moses
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And if not, if he's not on a team when all the dust settles around the Major, that'd be fucking insane. That'd be way too crazy.
And if not, if he's not on a team when all the dust settles around the Major, that'd be fucking insane. That'd be way too crazy.
yeah but yeah exciting times for falcons obviously with the addition of monessy now to the worst kept secret i guess yep not even not even really a secret although that i mean i was i was laughing when i was prepping for the final because i messaged you and i was like so this modesty is like done right like we go into this we're going into this major final cast like expecting to like have this storyline be that this deal is done he's going there am i gonna sound like a moron if this gets cancelled
yeah but yeah exciting times for falcons obviously with the addition of monessy now to the worst kept secret i guess yep not even not even really a secret although that i mean i was i was laughing when i was prepping for the final because i messaged you and i was like so this modesty is like done right like we go into this we're going into this major final cast like expecting to like have this storyline be that this deal is done he's going there am i gonna sound like a moron if this gets cancelled
Um, yeah, I mean, I don't know. It was a weird one because it was like official and 99% of the ways, except for the organizations actually confirming it. So it felt like very weird going into having, having the conversation and cast and on desks that the deal was just done. I was like, I don't know why we aren't just saying it's done.
Um, yeah, I mean, I don't know. It was a weird one because it was like official and 99% of the ways, except for the organizations actually confirming it. So it felt like very weird going into having, having the conversation and cast and on desks that the deal was just done. I was like, I don't know why we aren't just saying it's done.
I, I'm actually, I mean, I don't know, I guess I'm kind of surprised they, they made the final. I mean, they look good for most of the event outside of the final, but I don't know, man, when I watch them play, it's like, I don't, I don't really see them.
I, I'm actually, I mean, I don't know, I guess I'm kind of surprised they, they made the final. I mean, they look good for most of the event outside of the final, but I don't know, man, when I watch them play, it's like, I don't, I don't really see them.
uh we have servants or nannies whatever you call them yeah my mom came over yesterday afternoon and hung out with the baby until until nap so i got some video game time there she was like oh yeah go take a nap if you need to go do some work and i was like i think i'll go play video games for like two hours so yeah i wanted that it must be nice yeah but yeah i guess bucharest
uh we have servants or nannies whatever you call them yeah my mom came over yesterday afternoon and hung out with the baby until until nap so i got some video game time there she was like oh yeah go take a nap if you need to go do some work and i was like i think i'll go play video games for like two hours so yeah i wanted that it must be nice yeah but yeah i guess bucharest
I feel like they do a lot more like just like grouped up, like calls, you know, like they just like make a call and either it works or it doesn't. I feel like I don't see them work the map all that much. Um, But look, I don't know if you want to talk about positives. I like heavy God. Heavy God was awesome. This event, he took another step forward.
I feel like they do a lot more like just like grouped up, like calls, you know, like they just like make a call and either it works or it doesn't. I feel like I don't see them work the map all that much. Um, But look, I don't know if you want to talk about positives. I like heavy God. Heavy God was awesome. This event, he took another step forward.
Mobs obviously still struggling with some of the increased responsibility, but it looks like it's, you know, in some areas it's getting better. I think it's still very inconsistent. So he needs a little bit more time with it. Hunter, I guess the same thing. It felt like he was having a really good event up until the grand finals, which was a bummer.
Mobs obviously still struggling with some of the increased responsibility, but it looks like it's, you know, in some areas it's getting better. I think it's still very inconsistent. So he needs a little bit more time with it. Hunter, I guess the same thing. It felt like he was having a really good event up until the grand finals, which was a bummer.
So I don't know this, this team, I think still didn't give us anything new. And I think it just kind of reinforced some of the stuff that we already kind of thought, which is, And occasionally they're going to be dangerous, but I don't see them lifting trophies outside of events like this where, you know, some of the top teams are missing and some of the other top teams go flat.
So I don't know this, this team, I think still didn't give us anything new. And I think it just kind of reinforced some of the stuff that we already kind of thought, which is, And occasionally they're going to be dangerous, but I don't see them lifting trophies outside of events like this where, you know, some of the top teams are missing and some of the other top teams go flat.
Uh, probably not. I'll let you read.
Uh, probably not. I'll let you read.
Yeah. And especially when I think like, I don't know, like, I think sometimes it feels like whether the play they're calling for that first timing is like the action away from, from that first timing is just like someone doing kind of, kind of like nothing, just kind of like twiddling their thumbs, you know, like there's no, I don't know, it feels disconnected.
Yeah. And especially when I think like, I don't know, like, I think sometimes it feels like whether the play they're calling for that first timing is like the action away from, from that first timing is just like someone doing kind of, kind of like nothing, just kind of like twiddling their thumbs, you know, like there's no, I don't know, it feels disconnected.
Is this the tweet you were talking about the what a lovely day not to be on socials need to wait for deadlines at all?
Is this the tweet you were talking about the what a lovely day not to be on socials need to wait for deadlines at all?
Yeah, we'll go on about it. I'm going to find it. I know it was that.
Yeah, we'll go on about it. I'm going to find it. I know it was that.
I was in the zone. All right, yeah, here we are. Chad's obviously on vacation again, so it's just going to be Yanko and I doing this episode. He's out in Australia with Rush showing him the bush. Whatever you take from that, you'll take from that. Sounds hot, not going to lie. Yeah, it does sound, and it probably is a little bit warm where they are.
I was in the zone. All right, yeah, here we are. Chad's obviously on vacation again, so it's just going to be Yanko and I doing this episode. He's out in Australia with Rush showing him the bush. Whatever you take from that, you'll take from that. Sounds hot, not going to lie. Yeah, it does sound, and it probably is a little bit warm where they are.
I feel like he's like the main positive when I talk about G2 that I have to hold on to because it's like the only thing it's the only thing positive I have to discuss is like I think he's he's awesome he's great and I think he's stepping up massively for this team and early returns are awesome and it's obviously a great decision for the future of G2 that he's in that jersey and hopefully you're going to keep him there but I mean it's still at the end of the day it can't possibly make up for losing Nico and Modesty all within what five months of each other
I feel like he's like the main positive when I talk about G2 that I have to hold on to because it's like the only thing it's the only thing positive I have to discuss is like I think he's he's awesome he's great and I think he's stepping up massively for this team and early returns are awesome and it's obviously a great decision for the future of G2 that he's in that jersey and hopefully you're going to keep him there but I mean it's still at the end of the day it can't possibly make up for losing Nico and Modesty all within what five months of each other
First good day of the year.
First good day of the year.
Like, like it's great. It's just like, good luck with what comes next, I guess. Like, let's, let's see.
Like, like it's great. It's just like, good luck with what comes next, I guess. Like, let's, let's see.
It's probably also, I mean, you look at the string of decisions that this management has made from the JKS loss, from that roster change with the weird way that was handled, and then into the Hooksey departure as well with Nexa being brought in. I think if you're one of these players, and I mean, we saw Monacy in the Banks' podcast kind of say, You know, I didn't understand the JKS loss.
It's probably also, I mean, you look at the string of decisions that this management has made from the JKS loss, from that roster change with the weird way that was handled, and then into the Hooksey departure as well with Nexa being brought in. I think if you're one of these players, and I mean, we saw Monacy in the Banks' podcast kind of say, You know, I didn't understand the JKS loss.
Hooksy was my favorite IGL. And I think if you're a star player who sees the game in a very specific way, especially with modesty and Nico working so closely together, it's like if you're making the decision, every decision that you've made with the roster, they disagree with like eventually they're just going to be like, what the fuck? Like, where is this team going? Why are we going this way?
Hooksy was my favorite IGL. And I think if you're a star player who sees the game in a very specific way, especially with modesty and Nico working so closely together, it's like if you're making the decision, every decision that you've made with the roster, they disagree with like eventually they're just going to be like, what the fuck? Like, where is this team going? Why are we going this way?
Why are these decisions being made? And that's got to be frustrating as well for those guys who are like, oh, now my favorite IGL I've ever played with is gone. And we've brought in someone who's not really an IGL and I have to make do, you know, and that just keeps adding more work onto their shoulders. I would imagine that's the way it feels. So I don't know.
Why are these decisions being made? And that's got to be frustrating as well for those guys who are like, oh, now my favorite IGL I've ever played with is gone. And we've brought in someone who's not really an IGL and I have to make do, you know, and that just keeps adding more work onto their shoulders. I would imagine that's the way it feels. So I don't know.
It's, it's such a strange, it is kind of a strange message too. Cause like also. Why are you kind of giving him an elbow on the way out? It was clear he was becoming disconnected from the team.
It's, it's such a strange, it is kind of a strange message too. Cause like also. Why are you kind of giving him an elbow on the way out? It was clear he was becoming disconnected from the team.
But that's like looking at a fucking jigsaw puzzle that you have 80% of the way done, throwing it across the fucking room and saying, I want this puzzle to be about dogs instead. Like you – Look at the pieces you're working with. You have two of the best fucking players in the world on your team.
But that's like looking at a fucking jigsaw puzzle that you have 80% of the way done, throwing it across the fucking room and saying, I want this puzzle to be about dogs instead. Like you – Look at the pieces you're working with. You have two of the best fucking players in the world on your team.
Why would you want to work so hard to go away from building the team that lets them function the best and say, we want to go a completely different route against what our best players in the world want? It's crazy to me that you would want to have a strategy of that sense.
Why would you want to work so hard to go away from building the team that lets them function the best and say, we want to go a completely different route against what our best players in the world want? It's crazy to me that you would want to have a strategy of that sense.
Well, and I think too, if you look at the other side, the G2 run, which was so clean, like even Falcons after they turned it around, all but one of their series was three maps. Every single series, they lost a map, they got tested. I was surprised at how good they looked in terms of teamwork and cohesion.
Well, and I think too, if you look at the other side, the G2 run, which was so clean, like even Falcons after they turned it around, all but one of their series was three maps. Every single series, they lost a map, they got tested. I was surprised at how good they looked in terms of teamwork and cohesion.
Yeah, that was going to be my exact next point is what do all those teams have in common? Saw and Snappy work together very, very well to bring players up and get them involved in the system they wanted to play. Mal's with Cyclone, who's been with the core of that team for fucking five or six years now.
Yeah, that was going to be my exact next point is what do all those teams have in common? Saw and Snappy work together very, very well to bring players up and get them involved in the system they wanted to play. Mal's with Cyclone, who's been with the core of that team for fucking five or six years now.
Ash, who's able to do this with Gamer Legion, who's become one of the most well-respected coaches. You don't necessarily have the coaching staff and management structure to do that.
Ash, who's able to do this with Gamer Legion, who's become one of the most well-respected coaches. You don't necessarily have the coaching staff and management structure to do that.
The whole conversation of them coming in, knowing the Modesty move was happening, how were the players internally going to react, how's Degster going to feel, Tess is with the Kiyosuke rumor coming out at the worst moment. And they looked like they didn't give a fuck.
The whole conversation of them coming in, knowing the Modesty move was happening, how were the players internally going to react, how's Degster going to feel, Tess is with the Kiyosuke rumor coming out at the worst moment. And they looked like they didn't give a fuck.
You know, I don't mind Hades. I quite like Hades, and I think he can do some cool things. But I, too, even looked at this situation, and I was like, okay... Another Polish player who's been coached by Cuban, probably had a little bit of call over to his old mate, got the word about what Hades is like and pulled the trigger on that one.
You know, I don't mind Hades. I quite like Hades, and I think he can do some cool things. But I, too, even looked at this situation, and I was like, okay... Another Polish player who's been coached by Cuban, probably had a little bit of call over to his old mate, got the word about what Hades is like and pulled the trigger on that one.
I mean, that has to be over $2 million, right? Like Niko and Monacy. Yeah.
I mean, that has to be over $2 million, right? Like Niko and Monacy. Yeah.
It won't be easy to attract him to their superstar, but you might be able to if you were really trying to go this fucking, like, Ent's route and Mal's route of, like, building up players and having this insane cohesion built up over a couple years.
It won't be easy to attract him to their superstar, but you might be able to if you were really trying to go this fucking, like, Ent's route and Mal's route of, like, building up players and having this insane cohesion built up over a couple years.
You know, like they looked like they just played really good Counter-Strike and had been communicating really well, not making a lot of mistakes, especially in the grand final. Like they played post plants so fucking perfect. So I thought Falcons looked awesome. And it just continues the turnaround that we've started seeing from them since Nico joined the team.
You know, like they looked like they just played really good Counter-Strike and had been communicating really well, not making a lot of mistakes, especially in the grand final. Like they played post plants so fucking perfect. So I thought Falcons looked awesome. And it just continues the turnaround that we've started seeing from them since Nico joined the team.
A Jambo-like player who has had a little bit of success but hasn't really established himself in his career, like a potential player, would be an option to go towards.
A Jambo-like player who has had a little bit of success but hasn't really established himself in his career, like a potential player, would be an option to go towards.
I guess the most positive thing about where they currently sit right now is let's just say they have $2 million in cash that they want to spend on players and they're about to go into a major where we know there's always changes coming up. So you're at least going into a major. You have pretty flexible bank behind you.
I guess the most positive thing about where they currently sit right now is let's just say they have $2 million in cash that they want to spend on players and they're about to go into a major where we know there's always changes coming up. So you're at least going into a major. You have pretty flexible bank behind you.
Yeah, you might not be as enticing as a prospect as other teams might be, but you go to the major. Hope your team is playing well enough to help you out in conversations you're having with players and agents and organizations at the major itself.
Yeah, you might not be as enticing as a prospect as other teams might be, but you go to the major. Hope your team is playing well enough to help you out in conversations you're having with players and agents and organizations at the major itself.
I mean, that's all they have available to them now.
I mean, that's all they have available to them now.
right well that's why wasn't he given why wasn't he given a larger salary then i swear you and i had this conversation on this podcast a year ago after dallas after they won it's like now's the time go back to nico and monacy and sit them down and say we want you guys here for the next five years we want to win we want you guys to win your first majors in our jersey and let's talk about the steps we need to take to do that in the future and where you want this team to go and like it shouldn't have been that hard i feel like
right well that's why wasn't he given why wasn't he given a larger salary then i swear you and i had this conversation on this podcast a year ago after dallas after they won it's like now's the time go back to nico and monacy and sit them down and say we want you guys here for the next five years we want to win we want you guys to win your first majors in our jersey and let's talk about the steps we need to take to do that in the future and where you want this team to go and like it shouldn't have been that hard i feel like
Aren't Niko and Monacy two of the most marketable Counter-Strike players out there right now? Yeah, I don't know. It's all weird. And that's what this tweet reads like. I mean, I'm glad you called it like a fucking this is what politicians say.
Aren't Niko and Monacy two of the most marketable Counter-Strike players out there right now? Yeah, I don't know. It's all weird. And that's what this tweet reads like. I mean, I'm glad you called it like a fucking this is what politicians say.
But it very much does read like a tweet of trying to like get ahead of what he knows the criticism is going to be to have like the excuses of like, you know, look at what we've won six trophies in the last two years. So trust me a little bit. We had to do it this way. And it's like, yeah, we had to do it this way because we got to this point, which should have been avoided a year ago.
But it very much does read like a tweet of trying to like get ahead of what he knows the criticism is going to be to have like the excuses of like, you know, look at what we've won six trophies in the last two years. So trust me a little bit. We had to do it this way. And it's like, yeah, we had to do it this way because we got to this point, which should have been avoided a year ago.
But... His struggles are the new expectations and the new responsibilities.
But... His struggles are the new expectations and the new responsibilities.
Yeah, he's going to have to, I mean, that's, that's his struggle. I mean, he's talked about, he's even just kind of deleted and disconnected from social media a little bit to stay away from it. So he's obviously trying to do a couple of things to get on top of it before, before he reenters. But yeah, that's, that's the struggle that he's going to have to deal with.
Yeah, he's going to have to, I mean, that's, that's his struggle. I mean, he's talked about, he's even just kind of deleted and disconnected from social media a little bit to stay away from it. So he's obviously trying to do a couple of things to get on top of it before, before he reenters. But yeah, that's, that's the struggle that he's going to have to deal with.
Finally, it's the struggle that Nico played with his, with his whole career. He's always had those expectations on him too. So it's like you, you better just learn to live with it and learn to deal with it and let it find a way to motivate you or else you're in trouble.
Finally, it's the struggle that Nico played with his, with his whole career. He's always had those expectations on him too. So it's like you, you better just learn to live with it and learn to deal with it and let it find a way to motivate you or else you're in trouble.
Do we we should maybe touch on at Bucharest might not be a long topic considering how they perform But I mean, I think both of us were probably a little bit fucking surprised at how weak Aurora and the Mongols felt I
Do we we should maybe touch on at Bucharest might not be a long topic considering how they perform But I mean, I think both of us were probably a little bit fucking surprised at how weak Aurora and the Mongols felt I
Yeah, I did too.
Yeah, I did too.
sharp really you know they didn't seem like they had that edge i mean i guess for me i i guess my my biggest curiosity is like i mean i think coming into this event i think something like this was was it felt like it was bound to happen for aurora we don't need to dive into it but obviously the conversation around them is just the insanity of the schedule accepting every single event so
sharp really you know they didn't seem like they had that edge i mean i guess for me i i guess my my biggest curiosity is like i mean i think coming into this event i think something like this was was it felt like it was bound to happen for aurora we don't need to dive into it but obviously the conversation around them is just the insanity of the schedule accepting every single event so
They've already been talking about it, and I know it's always like a crapshoot of how much you think it actually affects someone, but it felt like with them going to every single thing out there, this was bound to happen. I think it's something similar for Mongols.
They've already been talking about it, and I know it's always like a crapshoot of how much you think it actually affects someone, but it felt like with them going to every single thing out there, this was bound to happen. I think it's something similar for Mongols.
I mean, you heard the interview from Blitz where he was just kind of like, yeah, we went back and kind of took like a week off after all the travels to reset, and I kind of wish my teammates had played, say, about a counter-strike that I had because they just came in like looking rusty and individually just off, and...
I mean, you heard the interview from Blitz where he was just kind of like, yeah, we went back and kind of took like a week off after all the travels to reset, and I kind of wish my teammates had played, say, about a counter-strike that I had because they just came in like looking rusty and individually just off, and...
So, yeah, I think both those teams kind of just got caught at like a weird moment in the calendar where they're trying to find as much rest as possible before everything ramps back up leading into the major.
So, yeah, I think both those teams kind of just got caught at like a weird moment in the calendar where they're trying to find as much rest as possible before everything ramps back up leading into the major.
Yeah, or can you find a way, or if it's without knowing anything within the team really, but maybe Blitz and Mara have to find a way to motivate the boys to want it. I mean, I know, because that is a really big point of where a team like this that probably never expected to be at this level, yeah, there might actually be a level of which they're all just saying, this is fucking awesome.
Yeah, or can you find a way, or if it's without knowing anything within the team really, but maybe Blitz and Mara have to find a way to motivate the boys to want it. I mean, I know, because that is a really big point of where a team like this that probably never expected to be at this level, yeah, there might actually be a level of which they're all just saying, this is fucking awesome.
We're like a top five team in the world. You know, we sort of made it. Let's kind of coast. Yeah, I would hope that's not the case. I think for where we are in the calendar, hitting rock bottom at an event like this for both of these teams, it obviously sucks now. But if it's ever going to happen, I think now is a good time where you have this time off now.
We're like a top five team in the world. You know, we sort of made it. Let's kind of coast. Yeah, I would hope that's not the case. I think for where we are in the calendar, hitting rock bottom at an event like this for both of these teams, it obviously sucks now. But if it's ever going to happen, I think now is a good time where you have this time off now.
And when you come back, it's a mad dash to the major. And you already know the fucking feeling of rock bottom.
And when you come back, it's a mad dash to the major. And you already know the fucking feeling of rock bottom.
So, you know, if you're the Mongols and like you're saying, like if we just assume they don't have that like hunger to be the fucking world dominating champions, which would be anti-Mongolian if you ask me, I think from there hitting rock bottom is a motivation of, oh, I don't ever want to be fucking back here again. I don't ever want to be this embarrassed.
So, you know, if you're the Mongols and like you're saying, like if we just assume they don't have that like hunger to be the fucking world dominating champions, which would be anti-Mongolian if you ask me, I think from there hitting rock bottom is a motivation of, oh, I don't ever want to be fucking back here again. I don't ever want to be this embarrassed.
I don't ever want to get knocked out in group stages again. Like I forgot what that felt like after the past six months. Now you have that reminder of this is what it's like to be at an event where you just fucking sucked. And hopefully that's a motivating factor of its own kind. Even if it's not for the trophy, it's avoiding sucking is a nice motivation too.
I don't ever want to get knocked out in group stages again. Like I forgot what that felt like after the past six months. Now you have that reminder of this is what it's like to be at an event where you just fucking sucked. And hopefully that's a motivating factor of its own kind. Even if it's not for the trophy, it's avoiding sucking is a nice motivation too.
Yeah, but, you know, they just got knocked out of the MRQ. They're no longer in the majors, so that fucking sucks.
Yeah, but, you know, they just got knocked out of the MRQ. They're no longer in the majors, so that fucking sucks.
Yeah, it did. I think that third map was double overtime or single overtime.
Yeah, it did. I think that third map was double overtime or single overtime.
That was really sad, especially because FaZe wasn't exactly looking like, you know, the strongest fucking team in the world. You know, throughout this whole event, they looked extremely shaky. Yeah, that's kind of gross. Hey, Complexity, though. Hey, Complexity, that was really cool. That was nice to see. We have Grim demonstrating the losing Elisha as a teammate, you know, effect.
That was really sad, especially because FaZe wasn't exactly looking like, you know, the strongest fucking team in the world. You know, throughout this whole event, they looked extremely shaky. Yeah, that's kind of gross. Hey, Complexity, though. Hey, Complexity, that was really cool. That was nice to see. We have Grim demonstrating the losing Elisha as a teammate, you know, effect.
Which just seems to be something that... Elisha is gone now from here. Well, think about it now. Afflicting Brokey.
Which just seems to be something that... Elisha is gone now from here. Well, think about it now. Afflicting Brokey.
it's yeah now it's it's spread it's all over the place it's now international as well so good luck um yeah i mean well grim think about like him coming into liquid he was like the star player of his teams in like tier two at a and then joins liquid and has those those spots kind of taken away from him and just you know mentally gets tested by by the team
it's yeah now it's it's spread it's all over the place it's now international as well so good luck um yeah i mean well grim think about like him coming into liquid he was like the star player of his teams in like tier two at a and then joins liquid and has those those spots kind of taken away from him and just you know mentally gets tested by by the team
leaves that team goes to complexity he's there alone looking great looking like a star player again alish gets cut from liquid joins complexity and grim slowly over time just gets worse and worse and worse until he's back to just kind of being this what are we doing here kind of a player and then alish leaves and now he's he's incredible again so like i i've texted him after a certain point in this event and i was like just don't ever let at least join your team ever again it's just that's just sounds simple i know just don't ever let it happen ever again just say no and put your foot down
leaves that team goes to complexity he's there alone looking great looking like a star player again alish gets cut from liquid joins complexity and grim slowly over time just gets worse and worse and worse until he's back to just kind of being this what are we doing here kind of a player and then alish leaves and now he's he's incredible again so like i i've texted him after a certain point in this event and i was like just don't ever let at least join your team ever again it's just that's just sounds simple i know just don't ever let it happen ever again just say no and put your foot down
Getting some of that frag and IGL back.
Getting some of that frag and IGL back.
They didn't win their first game until the Cluj groups.
They didn't win their first game until the Cluj groups.
Oh, dude, that was bad.
Oh, dude, that was bad.
Yeah, that was an issue. I don't know. I don't know what to say about FaZe at this point to be completely honest with you. Yeah.
Yeah, that was an issue. I don't know. I don't know what to say about FaZe at this point to be completely honest with you. Yeah.
yeah i don't know we'll see frozen looked really good at points i don't know if they don't fix this i mean here's the reality what we're seeing right now is a team that the individuals are all inconsistent because it feels like there's still a lot of questions that haven't been resolved and not everyone's comfortable with the resolution yet across the team so we're going to see some events where frozen pops off for like five six games in a row and then goes cold and brokey pops off for one or two games and then goes cold and same with rain same for elige um
yeah i don't know we'll see frozen looked really good at points i don't know if they don't fix this i mean here's the reality what we're seeing right now is a team that the individuals are all inconsistent because it feels like there's still a lot of questions that haven't been resolved and not everyone's comfortable with the resolution yet across the team so we're going to see some events where frozen pops off for like five six games in a row and then goes cold and brokey pops off for one or two games and then goes cold and same with rain same for elige um
I guess for them, the goal is just like we have to nail it down and find that consistency at whatever level we can get to by the time the major rolls around. So for me, it's like everything just gets judged at the major. Does this does this work or not? But certainly I think there's there's a lot of there's a lot of red flags when I watch phase that like something is just is not right at all.
I guess for them, the goal is just like we have to nail it down and find that consistency at whatever level we can get to by the time the major rolls around. So for me, it's like everything just gets judged at the major. Does this does this work or not? But certainly I think there's there's a lot of there's a lot of red flags when I watch phase that like something is just is not right at all.
They got beat by Virtus.pro at the end. Astralis, right?
They got beat by Virtus.pro at the end. Astralis, right?
They lost to Virtus.pro, Apogee, and 3Dbacks across the event.
They lost to Virtus.pro, Apogee, and 3Dbacks across the event.
When this lineup came together, there was like eight different gambles. And I think every single one went against them.
When this lineup came together, there was like eight different gambles. And I think every single one went against them.
you know like when when you bring cadian in as an igl and then tell him he's going to do it without the op which is where like really the only success he's had in his career has come from that feels fucking crazy you're also taking device off the in-game leading position which he's been in so there's question marks there you're reuniting cadian with stown and yabby after all the drama that went down and no matter what the players say who knows how easy that situation is to re-trigger and obviously we haven't heard any word of any relationships blowing up but like
you know like when when you bring cadian in as an igl and then tell him he's going to do it without the op which is where like really the only success he's had in his career has come from that feels fucking crazy you're also taking device off the in-game leading position which he's been in so there's question marks there you're reuniting cadian with stown and yabby after all the drama that went down and no matter what the players say who knows how easy that situation is to re-trigger and obviously we haven't heard any word of any relationships blowing up but like
You know, like every gamble, every big risk of like where you need to see the improvement with that roster change has gone against them and you've seen it back off.
You know, like every gamble, every big risk of like where you need to see the improvement with that roster change has gone against them and you've seen it back off.
Yeah, that'd be five in a row. Yeah, the last one was Antwerp that they were at.
Yeah, that'd be five in a row. Yeah, the last one was Antwerp that they were at.
Yeah, that'd be... That's three years. That'd be really fucking bad.
Yeah, that'd be... That's three years. That'd be really fucking bad.
It's sad, though. Like, honestly, like, as much as it has become fun over the years trashing on Astralis, like...
It's sad, though. Like, honestly, like, as much as it has become fun over the years trashing on Astralis, like...
It's not healthy for the scene or the game if an organization of that pedigree eventually just kind of drops out and dies or you know Like can no longer it can no longer sustain itself into the future now Self-inflicted they've made some pretty fucking piss poor GMing decisions over the years. So I mean, I don't know I don't I don't know it would just be weird.
It's not healthy for the scene or the game if an organization of that pedigree eventually just kind of drops out and dies or you know Like can no longer it can no longer sustain itself into the future now Self-inflicted they've made some pretty fucking piss poor GMing decisions over the years. So I mean, I don't know I don't I don't know it would just be weird.
That's another one that's just going to be judged on the major. They just brought a new IGL. I mean, I'll say two things. I'm not ready to completely judge it off of what we saw at Bucharest. What we saw at Bucharest was obviously not good and not a whole lot to be excited about. But it is very early. I know they had 10 days, essentially, with Shuhei leading into the event.
That's another one that's just going to be judged on the major. They just brought a new IGL. I mean, I'll say two things. I'm not ready to completely judge it off of what we saw at Bucharest. What we saw at Bucharest was obviously not good and not a whole lot to be excited about. But it is very early. I know they had 10 days, essentially, with Shuhei leading into the event.
They need more time to truly see what this is going to become.
They need more time to truly see what this is going to become.
hopefully yeah i want to say one more thing about liquid i think i think this next like two months for them is like in the major obviously is going to be critically important but i think they're going to be in one of those weird like um they might be in like one of those weird gm situations too where it's like where do we go from here you have naff who's struggling and pgl showed no sign of him breaking out of that funk
hopefully yeah i want to say one more thing about liquid i think i think this next like two months for them is like in the major obviously is going to be critically important but i think they're going to be in one of those weird like um they might be in like one of those weird gm situations too where it's like where do we go from here you have naff who's struggling and pgl showed no sign of him breaking out of that funk
Ultimate, you're really not sure yet on his bounce back if he's going to be a long-term solution, if he's still showing enough improvement to warrant you giving him more time. And then you have Shuhei here on a loan, which is obviously nice for Liquid considering the way the last time they took a chance on an IGL and KD and worked out and they had to switch over to Twist.
Ultimate, you're really not sure yet on his bounce back if he's going to be a long-term solution, if he's still showing enough improvement to warrant you giving him more time. And then you have Shuhei here on a loan, which is obviously nice for Liquid considering the way the last time they took a chance on an IGL and KD and worked out and they had to switch over to Twist.
But equally, it's kind of nice for Shuhei in the sense of he gets to choose as well if this is where he wants to end up after the loan. You know, like he can say, you know what, the major's over. There's these three teams looking for an IGL as well. I want to try one of them. I want to test the waters over with these guys and see if there's any interest.
But equally, it's kind of nice for Shuhei in the sense of he gets to choose as well if this is where he wants to end up after the loan. You know, like he can say, you know what, the major's over. There's these three teams looking for an IGL as well. I want to try one of them. I want to test the waters over with these guys and see if there's any interest.
You know, like if you're liquid, you're kind of playing to see if you have an IGL you want to keep for the future, but also you have to play well enough to where he's going to want to stay for the future.
You know, like if you're liquid, you're kind of playing to see if you have an IGL you want to keep for the future, but also you have to play well enough to where he's going to want to stay for the future.
I know exactly what Ramp is talking about. It was against Legacy, right?
I know exactly what Ramp is talking about. It was against Legacy, right?
Yeah, and I mean, you can say that all, like, you know, yeah, like this event, kind of like we didn't expect great things, but I think losing to Legacy is like, especially 13-4 on Nuke, is like, that can't happen. Like, I don't care what state your team is in. With these players, with your experience, like, that can't really be a thing.
Yeah, and I mean, you can say that all, like, you know, yeah, like this event, kind of like we didn't expect great things, but I think losing to Legacy is like, especially 13-4 on Nuke, is like, that can't happen. Like, I don't care what state your team is in. With these players, with your experience, like, that can't really be a thing.
You know, Virtus.pro, who's been looking better, the Mongols, who are a top five team, relatively understandable, but I think Legacy was like one that, for me, was sort of like...
You know, Virtus.pro, who's been looking better, the Mongols, who are a top five team, relatively understandable, but I think Legacy was like one that, for me, was sort of like...
i know i know you're big on them but for me i'm just like that that shouldn't be considering where liquid has been for a while and how much they've been able to contend even as recently as pro league you know beating eternal fire beating 3d max as well like i don't know that that one that one was disappointing but yeah it comes down to there's there's a lot of factors and i'm i don't really i don't really care to assess them super closely until i see what they look like at the major you know
i know i know you're big on them but for me i'm just like that that shouldn't be considering where liquid has been for a while and how much they've been able to contend even as recently as pro league you know beating eternal fire beating 3d max as well like i don't know that that one that one was disappointing but yeah it comes down to there's there's a lot of factors and i'm i don't really i don't really care to assess them super closely until i see what they look like at the major you know
A little bit, yeah. Actually, that jogged the memory quite nice. It's starting to feel good. I'm feeling loose. It was like I was stretching.
A little bit, yeah. Actually, that jogged the memory quite nice. It's starting to feel good. I'm feeling loose. It was like I was stretching.
Well, it's Gamer Legion is out. Who else got eliminated? Fnatic is out.
Well, it's Gamer Legion is out. Who else got eliminated? Fnatic is out.
Not a great investment there.
Not a great investment there.
I don't know.
I don't know.
So is that like one of those nice PR things where it's like Krimz doesn't want to play for this team any longer? Or is that kind of like the first step of, okay, Krimz is pretty much going to retire?
So is that like one of those nice PR things where it's like Krimz doesn't want to play for this team any longer? Or is that kind of like the first step of, okay, Krimz is pretty much going to retire?
Yeah. And also, I mean, he's always been someone who kind of has not really shied away from the light and the publicity. So like, it's always been kind of hard to get a read on exactly what his thoughts are on these things. So, but I mean, this one just came out of left field. It feels like it came out so suddenly, like this happened.
Yeah. And also, I mean, he's always been someone who kind of has not really shied away from the light and the publicity. So like, it's always been kind of hard to get a read on exactly what his thoughts are on these things. So, but I mean, this one just came out of left field. It feels like it came out so suddenly, like this happened.
I think, I think I saw the news on like my travel day, like between flights and it's just like all a fucking haze. And then I landed, he's just gone. Yeah, I don't know. Because the way I think about it, too, is also it's not like he's been killing it lately. So if his idea is I don't want to play for this team, I want to find another organization to give it one last go.
I think, I think I saw the news on like my travel day, like between flights and it's just like all a fucking haze. And then I landed, he's just gone. Yeah, I don't know. Because the way I think about it, too, is also it's not like he's been killing it lately. So if his idea is I don't want to play for this team, I want to find another organization to give it one last go.
Like, I don't know where he's going to be sought after. You know, I think he might just be done.
Like, I don't know where he's going to be sought after. You know, I think he might just be done.
It feels like the most logical thing.
It feels like the most logical thing.
He's going to revitalize the region.
He's going to revitalize the region.
Dude, Tess's was awesome for them, this event, I felt like. I felt like he probably hasn't gotten as much recognition, but I thought he played so well for them in most games. And even on Ancient, specifically on Ancient, I remember watching him, the way he would challenge B-Ramp and be that more active, aggressive, lurk style when it was called upon. I thought he did an excellent job for that.
Dude, Tess's was awesome for them, this event, I felt like. I felt like he probably hasn't gotten as much recognition, but I thought he played so well for them in most games. And even on Ancient, specifically on Ancient, I remember watching him, the way he would challenge B-Ramp and be that more active, aggressive, lurk style when it was called upon. I thought he did an excellent job for that.
Yep, that makes sense.
Yep, that makes sense.
But it's also like the Astralis one where it's like, it has gotten funny, but at the same time, you are kind of like a household name in Counter-Strike and this feels sad.
But it's also like the Astralis one where it's like, it has gotten funny, but at the same time, you are kind of like a household name in Counter-Strike and this feels sad.
And then you're joining up with him in Melbourne, and you guys will handle an episode from there.
And then you're joining up with him in Melbourne, and you guys will handle an episode from there.
Yeah. Okay, well, here are the teams that are in so far to stage one of the Austin major through the European MRQ heroic OG meta sport that boom, which is boom, which is already the exile siren Magna is, and my favorite Namigas is the final team in there. And then gamer Legion fanatic BC game, para vision and 500 all got eliminated.
Yeah. Okay, well, here are the teams that are in so far to stage one of the Austin major through the European MRQ heroic OG meta sport that boom, which is boom, which is already the exile siren Magna is, and my favorite Namigas is the final team in there. And then gamer Legion fanatic BC game, para vision and 500 all got eliminated.
So, I mean, that, that was cool to see, but yeah, that's a complete team, which was crazy coming into this event. I thought it would be a little bit more scattered. I thought it would feel a little bit more disorganized, but they've clearly, they've clearly put some, put some fucking work in.
So, I mean, that, that was cool to see, but yeah, that's a complete team, which was crazy coming into this event. I thought it would be a little bit more scattered. I thought it would feel a little bit more disorganized, but they've clearly, they've clearly put some, put some fucking work in.
Actually, with a rolling schedule, you could probably do five best of threes if you really wanted to get crazy.
Actually, with a rolling schedule, you could probably do five best of threes if you really wanted to get crazy.
Yeah, I'm with you. I don't have anything to add on to that. It's immensely stupid. It's so stupid that I don't even feel like I need to justify it with anything.
Yeah, I'm with you. I don't have anything to add on to that. It's immensely stupid. It's so stupid that I don't even feel like I need to justify it with anything.
Yeah.
Yeah.
The America side is going on, too. That started yesterday. And the big thing in the Americas one was talking about Complexity, who had to play on Sunday for the third, fourth place decider, fly home Monday, and then play, I think it was like Tuesday early afternoon, their first game, which they squeaked out a win over getting info, which is Carson, Fang, Shane, Markey, Dia.
The America side is going on, too. That started yesterday. And the big thing in the Americas one was talking about Complexity, who had to play on Sunday for the third, fourth place decider, fly home Monday, and then play, I think it was like Tuesday early afternoon, their first game, which they squeaked out a win over getting info, which is Carson, Fang, Shane, Markey, Dia.
And it makes sense when you see that Nico interview too, where he's just like, we came into this event, like working hard to do good here. And he gave this interview like after the first two losses. And then, and then you could see all the things they'd obviously been working on. It obviously been getting better. So that was, that was sick.
And it makes sense when you see that Nico interview too, where he's just like, we came into this event, like working hard to do good here. And he gave this interview like after the first two losses. And then, and then you could see all the things they'd obviously been working on. It obviously been getting better. So that was, that was sick.
um but they're now playing later on today in a couple hours an hour and a half uh if they win that they're through to stage one which is cool um the group b bracket in the americas is probably the more interesting one all things together because wild card is down there with nouns and nrg wild card and nrg play for a spot uh in stage one uh in the next round did you have you followed this is this is vrs so it kind of gets a little complicated but did you follow the whole wild card thing yeah i did
um but they're now playing later on today in a couple hours an hour and a half uh if they win that they're through to stage one which is cool um the group b bracket in the americas is probably the more interesting one all things together because wild card is down there with nouns and nrg wild card and nrg play for a spot uh in stage one uh in the next round did you have you followed this is this is vrs so it kind of gets a little complicated but did you follow the whole wild card thing yeah i did
That one's still confusing to me. I know it has a lot of people like I know Swisher made a big post about it earlier today about like the like finding the little loophole of bringing in a stand in.
That one's still confusing to me. I know it has a lot of people like I know Swisher made a big post about it earlier today about like the like finding the little loophole of bringing in a stand in.
I don't know like the rules with all details, so I don't want to, you know, get too harsh on anything either way because it gets complicated with how rules are executed and in which region they get assigned to for the MRQ. Um, but it obviously, you know, at the end of the day, no matter what they did kind of find like a little loophole to, to, you know, wrap themselves into the America's one.
I don't know like the rules with all details, so I don't want to, you know, get too harsh on anything either way because it gets complicated with how rules are executed and in which region they get assigned to for the MRQ. Um, but it obviously, you know, at the end of the day, no matter what they did kind of find like a little loophole to, to, you know, wrap themselves into the America's one.
Not that I, I don't blame them because why not? But it is something that needs to get fixed in the rules.
Not that I, I don't blame them because why not? But it is something that needs to get fixed in the rules.
I have a kind of a question for you, I guess, on a more this would be on a more philosophical level looking at this scenario, because the way it sort of works out with wildcard is one of the Europeans, one of their guys, one of their not Americans, I should say, I guess, has lived in N.A. for seven years, even before he was competing in Counter-Strike.
I have a kind of a question for you, I guess, on a more this would be on a more philosophical level looking at this scenario, because the way it sort of works out with wildcard is one of the Europeans, one of their guys, one of their not Americans, I should say, I guess, has lived in N.A. for seven years, even before he was competing in Counter-Strike.
The other two guys have lived in NA for a year. Do you put any stock in that where it's like, yeah, it's technically kind of a weird thing since they're European, but these are guys who have been playing within the region at the very least for a long time?
The other two guys have lived in NA for a year. Do you put any stock in that where it's like, yeah, it's technically kind of a weird thing since they're European, but these are guys who have been playing within the region at the very least for a long time?
Yeah, I know. It's like extenuating circumstances that might be positive in their benefit, but I don't know how you can really judge that in every case equally.
Yeah, I know. It's like extenuating circumstances that might be positive in their benefit, but I don't know how you can really judge that in every case equally.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I feel like I was informed like two hours ago when I looked into it and all like the different rules that get triggered at which stage of like the stand-in situation, when the invite was sent out, but like two hours later, I can't repeat it off the top of my fucking head. So yeah, I don't know.
I feel like I was informed like two hours ago when I looked into it and all like the different rules that get triggered at which stage of like the stand-in situation, when the invite was sent out, but like two hours later, I can't repeat it off the top of my fucking head. So yeah, I don't know.
Probably a situation that I would imagine Valve has made a note of, whether anything comes of it or changes, I have no idea, but I imagine it's something that they're going to look at or will most definitely be brought to their attention by teams and players and organizations looking for clarification in the future for sure. what else has been going on?
Probably a situation that I would imagine Valve has made a note of, whether anything comes of it or changes, I have no idea, but I imagine it's something that they're going to look at or will most definitely be brought to their attention by teams and players and organizations looking for clarification in the future for sure. what else has been going on?
I don't think there's any, I mean, that's, that's kind of the MRQs. Um, it hasn't been any crazy news. All of it has just been around the monarchy and the roster changes and now teams getting eliminated from majors.
I don't think there's any, I mean, that's, that's kind of the MRQs. Um, it hasn't been any crazy news. All of it has just been around the monarchy and the roster changes and now teams getting eliminated from majors.
Yeah, you guys will recap the MRQs once they're done. You guys will hit Melbourne beforehand.
Yeah, you guys will recap the MRQs once they're done. You guys will hit Melbourne beforehand.
20-year-old auper.
20-year-old auper.
I remember when you gave me that advice when I called to ask about Fallen when we were going to pick him up for Liquid. And yeah, you said that exact thing. And then you ended up having Stewie as the idea. Well, we tried. We tried to make that conversion. There were a lot of people that you had to try and make happy on that team that you couldn't make happy.
I remember when you gave me that advice when I called to ask about Fallen when we were going to pick him up for Liquid. And yeah, you said that exact thing. And then you ended up having Stewie as the idea. Well, we tried. We tried to make that conversion. There were a lot of people that you had to try and make happy on that team that you couldn't make happy.
Yeah, I guess if anyone's going to do it, I feel like Fallen... I don't know. His rifle isn't terrible.
Yeah, I guess if anyone's going to do it, I feel like Fallen... I don't know. His rifle isn't terrible.
I think Furia is one of those teams that have kind of worked themselves into a box as well, like where they've missed the opportunity to pick up young talent, and now it's kind of like if you wanted to go and pry any of those IGLs away, would you be able to do it considering they might actually have a better team than you?
I think Furia is one of those teams that have kind of worked themselves into a box as well, like where they've missed the opportunity to pick up young talent, and now it's kind of like if you wanted to go and pry any of those IGLs away, would you be able to do it considering they might actually have a better team than you?
So I think the next couple months in the major are going to be important for Furia to be able to attract talent if they even want to go that route. I think the weirdest thing about this pickup to me isn't necessarily fallen, giving up the op, um, for this young kid. It's also you're, you're now making the decision to go communicate in English. Didn't you like hate that earlier when you tried it?
So I think the next couple months in the major are going to be important for Furia to be able to attract talent if they even want to go that route. I think the weirdest thing about this pickup to me isn't necessarily fallen, giving up the op, um, for this young kid. It's also you're, you're now making the decision to go communicate in English. Didn't you like hate that earlier when you tried it?
Like, didn't, didn't it like really not work out for anyone?
Like, didn't, didn't it like really not work out for anyone?
You know, all you can hope for, I feel like the best you can hope for is that this guy has like that Dexter quality.
You know, all you can hope for, I feel like the best you can hope for is that this guy has like that Dexter quality.
Cause like, you know, he's going to make some mistakes in terms of decision-making and game sense and assessing the situation, but you just like, you just better hope that he frags out, you know, like, you know, like you better hope that he just gets you like some crazy rounds with the AWP, like a nuts, triple kill a good clutch.
Cause like, you know, he's going to make some mistakes in terms of decision-making and game sense and assessing the situation, but you just like, you just better hope that he frags out, you know, like, you know, like you better hope that he just gets you like some crazy rounds with the AWP, like a nuts, triple kill a good clutch.
You just need him to at least frag because you know, the mistakes are going to come in and that feels like the best. And I don't think that's enough to elevate this team quite yet.
You just need him to at least frag because you know, the mistakes are going to come in and that feels like the best. And I don't think that's enough to elevate this team quite yet.
probably probably one more roster change but i don't know like does this indicate in the future that now if they want to make a roster change they don't have to do it with within brazil like is their next roster change why not yeah it kind of has to but that's a realization that i feel like most orgs made like three four or five years ago versus versus like it feels like they're late to the party
probably probably one more roster change but i don't know like does this indicate in the future that now if they want to make a roster change they don't have to do it with within brazil like is their next roster change why not yeah it kind of has to but that's a realization that i feel like most orgs made like three four or five years ago versus versus like it feels like they're late to the party
Although I guess better late than never is as the saying goes.
Although I guess better late than never is as the saying goes.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Again.
but he was very very consistent like medium to high output in terms of frags and important frags at different points and yeah i feel like he played a pretty good tournament do you think zonic after like the first two days was having a panic attack do you think he was out there and like not not again like another lineup that i bring in and it's just like come out and just looks looks like garbage for two days straight he had to have he had to have gone to bed that night so worried
but he was very very consistent like medium to high output in terms of frags and important frags at different points and yeah i feel like he played a pretty good tournament do you think zonic after like the first two days was having a panic attack do you think he was out there and like not not again like another lineup that i bring in and it's just like come out and just looks looks like garbage for two days straight he had to have he had to have gone to bed that night so worried
Yeah, true.
Yeah, true.
Yeah, I know. And that's I guess that's where we should start. Because I know you and I were just laughing too. I like I don't I don't have any crazy fucking detail. Like I'm almost like what fucking happened at Bucharest? I think I'm still fucking exhausted.
Yeah, I know. And that's I guess that's where we should start. Because I know you and I were just laughing too. I like I don't I don't have any crazy fucking detail. Like I'm almost like what fucking happened at Bucharest? I think I'm still fucking exhausted.
It also just took Apex 10 years to win Katowice or whatever it was, 11 years. Like that should be the first fucking sign for as many majors as he won like years ago even. And the teams he's been on, he's never been able to get a Katowice trophy.
It also just took Apex 10 years to win Katowice or whatever it was, 11 years. Like that should be the first fucking sign for as many majors as he won like years ago even. And the teams he's been on, he's never been able to get a Katowice trophy.
I mean, another chance if he didn't play himself into another contract, I don't know what the fuck you'd have to do. He did just get MVP of the whole event and won the trophy and he was he was dominant. It was actually
I mean, another chance if he didn't play himself into another contract, I don't know what the fuck you'd have to do. He did just get MVP of the whole event and won the trophy and he was he was dominant. It was actually
did you even like what did you do you i mean you've had a day at home and now we're talking about it yeah i got home monday night um and then tuesday woke up played some video games did some chores around the house uh caught up in some things hung out with the kid most of the day um and then went out to dinner and now and now i'm here i woke up today did some chores and now now i'm talking counter-strike how do you get to play video games at home like
did you even like what did you do you i mean you've had a day at home and now we're talking about it yeah i got home monday night um and then tuesday woke up played some video games did some chores around the house uh caught up in some things hung out with the kid most of the day um and then went out to dinner and now and now i'm here i woke up today did some chores and now now i'm talking counter-strike how do you get to play video games at home like
Some poor decision making.
Some poor decision making.
And you can't deny, like, I've had plenty of my criticisms for Dexter, but even I'm at the point where I'm like, I just can't deny that he just gets kills. Like, you know, I don't know what to tell you. He gets double kills. He gets triple kills. He strings frags together. Like, the guy just has impact built into him. So, yeah, you can talk about all those details about it.
And you can't deny, like, I've had plenty of my criticisms for Dexter, but even I'm at the point where I'm like, I just can't deny that he just gets kills. Like, you know, I don't know what to tell you. He gets double kills. He gets triple kills. He strings frags together. Like, the guy just has impact built into him. So, yeah, you can talk about all those details about it.
And sure, there's some things you miss out on. But, I mean, the fragging just feels like it far outweighs it.
And sure, there's some things you miss out on. But, I mean, the fragging just feels like it far outweighs it.
There you are, 9-10, bringing him back.
There you are, 9-10, bringing him back.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's his first trophy ever. That's sick. Yeah, I mean, I couldn't be happier for him. That's sweet. And like I said, I would be amazed if he's not on a team. Like, I don't know. I feel like they're – I don't know. Can he still get into the major cycle? I imagine probably not at this point.
It's his first trophy ever. That's sick. Yeah, I mean, I couldn't be happier for him. That's sweet. And like I said, I would be amazed if he's not on a team. Like, I don't know. I feel like they're – I don't know. Can he still get into the major cycle? I imagine probably not at this point.
Which is fine. G2's had their number.
Which is fine. G2's had their number.
26, 27?
26, 27?
That makes sense.
That makes sense.
Oh, okay.
Oh, okay.
And they beat G2.
And they beat G2.
So all three for you, Jason.
So all three for you, Jason.
Well, that's a question for you, Jason. Maybe blue?
Well, that's a question for you, Jason. Maybe blue?
It was Simple and who? Oh, my God. Flamie was there. There's another Orpah though, right? Because like, someone was like, yeah, we've got, Simple was just talking about Mirage. It was Guardian, wasn't it?
It was Simple and who? Oh, my God. Flamie was there. There's another Orpah though, right? Because like, someone was like, yeah, we've got, Simple was just talking about Mirage. It was Guardian, wasn't it?
You put Magisk in instead of Shush. That's pretty good. That's pretty good as well. I know you'd like nerds, but we don't have nerds.
You put Magisk in instead of Shush. That's pretty good. That's pretty good as well. I know you'd like nerds, but we don't have nerds.
He's having some good clutches and stuff. He's having some impact. It's only temporary, Janko.
He's having some good clutches and stuff. He's having some impact. It's only temporary, Janko.
What's the alternative?
What's the alternative?
I don't think he would be there having beverages.
I don't think he would be there having beverages.
Wow, they're right out there. They're on the beach.
Wow, they're right out there. They're on the beach.
We'll come up with a better one in the future. Yeah.
We'll come up with a better one in the future. Yeah.
I don't know. I don't know. I'm not really big on recycling. These are questions, though.
I don't know. I don't know. I'm not really big on recycling. These are questions, though.
Interesting. Okay. We'd like to keep that away.
Interesting. Okay. We'd like to keep that away.
Has anyone picked up anything new recently other than recycling and composting?
Has anyone picked up anything new recently other than recycling and composting?
Like, what are you guys doing? Like, it's fucking Christmas time. Like, go do something. Like, what are we, what the fuck are we doing? And I'm just like...
Like, what are you guys doing? Like, it's fucking Christmas time. Like, go do something. Like, what are we, what the fuck are we doing? And I'm just like...
Don't close it.
Don't close it.
It's really dense at the moment.
It's really dense at the moment.
9.30?
9.30?
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
18.
18.
Oh, that's nice. There's no lines.
Oh, that's nice. There's no lines.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Okay. What about the fifth one? It's getting hard for that fifth one, isn't it?
Okay. What about the fifth one? It's getting hard for that fifth one, isn't it?
in the best of three, right?
in the best of three, right?
Yeah, they were.
Yeah, they were.
All I know is the barber in Caddo, he fucked up one side. It wasn't going to grow back. It was always going to be weird. The only option was a factory reset. It was the only choice I had. I wouldn't have done it otherwise. I just want to let the record and the people know, Jason, because people are always like, oh, you
All I know is the barber in Caddo, he fucked up one side. It wasn't going to grow back. It was always going to be weird. The only option was a factory reset. It was the only choice I had. I wouldn't have done it otherwise. I just want to let the record and the people know, Jason, because people are always like, oh, you
And first of all, I didn't ask for your fucking opinion, but this is so that I'm getting ahead of it when they do give me their opinion unsolicited about my face. Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.
And first of all, I didn't ask for your fucking opinion, but this is so that I'm getting ahead of it when they do give me their opinion unsolicited about my face. Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.
Okay, so let's get into a couple of key pieces of news. Obviously, Davy G, he's going to be leaving the Iberian family when they do get a replacement, which everyone is being up to now. What other big news was there?
Okay, so let's get into a couple of key pieces of news. Obviously, Davy G, he's going to be leaving the Iberian family when they do get a replacement, which everyone is being up to now. What other big news was there?
Yeah. That's hugely exciting.
Yeah. That's hugely exciting.
Yeah, well, yeah, yeah. Lucky moves to gun five was another key piece of news.
Yeah, well, yeah, yeah. Lucky moves to gun five was another key piece of news.
Adam S to 9Z is kind of on the fringe of what's interesting, to be honest. Afro to OG as a trial, that's also kind of interesting.
Adam S to 9Z is kind of on the fringe of what's interesting, to be honest. Afro to OG as a trial, that's also kind of interesting.
kind of interesting if bad news meagles can make another major right uh one that was actually interesting was this kid called joey he's spanish he got picked up by the mouse nxt roster and i played some face-up pugs with him over the over the time and but the most recent face-up pug that i played with which was still a long time ago his friend was abusing me so yeah i wasn't playing very well but they also have to remember i'm old as fuck right so they have to be nice to me no one appreciates that do they
kind of interesting if bad news meagles can make another major right uh one that was actually interesting was this kid called joey he's spanish he got picked up by the mouse nxt roster and i played some face-up pugs with him over the over the time and but the most recent face-up pug that i played with which was still a long time ago his friend was abusing me so yeah i wasn't playing very well but they also have to remember i'm old as fuck right so they have to be nice to me no one appreciates that do they
No, they don't get it until they're old. They'll get it when they're old.
No, they don't get it until they're old. They'll get it when they're old.
I guess be classified as a living room, I guess because there's a television here. There's a little table where I am right there. Yeah. This armchair. There's an actual chair, which is what my feet are on. There's the couch. Yeah, we're having a great time. But we drove to Cluj from Bucharest.
I guess be classified as a living room, I guess because there's a television here. There's a little table where I am right there. Yeah. This armchair. There's an actual chair, which is what my feet are on. There's the couch. Yeah, we're having a great time. But we drove to Cluj from Bucharest.
How fucking popular are you, man?
