. I think he's got his elo up but the disparity is too big. So it works out that if we play, we lose.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
If the test recordings made the internet, would we be cancelled?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It does. I did read a tweet from Gomez, manager of FlyQuest. Used to be my manager back in the Voxem and Renegades days. And he said that when they were there on site, one thing that he noted was the casters would be telling the crowd. He doesn't speak Mandarin.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yes, I think that was Edward. I think Edward said that on Twitter because it was in the back and forth conversation.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, because I think Stryker had a word with Perfect World regarding some of those things to let them know about what can be done.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, it's just the way it is. If we lose, we lose full, but if we win, we win nothing, right? So it's like, well, it's kind of what's the point. And also if they want to try and build up their ELO, it's more detrimental to them. So I just played and I played against this Impala guy. I don't know if you've ever played against this Impala guy. He's like Ukrainian streamer.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
What would we do without him? I don't know. Spreadsheet, man. We'd really struggle when fucking Pro League's on, wouldn't we?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Someone's got to do it. But yeah, so in terms of that issue, right, I guess I haven't, I've seen the threads and stuff.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I just haven't dived into them because I think with a lot of the things that we talk about from our perspective, because we are so in the trenches regarding anything Counter-Strike related, we are so used to these conversations, but every now and again, it is probably worth us rehashing it for the point of, educating the newer people who are getting on board.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I'm sure there's like older listeners and hardcore fans or whatever who understand it, but there's always going to be new people getting involved. And that's where, you know, sometimes when I'm in like an actual decent mindset, that's why some of the episodes I do on HLTV confirmed, you know, I make up PowerPoint documents to like, you know, show these little graphic. Yeah. And to kind of,
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
not only to walk people through it like they're stupid, but to kind of bring them up to speed with the things that are having an impact on our scene and the tournaments and everything like that. Because you can't just assume that everybody knows, right? And that's the tough part because we know what we know and we kind of operate within that.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But at the same time, and I'm not saying that we have a responsibility to tell people, but if we find ourselves in a position to do so, I think we should.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
and fucking hell every time i get matched against him i want to win so bad because the guy is just a beta like he's just a beta right and he streams and shit and i know that if i'm owning him he's going to be tilted off the face of the earth played train we just fucking fisted him and i was like i'm so happy i went to bed after that i was like go out on the high note i don't want to don't want to play again i had a beta in a retake server bro
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Do you still see a lot of it? Yeah. And I think the thing is, that's also kind of to Janko's point, the players are going to be lambasted for that. But at the same time, if you are going to be able to receive that type of an advantage and you're in a competition...
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I think the thing is when people also suggest the booths and they go, oh, but Dota has it. I hear that and I go, but the thing with it is the raw experience is what this is about, right? You don't want them to feel like they are in a hotel room or in a bubble. And you go, oh, no, but they can look up and see the crowd.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I'm sure the reflection of the glass, mate, they're probably just looking back at themselves. Yeah. I prefer it without the booths. I think that we can have certain things that can come into play like we've just discussed here that can help mitigate some of these issues. Will it crop up? Yes. Is it something we should try and limit as much as possible?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Should people stop getting so upset about these things? Yes.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
My dad used to be a goalkeeper in football. And it was like for the second string team. So just under like the state-based team, right? So it was okay. And I remember as a little kid, I used to go and I would watch the games. But because he's the keeper, you go and sit behind the net. And as you're sitting behind the net or whatever, there's all that fans around and stuff. And people are like...
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Like as the guys are taking penalties and trying to like get in the keeper's head and stuff like that. And this, you know, life's small.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Oh dear. But yeah, no, I think there was something I was, oh, I've spoken to Alex about this before because when there is a moment like that happening in an arena and you're casting it, I've always wondered like, is it better? And this isn't for me, it's for Alex because he's the play-by-play. Does he try and get louder to drown out the crowd or do you try and go quieter?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
to not add more noise in that moment like it's a weird one because it's the general rumble of the crowd right that starts and that's what kind of alerts the player like the spidey senses are tingling you know like and it's obviously not affecting all of them if it's in a 1v1 okay yeah like when we're talking about like a 5v5 or whatever um then everybody's on high alert so i've always thought about that but this is the thing it's different with arena
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, especially when you're following the flow of energy as well, especially in the really big games, you're just kind of riding that wave. So yeah, it's never going to be perfect, but I think steps that we can take to make things better is key. So yeah, okay.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
They also won V5 today. I know they won that map, but that was wild.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
What do you guys make a Dexter though? Because for me, I think he's one of these Orpers that can be flashy and have these like big moments. But when I watch him, I think his general decision making is quite poor. And he can miss some pedestrian shots, but he can have these like real hot patches like a bang, bang, bang. He can even do it. He can rifle too.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
all right yeah okay he's brute force not finesse sure sure yeah no i can i can see that yeah i i think that like that obviously when people are talking about heroic's draw they're saying oh it's tough but like i think it's tough because they were winning and then you obviously have to beat other good teams to go through right and now that you went 2-0 now you kind of have to walk it back through the remaining teams who did have upsets throughout
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Na'Vi yesterday was embarrassing versus Spirit. That was embarrassing versus Spirit. I can't quite believe that, bro, nobody could aim.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Today in the map, they won on Mirage. He was like 9 and 17. And I rate JL quite highly. I don't know where he is.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, Techno's lower than him in Techno qualified.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, Broky's down there as well.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I mean, it's kind of a funny... Brolin's down there as well.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
What's going on with Brolin? I'm talking about Kerrigan.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Dude, I had to go with something today. I was like, well, Brokey's not fragging, but he's in the top five flashes.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
You can't, Zontix can't be your third best player.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Final play. They're looking to sell him.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Hugo told me this, and I haven't fact-checked him, so this is Hugo. And Hugo listens to the podcast. Shout out to Hugo one time. Hugo said that Kiyosuke is like, he'll go in second after Donk, right? And then just trade him every time. The positions that he plays or the way that he plays right now in the academy team He's like second in, and he just insta-trade, insta-trade, insta-trade.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
In this little, like... I saw this in an official match the other day. The player could not win. It was the final round of the game. They could not win. And they didn't even attempt going for it. They were just, like, sitting back. And I was like, what?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Wait, wait, wait, wait. I have something here. No, no, no, no, no. So in an event spirit one,
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
When I see that, I'm like, you're protecting stats for HLTV. Like, that's actually what you're doing. I'm like, that is the worst thing I ever see. That makes me so mad. There's nothing worse than fucking baited.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
uh one of the it could have even been blast london i'm not sure but somebody told me and and first of all i just want to say this this is like i can't remember it's a little bit spotty please don't fucking end up on cs2 news or some dumb quote or something like that but i heard i was told a piece of information that in that game like chopper kind of locked up and zontix was the one having to make the calls
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I didn't quote a source.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Other than cheaters, then you got baited.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
You can't play the official game.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I feel like some of their bombsite distributions are wild to me. Like, I look at their Dust 2, and they must have one of the weakest A holds on Dust 2 in the world. You have Magic as the pit anchor, and Chopper as the A rotator. And it's like, well, thank God Shiro is the AWPer on A. Like, at least you have something.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I look at it, and I go, I know that that position that Chopper plays is going to be info-based, and you're rotating around based on the info you get. But can you imagine unleashing Donk to play the A rotator role, and they come running out cat, and let's say... Shiro decides on that round he's going to start in a 2-1-2. It's fine. Donk will kill them running out cat.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Just like Niko would. Like, just use him like you... He'd kill them better. Look at where they use Niko and use Donk like Niko. Yeah, that's fair. Just do that. Donk has a slightly probably better aim at the moment.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
yeah but that's fine zontix is really good at anchoring like he will he will do the job necessary like i i guess the reason you probably have donk over towards as your mid to b player which is also like this dude should not be picking up the op ever no which is which is like wild but he shouldn't because his aim is so good he has no need to all like why is he your secondary or i guess because sometimes no one maybe no one else can do it sometimes magic does it
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But anyway, they made it to the playoffs.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
No, they got me five. I got five of my pick-ems. I can get seven.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And then you have Faze?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Okay, so you need Malz and Faze to win.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
No, no, but you need both of them to get five out of those.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
blatant yeah i've seen i saw a video on my instagram when i was because i've been doing a lot of doom scrolling right there's so many hours in these days at the moment it's fucking insane so the doom scroll is at an all-time high like i've become full yeah my life feels like it's over and i was doing something the other day and it showed like the perspective of what the cheaters look like and i'm looking at this thing like what like it's full third person all the crazy menus the color everything i like they're just they're playing a different game i don't know what the fuck they're doing but it's like i don't know how anybody's enjoying their time
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, do we... Okay, the Heroic vs. Na'Vi game is actually the most interesting match of the day tomorrow, though, right? I think FURIA vs. FaZe could go either way, but that's like... Who's going to limp across the finish line?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I don't think MIBR will make it. Yeah, that's the old roster.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Okay, so that's it. Is their history.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I didn't think Na'Vi were going to lose to GamerLegion today. I didn't think that was going to happen at all.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
That was a shoo-in. Because I had Wildcard and... I had Wildcard and Game of Legends as my 0-3s. Unfortunately, they played each other. Or fortunately, depends on how you look at it. And I had my 3-0s as Vitality Mouse.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
So let's... Just three little... So many problems at a tackle at one point. If we could choose one problem to fix first... Best ones. Okay. But let me offer you something. I want you guys to put your pro player hats on. You choose between...
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
either a double elimination style bracket for qualification, and I know you're already on board with that, or you keep Swiss where you have the three chances, but it is like it is now with the best of ones as establishes and the best of threes as elimination or progression, but without the butthole system.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
That's fine. Offer it away.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
You knew we'd hate it. I'm out. Yeah.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Next year, we're going to play the entire season to determine your qualification. I don't think I need to see people playing against each other for seeds. They'll be playing against each other all season long.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
We can properly seed and we can have all the teams at once and we could play Swiss, which means you'd have more than three games required, right? It would be more than three games necessary, I think, to get all the teams qualified.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Don't they play each other twice?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
So you play different opponents?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It did. Like there was a period where it was rampant. Then it tapered off for a hot minute. And now it's like gone back up. It's like every time we go, all right, you know, let's go play like a premier. And then you play premier. I was like, fuck.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Format talk. I have a question for you. Yeah. Sorry about that. No, you're right. On like the 9th or 10th of January.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Is anyone using your bootcamping facility?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
What do you need? Well, I'm flying in early for the award show. I got to do something.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
My baby will be there. Okay, at least there's one.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Okay, nice. Okay, I'm flying in and then I'm flying back. To Oz.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, I think I leave on the 8th and I return on the 12th.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Really appreciate it. I'll do the other airlines for you. Okay, all right. Because I'm already thinking about like, we obviously got a week left of the major to go. But after the major, I go home. Yeah, it should be very nice.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And then you go and you go play. All right, fuck it. We'll go play comp. Surely nobody cares about cheating and comp. The only thing you get is a shitty rank. And then you go and you play comp and they're there. Yeah. What?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Oh, for the playoffs?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But wouldn't... Vitality versus Maus would be on the other side of the bracket than Mongols versus FaZe, right?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, yeah, because Vitality would be the second seed.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Who was the Na'Vi game?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
If FaZe win, who do they play?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, but okay. I would prefer that because the Mongols, oh, wait, it'd be their first time on a stage like that.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I just didn't like what I heard with Liquid versus Furia because I don't think Liquid have done enough at the moment to deserve to be in the semifinals. And if they beat Furia to get to the semifinals, I would feel that they have gotten the easiest path to the semifinals.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Sometimes you're not in the mood for... And you also have the problem I have.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, but... Oh, you were doing a blast reference. Okay. All right. Vitality have beaten the same teams Liquid did, and I saw people doing a comparison, and they were like, oh, Liquid have had the easiest run, and they're like, oh, look at Vitality. They're owning it. Yeah, because Vitality did actually own everybody, whereas Liquid had to eke past. They're pushing a boulder uphill.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
If I play with the Harrys and the Hugos of the world, I got the Elo-ish.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Other than potentially Furia.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Dude, FaZe looks so bad today.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, no, I agree. I agree. Which is a wild thing to say. Unless Na'Vi can have like a real resurgence of form, which would require them winning 2-0 tomorrow against Heroic and looking convincing.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
and then it's like okay they're back right they had a really slow start they look shocking but here we go they're back they're back in business heroic i've given trouble to everybody but no not navi the defending champs put them down like dude yesterday when i was in the i was i was watching the mongols game right and i was in the gym during that anubis match and between sets like i'm focusing on the on the television to put above the treadmills and what were you doing
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
chest so I was already getting fucked I can tell yeah and then they were winning and I was unlucky I was the only one in there because like Mazzino gets like this 3k in overtime like yeah fuck yeah Mazzino and I'm just like yelling at the team that game got me so fired up Mongols have to be one of the most liked teams at the moment they have to be well everyone loves an underdog story and like they're just cool personalities now they're cranking out cranking out like breaking out of their shell yeah and like and everyone just wants Asian Counter-Strike to have a team that's like good like we all universally want an Asian team to do well
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Go check the stats. I played better without Justin, that fucking slime.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The thing that I've always said is the way that Australian Counter-Strike gets better is if there's more events in Asia. Because it's shorter for them to go and then we can all kind of help each other within the region.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And if the Mongols are good and it means maybe it draws more attention to the region. This is why it's such a shame that we lost Jam Young from that Ty Lue roster. Because I think that the firepower in that Ty Lue roster could have been real good. If they had enough time in Europe and the right guidance, they could have been a good team.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I think that with the five... Mosey and Mercury, Jam Young and Starry, I think they would have been sick. Gee, I'm still out on him as an AWPer. But anyway, why am I talking about Ty Lue?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Oh, no, he was talking about me. Harry got boosted. I want to ask a question.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The Liquid one, surely there's a bit more there.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
There's a bit more in the Liquid one, don't you think? Yeah, a little bit more.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The Liquid one is like, for me, okay, so the Twist storyline is the main one, returning to Liquid, sure, but now as an in-game leader, returning the team to the glory, which he achieved with them last in 2019 before everything started to fall apart into the online era, alongside a NAF, so I guess you can go the Canadian angle. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
ultimate um i guess you can bring out diamond in the rough type of story um there's not a lot to do with justin he would just be the first australian to ever win that's actually pretty good that's a solid angle yeah and i mean i think he's returning to the top eight for the first time since 2019 with renegades yeah he also has that thing going for him like if you don't have him on your team you can't win a big turn like you know he won kato back to back cologne and then there's your kinder and then your kinder's vindication
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Is Spirit the team in the major who relies the most on carry performances to win?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Oh yeah, with that whole narrative around it. But I guess it's like finally they would break the...