How fucking popular are you, man?
All right. So shout out to Joey.
All right. So shout out to Joey.
I just don't know where we start with tonight's actual conversation. Obviously, it's the playoffs of the PGO Occlusion Poker 2025 event.
I just don't know where we start with tonight's actual conversation. Obviously, it's the playoffs of the PGO Occlusion Poker 2025 event.
The Bulgarian from 500. Okay, so I think the thing is the clips, if I was actually gonna make a statement on it, there's a lot of things that I would wanna go and do. So first of all, I would wanna make sure that I had the context of the entire match. So first of all, I'd wanna watch the entire match. Then I'd wanna watch the pop demos. Then I'd watch the POV demos without x-ray.
The Bulgarian from 500. Okay, so I think the thing is the clips, if I was actually gonna make a statement on it, there's a lot of things that I would wanna go and do. So first of all, I would wanna make sure that I had the context of the entire match. So first of all, I'd wanna watch the entire match. Then I'd wanna watch the pop demos. Then I'd watch the POV demos without x-ray.
Then I would want to look at lots of the other matches that he's played before. Maybe go on Skybox Edge and look at the parting he did have on other Mirage games. And then I would probably sit there and I could make a claim. But otherwise, I would feel that I wouldn't be holding my position up very fairly if I was just to say, yeah, because four fucking clips I saw on Twitter.
Then I would want to look at lots of the other matches that he's played before. Maybe go on Skybox Edge and look at the parting he did have on other Mirage games. And then I would probably sit there and I could make a claim. But otherwise, I would feel that I wouldn't be holding my position up very fairly if I was just to say, yeah, because four fucking clips I saw on Twitter.
I thought his parting was very direct. That's what I thought. His padding was very direct.
I thought his parting was very direct. That's what I thought. His padding was very direct.
But at the same time, the clip starts and then it's like only a 10 second clip. There's not enough context of like, what information do they have? You know, I also wasn't looking at what time of the round all of these were happening at, for example. Right. So there's other factors that play into this. It does.
But at the same time, the clip starts and then it's like only a 10 second clip. There's not enough context of like, what information do they have? You know, I also wasn't looking at what time of the round all of these were happening at, for example. Right. So there's other factors that play into this. It does.
Like if you just look at those scenarios and I'm not defending him, I'm saying I need to watch. If I was going to make a comment, I need to look at more.
Like if you just look at those scenarios and I'm not defending him, I'm saying I need to watch. If I was going to make a comment, I need to look at more.
Yeah, but online tier 2, tier 3 Counter-Strike must be fucking crazy. And people using radar cheats. Radar cheats is something that is definitely very possible. They could be doing one of two things. They could have an actual cheat that is taking the information from the computer somehow. I'm not a tech guy, so I don't know how it's doing that.
Yeah, but online tier 2, tier 3 Counter-Strike must be fucking crazy. And people using radar cheats. Radar cheats is something that is definitely very possible. They could be doing one of two things. They could have an actual cheat that is taking the information from the computer somehow. I'm not a tech guy, so I don't know how it's doing that.
It took about six and a half seven hours.
It took about six and a half seven hours.
And then populating a radar on a different screen that they could be looking at. Or they could be paying for...
And then populating a radar on a different screen that they could be looking at. Or they could be paying for...
data from like one of these betting companies that or one of these data companies that provides that information for the for the live betting odds and it could be populating the thing in the same way so it's like possible for this to happen it's just absolutely the conversation this brings up is hey let's make sure that the webcam is not of their face but it's of behind them
data from like one of these betting companies that or one of these data companies that provides that information for the for the live betting odds and it could be populating the thing in the same way so it's like possible for this to happen it's just absolutely the conversation this brings up is hey let's make sure that the webcam is not of their face but it's of behind them
And it shows the screen and everything on their desk within a reasonable space. That's what the webcam should show for online matches. There's obviously other problems. And then the question of like, what round do you start doing this? Do you do it for the top 64 teams? Do you do it for the 128? Do you do it for this? Do you do it for that?
And it shows the screen and everything on their desk within a reasonable space. That's what the webcam should show for online matches. There's obviously other problems. And then the question of like, what round do you start doing this? Do you do it for the top 64 teams? Do you do it for the 128? Do you do it for this? Do you do it for that?
It's like, that has to be a comp, but overall there needs to be better measures put in place, uh, so that we can be monitor the cheat.
It's like, that has to be a comp, but overall there needs to be better measures put in place, uh, so that we can be monitor the cheat.
Yes. Ideally.
Yes. Ideally.
That's a pretty good take, guys. I think we fucking nailed it.
That's a pretty good take, guys. I think we fucking nailed it.
Well, we've got over 90 years combined between the three of us. You'd hope that we're making sensible statements. Maybe more than 100 years. Jason, you were doing remote casting with little Dinkles, Mr. Dinkles.
Well, we've got over 90 years combined between the three of us. You'd hope that we're making sensible statements. Maybe more than 100 years. Jason, you were doing remote casting with little Dinkles, Mr. Dinkles.
Yeah, your sidekick. How was that?
Yeah, your sidekick. How was that?
Why?
Why?
Sad, man. It's sad, but it's also good, like in the sense that the core of the team, Agile, Muterus, and of course, Story, this is really important for them, right? Getting a top eight in an event like this with the prize money, the LAN wins, is actually really important for them going forward to get more invitations because of the VRS. But overall, it just sucks that a dead team
Sad, man. It's sad, but it's also good, like in the sense that the core of the team, Agile, Muterus, and of course, Story, this is really important for them, right? Getting a top eight in an event like this with the prize money, the LAN wins, is actually really important for them going forward to get more invitations because of the VRS. But overall, it just sucks that a dead team
has qualified for the arena. It sucks that a dead team beat FlyQuest. It sucks that a dead team beat Complexity.
has qualified for the arena. It sucks that a dead team beat FlyQuest. It sucks that a dead team beat Complexity.
100%, Janko.
100%, Janko.
Yeah, three. But we left at like 7.15 in the morning on Wednesday. And the story goes, we were meant to have a big bus. Not a big bus, but like a bus that would fit nine people. However, they rocked up with a van and a car.
Yeah, three. But we left at like 7.15 in the morning on Wednesday. And the story goes, we were meant to have a big bus. Not a big bus, but like a bus that would fit nine people. However, they rocked up with a van and a car.
Yeah, but they brought in Bobby. You thought Bobby for Jocko. It worked out for the qualifier for Dallas. But it didn't work out after that. So I don't know. I'm not sure. I also didn't, I wasn't casting that 3D Max game. It is kind of crazy to me though that that result is even possible. And that is where I think Saw being liberated by pressure played in the most, right?
Yeah, but they brought in Bobby. You thought Bobby for Jocko. It worked out for the qualifier for Dallas. But it didn't work out after that. So I don't know. I'm not sure. I also didn't, I wasn't casting that 3D Max game. It is kind of crazy to me though that that result is even possible. And that is where I think Saw being liberated by pressure played in the most, right?
Against the FlyQuest game or against the Complexity game, I'm just going to say I think Complexity and FlyQuest must have been bad. But the pressure must go out of the window for SoR in that moment against 3D Max because 3D Max should have been heavy favorites in that game. And that's where playing more aggressive or pushing smokes or whatever.
Against the FlyQuest game or against the Complexity game, I'm just going to say I think Complexity and FlyQuest must have been bad. But the pressure must go out of the window for SoR in that moment against 3D Max because 3D Max should have been heavy favorites in that game. And that's where playing more aggressive or pushing smokes or whatever.
And then also the other thing, at a certain point, the idea that it's a dead team and Roman and SHR getting told when they enter Romania that they're no longer going to be on the team. That probably sucks for the first few days. But when you're in a 2-2 game to qualify for the arena... that probably goes out the window at a certain point.
And then also the other thing, at a certain point, the idea that it's a dead team and Roman and SHR getting told when they enter Romania that they're no longer going to be on the team. That probably sucks for the first few days. But when you're in a 2-2 game to qualify for the arena... that probably goes out the window at a certain point.
And you're like, yeah, we're competitors and we want to win. We want to go as far as we can.
And you're like, yeah, we're competitors and we want to win. We want to go as far as we can.
Oh, yeah, for sure.
Oh, yeah, for sure.
I think the Complexity one, and this isn't to shit on them, this is just to be realistic, is losing a Liege is a massive blow, but then obviously they lost Floppy as well, who is pretty inconsistent, but still very experienced by this point, and they're adding in two new boys, and it's not meant to be a knock at them, they're going to have a learning curve themselves, but to think that Complexity was going to be able to hold a candle to its former glory, which that former glory was also starting to wane anyway towards the tail end of last year,
I think the Complexity one, and this isn't to shit on them, this is just to be realistic, is losing a Liege is a massive blow, but then obviously they lost Floppy as well, who is pretty inconsistent, but still very experienced by this point, and they're adding in two new boys, and it's not meant to be a knock at them, they're going to have a learning curve themselves, but to think that Complexity was going to be able to hold a candle to its former glory, which that former glory was also starting to wane anyway towards the tail end of last year,
So I just had a document in the background that I needed to cover.
So I just had a document in the background that I needed to cover.
I think that they're just having a natural correction based off of where the team's at. It's not a team that is going to be able to compete at the top level. That's just the fact of the matter. And that's not trying to be harsh. It's just that they no longer have the driving factor of a leisure anymore.
I think that they're just having a natural correction based off of where the team's at. It's not a team that is going to be able to compete at the top level. That's just the fact of the matter. And that's not trying to be harsh. It's just that they no longer have the driving factor of a leisure anymore.
And then you could have a good performance from Hauserk and you could have a decent performance from Grimm and then you could be competitive, but you don't have a leisure anymore. And that was the jewel in the crown. FlyQuest went home after Katowice Groups.
And then you could have a good performance from Hauserk and you could have a decent performance from Grimm and then you could be competitive, but you don't have a leisure anymore. And that was the jewel in the crown. FlyQuest went home after Katowice Groups.
uh so with luggage i imagine that's a tight it was it was so scrawny and launders uh they opted out of the seven hour drive uh and they decided they'd stay at the hotel and then fly which was fine they sorted all that out uh and then can you guys hear that yeah whose phone is near their microphone
uh so with luggage i imagine that's a tight it was it was so scrawny and launders uh they opted out of the seven hour drive uh and they decided they'd stay at the hotel and then fly which was fine they sorted all that out uh and then can you guys hear that yeah whose phone is near their microphone
They should have reached out to eat out to see if there was any available boot camp spaces in Belgrade, Serbia.
They should have reached out to eat out to see if there was any available boot camp spaces in Belgrade, Serbia.
No, I didn't think so. It's like Atox is in Lisbon because it was a qualifier for that spot, I'm pretty sure. But yeah. Yeah, I don't know. I think if you had done Katowice groups, Katowice stage one, and you didn't make it stage two, you hang around for like a week and a half. You then actually have that period of time of a boot camp. You go to Serbia so you don't take any more shagging days.
No, I didn't think so. It's like Atox is in Lisbon because it was a qualifier for that spot, I'm pretty sure. But yeah. Yeah, I don't know. I think if you had done Katowice groups, Katowice stage one, and you didn't make it stage two, you hang around for like a week and a half. You then actually have that period of time of a boot camp. You go to Serbia so you don't take any more shagging days.
You come into EPL where you need to get a good result because... if they drop below the Mongolian and Chinese teams, which maybe they already have based off of their performance, then what happens is Mongolia, China will get an extra spot for the MRQ.
You come into EPL where you need to get a good result because... if they drop below the Mongolian and Chinese teams, which maybe they already have based off of their performance, then what happens is Mongolia, China will get an extra spot for the MRQ.
So then Australia loses two options, which then hurts FlyQuest because FlyQuest then have more pressure when they play online qualifier in Australia for the major. And so then you could have stayed for those like 12 days, whatever it was, gone into EPL, had a good result, maintain your position, and then maybe they would have got invited for PGO Bucharest. I don't know. No, 16 teams.
So then Australia loses two options, which then hurts FlyQuest because FlyQuest then have more pressure when they play online qualifier in Australia for the major. And so then you could have stayed for those like 12 days, whatever it was, gone into EPL, had a good result, maintain your position, and then maybe they would have got invited for PGO Bucharest. I don't know. No, 16 teams.
No, they wouldn't have. Oh, but other teams could turn down, so maybe.
No, they wouldn't have. Oh, but other teams could turn down, so maybe.
Where are they in Asia only, Janko? Can you have a look? They'll be behind Liquid and... They'll be behind Liquid and... They're 3rd behind Liquid. How many points a difference between them and the next, which I think is Atox?
Where are they in Asia only, Janko? Can you have a look? They'll be behind Liquid and... They'll be behind Liquid and... They're 3rd behind Liquid. How many points a difference between them and the next, which I think is Atox?
27 points.
27 points.
Ay caramba.
Ay caramba.
so it's it's not it's not pretty out there they're about to get overtaken by m80 if they've dropped down to number six then they're no longer in contention for stage two yeah so first and it there's no sign that that's going to stabilize or get better in any way so they might just say the mrq yeah oh no it's going to be tough for all these teams but at least we're getting a little bit of uh
so it's it's not it's not pretty out there they're about to get overtaken by m80 if they've dropped down to number six then they're no longer in contention for stage two yeah so first and it there's no sign that that's going to stabilize or get better in any way so they might just say the mrq yeah oh no it's going to be tough for all these teams but at least we're getting a little bit of uh
The main stage changes is just reinforcing what already existed, right?
The main stage changes is just reinforcing what already existed, right?
Yeah, so the stage one of Katowice or Cologne, they're kind of disqualified. Yeah.
Yeah, so the stage one of Katowice or Cologne, they're kind of disqualified. Yeah.
Here's what I'll say on that. One of two things is going to happen. Events that run formats that have LAN-based qualifiers will no longer run in tournaments with LAN-based qualifiers. They will either limit the teams and just make it a 16-team tournament, or they will extend the event and keep it at 24, but they'll make all the teams there at once.
Here's what I'll say on that. One of two things is going to happen. Events that run formats that have LAN-based qualifiers will no longer run in tournaments with LAN-based qualifiers. They will either limit the teams and just make it a 16-team tournament, or they will extend the event and keep it at 24, but they'll make all the teams there at once.
So one of those two things will happen, in my mind. Obviously, you need to announce certain details in advance, but that will be the change. There is no point a tournament organizer running an event with a LAN qualifier, like a stage one or a play-in, like for an EPL or a Katowice slash Cologne. It is pointless, it makes no sense.
So one of those two things will happen, in my mind. Obviously, you need to announce certain details in advance, but that will be the change. There is no point a tournament organizer running an event with a LAN qualifier, like a stage one or a play-in, like for an EPL or a Katowice slash Cologne. It is pointless, it makes no sense.
you're putting all this extra money into being able to bring those teams there and pay for all the facilities required. And you're not getting the payoff. You're getting 14.3% worth of scaling of VRS points for those events. So they're not even that enticing if you're a team.
you're putting all this extra money into being able to bring those teams there and pay for all the facilities required. And you're not getting the payoff. You're getting 14.3% worth of scaling of VRS points for those events. So they're not even that enticing if you're a team.
So your options are completely get rid of them, save yourself money and have less teams because you're complying by Valve's rules. And then people will be like, but what about the other teams? It's like, well, they're not incentivized to do that as a TO. So why would you? Because it's the right thing to do. The right thing to do, we wouldn't have any fucking homeless people in the world.
So your options are completely get rid of them, save yourself money and have less teams because you're complying by Valve's rules. And then people will be like, but what about the other teams? It's like, well, they're not incentivized to do that as a TO. So why would you? Because it's the right thing to do. The right thing to do, we wouldn't have any fucking homeless people in the world.
But yeah, they got a flight. They arrived about half an hour after us. But the reason the flying didn't seem like a great idea was, one, if people read the news at the moment. Two, very, very snowy, extreme.
But yeah, they got a flight. They arrived about half an hour after us. But the reason the flying didn't seem like a great idea was, one, if people read the news at the moment. Two, very, very snowy, extreme.
So that's not going to happen. Right?
So that's not going to happen. Right?
Fucking hell.
Fucking hell.
I just meant that maybe Elon could pay for some poor people or some shit. Or universal basic income. Yes, I love that. And then the other option is that these TOs, if they want to contain, sorry, maintain the grandeur of scale, then they will need to be running events with like, maybe you stagger it.
I just meant that maybe Elon could pay for some poor people or some shit. Or universal basic income. Yes, I love that. And then the other option is that these TOs, if they want to contain, sorry, maintain the grandeur of scale, then they will need to be running events with like, maybe you stagger it.
So like you run like two groups for the first couple of days and then you fly home the losers and then you bring in the other teams like overlapping just towards the tail end of those groups and then you run it at that point. So maybe you can mitigate some costs that way.
So like you run like two groups for the first couple of days and then you fly home the losers and then you bring in the other teams like overlapping just towards the tail end of those groups and then you run it at that point. So maybe you can mitigate some costs that way.
So not everybody's there for the entire length of time with hotels and prac rooms and stuff, but there will be a change in that in the future. I don't know if it'll be this year. But I would imagine it would be next year.
So not everybody's there for the entire length of time with hotels and prac rooms and stuff, but there will be a change in that in the future. I don't know if it'll be this year. But I would imagine it would be next year.
I don't like it either.
I don't like it either.
Playoffs, fuck it in the playoffs, man.
Playoffs, fuck it in the playoffs, man.
Which seems more achievable. Unless you're one of the lowest seed teams in the tournament and you get, I don't know, Fnatic and Na'Vi in your GSL group at a major in 2014. That would suck.
Which seems more achievable. Unless you're one of the lowest seed teams in the tournament and you get, I don't know, Fnatic and Na'Vi in your GSL group at a major in 2014. That would suck.
extremely snowy snow for like fucking four days straight um so there was there was a lot of flight delays and whatnot yesterday and we also thought it would be cool if we're all in a bus it worked out fine we're in a car in a van um and we got to see you and alex No, it was in the van. I was in the front seat. Directly behind me was Jacob, who was doing business the whole time.
extremely snowy snow for like fucking four days straight um so there was there was a lot of flight delays and whatnot yesterday and we also thought it would be cool if we're all in a bus it worked out fine we're in a car in a van um and we got to see you and alex No, it was in the van. I was in the front seat. Directly behind me was Jacob, who was doing business the whole time.
But just so people are aware, right? Because I see this crop up sometimes and people are like, oh, this team, this like good team, like top three team in the world only had to beat these guys, these guys and these guys to get to this. And it's like a format where it's like, let's say the ESL format where it's a bracket.
But just so people are aware, right? Because I see this crop up sometimes and people are like, oh, this team, this like good team, like top three team in the world only had to beat these guys, these guys and these guys to get to this. And it's like a format where it's like, let's say the ESL format where it's a bracket.
And they're like the number one or number two highest seeded team in the world. It's like, okay, so you're going to play in your first round against the worst team because you're one of the highest ranked teams. So by the seeding of the tournament, you will play against a bad team.
And they're like the number one or number two highest seeded team in the world. It's like, okay, so you're going to play in your first round against the worst team because you're one of the highest ranked teams. So by the seeding of the tournament, you will play against a bad team.
And then if there's an upset in the game that then leads into your match, then you're going to play against another low seeded team because the fucking other high seeded team fucked up. You see this happen at certain things and people are like, oh, they only played these guys. It's like, well...
And then if there's an upset in the game that then leads into your match, then you're going to play against another low seeded team because the fucking other high seeded team fucked up. You see this happen at certain things and people are like, oh, they only played these guys. It's like, well...
The format, you actually want to get the good players, you want to get the good teams to the playoffs, and because they have a good status, so a good ranking, aka a good seed, they get rewarded with versing teams who are seeded low. That's how it's going to be.
The format, you actually want to get the good players, you want to get the good teams to the playoffs, and because they have a good status, so a good ranking, aka a good seed, they get rewarded with versing teams who are seeded low. That's how it's going to be.
blast next week and not pgl this week or why would you watch pro league next week and not blast and vice you know like it's all the same we spoke i spoke about this on hrtv confirmed i brought it up the the reason i brought it up is because i don't understand the complaint if you're a viewer you like you don't if you don't want to watch don't watch This is how it was pre-pandemic, right?
blast next week and not pgl this week or why would you watch pro league next week and not blast and vice you know like it's all the same we spoke i spoke about this on hrtv confirmed i brought it up the the reason i brought it up is because i don't understand the complaint if you're a viewer you like you don't if you don't want to watch don't watch This is how it was pre-pandemic, right?
He had his laptop tethered to his phone. He's on fucking calls. He was doing work the whole time. Next in was Alex. Then in the back seat was Maui and Blair. And then in the car was Richard and Dust. And we had multiple stops along the way.
He had his laptop tethered to his phone. He's on fucking calls. He was doing work the whole time. Next in was Alex. Then in the back seat was Maui and Blair. And then in the car was Richard and Dust. And we had multiple stops along the way.
And we've gone back to this because this is a course correction from Valve. Valve have come in. They said they don't want the duopoly of the scene controlling, you know, what's going on with everything. So that pushback was to take away the power that the orgs and, sorry, the TOs and the partner teams in those events had to then return us to this mean.
And we've gone back to this because this is a course correction from Valve. Valve have come in. They said they don't want the duopoly of the scene controlling, you know, what's going on with everything. So that pushback was to take away the power that the orgs and, sorry, the TOs and the partner teams in those events had to then return us to this mean.
And then the whole point, the whole conversation that we, I remember having on podcast pre-pandemic was these teams need to choose.
And then the whole point, the whole conversation that we, I remember having on podcast pre-pandemic was these teams need to choose.
That's not true at all. 100% I was. What were you doing? HLTV confirmed, man.
That's not true at all. 100% I was. What were you doing? HLTV confirmed, man.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, man.
Yeah, man.
But yeah, like we've been talking about this forever was like there is choice and I agree with you and the sentiment of us a lot of the same teams and this is why like there was one thing that was irking me and I don't want to upset the Turkish fans because I think that your team is good, but this is one thing I brought up about the way that the Eternal Fire players were looking in the game against 3D Max that they looked like so out of it.
But yeah, like we've been talking about this forever was like there is choice and I agree with you and the sentiment of us a lot of the same teams and this is why like there was one thing that was irking me and I don't want to upset the Turkish fans because I think that your team is good, but this is one thing I brought up about the way that the Eternal Fire players were looking in the game against 3D Max that they looked like so out of it.
No, it's to do with my property tax or something that I have to pay. So I kind of wanted to cover that.
No, it's to do with my property tax or something that I have to pay. So I kind of wanted to cover that.
They looked tilted the whole time that they didn't want to be there and someone was like, oh they said in a vlog that they're really homesick. What are you fucking talking about your home seat? The year just started, right? Okay, so you haven't been home a lot. That's literally their job. Do you want to be elite level in this industry doing this game?
They looked tilted the whole time that they didn't want to be there and someone was like, oh they said in a vlog that they're really homesick. What are you fucking talking about your home seat? The year just started, right? Okay, so you haven't been home a lot. That's literally their job. Do you want to be elite level in this industry doing this game?
But we just had partner leagues for the fucking last three to four years. It's now not like that anymore. We've gone back to how it was pre-pandemic. And the reason we're here is because of Valve.
But we just had partner leagues for the fucking last three to four years. It's now not like that anymore. We've gone back to how it was pre-pandemic. And the reason we're here is because of Valve.
And choose! Don't go to all the events, Janko!
And choose! Don't go to all the events, Janko!
doing the season right then you're like conversation you're like you don't what this can't be the conversation now we literally just started this and we knew this was going to be the case like i'm so i'm so glad it's yanko in this fight right now because i feel like i'm usually the one in this fight get him fucking yanko get swing swing baby this can't be the like we we knew this was going to happen like we valve stepped in to change everything to open the playing field for tos so we knew this was going to be the recourse right we even
doing the season right then you're like conversation you're like you don't what this can't be the conversation now we literally just started this and we knew this was going to be the case like i'm so i'm so glad it's yanko in this fight right now because i feel like i'm usually the one in this fight get him fucking yanko get swing swing baby this can't be the like we we knew this was going to happen like we valve stepped in to change everything to open the playing field for tos so we knew this was going to be the recourse right we even
Yeah, and they had stops along the way. We got to see some of the countryside of Romania, which was quite nice.
Yeah, and they had stops along the way. We got to see some of the countryside of Romania, which was quite nice.
said last year we said top teams were going to skip PGL events we said that late last year we'd heard that we knew that was going to be the case like we had seen that we knew exactly what was going to happen and it's happening but here's the problem guys exercise choice if you're a team and you don't want to go to an event don't Don't go to the event.
said last year we said top teams were going to skip PGL events we said that late last year we'd heard that we knew that was going to be the case like we had seen that we knew exactly what was going to happen and it's happening but here's the problem guys exercise choice if you're a team and you don't want to go to an event don't Don't go to the event.
If you're a viewer and you don't want to watch the event, don't watch the event. What we're going to do is we're going to be having a course correction. We're going to reset. We're going to work out what is actually sustainable for these people as individuals. What's going to be sustainable for viewers? What's going to be sustainable for TOs? That's what we're doing.
If you're a viewer and you don't want to watch the event, don't watch the event. What we're going to do is we're going to be having a course correction. We're going to reset. We're going to work out what is actually sustainable for these people as individuals. What's going to be sustainable for viewers? What's going to be sustainable for TOs? That's what we're doing.
No music.
No music.
No, because people were sleeping. Me, Maui, and Jacob would occasionally go in conversations. Maui was in the backseat. He was on his phone telling us, oh, coming up on the right is a river or coming up on the left is a castle. Alex was watching anime. Blair was sleeping. So yeah, it worked out. There was no need for music. Everyone had their own stuff going on.
No, because people were sleeping. Me, Maui, and Jacob would occasionally go in conversations. Maui was in the backseat. He was on his phone telling us, oh, coming up on the right is a river or coming up on the left is a castle. Alex was watching anime. Blair was sleeping. So yeah, it worked out. There was no need for music. Everyone had their own stuff going on.
Each team?
Each team?
I think the spirit thing is probably a mixture of them being young at the top. Obviously, they started Katowice the year before on the high, but then that target kind of slowly slipped off of their back for points. And then it was coming to this year as the major champs, the bounty win, and the expectation, obviously, to be able to keep
I think the spirit thing is probably a mixture of them being young at the top. Obviously, they started Katowice the year before on the high, but then that target kind of slowly slipped off of their back for points. And then it was coming to this year as the major champs, the bounty win, and the expectation, obviously, to be able to keep
keep that up right and that's something that's going to come with time or maybe it won't come with time maybe they can't hack it but this just goes back to my this is what like you're saying Yanko it's going to take a year and there'll be these conversations I think right like if I was in a room with Valve this is what I reckon the question or the way that they would try and like frame this whole situation
keep that up right and that's something that's going to come with time or maybe it won't come with time maybe they can't hack it but this just goes back to my this is what like you're saying Yanko it's going to take a year and there'll be these conversations I think right like if I was in a room with Valve this is what I reckon the question or the way that they would try and like frame this whole situation
First of all, they wouldn't make a statement that asks questions. So I'm already going to go against that. But I feel like the sentiment of what they would be trying to convey would be, would you rather go to one event a month and go to that event as a top team and your goal is to come top four,
First of all, they wouldn't make a statement that asks questions. So I'm already going to go against that. But I feel like the sentiment of what they would be trying to convey would be, would you rather go to one event a month and go to that event as a top team and your goal is to come top four,
Or do you want to attend every event that is in a month and just do whatever you can at each of those events? Maybe one you'll do well, one you'll knock down in groups, one you'll be middle of the pack, one you'll make the playoffs. And that's the thought that's going to have to come through a lot of these orgs and players' minds.
Or do you want to attend every event that is in a month and just do whatever you can at each of those events? Maybe one you'll do well, one you'll knock down in groups, one you'll be middle of the pack, one you'll make the playoffs. And that's the thought that's going to have to come through a lot of these orgs and players' minds.
It'd be better to go to one event a month and to place really well than it would be to go to four events in a month, wouldn't it?
It'd be better to go to one event a month and to place really well than it would be to go to four events in a month, wouldn't it?
Yeah, that's what I hope. Well, I don't hope. I think that's probably where we'll get to in the future. That future is probably still a couple of years away of tweaks to the system. And we're going to have the TOs go to war come 2027, right? They're just going to overlap with each other and try and blow each other out of the water. It's not going to be them working together.
Yeah, that's what I hope. Well, I don't hope. I think that's probably where we'll get to in the future. That future is probably still a couple of years away of tweaks to the system. And we're going to have the TOs go to war come 2027, right? They're just going to overlap with each other and try and blow each other out of the water. It's not going to be them working together.
They're not going to be, hey, let's be friends. They're going to be like, yo, let me come here and slice your throat open and book your venue and do this and do that. It's going to be crazy, man.
They're not going to be, hey, let's be friends. They're going to be like, yo, let me come here and slice your throat open and book your venue and do this and do that. It's going to be crazy, man.
I paid like nine grand worth of bills in the last five days. And I'm just like, I'm over paperwork. I'm fucking I'm done. I just don't want any more bills to come in the door. They just keep coming though. There's more paperwork had to make fucking resume today. Thanks to grok shout out to grok one time unironically used AI to help me do something. So that was nice.
I paid like nine grand worth of bills in the last five days. And I'm just like, I'm over paperwork. I'm fucking I'm done. I just don't want any more bills to come in the door. They just keep coming though. There's more paperwork had to make fucking resume today. Thanks to grok shout out to grok one time unironically used AI to help me do something. So that was nice.
it's gonna be wild like there's there's gonna be a lot of that uh and you know we there's always the question of like what's sustainable or what should be sustainable i feel like what's sustainable is what is right like if we're still going and the ball's still in motion good but that's always going to change and that's life like sometimes the global economy is in a spot sometimes it's in a good spot it's going to be the same with our space sometimes we're in a good spot sometimes we're in a bad spot
it's gonna be wild like there's there's gonna be a lot of that uh and you know we there's always the question of like what's sustainable or what should be sustainable i feel like what's sustainable is what is right like if we're still going and the ball's still in motion good but that's always going to change and that's life like sometimes the global economy is in a spot sometimes it's in a good spot it's going to be the same with our space sometimes we're in a good spot sometimes we're in a bad spot
It's like a lot of traditional sports out there are struggling at the moment, but maybe they'll come back. Maybe they won't. Like it doesn't, it's not the answers that people are looking for. And we, as people who are involved in this and all the other people involved in this, we should all be striving for the best thing we possibly can. We also need to be realistic about like what's available.
It's like a lot of traditional sports out there are struggling at the moment, but maybe they'll come back. Maybe they won't. Like it doesn't, it's not the answers that people are looking for. And we, as people who are involved in this and all the other people involved in this, we should all be striving for the best thing we possibly can. We also need to be realistic about like what's available.
What happened?
What happened?
What type of sponsors can we get? We have terrorists in the name. Over to Jason with the beard.
What type of sponsors can we get? We have terrorists in the name. Over to Jason with the beard.
I like this stuff.
I like this stuff.
Well, we have three clear models at the moment, right? So we have PGLs, which we're saying the prize money goes and however that prize money is spread between the org and the players is determined based off contracts of them. That's not a PGL problem. That's not a viewer problem. That's a them problem, right? Whatever that is. So that's one.
Well, we have three clear models at the moment, right? So we have PGLs, which we're saying the prize money goes and however that prize money is spread between the org and the players is determined based off contracts of them. That's not a PGL problem. That's not a viewer problem. That's a them problem, right? Whatever that is. So that's one.
They have that, but they also have like appearance fees, right? Based off of where you are in the VRS ranking. So those appearance fees have to be merit-based. So like, let's say that you're, I forget it exactly, but like you're one to four, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, you're five to eight, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, right?
They have that, but they also have like appearance fees, right? Based off of where you are in the VRS ranking. So those appearance fees have to be merit-based. So like, let's say that you're, I forget it exactly, but like you're one to four, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, you're five to eight, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, right?
So they have those two things. ESL have club money. So club money is the prize money that will go to your organization as opposed to the players. And the reason this is introduced is because semantics, Because a lot of these orgs with their players have a deal where the majority of the prize money, if not 100% of the prize money, goes directly to the players.
So they have those two things. ESL have club money. So club money is the prize money that will go to your organization as opposed to the players. And the reason this is introduced is because semantics, Because a lot of these orgs with their players have a deal where the majority of the prize money, if not 100% of the prize money, goes directly to the players.
So the semantics that ESL have introduced with the idea of club money implies that the money that is earned based off of the placing at the tournament goes directly to the organization, aka the club, as opposed to the players. And then the other thing that they have is, don't they also have like a revenue share thing?
So the semantics that ESL have introduced with the idea of club money implies that the money that is earned based off of the placing at the tournament goes directly to the organization, aka the club, as opposed to the players. And then the other thing that they have is, don't they also have like a revenue share thing?
But that also has to be based off of merit-based things like the viewership and all that type of stuff that you bring in. So there's those three different models, right? And then I even step back one further and I look at all of these businesses and I think ESL and Blast are probably more similar in terms of like if I was going to group them, what are they or what are they trying to be?
But that also has to be based off of merit-based things like the viewership and all that type of stuff that you bring in. So there's those three different models, right? And then I even step back one further and I look at all of these businesses and I think ESL and Blast are probably more similar in terms of like if I was going to group them, what are they or what are they trying to be?
And if I put PGL to another side, PGL in my mind is the pure old school business They're a tournament organizer. They run tournaments, right? They do the production for the tournaments. They're not trying to be anything else. They're not trying to be a powerhouse on social media. They're not trying to have a massive network of content. They just run the event. They put the event on you.
And if I put PGL to another side, PGL in my mind is the pure old school business They're a tournament organizer. They run tournaments, right? They do the production for the tournaments. They're not trying to be anything else. They're not trying to be a powerhouse on social media. They're not trying to have a massive network of content. They just run the event. They put the event on you.
Really?
Really?
Watch it if you want to watch it.
Watch it if you want to watch it.
enjoy sponsors on it that's it that's what they do whereas like blast is trying to do blast.tv that's why it's the blast.tv paris major the blast.tv austin major they've got like some people there who are interested in tech and cracking the esports code and how do we make money out of that and esl is similar in a way but esl is even broader than blast like extensively gaming festivals they want to be the gaming experience build communities community focus live legendary yeah
enjoy sponsors on it that's it that's what they do whereas like blast is trying to do blast.tv that's why it's the blast.tv paris major the blast.tv austin major they've got like some people there who are interested in tech and cracking the esports code and how do we make money out of that and esl is similar in a way but esl is even broader than blast like extensively gaming festivals they want to be the gaming experience build communities community focus live legendary yeah
Exactly. So that's leading into lifestyle a little bit more. So I look at it from even a broader perspective and I go, well, what is the ultimate outcome or what is the best outcome or what should we be trying to achieve? And again... we have to stop. I hate, I'm just over the fucking lumped in terms of e-sports too. Like, cause we've had, I had this conversation a million times.
Exactly. So that's leading into lifestyle a little bit more. So I look at it from even a broader perspective and I go, well, what is the ultimate outcome or what is the best outcome or what should we be trying to achieve? And again... we have to stop. I hate, I'm just over the fucking lumped in terms of e-sports too. Like, cause we've had, I had this conversation a million times.
Is it called Edge of Tomorrow Vibes?
Is it called Edge of Tomorrow Vibes?
It's just for Counter-Strike is how we should be focusing is like on, on what we should be looking at for Counter-Strike because if Counter-Strike can be a business where companies make money and I'm pretty sure PGL do right. And as we said, they're not trying to be any of these other cringe things. They're just trying to be a tournament organizer who runs tournaments.
It's just for Counter-Strike is how we should be focusing is like on, on what we should be looking at for Counter-Strike because if Counter-Strike can be a business where companies make money and I'm pretty sure PGL do right. And as we said, they're not trying to be any of these other cringe things. They're just trying to be a tournament organizer who runs tournaments.
Yeah. And they make money. Well then doesn't that, isn't that a good business model? Like, doesn't that mean it's a good business model or am I like wrong?
Yeah. And they make money. Well then doesn't that, isn't that a good business model? Like, doesn't that mean it's a good business model or am I like wrong?
Oh, there it is. Okay. Yeah, I'm having a look right now.
Oh, there it is. Okay. Yeah, I'm having a look right now.
Well, we're going to sell that actually. So we need to play that three times a series. And yeah, they want it to be from, they can't show guns though, Janko. So can you work with that? Can that work?
Well, we're going to sell that actually. So we need to play that three times a series. And yeah, they want it to be from, they can't show guns though, Janko. So can you work with that? Can that work?
That's so hilarious. I won't name the sponsor, but there was literally a sponsor that wouldn't have their logo on the screen if there was guns and they sponsored Counter-Strike. It's like, what are you doing?
That's so hilarious. I won't name the sponsor, but there was literally a sponsor that wouldn't have their logo on the screen if there was guns and they sponsored Counter-Strike. It's like, what are you doing?
Oh yeah, absolutely. We'll work out a way. Don't worry.
Oh yeah, absolutely. We'll work out a way. Don't worry.
It's like you like the young audience this much, but you don't like the thing that the young audience finds interesting.
It's like you like the young audience this much, but you don't like the thing that the young audience finds interesting.
And that's why we love New Jersey and America.
And that's why we love New Jersey and America.
I'm so American-peeled these days, man. I'm trying to bring all the American fans back online, man.
I'm so American-peeled these days, man. I'm trying to bring all the American fans back online, man.
It's great. It's liberating. It's the place of freedom. You guys have it all sorted out over there. And honestly, the whole time that I was ever saying anything negative about the States is because it came from a place, Jason, you know this, of envy. Deep, deep envy. I understand that very much. I'm so on board now. And look, I love all of our American viewers. And I hope that you keep watching.
It's great. It's liberating. It's the place of freedom. You guys have it all sorted out over there. And honestly, the whole time that I was ever saying anything negative about the States is because it came from a place, Jason, you know this, of envy. Deep, deep envy. I understand that very much. I'm so on board now. And look, I love all of our American viewers. And I hope that you keep watching.
How's he gone and done that?
How's he gone and done that?
And I hope that you forgive me for maybe anything negative I ever said about America.
And I hope that you forgive me for maybe anything negative I ever said about America.
And I'm glad you did that, Jason. I'm glad that you came down from your ivory tower and you showed me the condensation at its finest.
And I'm glad you did that, Jason. I'm glad that you came down from your ivory tower and you showed me the condensation at its finest.
Absolutely the best time of my life. Some of the happiest times.
Absolutely the best time of my life. Some of the happiest times.
It's true. In casinos, it was raining money. And I've got family from the States as well. They live somewhere in Texas.
It's true. In casinos, it was raining money. And I've got family from the States as well. They live somewhere in Texas.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, yeah. I don't know where I could go with that. Chad, did you play?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, yeah. I don't know where I could go with that. Chad, did you play?
No. There was no way to qualify.
No. There was no way to qualify.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I don't think for 2015 there was a way to qualify. Occlusion of BOGO 2015, yeah. That's very possible, yeah.
I don't think for 2015 there was a way to qualify. Occlusion of BOGO 2015, yeah. That's very possible, yeah.
Yeah. So that is what it is. But, yeah.
Yeah. So that is what it is. But, yeah.
I'm just checking right now if there definitely was no qualifier.
I'm just checking right now if there definitely was no qualifier.
2015.
2015.
Major qualifier 2015. Yeah, I think we lost to Schneider's Dignitas.
Major qualifier 2015. Yeah, I think we lost to Schneider's Dignitas.
We were renegades at the time. Yeah, we did. We did lose to Schneider's Dignitas.
We were renegades at the time. Yeah, we did. We did lose to Schneider's Dignitas.
That was with Lex and, like, yeah. Pit was in that roster.
That was with Lex and, like, yeah. Pit was in that roster.
I guess he's very low.
I guess he's very low.
uh gnt jnt jnt he's doing his best brazilian there uh okay that's about as cool as afro trialing for og um it's up there i'm glad jason tried saying that he's trying to pull us back on track i gotta well i just i i you know again fluff episode there's not a whole lot of like hardcore counter-strike going on especially doing a doing an episode right before playoffs begin we could talk about the playoffs we could i feel like we did that last episode didn't we
uh gnt jnt jnt he's doing his best brazilian there uh okay that's about as cool as afro trialing for og um it's up there i'm glad jason tried saying that he's trying to pull us back on track i gotta well i just i i you know again fluff episode there's not a whole lot of like hardcore counter-strike going on especially doing a doing an episode right before playoffs begin we could talk about the playoffs we could i feel like we did that last episode didn't we
You're confusing this with snakes and banter, Jason. Another three-box podcast.
You're confusing this with snakes and banter, Jason. Another three-box podcast.
Well, you'd hope the defuser is the headshot guy, right?
Well, you'd hope the defuser is the headshot guy, right?
Look how enthused he is for this. This fucking guy. That's an interesting conversation, Jason. Big Yuzuru finally making it to a power field stage match. It's been a long time since he's been kept away.
Look how enthused he is for this. This fucking guy. That's an interesting conversation, Jason. Big Yuzuru finally making it to a power field stage match. It's been a long time since he's been kept away.
And then when you take a look at the team that they're going up against, it's a shaky mouse, but on their first event with Sphinx in the roster, they do make a top eight, which I feel like was probably the bare minimum expectation. Brolin's in-game leading. It's been hit and miss, and probably people would say a little bit more miss just based off of some of the T sides overall.
And then when you take a look at the team that they're going up against, it's a shaky mouse, but on their first event with Sphinx in the roster, they do make a top eight, which I feel like was probably the bare minimum expectation. Brolin's in-game leading. It's been hit and miss, and probably people would say a little bit more miss just based off of some of the T sides overall.
I think so, yeah.
I think so, yeah.
But it's still really early days. You wouldn't expect Brolin to be one of the best in-game leaders in the world immediately. And they're having to work and change some spots and bring Spinks in. And he's the more active lurk, with Jimmy as the standard lurk and anchor. So, you know, there's all these factors that come together.
But it's still really early days. You wouldn't expect Brolin to be one of the best in-game leaders in the world immediately. And they're having to work and change some spots and bring Spinks in. And he's the more active lurk, with Jimmy as the standard lurk and anchor. So, you know, there's all these factors that come together.
But you would say, based off the experience factor, that Mao should be the favorites going into that game. They won't be able to play Ancient, though. There'll be no Ancient.
But you would say, based off the experience factor, that Mao should be the favorites going into that game. They won't be able to play Ancient, though. There'll be no Ancient.
Because they had a rough exit in Katowice, didn't they? Yeah, they really did. They didn't end up making it out of Stage 1 into Stage 2.
Because they had a rough exit in Katowice, didn't they? Yeah, they really did. They didn't end up making it out of Stage 1 into Stage 2.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. The first kills, wait. Wait.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. The first kills, wait. Wait.
I have a feeling that he was meant to be an aggressive piece, but they've ended up tailoring him to be more of a passive piece. So I don't think you're going to get the best out of a player when his natural inclination is to be more aggressive. And Davideas and Bigizura are obviously going to get all of those spots and responsibilities.
I have a feeling that he was meant to be an aggressive piece, but they've ended up tailoring him to be more of a passive piece. So I don't think you're going to get the best out of a player when his natural inclination is to be more aggressive. And Davideas and Bigizura are obviously going to get all of those spots and responsibilities.
So, you know, unless you use him more actively for map control on the T side, or you liberate him to take some aggressive lurks, then it is going to be tough for him to be an impactful player.
So, you know, unless you use him more actively for map control on the T side, or you liberate him to take some aggressive lurks, then it is going to be tough for him to be an impactful player.
I think eventually, right? But he's only 17.
I think eventually, right? But he's only 17.
Yeah, it might just be a thing with time.
Yeah, it might just be a thing with time.
Yeah, and they changed it back.
Yeah, and they changed it back.
I think Pain is a team that is just going to have to continue to kind of add bricks this year, right? So we'll see, because they've been like slowly, gradually, like, you know, having, okay, this is a good performance. This one's not so good, but there's promise there, right? So it's, and I don't think that they're going to get any pieces to majorly upgrade anything within that organization.
I think Pain is a team that is just going to have to continue to kind of add bricks this year, right? So we'll see, because they've been like slowly, gradually, like, you know, having, okay, this is a good performance. This one's not so good, but there's promise there, right? So it's, and I don't think that they're going to get any pieces to majorly upgrade anything within that organization.
But watch. Pause it.
But watch. Pause it.
It would probably be someone like Big Yuzuru going elsewhere, right? Or like NQZ going elsewhere.
It would probably be someone like Big Yuzuru going elsewhere, right? Or like NQZ going elsewhere.
As he starts shooting, and it looks like the defuser dies first. Or...
As he starts shooting, and it looks like the defuser dies first. Or...
You know, it's like...
You know, it's like...
Big, big zero is the most exciting thing about that team because he's the best Brazilian in game leader. I think.
Big, big zero is the most exciting thing about that team because he's the best Brazilian in game leader. I think.
I don't know.
I don't know.
Give me Insani.
Give me Insani.
Janko, look at Jason's microphone for a second.
Janko, look at Jason's microphone for a second.
I told you, I told you.
I told you, I told you.
Look harder. It's a whole different mic.
Look harder. It's a whole different mic.
Sorry, it's great. It just looked like a dragon dildo before. So now you're online with the rest of the boys. So I'm happy to see the change. So sorry to interrupt the conversation, but we were just saying that pain was boring.
Sorry, it's great. It just looked like a dragon dildo before. So now you're online with the rest of the boys. So I'm happy to see the change. So sorry to interrupt the conversation, but we were just saying that pain was boring.
Can I ask a question though? One that could make the thought of pain more interesting. Will they beat Malz tomorrow?
Can I ask a question though? One that could make the thought of pain more interesting. Will they beat Malz tomorrow?
Bianco's thinking about it.
Bianco's thinking about it.
Are you talking about an online Counter-Strike match?
Are you talking about an online Counter-Strike match?
losing your identity as a player and losing value because of it all right jason i got uh you know there's a few of these that happened where i was like yeah yeah i think this guy can do this like he's experienced enough he he's gonna take on the the task and that like device was the example that is yes it's gone me uh but like now the thing is if if twists
losing your identity as a player and losing value because of it all right jason i got uh you know there's a few of these that happened where i was like yeah yeah i think this guy can do this like he's experienced enough he he's gonna take on the the task and that like device was the example that is yes it's gone me uh but like now the thing is if if twists
If Twist stops being an in-game leader by the end of this year, Jason, I'm never in my life again when a player who is clearly not... Because, you know, I was thinking about this today. It actually upsets me to hear that because I was an in-game leader, right? And I actually wanted to be an in-game leader.
If Twist stops being an in-game leader by the end of this year, Jason, I'm never in my life again when a player who is clearly not... Because, you know, I was thinking about this today. It actually upsets me to hear that because I was an in-game leader, right? And I actually wanted to be an in-game leader.
Like I know what it actually was like to what like I know the attributes that I had that I think I know I had attributes that made me a bad leader, don't get me wrong. But I also think that I had attributes that were good attributes about me and the way that I go about scenarios that made me a good leader. And I had the feeling of wanting to be a leader.
Like I know what it actually was like to what like I know the attributes that I had that I think I know I had attributes that made me a bad leader, don't get me wrong. But I also think that I had attributes that were good attributes about me and the way that I go about scenarios that made me a good leader. And I had the feeling of wanting to be a leader.
And if these people are just saying this, and they don't actually have that, I'm kind of upset on the discipline of being an in game leader. They're upsetting in game leaders everywhere.
And if these people are just saying this, and they don't actually have that, I'm kind of upset on the discipline of being an in game leader. They're upsetting in game leaders everywhere.
Well, I was just trying to get a quote that I remember from Peter Pan, gentlemen. Maybe you guys remember this.
Well, I was just trying to get a quote that I remember from Peter Pan, gentlemen. Maybe you guys remember this.
Whenever a child says, I don't believe in fairies, there's a little fairy somewhere that falls right down dead. So I think every time like a star player or like any moderate aggressive rifler comes out and says, I want to be an in-game leader, I think a previous in-game leader somewhere around the world drops down dead. So at some point... You're in trouble, Chad.
Whenever a child says, I don't believe in fairies, there's a little fairy somewhere that falls right down dead. So I think every time like a star player or like any moderate aggressive rifler comes out and says, I want to be an in-game leader, I think a previous in-game leader somewhere around the world drops down dead. So at some point... You're in trouble, Chad.
We're going to stop it now. I don't want it to be me.
We're going to stop it now. I don't want it to be me.
It'll be a good map pool for them. It'll be for both teams, really. It'll probably be some configuration of like Ancient Mirage, Inferno, probably.
It'll be a good map pool for them. It'll be for both teams, really. It'll probably be some configuration of like Ancient Mirage, Inferno, probably.
Exactly. Yeah, no, look, okay, so there's a couple things to unpack here. I don't really want to talk about the matchup against Heroic because I have certain feelings about the Heroic team at the moment until they get some more experience. I think I've mentioned it before.
Exactly. Yeah, no, look, okay, so there's a couple things to unpack here. I don't really want to talk about the matchup against Heroic because I have certain feelings about the Heroic team at the moment until they get some more experience. I think I've mentioned it before.
Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Yeah, I would, the more I think about the pain mouse game, like the reason I'm edging, I know we're talking about Mongols right now, but the reason I'm edging mouse over pain is experience. But when I start looking at like the depth of map pool, pain should have them covered. So I think I'm like 60, 40 miles, actually I'm 55, 45 miles in that one.
Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Yeah, I would, the more I think about the pain mouse game, like the reason I'm edging, I know we're talking about Mongols right now, but the reason I'm edging mouse over pain is experience. But when I start looking at like the depth of map pool, pain should have them covered. So I think I'm like 60, 40 miles, actually I'm 55, 45 miles in that one.
So I think pain actually have a good shot. In this Mongols one right now, I think I'm 65, 35 Mongols. Because at the moment, Astralis haven't been playing comprehensive Counter-Strike as a team. Astralis are like all over the place there. It just looks weird. It doesn't look like they're on the same page in their approach to the game.
So I think pain actually have a good shot. In this Mongols one right now, I think I'm 65, 35 Mongols. Because at the moment, Astralis haven't been playing comprehensive Counter-Strike as a team. Astralis are like all over the place there. It just looks weird. It doesn't look like they're on the same page in their approach to the game.
Awesome. What is your daddy? Who is your daddy and what does he do? What's that one? is a low-key banger yeah it's a good film it's a good film arnold does some great movies man yeah he nailed the 90s it was a real good decade his documentary is pretty interesting too why have we never parodied any arnold stuff with yanko as arnold i am not buff enough yet Get to the chopper.
Awesome. What is your daddy? Who is your daddy and what does he do? What's that one? is a low-key banger yeah it's a good film it's a good film arnold does some great movies man yeah he nailed the 90s it was a real good decade his documentary is pretty interesting too why have we never parodied any arnold stuff with yanko as arnold i am not buff enough yet Get to the chopper.
Okay, well, we'll start working now. Yeah, I don't... Who you got winning?
Okay, well, we'll start working now. Yeah, I don't... Who you got winning?
I feel like they're not very experienced at the moment in the purest of domains, which will come with time, but currently they are more comfortable in their houses. Second, the new Astralis jersey. I know people are like, why did they do a black jersey? Everybody has black and white jerseys. Who cares? Who cares? Why do we care so much about jerseys? Who really cares? Also, it looks fine.
I feel like they're not very experienced at the moment in the purest of domains, which will come with time, but currently they are more comfortable in their houses. Second, the new Astralis jersey. I know people are like, why did they do a black jersey? Everybody has black and white jerseys. Who cares? Who cares? Why do we care so much about jerseys? Who really cares? Also, it looks fine.
Can we just do the FaZe versus Saul one? Does anyone think Saul's cool?
Can we just do the FaZe versus Saul one? Does anyone think Saul's cool?
Lily Phoenix. Lily Phillips. Phillips. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And Bonnie Phoenix. Yeah, yeah. Both pregnant now, of course. It can't be to the dudes that they were getting like group gangbang by, right? Because think about it. Surely you were wearing protection. So it's got to be.
Lily Phoenix. Lily Phillips. Phillips. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And Bonnie Phoenix. Yeah, yeah. Both pregnant now, of course. It can't be to the dudes that they were getting like group gangbang by, right? Because think about it. Surely you were wearing protection. So it's got to be.
It's not 100%.
It's not 100%.
That's what you said. As we heard. As we heard, right? Right, guys? Jason's been paying for the only fans. So, dude, does anybody here think that Saw can beat FaZe?
That's what you said. As we heard. As we heard, right? Right, guys? Jason's been paying for the only fans. So, dude, does anybody here think that Saw can beat FaZe?
We don't have to waste any time talking about that matchup. But we can talk about then the Falcons versus EF game, which I think is quite interesting because Falcons ban Anubis. So that means the one map that the EF are the most comfortable on is gone. Falcons also always pick Dust2, which they will be able to pick because EF are going to ban Ancient.
We don't have to waste any time talking about that matchup. But we can talk about then the Falcons versus EF game, which I think is quite interesting because Falcons ban Anubis. So that means the one map that the EF are the most comfortable on is gone. Falcons also always pick Dust2, which they will be able to pick because EF are going to ban Ancient.
So there's a chance that Falcons beat EF, everybody. I'm just saying.
So there's a chance that Falcons beat EF, everybody. I'm just saying.
Jason, if I'm in the locker room, I'm walking around, I'm pacing back and forth, and I'm saying to these boys, This is what we always wanted. We always wanted the plucky upstarts. To put Turkish Counter-Strike on the map. And we're doing it not only for ourselves, but for the future of our families and the people watching at home.
Jason, if I'm in the locker room, I'm walking around, I'm pacing back and forth, and I'm saying to these boys, This is what we always wanted. We always wanted the plucky upstarts. To put Turkish Counter-Strike on the map. And we're doing it not only for ourselves, but for the future of our families and the people watching at home.
We can make generational wealth if we come into tournaments like this and we start winning. And right now we're a top three team. I don't give a fuck how tired you are. I don't care how much you want to go home. I don't care how much you want to see your fucking family. This is Counter-Strike. We're a team on the rise. We're Cardia. Jota, you guys are hitting hard.
We can make generational wealth if we come into tournaments like this and we start winning. And right now we're a top three team. I don't give a fuck how tired you are. I don't care how much you want to go home. I don't care how much you want to see your fucking family. This is Counter-Strike. We're a team on the rise. We're Cardia. Jota, you guys are hitting hard.