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
With the way Nami's playing right now, yeah. And yeah, for that narrative too.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
historic he would have to do the carry of today on every no he'd have to do the katowice tournament again yeah that's it he'd have to repeat the katowice performance isn't he heading there what is his stats it's like 1.5 something what did he get there one seven yeah okay well like he would it almost feels impossible and i don't know what's the difference like between 2.1 and 2.0 for him who's the next closest on spirit shiro makes sense okay then it would be zontics
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Well, okay. Like dude, if they can use, if he can be unleashed properly and we're not seeing these dog shit T sides from spirit, there's no reason don't can't you get, get your two kills around on entry. Like, like, like people have candles for him and stuff. But I don't know, it feels hard to cage him. It feels hard to put a fucking leash on him.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But Chopper's the main con control player on the T side. Like he's the one who, at least in the Na'Vi game, was always taking the con space.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, I was watching it, like breaking the smokes and fighting on cat and killing them every time. Like then they just, if they didn't, they just knew once the util came in, they were like, okay, we're going to wait like a couple seconds for you to crawl up and then bang. And then they would attack.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It was like, and that's great. Like I think if Heroic don't make the playoffs, I hope to see Nertz end up in the shuffles on a better roster. Yeah. Because I've always really liked what Nerds delivers. I think that he's a very strong player. I would like to see him end up somewhere.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
They're playing better than I have thought they would.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, but they're playing better than my expectation, which wasn't very hard.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Yeah, but I think other people, like I've read some discourse of people thinking they're good. I might be proven wrong tomorrow when they beat Na'Vi, and they might have a good run in the play break, but I think the dialogue at the moment, I kind of agree with your sentiment. I think it's a bit overrated.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
At least, like, I think that they can have good momentum-based games, and they definitely can get in arm wrestles, like if they're in the mud. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
but i wanted to this is one thing that i wanted to talk about did you see that nico no longer like not no longer but on mirage for example you didn't see it today but he was mainly an extremity player like it was um malbs and snacks doing a lot of the mid control and then the other three would be ready to execute or look like he was palace guy right on mirage who was that no
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
So, well, but I think there was other times where some of the defaults for G2 in the past had him a bit more pack orientated.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
One of the two of them, because I was watching the Snacks HLTV interview. I'm not sure which one it was. I'm kind of all confused up here. But one of them was saying that they had some bad defaults that they needed to kind of fix and some things they had to change in those regards.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Because there were some certain T-sides for G2 earlier in the year, well, in this last six-month spread, where they would kind of just get in these positions and just stop and there'd be no call. And there would be nobody who'd be active and stuff. So they've obviously addressed those things. But it got me thinking about Falcons. So I'm future thinking right now.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Let's say that their team does end up being Monacy, Nico, Magisk, Jimmy. you still need one more aggressive rifler in there. And most people probably, mind goes to an in-game leader, but let's say Magisk in-game leads. Because if you have Niko there, you're going to have someone else who's going to have a big voice and contributing. I think Monacy is going to have a lot of ideas. What about Alige?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Imagine that. Imagine Alige, Niko, Jimmy, Monacy, Magisk.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I think it's still fine that it's a trade kill.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
If we want to talk about what's bad about this round, it's fucking heroic.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Have you seen it from the opponent's POVs?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Okay, so go to my Twitter. Okay. I retweeted it. Viridian, Bowser, Aussie guy. He tweeted out from their POVs.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Okay, so you guys are upset about this first kill. Watch this. No, I'm not upset.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The Nico Deagle round, right?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
why the the first part shush dies at that point nobody needs to fight there's 29 seconds left on the clock yes yes that's the they were trying to end it too early they got excited about the victory and they were like some maybe even let's say oh let's fuck him exactly and then zontix almost did it to them the next round yeah i would have lost it i would have lost my fucking it was the same exact fight too it was the kill of the guy that left and the spray transfer over yeah that was wild okay but it was a nice one before
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Where did Refresh go?
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I can do whatever with time.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But yeah, we'll figure it out. Yeah, nothing until after the major.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
I want to say this. 2024 will be the last year that this podcast is not sponsored.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Amen, brother. If anybody out there has any relationship with anybody who wants to sponsor a podcast of the Counter-Strike variety, send us an email. And you know what? We'll reply to it.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
It's like a time capsule. It's like a Pandora's box. You don't know when it'll come out. We never know when we'll check.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
That's the bare minimum.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Let's get out of here.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
The first three rounds, so come in, me and Alex, we're both a little bit under the weather. I'm recovering from a cold. I think Alex is in the middle of a, I woke up, I got a droopy eye. I'm like, I'm having a stroke. It's all over. Probably just a stye. We'll find out. Anyway, so things are miserable. We're not feeling great. We go in, we're like, nah, don't worry about it. We've got a sick game.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
G2 versus FaZe. This will get us going. This will fire us the fuck up. Pistol rounds, a banana rush as G2 runs down mid. It's like bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, right? Sick. Okay, cool. It's high octane. Next round, forced by. G2 running down mid again. They're getting stuck in on Inferno. Brokey takes down three. I've gone. It's all over. He's called three. But that's it.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
They've dealt with that four spy. Next minute. Bang. Snacks with a scout kill. Niko one digging banana. I'm like, hold up a second. Rops trundling through apartments with an MP7 or some shit. Snacks has repossed from top mid. He's end of halls. USP in hand. Rops is shooting 15 bullets with an SMG. Does almost like no damage. Bang, bang, bang, bang. Snacks kills him with a USB.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And then the game was over. Nice.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
That was the best round of my day.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Not only that, Alex and I, by the time we got back, it was quarter to seven and it's a Saturday. So we went to go to breakfast and we walked up and the guy goes, oh no, we don't open for 10 minutes. I went, what? Come on. So Alex and I went up to our room or whatever and waited the 10 minutes, came back down and had breakfast. Your game started at five today?
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
They played twice with this roster.
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Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But before then, we might forget all the things inside the box.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Nico played well, Monty played well. Actually, everybody played well. They all played well. There wasn't a single player on that team that didn't have a good showing today. And you can say part of it was FaZe looking flat, but the other part of it was G2, like, ready to play. They weren't fucking around. There was always an idea. The comms were flowing.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
yesterday no no no yeah that's funny how did FaZe beat Maus because I Harry and Hugo did it I watched them against Heroic and it was like bro so according to Alex he spoke to them he said one of them either Harry or Hugo told Alex that like Ropz was really active Ropz was really and he top fragged that map
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And somehow they won the game. Yeah, because then they won the buyback.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
No, I saw, I watched, I had both streams running at once. So I was watching both games at once and I saw both those rounds and I was like, what is going on? And then they still closed it. Like, Furia still closed it. The kind of fun thing I was thinking about that was, but if Pain had beaten Furia, they most likely would have played MIBR.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And you've been having this conversation about like the best in Brazil. And that would have been like the trifecta. If Payne had come out on top, that would have been a cool way to kind of settle it for the playoffs. And it would have been sick for Brazil to have those matches.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, that's just because of the sheer amount of teams that came through the opening stage that weren't of European descent.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And now, because we've had Liquid and the Mongols already locked themselves in for the playoffs, that means the next major, even though it's going to be different with 32 teams, will remember to be that the team starting in the top 16, so the eight European teams, will only be...
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Well, Justin had to bail him out early, right? Justin had two big 3K rounds. He had that 1v1 that ended up after drop fucking fumbled running away from a main.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
No, that's a glass of red wine, Chad. Technically, it's grape juice.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
Get this, the opposite, like you can see tier one teams and how good the comms and reactions are. I'll use the G2 game versus FaZe as an example. We're on second map, it's Mirage. You know, like sometimes FaZe will put Frozen, who's the short holder, they'll sometimes like tuck him under balcony and he'll activate second after rain goes down.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
where he played on top of balcony and there was like an app smoke and nico went to go through the smoke and he started spamming and frozen killed him and as soon as that happened g2 just immediately dropped everything and rotated b and ended up winning the round and then i was so glad they cut to the comms of nico after he died and he's like it's frozen it's frozen go b go b and i'm like there you go like this is they're still nameplating this is what you want to see this is the top shit and it's like those reactions in those moments is what defines like
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
And it was great to see, whereas this MIBR game, it sucks because they've been playing against hard team Shaw, but you're seeing the insufficient... Was the own cause. Yeah. Their map pool's not deep. And Liquid looking average too. Liquid's run to the playoff. And I know I'm one of the people who says you can only play who's in front of you.
Talking Counter
Episode 118: Shanghai Major Elimination Stage, Playoff Preview
But still, they're so fortunate with their draw because they have looked tough at every...
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
I don't know. I guess he wants me to keep his seat warm. That's kind of my job.
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
What does Jason make you do for him?
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
lot of things uh last week he made me kind of babysit his family you know and i went for ice cream and we had dinner together and i helped with the yard what was he doing um you know he just playing games he was playing games upstairs you know was he really yeah he's playing some a ramps some of the legends a ramps and i was helping with the gardening um yeah was that your like payment for staying there um no i think that was just what he expected honestly dinko has that look like
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
some fucking old lady would have him as her gardener and then dude trim her bush as well you know dude jason had some old neighbors and i think they liked me they came over in which way like was it a couple or was it uh they were two sisters two sisters in their 70s and uh they were they were friendly they brought me some candy would you fuck someone 50 years older than you yeah probably
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
That's the boxes that need to be taken. You didn't mention the gender, though, I don't think, did you? Boy, if it was a human being, Yanko just had two arms or two legs.
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
All right, between the ages of 21 and 70, what's your email? You can contact me at contact at dinkoesports.com. What are your greatest attributes, would you say? My gardening abilities, apparently. PhD. Pretty huge dick.
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
Well, yes, they are, Chad.