I'm going to make some good calls. Zantaras, you hit the headshots. And the Southpaw sniper walks in. I want you to give it your all like it's 2019 and I'm fucking carrying it. We're going to go out there. We're going to storm the stage. And we're going to take this fucking grand final. And they're going to say that in Turkish.
I'm going to make some good calls. Zantaras, you hit the headshots. And the Southpaw sniper walks in. I want you to give it your all like it's 2019 and I'm fucking carrying it. We're going to go out there. We're going to storm the stage. And we're going to take this fucking grand final. And they're going to say that in Turkish.
Yeah, look, so for visa shit, mate, fucking visa nonsense.
Yeah, look, so for visa shit, mate, fucking visa nonsense.
They're gonna sell it in Turkish, obviously. Yeah, that's a recreation. Yeah, yeah. Because man, like, honestly, you think about it, you're a team who could literally walk worth 400,000 euros. If you win this event. Yes. And for EF, it's not like they have a massive org. Like it's a big org in Turkey, sure.
They're gonna sell it in Turkish, obviously. Yeah, that's a recreation. Yeah, yeah. Because man, like, honestly, you think about it, you're a team who could literally walk worth 400,000 euros. If you win this event. Yes. And for EF, it's not like they have a massive org. Like it's a big org in Turkey, sure.
But I think about how much of that prize money these guys are likely going to get out of that. And it'd be a massive tier one win for them. It could do massive for the confidence down the stretch.
But I think about how much of that prize money these guys are likely going to get out of that. And it'd be a massive tier one win for them. It could do massive for the confidence down the stretch.
It doesn't look bad. Their old one was really cool. This one is still cool. And I don't really care about the color. I'm just looking at the jersey.
It doesn't look bad. Their old one was really cool. This one is still cool. And I don't really care about the color. I'm just looking at the jersey.
Is this a Ted Bundy quote? Not Ted Bundy. He's a murderer. What's the TV show with the American guy that went over to coach the... Ted Lasso. Is this a Ted Lasso quote?
Is this a Ted Bundy quote? Not Ted Bundy. He's a murderer. What's the TV show with the American guy that went over to coach the... Ted Lasso. Is this a Ted Lasso quote?
I gotta find it.
I gotta find it.
Yeah, I think it's fine. It's fine, Jersey. It's all good. Who really cares about, like, who gives a fuck? Are you buying a Jersey? Are you someone buying it? Who's buying a Jersey? What are you, a fucking six-year-old boy, and you're going to watch the game? Like, what are we talking about, man?
Yeah, I think it's fine. It's fine, Jersey. It's all good. Who really cares about, like, who gives a fuck? Are you buying a Jersey? Are you someone buying it? Who's buying a Jersey? What are you, a fucking six-year-old boy, and you're going to watch the game? Like, what are we talking about, man?
I think he doesn't have to be a system-based AWPer in this team, though.
I think he doesn't have to be a system-based AWPer in this team, though.
Exactly. And I think he's going to get a bit more freedom in this team to do kind of moves. And he looked the best I've seen him in the last series that I saw them play. Janko and Jason, if I play this scene from Ted Lasso... Do you think it'll get us in trouble and taken down off YouTube? We'll be fine on Spotify.
Exactly. And I think he's going to get a bit more freedom in this team to do kind of moves. And he looked the best I've seen him in the last series that I saw them play. Janko and Jason, if I play this scene from Ted Lasso... Do you think it'll get us in trouble and taken down off YouTube? We'll be fine on Spotify.
It's a good thing, Yanko. You haven't seen Ted Lasso. Ted Lasso's kind of nice. Can I play it? Do you think I can get away with it?
It's a good thing, Yanko. You haven't seen Ted Lasso. Ted Lasso's kind of nice. Can I play it? Do you think I can get away with it?
It's kind of long. We'll see how long we can listen to this. But, Yanko, you said it's based off of Iverson, right?
It's kind of long. We'll see how long we can listen to this. But, Yanko, you said it's based off of Iverson, right?
Well, here we go. How's Jamie doing? Says he can't practice today. Says he's hurt.
Well, here we go. How's Jamie doing? Says he can't practice today. Says he's hurt.
Yeah, so you guys could hear it.
Yeah, so you guys could hear it.
Oh, man. It's only 12 seconds. It's fine, man. We're fine. It's fine.
Oh, man. It's only 12 seconds. It's fine, man. We're fine. It's fine.
One of the most listened to podcasts in the world versus three fucking idiots.
One of the most listened to podcasts in the world versus three fucking idiots.
Yeah, start talking about ivermectin and COVID, Jason. What are your thoughts on CNN? How do you feel about Joe Biden?
Yeah, start talking about ivermectin and COVID, Jason. What are your thoughts on CNN? How do you feel about Joe Biden?
Tell us about Kamala Harris. What about Gavin Newsom?
Tell us about Kamala Harris. What about Gavin Newsom?
I don't know what I mean. Yeah, Jason did go to the inauguration, actually. I did, yeah.
I don't know what I mean. Yeah, Jason did go to the inauguration, actually. I did, yeah.
Janko, you're the expert on all things Niko, though. How do you feel about the team right now? We'll come to you live with Janko.
Janko, you're the expert on all things Niko, though. How do you feel about the team right now? We'll come to you live with Janko.
Well, they're the models for the Jersey, Jason.
Well, they're the models for the Jersey, Jason.
no i get it i understand it it just it just seems a little silly to have to have that all over the place and i just want to say i don't really care if people buy jerseys i'm only joking this is an entertainment product if you like buying a jersey of a team that you support i think that you should do that all right don't get you don't get your panties in a bunch all right guys that's fine you can buy whatever you want i don't really care spend as much money possible on esports yeah and give it all to us uh the paypal is talking counter at
no i get it i understand it it just it just seems a little silly to have to have that all over the place and i just want to say i don't really care if people buy jerseys i'm only joking this is an entertainment product if you like buying a jersey of a team that you support i think that you should do that all right don't get you don't get your panties in a bunch all right guys that's fine you can buy whatever you want i don't really care spend as much money possible on esports yeah and give it all to us uh the paypal is talking counter at
I think they picked Dust2 100%. I think Dust2 is their map now. They lost to Mouz on the most recent, but they were six in a row before that Mouz game. And Eternal Fire's Dust2 also looks really not...
I think they picked Dust2 100%. I think Dust2 is their map now. They lost to Mouz on the most recent, but they were six in a row before that Mouz game. And Eternal Fire's Dust2 also looks really not...
not poor but it does it doesn't look good it doesn't look like one of their stronger maps so i feel like that's what falcons pick and then i think eternal fire probably picked nuke to be honest with you i think they probably picked nuke or inferno probably inferno again i mean they beat them two times handily yeah
not poor but it does it doesn't look good it doesn't look like one of their stronger maps so i feel like that's what falcons pick and then i think eternal fire probably picked nuke to be honest with you i think they probably picked nuke or inferno probably inferno again i mean they beat them two times handily yeah
So let's make some picks.
So let's make some picks.
Well, it was all sensible up until the last one. Yes, exactly. I know.
Well, it was all sensible up until the last one. Yes, exactly. I know.
Best of five. They both banned Train.
Best of five. They both banned Train.
I think so, too. I think I put percentages on it before. I think I said 55-45 in the Miles series to Mongols. I think I said, no, it was the Pain series. It was the Pain-Miles, yeah. Yeah, 55-45 to Miles in the Pain series. Because I can say World War Pain win, but let's go with Miles. I think Mongols 65-35 over Astralis. I think fucking should be 85-15 with fucking Saw versus FaZe.
I think so, too. I think I put percentages on it before. I think I said 55-45 in the Miles series to Mongols. I think I said, no, it was the Pain series. It was the Pain-Miles, yeah. Yeah, 55-45 to Miles in the Pain series. Because I can say World War Pain win, but let's go with Miles. I think Mongols 65-35 over Astralis. I think fucking should be 85-15 with fucking Saw versus FaZe.
Yeah, but we can never count out the dead team buff. For some reason, it's just like magic. It's this EF versus Falcons game that's got me that I kind of would want to lay out the logic on a bit more. I think the Falcons picked us two and I think that they win it. They're already one map in the series as a minimum. Obviously, idiot.
Yeah, but we can never count out the dead team buff. For some reason, it's just like magic. It's this EF versus Falcons game that's got me that I kind of would want to lay out the logic on a bit more. I think the Falcons picked us two and I think that they win it. They're already one map in the series as a minimum. Obviously, idiot.
It's just with how the map pool is going to end up on the tail end. Trainers are third. If they can get Trainers are third, I'd give them a chance. I think Trainers are third is their best chance. If it's Nuke or Inferno... This is the thing, Janko, because I kind of agree.
It's just with how the map pool is going to end up on the tail end. Trainers are third. If they can get Trainers are third, I'd give them a chance. I think Trainers are third is their best chance. If it's Nuke or Inferno... This is the thing, Janko, because I kind of agree.
If EF play Inferno again, then at that point, as Falcons, you're going to have made so many adjustments and understand so much data about it that surely you don't get fucking done again.
If EF play Inferno again, then at that point, as Falcons, you're going to have made so many adjustments and understand so much data about it that surely you don't get fucking done again.
Yeah, online they did that.
Yeah, online they did that.
No, we don't have a PayPal. And the third thing. The third thing. Oh, yeah. Astralis at this event. They've looked good. No, they've looked okay and bad at Cluj so far. So, yeah. That's about Janko. Your fucking phone.
No, we don't have a PayPal. And the third thing. The third thing. Oh, yeah. Astralis at this event. They've looked good. No, they've looked okay and bad at Cluj so far. So, yeah. That's about Janko. Your fucking phone.
Really?
Really?
Okay, here's another one.
Okay, here's another one.
Do you think that two days worth of resetting, so Wednesday and Thursday, do you think those two days are enough time for Eternal Fire to mentally reset and refocus?
Do you think that two days worth of resetting, so Wednesday and Thursday, do you think those two days are enough time for Eternal Fire to mentally reset and refocus?
Well, then I hope more of these people, TOs, install the same rule that fucking PGL did.
Well, then I hope more of these people, TOs, install the same rule that fucking PGL did.
They've already accepted all the way up. Yeah.
They've already accepted all the way up. Yeah.
But no, but they could. So for example, I don't think PGL Bucharest invites, at least not public. So I don't know if they've accepted or not accepted for that. Yeah. I don't know if PGL Astana have sent invites yet. I don't know.
But no, but they could. So for example, I don't think PGL Bucharest invites, at least not public. So I don't know if they've accepted or not accepted for that. Yeah. I don't know if PGL Astana have sent invites yet. I don't know.
I'd have to look at the rivals event to see like where they would fall into that category.
I'd have to look at the rivals event to see like where they would fall into that category.
Yeah, not that not like MasterCard. So yeah, we like do who do we like more visa or MasterCard? Which one's gonna sponsor the show or AMX?
Yeah, not that not like MasterCard. So yeah, we like do who do we like more visa or MasterCard? Which one's gonna sponsor the show or AMX?
don't know if they would be invited to that one anyway um so yeah i think they're doing melbourne i think they're doing dallas maybe they could have some visa issues they're doing melbourne do i keep calling it sydney or did i say melbourne no you said melbourne every time i call it sydney i like what am i doing anyway um well okay i don't know i part of me wants to say falcons but can i say i think falcons are gonna win but i hope ef is gonna win can i say that yeah absolutely
don't know if they would be invited to that one anyway um so yeah i think they're doing melbourne i think they're doing dallas maybe they could have some visa issues they're doing melbourne do i keep calling it sydney or did i say melbourne no you said melbourne every time i call it sydney i like what am i doing anyway um well okay i don't know i part of me wants to say falcons but can i say i think falcons are gonna win but i hope ef is gonna win can i say that yeah absolutely
Okay. Because I want to see EF consistently be a good team.
Okay. Because I want to see EF consistently be a good team.
And it's not that I have anything against Falcons. It's just that I think I kind of agree with it's probably more important for the long-term development of EF.
And it's not that I have anything against Falcons. It's just that I think I kind of agree with it's probably more important for the long-term development of EF.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I'll take a FaZe versus Mongols grand final as well. I would too. Because it's FaZe's event to win. Or it's FaZe's event to lose. It depends on how you want to frame it.
I'll take a FaZe versus Mongols grand final as well. I would too. Because it's FaZe's event to win. Or it's FaZe's event to lose. It depends on how you want to frame it.
And that's when we bring North American Counter-Strike back, baby. And that's when we start chanting USA. Star Spangled Banner on my face. Just as Blast fucking Austin's going down. Elige enters the arena. It's the semifinal. The crowd's going wild.
And that's when we bring North American Counter-Strike back, baby. And that's when we start chanting USA. Star Spangled Banner on my face. Just as Blast fucking Austin's going down. Elige enters the arena. It's the semifinal. The crowd's going wild.
Everyone's waving. And Kerrigan gets to wipe away the heartbreak of Boston. And he becomes an American hero.
Everyone's waving. And Kerrigan gets to wipe away the heartbreak of Boston. And he becomes an American hero.
The four of them, well, the five of them, because Neo's there as well. Alige lifts the trophy, and they all lift Alige, kind of like Simba.
The four of them, well, the five of them, because Neo's there as well. Alige lifts the trophy, and they all lift Alige, kind of like Simba.
That's amazing.
That's amazing.
I think I got too excited.
I think I got too excited.
Well, hold up. Does Janko have anything to say? You got to put it to the jury.
Well, hold up. Does Janko have anything to say? You got to put it to the jury.
The laundry machine. Jason, what are you, from the 1860s? The laundry machine.
The laundry machine. Jason, what are you, from the 1860s? The laundry machine.
You just woke up. I always forget about that.
You just woke up. I always forget about that.
Yeah, good, good, good, good. I one of the things that like I spoke to Alex about this before. And I said to him that if we're going to go on like an event run, because we have some more events coming up in a stretch before we get a lengthier break, we got to stay on top of things. So we there's a few things that I said, I said, we can't get sick.
Yeah, good, good, good, good. I one of the things that like I spoke to Alex about this before. And I said to him that if we're going to go on like an event run, because we have some more events coming up in a stretch before we get a lengthier break, we got to stay on top of things. So we there's a few things that I said, I said, we can't get sick.
We can't get was the other one can't get heartbroken. And sure, one more thing. It was one more. I forget what the last one was.
We can't get was the other one can't get heartbroken. And sure, one more thing. It was one more. I forget what the last one was.
Well, yeah, but that's probably it. But that kind of goes into the getting sick one. Sick, heartbroken.
Well, yeah, but that's probably it. But that kind of goes into the getting sick one. Sick, heartbroken.
Yeah, so like Alex has been coming to the gym with me every day, which is nice. Making sure we're going outside and experiencing the water. It was very snowy in Bucharest. We're still going outside there, which kind of sucked at times.
Yeah, so like Alex has been coming to the gym with me every day, which is nice. Making sure we're going outside and experiencing the water. It was very snowy in Bucharest. We're still going outside there, which kind of sucked at times.
But just making sure you're not rotting in the hotel room, which you can definitely do if you're at events like this, especially if it's more of a in and out of the office, like studio type environment, which it was for the group stage. And just staying on top of things mentally. So that's kind of the big thing at the moment.
But just making sure you're not rotting in the hotel room, which you can definitely do if you're at events like this, especially if it's more of a in and out of the office, like studio type environment, which it was for the group stage. And just staying on top of things mentally. So that's kind of the big thing at the moment.
which all seems to be going pretty well. But yeah, I think overall it's going good. And another thing, oh, I guess the other thing you need to do, yeah, the lazy thing, but it's like the work. You need to make sure that with the casting that you're delivering, you're either mixing it up or you're hitting the right tone or you're doing all these different things.
which all seems to be going pretty well. But yeah, I think overall it's going good. And another thing, oh, I guess the other thing you need to do, yeah, the lazy thing, but it's like the work. You need to make sure that with the casting that you're delivering, you're either mixing it up or you're hitting the right tone or you're doing all these different things.
So Lucky Pro League's the next one, which I guess we won't be casting together at all.
So Lucky Pro League's the next one, which I guess we won't be casting together at all.
Yeah, and we all will be mixing it up. Yank will be on the cast. Josh will be on the cast. Jason will be on the cast. It'll all be happening.
Yeah, and we all will be mixing it up. Yank will be on the cast. Josh will be on the cast. Jason will be on the cast. It'll all be happening.
The thing that I don't understand, Alex doesn't do that gag where we do that bit like...
The thing that I don't understand, Alex doesn't do that gag where we do that bit like...
not frequent but we do it you know more often like we've done quite a few events and you just do it because you'd like okay let's just have the observers do all that if especially if it's like a nothing round or whatever but it was surprising to see a reddit thread pop up out of that uh so it's fine i'm sure you found a comment in there that was hating on you and telling how you don't know how to do your job and how unprofessional you are
not frequent but we do it you know more often like we've done quite a few events and you just do it because you'd like okay let's just have the observers do all that if especially if it's like a nothing round or whatever but it was surprising to see a reddit thread pop up out of that uh so it's fine i'm sure you found a comment in there that was hating on you and telling how you don't know how to do your job and how unprofessional you are
Someone did say they get paid for this, which I was like, yeah, yeah, I did just, yeah. We didn't speak for an entire round. This guy's right. He's fucking nailed it.
Someone did say they get paid for this, which I was like, yeah, yeah, I did just, yeah. We didn't speak for an entire round. This guy's right. He's fucking nailed it.
Are there any problems as well with my camera orientation? Are we happy with this?
Are there any problems as well with my camera orientation? Are we happy with this?
Yeah, but that was during an Astralis series, I do believe. So that was on Inferno. Astralis big. It was very well observed, that round by Shev and Jay. So that was a nice little round. My boy. But...
Yeah, but that was during an Astralis series, I do believe. So that was on Inferno. Astralis big. It was very well observed, that round by Shev and Jay. So that was a nice little round. My boy. But...
What's your whisking method? Is it a fork or is it an actual whisk? I use a spatula. To whisk your eggs together.
What's your whisking method? Is it a fork or is it an actual whisk? I use a spatula. To whisk your eggs together.
But you have to mix it. You have to mix them initially, right?
But you have to mix it. You have to mix them initially, right?
But you want as much air in there as possible, Jason.
But you want as much air in there as possible, Jason.
Yeah, the venue is like across and about 200 meters that way. We have suites. I don't know if everybody has suites, but I have a suite. So I don't know what I did right or wrong, but it's kind of nice. So yeah, this is, as you guys were talking about before, there's not really a cock chair because the bedroom is its own separate thing.
Yeah, the venue is like across and about 200 meters that way. We have suites. I don't know if everybody has suites, but I have a suite. So I don't know what I did right or wrong, but it's kind of nice. So yeah, this is, as you guys were talking about before, there's not really a cock chair because the bedroom is its own separate thing.
I use a blender.
I use a blender.
I have a little dash of milk, eggs in a blender, and that gets a lot of air into the mixture. Fluffy eggs. I recommend everyone tries it.
I have a little dash of milk, eggs in a blender, and that gets a lot of air into the mixture. Fluffy eggs. I recommend everyone tries it.
That's me most of the year.
That's me most of the year.
It's been a busy week. No one mentioned anything about my beard, which I thought maybe some people would say something that I don't know. I've shaved my face. Do we want to get to the bottom of that story?
It's been a busy week. No one mentioned anything about my beard, which I thought maybe some people would say something that I don't know. I've shaved my face. Do we want to get to the bottom of that story?
We're fine. All good.
We're fine. All good.
It's hilarious how they can gang up when it comes to TOs and attending tournaments, but they can't do that to sort of say, hey, why don't we stop paying these dudes so much?
It's hilarious how they can gang up when it comes to TOs and attending tournaments, but they can't do that to sort of say, hey, why don't we stop paying these dudes so much?
They're still there. Still trucking along. The most entertaining team in Counter-Strike.
They're still there. Still trucking along. The most entertaining team in Counter-Strike.
less point four of a point that's even more like both of those things are mental what's mental is that on the day it's announced if the game finished by the time it's announced it counts and so if the game religion was playing the mongols in the third slot not in the second one because they lost like three and a half points because of that loss if their game was still going on they wouldn't have lost that's absurd like these things are just
less point four of a point that's even more like both of those things are mental what's mental is that on the day it's announced if the game finished by the time it's announced it counts and so if the game religion was playing the mongols in the third slot not in the second one because they lost like three and a half points because of that loss if their game was still going on they wouldn't have lost that's absurd like these things are just
absurd and especially the stuff about prize money if you get eliminated it counts I feel like the event should either count or not if it's in the middle of it
absurd and especially the stuff about prize money if you get eliminated it counts I feel like the event should either count or not if it's in the middle of it
I just want to apologize to you, Chad, for not bringing my headset to also wear on my head.
I just want to apologize to you, Chad, for not bringing my headset to also wear on my head.
How did we fuck it up so hard? Why are we running tournaments with 24 teams? Actually, we're not running. Actually, that's, I guess, the point. We don't have a 24-team tournament. We have multiple 16-team tournaments, which is so silly, and it's all because of the fucking Swiss format, bro. We could have everyone play at the same time if it were a different format.
How did we fuck it up so hard? Why are we running tournaments with 24 teams? Actually, we're not running. Actually, that's, I guess, the point. We don't have a 24-team tournament. We have multiple 16-team tournaments, which is so silly, and it's all because of the fucking Swiss format, bro. We could have everyone play at the same time if it were a different format.
It feels like the issue is not so much whether a team from nowhere can make a Tier 1 event. You have opportunities. I just think for these orgs relying on having to make open qualifiers to attend these tournaments and then obviously getting some upsets and moving up in the rankings, I think that's what they have an issue with. With the restrictions that VRS puts on someone like CCT, then is the...
It feels like the issue is not so much whether a team from nowhere can make a Tier 1 event. You have opportunities. I just think for these orgs relying on having to make open qualifiers to attend these tournaments and then obviously getting some upsets and moving up in the rankings, I think that's what they have an issue with. With the restrictions that VRS puts on someone like CCT, then is the...
Does their business model change then if they have to run it?
Does their business model change then if they have to run it?
Right, right, right. But we don't have that happening. Perhaps they would invite teams that maybe wouldn't be in the ranking, but they would bring them more viewership, right? But is that a good thing?
Right, right, right. But we don't have that happening. Perhaps they would invite teams that maybe wouldn't be in the ranking, but they would bring them more viewership, right? But is that a good thing?
It's fine to get away from that in Tier 1, but in Tier 3, I think that's where the issue is. There's not that many just tournaments...
It's fine to get away from that in Tier 1, but in Tier 3, I think that's where the issue is. There's not that many just tournaments...
four tier two slash tier three teams where they could like accrue points and without having to play a tier one team maybe if they win enough smaller ones that could still be enough for them to break through right i think that's the where the complaint comes from is like sure there is enough open qualifiers but those are not obviously not easy of course i'm not saying they should be easy but it's you know why can't we just have a tournament where we'll have from the 24th to the
four tier two slash tier three teams where they could like accrue points and without having to play a tier one team maybe if they win enough smaller ones that could still be enough for them to break through right i think that's the where the complaint comes from is like sure there is enough open qualifiers but those are not obviously not easy of course i'm not saying they should be easy but it's you know why can't we just have a tournament where we'll have from the 24th to the
um 40th place you know teams and then there'll be some prize nice prize money there where okay if we win a couple of these then maybe we get from 24 to 16 and we're that that cutoff team too but I think that happens right I mean that's there's opportunity for that because we have ccts happening literally every month that's like a couple of them even overlapping at times right so like these these events
um 40th place you know teams and then there'll be some prize nice prize money there where okay if we win a couple of these then maybe we get from 24 to 16 and we're that that cutoff team too but I think that happens right I mean that's there's opportunity for that because we have ccts happening literally every month that's like a couple of them even overlapping at times right so like these these events
This is my bootcamp place.
This is my bootcamp place.
Well, also, no disrespect, but when the fuck did Copenhagen Wolves or Endpoint qualify for fuck all in the last five years? They made one pro league, which is where we saw Nerds for the first time. And, you know, ended up doing, he did pretty well for himself. So it's, you know, you guys are complaining about the road is much tougher for you to get to somewhere where you've never gotten to before.
Well, also, no disrespect, but when the fuck did Copenhagen Wolves or Endpoint qualify for fuck all in the last five years? They made one pro league, which is where we saw Nerds for the first time. And, you know, ended up doing, he did pretty well for himself. So it's, you know, you guys are complaining about the road is much tougher for you to get to somewhere where you've never gotten to before.
I'm representing. He has the headset. Thongs?
I'm representing. He has the headset. Thongs?
It's not the same. There's no restrictions for NA. There's just no teams. Nothing's preventing people from signing up. But you don't need a fucking social security number to sign up for an NA qualifier.
It's not the same. There's no restrictions for NA. There's just no teams. Nothing's preventing people from signing up. But you don't need a fucking social security number to sign up for an NA qualifier.
I thought he wanted to be here. Yeah, me too. I did. You're the little guy this time.
I thought he wanted to be here. Yeah, me too. I did. You're the little guy this time.
No.
No.
But still, it's like, how is that reasonable to expect a private company to do your work for you? Or for it to be in their hands? I don't know, man. At least pay HLTV some money to hire more people so they have more staff. Maybe they do. You don't know.
But still, it's like, how is that reasonable to expect a private company to do your work for you? Or for it to be in their hands? I don't know, man. At least pay HLTV some money to hire more people so they have more staff. Maybe they do. You don't know.
upholding what we set out to do with the rules that we're putting in place because I need some clarification so like a qualifier is you know it's a ranked event it's a qualifier right but unless you guys are covering it they don't know it happens and then it's not included in the ranking That is 100% what I'm saying. Holy shit. HLTV is the most powerful entity in Counter-Strike.
upholding what we set out to do with the rules that we're putting in place because I need some clarification so like a qualifier is you know it's a ranked event it's a qualifier right but unless you guys are covering it they don't know it happens and then it's not included in the ranking That is 100% what I'm saying. Holy shit. HLTV is the most powerful entity in Counter-Strike.
Jason likes the bush.
Jason likes the bush.
You knew it all along.
You knew it all along.
We were lost in the bush one time.
We were lost in the bush one time.
Sounds like a pretty good idea, how to handle it, to be honest with you.
Sounds like a pretty good idea, how to handle it, to be honest with you.
We have a guy on our... discord who was wanted to set up like a live vrs sort of tracking thing for teams okay just trying to find data i don't know it's a lot of technical speak that i don't know you know what it means but hopefully something but i mean that's that's that's why we can do the live version of the ranking yeah we have all the data we have all of the data okay um
We have a guy on our... discord who was wanted to set up like a live vrs sort of tracking thing for teams okay just trying to find data i don't know it's a lot of technical speak that i don't know you know what it means but hopefully something but i mean that's that's that's why we can do the live version of the ranking yeah we have all the data we have all of the data okay um
Ah, okay. Okay, I need to... That LASIK doing work.
Ah, okay. Okay, I need to... That LASIK doing work.
It feels like I'm here, like I'm just a make-up-ish kid who's here, like has no idea what's going on.
It feels like I'm here, like I'm just a make-up-ish kid who's here, like has no idea what's going on.
14, 15, 19. Three.
14, 15, 19. Three.
And the correct answer is... Did we have to sort of drag it out?
And the correct answer is... Did we have to sort of drag it out?
Actually, this is just a quiz and I am the king of those. So let's go.
Actually, this is just a quiz and I am the king of those. So let's go.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Later on, he got some. Flipside or Navi, you think?
Later on, he got some. Flipside or Navi, you think?
I feel like he would have bragged more about beating Blade one time.
I feel like he would have bragged more about beating Blade one time.
2016.
2016.
Yeah, I'm happy. The better game was the semi-final between Na'Vi and Luminosity because Na'Vi was actually saving those boosts on overpass for the Major and they wanted to win that game so bad they whipped it out. But Luminosity lost and then won the Major.
Yeah, I'm happy. The better game was the semi-final between Na'Vi and Luminosity because Na'Vi was actually saving those boosts on overpass for the Major and they wanted to win that game so bad they whipped it out. But Luminosity lost and then won the Major.
They also played like Starlighter.
They also played like Starlighter.
Starlighter was Luminosity versus Fnatic.
Starlighter was Luminosity versus Fnatic.
How many questions are there?
How many questions are there?
Nice.
Nice.
Wait, Pro League Finals in London. That was 2017. Or 16. I think 17. That was the Shox Apex G2 lineup. So did that roster change happen after Katowice or did it get into 2017 with that roster?
Wait, Pro League Finals in London. That was 2017. Or 16. I think 17. That was the Shox Apex G2 lineup. So did that roster change happen after Katowice or did it get into 2017 with that roster?
Jason is not 100% today because the sun is down. He didn't get the buzz going. It's literally just coffee here, guys. I know talking counter viewers are going to be... They're not going to believe this, but it is only coffee. So he's like... He didn't get his medicine today.
Jason is not 100% today because the sun is down. He didn't get the buzz going. It's literally just coffee here, guys. I know talking counter viewers are going to be... They're not going to believe this, but it is only coffee. So he's like... He didn't get his medicine today.
I think Envy was done by then. I think Titan probably. I think G2 is our best bet. Rock and roll 2017?
I think Envy was done by then. I think Titan probably. I think G2 is our best bet. Rock and roll 2017?
Was that Cannon Shocks finally playing together?
Was that Cannon Shocks finally playing together?
You can see because the questions were difficult.
You can see because the questions were difficult.
I can't see the letter after K. Can you tell me what's after K?
I can't see the letter after K. Can you tell me what's after K?
You say that now. Would you have drunk it? Maybe a little bit. Do you want it now? No, now I'm pumped up.
You say that now. Would you have drunk it? Maybe a little bit. Do you want it now? No, now I'm pumped up.
Moses. No gags about who drinks coffee at 8 p.m. when he's doing it.
Moses. No gags about who drinks coffee at 8 p.m. when he's doing it.
We're back in the room.
We're back in the room.
we go through pr people so we don't really get like your back reasoning this is also like i'm gonna steal the conversation for a little bit but this is also for making this is also one of the fucking problems like there's so many of these teams where there's people there that they think the way they justify being employed by the team is like protecting the players from giving like a three minute interview or making it so hard to reach them because they need to be protected to focus on
we go through pr people so we don't really get like your back reasoning this is also like i'm gonna steal the conversation for a little bit but this is also for making this is also one of the fucking problems like there's so many of these teams where there's people there that they think the way they justify being employed by the team is like protecting the players from giving like a three minute interview or making it so hard to reach them because they need to be protected to focus on
It's like, how are we ever going to enlarge the pie if we don't have the access to the players, if we don't let them speak their mind and be there and just give an interview, for Christ's sakes? It's like, you don't need to...
It's like, how are we ever going to enlarge the pie if we don't have the access to the players, if we don't let them speak their mind and be there and just give an interview, for Christ's sakes? It's like, you don't need to...
And there's an ice cream school in it. It's called Affogato.
And there's an ice cream school in it. It's called Affogato.
coddle them 24 hours you don't need to straight after the game to have a team talk into a you know shuttle ride together into to the prac room to talk then to have a team dinner then to have a team walk around then to have bedtime stories all together with your performance coach like you all need to just relax guys
coddle them 24 hours you don't need to straight after the game to have a team talk into a you know shuttle ride together into to the prac room to talk then to have a team dinner then to have a team walk around then to have bedtime stories all together with your performance coach like you all need to just relax guys
you know just give an interview here let the players come onto a couch let them do a piece of content here let them do a skit there let them show their personality a little bit and who knows maybe you might have some more fans rant on that sounds sounds pretty reasonable to me i'm just glad somebody else said it anyone else want to add anything to that
you know just give an interview here let the players come onto a couch let them do a piece of content here let them do a skit there let them show their personality a little bit and who knows maybe you might have some more fans rant on that sounds sounds pretty reasonable to me i'm just glad somebody else said it anyone else want to add anything to that
Still don't let Kassad stand behind you.
Still don't let Kassad stand behind you.
The problem is it's just like when it's about to be the end of the game. It goes straight from the casters to the desk, right? But we can't...
The problem is it's just like when it's about to be the end of the game. It goes straight from the casters to the desk, right? But we can't...
watch the game from the couches because the players could see it as well so there's nowhere to actually there is a place to watch the game where I watch it it's just a little bit backstage there's some tech guys who have program screens there but you know it's interesting to stand behind the team if it's an English speaking team sort of see their comms and all of that stuff
watch the game from the couches because the players could see it as well so there's nowhere to actually there is a place to watch the game where I watch it it's just a little bit backstage there's some tech guys who have program screens there but you know it's interesting to stand behind the team if it's an English speaking team sort of see their comms and all of that stuff
So that's why they're there at that time. You know, it's not that they're trying to do, I don't know, what's it just to sort of keep track of the very end of the game. But I do understand the teams. I would do the same thing if I was still on a team, right? Because some of the players told me, it's like, bro, I can see a guy in like my...
So that's why they're there at that time. You know, it's not that they're trying to do, I don't know, what's it just to sort of keep track of the very end of the game. But I do understand the teams. I would do the same thing if I was still on a team, right? Because some of the players told me, it's like, bro, I can see a guy in like my...
peripheral vision just sort of like looking over my shoulder like watching me play you know it's just a distraction it's just a little bit annoying in a way right you get used to you already have 10 cameras in your face people in your phone filming while you're playing for the winner reaction for the loser reaction like any extra distractions you want to minimize them sort of um if you're on a team so i would complain probably as well if i saw big ass kasad well
peripheral vision just sort of like looking over my shoulder like watching me play you know it's just a distraction it's just a little bit annoying in a way right you get used to you already have 10 cameras in your face people in your phone filming while you're playing for the winner reaction for the loser reaction like any extra distractions you want to minimize them sort of um if you're on a team so i would complain probably as well if i saw big ass kasad well
Or pimp recording all my trade secrets.
Or pimp recording all my trade secrets.
I'll be honest with you.
I'll be honest with you.
It's a one or a two for my sources. For your sources. What did you say? It's a one or a two. Okay, one of the front ones.
It's a one or a two for my sources. For your sources. What did you say? It's a one or a two. Okay, one of the front ones.
What was the weirdest thing you found?
What was the weirdest thing you found?
Ah, the update. Yeah.
Ah, the update. Yeah.
That was bad.
That was bad.
Eh, don't think so. I think that we're going to see an even bigger buff now that Donk gave an interview and said that it's more powerful and that he's going to use it a little bit more.
Eh, don't think so. I think that we're going to see an even bigger buff now that Donk gave an interview and said that it's more powerful and that he's going to use it a little bit more.
Middle of the game.
Middle of the game.
that I don't remember exactly but I mean that is 100% the analysis of the match I mean what's disrespectful about it he kind of disappeared for a whole series talking about headlines Stryker do you have any comments on some of the headlines during Blast Bounty that G2 felt scolded by
that I don't remember exactly but I mean that is 100% the analysis of the match I mean what's disrespectful about it he kind of disappeared for a whole series talking about headlines Stryker do you have any comments on some of the headlines during Blast Bounty that G2 felt scolded by
I think they were just like 1-3 because when they beat Bait, the headline was something like G2 limps through, you know, whatever. Something like bad performance, barely makes it. And they ended up, they still made the semis, right? And then when some other teams struggled, the headline wasn't as aggressive.
I think they were just like 1-3 because when they beat Bait, the headline was something like G2 limps through, you know, whatever. Something like bad performance, barely makes it. And they ended up, they still made the semis, right? And then when some other teams struggled, the headline wasn't as aggressive.
Yeah. I mean, I didn't know he was going to get full serious about it. I thought he was just going to have a funny answer to it, you know, or something. Now I feel like, okay, I don't have enough evidence about this. I don't remember what was said exactly. I think it was their performance coach maybe tweeting something or someone mentioned it.
Yeah. I mean, I didn't know he was going to get full serious about it. I thought he was just going to have a funny answer to it, you know, or something. Now I feel like, okay, I don't have enough evidence about this. I don't remember what was said exactly. I think it was their performance coach maybe tweeting something or someone mentioned it.
I'm starting to sweat profusely now, getting red in the face. I'm regretting the fact that Jason didn't get some drinks instead of coffee. You know, it's all coming together.
I'm starting to sweat profusely now, getting red in the face. I'm regretting the fact that Jason didn't get some drinks instead of coffee. You know, it's all coming together.
Next headline, Chad.
Next headline, Chad.
I mean, that's the... You know, if you look back at Vitality the last five years... There's Juan Colon from this year. There's the Paris major. All right. That's it. There's a lot of Catalina Colons. There's tournament twins.
I mean, that's the... You know, if you look back at Vitality the last five years... There's Juan Colon from this year. There's the Paris major. All right. That's it. There's a lot of Catalina Colons. There's tournament twins.
Yeah, there was a pro league in there. There was some other stuff in there. But the biggest ones, one of them has an asterisk on it. And the other one, legit.
Yeah, there was a pro league in there. There was some other stuff in there. But the biggest ones, one of them has an asterisk on it. And the other one, legit.
I didn't expect that from PR.
I didn't expect that from PR.
Astralis yet to beat the European squad this year.
Astralis yet to beat the European squad this year.
They beat Wildcard once and Brazilian teams.
They beat Wildcard once and Brazilian teams.
Just like the phrasing of it. It's very funny. It's also hilarious how it never crossed their mind that they could make the playoffs. So they were like, all right, once we're back home after we drop out, you'll take care of it for the future tournaments.
Just like the phrasing of it. It's very funny. It's also hilarious how it never crossed their mind that they could make the playoffs. So they were like, all right, once we're back home after we drop out, you'll take care of it for the future tournaments.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Again, the headline sounds way better. A lot can happen in a year.
Again, the headline sounds way better. A lot can happen in a year.
He doesn't like to give himself away. 1v1s are not a measurement of how good a player is.
He doesn't like to give himself away. 1v1s are not a measurement of how good a player is.
Great idea for Pro League.
Great idea for Pro League.
We can do that much homework.
We can do that much homework.
People love to hate Versus Pro.
People love to hate Versus Pro.
And I'm not as staunch of a defender of Virtus.pro's Counter-Strike as I was around Rio and especially during the Rio Major. But I hate people pushing narratives or getting away with it because when we were doing their first game or something there and people are saying... I mean, this team is just terrible. What are they doing? This is awful. How they looked. What were they doing on this map?
And I'm not as staunch of a defender of Virtus.pro's Counter-Strike as I was around Rio and especially during the Rio Major. But I hate people pushing narratives or getting away with it because when we were doing their first game or something there and people are saying... I mean, this team is just terrible. What are they doing? This is awful. How they looked. What were they doing on this map?
What was the plan? I'm like, if this was any other organization or team, I don't know which of the two is the bigger problem. They've added two new players, young players, not super experienced, not complete rookies, but, you know, and they've changed their IGL. Any other team makes that big of a change. For teams that have made smaller changes, we're willing to give them time and say it's fine.
What was the plan? I'm like, if this was any other organization or team, I don't know which of the two is the bigger problem. They've added two new players, young players, not super experienced, not complete rookies, but, you know, and they've changed their IGL. Any other team makes that big of a change. For teams that have made smaller changes, we're willing to give them time and say it's fine.
FaZe didn't make the playoffs. We're like, yeah, that's all right. I mean, you know, they brought in a leash, had to move like multiple people around. That's fine. But for Virtus.pro, it's unacceptable if they look sloppy at times and it's not great. I mean, which team has looked crisp clean in this tournament? None.
FaZe didn't make the playoffs. We're like, yeah, that's all right. I mean, you know, they brought in a leash, had to move like multiple people around. That's fine. But for Virtus.pro, it's unacceptable if they look sloppy at times and it's not great. I mean, which team has looked crisp clean in this tournament? None.
so i just don't look crisp and clean across the whole i just hate that it's like why you know i get it like people really dislike their play style for a while even though they change that even with that roster but never mind so it was just like i don't think it's about that this time though i don't think it's about their old play style because i mean that you can see on a first look that that they're just not the same team from that i think it's just
so i just don't look crisp and clean across the whole i just hate that it's like why you know i get it like people really dislike their play style for a while even though they change that even with that roster but never mind so it was just like i don't think it's about that this time though i don't think it's about their old play style because i mean that you can see on a first look that that they're just not the same team from that i think it's just
If anything, it reveals the incompetence of different orgs and people who work in them. I mean, the only guy that I legitimately saw publicly look like he knows what he's talking about is, of course, Graham. Messi also from Complexity, right? Yeah. Some of that stuff is just mind-boggling to me.
If anything, it reveals the incompetence of different orgs and people who work in them. I mean, the only guy that I legitimately saw publicly look like he knows what he's talking about is, of course, Graham. Messi also from Complexity, right? Yeah. Some of that stuff is just mind-boggling to me.
And I think also, if you thought it was going to be great from the get-go, I don't know how anyone could think that. I think it was obvious there's going to be teething issues and then people can... You know, you can debate on how bad is it or whatever, but I think this is not the final form of the VRS or anything.
And I think also, if you thought it was going to be great from the get-go, I don't know how anyone could think that. I think it was obvious there's going to be teething issues and then people can... You know, you can debate on how bad is it or whatever, but I think this is not the final form of the VRS or anything.
crazy no but I mean because of what you said because of how it went in the previous couple of teams and then his stock as an individual player has fallen as well we're talking about fucking electronic guys this dude was it was like him Nico Rops you know and simple yeah In terms of just riflers, right?
crazy no but I mean because of what you said because of how it went in the previous couple of teams and then his stock as an individual player has fallen as well we're talking about fucking electronic guys this dude was it was like him Nico Rops you know and simple yeah In terms of just riflers, right?
And S1mple, the best player in the world, he was like number four or five one year as the second best player on that team. I mean, that was crazy. He was like the perfect Robin to the Batman of S1mple. And now the guy isn't even in the conversation. It's one of the biggest fall-offs we've had in a tier one player.
And S1mple, the best player in the world, he was like number four or five one year as the second best player on that team. I mean, that was crazy. He was like the perfect Robin to the Batman of S1mple. And now the guy isn't even in the conversation. It's one of the biggest fall-offs we've had in a tier one player.
So, okay, now if you're going to in-game lead, that part is understandable, but then you need to deliver in that role. And everything that you heard from the other players in interviews is... The things are fine. Like, everyone's enjoying it. Like, they're just going through the motions, figuring things out with the new team and getting adjusted to the way he calls and the way they want to play.
So, okay, now if you're going to in-game lead, that part is understandable, but then you need to deliver in that role. And everything that you heard from the other players in interviews is... The things are fine. Like, everyone's enjoying it. Like, they're just going through the motions, figuring things out with the new team and getting adjusted to the way he calls and the way they want to play.
yeah but like you're the most aggressive player we've seen in a while you know like you are ivy on train yeah ct side as well yeah yeah so like some of these t positions i mean you can tell that he is still being he has it also doesn't have to be their final form you know he can learn for a season and see what electronic is doing and maybe that's the long-term plan to sort of get a feel for what the team wants him to do and how to do it because there's a big
yeah but like you're the most aggressive player we've seen in a while you know like you are ivy on train yeah ct side as well yeah yeah so like some of these t positions i mean you can tell that he is still being he has it also doesn't have to be their final form you know he can learn for a season and see what electronic is doing and maybe that's the long-term plan to sort of get a feel for what the team wants him to do and how to do it because there's a big
difference between having rotator roles in the tier two and in tier one and how people you know half of the game for teams is just abusing rotations and and moving that one guy right so it's something that takes time to to get good at yeah i mean if if it ends up working like i'm all for it it's just more like you know you you get one of the most aggressive guys we've seen in the scene and you just put him pits pit inferno ivy and train and stuff or yeah pit inferno too actually
difference between having rotator roles in the tier two and in tier one and how people you know half of the game for teams is just abusing rotations and and moving that one guy right so it's something that takes time to to get good at yeah i mean if if it ends up working like i'm all for it it's just more like you know you you get one of the most aggressive guys we've seen in the scene and you just put him pits pit inferno ivy and train and stuff or yeah pit inferno too actually
We already saw even when in January or December when Valve was already giving some exceptions to TOs for some of the rules that they've implemented with VRS. And I think that's fine because in general, you want this...
We already saw even when in January or December when Valve was already giving some exceptions to TOs for some of the rules that they've implemented with VRS. And I think that's fine because in general, you want this...
rulebook to be there to sort of prevent bad actors from doing i don't know what to make sure that the the circuit can't be too closed and yes obviously at the moment like they've had the opposite effect to to some extent or arguably so um but I do think they'll have to start correcting things sooner rather than later.
rulebook to be there to sort of prevent bad actors from doing i don't know what to make sure that the the circuit can't be too closed and yes obviously at the moment like they've had the opposite effect to to some extent or arguably so um but I do think they'll have to start correcting things sooner rather than later.
Nerds and Twists entering together looks kind of sexy. I'm not going to lie. Nerds is really good. And I think they need to play more default as CT. For me, that's also one of the problems. There's too many moves, too many setups. There's always something. And I think people...
Nerds and Twists entering together looks kind of sexy. I'm not going to lie. Nerds is really good. And I think they need to play more default as CT. For me, that's also one of the problems. There's too many moves, too many setups. There's always something. And I think people...
are game planning around that and it's like obvious to them and they're just something's coming and they're sort of just doing a little bit of something because they know liquid's gonna react and then they're just set up to punish that reaction that's it that's their whole t-side revolves around around those things and uh yeah i think if they do that uh we'll see an improvement i would like them to drop whatever they think is the weakest map in their map pool right now and play train
are game planning around that and it's like obvious to them and they're just something's coming and they're sort of just doing a little bit of something because they know liquid's gonna react and then they're just set up to punish that reaction that's it that's their whole t-side revolves around around those things and uh yeah i think if they do that uh we'll see an improvement i would like them to drop whatever they think is the weakest map in their map pool right now and play train
JK has the B anchor.
JK has the B anchor.
A was also a camper's paradise after the bomb is planted. So that's why it forces you to still be active a little bit even after you plant the bomb. Unless you've gotten all the kills already, then you can chill.
A was also a camper's paradise after the bomb is planted. So that's why it forces you to still be active a little bit even after you plant the bomb. Unless you've gotten all the kills already, then you can chill.
For example, the Eternal Fire one, I watched the full thing. It feels like sometimes they just open way too flat, right? Like against Vitality, the first map, they got owned, right? And then against Eternal Fire, obviously the first map as well. And how much of that is just maybe not being...
For example, the Eternal Fire one, I watched the full thing. It feels like sometimes they just open way too flat, right? Like against Vitality, the first map, they got owned, right? And then against Eternal Fire, obviously the first map as well. And how much of that is just maybe not being...
prepared well enough or maybe you know people just not being on point individually not coming ready to play it did seem at times maybe in the eternal fire game that their energy wasn't where it's supposed to be you know for a game like that
prepared well enough or maybe you know people just not being on point individually not coming ready to play it did seem at times maybe in the eternal fire game that their energy wasn't where it's supposed to be you know for a game like that
I think it's also in the internal fire game, at least on Nuke, right? Like, Brokkie had a lot of his clutches. Crazy clutches, yeah. But also you saw some of the misses towards the very end and some of the inconsistencies.
I think it's also in the internal fire game, at least on Nuke, right? Like, Brokkie had a lot of his clutches. Crazy clutches, yeah. But also you saw some of the misses towards the very end and some of the inconsistencies.
It's like, I think if you're FaZe, you would have liked it if he was able to evolve a little bit more over his time there in some of the stuff that didn't come naturally to him, which is just... playing with a little bit less pace at times, being patient some more, right, in different situations.
It's like, I think if you're FaZe, you would have liked it if he was able to evolve a little bit more over his time there in some of the stuff that didn't come naturally to him, which is just... playing with a little bit less pace at times, being patient some more, right, in different situations.
All right.
All right.
Because, yeah, sure, he thrives in the chaos and when there's a lot of action going on, but that's not going to be the case all the time. So... It's tough because when he's playing good, he's sort of the difference maker for them. And that's when they have these deep runs and potentially go on to lift trophies.
Because, yeah, sure, he thrives in the chaos and when there's a lot of action going on, but that's not going to be the case all the time. So... It's tough because when he's playing good, he's sort of the difference maker for them. And that's when they have these deep runs and potentially go on to lift trophies.
I knew it wasn't us.
I knew it wasn't us.
But when he's not, that's when they kind of tend to falter and maybe not even get into the playoffs.
But when he's not, that's when they kind of tend to falter and maybe not even get into the playoffs.
In the Anubis game, he was there, but there was also a round or two when Elyse was there with Brokkie, so I don't know what's the reason for that, but... Yeah. So I think more when the rifle is there, it's Kerrigan.
In the Anubis game, he was there, but there was also a round or two when Elyse was there with Brokkie, so I don't know what's the reason for that, but... Yeah. So I think more when the rifle is there, it's Kerrigan.
I mean, they're trying to kind of accommodate her to some extent. Even when you look at their nuke, it's like, yeah, Frozen is ramped, but sometimes Broky is ramped on his own. Sometimes they do, I don't know what, the leashes. you know, going secret and then Reign is helping from Main to fight as well. It's almost like they want to give everyone every position.
I mean, they're trying to kind of accommodate her to some extent. Even when you look at their nuke, it's like, yeah, Frozen is ramped, but sometimes Broky is ramped on his own. Sometimes they do, I don't know what, the leashes. you know, going secret and then Reign is helping from Main to fight as well. It's almost like they want to give everyone every position.
And then, you know, Kerrigan is playing A. And Rookie is the off. Those are the two things that are set. And everything else, sometimes it feels... A little bit more fluid.
And then, you know, Kerrigan is playing A. And Rookie is the off. Those are the two things that are set. And everything else, sometimes it feels... A little bit more fluid.
I don't know. They lost to Virtus.pro in their first game. And I said, and I did the video on Twitter about their T-side on Mirage from the Falcons game, but I think it was a little bit even more egregious in the Virtus.pro game. There's just too many set calls, too many, oh, we're just throwing two smokes mid and we're going to pop A, or we're going to rush A, or we're going to...
I don't know. They lost to Virtus.pro in their first game. And I said, and I did the video on Twitter about their T-side on Mirage from the Falcons game, but I think it was a little bit even more egregious in the Virtus.pro game. There's just too many set calls, too many, oh, we're just throwing two smokes mid and we're going to pop A, or we're going to rush A, or we're going to...
do a fast b split or all of that um and for me that's not a way to win consistently in tier one because even falcons in that game were sort of ready for it and were countering them and it was a little bit some of the clutches and some fortunate moments that sort of enabled g2 to come out on which was weird because especially in the Falcons game, when it did play default, it was fine.
do a fast b split or all of that um and for me that's not a way to win consistently in tier one because even falcons in that game were sort of ready for it and were countering them and it was a little bit some of the clutches and some fortunate moments that sort of enabled g2 to come out on which was weird because especially in the Falcons game, when it did play default, it was fine.
It worked well. They did well in it. So I don't know this desire to freeze time call so much, but I'm not a fan of that.
It worked well. They did well in it. So I don't know this desire to freeze time call so much, but I'm not a fan of that.
Also, it's a surprising thing that it wasn't like that from the start. That was a surprising thing.
Also, it's a surprising thing that it wasn't like that from the start. That was a surprising thing.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's how I didn't either. He said, like, they changed it that day or, like, a day ago.
Yeah, that's how I didn't either. He said, like, they changed it that day or, like, a day ago.
The most knowledgeable guy about the game isn't necessarily your in-game leader all the time.
The most knowledgeable guy about the game isn't necessarily your in-game leader all the time.
So also you always need to have two guys on CT in a way. You have to have the main guy and the secondary guy because you have two sides. Right. So, for example, in FaZe, Niko was the main core. I mean, Coldzera had a lot of responsibilities. Actually, it became so that Cold was more calling the CT side than Niko.
So also you always need to have two guys on CT in a way. You have to have the main guy and the secondary guy because you have two sides. Right. So, for example, in FaZe, Niko was the main core. I mean, Coldzera had a lot of responsibilities. Actually, it became so that Cold was more calling the CT side than Niko.
But you need to, depending on what happens on one side, a guy on the other, you always have to do stuff as a team. So you need to have people who are going to be able to react to what's going on on the other side and control this side. You can't have guys fighting for banana and then people on A just sort of standing holding. No, that's when you block.
But you need to, depending on what happens on one side, a guy on the other, you always have to do stuff as a team. So you need to have people who are going to be able to react to what's going on on the other side and control this side. You can't have guys fighting for banana and then people on A just sort of standing holding. No, that's when you block.
When you're doing something on the other side, you block here. Can you give an example of this?
When you're doing something on the other side, you block here. Can you give an example of this?
It's just involved in teams. People didn't have that much stuff on CT. They would just come out and rounds would start happening. I think a lot of it is sometimes you have it because teams are introducing young players, new players, and then maybe they don't know that they even should do something in a situation. So then let's say I know it's middle and Niko is connector and his job is to
It's just involved in teams. People didn't have that much stuff on CT. They would just come out and rounds would start happening. I think a lot of it is sometimes you have it because teams are introducing young players, new players, and then maybe they don't know that they even should do something in a situation. So then let's say I know it's middle and Niko is connector and his job is to
sort of decipher whether they're actually going for mid control and defaulting mid, or did they throw nades and want to pop somewhere? And then he gets that information, hopefully, and perhaps has to tell someone, hey, you guys play close up or block them now, right? Just because he's like firsthand sort of seeing it.
sort of decipher whether they're actually going for mid control and defaulting mid, or did they throw nades and want to pop somewhere? And then he gets that information, hopefully, and perhaps has to tell someone, hey, you guys play close up or block them now, right? Just because he's like firsthand sort of seeing it.
So for him, it's like B Inferno, there's all this thing that we do, and then you come from the beginning, okay, so when we want to do this on Banana, this is what we should do on A. And then you also have Cole, if he's saying, okay, I want to do this setup. He was good also at reading the opponents. He's like, I want to do the mid setup now. So the B guys, then you need to chill a little bit.
So for him, it's like B Inferno, there's all this thing that we do, and then you come from the beginning, okay, so when we want to do this on Banana, this is what we should do on A. And then you also have Cole, if he's saying, okay, I want to do this setup. He was good also at reading the opponents. He's like, I want to do the mid setup now. So the B guys, then you need to chill a little bit.