Talking Counter
Episode 136: IEM Dallas, s1mple hath returned, mouz peak, Falcons shaky, Vitality still haven't lost
Anything you want to say to people before you leave? Um, yeah, uh, Jason, fuck you for stealing that simple clip.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
No, once they start moving and talking and being able to like, you know, fall downstairs and stuff, it gets a little bit more intense. You got to chase them everywhere. Yeah, it's intense.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
It gets cute when it's your own. I understand the feeling. I understand the sentiment. It gets a little crazy, but it's fun. It gets actually fun chasing it around. The benefit is now when I go do stupid shit like go to the grocery store or boring shit, having a kid there automatically makes it a little bit more exciting.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, like they're having a great time with it. And also, once again, you're in public and you have to keep this little creature alive. So it is like a little RPG game. It's like your side quest is like, keep your companion alive for this next stretch of the game.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think it depends on the context and if someone's going to be charging you with the crime. I don't know why we went to this place.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
What if you're a terrible parent? Yeah, what if? I don't think they do an investigation unless there's evidence that you are, in fact, a negligent and terrible parent. I don't think they can just, you know, open an investigation on their own unless there's some kind of evidence of neglect.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Trust me, this is a segue into, like, a Counter-Strike team or an org or a player or... Somebody bail me out of this.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
We're going to have to do this. I can think of one right out of the gate.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I guess we should just get the major, finish up the major playoffs out of the way before we move on to the other stuff. I say get it out of the way as if it's some minor bullshit that went down.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
No, I think as a viewer as well, spectating at least the second game of every day, everything looked solid. Crowd noise came through really, really well. Crowd came off, and I didn't get the sense that they were subdued. It felt very much like they were the same that they'd been through the opening and elimination stage, a little bit reactive.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And yeah, I thought the games were sick, the bracket played out pretty much to expect, no crazy upset that kind of ruined a run that ruined maybe a potential great grand final. Yeah, everything felt clean from a viewership perspective. Outside of maybe if there were delays, lack of communication information, which is exactly what I expected. Yeah, so as a viewer, it was cool.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, I hope he's doing great. Yeah, I'll be there on the 9th as well. So we'll hang out. And Jane will be there too if she gets her.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
What do you mean if it gets figured out, Jason? You're American. You can make anything happen. She has an expired passport, so we have to wait until it's within two weeks of the trip and then apply for an emergency passport due to already booked travel. And hopefully that comes in in two weeks. Ah, okay. Yeah, but it's right after the Christmas break, so I'm feeling relatively shifty on it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think he had a really good kind of end to this major. I'm still with you in the sense that I think I question a lot of his decisions and positioning and how he handles different situations. But it's clear outside of those scenarios, he actually found ways to have impact for Heroic that I think, for me, had been missing in his performances for the last few months of him in this roster.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I was kind of like, okay. If we're not going to get the old Dexter in the sense of having impact and winning, like you said, winning clutches or just having good mid-round sequences, but we're still going to get the old Dexter of bad decision-making, bad positioning, like this isn't worth it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think you finally got the positive with kind of the negative aspect of his game towards the end of their run, which was cool to see. It brings them to a new level. I was super impressed with Rogue throughout this entire run that they had. It felt like every game they stepped up and impressed me even a little bit more. So that was cool to see.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
But quarterfinals felt like a pretty appropriate ending for them. Gave G2 a run for their money.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah. Overtime on Mirage. Overtime on the third map. They very much could have.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Oh, and Niko had a B series as well. Like, Malbs came in towards the third map, I think it was.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think there's a lot of teams in that situation, though, in these major playoffs. Maybe not a lot. A lot might be aggressive. But it feels like there's going to be or there should be some changes to plenty of the playoff teams. But you're feeling like Amals is probably the other name in that mix, right? Yeah, but I think Miles is going to get poached as well, more than anything.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Like, for me, I think the interesting conversation is it seemed like FaZe that made it to the finals, obviously, because I think they probably should still stick with some ideas of changing, as weird as that might sound. I think Spirit might have a decision to make in that regard as well, even though they just won the major.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think that'd be a very curious conversation to be on the inside of, if you want to make any changes with Spirit.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
You don't think so? See, I feel like it wasn't super convincing that whole way through and they built up into it. I'd wonder if you still go ahead and have the conversation and just see where everyone's kind of lying.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
You know, I'm not full confidence that it's going to happen.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
True, there's a lot of things that have a lot more focus than my wife's passport.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
This whole major from Odyssey was underwhelming.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Surely there's some middle ground here. I think at this point you've got to send a tweet to Donny T. And you've got to ask for forgiveness directly to the man. We're bringing Canada in as our 51st state, which is quite nice. And as part of the Commonwealth, I think we could extend some courtesy to you down in Australia to maybe find the reparations within your heart.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Well, Rob certainly made things easier. What a time for him to come alive at this event. Like, from that Furia game to qualify on, the kid was just lights the fuck out. Like, that's going to make everything easier for you if you're FaZe, for sure.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, but this is also the interesting thing about Spirit, because you have that Herculean individual in Donk, but the reason they won this major is because Magic stepped up so much in this final. Your kind of star player can only take you so far, and all of a sudden the conversation around Spirit kind of shifted. It felt like the later we got into the playoffs, where it was like, yeah...
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
always going to be a lot of excitement on donk but all of a sudden the weaknesses we've seen out of spirit for the past six months of like not having the supporting cast like remember when they won katowice i was like how deep does this roster go like magix is a really solid role player zontix we don't really know much about him but all of a sudden he's fucking crazy as well chopper's calling a good game shiro's op is chiming in what it needs to but we haven't been able to talk about that and then you get to the major playoffs and all of a sudden
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
magix is is there cranking out good performances zontix was having good performances as well through their run of the playoffs and so all of a sudden you go back to that conversation of like okay now this whole team is performing deep into the roster shiro having good isolated maps as well like all of a sudden it's not just the donk show the way it's been in the past five months and that's what propels spirit to the top at the end of the day is like everyone else on that team waking up and combining into the dog performances that are just there like clockwork
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Come on. We all know we've had the drones figured out for a while. We're just not telling anyone. We just kind of find it funny at this point.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Chocolate honeycomb protein powder. I've never heard anything like it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Like, even if Sphinx was out and you don't get along... Also, as we saw in that Red Bull thing, that Vitality win in Paris wasn't exactly all fucking roses either, right? No, that team is not roses. That team felt pretty scattered as it was.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
They got some crazy drones over there, but we were having a chat.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Oh, yeah. The perfect world have good information on that. Good intel to pass along.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
In reality, man, these drones are over New Jersey. And I'll be honest with you, no one in this country gives a fuck about New Jersey.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
That would actually piss me off, I think, as a player. That's so mental that you can actually run a route like that where you're just not playing.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
You're not having to do anything with the pressure of the Major being on your shoulders. They never once had to feel any concern or worry by the fact that they just breezed through those opening and elimination stages.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I was just going to say, you know, go to an easier topic. Liquid in playoffs looked like exactly about what you'd expect, kind of meandered into the playoffs, certainly gave no signs throughout their entire run that this was a Liquid that was going to hit a nice peak and just kind of got beat up in a way in their series against Spirit.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, we love a bit of all that out there. How is China?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
You want to know what around tilted me in that game, in the Liquid game, was the very last round of regulation on Dust2. I'm even watching it back right now just to get extra tilted for this little segment. Um, I mean, it has like complete, complete mid control, double doors smoked off.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
You have one lurking long on the T side liquids on the T side, three, uh, one and lower tunnels watching for the B push three players controlling mid going to go up catwalk and you kinder like 20 seconds in advance makes the play out long early as like the solo man, his defense.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
but it's gotten closer. I don't know how it's gotten closer, but yeah, when you're walking out long as the instigator of a five on five with like a, with like 55 seconds left and it's, and it's like, you get outdueled by an MP nine at the corner when you have an AK 47, it's like, how is that? How is that the opening gambit to this route? How is that liquid making a comeback?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, you're only getting back into that game. That's my problem. Why is that the play being made on the map, though, at that point?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
No, I'm not. I actually think that would have been a bad play even if he won that fight. I still think it's insane to have your solo long player make the initiated contact.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, or wait for your three players to take catwalk like a normal long lurk, and then you play the late round. But he has long. He has long. He doesn't have long. No, he didn't.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
He doesn't have long. He's stepping out the double doors.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
He walked out after a cave smoke, and he was clearing pit, and then magics showed up. They came for like a mid-round late clear of long.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
No, he just went out, which was like... I was watching that. I was like, this is going to go horribly. Anyways, what else happened from the, anything else cool from the playoff bracket that you guys enjoyed?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Mongols, we haven't touched on Mongols at all yet?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I don't know. Some people just get away with things.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
The donk walk across the stage, though, the reason I found that so funny is because that's what he looks like walking around the hotel. Like, would you see him, like, at events, like, walking through, like, just to go to the prac room or just to get, like, a fucking, I don't know, a Shirley Temple at the bar? He's doing his little fucking swag walk. He's doing it. It's crazy.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
He's got long-ass limbs, but he is doing his swag walk everywhere he goes. It's just the way the guy moves. Did you see that video this morning of, like, I was cracking up. the, the, uh, spirits, like a sports site, calming down Shiro after the second, I haven't watched it yet. I haven't watched it. It's so funny.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Cause he's just like coming back to the prac room and he's like, Oh, do we have bananas? Do we have any banana? I need, I need chocolate. I need chocolate. And I'm just like imagining like some like sweat, sweaty boxer. Just be like, Oh, cut me Mick. But it's just Shiro coming in. Like I need chocolate. I need chocolate bananas. I was just fucking dying.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And they're just sat down having a huddle with him. It's great. It's, it's just good television.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Get him in the ball pit. Have a great time. You guys earned it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And they're still eating fast food to celebrate.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
What do you mean? Do you own the whole building now? When did that happen?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, that's cool. Dude, he's incredible. I don't really have a whole lot to build off of it. It's incredible what he's been able to do all year long and then to this kind of a performance at the major. I think no doubt he's got to be the number one player of the year.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Dude, I bet he's on a rookie contract still.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I bet his contract isn't even set up properly to give him the amount of prize money he probably deserves.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, but he's coming off the Academy contract. You never fucking know it, that shit.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
How was your time, Jason? It was fine, man. It was great. Came home, just got to relax.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
But I think I'm with you because I think I think you absolutely do that. That's that's kind of the point I brought up at the start of talking about spirit is like, I know it's a weird situation after they just won a major. Yeah, but I almost think if next year starts out slow, I think you pull the trigger on it quick. Like if you're not going to do it now, fine, you just won the major.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, I've been painting as well. I'm painting this room. Obviously, I haven't gotten to the wall behind me quite yet, but the other two walls that I'm looking at are looking pretty rock solid. What color? It's called Cyberspace by a company called Sherwin-Williams. I know that sounds really campy and catchy, but I'm a child of the 90s, so it is kind of a catchy name for me.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
But if you look at it and you say if you have any faith in Kiyosaki at this point – and I haven't watched any of his demos or anything like that yet. But if you have faith that he's going to turn into something special –
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I almost think you play for the amount of skill and you just get a second 16 year old badass in the roster and you build that up and that becomes your next future to establish a dynasty, an era, whatever the fuck you want to call it and say, we now have two of the youngest, most potential, most incredible riflers within this team.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
We have, you know, an opera who's been great historically in the past. We have all the things we need to continue this. Look, I don't think Shiro at the moment is any mind-blowing opp or anything like that.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I'd have to look through it in more detail, but I think there's a couple people you could probably put like a Ympat there. No?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
If we're going to go to the top 20. Okay. I mean, JL wouldn't be a terrible shout. It depends on, again, I haven't looked at when they picked up throughout the year, but Ima and Bit had really good years after the major, after the Copenhagen major.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I mean, there's got to be someone else you can find other than Shiro because I really didn't sense his presence too much in the Spirit team all year. Of course. We'll get into that.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
It's like a deep charcoal gray with, like, bluish tones. So it's going to have some nice shadows. It's going to be dark. This wall behind me is going to be an accent wall. I'm going to make it a lighter color, which is a little bit funky. But then this room is going to look good. Then I'm going to get some carpet installed. And then we're off to the races.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
It will be, right? You just listed off a bunch of high-profile ones, but it always happens really quickly after the first move is made. The dominoes fall, yeah. Yeah, as soon as that first roster change is made and a spot is opened up, that's when teams start getting way more aggressive about making things happen.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So then it's kind of like that first one is going to be the bell that dings to start the round, and then everyone's going to be swiftly moving to kind of capitalize on who's available out there. I love the interview from Jimmy during the major where he was just like, yeah, I don't know where I'm going to go, but... Any option I have is really good for me, so I'm just chilling.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And he plays so impactful for the spots on CT sides and the roles that he has on T side. He finds a way to be really fucking impactful. Yeah, he's like a Finnish naff.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And this is what it's like being middle-aged in suburban America.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So this is going to be my little recording studio. Once the carpet's in here, I get all the little hardware that I have set up and rock and roll.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
That's my life. This podcast, mostly. I basically just created a podcast studio. Only fan feed pictures, of course. All that work just to do this podcast. Just for the Discord users, shout out to all 2,200 of you guys. That's what this is for. It's for you people out there. It's going to benefit you in no way, but it's going to look cool on the camera.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Uh, I, I agree, but I have, well, there's two things. I think one, there was actually two, two women's teams that were able to be invited to this event. The other one was Furia. And because Furia accepted the invite, you can only have one team per organization. So the Furia female team had to actually decline it. So there could have been two.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
And the other thing is, did you say that this issue is already kind of in a way fixed for the next year and the next round of rankings because they can't gain the points this way?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So this is a problem of the transition of the ranking to the VRS?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Well, there's your first mistake. Well, there's your first mistake.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
community i mean we all kind of called this out when these rankings came in and we saw how much impact prize money was going to have that it was going to create some some wonky some wonky situations this is obviously one of them but i mean as a basic premise i'm with you if like you're if you're if your tournament circuit is isolated and kind of closed off to the rest of the scene then you shouldn't be able to climb the rankings in this fashion yes so this is our initial issue
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
i i mean no you can't decline the fucking invite if you're them that's that's insane you take the opportunity you take the opportunity given to you you haven't done anything wrong all you've done is play by the rules you have and it's allowed you because i didn't hear anyone calling for fucking drillers to drop out when they were using a loophole no they're saying hey no you i heard everyone rooting for their failure i didn't see anyone on any talk show being like this team should drop out they're exploiting follow richard on social media
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
No, I do, but I don't actually see his tweet. I don't look at Twitter. But no, why does this team need to decline an invite? Why does this team need to decline an invite? They haven't done anything wrong.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So got the sunrise coming up on this part of the world. It's not quite up yet. So I can keep you guys in tune with when that occurs.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