You don't want to go for the full Banana fight, and it's sort of playing off of each other, and then you have these main things that both sides want to do, and
You don't want to go for the full Banana fight, and it's sort of playing off of each other, and then you have these main things that both sides want to do, and
you mold that together into a full round, depending on, okay, we're playing against a forced buy, against a full buy, what's our buy, you have all these different rounds for that, or small plays and small setups, and then it's just about constantly adapting throughout the round, right? Like, I mean, you open with one call, and then you're adapting, seeing what happens, what's going on, but...
you mold that together into a full round, depending on, okay, we're playing against a forced buy, against a full buy, what's our buy, you have all these different rounds for that, or small plays and small setups, and then it's just about constantly adapting throughout the round, right? Like, I mean, you open with one call, and then you're adapting, seeing what happens, what's going on, but...
For us, it was kind of like that. And I feel you always have to have those two guys on CT side and T side that are a little bit more controlling. Because you can have good players, but who are sort of don't move too much. Don't react too much. They just stand there, right? Yes, they're not too good at maybe taking initiative. But you just have a guy who will say, hey, come, let's do this.
For us, it was kind of like that. And I feel you always have to have those two guys on CT side and T side that are a little bit more controlling. Because you can have good players, but who are sort of don't move too much. Don't react too much. They just stand there, right? Yes, they're not too good at maybe taking initiative. But you just have a guy who will say, hey, come, let's do this.
And they'll come and it will be fine. Yeah.
And they'll come and it will be fine. Yeah.
I think also my teams always had really experienced tier one players. And we would play a good amount off of feel and play a good amount of default, right? Because when you have that, you have the luxury of your players making quicker, better decisions in the mid-round and doing default. So you should play to that strength instead of just making them stand in setups all the time. Yeah.
I think also my teams always had really experienced tier one players. And we would play a good amount off of feel and play a good amount of default, right? Because when you have that, you have the luxury of your players making quicker, better decisions in the mid-round and doing default. So you should play to that strength instead of just making them stand in setups all the time. Yeah.
So, you know, but if you have a different team, obviously younger players, then you're going to have more structure and things a little bit more set to make it easier for them while they accrue the experience. And sort of once you do something five times in a game and you've seen three different things that happen out of it, now you get it.
So, you know, but if you have a different team, obviously younger players, then you're going to have more structure and things a little bit more set to make it easier for them while they accrue the experience. And sort of once you do something five times in a game and you've seen three different things that happen out of it, now you get it.
Now you're like, all right, so this is what I need to be careful if X happens and so on.
Now you're like, all right, so this is what I need to be careful if X happens and so on.
I mean, I think they looked good in the G2 game. They looked bad at some moments, good in other moments. For example, Eternal Fire series was very inconsistent. I think, honestly, they were just kind of unlucky in the G2 game on Mirage. How some of the rounds went, they could have easily ended up winning that series and stayed in the tournament a little bit longer. But...
I mean, I think they looked good in the G2 game. They looked bad at some moments, good in other moments. For example, Eternal Fire series was very inconsistent. I think, honestly, they were just kind of unlucky in the G2 game on Mirage. How some of the rounds went, they could have easily ended up winning that series and stayed in the tournament a little bit longer. But...
Yeah, I saw Kassar, of course, tweet something like, oh, their low caps, they're terrible. Like, if you watch the games, that's not true. So, yeah, I think with more time to practice and figure, you know, because you also have Zonic and Magid there. You have the heroic core with Kik-san. And then you have Niko coming in. Like, that's a lot of different pieces that you need to fit together.
Yeah, I saw Kassar, of course, tweet something like, oh, their low caps, they're terrible. Like, if you watch the games, that's not true. So, yeah, I think with more time to practice and figure, you know, because you also have Zonic and Magid there. You have the heroic core with Kik-san. And then you have Niko coming in. Like, that's a lot of different pieces that you need to fit together.
And for these guys to sort of get used to playing... with each other in a way. So it was good to see Magus had a 1v4 clutch and sort of remembered that he still has it.
And for these guys to sort of get used to playing... with each other in a way. So it was good to see Magus had a 1v4 clutch and sort of remembered that he still has it.
Jesus Christ. He has leeway because of all the things he's achieved. And that's fine. But that's not going to last forever.
Jesus Christ. He has leeway because of all the things he's achieved. And that's fine. But that's not going to last forever.
The one non-darkness. I don't know. Yeah, sure.
The one non-darkness. I don't know. Yeah, sure.
You cannot spell Kasad without the S and sad.
You cannot spell Kasad without the S and sad.
We have a different way of saying you strike the iron while it's hot, you know?
We have a different way of saying you strike the iron while it's hot, you know?
Someone will have to win an Arena game.
Someone will have to win an Arena game.
Bro, that was like for them, for the Mongols, they were the home team there. I think they just rode that energy and they smashed Heroic and got third place in the wild rank.
Bro, that was like for them, for the Mongols, they were the home team there. I think they just rode that energy and they smashed Heroic and got third place in the wild rank.
It's pretty good.
It's pretty good.
Liquid.
Liquid.
I think whoever keeps their cool on that stage is going to come out on top. I think for Eternal Fire, the reason why they made it was they finally realized they need to be a little bit more chill when they play. I think Jota helps with that as well because he's bringing them some positive energy as well, even when things are a little bit tough.
I think whoever keeps their cool on that stage is going to come out on top. I think for Eternal Fire, the reason why they made it was they finally realized they need to be a little bit more chill when they play. I think Jota helps with that as well because he's bringing them some positive energy as well, even when things are a little bit tough.
Major was talking about it in the post-game interview after the FaZe series. and for the Mongols as well. I don't know why people expect them to win the major when they've never been in that sort of an environment. People are getting carried away.
Major was talking about it in the post-game interview after the FaZe series. and for the Mongols as well. I don't know why people expect them to win the major when they've never been in that sort of an environment. People are getting carried away.
Obviously, it's going to be a different experience for them, but also a good team that also I feel it's not really spoken about, but I think they also have a little bit of a problem managing their emotions in some games where they can get frustrated, Blitz especially, and just sort of going full out in a way.
Obviously, it's going to be a different experience for them, but also a good team that also I feel it's not really spoken about, but I think they also have a little bit of a problem managing their emotions in some games where they can get frustrated, Blitz especially, and just sort of going full out in a way.
Okay. Do you want to answer it?
Okay. Do you want to answer it?
There's no way you don't know anyone in Illinois. It's like a telemarketer.
There's no way you don't know anyone in Illinois. It's like a telemarketer.
You just got hacked.
You just got hacked.
Speak for me.
Speak for me.
Yeah, like sometimes he also just goes for some full YOLO plays. And maybe you can even see it in Interflex, maybe on the calling a little bit too. In some situations, they go for that YOLO style at times. But yeah, let's see. It's up to them to evolve and take that next step. And that's why I think it will be a cool game to watch.
Yeah, like sometimes he also just goes for some full YOLO plays. And maybe you can even see it in Interflex, maybe on the calling a little bit too. In some situations, they go for that YOLO style at times. But yeah, let's see. It's up to them to evolve and take that next step. And that's why I think it will be a cool game to watch.
Right? Because Pro League is also longer, in theory.
Right? Because Pro League is also longer, in theory.
I lost it this year.
I lost it this year.
Could be, yeah.
Could be, yeah.
And I'm taking Major over Blitz. No, I mean in terms of... What's funny, asshole?
And I'm taking Major over Blitz. No, I mean in terms of... What's funny, asshole?
It was when we had a match.
It was when we had a match.
It's tough because when you play against a team so many times and another good team, they start to understand how you think about the game and your protocols. And that's the problem. You can change your strat and you can change this. You can move people around. But the concepts that you believe are good Counter-Strike, what are you supposed to do?
It's tough because when you play against a team so many times and another good team, they start to understand how you think about the game and your protocols. And that's the problem. You can change your strat and you can change this. You can move people around. But the concepts that you believe are good Counter-Strike, what are you supposed to do?
Not do those things because they will be expecting them? The answer is yes, to some extent. You need to sort of change the way you play because that matchup changes as you play time and time again, right? Like what did we see with Na'Vi and G2? They beat them like nine, ten times in a row, right? Like eventually, obviously what you're doing is not working.
Not do those things because they will be expecting them? The answer is yes, to some extent. You need to sort of change the way you play because that matchup changes as you play time and time again, right? Like what did we see with Na'Vi and G2? They beat them like nine, ten times in a row, right? Like eventually, obviously what you're doing is not working.
So do what you don't think is the right thing because what you think is the right thing has been losing you nine series in a row.
So do what you don't think is the right thing because what you think is the right thing has been losing you nine series in a row.
Yeah, I saw someone post that he's averaging the last three months, his stats are higher than S1mple's major MVP stats.
Yeah, I saw someone post that he's averaging the last three months, his stats are higher than S1mple's major MVP stats.
Okay, sure. Whatever. All that is just funny. Like hearing that is just funny.
Okay, sure. Whatever. All that is just funny. Like hearing that is just funny.
Just hearing the team speak from Liquid in that Spirit game. And Nerds dying to Shiro. This guy never goes for rounds. I swear. He never plays to win the round. And it's true. That's kind of true. He's really good at maybe punishing some hyper-aggressive plays and all of that. But... I think the way Shiro takes his game to the next level is just be more aggressive sometimes.
Just hearing the team speak from Liquid in that Spirit game. And Nerds dying to Shiro. This guy never goes for rounds. I swear. He never plays to win the round. And it's true. That's kind of true. He's really good at maybe punishing some hyper-aggressive plays and all of that. But... I think the way Shiro takes his game to the next level is just be more aggressive sometimes.
We shouldn't. We're not fucking ambassadors of any of the teams.
We shouldn't. We're not fucking ambassadors of any of the teams.
And I understand you have Donk on your team and you have a system in there and all of that, but just put it on film, right? Because you can now know... when you go up against Spirit and on the CT side, that he's almost never going to be somewhere in an aggressive angle early on or try to play in someone's face a little bit of the combat topping, right?
And I understand you have Donk on your team and you have a system in there and all of that, but just put it on film, right? Because you can now know... when you go up against Spirit and on the CT side, that he's almost never going to be somewhere in an aggressive angle early on or try to play in someone's face a little bit of the combat topping, right?
And someone will say, yeah, but that's not his style. Well, I mean, you need to be able to do multiple things. Same way you could say about Brokkie needs to know how to be a little bit more passive and... maybe hit more shots, right? Or maybe you can say the same thing for Monacy at times, or whoever, right? It doesn't even matter.
And someone will say, yeah, but that's not his style. Well, I mean, you need to be able to do multiple things. Same way you could say about Brokkie needs to know how to be a little bit more passive and... maybe hit more shots, right? Or maybe you can say the same thing for Monacy at times, or whoever, right? It doesn't even matter.
Because when you game plan against them, it's such a luxury to know that he's always going to be somewhere back towards the side, and then you just need to sort of have utility left to deal with him, right? And then if you get it, he's always going to be falling back. He's never going to smoke, come on, try to fight in it, and be in your face, and make some sort of a highlight.
Because when you game plan against them, it's such a luxury to know that he's always going to be somewhere back towards the side, and then you just need to sort of have utility left to deal with him, right? And then if you get it, he's always going to be falling back. He's never going to smoke, come on, try to fight in it, and be in your face, and make some sort of a highlight.
That's the most fun part about it. That and speculating about the VRS without knowing how it actually works.
That's the most fun part about it. That and speculating about the VRS without knowing how it actually works.
If I have to make a prediction, I'll go with Navi.
If I have to make a prediction, I'll go with Navi.
It's all right. I think now we will be spirit.
It's all right. I think now we will be spirit.
Again, maybe HLTV does a little bit too much power.
Again, maybe HLTV does a little bit too much power.
I get it. It's like an exception to the rule, but that was a historic run. He's not having a historic run now. He's playing really well.
I get it. It's like an exception to the rule, but that was a historic run. He's not having a historic run now. He's playing really well.
I'm here for you.
I'm here for you.
Even worse, they had Nafany as a stand-in.
Even worse, they had Nafany as a stand-in.
I mean, I'm with Striker. The first thing he said, what are the odds of them losing to Na'Vi in the semi? And then whatever the odds are for that, those are the odds of him not winning the MVP.
I mean, I'm with Striker. The first thing he said, what are the odds of them losing to Na'Vi in the semi? And then whatever the odds are for that, those are the odds of him not winning the MVP.
Yeah, because they beat them head-to-head two times out of three.
Yeah, because they beat them head-to-head two times out of three.
Well, not necessarily because if they lose and he has a very good series, he could win it. We've seen that happen more than once. Even against ZywOo probably.
Well, not necessarily because if they lose and he has a very good series, he could win it. We've seen that happen more than once. Even against ZywOo probably.
I'm giving it 50%.
I'm giving it 50%.
They definitely have an HLTV account.
They definitely have an HLTV account.
What's the number you see the most?
What's the number you see the most?
I think it was more sort of miscommunication within the face camp than it was sort of that they're not a part of the conversations.
I think it was more sort of miscommunication within the face camp than it was sort of that they're not a part of the conversations.
It's a fair assumption for ZywOo.
It's a fair assumption for ZywOo.
Who knows, man? Who? It's a rough night.
Who knows, man? Who? It's a rough night.
What's going on?
What's going on?
Donk was unhappy about his Blast Bounty performance. He feels like Shiro should have gotten MVP. He's already falling off. He had one good year. That's it. That's it.
Donk was unhappy about his Blast Bounty performance. He feels like Shiro should have gotten MVP. He's already falling off. He had one good year. That's it. That's it.
Oh, no. I don't know.
Oh, no. I don't know.
Team Louver. They could at least be original. But I think, listen, I think the underlying problem is deeper than that. The underlying problem is sustainability in...
Team Louver. They could at least be original. But I think, listen, I think the underlying problem is deeper than that. The underlying problem is sustainability in...
He's like, I said, you know, he should thank Jane for how long Jane was in the tier one scene, because then everyone's talking about Jane, people are not talking about Shiro as much. And for me, it's also just watching the games and seeing his movements on the map and the decisions that he makes. It's almost always the safest possible decision.
He's like, I said, you know, he should thank Jane for how long Jane was in the tier one scene, because then everyone's talking about Jane, people are not talking about Shiro as much. And for me, it's also just watching the games and seeing his movements on the map and the decisions that he makes. It's almost always the safest possible decision.
call right which again doesn't mean he's a bad player doesn't mean it's like you know that that stuff can work but it becomes a little bit predictable as well you know and that's why i would have liked it sometimes if he would to change his play style at least a little bit because there is there would be so much space for you to make those plays Because people wouldn't expect it at first.
call right which again doesn't mean he's a bad player doesn't mean it's like you know that that stuff can work but it becomes a little bit predictable as well you know and that's why i would have liked it sometimes if he would to change his play style at least a little bit because there is there would be so much space for you to make those plays Because people wouldn't expect it at first.
Then they would have to change their approach so much when they go up against your team and all of this stuff. Yeah, I think it's a little bit, you know, at times it even looks sort of like, come on, bro, just like go for it. Please just just just try to make a play like it's, you know, three before there's a minute, 10 seconds left, you know, try to search and find one kill.
Then they would have to change their approach so much when they go up against your team and all of this stuff. Yeah, I think it's a little bit, you know, at times it even looks sort of like, come on, bro, just like go for it. Please just just just try to make a play like it's, you know, three before there's a minute, 10 seconds left, you know, try to search and find one kill.
And then they're in a three by three and maybe they can do something instead of just posted up somewhere and hoping the other team makes a mistake. Like that's it. If the other team screws up. he will probably punish that. But if they do a good job of playing their advantage, he'll just save. He'll be out of position to find any impact and he'll save and that's it.
And then they're in a three by three and maybe they can do something instead of just posted up somewhere and hoping the other team makes a mistake. Like that's it. If the other team screws up. he will probably punish that. But if they do a good job of playing their advantage, he'll just save. He'll be out of position to find any impact and he'll save and that's it.
esports slash counter-strike esports right for these or these orgs are not doing this because they hate pgl and they love vsl and blast they're doing it for money reasons right and it goes back to 2016-17 venture capital coming in everyone overpaying for players and inflating players salaries where i i don't know if you guys ever had this but when i talked to someone unfamiliar with esports and they asked me how much are the players getting they're getting paid oh a lot
esports slash counter-strike esports right for these or these orgs are not doing this because they hate pgl and they love vsl and blast they're doing it for money reasons right and it goes back to 2016-17 venture capital coming in everyone overpaying for players and inflating players salaries where i i don't know if you guys ever had this but when i talked to someone unfamiliar with esports and they asked me how much are the players getting they're getting paid oh a lot
Who the fuck cares? It's his fault for allowing it to get to him.
Who the fuck cares? It's his fault for allowing it to get to him.
It was just a meme at the start. But why are you laughing at your little shit? It's just a meme. People were memeing, oh, as soon as he got a Porsche, he started playing like shit. Then if someone asked him, he would get all defensive about it and stuff instead of just laughing it off. Of course, there's no correlation between his play and the fact he got a new automobile, Chad.
It was just a meme at the start. But why are you laughing at your little shit? It's just a meme. People were memeing, oh, as soon as he got a Porsche, he started playing like shit. Then if someone asked him, he would get all defensive about it and stuff instead of just laughing it off. Of course, there's no correlation between his play and the fact he got a new automobile, Chad.
Never.
Never.
So it's like, but he was, I mean, at the beginning, he had to get pretty hard. He wasn't negatively portrayed. People were just memeing about it.
So it's like, but he was, I mean, at the beginning, he had to get pretty hard. He wasn't negatively portrayed. People were just memeing about it.
Yeah, that's why you ignore them. Why would you care what some random says from who knows wherever?
Yeah, that's why you ignore them. Why would you care what some random says from who knows wherever?
He's just trying to elicit a reaction from you.
He's just trying to elicit a reaction from you.
There you go. So you let him in. He's won. You've lost.
There you go. So you let him in. He's won. You've lost.
That's it. But the prize money goes to the teams. I'm like, no, actually the players get 90%, 85% of the prize money. And they're like, wait, so how does the club make money? That's a very good question. And that's what Silvio said in his tweet too, where it maybe feels like either the salaries are too high for the players or you can't have it both ways, right?
That's it. But the prize money goes to the teams. I'm like, no, actually the players get 90%, 85% of the prize money. And they're like, wait, so how does the club make money? That's a very good question. And that's what Silvio said in his tweet too, where it maybe feels like either the salaries are too high for the players or you can't have it both ways, right?
It's pretty strong.
It's pretty strong.
There's a bracket now in the Bitcoin.
There's a bracket now in the Bitcoin.
When we get some sponsors, maybe we'll have one producer too.
When we get some sponsors, maybe we'll have one producer too.
We will.
We will.
Yeah, absolutely. The exposure, that's what it's all about.
Yeah, absolutely. The exposure, that's what it's all about.
Any cool comments, Chad, any nice comments in there?
Any cool comments, Chad, any nice comments in there?
Meanwhile, they have two guys on payroll working 24-7 on the app.
Meanwhile, they have two guys on payroll working 24-7 on the app.
Yeah, I do the same.
Yeah, I do the same.
I can say for the one man's bullying is another man's just sort of horsing around. Just boys will be boys. You know, the world out there, man, it can be a cruel place as Chad has found out reading comments on the internet. You know, guys, it's not all sunshine and rainbows out there, right? Right. You need to be ready for some tough love.
I can say for the one man's bullying is another man's just sort of horsing around. Just boys will be boys. You know, the world out there, man, it can be a cruel place as Chad has found out reading comments on the internet. You know, guys, it's not all sunshine and rainbows out there, right? Right. You need to be ready for some tough love.
right six million dollars in chad's bank account can't defend him from a little if i had six you're the million dollar man so it's true i wish i had six million dollars that'd be nice wouldn't it so yeah embrace the suck because it's only why would you need after the after the suck that you can appreciate the goods how does that improve your life drastically if i had six million would you still be casting counter-strike yes yes but i'll tell you what i would be doing differently yeah
right six million dollars in chad's bank account can't defend him from a little if i had six you're the million dollar man so it's true i wish i had six million dollars that'd be nice wouldn't it so yeah embrace the suck because it's only why would you need after the after the suck that you can appreciate the goods how does that improve your life drastically if i had six million would you still be casting counter-strike yes yes but i'll tell you what i would be doing differently yeah
He will run a $2 million Australian-only tournament to get the team into the top 10 in terms of the VRS points.
He will run a $2 million Australian-only tournament to get the team into the top 10 in terms of the VRS points.
Well, Chad only accepts oceanfront, so... Those are in the seven figures, right?
Well, Chad only accepts oceanfront, so... Those are in the seven figures, right?
Not like Jason who lives in the bush.
Not like Jason who lives in the bush.
Stickers are a different conversation. They have their own private stickers for the majors as well. And I was always, even when I was coaching, it was a little bit difficult when players have such a high base salary regardless of your results. There's not too many levers you can pull to sort of Motivate them and impact their motivation to some extent.
Stickers are a different conversation. They have their own private stickers for the majors as well. And I was always, even when I was coaching, it was a little bit difficult when players have such a high base salary regardless of your results. There's not too many levers you can pull to sort of Motivate them and impact their motivation to some extent.
Was it like when you were in college?
Was it like when you were in college?
So you asked for it.
So you asked for it.
The curvy one.
The curvy one.
They're fucking small. They're tiny.
They're fucking small. They're tiny.
Why? Because I'm a Serbian barbarian.
Why? Because I'm a Serbian barbarian.
I don't even wash. Actually, it's pretty neat and tidy in my domain as well, Chad. I am the master of my domain. No, it's a combination, actually. It's a trimmer and a shaver.
I don't even wash. Actually, it's pretty neat and tidy in my domain as well, Chad. I am the master of my domain. No, it's a combination, actually. It's a trimmer and a shaver.
Like the one.
Like the one.
No, no, no. The actual, the blades. No, the actual razors. That has to be used for the face first. I actually use separate razors for the two, Jason.
No, no, no. The actual, the blades. No, the actual razors. That has to be used for the face first. I actually use separate razors for the two, Jason.
I don't know. But yeah, I can't use the trimmers for the testicles.
I don't know. But yeah, I can't use the trimmers for the testicles.
Right? Because you will nick something. So it has to be the razor for that.
Right? Because you will nick something. So it has to be the razor for that.
You're just like we're talking about fucking balls and not Chad's hemorrhoids this time around.
You're just like we're talking about fucking balls and not Chad's hemorrhoids this time around.
I was always for make the base salary less, make the incentives higher. So if you're the number one team in the world and you're winning tournaments, you're actually making more than you would otherwise. If you're not really performing, then why would we spend? You know, a team on a tier one team for the org, that's like a couple of million dollars a year just on salary.
I was always for make the base salary less, make the incentives higher. So if you're the number one team in the world and you're winning tournaments, you're actually making more than you would otherwise. If you're not really performing, then why would we spend? You know, a team on a tier one team for the org, that's like a couple of million dollars a year just on salary.
You see, but that's the problem with men. We don't talk enough about things, right? You just push them under the rug and then, you know.
You see, but that's the problem with men. We don't talk enough about things, right? You just push them under the rug and then, you know.
We should do that next. Next offseason.
We should do that next. Next offseason.
I'm happy. Yeah, I'm fulfilled.
I'm happy. Yeah, I'm fulfilled.
I just wanted to say thanks for having us, Chad. It was a pleasure.
I just wanted to say thanks for having us, Chad. It was a pleasure.
I don't know.
I don't know.
What a fucking boring ass show.
What a fucking boring ass show.
And you think they get that much back through even some of the rev share or the prize money or the stickers? I mean...
And you think they get that much back through even some of the rev share or the prize money or the stickers? I mean...
I think he is a really good player.
I think he is a really good player.
Yeah, that's one angle. My angle was going to be... Your players aren't shooting, Jason. I was going to say they're the only team really without a big star player at the moment, which is basically just reworded exactly what you said. I don't know how you fix it. I think you need a little bit more firepower. I mean, I don't know.
Yeah, that's one angle. My angle was going to be... Your players aren't shooting, Jason. I was going to say they're the only team really without a big star player at the moment, which is basically just reworded exactly what you said. I don't know how you fix it. I think you need a little bit more firepower. I mean, I don't know.
This is why I always bring up the mouse thing as the existential counter-strike and all the conversations the players have because it's like, can system counter-strikes still work at the moment? It seems like every team is leaning towards firepower.
This is why I always bring up the mouse thing as the existential counter-strike and all the conversations the players have because it's like, can system counter-strikes still work at the moment? It seems like every team is leaning towards firepower.
Or you need like 200 damage in nades.
Or you need like 200 damage in nades.
I think that mental from Malz got knocked tonight in that Dust 2 round that you already talked about, the Apex long and going back to the B-bomb site. I think that ruined it. Because it wasn't just the fake that pulled everyone over. It's also, I think it was an exertion that was pushed up, like top mid, Sphinx pushed all the way up to barrels.
I think that mental from Malz got knocked tonight in that Dust 2 round that you already talked about, the Apex long and going back to the B-bomb site. I think that ruined it. Because it wasn't just the fake that pulled everyone over. It's also, I think it was an exertion that was pushed up, like top mid, Sphinx pushed all the way up to barrels.
And it's like, at that moment, they probably had to feel like they were in such control. They felt like they knew everything. Four players at the site, they can't get out cave. Miles had to feel like they had that round won like a million times over.
And it's like, at that moment, they probably had to feel like they were in such control. They felt like they knew everything. Four players at the site, they can't get out cave. Miles had to feel like they had that round won like a million times over.
He didn't do anything.
He didn't do anything.
They're at every event. They're at every single event. And most of them are like two to three days off in between. So if they feel like they haven't had enough time to practice now, what are you going to feel like in fucking May?
They're at every event. They're at every single event. And most of them are like two to three days off in between. So if they feel like they haven't had enough time to practice now, what are you going to feel like in fucking May?
But they fucking decided to do everything. I know. It's crazy. And it's like, I can even have sympathy with that perspective of not being home, not having enough time to practice and prep. But once you accept an invite to every single event, it's like, well, you've made this decision. They're also doing the Dallas Kazakhstan thing. How the fuck are you going to pull that off? I don't even know.
But they fucking decided to do everything. I know. It's crazy. And it's like, I can even have sympathy with that perspective of not being home, not having enough time to practice and prep. But once you accept an invite to every single event, it's like, well, you've made this decision. They're also doing the Dallas Kazakhstan thing. How the fuck are you going to pull that off? I don't even know.
They're going to have to pull out one of those, surely. How do you do that? But I think if you're a team... There's a way.
They're going to have to pull out one of those, surely. How do you do that? But I think if you're a team... There's a way.
It wasn't terrible.
It wasn't terrible.
I don't think it was short, but it wasn't crazy long, I don't think.
I don't think it was short, but it wasn't crazy long, I don't think.
All right, we've done it. We're live. The conclusion of ESL Pro League Season 21 here in Stockholm, Sweden. Vitality are your champions. Rops is your DHL MVP. Zyroo is your HLTV MVP. Oh, I was telling you, I got this in the shuttle. Actually, no, never mind. We'll save that for another day.
All right, we've done it. We're live. The conclusion of ESL Pro League Season 21 here in Stockholm, Sweden. Vitality are your champions. Rops is your DHL MVP. Zyroo is your HLTV MVP. Oh, I was telling you, I got this in the shuttle. Actually, no, never mind. We'll save that for another day.
Yeah, but they're going to be so burnt out.
Yeah, but they're going to be so burnt out.
Yeah, I don't know. It might be a possibility. I still just think you're going to want to use those two weeks to prep for the major. I think they're just going to be fried of just pure counter-strike for that long. Maybe I'm wrong, though. And the travel. I just think the way they lost and got eliminated here was that nuke game. They lost the spirit, though. Yeah, but they lost so many dumb posts.
Yeah, I don't know. It might be a possibility. I still just think you're going to want to use those two weeks to prep for the major. I think they're just going to be fried of just pure counter-strike for that long. Maybe I'm wrong, though. And the travel. I just think the way they lost and got eliminated here was that nuke game. They lost the spirit, though. Yeah, but they lost so many dumb posts.
They lost two 5v3s. a three v one, and a 10 second diffuse stuck in their face. That's right. And I think if you lose those kinds of rounds, that shows to me that you're losing focus in those post plants in those situations in terms of communicating your positioning in terms of communicating what you're watching in terms of communicating what's happening, and what's going to happen.
They lost two 5v3s. a three v one, and a 10 second diffuse stuck in their face. That's right. And I think if you lose those kinds of rounds, that shows to me that you're losing focus in those post plants in those situations in terms of communicating your positioning in terms of communicating what you're watching in terms of communicating what's happening, and what's going to happen.
And I think that issue surely only gets worse if you're going to every single event.
And I think that issue surely only gets worse if you're going to every single event.
It was less than three hours. And that includes like probably 40 minutes of... Between map, halftime, 45 to 50 minutes of halftime breaks. The game went live at five. Yeah, and it ended around eight.
It was less than three hours. And that includes like probably 40 minutes of... Between map, halftime, 45 to 50 minutes of halftime breaks. The game went live at five. Yeah, and it ended around eight.
Yeah. I mean, surely like you can patch this kind of a situation by saying like regional wildcard invites have to have three players from the region, right? Like that would be like an easy fix.
Yeah. I mean, surely like you can patch this kind of a situation by saying like regional wildcard invites have to have three players from the region, right? Like that would be like an easy fix.
But, I mean, also the silliness, too, of being outraged at Liquid for accepting the invite was a little bit much. Yeah, the way that it was framed...
But, I mean, also the silliness, too, of being outraged at Liquid for accepting the invite was a little bit much. Yeah, the way that it was framed...
Oh, yeah. They absolutely would love it. Well, that's also, I mean, that's why part of the reason why I was thinking it's like insane for people to be upset that they accepted an invite. And obviously, if you look into it, you probably wouldn't be upset. But let's say you were.
Oh, yeah. They absolutely would love it. Well, that's also, I mean, that's why part of the reason why I was thinking it's like insane for people to be upset that they accepted an invite. And obviously, if you look into it, you probably wouldn't be upset. But let's say you were.
Like for Liquid, it's like, well, how would they pass up on an opportunity to get extra points to go deeper in the major and potentially get more sticker money?
Like for Liquid, it's like, well, how would they pass up on an opportunity to get extra points to go deeper in the major and potentially get more sticker money?
Oh, that's right.
Oh, that's right.
yeah i mean you have apex even mentioned that in his post game on nuke especially they played those post plans so good though so like some of them were just played really well but i played some of them really bad yeah that oh yeah probably a combination of both i think i think mouse i think got scared like really early on dust 2 as players they just did not seem that all that confidence that i'd been seeing throughout this event from them it was non-existent i actually like during the third map during inferno i was laughing to myself because i'm i'm
yeah i mean you have apex even mentioned that in his post game on nuke especially they played those post plans so good though so like some of them were just played really well but i played some of them really bad yeah that oh yeah probably a combination of both i think i think mouse i think got scared like really early on dust 2 as players they just did not seem that all that confidence that i'd been seeing throughout this event from them it was non-existent i actually like during the third map during inferno i was laughing to myself because i'm i'm
Based on last year, and you guys might have time with the details, they're not coming to me right now, because Spirit strategically skipped some events last year throughout the year, right? They didn't go to Rio.
Based on last year, and you guys might have time with the details, they're not coming to me right now, because Spirit strategically skipped some events last year throughout the year, right? They didn't go to Rio.
They won Katowice, though. Don't they get a direct invite to Pro League after that?
They won Katowice, though. Don't they get a direct invite to Pro League after that?
Yeah, but I know they strategically skipped events, so... That would tell me that they're trying to like organize their calendars so that they can be peaking at the right moment. So that they can be picking up momentum to aim for mostly the big events.
Yeah, but I know they strategically skipped events, so... That would tell me that they're trying to like organize their calendars so that they can be peaking at the right moment. So that they can be picking up momentum to aim for mostly the big events.
I mean, the only change you'd ever make with Shiro is modesty.
I mean, the only change you'd ever make with Shiro is modesty.
Crazy. A little bit crazy.
Crazy. A little bit crazy.
And I was like, I was like, I have like this, I have this Lord of the Rings like comparison for you. That was like the fucking final charge at Pelennor Fields to take back Minas Tirith. Like watching them come up, like be laying short on Inferno and just watching the defenders like back off.
And I was like, I was like, I have like this, I have this Lord of the Rings like comparison for you. That was like the fucking final charge at Pelennor Fields to take back Minas Tirith. Like watching them come up, like be laying short on Inferno and just watching the defenders like back off.
Was he?
Was he?
I think, I think the kind of secret conversation was even for me in my mind, I thought they would have that conversation even after winning the major of like being like, do we need it? Like not realistically. Absolutely.
I think, I think the kind of secret conversation was even for me in my mind, I thought they would have that conversation even after winning the major of like being like, do we need it? Like not realistically. Absolutely.
Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. But I think sneakily, they had one of the best off seasons in terms of they actually made sure they re-signed him to the Academy team and make sure he stayed in-house.
Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. But I think sneakily, they had one of the best off seasons in terms of they actually made sure they re-signed him to the Academy team and make sure he stayed in-house.
They kept him in-house. So, I mean, that's a big win if they want to make a switch.
They kept him in-house. So, I mean, that's a big win if they want to make a switch.
Yeah, the Grand Slam.
Yeah, the Grand Slam.
just like the fucking orcs right that big charge happened the rohirrim came in and those orcs all fucking shied away and that's how i felt like i was watching like jimmy backing up into different angles not wanting the initial fight everyone was just trying to back away from from stopping vitality from doing anything that's my lord of the rings comparison i always appreciate the charge of the rohirrim lord of the rings one of the movie series of all time that's for sure
just like the fucking orcs right that big charge happened the rohirrim came in and those orcs all fucking shied away and that's how i felt like i was watching like jimmy backing up into different angles not wanting the initial fight everyone was just trying to back away from from stopping vitality from doing anything that's my lord of the rings comparison i always appreciate the charge of the rohirrim lord of the rings one of the movie series of all time that's for sure
Go on.
Go on.
I thought Jason was going to say Liquid. No, I was going to go for the underdog FaZe. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I thought Jason was going to say Liquid. No, I was going to go for the underdog FaZe. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
it's the most interesting conversation coming out of, or coming into Lisbon is what they're going to look like. Cause I'm very curious. Cause I'm like, they've, they've publicly said, I'm assuming they've taken this event off so they could have some time to take.
it's the most interesting conversation coming out of, or coming into Lisbon is what they're going to look like. Cause I'm very curious. Cause I'm like, they've, they've publicly said, I'm assuming they've taken this event off so they could have some time to take.
So, but let's say they've had two to three weeks where, yeah, he's been doing some visa shit on the side, but probably still tracking, tracking and getting involved and having the conversations and swapping roles around and trying new things and changing things. And, you give Kerrigan and a leash and that team time to cook for that long.
So, but let's say they've had two to three weeks where, yeah, he's been doing some visa shit on the side, but probably still tracking, tracking and getting involved and having the conversations and swapping roles around and trying new things and changing things. And, you give Kerrigan and a leash and that team time to cook for that long.
Are they going to come out on the other side and look like they can challenge for trophies again? I'm really curious about that.
Are they going to come out on the other side and look like they can challenge for trophies again? I'm really curious about that.
Alish hated Train.
Alish hated Train.
Just going to throw that out there.
Just going to throw that out there.
Can you give me that water by chance?
Can you give me that water by chance?
you could see promise and then you can also see whatever the opposite of promises lies. But like there were some rounds, there were some rounds I was watching on ancient when they played, when I would like watch nerds would be like hyper aggressive and middle towards red room. And like the other four players would be like back at elbow and like be lane.
you could see promise and then you can also see whatever the opposite of promises lies. But like there were some rounds, there were some rounds I was watching on ancient when they played, when I would like watch nerds would be like hyper aggressive and middle towards red room. And like the other four players would be like back at elbow and like be lane.
And I'd be like, this feels like just like your kinder where there's just like one guy being very aggressive and not a whole lot of followup behind it. And it wasn't every round. It wasn't with the same frequency. But when I see that, I'm just like, ah, It scares me a little bit. I think positive signs, Ultimate had a good event. He had a bit of a return to some kind of positive form.
And I'd be like, this feels like just like your kinder where there's just like one guy being very aggressive and not a whole lot of followup behind it. And it wasn't every round. It wasn't with the same frequency. But when I see that, I'm just like, ah, It scares me a little bit. I think positive signs, Ultimate had a good event. He had a bit of a return to some kind of positive form.
He was really on the rifle, I thought. Yeah.
He was really on the rifle, I thought. Yeah.
I think the biggest concern right now is I think, unfortunately, I still think they can be good. But I think if you want to get to a point where they can contend and become like a top five team, it's going to get to a point where you just have to change one of NAF or JKS. It's a five power problem again, right? Those two players on one team are limiting how high they can go for sure.
I think the biggest concern right now is I think, unfortunately, I still think they can be good. But I think if you want to get to a point where they can contend and become like a top five team, it's going to get to a point where you just have to change one of NAF or JKS. It's a five power problem again, right? Those two players on one team are limiting how high they can go for sure.
I wouldn't even say it's causing like terrible problems. It's just limiting you from getting better, which I guess is a terrible problem in its own way.
I wouldn't even say it's causing like terrible problems. It's just limiting you from getting better, which I guess is a terrible problem in its own way.
We won both on Nuke.
We won both on Nuke.
I would say, I mean, if we're going to get nitpicky on this one round, if I had to imagine what occurred, that particular situation would be, Nertz probably just wanted to take a jiggle in three shots and fall back. He fucking wide swung, Jason. Okay, jiggle might be aggressive, but he did not want to commit to a fight. He just got banged out. And then Naf said, okay, my teammate just died here.
I would say, I mean, if we're going to get nitpicky on this one round, if I had to imagine what occurred, that particular situation would be, Nertz probably just wanted to take a jiggle in three shots and fall back. He fucking wide swung, Jason. Okay, jiggle might be aggressive, but he did not want to commit to a fight. He just got banged out. And then Naf said, okay, my teammate just died here.
The last thing they'll expect is another teammate taking this peek. Let me see if I can just even things up and back away.
The last thing they'll expect is another teammate taking this peek. Let me see if I can just even things up and back away.
I know. You know how that happens. It's like, that's not communicated from Nert. So there's no way for Naf to be coordinated with him. That's, I would, I would.
I know. You know how that happens. It's like, that's not communicated from Nert. So there's no way for Naf to be coordinated with him. That's, I would, I would.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
I'm not excusing it. I just, I just imagine that's one of those rounds where just someone didn't say what they were going to do. And there was no way to build upon it as a teammate.
I'm not excusing it. I just, I just imagine that's one of those rounds where just someone didn't say what they were going to do. And there was no way to build upon it as a teammate.
Is this my illness rattled brain, but didn't have, didn't liquid have that? Was it the playoff game or something towards the end of groups where they had that Inferno where they had a big lead on the CT side and they kept doing those more gambly like mode and they just like save like four rounds in a row. Who's that against?
Is this my illness rattled brain, but didn't have, didn't liquid have that? Was it the playoff game or something towards the end of groups where they had that Inferno where they had a big lead on the CT side and they kept doing those more gambly like mode and they just like save like four rounds in a row. Who's that against?
It really does suck. It fucking blows.
It really does suck. It fucking blows.
And just had a career rate vitalization out of NIP as well.
And just had a career rate vitalization out of NIP as well.
But I appreciate that at least he said it was hard.
But I appreciate that at least he said it was hard.
I'm glad he didn't just come in and be like, yeah, I've always wanted to do this and I'm handling business. And yeah, I already got a trophy.
I'm glad he didn't just come in and be like, yeah, I've always wanted to do this and I'm handling business. And yeah, I already got a trophy.
I mean, if I think about this in perspective, and I actually haven't even given it a thought if they were to remove NAF and keep JKS, but in my head, it's always been remove JKS and keep NAF.
I mean, if I think about this in perspective, and I actually haven't even given it a thought if they were to remove NAF and keep JKS, but in my head, it's always been remove JKS and keep NAF.
Well, I mean, part of it is not even anything gameplay related. It's just NAF's been there for fucking ever, and he's been such a...
Well, I mean, part of it is not even anything gameplay related. It's just NAF's been there for fucking ever, and he's been such a...
This is my point though, but if you get an IGL, then you tell, then you basically tell Twist that he, then I almost feel like you have to put Twist back in anchor positions.
This is my point though, but if you get an IGL, then you tell, then you basically tell Twist that he, then I almost feel like you have to put Twist back in anchor positions.
Well, you put NAF back there.
Well, you put NAF back there.
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I don't know. I mean, you're right. There's no easy decisions at the moment for Liquid.
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I don't know. I mean, you're right. There's no easy decisions at the moment for Liquid.
I think I think they might like I think they might need to think about getting I think I want to see them get someone who can be like a buddy paired up with nerds like it should be twist like a battle I know but as the IGL yeah it is I don't know what makes it look a little bit sexy sometimes on T side yeah yard outside nerds and twits behind them I think if you were to look like at certain maps you could see areas on the maps where they have good things
I think I think they might like I think they might need to think about getting I think I want to see them get someone who can be like a buddy paired up with nerds like it should be twist like a battle I know but as the IGL yeah it is I don't know what makes it look a little bit sexy sometimes on T side yeah yard outside nerds and twits behind them I think if you were to look like at certain maps you could see areas on the maps where they have good things
Yeah, I guess that's that's a good way to put it because I think I feel like there are maps where I see nerds just like kind of die on aggressive plays very, very solo. I don't know after I feel like there's not a lot of players. Yeah, I don't know. It's just repeating what we've already said.
Yeah, I guess that's that's a good way to put it because I think I feel like there are maps where I see nerds just like kind of die on aggressive plays very, very solo. I don't know after I feel like there's not a lot of players. Yeah, I don't know. It's just repeating what we've already said.
I feel like there's not a lot of players like if nerds goes down or if they're in a four v five, I feel like they kind of just sit and wait for a minute and then just choose a bomb site.
I feel like there's not a lot of players like if nerds goes down or if they're in a four v five, I feel like they kind of just sit and wait for a minute and then just choose a bomb site.
I mean, this event just showcased that they're like steps ahead literally every other team. Like it is like S tier is Vitality and then everyone else is A and below.
I mean, this event just showcased that they're like steps ahead literally every other team. Like it is like S tier is Vitality and then everyone else is A and below.
I tried to upload on the Wi-Fi on the first podcast we did and it was going to take a while.
I tried to upload on the Wi-Fi on the first podcast we did and it was going to take a while.
Yeah, probably. Yeah.
Yeah, probably. Yeah.
No.
No.
Yes, he was.
Yes, he was.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
They haven't stuck the landing out of COVID quite yet.
They haven't stuck the landing out of COVID quite yet.
I think a confidence win would help them, but I don't think it's going to increase their ceiling to any crazy level.
I think a confidence win would help them, but I don't think it's going to increase their ceiling to any crazy level.
It very well could be, but I think that was part of, I feel like that was part of the reason of Twist kind of taking over the in-game leadership was he wanted to institute his kind of culture as well.
It very well could be, but I think that was part of, I feel like that was part of the reason of Twist kind of taking over the in-game leadership was he wanted to institute his kind of culture as well.
They don't have a positive like emotion energy guy.
They don't have a positive like emotion energy guy.
Which was always what Stewie was.
Which was always what Stewie was.
Could be nerds. But like, again, this is the issue Stewie had as well. I mean, not to like- You can't do it on your own. You can't do it on your own. Yeah, you just get exhausted eventually. Nerds coming into a new team, probably that's a tough situation to become that guy.
Could be nerds. But like, again, this is the issue Stewie had as well. I mean, not to like- You can't do it on your own. You can't do it on your own. Yeah, you just get exhausted eventually. Nerds coming into a new team, probably that's a tough situation to become that guy.
But yeah, there's certainly an essence of that kind of team cohesion that comes with that kind of a positive attitude and environment that's not there.
But yeah, there's certainly an essence of that kind of team cohesion that comes with that kind of a positive attitude and environment that's not there.
Yeah, that was good.
Yeah, that was good.
Reach out your hand and touch God. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if they have the personality for it. I'm sure they have conversations. No, I don't think they have the personality for it either, unfortunately.
Reach out your hand and touch God. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if they have the personality for it. I'm sure they have conversations. No, I don't think they have the personality for it either, unfortunately.
Like, I mean, you'll have all the open and tough conversations about the game stuff, but I think outside of the game stuff, they don't have the personality to be like the tight nip, like, let's get together, hang out, tell jokes and shit.
Like, I mean, you'll have all the open and tough conversations about the game stuff, but I think outside of the game stuff, they don't have the personality to be like the tight nip, like, let's get together, hang out, tell jokes and shit.
Can I be honest with you? I'm not entirely confident that that kind of like hardcore system counter-strike without star players can work anymore. I feel like I need to be convinced, like Navi needs to convince me that that can even work.
Can I be honest with you? I'm not entirely confident that that kind of like hardcore system counter-strike without star players can work anymore. I feel like I need to be convinced, like Navi needs to convince me that that can even work.
Yeah, but you're not putting him in the category of star players like, I mean... He's one of the best anchors in the world. I know, but I'm trying to say, I was going to go with like the unreasonable. Yeah, I was going to go with the unreasonable comparison, but like your star players on.
Yeah, but you're not putting him in the category of star players like, I mean... He's one of the best anchors in the world. I know, but I'm trying to say, I was going to go with like the unreasonable. Yeah, I was going to go with the unreasonable comparison, but like your star players on.
Exactly. That's why I know it's unreasonable, but like you don't have that pop-off star who you know is going to likely give you 13 kills per half, 20 some per game.
Exactly. That's why I know it's unreasonable, but like you don't have that pop-off star who you know is going to likely give you 13 kills per half, 20 some per game.
He was.
He was.
They're eighth in the VRS right now. I feel like this is probably very reactionary based off the final. I love it. I feel like vitality is going to cause like an arms race of picking up just like pure talent.
They're eighth in the VRS right now. I feel like this is probably very reactionary based off the final. I love it. I feel like vitality is going to cause like an arms race of picking up just like pure talent.
It's bad.
It's bad.
Sorry, Chad. Channel changer.
Sorry, Chad. Channel changer.
Actually, when Yanko said that, you said that earlier today, the crisis mode, I thought about it. I thought about S1mple coming back into that roster, but I thought about it in the sense of, do you really need to account to have a... This is crazy. Do you really need to have a permanent AWPer?
Actually, when Yanko said that, you said that earlier today, the crisis mode, I thought about it. I thought about S1mple coming back into that roster, but I thought about it in the sense of, do you really need to account to have a... This is crazy. Do you really need to have a permanent AWPer?
What if you brought Simple in, had him on a rifle, had him on primarily AK-47, and he picks up the AWP when you guys have the money for it. But in today's game of Counter-Strike where the economy is always half busted. Who are you replacing? Wonderful in this example, but it doesn't have to be. You could put him for another rifler as well.
What if you brought Simple in, had him on a rifle, had him on primarily AK-47, and he picks up the AWP when you guys have the money for it. But in today's game of Counter-Strike where the economy is always half busted. Who are you replacing? Wonderful in this example, but it doesn't have to be. You could put him for another rifler as well.
No, but that's what I mean. He's saying if he replaces Wonderful. But don't say we're always going to prioritize you having an AWP. Play with an AK-47.
No, but that's what I mean. He's saying if he replaces Wonderful. But don't say we're always going to prioritize you having an AWP. Play with an AK-47.
Yeah, but he's the one example of that, outside of choosing to buy it when you have the money for the AWP. Yeah, yeah. But, you know, like, do you need to have someone who's reliant? I mean, you can't have anyone who's that reliant on the AWP, but you could bring him in as a rifler as well.
Yeah, but he's the one example of that, outside of choosing to buy it when you have the money for the AWP. Yeah, yeah. But, you know, like, do you need to have someone who's reliant? I mean, you can't have anyone who's that reliant on the AWP, but you could bring him in as a rifler as well.
I don't think he's ever coming back. But also, the other thing is, when is his contract done? Because surely his buyout is way too soon.
I don't think he's ever coming back. But also, the other thing is, when is his contract done? Because surely his buyout is way too soon.
Yeah, because it's all based around a VRS that ties everything together.
Yeah, because it's all based around a VRS that ties everything together.
Is it beyond waiting to see more time with Brolin at the helm? I didn't rate them before.
Is it beyond waiting to see more time with Brolin at the helm? I didn't rate them before.
You haven't clicked with them yet.
You haven't clicked with them yet.
Oh, they look like a train wreck.
Oh, they look like a train wreck.
It's hard to find a handyman. It's like a classic case of you never know what you're missing until it's gone.
It's hard to find a handyman. It's like a classic case of you never know what you're missing until it's gone.
I don't, not to this extent. Well, come on now. I think you knew you'd be missing a lot.
I don't, not to this extent. Well, come on now. I think you knew you'd be missing a lot.
I think in terms of like how the team just looks like kind of like lost on the maps is shocking to me.
I think in terms of like how the team just looks like kind of like lost on the maps is shocking to me.
personal all the resources into ilia let's go just try and power him up like a like the spirit bomb from dragon ball z just everybody put your hands up they kind of have to at this point they have to at this point i know but i think they knew what they were going to miss it's just making up for it is still hard because go ahead i i bet what they thought was that with seeing how good mobs played when nico was on the team i think they thought that was going to be a little bit of a smoother transition like they would be getting more from him at this point
personal all the resources into ilia let's go just try and power him up like a like the spirit bomb from dragon ball z just everybody put your hands up they kind of have to at this point they have to at this point i know but i think they knew what they were going to miss it's just making up for it is still hard because go ahead i i bet what they thought was that with seeing how good mobs played when nico was on the team i think they thought that was going to be a little bit of a smoother transition like they would be getting more from him at this point
I think most teams should be willing to take that risk considering how, how they've looked. There's been a lot of disappointing.
I think most teams should be willing to take that risk considering how, how they've looked. There's been a lot of disappointing.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I think, but it's also, you know, it's not just that it's also like what's available, you know, like what's available to pull the trigger on. But I think there should be teams willing to take that risk for sure. And I think G2 should probably be one of them. But my only problem with that is, um,
I think, but it's also, you know, it's not just that it's also like what's available, you know, like what's available to pull the trigger on. But I think there should be teams willing to take that risk for sure. And I think G2 should probably be one of them. But my only problem with that is, um,
Well, maybe not a problem, but I think if you bring Shuey in for snacks, you have to let Taz go as well, right? Like that's sort of a, you don't have to.
Well, maybe not a problem, but I think if you bring Shuey in for snacks, you have to let Taz go as well, right? Like that's sort of a, you don't have to.
You don't have to.
You don't have to.
But it feels like that would be a big signal of a lack of confidence.
But it feels like that would be a big signal of a lack of confidence.
What?
What?
I'm pretty sure.
I'm pretty sure.
I don't think they've put their stuff out yet. PGL for that?
I don't think they've put their stuff out yet. PGL for that?
Thanks, Jason.
Thanks, Jason.
Yeah, he's fucking with everyone.
Yeah, he's fucking with everyone.
All right.
All right.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
Backpack.
Backpack.
Yeah, it's just great. It's just so tasty. The food here is just so good. I thought you were going to break into what you need to do.
Yeah, it's just great. It's just so tasty. The food here is just so good. I thought you were going to break into what you need to do.
5.
5.
Okay.
Okay.
Yes, they could have just hid.
Yes, they could have just hid.
Oh my god.
Oh my god.
It's a Turkish roster, right? I guess it's semantics at this point. But I can get it how you lose a little bit of that pride, right? I mean, it's a Turkish lineup for a Turkish organization representing Turkey on all levels. I don't think they're going to lose that many fans because they're playing for a different organization, right? Like, in theory, there should be understanding for your cause.
It's a Turkish roster, right? I guess it's semantics at this point. But I can get it how you lose a little bit of that pride, right? I mean, it's a Turkish lineup for a Turkish organization representing Turkey on all levels. I don't think they're going to lose that many fans because they're playing for a different organization, right? Like, in theory, there should be understanding for your cause.
And I think, I thought you were going to say when you said it's more the shock factor. It's like, I think that's more why people care than, you know, just because no one ever heard a hint of it and it just came sort of overnight. It's like, Who really cares what's the team name that they're playing under?
And I think, I thought you were going to say when you said it's more the shock factor. It's like, I think that's more why people care than, you know, just because no one ever heard a hint of it and it just came sort of overnight. It's like, Who really cares what's the team name that they're playing under?
You follow the roster, you follow the players, and whatever the organization is, it doesn't really matter all that much to me.
You follow the roster, you follow the players, and whatever the organization is, it doesn't really matter all that much to me.
That's maybe the edge of too far. I think that's just people sort of copying what they do in sports when a player changes a team or something, right? And then they burn his jerseys and do all this shit. It's like, bro, it's not that... pick of a deal. It doesn't have to be like this. Yeah, exactly. It doesn't have to be like this. You're overdoing it. You're exaggerating.
That's maybe the edge of too far. I think that's just people sort of copying what they do in sports when a player changes a team or something, right? And then they burn his jerseys and do all this shit. It's like, bro, it's not that... pick of a deal. It doesn't have to be like this. Yeah, exactly. It doesn't have to be like this. You're overdoing it. You're exaggerating.
You'll have to add it in post, Jason.
You'll have to add it in post, Jason.
So that's where we're at. I guess this shouldn't be the reason why they skipped Melbourne.
So that's where we're at. I guess this shouldn't be the reason why they skipped Melbourne.
Sure.
Sure.
I thought it was a whole lot of issues, man.
I thought it was a whole lot of issues, man.
yeah so no i just don't know if it's like but then they would have had to change because the invite but it's should be to the players not the org whatever to the core these days right because of the vrs yeah Yeah, but I think they also, Eternal Fire did put a tweet out that, you know, Zantaris is completely fine, healthy to attend Bucharest. So those issues aren't lingering.
yeah so no i just don't know if it's like but then they would have had to change because the invite but it's should be to the players not the org whatever to the core these days right because of the vrs yeah Yeah, but I think they also, Eternal Fire did put a tweet out that, you know, Zantaris is completely fine, healthy to attend Bucharest. So those issues aren't lingering.
But I mean, the schedule was going for them. We don't need to go over it again. I mean, it's very well documented that they were going to play every single tournament they could have, which just in its own right, even if they were all in Europe, is kind of whack.