As if the women's Counter-Strike players and female teams aren't getting enough backlash. They need to just drop out of the tournament.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
That's a beautiful image, but that's not even the question that we're talking about here.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
They get to pick their opponent, I think, don't they?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
They probably won't be competitive, to be honest with you.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I don't think there's enough ground to be set back to make that a consideration. And also, these kinds of things are things you don't consider when you're competing. You've never competed and been like, oh, I wonder what the backlash is going to be like if we lose this game.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, but that's not the point. Like you don't you don't come into it. I actually think it should be pretty commendable that they have accepted the invite. They're going to come here and play. I think it's great. I think it's a good first step. I don't know if it's it's obviously I don't think it's going to pan out well. I think they're going to get destroyed.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
But if this is what you want to see, if you want to see this integration, then how can anyone turn down an opportunity to get that integration underway?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
It is merit-based. No, it's not. It is off of a broken system, but I don't think that's their fault. So why should they turn it down?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I think there's no way you turn down this invite. And I think they absolutely should take it. I think they actually should come and compete. And hopefully they can show some good things in a competitive nature. Hopefully they can pick an opponent they might be able to beat. Likely not. And yeah, but that backlash is always going to be there.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
The backlash is there just when impact things are announced. Like the negative backlash is there just playing in the events that they're supposed to be playing in. So who the fuck cares? Go show up and see what you can do. That's it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
The problem is, if that's fuck all, then it's like, well... Yeah, it's going to get worse, but the first people to take this step in anything of breaking that kind of a barrier is always going to get huge fucking backlash regardless. I don't think it's their fault that this loophole was created. I don't think it's their fault that they're exploiting it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I don't think it's their fault that they got the invite. I think they should accept it. They should go and play. And the consequences are going to be what the consequences are. But I guarantee you, I would wager... that 95% of every other woman playing on a women's team at the Impact League are cheering this team on and want them to accept it and want them to go do well.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
if the whole point is to have this kind of representation, let it be visible to other women in this space. No, I'm with you. I think the outcome, I think we're all aligned in what the outcome is going to be. They're going to pick an opponent. They're going to get destroyed. I don't, they're going to get destroyed through the whole format.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I was having this conversation with Scrawny last night. This kind of an announcement makes me uneasy because I just know that the dog shit comments and arguments I'm going to have to read with randoms out there into the world is a fucking train wreck whenever this kind of shit happens. But you just hyped me up, dude. This is why you don't decline.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
invite like that's exactly the mindset you go into it with we're the first female team to accept an invite at a tier one tournament that's in the professional circuit like this is the chance to prove ourselves let's fucking grind it let's lock in let's spend the next three weeks just fucking practicing and grinding by the way if you're imperial female who are you picking to play against
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I'm on vacation, bruh. Fluxo's looking good. I might pick a Fluxo. I'm not going to lie to you there.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Which one of the favorites do you want? You go for Saw or you go for Pain? You go for Saw. You wouldn't go for Pain. Saw with the roster changes might be something there.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Or maybe you go for complexity if a leash moves somewhere. You wait for maybe some roster changes, and then you hop on that complexity hype train.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
There's a couple other things in this Blast Bounty, though, that are kind of interesting, too. Like Falcons coming in as the wild card. I think the general conversation is that they have to have a roster submitted.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
That apparently was dead since spring. Yeah, yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, maybe it all just fell into place just randomly.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I thought nothing except I was just laughing. As Chad was right the whole time. We could have rewinded time and been in the same place that you guys are in now.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
What's a shame is he played really well in two of those three series they lost in the opening stage after they went 2-0. I mean, you don't go 2-0 and then eliminate a 2-3 based off just one player, so I don't think he was necessarily a reason why they didn't end up qualifying for the next stage, but...
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, that's kind of a bummer that you almost get to a point where all that work kind of pays off and you almost turn the corner to an extent.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I mean, that'd be a curious conversation, though, too, because I imagine you could probably find some improvement going international in, like, a Liaz or a Vexite position as well. I know the AWPer is unique in the sense of you're constantly playing around an AWPer, so you want someone who's got some experience in that role, but...
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
they probably could have gone a couple of different places if they wanted to, if they were confident in this step up from Alistair.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
We can be good. We can let Chad go to sleep on his three beers.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, but this is even why it's still crazy to me that they let Niko leave. Well, I guess let isn't the right word, but that's... They wouldn't pay him, right?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Putting yourself... I don't know what the actual... I don't know the details. That was the rumor. They wouldn't pay him the same that Falcons was going to offer him the first time around. He wanted a little bit more money.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Either way, I don't know what the exact details of it are, but it is why it's so surprising that they would let Niko go away when him and Monacy have that kind of a connection to where it's like you are now in a position where your team is just sort of gutted.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Like, you can talk about the other guys as great pieces, but if you don't have the great players, I don't even think they're nearly as good as pieces anymore if you don't have a great Niko in the middle of that.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, but you got to get someone new for Nico, which is going to be a question of where you want to go. And you're probably going to do it in a way that allows Malves to have priority on the positions he wants to play moving forward. You think Sphinx will be the one?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Bro, it was hard getting up for those games over here. I couldn't even catch the first one. The first game started at 1 a.m. Or no, yeah, 1 a.m. And then the second game started at 4. So I did that whole thing where I was like, all right, fuck the first game. I'm aiming for game two.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Okay, that was the big thing that was interesting to me, was is that counted as VRS as prize money, or is it because it's not technically prize money, but it is technically prize money? It is prize money.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, I don't stay up that late. I'm in bed at like 9.30, 10 when I'm home. So, you know, that 1 a.m., that ain't happening. That's not within my reach. No, I'm the same as you. Yeah, the 4 a.m. one I can do because it's a little bit of a rougher day, but I wanted to catch the game, so that was sweet. But, yeah, it was brutal seeing those and seeing that time zone. Again, we covered it.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
But this feels like it's the battleground for the VRS calendar next year, especially between a PGL and an ESL, is this club share side of things. Because PGL's events have the most prize money in that one block.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
and now this club share is like a bucket in that prize money that is meant to also you have incentives for players with the prize money in the VRS, and now you have it for the organization to also push towards going to this event because they have the club share of the prize money plus the VRS as well.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So while the prize money is higher overall in this one bucket at PGL, if club share wasn't going to be VRS, that would probably seem more – more intriguing to the players, right? This feels like it was going to be the battleground of whether that VRS was going to count the club share incentives.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
This feels like a very similar loophole to the whole Imperial getting invited through a loophole, Drillas. This is just another loophole that is wide open.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
In my mind, that's a loophole that a club share goes to the VRS.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I understand, but their contracts, I would be amazed if the player contracts provide that the club share is going to fall under their 80% as well. But that's going to have to be part of renegotiation. And that's the loophole.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
I don't really care about the time zone, but it was brutal seeing the – I'm so curious about the Chinese viewership because the English language viewership got destroyed, as you would expect. Yeah.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Through the different stages, it dropped like 40-some percent, I think, in terms of average viewership and peak viewership for the opening and elimination stages compared to Copenhagen, which is entirely to be expected. I would just be really curious what the Chinese viewership stats come up with.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
Yeah, this is weird now. You are about 13 hours in the future. That's a little bit crazy.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
What if it's once every two years? Would you guys freak the fuck out?