But I mean, the schedule was going for them. We don't need to go over it again. I mean, it's very well documented that they were going to play every single tournament they could have, which just in its own right, even if they were all in Europe, is kind of whack.
makes sense i mean it's one of those situations where for falcons you know they're showing their commitment to building a contender lineup right and sort of the the promise in a way that they made uh to nico when he joined the team like this is them um coming true on that promise and you know people talk about i know i'm gonna get a lot of hate for this but
makes sense i mean it's one of those situations where for falcons you know they're showing their commitment to building a contender lineup right and sort of the the promise in a way that they made uh to nico when he joined the team like this is them um coming true on that promise and you know people talk about i know i'm gonna get a lot of hate for this but
with their backing and whatnot, they did win the World Cup, guys. That's over $7 million in prize money that they got, right? That you get to invest in your divisions if you want to. And most of their divisions are doing fine, I think. I don't think they don't need sizable upgrades. So that enables them.
with their backing and whatnot, they did win the World Cup, guys. That's over $7 million in prize money that they got, right? That you get to invest in your divisions if you want to. And most of their divisions are doing fine, I think. I don't think they don't need sizable upgrades. So that enables them.
Majority of that money that they can just invest straight into their Counter-Strike division, right? So when you look at it that way, it's not necessarily new money coming in to finance these transfers. It's actually stuff that they made from EWC. But let's even – even in the case that that doesn't matter –
Majority of that money that they can just invest straight into their Counter-Strike division, right? So when you look at it that way, it's not necessarily new money coming in to finance these transfers. It's actually stuff that they made from EWC. But let's even – even in the case that that doesn't matter –
all too much i mean it's just i think even if i you know want if i'm objective for a second i i for me it feels like for the scene it's just great to have nico and monacy back together you know in a way like that was that was a nice bromance They had a nice bromance going in G2, right?
all too much i mean it's just i think even if i you know want if i'm objective for a second i i for me it feels like for the scene it's just great to have nico and monacy back together you know in a way like that was that was a nice bromance They had a nice bromance going in G2, right?
I think, you know, a lot of just fans, not even necessarily fans of G2 or Falcons, whatever, you know, were a little bit sad that those two didn't keep on playing together. So you have that storyline sort of going back for you. I don't think there's any point in discussing the individual qualities of Monessi and what he is going to bring to this Falcons lineup. It's just one-of-a-kind player.
I think, you know, a lot of just fans, not even necessarily fans of G2 or Falcons, whatever, you know, were a little bit sad that those two didn't keep on playing together. So you have that storyline sort of going back for you. I don't think there's any point in discussing the individual qualities of Monessi and what he is going to bring to this Falcons lineup. It's just one-of-a-kind player.
I think, if anything, for me, it's more about... g2 and and sort of how this reflects on them i saw swanee's tweet man uh just like while we were at rehearsals and it was the photo of them lifting the cologne trophy and that was not even two years ago only one person from that squad coach included in still on g2 and that's hunter No Niko, no Monessi, no JKS, no Huxley, no Swanee, obviously.
I think, if anything, for me, it's more about... g2 and and sort of how this reflects on them i saw swanee's tweet man uh just like while we were at rehearsals and it was the photo of them lifting the cologne trophy and that was not even two years ago only one person from that squad coach included in still on g2 and that's hunter No Niko, no Monessi, no JKS, no Huxley, no Swanee, obviously.
And it's like, I mean, that team was really, really good. I mean, you win Katowice and Cologne in one year and then sure, you had the fuckery with like, is Niko going to leave? Is he not going to leave? Then they remove JKS for whatever reason. And then everything, you know, goes downhill from there. But...
And it's like, I mean, that team was really, really good. I mean, you win Katowice and Cologne in one year and then sure, you had the fuckery with like, is Niko going to leave? Is he not going to leave? Then they remove JKS for whatever reason. And then everything, you know, goes downhill from there. But...
It's just crazy to me that you lose sort of the best rifler we've had, you know, in Counter-Strike really. And you lose the, you know, probably best topper at the moment or at least one of the young stars of the game. You have them both on your roster and they both are out of the team in a matter of a couple of months. And sure, like you got... compensated for them.
It's just crazy to me that you lose sort of the best rifler we've had, you know, in Counter-Strike really. And you lose the, you know, probably best topper at the moment or at least one of the young stars of the game. You have them both on your roster and they both are out of the team in a matter of a couple of months. And sure, like you got... compensated for them.
That's great, but you can't replace, as I think G2 has figured it out, you just can't replace a player like Niko. You can't replace a player like Monacy. There's no one out there that, you know, you'll be like, okay, now we have all this money, let's pay for this guy.
That's great, but you can't replace, as I think G2 has figured it out, you just can't replace a player like Niko. You can't replace a player like Monacy. There's no one out there that, you know, you'll be like, okay, now we have all this money, let's pay for this guy.
No, like, there's no one like that out there, and for an organization that sort of is aspiring to lift trophies, you know, every tournament they attend, that's just a very... bad light that they put on themselves.
No, like, there's no one like that out there, and for an organization that sort of is aspiring to lift trophies, you know, every tournament they attend, that's just a very... bad light that they put on themselves.
That's true. We do enjoy it. And listen, Chad, you can always take a couple of episodes off here when you need to. No one's going to force you to do things against your will on this podcast.
That's true. We do enjoy it. And listen, Chad, you can always take a couple of episodes off here when you need to. No one's going to force you to do things against your will on this podcast.
Well, there's one more thing that also was announced a couple of days ago is Nico's partnership with Razor. And that's a personal sponsorship that he has with Razor, which you can imagine a player of Nico's stature, that's going to be a significant chunk of change. And you don't have that if you're on G2. G2 has your rights.
Well, there's one more thing that also was announced a couple of days ago is Nico's partnership with Razor. And that's a personal sponsorship that he has with Razor, which you can imagine a player of Nico's stature, that's going to be a significant chunk of change. And you don't have that if you're on G2. G2 has your rights.
yeah i don't know i think definitely like six figures um so yeah i mean you have that element to it as well i think it's funny the top reddit the comment in the thread like they went from we could have kept nico if we wanted to to we can't keep monacy even if we want to Right. I mean, and I think that statement also, of course, is the CEO of the org, right?
yeah i don't know i think definitely like six figures um so yeah i mean you have that element to it as well i think it's funny the top reddit the comment in the thread like they went from we could have kept nico if we wanted to to we can't keep monacy even if we want to Right. I mean, and I think that statement also, of course, is the CEO of the org, right?
That's a guy who's not hands on with the Counter-Strike division, you know, isn't as but you need to be careful about, you know, what you say, especially on that level, right? Like, it just lets off a bad impression.
That's a guy who's not hands on with the Counter-Strike division, you know, isn't as but you need to be careful about, you know, what you say, especially on that level, right? Like, it just lets off a bad impression.
Great, man. I can't wait to hear that story. I'm excited for it, personally. Yeah, I mean, or the deadlines, like talking in terms of, I don't know if... What is the weekend, Janko?
Great, man. I can't wait to hear that story. I'm excited for it, personally. Yeah, I mean, or the deadlines, like talking in terms of, I don't know if... What is the weekend, Janko?
Oh, yeah, of course. I don't know if he's referencing, like, oh, yeah, we have players lined up that we're going to sign. I don't know. We talked about these guys a year ago, right? And we were saying, like, G2 needs to do whatever they can, sort of just Monacy and Nikko, because you can build your Counter-Strike division around them for the next five years, right?
Oh, yeah, of course. I don't know if he's referencing, like, oh, yeah, we have players lined up that we're going to sign. I don't know. We talked about these guys a year ago, right? And we were saying, like, G2 needs to do whatever they can, sort of just Monacy and Nikko, because you can build your Counter-Strike division around them for the next five years, right?
Nikko eventually moves into the IGL spot. You have your main AWPer. That's it. Those are the two of the toughest sort of –
Nikko eventually moves into the IGL spot. You have your main AWPer. That's it. Those are the two of the toughest sort of –
positions to find in roles to fill and two of the most important positions on your squad right and i think probably g2 from an organizational standpoint a little bit is yeah that's like pretty damn expensive you know and and all that stuff but it's what is your strategy what's your end goal you know like are you trying to really be a contender or
positions to find in roles to fill and two of the most important positions on your squad right and i think probably g2 from an organizational standpoint a little bit is yeah that's like pretty damn expensive you know and and all that stuff but it's what is your strategy what's your end goal you know like are you trying to really be a contender or
you know is winning all that matters or does it matter under you know a certain budget or certain circumstances it has to be under a certain budget yeah you know because you also look at vitality right look at just what that one extra addition to an already strong roster made it into like there was 15 match win streak you know three tournaments three tournaments in a row is just crazy
you know is winning all that matters or does it matter under you know a certain budget or certain circumstances it has to be under a certain budget yeah you know because you also look at vitality right look at just what that one extra addition to an already strong roster made it into like there was 15 match win streak you know three tournaments three tournaments in a row is just crazy
No one can fill your shoes, Chad, but a big name like that adds a little bit of spice.
No one can fill your shoes, Chad, but a big name like that adds a little bit of spice.
He gets the people going.
He gets the people going.
it's like you're caught i was like hooks you just won cologne like what are you talking about every dog shit man like i don't know what i'm doing dude you fucking you but i think that's the the issue what jason was talking about that seems to the the g2 was always like one move away from becoming what vitality is right and that could have been even something in the i don't know like
it's like you're caught i was like hooks you just won cologne like what are you talking about every dog shit man like i don't know what i'm doing dude you fucking you but i think that's the the issue what jason was talking about that seems to the the g2 was always like one move away from becoming what vitality is right and that could have been even something in the i don't know like
The roster with JKS obviously was the best, the most successful one that they've had when it comes to winning big trophies, right? And it all started going downhill from there. It was worse before, right? When you had your MNXs, your Jaxes on the team. And they were still getting to major finals. Twilight of KennyS' career, right?
The roster with JKS obviously was the best, the most successful one that they've had when it comes to winning big trophies, right? And it all started going downhill from there. It was worse before, right? When you had your MNXs, your Jaxes on the team. And they were still getting to major finals. Twilight of KennyS' career, right?
Nexa was better at the time in his first stint than in his second stint, obviously. But then... even even on top of that, like you have this roster that won these two tournaments and then you bring in I mean, a rookie coach, Taz, has a wealth of experience as an IGL, right, and as a player in Tier 1 scene. But then it was that, and there were – the first six months were pretty rough, man.
Nexa was better at the time in his first stint than in his second stint, obviously. But then... even even on top of that, like you have this roster that won these two tournaments and then you bring in I mean, a rookie coach, Taz, has a wealth of experience as an IGL, right, and as a player in Tier 1 scene. But then it was that, and there were – the first six months were pretty rough, man.
Like, there were some big mistakes going on there that maybe have cost them some important games. And that stuff just also – it's a lot of little things, right, that have slowly added up and built up over a longer period of time that just caused the sort of – And even if you look at Nico, I think it's like every four years he changes a team, you know, sort of like three and a half, four years.
Like, there were some big mistakes going on there that maybe have cost them some important games. And that stuff just also – it's a lot of little things, right, that have slowly added up and built up over a longer period of time that just caused the sort of – And even if you look at Nico, I think it's like every four years he changes a team, you know, sort of like three and a half, four years.
It was outside of the mouse to face that happened a little bit faster, I think. But he was in phase.
It was outside of the mouse to face that happened a little bit faster, I think. But he was in phase.
he was in phase for almost four years right and then he was in g2 for four years really right and yeah yeah i think most of it comes from just not being able to lift as many big trophies obviously the major still lose them but the first time he wins scatter and cologne is with g2 in 2023 so yeah i think for them it's going to be really tough it's going to be different and now it's like
he was in phase for almost four years right and then he was in g2 for four years really right and yeah yeah i think most of it comes from just not being able to lift as many big trophies obviously the major still lose them but the first time he wins scatter and cologne is with g2 in 2023 so yeah i think for them it's going to be really tough it's going to be different and now it's like
has to take... I think maybe they're thinking... They're looking at Maus, for example. And Maus, their players, the running costs are way lower than your vitality, than your phase and everything else. And they're the second best team in the world now. And maybe they're looking at it and thinking, that's enough. If we get...
has to take... I think maybe they're thinking... They're looking at Maus, for example. And Maus, their players, the running costs are way lower than your vitality, than your phase and everything else. And they're the second best team in the world now. And maybe they're looking at it and thinking, that's enough. If we get...
a little bit lucky or something maybe you know you can win some of the big tournaments even with that sort of a lineup but you know that's really hard to fucking do man yeah like you know to to to have the sort of a structure and the culture that they have i think being able to play on such a high level with zippix behind them not cyclone just speaks to how strong
a little bit lucky or something maybe you know you can win some of the big tournaments even with that sort of a lineup but you know that's really hard to fucking do man yeah like you know to to to have the sort of a structure and the culture that they have i think being able to play on such a high level with zippix behind them not cyclone just speaks to how strong
their system is and their structure and the culture. I don't want to say system because it implies that a lot of it is just in game and it is set. It's more about the culture and the attitude and the behavior, right? Like to play on a high level no matter what. And they've also had some really good comebacks and whatnot. So
their system is and their structure and the culture. I don't want to say system because it implies that a lot of it is just in game and it is set. It's more about the culture and the attitude and the behavior, right? Like to play on a high level no matter what. And they've also had some really good comebacks and whatnot. So
mouse isn't uh the rule they're the exception really when you look at the top teams and the best teams in the world and for that it takes you know a long time i mean cyclone has been there he was the coach of the academy team what four years ago now or something along those lines some of those players were on the academy team with him so that doesn't happen overnight and
mouse isn't uh the rule they're the exception really when you look at the top teams and the best teams in the world and for that it takes you know a long time i mean cyclone has been there he was the coach of the academy team what four years ago now or something along those lines some of those players were on the academy team with him so that doesn't happen overnight and
Also, no offense to Maus, but G2, just the stature of the org, I mean, they're a big player in almost every major esport out there. They're always aiming for, you know, the trophies. They have a massive following. I don't think that cuts it. for their fans, really.
Also, no offense to Maus, but G2, just the stature of the org, I mean, they're a big player in almost every major esport out there. They're always aiming for, you know, the trophies. They have a massive following. I don't think that cuts it. for their fans, really.
Just quickly, this is the funniest thing to me. You're right, Jason. I agree with you 100%. So how do you incentivize players to come to your team then? Money.
Just quickly, this is the funniest thing to me. You're right, Jason. I agree with you 100%. So how do you incentivize players to come to your team then? Money.
so all this money so you're not gonna so now you're gonna end up over overpaying like mid talent right or someone you know who's available because you have to you have to get someone you have to get or you lose the remaining players that you have right so the obviously even with that it's still gonna be less than you know what someone like nico would would command but still just so funny right like you're gonna end up now overpaying people because that's what you have to do for them to even want to join your team
so all this money so you're not gonna so now you're gonna end up over overpaying like mid talent right or someone you know who's available because you have to you have to get someone you have to get or you lose the remaining players that you have right so the obviously even with that it's still gonna be less than you know what someone like nico would would command but still just so funny right like you're gonna end up now overpaying people because that's what you have to do for them to even want to join your team
yeah you're in bed yeah i'm trying to yeah i just don't give a fuck about this podcast you know i'm just i just roll out of bed and then rock up to do it no i've have i'm having pc issues um i arrived late last night because i'm trying to save my schengen day so i entered the u on the day of the rehearsal and i just saw a
yeah you're in bed yeah i'm trying to yeah i just don't give a fuck about this podcast you know i'm just i just roll out of bed and then rock up to do it no i've have i'm having pc issues um i arrived late last night because i'm trying to save my schengen day so i entered the u on the day of the rehearsal and i just saw a
Problem is, like, I would have been fine with it. But these last couple of things that came out. Yeah, right. Just like drunk on stream, man. And just like all this, like, I'm playing more Dota than Counter Strike is like, so you really just don't give a fuck. Like, you really just sort of that's the sad thing. You really just slowly evaporated.
Problem is, like, I would have been fine with it. But these last couple of things that came out. Yeah, right. Just like drunk on stream, man. And just like all this, like, I'm playing more Dota than Counter Strike is like, so you really just don't give a fuck. Like, you really just sort of that's the sad thing. You really just slowly evaporated.
like just just slowly went into oblivion like the greatest player we've seen you know yeah as we all know guys it's tough to get out of bed and do road work at 5 a.m when you've been sleeping in silk pajamas yeah true yeah that's the that's the truth they got him and i don't know perfecto yeah we have perfecto still out there in the wild what's got is he just in contract hell i would assume i don't know
like just just slowly went into oblivion like the greatest player we've seen you know yeah as we all know guys it's tough to get out of bed and do road work at 5 a.m when you've been sleeping in silk pajamas yeah true yeah that's the that's the truth they got him and i don't know perfecto yeah we have perfecto still out there in the wild what's got is he just in contract hell i would assume i don't know
It will depend on... Is it enough? Yeah, that's what I was going to say. It will depend on how the rest of the season goes, whether they make another change in the offseason, right?
It will depend on... Is it enough? Yeah, that's what I was going to say. It will depend on how the rest of the season goes, whether they make another change in the offseason, right?
Yeah, definitely. But I think it's a lot about, I guess, Tessus and Magus. Although I feel like Magus is going to get a full year no matter what, you know, just because of his... Mate, what about this though, Janko?
Yeah, definitely. But I think it's a lot about, I guess, Tessus and Magus. Although I feel like Magus is going to get a full year no matter what, you know, just because of his... Mate, what about this though, Janko?
I'm thinking as well, like... Twists? I think it's going to be really hard to get players out of Liquid. I think you've sort of been vocal about not playing for Falcons. I'm not sure about that, though.
I'm thinking as well, like... Twists? I think it's going to be really hard to get players out of Liquid. I think you've sort of been vocal about not playing for Falcons. I'm not sure about that, though.
Yeah, true.
Yeah, true.
I think you'd have... I wouldn't want Twists for one simple reason. Like, too many voices, then.
I think you'd have... I wouldn't want Twists for one simple reason. Like, too many voices, then.
you know you have carrigan you have nico i think twist okay he's not going to be igl anymore i don't think he's just the sort of a player same like nico who can just be quiet and play his role like he they've evolved as much as players where they are going to be very vocal during games you know and and to be able to just play i guess frozen could work or how about how about oh how about case serato
you know you have carrigan you have nico i think twist okay he's not going to be igl anymore i don't think he's just the sort of a player same like nico who can just be quiet and play his role like he they've evolved as much as players where they are going to be very vocal during games you know and and to be able to just play i guess frozen could work or how about how about oh how about case serato
How about Kiyosuke?
How about Kiyosuke?
Let's just send it. Let's just get all the hot names. Donk.
Let's just send it. Let's just get all the hot names. Donk.
it's just taken them longer than they thought and I think unfortunately what we talked about in G2 has transpired where they were not going to be able to keep it would have taken I don't know what for him to be willing to remain on that team and that's why I was talking about you know they should maybe try to get bit if they could at all right someone who's
it's just taken them longer than they thought and I think unfortunately what we talked about in G2 has transpired where they were not going to be able to keep it would have taken I don't know what for him to be willing to remain on that team and that's why I was talking about you know they should maybe try to get bit if they could at all right someone who's
Montessi can connect with on a personal level. So there's there's something there for him to want to stay even if things are not going well on a just results based level. But I think there's plenty of things he's unhappy with. With with G2 where it's like just just he just wants out.
Montessi can connect with on a personal level. So there's there's something there for him to want to stay even if things are not going well on a just results based level. But I think there's plenty of things he's unhappy with. With with G2 where it's like just just he just wants out.
Well, he wanted to look wise for that one. You know, beard always helps with that.
Well, he wanted to look wise for that one. You know, beard always helps with that.
He can't. How can he? If Shuei is going to be in the group, right, and Nerds is definitely going to be in the group, and Ultimate is going to be in the group because he's the AWPer, it feels like Twist is going to take over some of the half-lurk spots, right, or play opposite of NAF. The active lurk, yeah.
He can't. How can he? If Shuei is going to be in the group, right, and Nerds is definitely going to be in the group, and Ultimate is going to be in the group because he's the AWPer, it feels like Twist is going to take over some of the half-lurk spots, right, or play opposite of NAF. The active lurk, yeah.
Yeah, where NAF now gets all of his sort of role spots positions, and then Twist is filling in the blank sort of...
Yeah, where NAF now gets all of his sort of role spots positions, and then Twist is filling in the blank sort of...
Chad, I did have one question as well, because you were talking about the energy and everything like, you know, was there any sort of pent up frustration you were feeling towards me? Because in that skit we did, you know, you weren't lacking energy there when you had to pin me against the fucking wall, mate.
Chad, I did have one question as well, because you were talking about the energy and everything like, you know, was there any sort of pent up frustration you were feeling towards me? Because in that skit we did, you know, you weren't lacking energy there when you had to pin me against the fucking wall, mate.
Yeah.
Yeah.
He has to be, yeah. He's in the team to be the anchor.
He has to be, yeah. He's in the team to be the anchor.
What? Well, Twists won't go, Twists will never be an anchor again until he's 30.
What? Well, Twists won't go, Twists will never be an anchor again until he's 30.
I think we'll see, but I don't want to ignore what Chad mentioned about, you know, JKS and NAF and changing positions and who did how much. I think probably more so the reason why JKS is the one that got replaced. It has to be Justin replaced, 100%. What?
I think we'll see, but I don't want to ignore what Chad mentioned about, you know, JKS and NAF and changing positions and who did how much. I think probably more so the reason why JKS is the one that got replaced. It has to be Justin replaced, 100%. What?
Yeah, because NAF has been on that lineup for how long, right? And he's just entrenched in Team Liquid. And you can make a case that, you know, it was like the overall dysfunction of the team and the lineup that caused a dip in his performance too when he's been... nothing but stellar for a long time, right? It's not that he struggled for a super long time or that he doesn't have a high ceiling.
Yeah, because NAF has been on that lineup for how long, right? And he's just entrenched in Team Liquid. And you can make a case that, you know, it was like the overall dysfunction of the team and the lineup that caused a dip in his performance too when he's been... nothing but stellar for a long time, right? It's not that he struggled for a super long time or that he doesn't have a high ceiling.
It could just be a slump that could be unrelated to some of these factors. He might just have a bad sort of period, right? And I think it sucks for JKS because I was thinking in my head while I was about to say something and it's like, I do think NAF has a slightly higher ceiling, but not by much.
It could just be a slump that could be unrelated to some of these factors. He might just have a bad sort of period, right? And I think it sucks for JKS because I was thinking in my head while I was about to say something and it's like, I do think NAF has a slightly higher ceiling, but not by much.
You know, I think like when they're both on their A game, I don't think there's like a massive difference between the two. There's a little bit of a stylistic difference, but they share a lot of strengths and
You know, I think like when they're both on their A game, I don't think there's like a massive difference between the two. There's a little bit of a stylistic difference, but they share a lot of strengths and
you know like good in the clutch smart players take their time uh pretty calm right don't make too many mistakes or give their life up too easily right all this sort of a thing so it's unfortunate for jks if anything i think it's a great player for a lot of the other teams that's now on the market uh for justin's got to be done at tier one man it's got to be jover
you know like good in the clutch smart players take their time uh pretty calm right don't make too many mistakes or give their life up too easily right all this sort of a thing so it's unfortunate for jks if anything i think it's a great player for a lot of the other teams that's now on the market uh for justin's got to be done at tier one man it's got to be jover
I don't know. I'm just saying because they seem to be lacking a proper sort of anchor player. There's no way.
I don't know. I'm just saying because they seem to be lacking a proper sort of anchor player. There's no way.
If he's still playing well, it doesn't matter how old he is.
If he's still playing well, it doesn't matter how old he is.
I was going to say at this point then, if that's the case, FlyQuest is the better option for him, right? Because they're a big org. He can probably get good terms from them, a good salary. He's a marquee name. He's the most accomplished and successful Australian player ever. So for them, it would be great. And they can upgrade Leas. I mean, they should do it immediately, right?
I was going to say at this point then, if that's the case, FlyQuest is the better option for him, right? Because they're a big org. He can probably get good terms from them, a good salary. He's a marquee name. He's the most accomplished and successful Australian player ever. So for them, it would be great. And they can upgrade Leas. I mean, they should do it immediately, right?
Like they should just right now. But I don't know if Justin is...
Like they should just right now. But I don't know if Justin is...
He spent the last of that money on the master bathroom.
He spent the last of that money on the master bathroom.
Going to be a little bit tougher for your kinder than for JKS, but yeah.
Going to be a little bit tougher for your kinder than for JKS, but yeah.
I think it's good. I think it's a nice mix. I think you also nailed it, Chad, in the sense of they lost a good amount of games that they probably should have won against some of these top five teams that would have definitely given them more confidence and... We all know how important that is.
I think it's good. I think it's a nice mix. I think you also nailed it, Chad, in the sense of they lost a good amount of games that they probably should have won against some of these top five teams that would have definitely given them more confidence and... We all know how important that is.
I mean, go all the way back to Cologne, man, and the game for the playoffs against FaZe, and that collapsed, right? I mean, they only beat Na'Vi. I mean, only beat Na'Vi. It was the best team in the world. They beat them two times at Blast Groups, and that was pretty much it.
I mean, go all the way back to Cologne, man, and the game for the playoffs against FaZe, and that collapsed, right? I mean, they only beat Na'Vi. I mean, only beat Na'Vi. It was the best team in the world. They beat them two times at Blast Groups, and that was pretty much it.
I'm sure they beat someone else at some point, but they couldn't break through that sort of a glass ceiling that maybe would have unlocked a different level.
I'm sure they beat someone else at some point, but they couldn't break through that sort of a glass ceiling that maybe would have unlocked a different level.
for that particular lineup but for me it's also I mean I shared your sentiment I definitely overrated them because I was saying you know I'm thinking by the time Shanghai Major comes along there'll be a contender and it wasn't really true and that Spirit game is probably the best example because that is the game that they could have won if a couple of rounds went differently, right?
for that particular lineup but for me it's also I mean I shared your sentiment I definitely overrated them because I was saying you know I'm thinking by the time Shanghai Major comes along there'll be a contender and it wasn't really true and that Spirit game is probably the best example because that is the game that they could have won if a couple of rounds went differently, right?
The Don case in the 3v4, right? On a saved AK and an eco round and on an Ubis and some other things. But that's it. That's just the story for this team liquid lineup. You know, it just came... to two came short too many times. Right. And I think it's also interesting.
The Don case in the 3v4, right? On a saved AK and an eco round and on an Ubis and some other things. But that's it. That's just the story for this team liquid lineup. You know, it just came... to two came short too many times. Right. And I think it's also interesting.
We had device first and now twists like two marquee names who've taken up the in-game leader mantle and having to sort of give it back less than a year for device. It was a lot shorter.
We had device first and now twists like two marquee names who've taken up the in-game leader mantle and having to sort of give it back less than a year for device. It was a lot shorter.
and cadian had that line where it's like yeah man like it's easy for you to give me a call when it's like three three or four two but let me see you you know do it when it's 11 11 and like we have like mixed money and blah blah blah like that's the that's the thing that's like the the big difference between being a secondary caller and the IGL is like, as an IGL, you have to have an idea.
and cadian had that line where it's like yeah man like it's easy for you to give me a call when it's like three three or four two but let me see you you know do it when it's 11 11 and like we have like mixed money and blah blah blah like that's the that's the thing that's like the the big difference between being a secondary caller and the IGL is like, as an IGL, you have to have an idea.
You have to have something for every round, right? And then if someone chimes in, maybe you sort of agree, yeah, that makes a little bit more sense. But it's your job to have it all the time in the mid rounds, all the time. Like if everyone is quiet, you are the one who has to speak up, right?
You have to have something for every round, right? And then if someone chimes in, maybe you sort of agree, yeah, that makes a little bit more sense. But it's your job to have it all the time in the mid rounds, all the time. Like if everyone is quiet, you are the one who has to speak up, right?
I must've just forgotten how hard it was. For me, the surprising thing was, in Twisted's case, was some of the stuff that they were lacking in is usually where a star player is good at. Like their mid-rounding on T side wasn't great, sort of pulling people in when trades happen. It's like, you know, rounds like 4v3s and so on.
I must've just forgotten how hard it was. For me, the surprising thing was, in Twisted's case, was some of the stuff that they were lacking in is usually where a star player is good at. Like their mid-rounding on T side wasn't great, sort of pulling people in when trades happen. It's like, you know, rounds like 4v3s and so on.
Like that's usually where those players excel because they almost as if they have x-ray too, you know. They understand where everyone's at, what's the scenario, you know, what's the most likely thing that's going to happen and that and a little bit like I've said numerous times, you know, too many setups on...
Like that's usually where those players excel because they almost as if they have x-ray too, you know. They understand where everyone's at, what's the scenario, you know, what's the most likely thing that's going to happen and that and a little bit like I've said numerous times, you know, too many setups on...
on CT side so that was a little bit surprising for device it didn't look too hot from the start because their best map was ancient and what they were doing on ancient T side is just set calls all the time like B rushes B contacts A rushes and so on so it definitely lacked depth in in
on CT side so that was a little bit surprising for device it didn't look too hot from the start because their best map was ancient and what they were doing on ancient T side is just set calls all the time like B rushes B contacts A rushes and so on so it definitely lacked depth in in
But I think both of them are better players for trying it now because it just gives you a different perspective on the macro and a better understanding. And I think I'm not sure about device, but I would like to believe that for twists, he will get back to it, you know, down the line, most likely.
But I think both of them are better players for trying it now because it just gives you a different perspective on the macro and a better understanding. And I think I'm not sure about device, but I would like to believe that for twists, he will get back to it, you know, down the line, most likely.
Yeah, I mean, I care about that, but he was banned by the anti-cheat, so yeah.
Yeah, I mean, I care about that, but he was banned by the anti-cheat, so yeah.
Maybe he's one of those doctors who just has a PhD in linguistics and speaks seven languages.
Maybe he's one of those doctors who just has a PhD in linguistics and speaks seven languages.
A healthy, incestuous scene down there in Brazil. Because they just love fucking each other over all the time. When is the next time? When are we ever going to get a good Brazilian team, man? We have four average teams, five average, six average teams. Even now, Odic qualified for what, Astana? Legacy is here, right? So some teams that you haven't seen for a while are now showing up, right?
A healthy, incestuous scene down there in Brazil. Because they just love fucking each other over all the time. When is the next time? When are we ever going to get a good Brazilian team, man? We have four average teams, five average, six average teams. Even now, Odic qualified for what, Astana? Legacy is here, right? So some teams that you haven't seen for a while are now showing up, right?
There's MIBR, there's Spain who's here, FURIA is here as well. It's crazy how every Brazilian team is two roster, not one roster change, two roster changes away from actually being interesting in any way.
There's MIBR, there's Spain who's here, FURIA is here as well. It's crazy how every Brazilian team is two roster, not one roster change, two roster changes away from actually being interesting in any way.
Listen, Jason, we're not here to fucking hold people's hands, right? Like we have a discord. That's where people can, you know, talk and say, hey. What did they mean by this? I'm not really, I'm not really, you know, up to date with this situation. And then, you know, there's going to be conversations happening.
Listen, Jason, we're not here to fucking hold people's hands, right? Like we have a discord. That's where people can, you know, talk and say, hey. What did they mean by this? I'm not really, I'm not really, you know, up to date with this situation. And then, you know, there's going to be conversations happening.
Bob Bobinski is going to come out of the woodwork after spending six hours on all the forums defending Shiro and saying how he is.
Bob Bobinski is going to come out of the woodwork after spending six hours on all the forums defending Shiro and saying how he is.
the best human to have ever lived um and come and explain it to you discord is a fun place man jason just unbanned someone that i banned i have to ban a couple more people we need to give someone like mod uh privileges or something like there's too much shit going on there like every time i look into i have to time out someone because they're calling each other donkeys and
the best human to have ever lived um and come and explain it to you discord is a fun place man jason just unbanned someone that i banned i have to ban a couple more people we need to give someone like mod uh privileges or something like there's too much shit going on there like every time i look into i have to time out someone because they're calling each other donkeys and
No, yeah. That guy, I think it was Diaz. He was posting, Daniel, I think. He was posting like picture, photos from the event too. It was nice. Have a little bit more of that and a little bit less of donking. Like maybe Chad comes back one day. Probably not. It doesn't look likely. I think also this statement from the CEO of Spirit, right? Talking about Monacy and Shiro and all that stuff.
No, yeah. That guy, I think it was Diaz. He was posting, Daniel, I think. He was posting like picture, photos from the event too. It was nice. Have a little bit more of that and a little bit less of donking. Like maybe Chad comes back one day. Probably not. It doesn't look likely. I think also this statement from the CEO of Spirit, right? Talking about Monacy and Shiro and all that stuff.
Did you guys catch it? You know what I'm talking about? Or do you have to go to this board? No, he said, Monacy is an incredible player and I'd love to work with him, but right now we have someone just as good, right? In terms of having shit. Now, obviously, you know, You see, that's a CEO maybe saying good things. Maybe a little bit too delusional, but it's all right.
Did you guys catch it? You know what I'm talking about? Or do you have to go to this board? No, he said, Monacy is an incredible player and I'd love to work with him, but right now we have someone just as good, right? In terms of having shit. Now, obviously, you know, You see, that's a CEO maybe saying good things. Maybe a little bit too delusional, but it's all right.
Shiro is not as good as Monacy, but he's better at some things. And he is a player that suits this Spirit roster probably a little bit more, right? That they have. But there was a part of me, and I know we talked about this before, is like, if you could get Monacy to Spirit, right? In theory. And you just say, fuck it. Promote Kiyosuke, have him dunk him. Honestly, that would be kind of sick.
Shiro is not as good as Monacy, but he's better at some things. And he is a player that suits this Spirit roster probably a little bit more, right? That they have. But there was a part of me, and I know we talked about this before, is like, if you could get Monacy to Spirit, right? In theory. And you just say, fuck it. Promote Kiyosuke, have him dunk him. Honestly, that would be kind of sick.
But just for the way they play and with dunk being as aggressive as he can be, probably someone like Shiro suits them better.
But just for the way they play and with dunk being as aggressive as he can be, probably someone like Shiro suits them better.
Well, that's only happens to wait out.
Well, that's only happens to wait out.
Yeah. That's not good. Yeah, it's definitely a little bit questionable. I will say, though, that I'm not against Valve giving them an exception for this year because they have been in the circuit for the last five, six years, you know, running tournaments and everything and perhaps...
Yeah. That's not good. Yeah, it's definitely a little bit questionable. I will say, though, that I'm not against Valve giving them an exception for this year because they have been in the circuit for the last five, six years, you know, running tournaments and everything and perhaps...
blue screen on my pc when i got into the room tried to troubleshoot a little bit this morning looks like an ssd issue got new ssds at rehearsals two of them didn't help the problem even chef himself should not help chef the old mighty was like bro your pc is just fucked ask them to give you a new pc so i did try to conjure up um a setup in the meanwhile so we can pull this off and hope it works
blue screen on my pc when i got into the room tried to troubleshoot a little bit this morning looks like an ssd issue got new ssds at rehearsals two of them didn't help the problem even chef himself should not help chef the old mighty was like bro your pc is just fucked ask them to give you a new pc so i did try to conjure up um a setup in the meanwhile so we can pull this off and hope it works
Giving them that sort of a leeway because it's difficult for TOs potentially to maneuver with the new rules and everything and maybe some of the deals that they had in place. I don't know, but I'm fine with even that sort of an exception for this year. But now that some of these things come to light and you see how it actually is for everyone else in the space.
Giving them that sort of a leeway because it's difficult for TOs potentially to maneuver with the new rules and everything and maybe some of the deals that they had in place. I don't know, but I'm fine with even that sort of an exception for this year. But now that some of these things come to light and you see how it actually is for everyone else in the space.
there's no need for them to be the only exception to this, right?
there's no need for them to be the only exception to this, right?
yeah well what bothers me a lot more is the fact that it impacted a lot of other teams's schedule the fact that this tournament was supposed to be in mexico right so a lot of teams are like thinking okay if we're going to play that and we want the frequent flyers from blast like we're going to skip this other tournament because we don't want to have to go from like what australia to mexico to
yeah well what bothers me a lot more is the fact that it impacted a lot of other teams's schedule the fact that this tournament was supposed to be in mexico right so a lot of teams are like thinking okay if we're going to play that and we want the frequent flyers from blast like we're going to skip this other tournament because we don't want to have to go from like what australia to mexico to
to Astana pretty much you know and like have all this back and forth but now that it's in Europe well some teams might have responded differently and I don't know if they've been made aware of that at the invite date that the event was most likely going to be in Europe which again is like different level of questionable but
to Astana pretty much you know and like have all this back and forth but now that it's in Europe well some teams might have responded differently and I don't know if they've been made aware of that at the invite date that the event was most likely going to be in Europe which again is like different level of questionable but
Also, the fact that it's moving from an event that's supposed to have a crowd to now just being another studio event. It's like, well, now it's a completely different event to what it was supposed to be, right? And, like, what are the sort of guidelines when it comes to that as well? I think... that for me is a bigger issue, at least in the case of PGL.
Also, the fact that it's moving from an event that's supposed to have a crowd to now just being another studio event. It's like, well, now it's a completely different event to what it was supposed to be, right? And, like, what are the sort of guidelines when it comes to that as well? I think... that for me is a bigger issue, at least in the case of PGL.
I mean, they went, it was just a different location. The event didn't change. You know, it was of a clue. Yeah. It was like group studio and then playoffs in the, in the arena. Right.
I mean, they went, it was just a different location. The event didn't change. You know, it was of a clue. Yeah. It was like group studio and then playoffs in the, in the arena. Right.
I'm sure Blast will call them flights and tickets to Denmark instead and hotels.
I'm sure Blast will call them flights and tickets to Denmark instead and hotels.
I think we could talk a little bit about Blast and then maybe a little bit more about Bucharest because I think the one we did, Jason, was before the playoffs.
I think we could talk a little bit about Blast and then maybe a little bit more about Bucharest because I think the one we did, Jason, was before the playoffs.
Vitality won Zywo has more MVPs 16 series in a row now for Vitality all of them being best of threes or best of fives there you go I mean just how how mental is it that they won the first map 13-0 bro that's so crazy in a grand final never happened before you know Miles is not a bad team by any stretch of the imagination I think I think for me as well definitely the second best team in the world at the moment yeah they're ahead of Spirit but Spirit's still in the conversation for me it goes Vitality the tippy top of the
Vitality won Zywo has more MVPs 16 series in a row now for Vitality all of them being best of threes or best of fives there you go I mean just how how mental is it that they won the first map 13-0 bro that's so crazy in a grand final never happened before you know Miles is not a bad team by any stretch of the imagination I think I think for me as well definitely the second best team in the world at the moment yeah they're ahead of Spirit but Spirit's still in the conversation for me it goes Vitality the tippy top of the
Yeah, and I think also shouldn't be neglected the fact that Vitality did this like at the end of a sort of a three-week...
Yeah, and I think also shouldn't be neglected the fact that Vitality did this like at the end of a sort of a three-week...
traveled stint right three weeks stint where they had to play a lot of series at EPL and managed to leave the trophy there and now also I mean at Lisbon having to beat spirit and mouse back to back two of the main contenders in the semi in the final other great run they were down like to one
traveled stint right three weeks stint where they had to play a lot of series at EPL and managed to leave the trophy there and now also I mean at Lisbon having to beat spirit and mouse back to back two of the main contenders in the semi in the final other great run they were down like to one
In the grand final, right, both losses being 13-11, they still managed to win the last two maps, 13-7, 13-7, and the last one on Train, where they haven't really played, you know, on this sort of a stage, right, or anything, and managed to make it sort of look easy. So yeah, I think...
In the grand final, right, both losses being 13-11, they still managed to win the last two maps, 13-7, 13-7, and the last one on Train, where they haven't really played, you know, on this sort of a stage, right, or anything, and managed to make it sort of look easy. So yeah, I think...
It is a little bit, I know who was like, you guys made a small joke about, or maybe it was like when we were doing rehearsals, Jason, but it's like, you know, a team rising or like about having an error being dominant coincides with all their contenders struggling too, right? Which was the case...
It is a little bit, I know who was like, you guys made a small joke about, or maybe it was like when we were doing rehearsals, Jason, but it's like, you know, a team rising or like about having an error being dominant coincides with all their contenders struggling too, right? Which was the case...
a little bit with sort of astralis and their rise it's like oh phase is a little bit lost they're in trouble right because you know boston happened and all that stuff the brazilians you know sk were struggling with roster changes and whatnot and sort of one coincides with the other but i think it shows you a team that has all the correct pieces and has good leadership and everything and gets along outside of the server as well it's going to be tough for a lot of these things like you know how does phase beat them
a little bit with sort of astralis and their rise it's like oh phase is a little bit lost they're in trouble right because you know boston happened and all that stuff the brazilians you know sk were struggling with roster changes and whatnot and sort of one coincides with the other but i think it shows you a team that has all the correct pieces and has good leadership and everything and gets along outside of the server as well it's going to be tough for a lot of these things like you know how does phase beat them
right? Like, which is not a bad team by any, how does mouse beat them? I mean, they were close, you know, sort of, but there's a long line in history about team with teams that were close to beating someone, right? Like it just has with the amount of firepower that they have, and they have good structure and good foundations and everything, right?
right? Like, which is not a bad team by any, how does mouse beat them? I mean, they were close, you know, sort of, but there's a long line in history about team with teams that were close to beating someone, right? Like it just has with the amount of firepower that they have, and they have good structure and good foundations and everything, right?
It's just they're absolutely the team to beat by a large margin, it feels like.
It's just they're absolutely the team to beat by a large margin, it feels like.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's because these teams have been beating the likes of, you know, FaZe got eliminated from Katowice by Eternal Fire, you know, for the playoff spot. I think there's some losses in there from FaZe which are concerning for, you know, because this is the tough part. This is the trap, right?
It's because these teams have been beating the likes of, you know, FaZe got eliminated from Katowice by Eternal Fire, you know, for the playoff spot. I think there's some losses in there from FaZe which are concerning for, you know, because this is the tough part. This is the trap, right?
Because you're saying, you know, I'm going to say, okay, they lose to Eternal Fire, who's a good team at the moment. They lose to maybe even Virtus.pro, who played a lot better in Lisbon than they did Before, they lose to Astralis in the third place decider, so how much was their heart really in it? But that's the thing, if FaZe is going to be FaZe, they need to be winning these games, right?
Because you're saying, you know, I'm going to say, okay, they lose to Eternal Fire, who's a good team at the moment. They lose to maybe even Virtus.pro, who played a lot better in Lisbon than they did Before, they lose to Astralis in the third place decider, so how much was their heart really in it? But that's the thing, if FaZe is going to be FaZe, they need to be winning these games, right?
Like, I don't have a problem with them losing to Vitality, or even when they lose to Spirit, although it wasn't super competitive, like, that's the bigger problem. But there you're like, okay, a contender losing to a contender... Not so big of a deal, right? But losing to some of these other teams, it's like if you're really phased, these are the games you take care of.
Like, I don't have a problem with them losing to Vitality, or even when they lose to Spirit, although it wasn't super competitive, like, that's the bigger problem. But there you're like, okay, a contender losing to a contender... Not so big of a deal, right? But losing to some of these other teams, it's like if you're really phased, these are the games you take care of.
These are the games that you win even though it's ugly, right? And the fact that they're unable to do that, that's the part that's concerning, right? And some of the messaging that's coming out of the camp and being uncomfortable and everything. So I know someone mentioned that anyone who's moved homes...
These are the games that you win even though it's ugly, right? And the fact that they're unable to do that, that's the part that's concerning, right? And some of the messaging that's coming out of the camp and being uncomfortable and everything. So I know someone mentioned that anyone who's moved homes...
You know, he's willing to give a leash sort of a one event off and phase one event off, especially moving continents. So that's OK. But this is the one then, you know, this has to be the one.
You know, he's willing to give a leash sort of a one event off and phase one event off, especially moving continents. So that's OK. But this is the one then, you know, this has to be the one.
Exactly. Like that.
Exactly. Like that.
He's going to be in that team to the major. No, but I'm saying the problem is, Jason, the same thing with Liquid, with this last roster. It's like if you just never get that win, right, to give you the confidence, if you never have that one result, how are you supposed to keep believing? Like it's very difficult, right? It takes really, really a lot to dig deep.
He's going to be in that team to the major. No, but I'm saying the problem is, Jason, the same thing with Liquid, with this last roster. It's like if you just never get that win, right, to give you the confidence, if you never have that one result, how are you supposed to keep believing? Like it's very difficult, right? It takes really, really a lot to dig deep.
And sure, they've been together, some of those players, for a long time. And the core of the team has been together for a long time. They've had these sort of – ups and downs, but it's been a lot of downs, man, outside of the Shanghai major. Look at the last nine months, right, for FaZe Clan. Yeah, that's fair. It hasn't been anywhere, and that can wear on you, right?
And sure, they've been together, some of those players, for a long time. And the core of the team has been together for a long time. They've had these sort of – ups and downs, but it's been a lot of downs, man, outside of the Shanghai major. Look at the last nine months, right, for FaZe Clan. Yeah, that's fair. It hasn't been anywhere, and that can wear on you, right?
And then you make a roster change, and all these teams are having a honeymoon period. You don't even get that.
And then you make a roster change, and all these teams are having a honeymoon period. You don't even get that.
right it takes a toll so i think it has to be this one has to be for phase like they have to do i don't know what's like be at the minimum top four they have to take someone down like who's right there with them a contender they probably need more they probably need that final at least i feel like phase phase has got to be the hardest team to gm right now
right it takes a toll so i think it has to be this one has to be for phase like they have to do i don't know what's like be at the minimum top four they have to take someone down like who's right there with them a contender they probably need more they probably need that final at least i feel like phase phase has got to be the hardest team to gm right now
And Bitt to Falcons and that's it.
And Bitt to Falcons and that's it.
Bitt, Monacy, Nikko. What did he say? Kerrigan. Magisk. And Magisk.
Bitt, Monacy, Nikko. What did he say? Kerrigan. Magisk. And Magisk.
No, no, I'm here. Just keep going. I just need to do something on the PC so they can help me fix it. And I turned off the camera for a sec so I can move around the room. Be right back.
No, no, I'm here. Just keep going. I just need to do something on the PC so they can help me fix it. And I turned off the camera for a sec so I can move around the room. Be right back.
They're switching it up a little bit, but it's still just a layout. It's going to be a little bit different.
They're switching it up a little bit, but it's still just a layout. It's going to be a little bit different.
Obviously, for this tournament, with no spirit, mouse, and vitality, right, it gives an opportunity for everyone else. We get to see who's the best of the rest, in a sense, right? And I think for some of these lineups, it's definitely... I don't know if other teams can still make a roster change, right?
Obviously, for this tournament, with no spirit, mouse, and vitality, right, it gives an opportunity for everyone else. We get to see who's the best of the rest, in a sense, right? And I think for some of these lineups, it's definitely... I don't know if other teams can still make a roster change, right?
Like if that's still available to them, like if things go south here, because obviously this event doesn't count for the major cutoff, right? So the points are not on the line. That's all set, no results.
Like if that's still available to them, like if things go south here, because obviously this event doesn't count for the major cutoff, right? So the points are not on the line. That's all set, no results.
No, no, no, not within the rules, but like if they can make what's available or if a change makes sense or do you just sort of have to eat it until the major is over? But for example, Aurora and the Mongols, can they finally lift a trophy? One of those two teams, right? FaZe as well.
No, no, no, not within the rules, but like if they can make what's available or if a change makes sense or do you just sort of have to eat it until the major is over? But for example, Aurora and the Mongols, can they finally lift a trophy? One of those two teams, right? FaZe as well.
FaZe as well with, you know, you lost to Vitality at some tournament, Spirit at another, right? Neither of those teams is here. Well, they also lost to VP and Astralis who are at this tournament, but yeah. Likes of Liquid, new roster, right? We get a first look.
FaZe as well with, you know, you lost to Vitality at some tournament, Spirit at another, right? Neither of those teams is here. Well, they also lost to VP and Astralis who are at this tournament, but yeah. Likes of Liquid, new roster, right? We get a first look.
G2 and Falcons probably going to be a little bit weird with the rumor, Monacy going to Falcons would be hilarious if they actually had to play each other. We have three Brazilian teams who are not going to make the playoffs even with this weak field, but they're probably going to knock each other out and then lose to 3D Max for the last playoff spot or to Gamer Legion.
G2 and Falcons probably going to be a little bit weird with the rumor, Monacy going to Falcons would be hilarious if they actually had to play each other. We have three Brazilian teams who are not going to make the playoffs even with this weak field, but they're probably going to knock each other out and then lose to 3D Max for the last playoff spot or to Gamer Legion.
So, yeah, I think it's interesting. Complexity managed to qualify for this one. That was huge for them.
So, yeah, I think it's interesting. Complexity managed to qualify for this one. That was huge for them.
I can hear you guys. You're all good.
I can hear you guys. You're all good.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, we take this. We get to see Dumau and Lato again, right?
Yeah, we take this. We get to see Dumau and Lato again, right?
You never stop bringing him up. It's so crazy how, you know, they were like, the big thing for them, the breakout, was making the Stockholm Major 2021. And they've been on the same team for almost four years now. Like, I would have expected them to make a leap forward like three years ago. I know, without it.
You never stop bringing him up. It's so crazy how, you know, they were like, the big thing for them, the breakout, was making the Stockholm Major 2021. And they've been on the same team for almost four years now. Like, I would have expected them to make a leap forward like three years ago. I know, without it.
Our boy.
Our boy.
No, no, keep going. I just need to take one photo. I'll be back in 30 seconds.
No, no, keep going. I just need to take one photo. I'll be back in 30 seconds.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
I don't think so. I think they're pretty good at the moment. They're piecing it all together. They have good individuals on the team. So I think they should be fine in that game. But yeah, I'm interested to see them firsthand.
I don't think so. I think they're pretty good at the moment. They're piecing it all together. They have good individuals on the team. So I think they should be fine in that game. But yeah, I'm interested to see them firsthand.
For me, it's more, Chad, like some of those games were not competitive. Actually, a good number of them was not competitive. That's the problem. It's not a shame in losing to these teams, but they weren't even putting up a fight.
For me, it's more, Chad, like some of those games were not competitive. Actually, a good number of them was not competitive. That's the problem. It's not a shame in losing to these teams, but they weren't even putting up a fight.
I think we're done. For a team that's not even at the event, but good talk. Well, we like them. We like them. My main favorite for this event is the Mongols.
I think we're done. For a team that's not even at the event, but good talk. Well, we like them. We like them. My main favorite for this event is the Mongols.
Thanks, everyone. I'll go get my PC. Peace.
Thanks, everyone. I'll go get my PC. Peace.
Yeah. They're always like the Henry G line about Zeus. He finally does something.
Yeah. They're always like the Henry G line about Zeus. He finally does something.
Yeah, I mean, I don't want to speculate in this sort of a situation, but who knows if something was already done and now just light was shown on it in a way where they maybe were about to get caught red-handed doing something they shouldn't have, and that's why this happened so quickly, right, again.
Yeah, I mean, I don't want to speculate in this sort of a situation, but who knows if something was already done and now just light was shown on it in a way where they maybe were about to get caught red-handed doing something they shouldn't have, and that's why this happened so quickly, right, again.
I don't want to necessarily speculate, but it is one of the, you know, sort of truths that a lot of these or a lot of just people in the space, different stakeholders are sort of dependent on being sponsored by gambling companies of different kinds or betting casinos or skin casinos or skin marketplaces, whatever it is, to be able to sort of be up and running in a way.
I don't want to necessarily speculate, but it is one of the, you know, sort of truths that a lot of these or a lot of just people in the space, different stakeholders are sort of dependent on being sponsored by gambling companies of different kinds or betting casinos or skin casinos or skin marketplaces, whatever it is, to be able to sort of be up and running in a way.
you know on the other side of things it's also like Eternal Fire is now a top five team in the world right like they can demand a higher command a higher salary right than they could have a year ago right so even if we ignore the sort of sponsorships and
you know on the other side of things it's also like Eternal Fire is now a top five team in the world right like they can demand a higher command a higher salary right than they could have a year ago right so even if we ignore the sort of sponsorships and
some of those things, like if you can get paid, let's say, four or five times or whatever, three, four times higher salary elsewhere, I mean, you couldn't blame the players. That could be reason enough in its own right to sort of go somewhere else and Dior being willing to facilitate the move in a way or maybe they're hand-forced a little bit. I'm sure they didn't walk away for free, right?
some of those things, like if you can get paid, let's say, four or five times or whatever, three, four times higher salary elsewhere, I mean, you couldn't blame the players. That could be reason enough in its own right to sort of go somewhere else and Dior being willing to facilitate the move in a way or maybe they're hand-forced a little bit. I'm sure they didn't walk away for free, right?
So it's sort of... Smells like making the best out of a bad situation for everyone involved. Although I don't know what's going to happen with Eternal Fire just as an organization now. Is this going to cause them to just straight up fold? Or are they going to be able to keep these other teams up and running because they're not as expensive to maintain as a Counter-Strike squad?
So it's sort of... Smells like making the best out of a bad situation for everyone involved. Although I don't know what's going to happen with Eternal Fire just as an organization now. Is this going to cause them to just straight up fold? Or are they going to be able to keep these other teams up and running because they're not as expensive to maintain as a Counter-Strike squad?
I guess we'll have to see. And I don't really care.
I guess we'll have to see. And I don't really care.
I guess, I guess that'd be a difference between like lower level Counter-Strike and professional Counter-Strike is at some level when the level of game you guys play at, it's like, just be happy that you put yourself in a position to have the opportunity for the kill.
I guess, I guess that'd be a difference between like lower level Counter-Strike and professional Counter-Strike is at some level when the level of game you guys play at, it's like, just be happy that you put yourself in a position to have the opportunity for the kill.
Like you obviously want the kill and you'll be disappointed if you don't get it, but putting yourself in a position to have the exact fight you want is an accomplishment in itself.
Like you obviously want the kill and you'll be disappointed if you don't get it, but putting yourself in a position to have the exact fight you want is an accomplishment in itself.
Or two years later, I missed that footstep. I ignored the footstep.
Or two years later, I missed that footstep. I ignored the footstep.
It was Abu Dhabi, yeah.
It was Abu Dhabi, yeah.
It's a beauty of Counter-Strike, isn't it? There's so many different ways, there's so many different aspects of this game that you can improve to become better. So even if you don't have the most mechanical aim, if your positioning and your game sense is better, you can still overcome that. That's a beautiful part of the game to me.
It's a beauty of Counter-Strike, isn't it? There's so many different ways, there's so many different aspects of this game that you can improve to become better. So even if you don't have the most mechanical aim, if your positioning and your game sense is better, you can still overcome that. That's a beautiful part of the game to me.
Utility, if you know more nades, you have more options of how to handle situations. That makes you better. I think it's such a cool feature of Counter-Strike that not a lot of games have.
Utility, if you know more nades, you have more options of how to handle situations. That makes you better. I think it's such a cool feature of Counter-Strike that not a lot of games have.
I think you shook him there.
I think you shook him there.
You don't even have the chance to like click W. There's always been some like loss in translation between like the GoTV and the... Yeah, but that's... It's like an X-ray as well, bro.
You don't even have the chance to like click W. There's always been some like loss in translation between like the GoTV and the... Yeah, but that's... It's like an X-ray as well, bro.
there we go it's just like that it's just that easy nice hotel room now normally what i do is i like to critique jason's tidiness and cleanliness of his hotel room and he's really put on a show for you this morning mate yeah yeah this is a treat no way no way you're clean like that this is very clean what is this vitamins over there yeah a little bit a little bit of vitamins what do you take uh there's there's some um what do i take vitamin vitamin d you don't take some bullshit you don't take some bullshit for the hair grow right no no no that's that's only him ironically i
there we go it's just like that it's just that easy nice hotel room now normally what i do is i like to critique jason's tidiness and cleanliness of his hotel room and he's really put on a show for you this morning mate yeah yeah this is a treat no way no way you're clean like that this is very clean what is this vitamins over there yeah a little bit a little bit of vitamins what do you take uh there's there's some um what do i take vitamin vitamin d you don't take some bullshit you don't take some bullshit for the hair grow right no no no that's that's only him ironically i
That's poetic, actually.
That's poetic, actually.
I guess the context of this would be you guys probably spent six months last year of like knowing the roster was going to change, probably leaving, maybe not leaving. It was so weird.
I guess the context of this would be you guys probably spent six months last year of like knowing the roster was going to change, probably leaving, maybe not leaving. It was so weird.
Well, also, I'd imagine, because you just said that right now with Raps on the team, Vitality's never been in the prac room as much. And I imagine if this was last year and you're having that kind of roster upheaval and you have that social gap in the team, that's less hours someone's going to voluntarily be like, I'm going to go to the practice room.
Well, also, I'd imagine, because you just said that right now with Raps on the team, Vitality's never been in the prac room as much. And I imagine if this was last year and you're having that kind of roster upheaval and you have that social gap in the team, that's less hours someone's going to voluntarily be like, I'm going to go to the practice room.
I'm always worried about it. I don't like being in this environment.
I'm always worried about it. I don't like being in this environment.
You're 17, first team, it's fine.
You're 17, first team, it's fine.
He calls your number? Yeah.
He calls your number? Yeah.
No, but I like that. I like that IGL tried to, like, pinpoint the players he needs to get activated and call on your number specifically.
No, but I like that. I like that IGL tried to, like, pinpoint the players he needs to get activated and call on your number specifically.
Rising from the ashes, if I recall correctly. We did that quite a bit.
Rising from the ashes, if I recall correctly. We did that quite a bit.
I was going to ask about CS2. Yeah, I was going to jump on the same thing.
I was going to ask about CS2. Yeah, I was going to jump on the same thing.
I just wanted to know, you mentioned it earlier, the change of how many good players there are in CS2 now that it's come along. What's the big difference in the game now, CS2 to CSGO, now that you've had some time on it? A lot more wide swings, obviously, but how is the game playing a little bit differently for you?
I just wanted to know, you mentioned it earlier, the change of how many good players there are in CS2 now that it's come along. What's the big difference in the game now, CS2 to CSGO, now that you've had some time on it? A lot more wide swings, obviously, but how is the game playing a little bit differently for you?
It feels like the impact swung back to riflers versus troopers right now.
It feels like the impact swung back to riflers versus troopers right now.
when I watch it, it feels I feel like the game just like, all of a sudden, so many teams are playing it so much more simplified. Now we're towards the end of CS go and start of CS two, there was still a lot of like movement and cerebral positioning and map control. And now I see a lot more teams I feel like spreading out into a default grouping up pretty quickly and hitting a pop.
when I watch it, it feels I feel like the game just like, all of a sudden, so many teams are playing it so much more simplified. Now we're towards the end of CS go and start of CS two, there was still a lot of like movement and cerebral positioning and map control. And now I see a lot more teams I feel like spreading out into a default grouping up pretty quickly and hitting a pop.
I think it's also
I think it's also
He's too aggressive.
He's too aggressive.
You'd rather have an aggressive opera than a passive one?
You'd rather have an aggressive opera than a passive one?
They take that side.
They take that side.
The CT incendiary would be a dog shit. Nobody respects it. More expensive weapon. Nobody gives a fuck about this.
The CT incendiary would be a dog shit. Nobody respects it. More expensive weapon. Nobody gives a fuck about this.
I did lobby with him. I think he's in that mode where he's not really comfortable speaking English. He can, but he doesn't want to do it. So he just holds back.
I did lobby with him. I think he's in that mode where he's not really comfortable speaking English. He can, but he doesn't want to do it. So he just holds back.
also just have more options on train at any point in the round like there's an execute from the t's like you can look over that z smoke on top of the boxes and z or you can run through and get back bomb you can do it yeah and anubis it's like okay temple smoked if i have a flash through then i'm just in a shit fight everywhere i look yeah like it's one second in that already inside with you and right and train you have like give a lot of time to like like assess the situation and determine how you want to play yeah yeah what did you call that smoke
also just have more options on train at any point in the round like there's an execute from the t's like you can look over that z smoke on top of the boxes and z or you can run through and get back bomb you can do it yeah and anubis it's like okay temple smoked if i have a flash through then i'm just in a shit fight everywhere i look yeah like it's one second in that already inside with you and right and train you have like give a lot of time to like like assess the situation and determine how you want to play yeah yeah what did you call that smoke
And then you... Yeah. Tell me when you guys had to have been... You guys had to have been popping off when Apex was going nuts last night. Ah, yeah. He played, had such a good... I bet that's more fun than ZywOo popping off as Apex going nuts.
And then you... Yeah. Tell me when you guys had to have been... You guys had to have been popping off when Apex was going nuts last night. Ah, yeah. He played, had such a good... I bet that's more fun than ZywOo popping off as Apex going nuts.
I'm like, bro, I know you don't want to answer these questions. So let me give you a softball and we can just take it somewhere and go somewhere. And it's like, why?
I'm like, bro, I know you don't want to answer these questions. So let me give you a softball and we can just take it somewhere and go somewhere. And it's like, why?
It's pretty good.
It's pretty good.
As long as you're not getting canceled, I don't care. Say whatever you want.
As long as you're not getting canceled, I don't care. Say whatever you want.
That's the limit. Okay, there is a limit. It's just way higher than y'all think it is. Does shit talking... Have you been in a situation where you feel like it's either opposing team shit talking you has affected you or your teammates?
That's the limit. Okay, there is a limit. It's just way higher than y'all think it is. Does shit talking... Have you been in a situation where you feel like it's either opposing team shit talking you has affected you or your teammates?
Like, um, Which one of your teammates is most likely to fuck one of your other teammates' girlfriends?
Like, um, Which one of your teammates is most likely to fuck one of your other teammates' girlfriends?
I think he wouldn't know what you mean. Does he speak good English, Zontix?
I think he wouldn't know what you mean. Does he speak good English, Zontix?
Shiro responded to me a little bit. Magics obviously can, but I try and avoid magics since he does everything. Donk dabbles.
Shiro responded to me a little bit. Magics obviously can, but I try and avoid magics since he does everything. Donk dabbles.
I know, we love that. We get right in.
I know, we love that. We get right in.
This would drive me nuts. Did you go talk to him now that you're in Vitality? Yeah.
This would drive me nuts. Did you go talk to him now that you're in Vitality? Yeah.
I tried to ask about his anime mouse pad. His anime mouse pad? Yeah.
I tried to ask about his anime mouse pad. His anime mouse pad? Yeah.
You know, I was- You know goddamn why. Soju, brisket, kai bi, ssamjang, kimchi.
You know, I was- You know goddamn why. Soju, brisket, kai bi, ssamjang, kimchi.
Jason Moses. No, I get that frequently though, yeah. I take that name when I was like 13 years old. I didn't understand the implications.
Jason Moses. No, I get that frequently though, yeah. I take that name when I was like 13 years old. I didn't understand the implications.
jason obold sometimes we call him muhammad because of the beard muhammad yeah so when i grow this beard out i i get uh conveniently a little bit more randomly selected for airport searches okay even taxi traffic even you know i rate your like your bald head is good because some bald heads look like a spit stick you know like what i mean they look like you know like the other ones
jason obold sometimes we call him muhammad because of the beard muhammad yeah so when i grow this beard out i i get uh conveniently a little bit more randomly selected for airport searches okay even taxi traffic even you know i rate your like your bald head is good because some bald heads look like a spit stick you know like what i mean they look like you know like the other ones
Yeah, it tickles a little bit. This is weird.
Yeah, it tickles a little bit. This is weird.
Yeah, people are like, they have the option to criticize.
Yeah, people are like, they have the option to criticize.
The internet is tailor-made for people to find, to be able to vocalize the reasons in which they're upset. What'd you say? The internet is like tailor-made for people to be able to just put out what's bothered them.
The internet is tailor-made for people to find, to be able to vocalize the reasons in which they're upset. What'd you say? The internet is like tailor-made for people to be able to just put out what's bothered them.
I don't want to play hangman with the audience. He said return. Yeah, that's fine.
I don't want to play hangman with the audience. He said return. Yeah, that's fine.
Like fuck. It's a versatile word. Fuck you. It can mean that in a certain sense. But it's not always a bad word.
Like fuck. It's a versatile word. Fuck you. It can mean that in a certain sense. But it's not always a bad word.
It's not the biggest deal in the world.
It's not the biggest deal in the world.
Yeah, okay. Okay, because... ISL and... It's like official sponsored broadcast is up here.
Yeah, okay. Okay, because... ISL and... It's like official sponsored broadcast is up here.
Why did Sadokis lose his job? What did he say?
Why did Sadokis lose his job? What did he say?
Let's not play hangman with the audience. Chad, tell them what Sadicus said.
Let's not play hangman with the audience. Chad, tell them what Sadicus said.
Eventually, they just built up to the point where it's not worth having.
Eventually, they just built up to the point where it's not worth having.
A personal birthday stream.
A personal birthday stream.
Scrawny always tells me when Matt came back and delivered that line in that grand final, Scrawny was like, oh, fuck. Like, we have real competition stepping back in.
Scrawny always tells me when Matt came back and delivered that line in that grand final, Scrawny was like, oh, fuck. Like, we have real competition stepping back in.
Yeah, well, let's just not make it so obvious. Do me a favor. I'm just here doing my job.
Yeah, well, let's just not make it so obvious. Do me a favor. I'm just here doing my job.
So what did he say? The shepherd's goat? The shepherd's staff takes down the goat. So the reference being that Simple is the goat of Counter-Strike, the greatest of all time. And then Montessi with his shepherd's staff, herding farm animals. Okay, I see, I see.
So what did he say? The shepherd's goat? The shepherd's staff takes down the goat. So the reference being that Simple is the goat of Counter-Strike, the greatest of all time. And then Montessi with his shepherd's staff, herding farm animals. Okay, I see, I see.
but yeah he had some that were some that were pre-made all casters have I think all most play-by-play casters these days have some pre-made lines for various players or some play on the words or their name like Chad's saying and then there's a creativity in the moment with that line so you just kind of have it prepared and then you have to creatively kind of activate it when you're in the moment but when you're so who's your partner now
but yeah he had some that were some that were pre-made all casters have I think all most play-by-play casters these days have some pre-made lines for various players or some play on the words or their name like Chad's saying and then there's a creativity in the moment with that line so you just kind of have it prepared and then you have to creatively kind of activate it when you're in the moment but when you're so who's your partner now
I don't ask for his. I'm not huge on pre-prepared lines myself. Usually we cover like storylines for the game, like various players inside the server, the teams, like the big picture storylines for the teams. Like obviously in Katowice it was easy because it was like Apex has been here 11 times, hasn't ever gotten it, it's gotten close. Those ones are just like hand delivered to you.
I don't ask for his. I'm not huge on pre-prepared lines myself. Usually we cover like storylines for the game, like various players inside the server, the teams, like the big picture storylines for the teams. Like obviously in Katowice it was easy because it was like Apex has been here 11 times, hasn't ever gotten it, it's gotten close. Those ones are just like hand delivered to you.
but the the things with jason saying about the story the reason that you want to have that stuff is so that you can bring those in and the down moments of the game yeah and then like when you have the big climax of the game all those things come true actually there's a lot of dead time in the game like freeze time and well you were talking about fucking vp at the end of csgo casting a vp match back in the day was like you better have an hour's worth of fill prepared like you have to be ready to just fill actually with them everybody bullied them on the chat james saving like yes
but the the things with jason saying about the story the reason that you want to have that stuff is so that you can bring those in and the down moments of the game yeah and then like when you have the big climax of the game all those things come true actually there's a lot of dead time in the game like freeze time and well you were talking about fucking vp at the end of csgo casting a vp match back in the day was like you better have an hour's worth of fill prepared like you have to be ready to just fill actually with them everybody bullied them on the chat james saving like yes
Yeah. I mean, you have different audiences you have to kind of cater to and like different people you work with are more about the X's and O's and the details, especially with players. But yeah, it's always a balancing act because some fans like those details.
Yeah. I mean, you have different audiences you have to kind of cater to and like different people you work with are more about the X's and O's and the details, especially with players. But yeah, it's always a balancing act because some fans like those details.
Some fans want you to go into the nitty gritty and some fans are like, we're just here to kind of enjoy and casually watch and we want to feel the excitement.
Some fans want you to go into the nitty gritty and some fans are like, we're just here to kind of enjoy and casually watch and we want to feel the excitement.
The biggest gap that I always find players help the most in is like big picture tactics is not a huge deal. It's like the player decisions of saying this smoke landing here paired up with this Molotov and this flash that pops here. Now you know what peak they're trying to activate. And that's why you chose to slide into this position.
The biggest gap that I always find players help the most in is like big picture tactics is not a huge deal. It's like the player decisions of saying this smoke landing here paired up with this Molotov and this flash that pops here. Now you know what peak they're trying to activate. And that's why you chose to slide into this position.
Like those little micro details of individual decisions are the biggest gap in a cast.
Like those little micro details of individual decisions are the biggest gap in a cast.
it's also like to you know like when a decision is like when you can make the decision to shoot or hold the trigger and you just know the consequences of that decision are gonna be so mad like it's either gonna win the round or lose it so like the fun of it is actually he's made the decision to hold it he just had a tough game he had a tough series overall there's another round where he was meant to smoke like you could tell because he ran into site to smoke palace and then he runs in the site throws the smoke and then starts running back ticket and then gets caught mid-sight and it's like
it's also like to you know like when a decision is like when you can make the decision to shoot or hold the trigger and you just know the consequences of that decision are gonna be so mad like it's either gonna win the round or lose it so like the fun of it is actually he's made the decision to hold it he just had a tough game he had a tough series overall there's another round where he was meant to smoke like you could tell because he ran into site to smoke palace and then he runs in the site throws the smoke and then starts running back ticket and then gets caught mid-sight and it's like
Rolling back into a Katowice stage, bulked up, just ripped.
Rolling back into a Katowice stage, bulked up, just ripped.
You're talking a lot about confidence and courage in the game. Do you feel like it's helped you when you have a bad game, like bouncing back in a game, like having a really bad half?
You're talking a lot about confidence and courage in the game. Do you feel like it's helped you when you have a bad game, like bouncing back in a game, like having a really bad half?
And it keeps you engaged in the game too. It's not like you're sitting there dead for a minute just like,
And it keeps you engaged in the game too. It's not like you're sitting there dead for a minute just like,
I would say on that, Janko, this is where Karagin does his best work because it's more like round-to-round calling. where he's having to improvise or come up with solutions off of their base, off of their default, off of the rounds that they've spoken about or gone over. But he's making these adjustments and making those calls in the flow of the game.
I would say on that, Janko, this is where Karagin does his best work because it's more like round-to-round calling. where he's having to improvise or come up with solutions off of their base, off of their default, off of the rounds that they've spoken about or gone over. But he's making these adjustments and making those calls in the flow of the game.
And that's where I'd say Kerrigan does his absolute best work.
And that's where I'd say Kerrigan does his absolute best work.
Yeah, Adobe of all people.
Yeah, Adobe of all people.
Now we're thinking outside the box. Gentlemen, let's not fuck around today. Let's get into it, shall we? Let's get straight into the fucking trenches.
Now we're thinking outside the box. Gentlemen, let's not fuck around today. Let's get into it, shall we? Let's get straight into the fucking trenches.
I didn't think they would, but I thought they had to.
I didn't think they would, but I thought they had to.
No, because Jason, you've made some inflammatory comments. The internet.
No, because Jason, you've made some inflammatory comments. The internet.
I don't know, Jason. I don't know if what I would say was inflammatory. I think what I said was a well-disguised clickbait headline.
I don't know, Jason. I don't know if what I would say was inflammatory. I think what I said was a well-disguised clickbait headline.
Look, Dallas doesn't excite me for seeing them other than Sibyl being in the server, right? Like I obviously Sibyl wanted to play with Rain and Rain's not going to be there or potentially not going to be there for Dallas, right? So I'm only really worrying about the major. I don't really care about how they do there. I don't really care about the skulls thing either. It's just a temporary thing.
Look, Dallas doesn't excite me for seeing them other than Sibyl being in the server, right? Like I obviously Sibyl wanted to play with Rain and Rain's not going to be there or potentially not going to be there for Dallas, right? So I'm only really worrying about the major. I don't really care about how they do there. I don't really care about the skulls thing either. It's just a temporary thing.
I'd heard something.
I'd heard something.
couple of weeks ago about them needing a stand-in for rain um in those anchor type positions you guys can see if you can connect the dots there we'll see how many geniuses are out there um but for me this is what i think i think you know you yanka you're saying yeah he's on the bench you don't know what the future is going to look like how about this broke you to liquid yeah i saw people say that oh i'm not ready to give up on ultimate it's not there for me yet why not
couple of weeks ago about them needing a stand-in for rain um in those anchor type positions you guys can see if you can connect the dots there we'll see how many geniuses are out there um but for me this is what i think i think you know you yanka you're saying yeah he's on the bench you don't know what the future is going to look like how about this broke you to liquid yeah i saw people say that oh i'm not ready to give up on ultimate it's not there for me yet why not
But if you could get Brokey, wouldn't it be a better addition? Or were we just using the recency bias of his bad performances?
But if you could get Brokey, wouldn't it be a better addition? Or were we just using the recency bias of his bad performances?
I don't know, Jason. Some people on the internet seem to think it is.
I don't know, Jason. Some people on the internet seem to think it is.
Dexter, yeah. I've never been hot on Dexter, to be honest. I think that his performance at Bucharest, they must have already known he was getting replaced.
Dexter, yeah. I've never been hot on Dexter, to be honest. I think that his performance at Bucharest, they must have already known he was getting replaced.
yeah it's kind of what allows you to play a bit freer i know but still compared to i know simple is the goat and everything but you know considering the how much he's played in cs2 and everything and all that but dexter had a lot of time off before this before the heroic stint right i know that's more than simple for sure i don't know like i said i i'm not not hot on him i think um I don't know.
yeah it's kind of what allows you to play a bit freer i know but still compared to i know simple is the goat and everything but you know considering the how much he's played in cs2 and everything and all that but dexter had a lot of time off before this before the heroic stint right i know that's more than simple for sure i don't know like i said i i'm not not hot on him i think um I don't know.
Maybe, maybe they could use that energy that he brings, but like, cause it's a different energy that he brings compared to what simple brings. But I don't know. Is that, does that even fit with phase? I'm not sure.
Maybe, maybe they could use that energy that he brings, but like, cause it's a different energy that he brings compared to what simple brings. But I don't know. Is that, does that even fit with phase? I'm not sure.
I mean, maybe more out of game. And he is very aggressive as well. And I think the issue was, like Janko was highlighting it before, it kind of feels like Brokey got neutered in that sense. I don't expect S1mple to be fully leashed up or anything, but playing in a blade system, you know your role as an AWPer a bit more. He's not always having to be the playmaker.
I mean, maybe more out of game. And he is very aggressive as well. And I think the issue was, like Janko was highlighting it before, it kind of feels like Brokey got neutered in that sense. I don't expect S1mple to be fully leashed up or anything, but playing in a blade system, you know your role as an AWPer a bit more. He's not always having to be the playmaker.
So I guess when you look at it and the framing of this is an all-in for the major, then the structure doesn't matter so much. You just need it to stick and maybe the chaos. But you can't win every game with just chaos, right? So, yeah, I don't know. I think the simple one is the blockbuster signing, it's very FaZe. You know, it's very like on for FaZe, like the brand and stuff. True.
So I guess when you look at it and the framing of this is an all-in for the major, then the structure doesn't matter so much. You just need it to stick and maybe the chaos. But you can't win every game with just chaos, right? So, yeah, I don't know. I think the simple one is the blockbuster signing, it's very FaZe. You know, it's very like on for FaZe, like the brand and stuff. True.
Yeah, I think it's more fun overall. Maybe not as safe, but yeah.
Yeah, I think it's more fun overall. Maybe not as safe, but yeah.
I was going to do a what are the odds tomorrow on HLTV confirmed, and I was going to do that exact question, like do they make the playoffs? I don't think they make the playoffs.
I was going to do a what are the odds tomorrow on HLTV confirmed, and I was going to do that exact question, like do they make the playoffs? I don't think they make the playoffs.
I don't think this is going to raise the quality of the team substantially within what they're in stage three, right there. So they get an extra bit of time to practice us.
I don't think this is going to raise the quality of the team substantially within what they're in stage three, right there. So they get an extra bit of time to practice us.
All right, all right. Let's start with the news, shall we? So today it was announced that Brokey was benched, which was followed by tweets from the likes of Carrigan and Rain. Carrigan going to say this is one of the hardest benchings.
All right, all right. Let's start with the news, shall we? So today it was announced that Brokey was benched, which was followed by tweets from the likes of Carrigan and Rain. Carrigan going to say this is one of the hardest benchings.
They're in stage two. So they have, they start on the 7th of June and today is the 5th of May. So they have a month. Yeah, no, I don't, I don't think they made the playoffs. Like I'm trying to think realistic expectations and realistic expectations is they don't make the playoffs.
They're in stage two. So they have, they start on the 7th of June and today is the 5th of May. So they have a month. Yeah, no, I don't, I don't think they made the playoffs. Like I'm trying to think realistic expectations and realistic expectations is they don't make the playoffs.
No. So it's the one where you need to give the points, right? So you need that three points. Yeah. I didn't realize that until the day, like I woke up and Duncan was like, Oh, send me a three points. And I was like, Oh fuck. Like I got to think of three points. I was like, shit. So then I was like, okay. Uh, the, the good one, the map pool is not that bad. I see people talking about the map pool.
No. So it's the one where you need to give the points, right? So you need that three points. Yeah. I didn't realize that until the day, like I woke up and Duncan was like, Oh, send me a three points. And I was like, Oh fuck. Like I got to think of three points. I was like, shit. So then I was like, okay. Uh, the, the good one, the map pool is not that bad. I see people talking about the map pool.
That's, that's an easy one. And I was like, bad. Okay, what's bad? Bad. Oh, the Blast Rivals format. I fucking hate that it's 18 and 16 through the playoffs. That's bad. All right, let's go with bad. Dude, I saw someone strawman the fuck out of that. He was like, oh, it broke one point. It had 1 million people watching. The format can't be that bad.
That's, that's an easy one. And I was like, bad. Okay, what's bad? Bad. Oh, the Blast Rivals format. I fucking hate that it's 18 and 16 through the playoffs. That's bad. All right, let's go with bad. Dude, I saw someone strawman the fuck out of that. He was like, oh, it broke one point. It had 1 million people watching. The format can't be that bad.
I just want to reply and be like, you fucking ape. Just because there was a lot of viewers, it doesn't mean the format is good. You fucking idiot. Those two things are not connected by any stretch of the imagination. And then... The last thing was, yeah, I was like, okay, so I've been having this opinion about FaZe for a while, right?
I just want to reply and be like, you fucking ape. Just because there was a lot of viewers, it doesn't mean the format is good. You fucking idiot. Those two things are not connected by any stretch of the imagination. And then... The last thing was, yeah, I was like, okay, so I've been having this opinion about FaZe for a while, right?
Not the, like, Alige has killed FaZe, but that FaZe aren't the same FaZe that people maybe, you know... remembering from yesteryear. And I think that what happened was with the Shanghai Major, it kind of was the last breath of that type of phase, the one that would never give up. When they win these crazy rounds, they're all laughing at each other and stuff.
Not the, like, Alige has killed FaZe, but that FaZe aren't the same FaZe that people maybe, you know... remembering from yesteryear. And I think that what happened was with the Shanghai Major, it kind of was the last breath of that type of phase, the one that would never give up. When they win these crazy rounds, they're all laughing at each other and stuff.
They think they can come back in every game. That identity essentially died when Rops left. And it was dying since Twist left.
They think they can come back in every game. That identity essentially died when Rops left. And it was dying since Twist left.
You know, Rain talking about the time that he had spent with Brokey as a player, seeing him grow up from FPL into the player he was, you know, winning the majors with and et cetera, et cetera. Which, you know, was... I would say a shock because there was no murmurs of it, even though you can make sense of it. But anyway, let's just stick with the news before I jump into opinion.
You know, Rain talking about the time that he had spent with Brokey as a player, seeing him grow up from FPL into the player he was, you know, winning the majors with and et cetera, et cetera. Which, you know, was... I would say a shock because there was no murmurs of it, even though you can make sense of it. But anyway, let's just stick with the news before I jump into opinion.
right because i don't think frozen has really stepped up to the plate in the same way um that twist was able to contribute to the team within that time even though they were in both major finals last year they've been on a slow like steady decline and then elige comes in and he doesn't even he doesn't have the mentality to be that phase right the phase that never gives up never surrenders is in every game gritty chaotic like
right because i don't think frozen has really stepped up to the plate in the same way um that twist was able to contribute to the team within that time even though they were in both major finals last year they've been on a slow like steady decline and then elige comes in and he doesn't even he doesn't have the mentality to be that phase right the phase that never gives up never surrenders is in every game gritty chaotic like
There was even something in an interview, right? Where like first thing was like him about the comms. And then there was something about like him not like loving the chaos. It's like FaZe, that is FaZe. FaZe is the team who thrives in that. So Elysia's addition, right? Is the one that will be marked with the downfall of that FaZe, right? We're in a new era of FaZe now.
There was even something in an interview, right? Where like first thing was like him about the comms. And then there was something about like him not like loving the chaos. It's like FaZe, that is FaZe. FaZe is the team who thrives in that. So Elysia's addition, right? Is the one that will be marked with the downfall of that FaZe, right? We're in a new era of FaZe now.
Like we got to think of them as something different. Maybe that'll get like another...
Like we got to think of them as something different. Maybe that'll get like another...
life now that they get simple for this event who knows um but yeah that's why that statement came through and i thought well we can make it inflammatory by saying elise killed killed phase but i don't think elise is playing badly i think he's one of the best contributors in the roster at the moment alongside of frozen so it just was like a fun way to spin it you know yeah no it's just so funny because you just phrased that so eloquently and wonderfully explained the problem but that just turns into the headline elise killed phase extremely inflammatory
life now that they get simple for this event who knows um but yeah that's why that statement came through and i thought well we can make it inflammatory by saying elise killed killed phase but i don't think elise is playing badly i think he's one of the best contributors in the roster at the moment alongside of frozen so it just was like a fun way to spin it you know yeah no it's just so funny because you just phrased that so eloquently and wonderfully explained the problem but that just turns into the headline elise killed phase extremely inflammatory
Yeah, good headline though, right?
Yeah, good headline though, right?
Yeah, he got the people going, Jason. So as you see, it wasn't a bad opinion. It was just a strong framing.
Yeah, he got the people going, Jason. So as you see, it wasn't a bad opinion. It was just a strong framing.
I need a second. You guys keep talking. My headset's dying.
I need a second. You guys keep talking. My headset's dying.
And then after that, they announced that Simple will be standing in during the stint of IEM Dallas, which is taking place in about two weeks from now. And then they will be playing the major with him. Then they announced a little bit after that, that Skulls will be standing in for IEM Dallas for rain. Potentially. Potentially.
And then after that, they announced that Simple will be standing in during the stint of IEM Dallas, which is taking place in about two weeks from now. And then they will be playing the major with him. Then they announced a little bit after that, that Skulls will be standing in for IEM Dallas for rain. Potentially. Potentially.
still when you look how face plays especially on the t side like it's fine it makes sense it's good right it's like other things that are the issue for them i think uh you know maybe it's not the end for carrigan you know who i think it is the end for or is fallen yeah yeah that's the first now that this team's gone international it feels like that's that's where this is headed it's got to be right
still when you look how face plays especially on the t side like it's fine it makes sense it's good right it's like other things that are the issue for them i think uh you know maybe it's not the end for carrigan you know who i think it is the end for or is fallen yeah yeah that's the first now that this team's gone international it feels like that's that's where this is headed it's got to be right
Surely he can't do another last dance. How many last dances do people get?
Surely he can't do another last dance. How many last dances do people get?
Nice overused saying.
Nice overused saying.
Yeah, I don't know why I took us there. You were just talking about Karrigan. I was like, I don't want him to retire. So then I was like, let's go to someone. It's not that I want Fallen to. It's just that I think... Someone I want to retire. It's just that I think that, like, it's been spoken about even since the Imperial time. And now, like, Furia is limping.
Yeah, I don't know why I took us there. You were just talking about Karrigan. I was like, I don't want him to retire. So then I was like, let's go to someone. It's not that I want Fallen to. It's just that I think... Someone I want to retire. It's just that I think that, like, it's been spoken about even since the Imperial time. And now, like, Furia is limping.
That's the state of the nation right now. So let's now get to your tweet, shall we, Jason?
That's the state of the nation right now. So let's now get to your tweet, shall we, Jason?
There was a moment where there was a little bit of, you know... Sun summit for a brief moment, but that's gone down the drain now. So, yeah. Should we talk about rivals? Yeah, I think we can. Back to back to back to back to back champs.
There was a moment where there was a little bit of, you know... Sun summit for a brief moment, but that's gone down the drain now. So, yeah. Should we talk about rivals? Yeah, I think we can. Back to back to back to back to back champs.
Well, okay. Before we glaze Falcons and Vitality then, should we talk about the other two teams who were in the running for most of the year and then at the moment feel like they're falling off, right? Because let me know if you guys don't agree. Vitality number one, Falcons number two, then it's Spirit or Miles number three. It doesn't even really matter, but they're three and four.
Well, okay. Before we glaze Falcons and Vitality then, should we talk about the other two teams who were in the running for most of the year and then at the moment feel like they're falling off, right? Because let me know if you guys don't agree. Vitality number one, Falcons number two, then it's Spirit or Miles number three. It doesn't even really matter, but they're three and four.
And then there's a bit of a void after that. So like Maus, the conversation at the start of the year around this team was, yeah, Brolin's going to join. They're going to live off the remnants of the structure that existed with Sykron and Shui. Sykron's still there. We know he's a strong influence on the team, but this is only going to last for a certain period of time.
And then there's a bit of a void after that. So like Maus, the conversation at the start of the year around this team was, yeah, Brolin's going to join. They're going to live off the remnants of the structure that existed with Sykron and Shui. Sykron's still there. We know he's a strong influence on the team, but this is only going to last for a certain period of time.
And then after a while, it'll start to dip down. Now with that in mind, Maus performed much better and much higher. than what I had anticipated, right? I thought, you know, maybe this is a team that's still making playoffs, still looking like they can do damage, but not necessarily making finals and winning events, right? And that's what they were able to do.
And then after a while, it'll start to dip down. Now with that in mind, Maus performed much better and much higher. than what I had anticipated, right? I thought, you know, maybe this is a team that's still making playoffs, still looking like they can do damage, but not necessarily making finals and winning events, right? And that's what they were able to do.
They were able to get into finals and push Vitality as well, especially Lisbon. So they over-exceeded from that standpoint. But now...
They were able to get into finals and push Vitality as well, especially Lisbon. So they over-exceeded from that standpoint. But now...
In the last couple of events, they've been pipped at the post by Falcons, who literally within one and a half days of Modesty being in the team and available to practice with them, that's the practice time they had, have already made it to back-to-back finals and pushed Vitality harder than what Mouz ever did. That's without a doubt. So what do we think about Mouz?
In the last couple of events, they've been pipped at the post by Falcons, who literally within one and a half days of Modesty being in the team and available to practice with them, that's the practice time they had, have already made it to back-to-back finals and pushed Vitality harder than what Mouz ever did. That's without a doubt. So what do we think about Mouz?
Do we think that that initial take has aged well? Are you guys on board with the thought that, yeah, it's starting to simmer out now because Brolan's inexperience as an in-game leader, the remnants of what they had before are starting to wear off, or do you think there's a different problem with them?
Do we think that that initial take has aged well? Are you guys on board with the thought that, yeah, it's starting to simmer out now because Brolan's inexperience as an in-game leader, the remnants of what they had before are starting to wear off, or do you think there's a different problem with them?
You'll have to. Now, the tweet reads, I long ago accepted that I don't think we're ever going to get simple as one of the best players in the world again, but he's not doing himself any favors by standing in for teams with massive issues and a recent history of underperformance. Jason, do you care to elaborate?
You'll have to. Now, the tweet reads, I long ago accepted that I don't think we're ever going to get simple as one of the best players in the world again, but he's not doing himself any favors by standing in for teams with massive issues and a recent history of underperformance. Jason, do you care to elaborate?
There's a few points here because we need to make sure that the context is given because the last stand-in stint that he did was for Falcons, who are now known as the Falcons. But this was Falcons last year when the roster was pretty bad and he replaced some pious and then Shanghai was dirt.
There's a few points here because we need to make sure that the context is given because the last stand-in stint that he did was for Falcons, who are now known as the Falcons. But this was Falcons last year when the roster was pretty bad and he replaced some pious and then Shanghai was dirt.
Yeah, that's the thing, right? So I think that there's really quality pieces on the team. I think the consistency factor or in the big games, being able to get them to deliver at their utmost potential is probably the part that is necessary in the big games. And maybe it's just a matter of winning one of those series in an important moment for them to break through. But the clock is...
Yeah, that's the thing, right? So I think that there's really quality pieces on the team. I think the consistency factor or in the big games, being able to get them to deliver at their utmost potential is probably the part that is necessary in the big games. And maybe it's just a matter of winning one of those series in an important moment for them to break through. But the clock is...
running out right now, because you look at the events that they have left Dallas is in 14 days, and then they're in stage three. So the time that they'll get official reps, they get a two week kind of breather right now before Dallas, they'll obviously be practicing there. I don't mean they're not doing anything.
running out right now, because you look at the events that they have left Dallas is in 14 days, and then they're in stage three. So the time that they'll get official reps, they get a two week kind of breather right now before Dallas, they'll obviously be practicing there. I don't mean they're not doing anything.
And then after Dallas, I'm sure there'll be like a five, six day rest period of some variety and then bang, let's fucking go hard before we have to fly over and compete. Right. So I think that it's like that breakthrough needs to come either in Dallas, because I don't see it happening at the major, right? This is a team who have had issues on the stages before.
And then after Dallas, I'm sure there'll be like a five, six day rest period of some variety and then bang, let's fucking go hard before we have to fly over and compete. Right. So I think that it's like that breakthrough needs to come either in Dallas, because I don't see it happening at the major, right? This is a team who have had issues on the stages before.
And I don't think that expecting them to do it in the most high pressure environment against teams who are much more comfortable in those situations. Look at the players on Vitality now, look at the players now.
And I don't think that expecting them to do it in the most high pressure environment against teams who are much more comfortable in those situations. Look at the players on Vitality now, look at the players now.
um who are in excuse me i've just blanked in the falcons roster right like i i don't like tesla's used to be a perpetual big game choker but we've seen kicks and have good moments in big games um obviously modesty and nico combined right so you you're in magisk of course too so i worry for mouse if that breakthrough moment that aha like we can actually do it moment doesn't happen in dallas they might not happen this season
um who are in excuse me i've just blanked in the falcons roster right like i i don't like tesla's used to be a perpetual big game choker but we've seen kicks and have good moments in big games um obviously modesty and nico combined right so you you're in magisk of course too so i worry for mouse if that breakthrough moment that aha like we can actually do it moment doesn't happen in dallas they might not happen this season
Because I think everything you said there is fair, Jason. What's the point of looking for change if they're quite clearly one of the best teams in the world? They just can't get past the ones who are better than them.
Because I think everything you said there is fair, Jason. What's the point of looking for change if they're quite clearly one of the best teams in the world? They just can't get past the ones who are better than them.
I think the reason that maybe it comes into question for me is just how quickly Falcons went from it's like, Falcons have this fucking ceiling that's in, sorry, this floor that's in the basement and a ceiling that could be really exciting to add Monacy and now consistently back-to-back finals where they've been able to be competitive with the best team of the season without a doubt.
I think the reason that maybe it comes into question for me is just how quickly Falcons went from it's like, Falcons have this fucking ceiling that's in, sorry, this floor that's in the basement and a ceiling that could be really exciting to add Monacy and now consistently back-to-back finals where they've been able to be competitive with the best team of the season without a doubt.
It's like, wow, that happened so fucking quick.
It's like, wow, that happened so fucking quick.
Now he's come into phase who are another team currently in turmoil, not living up to the namesake and not putting up the results. But I think this begs the question, what would you have Simple do, Jason?
Now he's come into phase who are another team currently in turmoil, not living up to the namesake and not putting up the results. But I think this begs the question, what would you have Simple do, Jason?
It was 11-1 against Vitality on their map choice on the first half. So that went pretty well. I think Chopper was having a mare of a game.
It was 11-1 against Vitality on their map choice on the first half. So that went pretty well. I think Chopper was having a mare of a game.
Yeah, he wasn't having a good time. I wanted to contribute something to the conversation though, just with the Shiro narrative that Yanko likes to talk about. Today I was doom scrolling and on Instagram popped up like a reel of Donk. Like they've got all these clips of like Donk like raging or like sighing or whatever. And then they've just spliced in Shiro misses.
Yeah, he wasn't having a good time. I wanted to contribute something to the conversation though, just with the Shiro narrative that Yanko likes to talk about. Today I was doom scrolling and on Instagram popped up like a reel of Donk. Like they've got all these clips of like Donk like raging or like sighing or whatever. And then they've just spliced in Shiro misses.
And it's like, you know, it's like all the casters or whatever. It's like me going, Shiro really has to hit this one.
And it's like, you know, it's like all the casters or whatever. It's like me going, Shiro really has to hit this one.
and alex go and alex always let that one go and then like harry's there oh shiro misses the shot and then it's just like it's like so send it to me chat send it to me right now go back i was just looking for it i'll see if i can get it but yeah i watch it every night before i go to bed i link it every day i'll put it i'll put it in an intermission right here in the fucking in the episode yeah do it
and alex go and alex always let that one go and then like harry's there oh shiro misses the shot and then it's just like it's like so send it to me chat send it to me right now go back i was just looking for it i'll see if i can get it but yeah i watch it every night before i go to bed i link it every day i'll put it i'll put it in an intermission right here in the fucking in the episode yeah do it
I saw it. I was like, oh no, how has this happened? Janko is getting into my algorithm.
I saw it. I was like, oh no, how has this happened? Janko is getting into my algorithm.
I'll see if I can find it. But yeah, I saw that today. But otherwise with Spirit, if we're going to say Mouses are just there, then shouldn't it be the same conversation for Spirit? The only teams they've lost to this year are Vitality, Falcons,
I'll see if I can find it. But yeah, I saw that today. But otherwise with Spirit, if we're going to say Mouses are just there, then shouldn't it be the same conversation for Spirit? The only teams they've lost to this year are Vitality, Falcons,
uh mouse and i think they lost to navi at one point as well but other than that you know like how how long could we play this game for you know yeah exactly right like well yeah i know what you mean i know what you mean I like then they're not in tip top form, but they're still in, I would say they're still in striking distance for the major, right?
uh mouse and i think they lost to navi at one point as well but other than that you know like how how long could we play this game for you know yeah exactly right like well yeah i know what you mean i know what you mean I like then they're not in tip top form, but they're still in, I would say they're still in striking distance for the major, right?
Well, look, I have a tough time with Spirit. Obviously, you have such a crazy year last year. That's where Donk busts onto the scene. And I think you summed it up well. It's giving them the pass. I think it's fine. If they're able to make top four at the major, that's where they are. That's where they should be. I don't see them winning it. But right now, actually, that's not true either.
Well, look, I have a tough time with Spirit. Obviously, you have such a crazy year last year. That's where Donk busts onto the scene. And I think you summed it up well. It's giving them the pass. I think it's fine. If they're able to make top four at the major, that's where they are. That's where they should be. I don't see them winning it. But right now, actually, that's not true either.
They could win it. I said they're in striking distance. They could win it. They're not my favorite. My favorite would be Vitality, obviously. That goes without saying. But yeah, I think Spirit is still in the conversation. They're still in the hunt.
They could win it. I said they're in striking distance. They could win it. They're not my favorite. My favorite would be Vitality, obviously. That goes without saying. But yeah, I think Spirit is still in the conversation. They're still in the hunt.
There's definitely points of frustration being shown. Thank you.
There's definitely points of frustration being shown. Thank you.
I got a simpler one. I don't disagree with anything you said there, but I would run the same thing. I think that The fact that Falcons have performed at such a level after only having Modesty just joined the team is a great sign for the time we get to the major to see Falcons locking horns with Vitality in that environment.
I got a simpler one. I don't disagree with anything you said there, but I would run the same thing. I think that The fact that Falcons have performed at such a level after only having Modesty just joined the team is a great sign for the time we get to the major to see Falcons locking horns with Vitality in that environment.
You've got Vitality who have been at the top of the scene the whole season so far. They're undefeated for like 100 days or something. They've won five consecutive events without dropping a series. It's fucking mental. you've got Falcons who just added one of the best players in the world. That's what you want to see.
You've got Vitality who have been at the top of the scene the whole season so far. They're undefeated for like 100 days or something. They've won five consecutive events without dropping a series. It's fucking mental. you've got Falcons who just added one of the best players in the world. That's what you want to see.
The likes of modesty going up against his IWU and it robs going up against the Nico and you know, like those are the names you want to see, but yeah, For Falcons, the time that they've had is limited. Sure, you could say, oh yeah, but Montessi used to play with Nico. Yeah, there's definitely some points there that will help that integration, and that's a very positive sign.
The likes of modesty going up against his IWU and it robs going up against the Nico and you know, like those are the names you want to see, but yeah, For Falcons, the time that they've had is limited. Sure, you could say, oh yeah, but Montessi used to play with Nico. Yeah, there's definitely some points there that will help that integration, and that's a very positive sign.
But we're still talking no practice time at all. And you just have to go back a couple years, maybe even pre-pandy time. I feel we were much more generous to teams, like when players had just joined rosters and stuff.
But we're still talking no practice time at all. And you just have to go back a couple years, maybe even pre-pandy time. I feel we were much more generous to teams, like when players had just joined rosters and stuff.
So it's like this team made it to back-to-back finals, pushed Vitality, beat everybody else that they had to beat, made light work of some of the opponents, and they've had fuck all practice. So for me, this is just the beginning of what Falcons have to offer.
So it's like this team made it to back-to-back finals, pushed Vitality, beat everybody else that they had to beat, made light work of some of the opponents, and they've had fuck all practice. So for me, this is just the beginning of what Falcons have to offer.
Jason doesn't buy it. I'm not sold on it.
Jason doesn't buy it. I'm not sold on it.
Jason, why aren't you sold on that logic?
Jason, why aren't you sold on that logic?
Yeah, I think a player like Magisk, I've heard before in an interview say as well, with the role that he plays in the team, it's very important for him to know the way that his teammates are going to react in certain situations so that he can complement them accordingly. And he's the player at the moment on that team who's getting the hardest time probably from a public perspective.
Yeah, I think a player like Magisk, I've heard before in an interview say as well, with the role that he plays in the team, it's very important for him to know the way that his teammates are going to react in certain situations so that he can complement them accordingly. And he's the player at the moment on that team who's getting the hardest time probably from a public perspective.
I think Teslas has done a great job to show his worth. He also said in an interview that he feels the pressure's been taken off a bit now that Modesty and Niko are around him, which is true. right? Those are meant to be the players who deliver. So now there's no, like the spotlight isn't on him to the same degree. He didn't even really have to worry about that in heroic.
I think Teslas has done a great job to show his worth. He also said in an interview that he feels the pressure's been taken off a bit now that Modesty and Niko are around him, which is true. right? Those are meant to be the players who deliver. So now there's no, like the spotlight isn't on him to the same degree. He didn't even really have to worry about that in heroic.
So I guess that's, you know, a weird thing, but he's definitely evolving as a player. He has, Teslas has some really impactful kills, I think. He's got some really impactful kills. I like the team overall, obviously in terms of what they're delivering, it's very exciting CS. I'm glad that we have these two teams locking horns at the moment.
So I guess that's, you know, a weird thing, but he's definitely evolving as a player. He has, Teslas has some really impactful kills, I think. He's got some really impactful kills. I like the team overall, obviously in terms of what they're delivering, it's very exciting CS. I'm glad that we have these two teams locking horns at the moment.
i think that the details will make you know probably from the viewer on the outset jason it's not going to make a huge difference from a viewing perspective i think the games will probably be delivered the same way but the the little details that you're pointing out are the ones that are and they can make the difference to winning or losing the game right so um like i wasn't at the start of the year you jason oh jason i don't want to do this i'm not trying to like i'm not trying to i'm not
i think that the details will make you know probably from the viewer on the outset jason it's not going to make a huge difference from a viewing perspective i think the games will probably be delivered the same way but the the little details that you're pointing out are the ones that are and they can make the difference to winning or losing the game right so um like i wasn't at the start of the year you jason oh jason i don't want to do this i'm not trying to like i'm not trying to i'm not
Yeah, I'm not trying to put you under the spotlight here.
Yeah, I'm not trying to put you under the spotlight here.
tired and and whatnot and also a testament i feel like to to their own uh mental fortitude and and just yeah yeah now i i think um like we what about this right do you guys think now this is completely off they're not really off topic because of the best of five finals we've had this year other than Katowice, I think. Lisbon was a five mapper. Melbourne was a five mapper.
tired and and whatnot and also a testament i feel like to to their own uh mental fortitude and and just yeah yeah now i i think um like we what about this right do you guys think now this is completely off they're not really off topic because of the best of five finals we've had this year other than Katowice, I think. Lisbon was a five mapper. Melbourne was a five mapper.
This one was a five mapper. Do you think the majors now should be five mappers? Do you think there's enough evidence there for Valve to change it?
This one was a five mapper. Do you think the majors now should be five mappers? Do you think there's enough evidence there for Valve to change it?
I think it should be a best of five. To get rid of best of ones, Janko, and I haven't looked at coming up with a schedule or anything. We'll keep format talk away for a second. Do you think teams would be willing to forego best of ones if they get best of threes but have to potentially play two best of threes in the same day, like in the Melbourne format like we did?
I think it should be a best of five. To get rid of best of ones, Janko, and I haven't looked at coming up with a schedule or anything. We'll keep format talk away for a second. Do you think teams would be willing to forego best of ones if they get best of threes but have to potentially play two best of threes in the same day, like in the Melbourne format like we did?
best of ones go so quick man yeah it's it's over so quick you know in mr12 it's like just one or two things if they go wrong and you lost both pistols and that's it like you there's nothing pistol and first gun round and then you're like oh that's kind of the entire half right there yeah so i i think they will oh that's a good like that right there boys though it's one of those things that when i'm listening to like a game and people like oh they're getting owned it's 5-0 i'm like they've had one fucking gun round like i'm like what are you
best of ones go so quick man yeah it's it's over so quick you know in mr12 it's like just one or two things if they go wrong and you lost both pistols and that's it like you there's nothing pistol and first gun round and then you're like oh that's kind of the entire half right there yeah so i i think they will oh that's a good like that right there boys though it's one of those things that when i'm listening to like a game and people like oh they're getting owned it's 5-0 i'm like they've had one fucking gun round like i'm like what are you
Well, he's in a tough spot anyway, right? Because he's still under Navi. So there's a big buyout for anybody who would actually want to get it.
Well, he's in a tough spot anyway, right? Because he's still under Navi. So there's a big buyout for anybody who would actually want to get it.
What do you mean they're getting owned? It was a pistol round, a force buy, an eco, a gun round, now partial. Like, what are we talking about?
What do you mean they're getting owned? It was a pistol round, a force buy, an eco, a gun round, now partial. Like, what are we talking about?
I think the Zywe one is... the key for me. Like it's, I think the thing is Zywoo's had some really good moments over his career, obviously back to back world number one, right. Only ever being in the top two until last year. And like they won the major, we can, that bracket conversations for another time. They won that Cologne.
I think the Zywe one is... the key for me. Like it's, I think the thing is Zywoo's had some really good moments over his career, obviously back to back world number one, right. Only ever being in the top two until last year. And like they won the major, we can, that bracket conversations for another time. They won that Cologne.
So there's, there's these moments where like Zywoo was definitely there and present and delivering the high level counter-strike. But what you're pointing out there, I think is, is, is key. Like, because, that energy and even sometimes now, I don't wanna say tilting, but frustration being shown.
So there's, there's these moments where like Zywoo was definitely there and present and delivering the high level counter-strike. But what you're pointing out there, I think is, is, is key. Like, because, that energy and even sometimes now, I don't wanna say tilting, but frustration being shown.
Whereas like Zywe before and maybe just the productions have gotten much better at now showing the reactions, right? So we're getting more of it because that's another side of things. The buy-in or the emotional investment feels like it's higher, which is elevating his game because now ZywOo is the guy who I'm like, yeah, he's a superstar who can take over the game, right?
Whereas like Zywe before and maybe just the productions have gotten much better at now showing the reactions, right? So we're getting more of it because that's another side of things. The buy-in or the emotional investment feels like it's higher, which is elevating his game because now ZywOo is the guy who I'm like, yeah, he's a superstar who can take over the game, right?
And that's what the biggest criticism of ZywOo was for the longest time was that, yeah, well, you know, where is he in the big games when his team really needs him to bail him out? And now he's that fucking guy. He's obviously one of the greatest players to ever touch Counter-Strike, right?
And that's what the biggest criticism of ZywOo was for the longest time was that, yeah, well, you know, where is he in the big games when his team really needs him to bail him out? And now he's that fucking guy. He's obviously one of the greatest players to ever touch Counter-Strike, right?
I want to make sure that that is understood by all the people listening because people will take the negative and disregard all the positive. But the positive is huge. But this is a positive. This is that ego manifesting. And he's only 24. Like, he's in the point right now.
I want to make sure that that is understood by all the people listening because people will take the negative and disregard all the positive. But the positive is huge. But this is a positive. This is that ego manifesting. And he's only 24. Like, he's in the point right now.
where this is fantastic for him to be now walking around with his big dick in the server and actually like laying it out game to game. Because he's unreal at the moment. The shit he is doing is fucking mental. Him and Modesty going toe to toe was so fun to watch in these finals.
where this is fantastic for him to be now walking around with his big dick in the server and actually like laying it out game to game. Because he's unreal at the moment. The shit he is doing is fucking mental. Him and Modesty going toe to toe was so fun to watch in these finals.
So your your position is that this is a bad choice for simple to make.
So your your position is that this is a bad choice for simple to make.
There's a fair argument now that he has overtaken S1mple. Obviously, more MVPs. I think the reason that S1mple goes down that manner is also because of the person he was and the way that he carried himself.
There's a fair argument now that he has overtaken S1mple. Obviously, more MVPs. I think the reason that S1mple goes down that manner is also because of the person he was and the way that he carried himself.
Yeah, the Sphinx Niko one was okay that they did. They actually talked some trash to each other. But yeah, you got to pick your personalities.
Yeah, the Sphinx Niko one was okay that they did. They actually talked some trash to each other. But yeah, you got to pick your personalities.
I like Mike there. You know, there's some other people who could have been Mike. There's good. Mike has the, he handled it way better.
I like Mike there. You know, there's some other people who could have been Mike. There's good. Mike has the, he handled it way better.
That's fucking insane. Yeah, well, I guess like that shows this patch of dominance, right? Because we haven't really got stuck into this vitality stuff, because it opens the Pandora's box to all the other legacy teams, right? So This Vitality streak, maybe some of our viewers don't actually keep up with Counter-Strike. That would be crazy. Vitality this year played six tournaments. They won five.
That's fucking insane. Yeah, well, I guess like that shows this patch of dominance, right? Because we haven't really got stuck into this vitality stuff, because it opens the Pandora's box to all the other legacy teams, right? So This Vitality streak, maybe some of our viewers don't actually keep up with Counter-Strike. That would be crazy. Vitality this year played six tournaments. They won five.
The first one they played was Studio Event. It was Bounty. They lost to Eternal Fire, aka Aurora. Since then, they haven't lost a single game. They played five events. They've been very strategic in terms of which events they've skipped to make sure they're able to power up and get the focus in.
The first one they played was Studio Event. It was Bounty. They lost to Eternal Fire, aka Aurora. Since then, they haven't lost a single game. They played five events. They've been very strategic in terms of which events they've skipped to make sure they're able to power up and get the focus in.
they've had a nice set of way points, I would say, that have acted as extra motivation for them when they've attended these events, right? So you win Katowice, they had Cologne from the roster last year. Then they go into EPL, they win that. So they're still like, still at that point, asserting their like dominance on the scene.
they've had a nice set of way points, I would say, that have acted as extra motivation for them when they've attended these events, right? So you win Katowice, they had Cologne from the roster last year. Then they go into EPL, they win that. So they're still like, still at that point, asserting their like dominance on the scene.
And then from there, it's like, okay, well now all we have to do is win Melbourne and we can win the Grand Slam. In the meantime, they had, so they went arena event, Katowice, a big win, great stuff. ROPS brings them the Katowice Trophy. Awesome. They go, they win EPL. That's a studio event. But like I said, yeah, establishing a dominant force. Then Lisbon happens directly after EPL.