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
So I said, what if? I don't know. I couldn't find it this morning. So, yeah. It's unpacked somewhere in the house.
Talking Counter
Episode 119: Shanghai Major Conclusions
This is rock steady, dog. This ain't falling down. This is... Jason, I have a question.
Talking Counter
Episode 124: BLAST Austin Major, IEM Katowice reflections, Astralis and mouz and G2 oh my!
100%.
Talking Counter
Episode 124: BLAST Austin Major, IEM Katowice reflections, Astralis and mouz and G2 oh my!
57.
Talking Counter
Episode 124: BLAST Austin Major, IEM Katowice reflections, Astralis and mouz and G2 oh my!
Whoa, man. Yanker doesn't mean that, guys.
The Deck
Gwendel Greenblatt (6 of Diamonds, Florida)
You know, she was just like a super cool person. Everybody loved her. You know, she was just nice to everybody, a kind soul, funny, charismatic. She was an angel.
The Deck
Gwendel Greenblatt (6 of Diamonds, Florida)
What I would say to Matt is, you know, if you really didn't have anything to do with this... Why don't you give us a call? You know, why don't you help us solve this? If it really wasn't you, maybe we can sit down and talk about it and put our heads together and come up with something maybe we haven't thought about before. You know, other than that, I don't have anything to say.
The Deck
Gwendel Greenblatt (6 of Diamonds, Florida)
I've often envisioned sitting in a courtroom watching a trial and seeing somebody pay for what they did would be fair. But at the end of the day, I just want to know what happened. I just want to know. Not knowing is, you know, it's tough.
The Deck
Gwendel Greenblatt (6 of Diamonds, Florida)
I remember very clearly, like, right after they got married, it wasn't too much longer that she had found out that Matt was cheating on her. And I remember she called my mom, like, frantic. And I remember all this. And my mom flew down to Florida and, you know, was there to console my sister. And from there, they pretty much split. Not permanently. They were living separately, but...
The Deck
Gwendel Greenblatt (6 of Diamonds, Florida)
trying to work things out. And I had a lot of conversations with my sister. She would, I was like, hey, when are you going to give this up? Like, you know, this isn't enough enough already. And, you know, I'm the little brother. Like, hindsight's 20-20, you know, I wish I would have pushed harder for that. But I was a 23-year-old kid.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
Yeah, the first year was a little rough, just trying to make it. And then the second year was pretty decent. It was still, you know, still rough. I was basically using everything to just pay for my life, pay for my everything.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
So I did one last year. So I have my business and I still work full time with a company. So I have a W-2 that I have filed. So I've been filing W-2s, but it's my side business that's been filed.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
No, it's not near that. It's probably around $100,000 at this point, I would say.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
No, I've been trying to figure out what to do for probably about a year now, and I'm at the point now where I have to –
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
I knew that from, yeah. Okay. That's where I, but I don't, I'm like at the point where I was like, do I need to get a tax attorney? I mean, not just a CPA. I don't know what to do.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
Oh, no. Yeah, that's... Those are your options. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I literally... I've literally thought about every scenario you could ever think of, and that's where I'm at.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
How old do you... My daughter, she's out of high school now, so I don't... It's not a young family, but it's still my wife. You know, she's... She's wanting to start a business, and it's just like we need to get everything done 100% right now.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
Hey, how's it going? Good, how are you? Thank you guys for letting me on the show. I'm in the construction industry. I started my business in 2017. Ran it until the end of 2019, then started working for somebody, and then picked up my business again in 2022, until today still. And I never paid taxes. And I've never filed business taxes, and I'm at a point now where I don't know what to do.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
We do things the right way. Yeah, I really appreciate that.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
The past two years have been very well.
The Ramsey Show
Your Life Is More Than Just a Set of Numbers
I mean, probably around $10,000 is it. Oh, boy. And I don't know, I don't even know where to begin. And I'm trying to do everything right, and this is something that keeps me up at night. What stopped you?
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
You have a thousand reasons to go find it. I think you did say that, though. No, I did not.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
Let him figure it out. Let him figure it out. Every water activity I've invited any to, he does not come. Surprise, nigga.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
I wonder why. We planned a boat trip together. He's like, I'll help you pay for it. And then he just didn't come.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
A really juicy anus workshop.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
Didn't he deny it even after he showed that video?
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
But I saw it with my own eyes.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
I don't see in AI.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
What the fuck? Was that you? I think Eni just farted into the mic. Oh my god, this is crazy.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
In what way did I narrate this?
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
And Cougar would say, holy any fart for no reason?
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
Yep. Because you always talk about how disrespectful it is. Like, all the time, you're like, it's so disrespectful. He loves that line.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
The High and Tight 800th Episode | Your Mom's House Ep. 800
I'm kind of shattered now.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
Just Lemme Eat Ya w/ Armie Hammer | Your Mom's House Ep. 791
It's terrible. It's terrible. Here she is before.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
Just Lemme Eat Ya w/ Armie Hammer | Your Mom's House Ep. 791
Yeah.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
Just Lemme Eat Ya w/ Armie Hammer | Your Mom's House Ep. 791
Take it to a four. Here we go. Look at her, she's giving it. She looks good with it, the one giving it. And that's her style. Okay. You gotta curl it under. So this is a variation on the shut it down.
Your Mom's House with Christina P. and Tom Segura
Just Lemme Eat Ya w/ Armie Hammer | Your Mom's House Ep. 791
Mom Segura.