And then from there, it's like, okay, well now all we have to do is win Melbourne and we can win the Grand Slam. In the meantime, they had, so they went arena event, Katowice, a big win, great stuff. ROPS brings them the Katowice Trophy. Awesome. They go, they win EPL. That's a studio event. But like I said, yeah, establishing a dominant force. Then Lisbon happens directly after EPL.
That's an arena event. So, you know, you always get a little bit extra barred up for an arena event. That's the type of counter-strike you want to play, putting on entertainment in front of a lot of people watching. So there you go. There's the next bit of excitement for them. Let's win another arena event. They win that. They take the break.
That's an arena event. So, you know, you always get a little bit extra barred up for an arena event. That's the type of counter-strike you want to play, putting on entertainment in front of a lot of people watching. So there you go. There's the next bit of excitement for them. Let's win another arena event. They win that. They take the break.
Now it's like, well, all we have to do is win Melbourne and we win the Grand Slam. There you go. That's fucking sick. An extra million dollars. You can become one of five teams now have ever won the Grand Slam. Rops can become a two-time alongside a twist. The only two players who ever won two. They go there. They win that.
Now it's like, well, all we have to do is win Melbourne and we win the Grand Slam. There you go. That's fucking sick. An extra million dollars. You can become one of five teams now have ever won the Grand Slam. Rops can become a two-time alongside a twist. The only two players who ever won two. They go there. They win that.
Then they have to travel back onto the other side of the fucking world to play a studio event where the four best teams in the world are, including themselves. And then in that moment in time, it's like, okay, we can become, if we win this event or if we win certain matches, it was the semifinal they needed.
Then they have to travel back onto the other side of the fucking world to play a studio event where the four best teams in the world are, including themselves. And then in that moment in time, it's like, okay, we can become, if we win this event or if we win certain matches, it was the semifinal they needed.
We can overtake another legendary team, Liquid, from that 2019 run where they won the Grand Slam. We can have more consecutive series won than them. And they go and do that. And then you're in the grand final and you're like, well, we may as well win it. We're here now. The whole thing has worked out so perfectly for them along the road.
We can overtake another legendary team, Liquid, from that 2019 run where they won the Grand Slam. We can have more consecutive series won than them. And they go and do that. And then you're in the grand final and you're like, well, we may as well win it. We're here now. The whole thing has worked out so perfectly for them along the road.
And now it's like, okay, the next thing I'd set, and you've mentioned this before, Yanko, if I'm Vitality, two Grand Slams in a year. Win Dallas, come out of the break, win Cologne, win an EPL season, win Chengdu. It's the only team to have ever won two Grand Slams in a calendar year, Jason.
And now it's like, okay, the next thing I'd set, and you've mentioned this before, Yanko, if I'm Vitality, two Grand Slams in a year. Win Dallas, come out of the break, win Cologne, win an EPL season, win Chengdu. It's the only team to have ever won two Grand Slams in a calendar year, Jason.
Think about that.
Think about that.
Make sure you get your invoices sent in, boys. That's all I'm saying.
Make sure you get your invoices sent in, boys. That's all I'm saying.
like in either case it would make more sense to to skip that event like i know that probably the orgs are pushing for that and here's the thing with the frequent flyer though you have to play four consecutive blast events in a row which means that you have to play the second bounty so like i think that teams maybe didn't read the fine print when they were agreeing to that type of stuff because obviously you don't have to you can turn down any of these invoice invites at any time
like in either case it would make more sense to to skip that event like i know that probably the orgs are pushing for that and here's the thing with the frequent flyer though you have to play four consecutive blast events in a row which means that you have to play the second bounty so like i think that teams maybe didn't read the fine print when they were agreeing to that type of stuff because obviously you don't have to you can turn down any of these invoice invites at any time
So they could void that. But I'm kind of... Essentially, what I'm doing is I'm still manning your point because the frequent flyer, if you're having to play two bounties, being online Counter-Strike, maybe teams don't want to do that. Maybe that doesn't fit into the plan.
So they could void that. But I'm kind of... Essentially, what I'm doing is I'm still manning your point because the frequent flyer, if you're having to play two bounties, being online Counter-Strike, maybe teams don't want to do that. Maybe that doesn't fit into the plan.
Well, if you're like... Not where it's placed in the second season. Where it was placed in the first season was fine. It was the first event. In the second season, it's not the first event. The first event's Cologne. So you come out swinging...
Well, if you're like... Not where it's placed in the second season. Where it was placed in the first season was fine. It was the first event. In the second season, it's not the first event. The first event's Cologne. So you come out swinging...
in recent history. It's been pretty quiet on that front. I'm gonna actually take a look on HLTV how the VRS is shaped up because I don't look at the ranking all that often. I'll be completely honest with you. I was only looking at it pedantically because it was determining which teams qualified for the major. But since then, I haven't looked at it a lot. Right now, obviously Vitality number one,
in recent history. It's been pretty quiet on that front. I'm gonna actually take a look on HLTV how the VRS is shaped up because I don't look at the ranking all that often. I'll be completely honest with you. I was only looking at it pedantically because it was determining which teams qualified for the major. But since then, I haven't looked at it a lot. Right now, obviously Vitality number one,
I think though, Janko, because it takes like a certain amount of your best events. So the problem, what will happen to them? They'll get hit hard by decay. They'll get hit. If I am understanding the situation even remotely correct, they'll get hit really hard by decay. They need a good result at the major, kind of like FlyQuest, or they'll get fucked.
I think though, Janko, because it takes like a certain amount of your best events. So the problem, what will happen to them? They'll get hit hard by decay. They'll get hit. If I am understanding the situation even remotely correct, they'll get hit really hard by decay. They need a good result at the major, kind of like FlyQuest, or they'll get fucked.
So I'm just looking now, since he ended playing for Na'Vi in October of 2023, he played one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine series with a bunch of best ones in there for Falcons, which have a bit of a mixed bag as far as his ratings are. There's a couple of maps there that he has a really good rating. There's a couple there where he has a pretty average rating.
So I'm just looking now, since he ended playing for Na'Vi in October of 2023, he played one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine series with a bunch of best ones in there for Falcons, which have a bit of a mixed bag as far as his ratings are. There's a couple of maps there that he has a really good rating. There's a couple there where he has a pretty average rating.
um in the future let me just see so at the start of the year what did they do they have anything good at the start of the year they only are in the play-ins they didn't make it out of the play-ins but who'd they beat in the play-ins vertus pro they lost to them they lost to australia they beat yeah it's tough right yeah the decay is gonna hit them like a fucking truck yeah they were like the playoffs and clues that's it
um in the future let me just see so at the start of the year what did they do they have anything good at the start of the year they only are in the play-ins they didn't make it out of the play-ins but who'd they beat in the play-ins vertus pro they lost to them they lost to australia they beat yeah it's tough right yeah the decay is gonna hit them like a fucking truck yeah they were like the playoffs and clues that's it
Yeah, but I think a lot of things happened with rivals that led them to it being those teams. Obviously, Liquid was going to represent the Asia region. Mongols had said no. It's lucky Mongols had said no because then Falcons were the next team to get the... European invite, otherwise it would have been FaZe getting the European invite, right?
Yeah, but I think a lot of things happened with rivals that led them to it being those teams. Obviously, Liquid was going to represent the Asia region. Mongols had said no. It's lucky Mongols had said no because then Falcons were the next team to get the... European invite, otherwise it would have been FaZe getting the European invite, right?
Like it actually worked out good for the top four, but not good for the bottom four. So Rivals kind of, you know, had a mixed bag. Obviously the viewership was great, but yeah, I think there has to be some restructuring done there. Boys, with this team right now of Vitality, where do you place them in the all-time greats?
Like it actually worked out good for the top four, but not good for the bottom four. So Rivals kind of, you know, had a mixed bag. Obviously the viewership was great, but yeah, I think there has to be some restructuring done there. Boys, with this team right now of Vitality, where do you place them in the all-time greats?
Or do you want to wait until they no longer are being great to objectively have that conversation? Because one of the things that happens is people get caught up in what's happening now, right? Recency bias. People also want to poo-poo things of the past. Is it unfair to try and rank them now? We don't even know how great they can be.
Or do you want to wait until they no longer are being great to objectively have that conversation? Because one of the things that happens is people get caught up in what's happening now, right? Recency bias. People also want to poo-poo things of the past. Is it unfair to try and rank them now? We don't even know how great they can be.
No, because Astralis even lost some when they were dominant, right?
No, because Astralis even lost some when they were dominant, right?
They still achieved it.
They still achieved it.
There's a part of that that upsets me so much though, because it's like, they talk about NIP like they were just a bunch of fucking bums.
There's a part of that that upsets me so much though, because it's like, they talk about NIP like they were just a bunch of fucking bums.
It's like, it's Get Right and fucking Forest. These are two of the absolute best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game. Like, and I mean that sincerely. I know we have S1mple, we have Zywe, we have Monacy, we have these big names now, but back then when these fucking whippersnappers were still in their diapers shitting himself on a Sunday,
It's like, it's Get Right and fucking Forest. These are two of the absolute best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game. Like, and I mean that sincerely. I know we have S1mple, we have Zywe, we have Monacy, we have these big names now, but back then when these fucking whippersnappers were still in their diapers shitting himself on a Sunday,
These guys were out there fucking schooling people. Like these are some of the greats. The conversation from 1.6 is Forrest Neo. And then if you really want to get a little bit flirty with it, you can bring Get Right into that conversation.
These guys were out there fucking schooling people. Like these are some of the greats. The conversation from 1.6 is Forrest Neo. And then if you really want to get a little bit flirty with it, you can bring Get Right into that conversation.
But these are some of the best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game, transitioning to a whole new thing and then bringing in a couple of sources. I just thought I'd make a gag there. I still love Source. I played it professionally. Everybody's fine. Exist was also a good 1.6 player. Like was he on the same level as a Forest or a Get Right? No, right?
But these are some of the best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game, transitioning to a whole new thing and then bringing in a couple of sources. I just thought I'd make a gag there. I still love Source. I played it professionally. Everybody's fine. Exist was also a good 1.6 player. Like was he on the same level as a Forest or a Get Right? No, right?
Because Forest and Get Right were like our modern day, they were riflers, but they're like our modern day fucking ZywOo and Monacy, right? That's who they were back then with Neo in the mix. Exist was still a very good player. Like Exist was playing with the best Swedish teams at the time, Fnatic, et cetera.
Because Forest and Get Right were like our modern day, they were riflers, but they're like our modern day fucking ZywOo and Monacy, right? That's who they were back then with Neo in the mix. Exist was still a very good player. Like Exist was playing with the best Swedish teams at the time, Fnatic, et cetera.
So like these are great players who transitioned game and showed that they could, you know, they refined it to such a point where teams had to work hard to beat them. And yeah.
So like these are great players who transitioned game and showed that they could, you know, they refined it to such a point where teams had to work hard to beat them. And yeah.
I don't know because it's a weird spot. Essentially, the question that I get left with from what you're saying there is, is the man up to the task? He's the only one who could answer that, but why would he say yes to this opportunity just because maybe he just wants to get back in the server and he gets to play two events and then he can go back to chilling again?
I don't know because it's a weird spot. Essentially, the question that I get left with from what you're saying there is, is the man up to the task? He's the only one who could answer that, but why would he say yes to this opportunity just because maybe he just wants to get back in the server and he gets to play two events and then he can go back to chilling again?
Yeah, there's a saying for this, right? Standing on the shoulders of giants.
Yeah, there's a saying for this, right? Standing on the shoulders of giants.
Right?
Right?
That's the problem that I have with this conversation. And the one, right, and I always think when people are like, yeah, NIP would just be truck drivers and plumbers. I'm like, are you guys just referencing my team? Like, Top Gun drove a truck and I was a plumber. Like, is that what you're saying? We gave it out there, guys.
That's the problem that I have with this conversation. And the one, right, and I always think when people are like, yeah, NIP would just be truck drivers and plumbers. I'm like, are you guys just referencing my team? Like, Top Gun drove a truck and I was a plumber. Like, is that what you're saying? We gave it out there, guys.
I was like, have you guys ever been to Australia? It's really fucking nice over there, all right? It's hard to get people to want to play Counter-Strike. The world's too nice in that part. But yeah, I think this Vitality team is a marvel to watch because of not just the quality of output of individuals, right? Because Mezzi had some really good moments. I thought Mezzi was fantastic in Melbourne.
I was like, have you guys ever been to Australia? It's really fucking nice over there, all right? It's hard to get people to want to play Counter-Strike. The world's too nice in that part. But yeah, I think this Vitality team is a marvel to watch because of not just the quality of output of individuals, right? Because Mezzi had some really good moments. I thought Mezzi was fantastic in Melbourne.
Yeah. Flamesy has a tough job. Sometimes he just runs in and dies, but he does the hard entry and he just looks silly sometimes. But like player for player, it's a very skilled team. It's really fun to watch the individuals. Obviously on a strat basis, the staff there, Ekstaz and Matt are the ones who are the coach, assistant coach. I think that's all great.
Yeah. Flamesy has a tough job. Sometimes he just runs in and dies, but he does the hard entry and he just looks silly sometimes. But like player for player, it's a very skilled team. It's really fun to watch the individuals. Obviously on a strat basis, the staff there, Ekstaz and Matt are the ones who are the coach, assistant coach. I think that's all great.
But the thing that I really like about their patch so far has been games where it felt like they should have been down and out that they've been able to come back into. That's the thing that I like because even though they lost Mirage yesterday, they were down 12-3. They brought it back to 12-12.
But the thing that I really like about their patch so far has been games where it felt like they should have been down and out that they've been able to come back into. That's the thing that I like because even though they lost Mirage yesterday, they were down 12-3. They brought it back to 12-12.
And then the pressure kind of left Falcons and then they were able to play again more freely and that was good. I think it's made for, you know, it's shown a strong mental, a strong strategic base. It's shown that they can be dominant. The individuals there, it just feels like it's full package.
And then the pressure kind of left Falcons and then they were able to play again more freely and that was good. I think it's made for, you know, it's shown a strong mental, a strong strategic base. It's shown that they can be dominant. The individuals there, it just feels like it's full package.
And a lot of people yesterday when I was tuning into different streams and stuff wanted to see them lose. And I'm like, I don't know. I like witnessing this right now, like seeing a team at this level of class. I don't care who wins or who loses. Right. But I would like to see Vitality have essentially like a flawless season. I like living more now than I did when we were doing games and stuff.
And a lot of people yesterday when I was tuning into different streams and stuff wanted to see them lose. And I'm like, I don't know. I like witnessing this right now, like seeing a team at this level of class. I don't care who wins or who loses. Right. But I would like to see Vitality have essentially like a flawless season. I like living more now than I did when we were doing games and stuff.
Why would he say yes to this if he didn't actually want to give it a go?
Why would he say yes to this if he didn't actually want to give it a go?
when Astralis was around and we were on the desks and we were talking about it, or I was playing when NIP were in that dominant streak or whatever. Now, I don't know why, maybe it's because I'm a fucking boomer, but there's something about this like run or them being so good that feels really cool to witness. And I feel I'm more cognizant
when Astralis was around and we were on the desks and we were talking about it, or I was playing when NIP were in that dominant streak or whatever. Now, I don't know why, maybe it's because I'm a fucking boomer, but there's something about this like run or them being so good that feels really cool to witness. And I feel I'm more cognizant
of this happening now than I had been in the previous ones. Maybe it's because we've been looking out for this, right? Like who's going to be the next chosen one? Because we haven't had one of these since Astralis, right?
of this happening now than I had been in the previous ones. Maybe it's because we've been looking out for this, right? Like who's going to be the next chosen one? Because we haven't had one of these since Astralis, right?
Yeah, and FaZe had a small patch as well. But this one feels like different to those two. And maybe I'm just, that's the recency bias talking.
Yeah, and FaZe had a small patch as well. But this one feels like different to those two. And maybe I'm just, that's the recency bias talking.
I feel like there's no negatives, Janko.
I feel like there's no negatives, Janko.
Nice. What else do we want to talk about, boys?
Nice. What else do we want to talk about, boys?
Oh, yeah, that's right. Yeah, I'm doing the remote stuff for that. I've got to set up up in the living room. I'm doing that next. I have to do HTV Confirm tomorrow, and then after that, I can start de-rigging some of this stuff and work it all out. So we'll see how I go. It could be a fucking clusterfuck. I hope Seb doesn't watch this. Seb, it's going to be great.
Oh, yeah, that's right. Yeah, I'm doing the remote stuff for that. I've got to set up up in the living room. I'm doing that next. I have to do HTV Confirm tomorrow, and then after that, I can start de-rigging some of this stuff and work it all out. So we'll see how I go. It could be a fucking clusterfuck. I hope Seb doesn't watch this. Seb, it's going to be great.
My camera's really good, Seb. That's the main part, because obviously it's not about the sound of microphones. No, we'll get it sorted. It'll be good. How's delay casting, Jason? I'm a little bit worried about that. Do you feel like you're delayed?
My camera's really good, Seb. That's the main part, because obviously it's not about the sound of microphones. No, we'll get it sorted. It'll be good. How's delay casting, Jason? I'm a little bit worried about that. Do you feel like you're delayed?
Okay, that's nice. That's exciting. I think the thing with Astana is we're missing the big teams, right? Like you don't have any of the really big names there. Okay, hold up a second. Let me take that back. You're missing three of the four big names. Yeah, you still have Spirit. You still have Na'Vi. Aurora, okay, Eternal Fire. Good to see them again. The Mongols back in the server.
Okay, that's nice. That's exciting. I think the thing with Astana is we're missing the big teams, right? Like you don't have any of the really big names there. Okay, hold up a second. Let me take that back. You're missing three of the four big names. Yeah, you still have Spirit. You still have Na'Vi. Aurora, okay, Eternal Fire. Good to see them again. The Mongols back in the server.
G2, Game Elysian, Virtus.Pro, Astralis with Hooksy. G2 with Hades is another key point there. Ferdows Pro, the new coach, exciting. Another paint event, we'll see if they keep losing. FURIA with the international editions of Jekinda and is it Molodoy? MIBR back again. M80 still kicking about. Then you've got BIG off of the final in Mongolia. They lost to Heroic there.
G2, Game Elysian, Virtus.Pro, Astralis with Hooksy. G2 with Hades is another key point there. Ferdows Pro, the new coach, exciting. Another paint event, we'll see if they keep losing. FURIA with the international editions of Jekinda and is it Molodoy? MIBR back again. M80 still kicking about. Then you've got BIG off of the final in Mongolia. They lost to Heroic there.
NIP, it's crazy to see NIP, holy shit. First one. Odic, which is a Brazilian team, and then Hotu, or H-O-T-U. They came from the Asia I've seen before. Mo is coaching. Oh yeah, Mo is coaching. So they must be Far East, Russia, or Kazakhstan. So that's the teams. What's the most exciting storyline for anybody here?
NIP, it's crazy to see NIP, holy shit. First one. Odic, which is a Brazilian team, and then Hotu, or H-O-T-U. They came from the Asia I've seen before. Mo is coaching. Oh yeah, Mo is coaching. So they must be Far East, Russia, or Kazakhstan. So that's the teams. What's the most exciting storyline for anybody here?
It kind of feels like Spirit has to win this one, doesn't it?
It kind of feels like Spirit has to win this one, doesn't it?
Well, it's the same thing I was saying about mouse, right? With the breakthrough against the elites, like in Dallas, this is kind of the same thing for the likes of the Mongols and Aurora is they need to, first of all, make it to the playoffs. It doesn't even matter if they get there shaky, they just need to get there.
Well, it's the same thing I was saying about mouse, right? With the breakthrough against the elites, like in Dallas, this is kind of the same thing for the likes of the Mongols and Aurora is they need to, first of all, make it to the playoffs. It doesn't even matter if they get there shaky, they just need to get there.
But then it's about accruing wins on a stage and proper wins, not wins against other people who are out there for the first time, not beating game Allegiant who are out there for the second time on the stage. Like mongols or aurora need to beat like a navi on a stage out of the field here like even i would even say beating fucking g2 on a stage even though that team is
But then it's about accruing wins on a stage and proper wins, not wins against other people who are out there for the first time, not beating game Allegiant who are out there for the second time on the stage. Like mongols or aurora need to beat like a navi on a stage out of the field here like even i would even say beating fucking g2 on a stage even though that team is
fucking cooked, is still a decent win looking at the field. If we get like Aurora versus Mongols in the semifinal or the quarterfinal and one of them has to win, it's like, well, this doesn't add to the repertoire for either of you guys going into the major. And that was just like, well, someone has to win, right? We've thrown you guys into a pit and the crowd wants blood.
fucking cooked, is still a decent win looking at the field. If we get like Aurora versus Mongols in the semifinal or the quarterfinal and one of them has to win, it's like, well, this doesn't add to the repertoire for either of you guys going into the major. And that was just like, well, someone has to win, right? We've thrown you guys into a pit and the crowd wants blood.
One of you must leave the winner. It might not be the best fight in the world, but somebody will die.
One of you must leave the winner. It might not be the best fight in the world, but somebody will die.
Yeah, well, they're over studios, Jason. You know, they want the high life now.
Yeah, well, they're over studios, Jason. You know, they want the high life now.
They want to play. Look, I think I want to see how bad it can get for Astralis. Like, it's always terrible. But like, how bad can it get? Like, surely Hooksy makes the team better. I would hope.
They want to play. Look, I think I want to see how bad it can get for Astralis. Like, it's always terrible. But like, how bad can it get? Like, surely Hooksy makes the team better. I would hope.
Just looking at this field, it's actually quite interesting because using the old Tommy analogy, right, it is –
Just looking at this field, it's actually quite interesting because using the old Tommy analogy, right, it is –
kind of a super bowl for the teams like gamer legion astralis big nip yeah odic and hotu like for them it's actually a really really important tournament to accrue some wins and get a decent placement there's no there's no major for them yes exactly yeah sorry i i should have explained yeah so for them this is all about gaining some vrs and getting a jump on the early yeah For next season, right?
kind of a super bowl for the teams like gamer legion astralis big nip yeah odic and hotu like for them it's actually a really really important tournament to accrue some wins and get a decent placement there's no there's no major for them yes exactly yeah sorry i i should have explained yeah so for them this is all about gaining some vrs and getting a jump on the early yeah For next season, right?
And then, you know, you do well here, you move up in the rankings, you start getting invites going into the second season of the year, and then bang, the major actually starts to become a real conversation for you. So yeah, for those teams, they need to be swinging for the fences. I think fortunately, for somebody like Gamer Legion, they also get Dallas. So that's cool for them.
And then, you know, you do well here, you move up in the rankings, you start getting invites going into the second season of the year, and then bang, the major actually starts to become a real conversation for you. So yeah, for those teams, they need to be swinging for the fences. I think fortunately, for somebody like Gamer Legion, they also get Dallas. So that's cool for them.
No Astralis in Dallas. So yeah, there's some fun stuff to look at here. I think it's going to be interesting to see these mix of teams, but maybe people just need to pin their expectations and change their framing.
No Astralis in Dallas. So yeah, there's some fun stuff to look at here. I think it's going to be interesting to see these mix of teams, but maybe people just need to pin their expectations and change their framing.
So if like the big teams, you're looking at what type of growth are you seeing or like you can pin an expectation on Spirit to you'd expect them to make the grand final as I would say as a minimum. For Na'Vi, it's like, well, where are they at really? Like, how bad is it?
So if like the big teams, you're looking at what type of growth are you seeing or like you can pin an expectation on Spirit to you'd expect them to make the grand final as I would say as a minimum. For Na'Vi, it's like, well, where are they at really? Like, how bad is it?
Mongols and Aurora, it's time to, you know, like, sack up a bit and start showing that maybe it can be a threat when the Major rolls around in a couple weeks' time. And then the mixed bag that's below it, they're all playing for something different.
Mongols and Aurora, it's time to, you know, like, sack up a bit and start showing that maybe it can be a threat when the Major rolls around in a couple weeks' time. And then the mixed bag that's below it, they're all playing for something different.
How many more coaches, Jason?
How many more coaches, Jason?
Yeah, they had one little glimmer, but it was even playing bad off meta CS.
Yeah, they had one little glimmer, but it was even playing bad off meta CS.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
I just Googled opposite of Super Bowl and what have we got? Described a low profile non-competitive event with minimal spectacle, little to no media coverage and smaller niche audiences. Examples might include A casual... Bro, that fits Brazilian CS so well.
I just Googled opposite of Super Bowl and what have we got? Described a low profile non-competitive event with minimal spectacle, little to no media coverage and smaller niche audiences. Examples might include A casual... Bro, that fits Brazilian CS so well.
This is, like, let's see. Let's just call it mediocre ball.
This is, like, let's see. Let's just call it mediocre ball.
Oh, 2030. Why? You're making me feel old.
Oh, 2030. Why? You're making me feel old.
I would say in three years.
I would say in three years.
Insani is 21. Big Zero is going to be aged out by then. He's 28. Lato.
Insani is 21. Big Zero is going to be aged out by then. He's 28. Lato.
Fuck Lato and Dumau. What, bro?
Fuck Lato and Dumau. What, bro?
We won't see shit out of them, man. They'll be on the B stream and it'll be over. They'll be playing the loser games in the fucking lower bracket. We won't see shit from them.
We won't see shit out of them, man. They'll be on the B stream and it'll be over. They'll be playing the loser games in the fucking lower bracket. We won't see shit from them.
Let's get out of here. Let's get out of here. I don't want to upset Brazil.
Let's get out of here. Let's get out of here. I don't want to upset Brazil.
Well, I don't know if we'd call the normal intro normal, but I think we'd call it, you know, they're two different intros.
Well, I don't know if we'd call the normal intro normal, but I think we'd call it, you know, they're two different intros.
I understand the hesitance to try and quantify it, Jason, right? And also because of the Falcons stint. But I think this team is better than the Falcons team that he stood in for last year without a doubt, right? And he's... I think Carrigan's framing...
I understand the hesitance to try and quantify it, Jason, right? And also because of the Falcons stint. But I think this team is better than the Falcons team that he stood in for last year without a doubt, right? And he's... I think Carrigan's framing...
in his tweet is um you know talking about brokey the lineup didn't work and i used all my experience but with this we throw a hail mary at the major right because i the way that i see this is regardless of this simple addition as a stand-in this could very well likely be the last time we see this constellation of phase players together obviously with the vrs you need to keep three so we don't know what it could look like in the future but because of how mid things have been this year
in his tweet is um you know talking about brokey the lineup didn't work and i used all my experience but with this we throw a hail mary at the major right because i the way that i see this is regardless of this simple addition as a stand-in this could very well likely be the last time we see this constellation of phase players together obviously with the vrs you need to keep three so we don't know what it could look like in the future but because of how mid things have been this year
and how it's clear that it's essentially a rebuild is necessary. Like they do need to have some drastic changes. So like they can go to like all in for the major, which is obviously the plan with Simple because it either lands or it doesn't. Like he might get the hunger once he's in that competitive environment, it unlocks that thing. Like a competitor like Simple,
and how it's clear that it's essentially a rebuild is necessary. Like they do need to have some drastic changes. So like they can go to like all in for the major, which is obviously the plan with Simple because it either lands or it doesn't. Like he might get the hunger once he's in that competitive environment, it unlocks that thing. Like a competitor like Simple,
you know i i can understand why the guy you know isn't grinding he's he's beaten the game right if he still wants to play and wants to continue to add to the legacy and contest with the likes of zywoo donk monacy well then he needs to get his act together because he's getting older when they're all now like entering their well for donkeys duncan monacy are young as i was 24 now so i think that's probably entering like what would be considered prime territory that's the definition that's going to continue to change but
you know i i can understand why the guy you know isn't grinding he's he's beaten the game right if he still wants to play and wants to continue to add to the legacy and contest with the likes of zywoo donk monacy well then he needs to get his act together because he's getting older when they're all now like entering their well for donkeys duncan monacy are young as i was 24 now so i think that's probably entering like what would be considered prime territory that's the definition that's going to continue to change but
If Simple wants to, he's going to be able to get the last couple of good years out of them. And if he can make this return, then that's really exciting. And I would prefer to live in that fantasy world where that's a possibility than be negative on it. And the things that you're talking about, him rage quitting stream, that's Simple.
If Simple wants to, he's going to be able to get the last couple of good years out of them. And if he can make this return, then that's really exciting. And I would prefer to live in that fantasy world where that's a possibility than be negative on it. And the things that you're talking about, him rage quitting stream, that's Simple.
This is the guy that think about when he's pugging with Freiburg, you know, shut the fuck up. You old, right? Like, you know, like this is simple. We're talking about he's, he's the Dennis Rodman, like the wild card, the fucking crazy guy. Right. But we loved him because he was great at the game and the things were mind bending.
This is the guy that think about when he's pugging with Freiburg, you know, shut the fuck up. You old, right? Like, you know, like this is simple. We're talking about he's, he's the Dennis Rodman, like the wild card, the fucking crazy guy. Right. But we loved him because he was great at the game and the things were mind bending.
And if he can, you know, actually be able to unlock that he's playing with players. He respects like you look at it. There was something that's come out just recently. I was reading it. Rain was the rain reached out to simple to ask him to, to play. Right? So like this brings us to the other side of this coin because you're looking at it from the simple side and how this could have impact him.
And if he can, you know, actually be able to unlock that he's playing with players. He respects like you look at it. There was something that's come out just recently. I was reading it. Rain was the rain reached out to simple to ask him to, to play. Right? So like this brings us to the other side of this coin because you're looking at it from the simple side and how this could have impact him.
But for FaZe, you sit there and you go, okay, well, why simple? What are the choices did they have? And this shows you like how, I don't want to say dire, but maybe how desperate they are to swing for the fences in this situation.
But for FaZe, you sit there and you go, okay, well, why simple? What are the choices did they have? And this shows you like how, I don't want to say dire, but maybe how desperate they are to swing for the fences in this situation.
Also said, sorry, in the, in the followup tweet, it's like, this is an all in move. We're going for the trophy at the major. Even if Sasha is only a stand in, I know we can win. I know you're not going to tweet stuff like, like you're not going to say like, Oh, well, well shucks guys. We'll, we'll give it our best, you know, but like that is a pretty bold statement for car again to be making. Yeah.
Also said, sorry, in the, in the followup tweet, it's like, this is an all in move. We're going for the trophy at the major. Even if Sasha is only a stand in, I know we can win. I know you're not going to tweet stuff like, like you're not going to say like, Oh, well, well shucks guys. We'll, we'll give it our best, you know, but like that is a pretty bold statement for car again to be making. Yeah.
gives us something to talk about not going to go probably not going to go deep in the major but there is something cool here yeah i think the fallen one on the rifle is fun for me it'd be interesting to see what he does after the tournament break and i think the major will have an impact on that but just seeing him do something different and when you think about it getting to play the rotating roles on the rifle he would be rotating around with the awp like he's not playing all of the rotating roles right he's anchoring beyond mirage like that's not a fun spot
gives us something to talk about not going to go probably not going to go deep in the major but there is something cool here yeah i think the fallen one on the rifle is fun for me it'd be interesting to see what he does after the tournament break and i think the major will have an impact on that but just seeing him do something different and when you think about it getting to play the rotating roles on the rifle he would be rotating around with the awp like he's not playing all of the rotating roles right he's anchoring beyond mirage like that's not a fun spot
where Mongols go every single gun round, it's not like, you know. But what are you going to do about it? So I think at least it's a positive uptick for Fury going into the major. Likely to still see some changes into the tournament break, right? Because they can use the core three players they have on the other side of the tournament break to hold on to those VRS points.
where Mongols go every single gun round, it's not like, you know. But what are you going to do about it? So I think at least it's a positive uptick for Fury going into the major. Likely to still see some changes into the tournament break, right? Because they can use the core three players they have on the other side of the tournament break to hold on to those VRS points.
Last time we recorded one in this room, Josh was in the room. Yeah, that's right. Josh could also maybe end up in the room. And I think it's cute that Dinko has a whole room to pick. And when he set up, he set up right next to Josh.
Last time we recorded one in this room, Josh was in the room. Yeah, that's right. Josh could also maybe end up in the room. And I think it's cute that Dinko has a whole room to pick. And when he set up, he set up right next to Josh.
I feel like Fallon's never been selfish.
I feel like Fallon's never been selfish.
Everyone says that he does everything for everybody else.
Everyone says that he does everything for everybody else.
But why would a mind like Fallen, why would you not want to see him coach? It doesn't matter what else he would do otherwise.
But why would a mind like Fallen, why would you not want to see him coach? It doesn't matter what else he would do otherwise.
Okay, okay. So some form of content could be possible. I just think, when I think about Fallen, and obviously... He'd be a great coach. I think he has a good temperament for it. I think I would want to see him get stern. That would be the thing that I think would be necessary. Yes, he's a little bit too nice.
Okay, okay. So some form of content could be possible. I just think, when I think about Fallen, and obviously... He'd be a great coach. I think he has a good temperament for it. I think I would want to see him get stern. That would be the thing that I think would be necessary. Yes, he's a little bit too nice.
um get the stick out from time to time but it would just be a shame i think for him to not be contributing to counter-strike considering he's one of the best in-game leaders over the last 10 years right like you i think he'd still be contributing to counter-strike i think he'd just be doing it in a different way his knowledge of the game is incredible i don't want to watch a fucking fallen variety stream playing repo and doing jumps you're never going to turn that stream on anyways even he's doing it
um get the stick out from time to time but it would just be a shame i think for him to not be contributing to counter-strike considering he's one of the best in-game leaders over the last 10 years right like you i think he'd still be contributing to counter-strike i think he'd just be doing it in a different way his knowledge of the game is incredible i don't want to watch a fucking fallen variety stream playing repo and doing jumps you're never going to turn that stream on anyways even he's doing it
But my point is it would just be a shame to have somebody like go on to do that, which is like an entertainment branch. And as far as I'm aware with Fallen, I don't know his finances, but he's built a dynasty, right? Like he had the Games Academy. He's got the gear that he has. He's worth so much money.
But my point is it would just be a shame to have somebody like go on to do that, which is like an entertainment branch. And as far as I'm aware with Fallen, I don't know his finances, but he's built a dynasty, right? Like he had the Games Academy. He's got the gear that he has. He's worth so much money.
So why the fuck does he even need to like prioritize something that makes money? Unless he wants to, you know, make generational wealth for seven different generations of his fucking family down the line.
So why the fuck does he even need to like prioritize something that makes money? Unless he wants to, you know, make generational wealth for seven different generations of his fucking family down the line.
Yeah, that's fair.
Yeah, that's fair.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's a cock table. Yeah, I heard it got a big workout last year, Jason.
It's a cock table. Yeah, I heard it got a big workout last year, Jason.
yeah so when we landed there was a bunch of plans planes landing at the same time but our plane was one of the earlier ones of that bunch so maybe one had landed before us so there was a queue but the queue wasn't very big it was maybe at most i don't know 30 or 40 people felt pretty reasonable and then as we're in the queue alex and i get ushered off to like a different side um just as they open up different lanes and where maybe i don't know
yeah so when we landed there was a bunch of plans planes landing at the same time but our plane was one of the earlier ones of that bunch so maybe one had landed before us so there was a queue but the queue wasn't very big it was maybe at most i don't know 30 or 40 people felt pretty reasonable and then as we're in the queue alex and i get ushered off to like a different side um just as they open up different lanes and where maybe i don't know
25 people away from the front and ahead of us is like simple he's there with neo and frozen and there's a whole bunch of other players i see the guys for heroic i see and um what ends up happening is the pc system goes down and it's down for about an hour so there's already people who are at the very front of the line talking to the agents and they can't move right there was one there was a couple with a baby and it's like holy shit so they're stuck there with 40 minutes to an hour can't go
25 people away from the front and ahead of us is like simple he's there with neo and frozen and there's a whole bunch of other players i see the guys for heroic i see and um what ends up happening is the pc system goes down and it's down for about an hour so there's already people who are at the very front of the line talking to the agents and they can't move right there was one there was a couple with a baby and it's like holy shit so they're stuck there with 40 minutes to an hour can't go
Can't go back. You finally made it and like, nope. Can't go forward. What do you need to go to the bathroom? You don't want to lose your spot in the line because during all of this 40 minutes to an hour, all these other planes are landing. So what was pretty empty, like line turned into probably a thousand people within this. It was just insane. It was fucking packed. And then eventually.
Can't go back. You finally made it and like, nope. Can't go forward. What do you need to go to the bathroom? You don't want to lose your spot in the line because during all of this 40 minutes to an hour, all these other planes are landing. So what was pretty empty, like line turned into probably a thousand people within this. It was just insane. It was fucking packed. And then eventually.
Where'd you fly through? Frankfurt. Frankfurt.
Where'd you fly through? Frankfurt. Frankfurt.
Oh, Dallas. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Malta to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Dallas. And then as we're going to go through, then you get ready. And I was in this line, Alex was in this line, and I saw about five or six people ahead of me. The woman that had just gone up, she gave her passport and she was getting asked a few extra questions. And I was like, I know what's going to happen here.
Oh, Dallas. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Malta to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Dallas. And then as we're going to go through, then you get ready. And I was in this line, Alex was in this line, and I saw about five or six people ahead of me. The woman that had just gone up, she gave her passport and she was getting asked a few extra questions. And I was like, I know what's going to happen here.
She ended up getting pulled to the secondary screening. So I like shifted line and jumped in with Alex. I was like, because the border agent leaves, like closes the queue. And I was like, I've already been waiting for a fucking hour. I jumped in with Alex. I was like, let's get out of here. And then I got up there. Alex went before me.
She ended up getting pulled to the secondary screening. So I like shifted line and jumped in with Alex. I was like, because the border agent leaves, like closes the queue. And I was like, I've already been waiting for a fucking hour. I jumped in with Alex. I was like, let's get out of here. And then I got up there. Alex went before me.
And Alex and I have the same travel plans while we're here in the US. So whatever Alex said is probably similar to the story that I said. But I went up and he goes, what are you here for? And I went, oh, it's a gaming event. And then I'm going to go see a friend and stay with him in Michigan. And he was like, oh, where in Michigan? I was like, oh, Grand Rapids.
And Alex and I have the same travel plans while we're here in the US. So whatever Alex said is probably similar to the story that I said. But I went up and he goes, what are you here for? And I went, oh, it's a gaming event. And then I'm going to go see a friend and stay with him in Michigan. And he was like, oh, where in Michigan? I was like, oh, Grand Rapids.
And he's like, oh, yeah, there's a presidential library there. If you're bored, you can go and check it out.
And he's like, oh, yeah, there's a presidential library there. If you're bored, you can go and check it out.
Which president? Gerald R. Ford.
Which president? Gerald R. Ford.
the only president that wasn't elected yeah yeah and he explained that to me i didn't i didn't know that and then we spoke about the weather how come he wasn't elected because nixon got uh yeah but he was the vice president the same way linden he got elected as his vp are you questioning kramer the border agent yeah that could be his last name but his name he was an old bloke i reckon it's probably in his 50s
the only president that wasn't elected yeah yeah and he explained that to me i didn't i didn't know that and then we spoke about the weather how come he wasn't elected because nixon got uh yeah but he was the vice president the same way linden he got elected as his vp are you questioning kramer the border agent yeah that could be his last name but his name he was an old bloke i reckon it's probably in his 50s
And then we were talking about the weather because I was like, yeah, I don't know how sunny it's going to be in Michigan. And he was like, do you have a device that can access the internet on your phone right now? And I was like, yeah. And I was like, what is he going to make me look up? And he's like, yeah, type in weather.gov. And I go to like the weather thing and I show it to him.
And then we were talking about the weather because I was like, yeah, I don't know how sunny it's going to be in Michigan. And he was like, do you have a device that can access the internet on your phone right now? And I was like, yeah. And I was like, what is he going to make me look up? And he's like, yeah, type in weather.gov. And I go to like the weather thing and I show it to him.
And then he grabs it and he points and he brings up Texas. He's like, yeah, you should probably pay attention to this. And I was like, there was a hurricane or some shit that was coming. It was all red and everything like that. I just avoided that. I came in just before. We did all that. And then we fist bumped.
And then he grabs it and he points and he brings up Texas. He's like, yeah, you should probably pay attention to this. And I was like, there was a hurricane or some shit that was coming. It was all red and everything like that. I just avoided that. I came in just before. We did all that. And then we fist bumped.
That's great. Swear to God. That's awesome. It was witnessed.
That's great. Swear to God. That's awesome. It was witnessed.
It could have been his last name, but it was Kramer.
It could have been his last name, but it was Kramer.
It's not the same vibe as that pro league season. That was it.
It's not the same vibe as that pro league season. That was it.
It's a different situation.
It's a different situation.
But Simple's back. He was there. That's true. There was that photo that Trace, we should put that photo up.
But Simple's back. He was there. That's true. There was that photo that Trace, we should put that photo up.
Yeah, I've gotten the skills. Are you really wasting time editing?
Yeah, I've gotten the skills. Are you really wasting time editing?
A lot's been going on. I saw the blast one. Yeah, so there's something since the blast one. Okay, what happened since the blast one? So I guess to update everybody, there was a period of time there where Bestia were coming out and saying, hey, help us, right? We had Apex retweeting some stuff and it's like, we're struggling, we need help to get these visas.
A lot's been going on. I saw the blast one. Yeah, so there's something since the blast one. Okay, what happened since the blast one? So I guess to update everybody, there was a period of time there where Bestia were coming out and saying, hey, help us, right? We had Apex retweeting some stuff and it's like, we're struggling, we need help to get these visas.
So they made it publicly clear that they were struggling with the visa process, right? Then Blast earlier today put out a statement saying something along the lines of, right, here it is. Since February, Blast has proactively communicated with this team about the US visa process required.
So they made it publicly clear that they were struggling with the visa process, right? Then Blast earlier today put out a statement saying something along the lines of, right, here it is. Since February, Blast has proactively communicated with this team about the US visa process required.
I thought you had like six interns that you were paying.
I thought you had like six interns that you were paying.
All right. Well, thanks, Chad. Do you want to follow up on that? No, thanks, Janko. We'll get back to that one. Okay. Bestia were repeatedly provided with follow-ups, support and updated invitation letters for their visa process upon request, the TO states, but became unresponsive after their players failed to obtain their initial visas.
All right. Well, thanks, Chad. Do you want to follow up on that? No, thanks, Janko. We'll get back to that one. Okay. Bestia were repeatedly provided with follow-ups, support and updated invitation letters for their visa process upon request, the TO states, but became unresponsive after their players failed to obtain their initial visas.
A clear deadline was then set for May 21st at 5 p.m. CEST after which players needed to have confirmed visas. Okay, so, right. The update that came out for us recording this right now about... half an hour ago.
A clear deadline was then set for May 21st at 5 p.m. CEST after which players needed to have confirmed visas. Okay, so, right. The update that came out for us recording this right now about... half an hour ago.
And why do you think we started with the Fair Life milk bit? And beer. Yeah, right. The things that keep us alive are the sponsors of the shows. So they're some of my favorite sponsors.
And why do you think we started with the Fair Life milk bit? And beer. Yeah, right. The things that keep us alive are the sponsors of the shows. So they're some of my favorite sponsors.
Bestia's CEO has posted to X claiming that both the players, which is Tomasin and Lukov, or Luchov, I guess it's, yeah, anyway, have secured their visas and that they do not need to wait until Monday the 26th as previously stated.
Bestia's CEO has posted to X claiming that both the players, which is Tomasin and Lukov, or Luchov, I guess it's, yeah, anyway, have secured their visas and that they do not need to wait until Monday the 26th as previously stated.
one of the players himself also posted saying that all bastia players now have their visas okay so the problem is blast have already announced that legacy have taken their spot at the moment why have they done this that's like i don't get like that's one last part and they said that also valve approved that they were in communication let me get that i'm taking this from the hltv article just to give credit to them um shout out to our overlords they control everything they control everything um
one of the players himself also posted saying that all bastia players now have their visas okay so the problem is blast have already announced that legacy have taken their spot at the moment why have they done this that's like i don't get like that's one last part and they said that also valve approved that they were in communication let me get that i'm taking this from the hltv article just to give credit to them um shout out to our overlords they control everything they control everything um
Because there's a couple bits in here that are quite key.
Because there's a couple bits in here that are quite key.
Well, we always knew that America comes with a risk of visa issues. It's something that's happened in the past plenty of times. Now, look, it's not exclusive to America.
Well, we always knew that America comes with a risk of visa issues. It's something that's happened in the past plenty of times. Now, look, it's not exclusive to America.
But it is interesting that it says here, Blast add that the decision has been validated by Valve. Right. So obviously the level of evidence that was delivered to Valve was enough for them to say, okay, we agree with this situation and we think that they should replace the team.
But it is interesting that it says here, Blast add that the decision has been validated by Valve. Right. So obviously the level of evidence that was delivered to Valve was enough for them to say, okay, we agree with this situation and we think that they should replace the team.
Well, it's impossible.
Well, it's impossible.
But it's going to be on Valve. Here's the thing. If you're Blast, you would want to put that decision on Valve, but Valve would want to put that decision on Blast. Yeah. Because I'm sure that Blast are the ones who are going to Valve and saying, hey, we don't have this information yet.
But it's going to be on Valve. Here's the thing. If you're Blast, you would want to put that decision on Valve, but Valve would want to put that decision on Blast. Yeah. Because I'm sure that Blast are the ones who are going to Valve and saying, hey, we don't have this information yet.
I should be celebrated.
I should be celebrated.
Look, I think I don't like to use the term deserve because people say like, oh, they deserve to win that event or whatever. Right. And I think it's a poor word to use when talking about competition. But this is a situation where they qualify. So they deserve to be there if they're able to acquire their visas. Now, I understand the point of deadlines.
Look, I think I don't like to use the term deserve because people say like, oh, they deserve to win that event or whatever. Right. And I think it's a poor word to use when talking about competition. But this is a situation where they qualify. So they deserve to be there if they're able to acquire their visas. Now, I understand the point of deadlines.
But right now, let's check for stage one of the major. It is still 12 days away.
But right now, let's check for stage one of the major. It is still 12 days away.
And just to be clear, the deadline being May 21st at 5 p.m. was yesterday. You just just tried to drink the mic. I'm doing three things at the same time. You just tried to drink the night? I tried. Jason's the alcoholic. But yeah, the deadline was yesterday, which essentially put it as a two-week out window.
And just to be clear, the deadline being May 21st at 5 p.m. was yesterday. You just just tried to drink the mic. I'm doing three things at the same time. You just tried to drink the night? I tried. Jason's the alcoholic. But yeah, the deadline was yesterday, which essentially put it as a two-week out window.
Now it's 12 days, and we're talking 24 hours later, or slightly over 24 hours later from that point of the deadline. So if there was ever going to be a grace period given for anything, you would hope or imagine that this would be it. But at the same time, Valve, I imagine, are going to want to put the onus on Blast. Blast are going to want to put the onus on Valve.
Now it's 12 days, and we're talking 24 hours later, or slightly over 24 hours later from that point of the deadline. So if there was ever going to be a grace period given for anything, you would hope or imagine that this would be it. But at the same time, Valve, I imagine, are going to want to put the onus on Blast. Blast are going to want to put the onus on Valve.
It's not like the events on the moon, you know?
It's not like the events on the moon, you know?
It feels like it's usually one that comes with... The word that I'm going to use is paperwork, but that's not the word I'm looking for. It's more like... on the books, right? You know, you got the hotel bookings under the right names. You got the flights booked. You got the this. So you got the that. And that right there doesn't feel like the best reason for them to be missing the major.
It feels like it's usually one that comes with... The word that I'm going to use is paperwork, but that's not the word I'm looking for. It's more like... on the books, right? You know, you got the hotel bookings under the right names. You got the flights booked. You got the this. So you got the that. And that right there doesn't feel like the best reason for them to be missing the major.
It's just when these fucking Mumford & Sons bearded clowns started to become popular, Jason.
It's just when these fucking Mumford & Sons bearded clowns started to become popular, Jason.
And if the deadline, if the conversation with Bastia to Blast was, oh, hey, we won't have the visas until the 26th,
And if the deadline, if the conversation with Bastia to Blast was, oh, hey, we won't have the visas until the 26th,
with that that's next week right so then at that point we're cutting the timeline down by another four days so and then if they don't get it on that point then we're dealing with a week span but at the moment with the information that's provided because this is a developing story things may change you would hope that there is some reconsideration to this and bastir is given the opportunity i don't i don't see how you can once you've already invited the other players the group the the the everything why
with that that's next week right so then at that point we're cutting the timeline down by another four days so and then if they don't get it on that point then we're dealing with a week span but at the moment with the information that's provided because this is a developing story things may change you would hope that there is some reconsideration to this and bastir is given the opportunity i don't i don't see how you can once you've already invited the other players the group the the the everything why
It's not the best teams in the world. No, they're in stage three and stage two.
It's not the best teams in the world. No, they're in stage three and stage two.
I'm going to hold that hope that there is at least a review of this situation. Valve will go tomorrow, then they won't be working anymore because they don't work on the weekends. So maybe they'll take a look at it today or tomorrow.
I'm going to hold that hope that there is at least a review of this situation. Valve will go tomorrow, then they won't be working anymore because they don't work on the weekends. So maybe they'll take a look at it today or tomorrow.
Hunter missed it.
Hunter missed it.
I'm trying to find the point here because there's something to do with Bestia's legal representation. Um... that said that they applied incorrectly in the beginning. I just want to see if I can find the statement.
I'm trying to find the point here because there's something to do with Bestia's legal representation. Um... that said that they applied incorrectly in the beginning. I just want to see if I can find the statement.
I can't tell you. I don't know. I got strong passports, mate. Yeah. Same as you.
I can't tell you. I don't know. I got strong passports, mate. Yeah. Same as you.
But I think that the over like I want to wait till the story is completely developed. But you would hope that the teams that qualified for the major get an opportunity to play the major. Now, I understand all of the details around this and the need for deadlines and this, that and the other. But yeah, I want to wait for the story to complete before I I feel too strongly about anything.
But I think that the over like I want to wait till the story is completely developed. But you would hope that the teams that qualified for the major get an opportunity to play the major. Now, I understand all of the details around this and the need for deadlines and this, that and the other. But yeah, I want to wait for the story to complete before I I feel too strongly about anything.
There is something that I, you know, Jason, we have a lot of people who listen from all around the world.
There is something that I, you know, Jason, we have a lot of people who listen from all around the world.
Well, we do love New Jersey. They're my favorite group of fans from America. But I love all Americans equally. I'm still trying to turn my love for Americans around.
Well, we do love New Jersey. They're my favorite group of fans from America. But I love all Americans equally. I'm still trying to turn my love for Americans around.
Which ones would they be?
Which ones would they be?
What about Florida, man? He's in the news all the time.
What about Florida, man? He's in the news all the time.
Why don't we love them?
Why don't we love them?
Okay. Now, keeping America in mind, we're here at IEM Dallas, and there's going to be a lot of American Counter-Strike fans who are going to be in the building to watch the playoffs.
Okay. Now, keeping America in mind, we're here at IEM Dallas, and there's going to be a lot of American Counter-Strike fans who are going to be in the building to watch the playoffs.
Yeah. We do get a lot of people who listen to talk and counter from the States, don't we? We do. Which is always nice in Dallas. It's a large demographic for us.
Yeah. We do get a lot of people who listen to talk and counter from the States, don't we? We do. Which is always nice in Dallas. It's a large demographic for us.
Look, at this point, our bid is not being sponsored. Look, I will say this because fair life. Some people did reach out to me and I need to follow up. So I apologize to some of those. Oh, thanks, Chad. So the people have been lining up and you've just been ignoring them. I'm not the guy who should be responsible for anything.
Look, at this point, our bid is not being sponsored. Look, I will say this because fair life. Some people did reach out to me and I need to follow up. So I apologize to some of those. Oh, thanks, Chad. So the people have been lining up and you've just been ignoring them. I'm not the guy who should be responsible for anything.
He loves being useful. With it in mind that we're in the US, right? I made a tweet the other day and I upset the Turkish fan base. And I want to apologize profusely to the Turkish fan base because the tweet that I made was not intended to exclude them. And I think that I made them feel disrespected.
He loves being useful. With it in mind that we're in the US, right? I made a tweet the other day and I upset the Turkish fan base. And I want to apologize profusely to the Turkish fan base because the tweet that I made was not intended to exclude them. And I think that I made them feel disrespected.
The tweet that I made was, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we can only have three teams from Group B in the playoffs. Now, again, with the context that we're in America. And I was thinking of teams that the American fan base would like to see in the arena. That would mean one of Falcons, Maus, Liquid or FaZe would miss out.
The tweet that I made was, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we can only have three teams from Group B in the playoffs. Now, again, with the context that we're in America. And I was thinking of teams that the American fan base would like to see in the arena. That would mean one of Falcons, Maus, Liquid or FaZe would miss out.
So, obviously, Aurora are also in Group B and they did make it through. How dare you? But this is the thing. The reason that I listed Liquid and FaZe alongside of Falcons and Maus... Is because you hate Turkish fans? No, it's because Liquid has North American representation and is the North American team.
So, obviously, Aurora are also in Group B and they did make it through. How dare you? But this is the thing. The reason that I listed Liquid and FaZe alongside of Falcons and Maus... Is because you hate Turkish fans? No, it's because Liquid has North American representation and is the North American team.
And FaZe is also a massive team as far as English speaking, actually any speaking crowd is concerned, right? When we were in Australia and people would come up to Alex and I while we were filming content on the street and went, hey guys, how you going? We'd be like, oh yeah, you coming to the event? Who are you excited to see? Everybody would say FaZe. Like FaZe is just a massive fan favorite.
And FaZe is also a massive team as far as English speaking, actually any speaking crowd is concerned, right? When we were in Australia and people would come up to Alex and I while we were filming content on the street and went, hey guys, how you going? We'd be like, oh yeah, you coming to the event? Who are you excited to see? Everybody would say FaZe. Like FaZe is just a massive fan favorite.
And the fact that S1mple was back and everything along those lines. I should have added the context that it was a tweet framed for the fans in the arena because obviously the Turkish fans who have a very good team
And the fact that S1mple was back and everything along those lines. I should have added the context that it was a tweet framed for the fans in the arena because obviously the Turkish fans who have a very good team
But Jason, they've been very upset with me. Have they been? They've been very upset with me.
But Jason, they've been very upset with me. Have they been? They've been very upset with me.
But this is the thing. If the Turkish fans listen to me commentate an Aurora game, I'm an Aurora fan. I like the way that they play Counter-Strike. I think Wakadia and Jota are actually... I think those two are better than Centaurus and Woxic, which is kind of crazy to say. But I think the output that they've been having... You just angered them again. No.
But this is the thing. If the Turkish fans listen to me commentate an Aurora game, I'm an Aurora fan. I like the way that they play Counter-Strike. I think Wakadia and Jota are actually... I think those two are better than Centaurus and Woxic, which is kind of crazy to say. But I think the output that they've been having... You just angered them again. No.
I don't think they're like, they were saying nice things. Taking that hole deeper. These sports double down. They were very upset with me, the Turkish fan base. One of them said that they were going to fuck my mother in the ass. That's not cool. No, but they were upset, Jason, that I excluded their team. So all's fair. All's fair. All's fair.
I don't think they're like, they were saying nice things. Taking that hole deeper. These sports double down. They were very upset with me, the Turkish fan base. One of them said that they were going to fuck my mother in the ass. That's not cool. No, but they were upset, Jason, that I excluded their team. So all's fair. All's fair. All's fair.
He's happy to go with that. No, but I got a lot of Turkish flack for that. And then every time they won a game in the lower bracket, the tweets came back and stuff. And I was like... Aged like milk. There's even no point me reiterating, trying to re-establish my point here. It's pointless. It's gone. The ship has sailed. I'll cop it on the chin. And I'll say sorry to the Turkish fans.
He's happy to go with that. No, but I got a lot of Turkish flack for that. And then every time they won a game in the lower bracket, the tweets came back and stuff. And I was like... Aged like milk. There's even no point me reiterating, trying to re-establish my point here. It's pointless. It's gone. The ship has sailed. I'll cop it on the chin. And I'll say sorry to the Turkish fans.
But it's... Also...
But it's... Also...
Eight out of eight.
Eight out of eight.
Look, this event, day one, you'd give them the day off because of the travel. I think train is a weakness for them in their map pool. I think their train looks like it gets exploited. But overall, I think the problem that they had was something that was really strong for them at the start of the year being Anubis is no longer as strong for them.
Look, this event, day one, you'd give them the day off because of the travel. I think train is a weakness for them in their map pool. I think their train looks like it gets exploited. But overall, I think the problem that they had was something that was really strong for them at the start of the year being Anubis is no longer as strong for them.
So that has kind of put them in a weird spot with the map pool. And I think Madge has been trying to work out what's best for them next. And while trying to identify that, I think it's given them a couple of extra hits which have seemed like it's hurt them a bit. But the fact cannot be argued that they don't play well in the arenas.
So that has kind of put them in a weird spot with the map pool. And I think Madge has been trying to work out what's best for them next. And while trying to identify that, I think it's given them a couple of extra hits which have seemed like it's hurt them a bit. But the fact cannot be argued that they don't play well in the arenas.
Them and Mongols were going to have that same matchup again for the third time this year in an arena. And they're fortunate they get to play against one another. But both of these teams are still coming to grips with how to properly play Arena CS. Right? They won a match. Actually, they won two matches in Astana. Did they look better to you? Obviously, the field's weaker.
Them and Mongols were going to have that same matchup again for the third time this year in an arena. And they're fortunate they get to play against one another. But both of these teams are still coming to grips with how to properly play Arena CS. Right? They won a match. Actually, they won two matches in Astana. Did they look better to you? Obviously, the field's weaker.
He was having back issues earlier in the year as well, wasn't he? He was having some health issues. Yeah, but that was sorted, I think. Yeah, no, I think that was after their long sprint, right? And then they pulled out of an event so they could take some time. Was it Melbourne?
He was having back issues earlier in the year as well, wasn't he? He was having some health issues. Yeah, but that was sorted, I think. Yeah, no, I think that was after their long sprint, right? And then they pulled out of an event so they could take some time. Was it Melbourne?
Yeah, I don't know. I've liked the way that Aurora have held themselves this year in terms of the consistency of making playoffs for a team who isn't an international roster, right? Because this is something else that we have to remind ourselves. National teams at the moment, how many of them are properly good? Other than Spirit? Mongols and Aurora. That's it.
Yeah, I don't know. I've liked the way that Aurora have held themselves this year in terms of the consistency of making playoffs for a team who isn't an international roster, right? Because this is something else that we have to remind ourselves. National teams at the moment, how many of them are properly good? Other than Spirit? Mongols and Aurora. That's it.
But look, here's the deal. It's going to be tough for them because one of them will be eliminated in this quarterfinal. The conversation that I had for Astana and now again in Dallas is these teams need to have good results in these playoff matches. But Mongols or Aurora play into Maus, which is...
But look, here's the deal. It's going to be tough for them because one of them will be eliminated in this quarterfinal. The conversation that I had for Astana and now again in Dallas is these teams need to have good results in these playoff matches. But Mongols or Aurora play into Maus, which is...
Actually, if Maus looked like they did against Falcons in the seeding game, I don't think... Dude, Maus actually looks like the best team at this event. They look really good.
Actually, if Maus looked like they did against Falcons in the seeding game, I don't think... Dude, Maus actually looks like the best team at this event. They look really good.
But for you, the beard will grow back within the span of a week. Yeah, it'll be back quick. So you don't have to worry about the facial hair. No, it does sprout back up quickly. Real thick. Yep, thick and lean. What else has been happening? Other than the Counter-Strike, has there been anything fun?
But for you, the beard will grow back within the span of a week. Yeah, it'll be back quick. So you don't have to worry about the facial hair. No, it does sprout back up quickly. Real thick. Yep, thick and lean. What else has been happening? Other than the Counter-Strike, has there been anything fun?
But that's also how hard they got slapped around by Maus. They farmed against... They farmed NRG, and who was the other team? Heroic, they lost. They won 2-1. Yeah, and they shouldn't have lost that Nuke game.
But that's also how hard they got slapped around by Maus. They farmed against... They farmed NRG, and who was the other team? Heroic, they lost. They won 2-1. Yeah, and they shouldn't have lost that Nuke game.
Or maybe they should have lost that new game with how they were playing. But either way, right? Monacy was farming in those games. The Dust 2 game from Monacy against Heroic, the level of bullshit that that kid was pulling off in that map was nuts. Like, oh my god.
Or maybe they should have lost that new game with how they were playing. But either way, right? Monacy was farming in those games. The Dust 2 game from Monacy against Heroic, the level of bullshit that that kid was pulling off in that map was nuts. Like, oh my god.
Sure, I guess they have Rez and Akor.
Sure, I guess they have Rez and Akor.
True. But I guess there's also the new factor of Falcons, which is something that Vitality is getting a better scope onto as the season progresses.
True. But I guess there's also the new factor of Falcons, which is something that Vitality is getting a better scope onto as the season progresses.
and rubbing his eyes out and everything. See, I think it's interesting, right? Because I mentioned during the cast, I was like, you know, it could be a relief if they lose it in this one, obviously because of the stakes of the match. They're already in the playoffs. It doesn't cost them a lot. But at the same time, there has to be the flip side of that.
and rubbing his eyes out and everything. See, I think it's interesting, right? Because I mentioned during the cast, I was like, you know, it could be a relief if they lose it in this one, obviously because of the stakes of the match. They're already in the playoffs. It doesn't cost them a lot. But at the same time, there has to be the flip side of that.
If you do lose, this is the first time you've felt a loss, even though it's not a hard loss. It's the first time you've felt a loss since the Eternal Fire loss back on the 24th of January. What Pandora's box gets open from there? I'd prefer the devil you know versus the devil you don't. Keep winning if you can. Yeah.
If you do lose, this is the first time you've felt a loss, even though it's not a hard loss. It's the first time you've felt a loss since the Eternal Fire loss back on the 24th of January. What Pandora's box gets open from there? I'd prefer the devil you know versus the devil you don't. Keep winning if you can. Yeah.
But how about they just don't lose? I'm in for that fairytale. Sign me the fuck up.
But how about they just don't lose? I'm in for that fairytale. Sign me the fuck up.
That's kind of crazy. That framing is insane. That actually is a mental way to talk about it. That's insane framing. And they'll get a boot camp.
That's kind of crazy. That framing is insane. That actually is a mental way to talk about it. That's insane framing. And they'll get a boot camp.
We're laughing because that's emotional damage and it would probably break me if I was in that situation as a human being to the point I'd never recover.
We're laughing because that's emotional damage and it would probably break me if I was in that situation as a human being to the point I'd never recover.
Maybe not on the stage. Not on the same ceiling. If both are at 100%, Vitality have them covered. Like ZywOo... Torji's good though, isn't he? Torji's awesome.
Maybe not on the stage. Not on the same ceiling. If both are at 100%, Vitality have them covered. Like ZywOo... Torji's good though, isn't he? Torji's awesome.
I love watching Torji play.
I love watching Torji play.
The four spies. Oh, my God. Everything, everything. And then all of a sudden... It was trying to get it started, too.
The four spies. Oh, my God. Everything, everything. And then all of a sudden... It was trying to get it started, too.
It was so good.
It was so good.
Yeah, like the Mavs won because they had a bone to pick, right? They wanted that revenge from losing in two back-to-back semifinals against Falcons. And they also, you brought this up on the desk, but proving to yourself that you can beat them, even though it is only a seeding game, can be a lot for the confidence going into the tail end of this season.
Yeah, like the Mavs won because they had a bone to pick, right? They wanted that revenge from losing in two back-to-back semifinals against Falcons. And they also, you brought this up on the desk, but proving to yourself that you can beat them, even though it is only a seeding game, can be a lot for the confidence going into the tail end of this season.
Yeah, and the other side of it, I framed it on the cast and I said, look, for Falcons, because they've won them both times, they're probably going to be a bit more complacent.
Yeah, and the other side of it, I framed it on the cast and I said, look, for Falcons, because they've won them both times, they're probably going to be a bit more complacent.
Yeah. And I think, though, that game was exciting because of the 12-5 comeback on mount number two, which was Mirage. Like, Maus changed up the veto. They went into Nuke the last few times. This time they went into Mirage. It looked like it was going to backfire. Torji was great. Loved the energy that he brought.
Yeah. And I think, though, that game was exciting because of the 12-5 comeback on mount number two, which was Mirage. Like, Maus changed up the veto. They went into Nuke the last few times. This time they went into Mirage. It looked like it was going to backfire. Torji was great. Loved the energy that he brought.
And then the other game, obviously the Mongols versus Vitality one, Mirage is the third. Like, the bullshit the Mongols were getting away with That's obviously how you have to win a game of Counter-Strike against the best team in the world.
And then the other game, obviously the Mongols versus Vitality one, Mirage is the third. Like, the bullshit the Mongols were getting away with That's obviously how you have to win a game of Counter-Strike against the best team in the world.
But that one round where Senzu got boosted window and was behind Flamesy and he was going the trigger discipline because he wanted to get multiple kills on A and then Flamesy just turns around and kills him. It's like, oh my God. And that for Senzu, who struggles in the big games, that one kill and living, like if he went one kill, lived jungle, they probably win the round.
But that one round where Senzu got boosted window and was behind Flamesy and he was going the trigger discipline because he wanted to get multiple kills on A and then Flamesy just turns around and kills him. It's like, oh my God. And that for Senzu, who struggles in the big games, that one kill and living, like if he went one kill, lived jungle, they probably win the round.
And you just, you hate to see that because like, think about...
And you just, you hate to see that because like, think about...
Flamesy running tech nine, pops Senzu's head on the balcony, douche. Then I don't know, maybe it's Blitz coming through the smoke because I think Mazzinio died site. And then he comes through the smoke, shows himself, realizes his two teammates are dead. It's like, I have to play retake. Goes to jump back through. Flamesy tracks him through the smoke. Boom, boom, boom.
Flamesy running tech nine, pops Senzu's head on the balcony, douche. Then I don't know, maybe it's Blitz coming through the smoke because I think Mazzinio died site. And then he comes through the smoke, shows himself, realizes his two teammates are dead. It's like, I have to play retake. Goes to jump back through. Flamesy tracks him through the smoke. Boom, boom, boom.
That's game. There's a fun. It was a fun game of CS That's what I like about Rob.
That's game. There's a fun. It was a fun game of CS That's what I like about Rob.
don't you think they looked pretty caged and scared for like certain periods yeah but then when they like equaled it up late they started to play more like themselves like there were certain situations they were giving mongols so much space in middle like mongols were just able to literally take connect to control and this is probably because of the financial situation vitality didn't have enough nades to harass and go for mid fights but mongols would walk into mid they go we have connector fight us
don't you think they looked pretty caged and scared for like certain periods yeah but then when they like equaled it up late they started to play more like themselves like there were certain situations they were giving mongols so much space in middle like mongols were just able to literally take connect to control and this is probably because of the financial situation vitality didn't have enough nades to harass and go for mid fights but mongols would walk into mid they go we have connector fight us
and they would just wait for them to fight them and then they would win a jewel and then they just finished the round like they're doing a b split but with two guys attacking a like they're just like we'll just make sure you're engaged over the entire map like mongols that's when they're putting their skill on display and it can be so much fun like i think 910s mega legit i think mazzino has become so rock solid remember the little 16 year old kid you were like what's he doing on this team just like poor guy just pulled out of some random land center in mongolia some fucking
and they would just wait for them to fight them and then they would win a jewel and then they just finished the round like they're doing a b split but with two guys attacking a like they're just like we'll just make sure you're engaged over the entire map like mongols that's when they're putting their skill on display and it can be so much fun like i think 910s mega legit i think mazzino has become so rock solid remember the little 16 year old kid you were like what's he doing on this team just like poor guy just pulled out of some random land center in mongolia some fucking
Now he's nuts. See, Blitz's output as an in-game leader, really good in that series too. Like, Techno plays a lot more of these supportive positions. He had a couple of key moments, but he was pretty average overall. And then Senzu's the one in these big games. He had a nasty question, didn't he, Senzu?
Now he's nuts. See, Blitz's output as an in-game leader, really good in that series too. Like, Techno plays a lot more of these supportive positions. He had a couple of key moments, but he was pretty average overall. And then Senzu's the one in these big games. He had a nasty question, didn't he, Senzu?
But I'm excited for Mongols. I'm excited for Aurora. I hope that they have gotten over their stage fright by the time that we get into the major because I want them to be in the playoffs. I want the playoffs of the major to be Vitality, Falcons, Mous, Spirit, Aurora, Mongols. And then if I have to... I have to pick two more teams. FaZe. Stop, guys.
But I'm excited for Mongols. I'm excited for Aurora. I hope that they have gotten over their stage fright by the time that we get into the major because I want them to be in the playoffs. I want the playoffs of the major to be Vitality, Falcons, Mous, Spirit, Aurora, Mongols. And then if I have to... I have to pick two more teams. FaZe. Stop, guys.
Give me that. Here's the thing. When I went on...
Give me that. Here's the thing. When I went on...
was it snake and banner is that the one yeah when i did that one with duncan and maui um and like i know that's not that one the eighth theme is energy is that is it we have three points yeah um and yeah the one it was about phase being like yeah the the phase like elise killed phase whatever the the phase that you know and love is gone simple is the only player in the world that can keep he is the he is the only player in the world that can keep the current phase with that status he just is
was it snake and banner is that the one yeah when i did that one with duncan and maui um and like i know that's not that one the eighth theme is energy is that is it we have three points yeah um and yeah the one it was about phase being like yeah the the phase like elise killed phase whatever the the phase that you know and love is gone simple is the only player in the world that can keep he is the he is the only player in the world that can keep the current phase with that status he just is
Okay. He is. There's no other player.
Okay. He is. There's no other player.
I'm with you, yeah. Jason, imagine we have this.
I'm with you, yeah. Jason, imagine we have this.
But think about how stacked Counter-Strike could be at the moment. I know. You have Vitality with ZywOo and Robs. I know. You have Falcons with Niko and Monacy. You've got Spirit with Donk.
But think about how stacked Counter-Strike could be at the moment. I know. You have Vitality with ZywOo and Robs. I know. You have Falcons with Niko and Monacy. You've got Spirit with Donk.
Right? And Shiro. You've got Spirit with Donk. And... Shout out to our boy. Then you have FaZe with S1mple. Think about the superstar era we would be in then. And that would mean that S1mple needs to be dedicated and get back in. But Jason, he changed his Instagram.
Right? And Shiro. You've got Spirit with Donk. And... Shout out to our boy. Then you have FaZe with S1mple. Think about the superstar era we would be in then. And that would mean that S1mple needs to be dedicated and get back in. But Jason, he changed his Instagram.
This means he has 1.6 million followers on Instagram. He's changed his fucking Instagram picture. off the radar on the mission.
This means he has 1.6 million followers on Instagram. He's changed his fucking Instagram picture. off the radar on the mission.
No, they're in stage two. They are? Stage two, yeah.
No, they're in stage two. They are? Stage two, yeah.
He hit shots that reminded me of Simple Evolved. He also missed shots, but he hit shots that were like, that's the boy. That's the guy. You were casting it. You were getting excited. I did get excited.
He hit shots that reminded me of Simple Evolved. He also missed shots, but he hit shots that were like, that's the boy. That's the guy. You were casting it. You were getting excited. I did get excited.
I think Kerrigan should change at least one player every six months.
I think Kerrigan should change at least one player every six months.
No, not because of that. Because it means that he gets to call looser.
No, not because of that. Because it means that he gets to call looser.
Look, just make it a six-man roster. Make it a six-man roster, and then you're able to just keep... You're on the bench for six months. You can go spend time with your family. But could we, just quickly... So let's say it was those seven teams. Exclude all the players in those seven teams. And Na'Vi is eighth. No, but just pretend there's an eighth slot. Okay.
Look, just make it a six-man roster. Make it a six-man roster, and then you're able to just keep... You're on the bench for six months. You can go spend time with your family. But could we, just quickly... So let's say it was those seven teams. Exclude all the players in those seven teams. And Na'Vi is eighth. No, but just pretend there's an eighth slot. Okay.
Out of the remaining players in all of Counter-Strike, could we build another superstar team? Yes. Who? Who's of superstar caliber enough that would be the lead name?
Out of the remaining players in all of Counter-Strike, could we build another superstar team? Yes. Who? Who's of superstar caliber enough that would be the lead name?
So I guess you could start with Twists as like your first piece. Right? You could, yeah. Do you think he's good enough to be in the status? I'd like to believe so.
So I guess you could start with Twists as like your first piece. Right? You could, yeah. Do you think he's good enough to be in the status? I'd like to believe so.
Exactly. So that's where I'm at right now. If we had to build like another... Who's the AWPer?
Exactly. So that's where I'm at right now. If we had to build like another... Who's the AWPer?
Yeah, look, without my troubleshooting, we wouldn't be here right now. And that's why I should be celebrated. Whose water is this? Yours.
Yeah, look, without my troubleshooting, we wouldn't be here right now. And that's why I should be celebrated. Whose water is this? Yours.
Oh, Josh is accusing Dinko of overpowering the board here.
Oh, Josh is accusing Dinko of overpowering the board here.
He is. He's firing up. He's taller than Josh. Yeah, but taller. Dinko's taller. Like you're got a little bit more reach. It's possibly true.
He is. He's firing up. He's taller than Josh. Yeah, but taller. Dinko's taller. Like you're got a little bit more reach. It's possibly true.
Yeah, props to Staun.
Yeah, props to Staun.
But that was group stage. Yeah. He was then good in playoffs or he had better playoffs than he normally does. Device is actually a really interesting thought. So we have device twists.
But that was group stage. Yeah. He was then good in playoffs or he had better playoffs than he normally does. Device is actually a really interesting thought. So we have device twists.
Now you're getting crazy. I'm talking star status right now that we could inject and we'll get signed for the next Marvels movie.
Now you're getting crazy. I'm talking star status right now that we could inject and we'll get signed for the next Marvels movie.
Grim. Yeah, well, Na'vi's fucked. Na'vi will have change in the break, 100%.
Grim. Yeah, well, Na'vi's fucked. Na'vi will have change in the break, 100%.
I think it's better for Sybil to go to FaZe.
I think it's better for Sybil to go to FaZe.
Also, like, look, I know what you're saying.
Also, like, look, I know what you're saying.
That's why I said a year and a half. But either way, I was just living in fantasy land there because I would love to have this level of Counter-Strike. Even if it's Astralis, who are the team to come in and take that spot over Na'Vi, for example, because I think... They can do it. Yeah, they actually look pretty good.
That's why I said a year and a half. But either way, I was just living in fantasy land there because I would love to have this level of Counter-Strike. Even if it's Astralis, who are the team to come in and take that spot over Na'Vi, for example, because I think... They can do it. Yeah, they actually look pretty good.
It's good right now.
It's good right now.
The tactical level is high, but what the individuals can pull off in certain moments makes it exciting too. Like I think it's harder to win clutches now. So the appreciation for clutches, especially that crazy ones being one is through the roof. Like Counter-Strike is always going to be evolving. I was talking to Nico today doing one of those clutch things.
The tactical level is high, but what the individuals can pull off in certain moments makes it exciting too. Like I think it's harder to win clutches now. So the appreciation for clutches, especially that crazy ones being one is through the roof. Like Counter-Strike is always going to be evolving. I was talking to Nico today doing one of those clutch things.
And one of the clutches that came up of his was the deagle round that he had on cash when he was in mouse on the A side. And he goes, that's not really a clutch. That's a highlight. Even though it was a 1v5. And he's like, they came towards me. And then he's like at this level of Counter-Strike. And I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's when I was playing. Hold up a second.
And one of the clutches that came up of his was the deagle round that he had on cash when he was in mouse on the A side. And he goes, that's not really a clutch. That's a highlight. Even though it was a 1v5. And he's like, they came towards me. And then he's like at this level of Counter-Strike. And I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's when I was playing. Hold up a second.
But to that point, the game has evolved and is going to continue to evolve. And now we have such a high-level understanding of the macro from all players. It's not just the in-game leader being a puppet master saying, go here, do this. Everybody contributes. And then the level of understanding of how to play certain situations and what you need. The game is at its highest level ever, of course.
But to that point, the game has evolved and is going to continue to evolve. And now we have such a high-level understanding of the macro from all players. It's not just the in-game leader being a puppet master saying, go here, do this. Everybody contributes. And then the level of understanding of how to play certain situations and what you need. The game is at its highest level ever, of course.
Yeah, it was more like a chessboard with the players. And you wouldn't tell them why they were doing something. They would just have to do it. Whereas now that's different. Now everybody talks about everything like that. So, yeah.
Yeah, it was more like a chessboard with the players. And you wouldn't tell them why they were doing something. They would just have to do it. Whereas now that's different. Now everybody talks about everything like that. So, yeah.
It's just the cognitive function, bro. Like I think if anyone's done an all-nighter, you know just how you feel, then imagine doing that when you're on an airplane and you're in these less than ideal conditions. You don't have the ability to be, you know, like keeping yourself awake with like a shower or a proper bed.
It's just the cognitive function, bro. Like I think if anyone's done an all-nighter, you know just how you feel, then imagine doing that when you're on an airplane and you're in these less than ideal conditions. You don't have the ability to be, you know, like keeping yourself awake with like a shower or a proper bed.
Even if you're in business classes, the best way other than a first class that you can travel, but still it's not the same level of sleep.
Even if you're in business classes, the best way other than a first class that you can travel, but still it's not the same level of sleep.
Yes. And they won four majors over that, what, year and a half span? Or two year span? Two and a half. Two and a half. Yeah, that's right. With Atlanta 2017. Yeah.
Yes. And they won four majors over that, what, year and a half span? Or two year span? Two and a half. Two and a half. Yeah, that's right. With Atlanta 2017. Yeah.
Wait, so we brought in a replacement. He could have just gone to the bathroom.
Wait, so we brought in a replacement. He could have just gone to the bathroom.
This is Dinko. He's our intern. Intern, yeah.
This is Dinko. He's our intern. Intern, yeah.
i was just trying to think you got me going on events that we've flown into and we started broadcasting immediately i think trace and i did one where we flew from the states to copenhagen and we that day same day like the same kind of thing couple of hours after we landed we did a pro league broadcast there was also pro league back when it was in the old esl studio with henry uh alex matt we flew in from australia at one time this was the season i was hosting
i was just trying to think you got me going on events that we've flown into and we started broadcasting immediately i think trace and i did one where we flew from the states to copenhagen and we that day same day like the same kind of thing couple of hours after we landed we did a pro league broadcast there was also pro league back when it was in the old esl studio with henry uh alex matt we flew in from australia at one time this was the season i was hosting
We got through... I used Alex's new shoes joke on him today. Did you like that one?
We got through... I used Alex's new shoes joke on him today. Did you like that one?
Did you get too big for your old ones? But um, I saw Alex Alex use that one on Harry one time so I thought it was really good. How did Harry react? Um, baffled I think. Yeah, just confused. So I can't wait till we tell Jason what Dinko said.
Did you get too big for your old ones? But um, I saw Alex Alex use that one on Harry one time so I thought it was really good. How did Harry react? Um, baffled I think. Yeah, just confused. So I can't wait till we tell Jason what Dinko said.
Wow, okay. He's got a bit of fire in the belly there. So I think we should tell Jason.
Wow, okay. He's got a bit of fire in the belly there. So I think we should tell Jason.
I mean, I'm going to add the podcast.
I mean, I'm going to add the podcast.
Didn't call to fuck them.
Didn't call to fuck them.
like not just because of that i think just because they they're not they don't have the same they're not ashamed of anything right they've been through life they're at the point where they're just like i just don't care about anything yeah they've turned it off yeah okay all right where were we um
like not just because of that i think just because they they're not they don't have the same they're not ashamed of anything right they've been through life they're at the point where they're just like i just don't care about anything yeah they've turned it off yeah okay all right where were we um
I'm trying to have less of them.
I'm trying to have less of them.
Someone's already drunk from this.
Someone's already drunk from this.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I can't really talk about Liquid because of the JKS thing. It's just easier not to.
I can't really talk about Liquid because of the JKS thing. It's just easier not to.
I didn't do any of their games here. We're on their B streaming. Jason did the first one, but that was it.
I didn't do any of their games here. We're on their B streaming. Jason did the first one, but that was it.
Nerds has been quiet compared to his normal self. Since he joined Liquid, he hasn't quite... That's weird. Why?
Nerds has been quiet compared to his normal self. Since he joined Liquid, he hasn't quite... That's weird. Why?
Should we talk to him?
Should we talk to him?
I think the old adage, you know, not being able to see the forest for the trees is probably something that Naf's struggling with right now because he's been playing nonstop, right? For the last 10 years.
I think the old adage, you know, not being able to see the forest for the trees is probably something that Naf's struggling with right now because he's been playing nonstop, right? For the last 10 years.
And I think somebody who's now more of a seasoned player could probably use like a three to six month break to be able to step back and
And I think somebody who's now more of a seasoned player could probably use like a three to six month break to be able to step back and
identify if the motivation is there that he wants to keep playing and then second of all kind of re-look at Counter-Strike and leave all the baggage behind of how you did things before and embrace CS2 and the current meta which I'm not saying it needs to have drastic changes in the way that you react to something as a protocol or decision making but just fall in love with the game again.
identify if the motivation is there that he wants to keep playing and then second of all kind of re-look at Counter-Strike and leave all the baggage behind of how you did things before and embrace CS2 and the current meta which I'm not saying it needs to have drastic changes in the way that you react to something as a protocol or decision making but just fall in love with the game again.
And I'm not saying he doesn't love it. You wouldn't do it every day if he didn't. But at a certain point, just doing something for such a lengthy period of time, that just becomes your life.
And I'm not saying he doesn't love it. You wouldn't do it every day if he didn't. But at a certain point, just doing something for such a lengthy period of time, that just becomes your life.
Yeah, 2017. Yeah. Maybe he needs Kassad back in his life. They need a coach in Liquid. No one needs that. Absolutely nobody on this planet needs that.
Yeah, 2017. Yeah. Maybe he needs Kassad back in his life. They need a coach in Liquid. No one needs that. Absolutely nobody on this planet needs that.
all right i mean well he thinks simple's career is a mockery so i i don't know you boys have brought simple up for every little fix over the past year i also want to know and i also want to want to tell you
all right i mean well he thinks simple's career is a mockery so i i don't know you boys have brought simple up for every little fix over the past year i also want to know and i also want to want to tell you
Again, I distance myself from Janko's opinion. Any ladies listening to the podcast, I do not even pretend to understand what having a period would feel like, and I would never. Never assume that I could handle the trials and tribulations.
Again, I distance myself from Janko's opinion. Any ladies listening to the podcast, I do not even pretend to understand what having a period would feel like, and I would never. Never assume that I could handle the trials and tribulations.
But that's it, right? I guess for me, and this is where I think I'm different to most.
But that's it, right? I guess for me, and this is where I think I'm different to most.
you are you're a special little flower i have already let that go like for me i'm not sitting there going oh well why didn't they make better decisions so they could have kept nico it's done now yeah it's done now like i understand your point that's what i'm saying like this is the last conversation i want to have about this nico and monacy g2 i'm not even talking about that it's it's just more about like
you are you're a special little flower i have already let that go like for me i'm not sitting there going oh well why didn't they make better decisions so they could have kept nico it's done now yeah it's done now like i understand your point that's what i'm saying like this is the last conversation i want to have about this nico and monacy g2 i'm not even talking about that it's it's just more about like
moving forward that's why saw is such a big sign imagine this right so you do get some pious and saw and then you have mouths and you have heavy god and let's say that you keep hunter you you have one more piece that you can bring in right now do you want that piece to be a rifler Well, it has to be a rifler. Do you want that piece to be an in-game leader or a rifler?
moving forward that's why saw is such a big sign imagine this right so you do get some pious and saw and then you have mouths and you have heavy god and let's say that you keep hunter you you have one more piece that you can bring in right now do you want that piece to be a rifler Well, it has to be a rifler. Do you want that piece to be an in-game leader or a rifler?
And Shuey's only on loan at Liquid. And if things don't go well for him there, then maybe he is going to... I'm not talking for him, but if I was him, I would look at all my options.
And Shuey's only on loan at Liquid. And if things don't go well for him there, then maybe he is going to... I'm not talking for him, but if I was him, I would look at all my options.
But he went into a team that was already having problems in Liquid.
But he went into a team that was already having problems in Liquid.
It was fine. Yeah, I think the sign that just resonated with me then. thinking of the good old days. No, just the, you know, Yann Cassano is the best man at a wedding. I don't think I'll ever be the best man at a wedding.
It was fine. Yeah, I think the sign that just resonated with me then. thinking of the good old days. No, just the, you know, Yann Cassano is the best man at a wedding. I don't think I'll ever be the best man at a wedding.
I'm sure somebody knows.
I'm sure somebody knows.
I was standing in line with Sabrina for 40 minutes to an hour. Did you ask her? I didn't. And now that I recorded, she couldn't go anywhere. She couldn't leave. I should have asked her.
I was standing in line with Sabrina for 40 minutes to an hour. Did you ask her? I didn't. And now that I recorded, she couldn't go anywhere. She couldn't leave. I should have asked her.
Yeah, like I made like a punked reference with Ashton Kutcher. And I was like, you're too young. You don't get that reference. I was like, for fuck's sake. Anyway. Let's talk about other things, shall we? But yeah, I don't know.
Yeah, like I made like a punked reference with Ashton Kutcher. And I was like, you're too young. You don't get that reference. I was like, for fuck's sake. Anyway. Let's talk about other things, shall we? But yeah, I don't know.
I guess for me, the idea of Sampaio with Shuey, Heavy God, Malbs, and then Hunter, and Saw as the coach, that's not a bad mix of experience with your Sampaio and your Hunter side of things. Shuey's obviously played at a high level and he's gone deep within a major before. His time in Malbs was, sure, not the most prosperous, but definitely decent.
I guess for me, the idea of Sampaio with Shuey, Heavy God, Malbs, and then Hunter, and Saw as the coach, that's not a bad mix of experience with your Sampaio and your Hunter side of things. Shuey's obviously played at a high level and he's gone deep within a major before. His time in Malbs was, sure, not the most prosperous, but definitely decent.
And then Heavy God and Malbs, you need them to become the players that we see in their peaks. And then that's a team that I actually think is competitive. Like it does leave Liquid in a weird spot. Liquid are a team who maybe would want to consider getting this whole Hooksy situation. Okay, let's try another thought experiment here. Let's go Liquid with- Plus Hooksy, plus Device.
And then Heavy God and Malbs, you need them to become the players that we see in their peaks. And then that's a team that I actually think is competitive. Like it does leave Liquid in a weird spot. Liquid are a team who maybe would want to consider getting this whole Hooksy situation. Okay, let's try another thought experiment here. Let's go Liquid with- Plus Hooksy, plus Device.
Plus Device, minus Ultimate, minus NAF.
Plus Device, minus Ultimate, minus NAF.
I know that would no longer mean they're American. That's a whole different conversation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm with you. Just live in the world with me for a second. So that would give you Twist, Nertz. Hooksy, Device. Hooksy Device, who's the fifth? Twist Nertz, Hooksy Device. Oh, no, Naff would say, because Shuey's gone. So Naff would say. But you could replace Naff.
I know that would no longer mean they're American. That's a whole different conversation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm with you. Just live in the world with me for a second. So that would give you Twist, Nertz. Hooksy, Device. Hooksy Device, who's the fifth? Twist Nertz, Hooksy Device. Oh, no, Naff would say, because Shuey's gone. So Naff would say. But you could replace Naff.
But you could replace Naff, yeah. But like then, is that more exciting? Like, we're playing CS Manager right now.
But you could replace Naff, yeah. But like then, is that more exciting? Like, we're playing CS Manager right now.
Okay, I see what you mean. Okay, fair enough. He's had a couple of those episodes. No, that's fair enough.
Okay, I see what you mean. Okay, fair enough. He's had a couple of those episodes. No, that's fair enough.
So he's gone to the bathroom. He's put his son on. He's taking a phone call.
So he's gone to the bathroom. He's put his son on. He's taking a phone call.
That's a good question. That is good.
That's a good question. That is good.
Oh, yeah. He's such a boomer right now with the phone situation. There was other names here that I was looking at, looking at Jason's laptop. PR is a name that I think from Game Allegiant is someone who I'd want to get on a better roster if I possibly could. Sure. Looking at what else we got here. I also think VP, you could try and rescue Flamas potentially. Yeah.
Oh, yeah. He's such a boomer right now with the phone situation. There was other names here that I was looking at, looking at Jason's laptop. PR is a name that I think from Game Allegiant is someone who I'd want to get on a better roster if I possibly could. Sure. Looking at what else we got here. I also think VP, you could try and rescue Flamas potentially. Yeah.
Yeah, I think that there's probably some names as you go down the ranks. Like, Rinkle you'd love to get off of NiP, but he's signed for an extended period of time now. I think Heroic... Shush had a great tournament. Yeah. I think Heroic are fun. It's just sad if they lose some Pyos and Saw. I think when you look at the Heroic roster, I like Tenaya.
Yeah, I think that there's probably some names as you go down the ranks. Like, Rinkle you'd love to get off of NiP, but he's signed for an extended period of time now. I think Heroic... Shush had a great tournament. Yeah. I think Heroic are fun. It's just sad if they lose some Pyos and Saw. I think when you look at the Heroic roster, I like Tenaya.
I think LNZ and Youngster still need to do some development because at the moment they're still pretty raw and they have hit and miss games. But otherwise, I think Heroic are actually playing and having a decent level of output, so I'll be interested to see where they end up in the VRS after this tournament. So there are names.
I think LNZ and Youngster still need to do some development because at the moment they're still pretty raw and they have hit and miss games. But otherwise, I think Heroic are actually playing and having a decent level of output, so I'll be interested to see where they end up in the VRS after this tournament. So there are names.
It's just a shame that with some of the fall-off of some of these teams, like Pain's an example of a team that's just completely disappeared.
It's just a shame that with some of the fall-off of some of these teams, like Pain's an example of a team that's just completely disappeared.
Yeah, but which names are we talking about? Like, who's left still?
Yeah, but which names are we talking about? Like, who's left still?
Towards the end of CSGO, your Flamesies and your Mezzies were hot prospects towards the end of CSGO, right? But they're so young enough to make that transition pretty seamless. Fair.
Towards the end of CSGO, your Flamesies and your Mezzies were hot prospects towards the end of CSGO, right? But they're so young enough to make that transition pretty seamless. Fair.
Yeah. And that's always been the issue, right? Because the way that it was translated back in the day was, oh, the older you get, you can't play Counter-Strike anymore. But that was because the money wasn't good enough to support you and a family.
Yeah. And that's always been the issue, right? Because the way that it was translated back in the day was, oh, the older you get, you can't play Counter-Strike anymore. But that was because the money wasn't good enough to support you and a family.
We are always breaking new ground, right? And this is the thing, my concern with Rain in this phase roster is like the positions he's been put in having to adapt late in the piece. And understandable making way for a Liege who's very skilled, but Liege is also 27 or something along those lines. So it's not like he's a spring chicken either. There's only three year difference between him and Rain.
We are always breaking new ground, right? And this is the thing, my concern with Rain in this phase roster is like the positions he's been put in having to adapt late in the piece. And understandable making way for a Liege who's very skilled, but Liege is also 27 or something along those lines. So it's not like he's a spring chicken either. There's only three year difference between him and Rain.
Yeah, exactly. It's the circumstances. But the thing is, you wonder at what point the toll is taken on a player like Alige because his partner, we all know, it's a public relationship. Goose Frito, she plays for FlyQuest Red and she lives in America. It's America, right? And then Alige is now spending most of his time over there in Europe to be playing for FaZe.
Yeah, exactly. It's the circumstances. But the thing is, you wonder at what point the toll is taken on a player like Alige because his partner, we all know, it's a public relationship. Goose Frito, she plays for FlyQuest Red and she lives in America. It's America, right? And then Alige is now spending most of his time over there in Europe to be playing for FaZe.
I didn't think about Rush because I didn't think he'd get married. But I think I could see him. The last best hope for Chad. Yeah, but I'm okay with it because Janko says a lot of responsibility. I don't know if I'm up for responsibility.
I didn't think about Rush because I didn't think he'd get married. But I think I could see him. The last best hope for Chad. Yeah, but I'm okay with it because Janko says a lot of responsibility. I don't know if I'm up for responsibility.
So, you know, everybody has these type of circumstances. I get it. I can sympathize with that. Most of my relationships have been a fucking dumpster fire because I live on the other side of the world with the girls I decided to date for some fucking reason, right?
So, you know, everybody has these type of circumstances. I get it. I can sympathize with that. Most of my relationships have been a fucking dumpster fire because I live on the other side of the world with the girls I decided to date for some fucking reason, right?
Yeah, sick one. No, they're all nice. They're all lovely. They're all lovely.
Yeah, sick one. No, they're all nice. They're all lovely. They're all lovely.
Where should we go? There's been a lot that's happened in the news. I'm having a fun time talking.
Where should we go? There's been a lot that's happened in the news. I'm having a fun time talking.
When I'm at home, I get bored. I love hanging out with you guys, yeah. Yeah, I only do it with microphones on though, so...
When I'm at home, I get bored. I love hanging out with you guys, yeah. Yeah, I only do it with microphones on though, so...
It was hard to tell from the cameras on the first couple of days what the attendance was.
It was hard to tell from the cameras on the first couple of days what the attendance was.
i didn't have any idea like i had no idea of what kazakhstan would be like obviously i didn't go i was doing the remote stuff with alex playing with the soundboard but um no it was like on the ground i don't know what the it was i know harry was putting pictures up this was it from our hotel like a silkway maybe that's no that that's the mall yeah i don't know but it's right there but harry had
i didn't have any idea like i had no idea of what kazakhstan would be like obviously i didn't go i was doing the remote stuff with alex playing with the soundboard but um no it was like on the ground i don't know what the it was i know harry was putting pictures up this was it from our hotel like a silkway maybe that's no that that's the mall yeah i don't know but it's right there but harry had
This one? Yeah, that's the one. Harry had really nice things to say. Harry said it was very clean and everything like that. Because I have no expectation of the place. I don't know what it's like.
This one? Yeah, that's the one. Harry had really nice things to say. Harry said it was very clean and everything like that. Because I have no expectation of the place. I don't know what it's like.
Just his reaction was, so James asked him, well, he asked him like, oh, this crowd here, they're cheering for you. I'm butchering the verbatim. But he was, you know, he was like, he said, I don't care.
Just his reaction was, so James asked him, well, he asked him like, oh, this crowd here, they're cheering for you. I'm butchering the verbatim. But he was, you know, he was like, he said, I don't care.
Yeah, and still like deadpan. And apparently Shiro said in an interview with one of the co-streams in Russian that he's just upset with the level that the team's performing at at the moment. Like he's not happy with that, which is great that he has such a high standard.
Yeah, and still like deadpan. And apparently Shiro said in an interview with one of the co-streams in Russian that he's just upset with the level that the team's performing at at the moment. Like he's not happy with that, which is great that he has such a high standard.
And look, I can empathize with the fact that, you know, he is the best counter-strike player or one of the best counter-strike players in the world and wants his team to win and they won the last major, et cetera, et cetera. And then I also bring into it, he's 18. He's a young man. Remember when we were 18?
And look, I can empathize with the fact that, you know, he is the best counter-strike player or one of the best counter-strike players in the world and wants his team to win and they won the last major, et cetera, et cetera. And then I also bring into it, he's 18. He's a young man. Remember when we were 18?
It all happened from nowhere, right? Yeah. And I think the thing is like, not only he's from a small place in Russia, like he's not from Moscow or anything like that, right? That's why Dinka called him the Siberian psychopath or whatever the fuck it was like.
It all happened from nowhere, right? Yeah. And I think the thing is like, not only he's from a small place in Russia, like he's not from Moscow or anything like that, right? That's why Dinka called him the Siberian psychopath or whatever the fuck it was like.
Fair enough. I feel like I do that every day then.
Fair enough. I feel like I do that every day then.
Do you like his reaction? Yeah. Cause it was, people were critical of his reaction.
Do you like his reaction? Yeah. Cause it was, people were critical of his reaction.
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This is a hydration fueled by fair life protein, core power, high protein milkshake, elite chocolate flavored with other natural flavors, 42 grams of complete protein. Not sponsored. It's 414 milliliters, 230 calories per bottle. Any other nutritional facts that you'd like to know? No, I will just say that this is a beer.
Well, the thing is, the thing is, if he came out here, like that's if he was a bit older and maybe a bit more and let's say he was doing it in Russian, you know, maybe in Russian, he would have said like Spasiba, but he still could have been like email about things because he's not happy with how everything went. Right. Like that.
Well, the thing is, the thing is, if he came out here, like that's if he was a bit older and maybe a bit more and let's say he was doing it in Russian, you know, maybe in Russian, he would have said like Spasiba, but he still could have been like email about things because he's not happy with how everything went. Right. Like that.
I think to your point of the crowd was there and that was their like home turf. That's the closest thing to a home event that they're going to get anytime soon. Right. And that might sound a little bit harsh, but that's the state of the world right now. So, yeah, I think that the crowd, hopefully they also can perceive him as what he is, which is which is a young man. And they don't take it.
I think to your point of the crowd was there and that was their like home turf. That's the closest thing to a home event that they're going to get anytime soon. Right. And that might sound a little bit harsh, but that's the state of the world right now. So, yeah, I think that the crowd, hopefully they also can perceive him as what he is, which is which is a young man. And they don't take it.
Yeah. In which facet, Jason? Literally? Financially?
Yeah. In which facet, Jason? Literally? Financially?
Was Ashton Kutcher going to come out as a callback?
Was Ashton Kutcher going to come out as a callback?
You think I'd know.
You think I'd know.
Yeah, that's some of the favorite out there. I think the Aurora...
Yeah, that's some of the favorite out there. I think the Aurora...
Oh, yeah, you can do that for sure.
Oh, yeah, you can do that for sure.
Well, not for this event. For the next one. Just for the bedroom.
Well, not for this event. For the next one. Just for the bedroom.
You can't return those clothes. As long as you get it cleaned first, I think it's okay. Just don't tell anybody.
You can't return those clothes. As long as you get it cleaned first, I think it's okay. Just don't tell anybody.
That's probably the only tie you would wear. Do you think if I was walking around the street in a cowboy outfit in Austin, Texas, there'd be some looks? No.
That's probably the only tie you would wear. Do you think if I was walking around the street in a cowboy outfit in Austin, Texas, there'd be some looks? No.
You can't do that, Jason.
You can't do that, Jason.
furia point is a fun one i saw not a fun one fun's probably not the right word but a good place to start because you know you you discussing the fact that's how you felt coming off the plane i think the fact that for furia the fact that they went deep in the playoff of astana was a good thing so them coming and obviously having to sacrifice to sleep and everything here they're like all right we had a good result in astana
furia point is a fun one i saw not a fun one fun's probably not the right word but a good place to start because you know you you discussing the fact that's how you felt coming off the plane i think the fact that for furia the fact that they went deep in the playoff of astana was a good thing so them coming and obviously having to sacrifice to sleep and everything here they're like all right we had a good result in astana
You just have to let them be.
You just have to let them be.
No, let them be who they are.
No, let them be who they are.
They're a pirate. You're a podcaster.
They're a pirate. You're a podcaster.
I'm glad that he's changed the mic condom.
I'm glad that he's changed the mic condom.
I left stuff at home. I packed very lightly for the five weeks worth of travel.
I left stuff at home. I packed very lightly for the five weeks worth of travel.
Yeah, I think we're probably done.
Yeah, I think we're probably done.
New update with recoil. I need to play some more. I don't even think it makes that big of a difference. I will say.
New update with recoil. I need to play some more. I don't even think it makes that big of a difference. I will say.
Was this one the yesterday one?
Was this one the yesterday one?
The one with Grail. It felt like the most useless update possible.
The one with Grail. It felt like the most useless update possible.
Yeah, they are trolls. Which I admire the fuck out of that. I think it's so easy for them to rile the community up. Yeah. It's the easiest thing to happen.
Yeah, they are trolls. Which I admire the fuck out of that. I think it's so easy for them to rile the community up. Yeah. It's the easiest thing to happen.
Well, that's the thing.
Well, that's the thing.
We've met the devs. Do we think that they go and they read the feedback? Like some of them would.
We've met the devs. Do we think that they go and they read the feedback? Like some of them would.
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
For Aurora, it's probably not the same, but they must have known they were going to make it to the playoffs at the very least. They made it to every single playoffs of every single event they fucking attended this year.
For Aurora, it's probably not the same, but they must have known they were going to make it to the playoffs at the very least. They made it to every single playoffs of every single event they fucking attended this year.
would have definitely expected to be heroic i don't think if they weren't traveling in from astana then yeah yeah yeah i think so too i think so too um it's just one of those scenarios where you get dealt that dud hand and they beat them in the rematch so you know they got there actually i mean and i'll be honest you didn't even really get a delta hand you just this is the decision you made
would have definitely expected to be heroic i don't think if they weren't traveling in from astana then yeah yeah yeah i think so too i think so too um it's just one of those scenarios where you get dealt that dud hand and they beat them in the rematch so you know they got there actually i mean and i'll be honest you didn't even really get a delta hand you just this is the decision you made
Yeah, you know like that's you guys just started to go on the schedule and this is just the result Didn't the Dallas invites come out before the Astana once? Yeah, okay So if you agreed to do Dallas and then you accepted Astana.
Yeah, you know like that's you guys just started to go on the schedule and this is just the result Didn't the Dallas invites come out before the Astana once? Yeah, okay So if you agreed to do Dallas and then you accepted Astana.
The cognitive function is going to be laggy, right? And if everybody's functioning at 70% and the team's operating at fucking 40%.
The cognitive function is going to be laggy, right? And if everybody's functioning at 70% and the team's operating at fucking 40%.
But Furia, I guess we could dip into both events, really, because it was the debut for them with the international roster in Astana. And I think they surprised many people. Molotov was fun to watch. He wasn't always at the top of the scoreboard, but he had some nice moments, which is essentially what you're looking for. Fallen was...
But Furia, I guess we could dip into both events, really, because it was the debut for them with the international roster in Astana. And I think they surprised many people. Molotov was fun to watch. He wasn't always at the top of the scoreboard, but he had some nice moments, which is essentially what you're looking for. Fallen was...
more handy on the rifle than i would have expected overall then you had yuri and astana playing really strong so i think as a hail mary attempt and a roster that might not look like this after the tournament break i think this is better than what they had before right and maybe it gets them a little bit further in the major than what it would have otherwise but at least it's a step being made they took a map off of spirit
more handy on the rifle than i would have expected overall then you had yuri and astana playing really strong so i think as a hail mary attempt and a roster that might not look like this after the tournament break i think this is better than what they had before right and maybe it gets them a little bit further in the major than what it would have otherwise but at least it's a step being made they took a map off of spirit
I think the context needs to be made that the walk back from the venue to the hotel is about 45 minutes. Sorry.
I think the context needs to be made that the walk back from the venue to the hotel is about 45 minutes. Sorry.
Do you know, I haven't been outside because I feel like walking from the hotel to the venue feels like you're outside.
Do you know, I haven't been outside because I feel like walking from the hotel to the venue feels like you're outside.
Yeah, you feel it. Which is probably why I'm feeling a bit off. I should go out in the sun.
Yeah, you feel it. Which is probably why I'm feeling a bit off. I should go out in the sun.
It's just, it's chocolate honeycomb flavored.
It's just, it's chocolate honeycomb flavored.
I'll tell you, Chad, because I felt the same, but it's different when it's your kid. I imagine so, Janko. Then somehow you're like cool to do all that stuff. You still kind of hate doing it with other people's kids. At least I do. But, you know. I do too. For my kid, I'm like, yeah, it's interesting. It's like having, you know, it's like a really, really long RPG campaign.
I'll tell you, Chad, because I felt the same, but it's different when it's your kid. I imagine so, Janko. Then somehow you're like cool to do all that stuff. You still kind of hate doing it with other people's kids. At least I do. But, you know. I do too. For my kid, I'm like, yeah, it's interesting. It's like having, you know, it's like a really, really long RPG campaign.
Well, I don't weigh down on any children.
Well, I don't weigh down on any children.
I think the major playoffs were sick. We had a lot of good games, actually. Agreed. Wild games. Even on the quarterfinal days, we had some sick individual performances from different players on different maps, sick moments, exciting games, exciting narratives. So just the first overall impression, it was a good major. Yeah.
I think the major playoffs were sick. We had a lot of good games, actually. Agreed. Wild games. Even on the quarterfinal days, we had some sick individual performances from different players on different maps, sick moments, exciting games, exciting narratives. So just the first overall impression, it was a good major. Yeah.
Like, there weren't any big hiccups in terms of, like, problems, issues, nothing like that, right? Am I forgetting something?
Like, there weren't any big hiccups in terms of, like, problems, issues, nothing like that, right? Am I forgetting something?
They could have won that series.
They could have won that series.
And right before the inauguration, so, you know.
And right before the inauguration, so, you know.
But the question is also like, I think mostly in regards to Magix and his performance, like, do you think that's a replicable performance from him that he had in the grand final? Or was it just like a one-off that he just had a day, right?
But the question is also like, I think mostly in regards to Magix and his performance, like, do you think that's a replicable performance from him that he had in the grand final? Or was it just like a one-off that he just had a day, right?
What's the difference between a bad player and a guy who's been playing bad for a long time?
What's the difference between a bad player and a guy who's been playing bad for a long time?
You know, I can agree with you that he's definitely had his good moments. Even in Katowice, it was also, you know, obviously, Donk is always going to lead the way for them. Like, there's no doubt about that. But if they're going to win a tournament, other guys have to do a bare minimum, you know, in their roles, right? Like, you can't just...
You know, I can agree with you that he's definitely had his good moments. Even in Katowice, it was also, you know, obviously, Donk is always going to lead the way for them. Like, there's no doubt about that. But if they're going to win a tournament, other guys have to do a bare minimum, you know, in their roles, right? Like, you can't just...
fumble kills and fumble rounds and just be half useless on maps like even donk can't get you out of that rut so and for any team one result like won't change the way you're thinking about stuff right and and and how you evaluate your team like sure you're going to be happy that you won but any every team you're always looking at how do we win consistently
fumble kills and fumble rounds and just be half useless on maps like even donk can't get you out of that rut so and for any team one result like won't change the way you're thinking about stuff right and and and how you evaluate your team like sure you're going to be happy that you won but any every team you're always looking at how do we win consistently
And do we feel like we can, in every tournament, go and be one of the favorites, right? And it's going to take the utmost best from anyone else to take us down. And I don't think necessarily Spirit. I think definitely, man, just the eye test. When you watch them play, they're not a team that's super clean. They're not a team that's...
And do we feel like we can, in every tournament, go and be one of the favorites, right? And it's going to take the utmost best from anyone else to take us down. And I don't think necessarily Spirit. I think definitely, man, just the eye test. When you watch them play, they're not a team that's super clean. They're not a team that's...
like super well drilled that has a lot of depth like they're just not like they're a team that has the best player in the world right and then have some other guys who at different times if they can step up and do a little bit the stars it might be as well yeah
like super well drilled that has a lot of depth like they're just not like they're a team that has the best player in the world right and then have some other guys who at different times if they can step up and do a little bit the stars it might be as well yeah
may as well align for them and then they can go on to win a tournament i i think just love the majors man because it's like the pinnacle of competitive counter-strike and and you can sit here and talk about ifs and what's included like not he wasn't even in the playoffs so then all of a sudden it looks like a fucking open major for g2 right like the one team that they struggled against is not even in the playoffs i was actually most worried about the heroic game i was like if they're able to beat heroic
may as well align for them and then they can go on to win a tournament i i think just love the majors man because it's like the pinnacle of competitive counter-strike and and you can sit here and talk about ifs and what's included like not he wasn't even in the playoffs so then all of a sudden it looks like a fucking open major for g2 right like the one team that they struggled against is not even in the playoffs i was actually most worried about the heroic game i was like if they're able to beat heroic
I thought they were going to win it all, because I didn't... They have such a good track record against the other teams. I think only if Maus was in the final, it could have been tricky, right? But against Spirit and FaZe, they have such a good track record. And then you go into the semifinal against FaZe, and their best two players are Snacks and Hunter. It's just, you know... No, but it's...
I thought they were going to win it all, because I didn't... They have such a good track record against the other teams. I think only if Maus was in the final, it could have been tricky, right? But against Spirit and FaZe, they have such a good track record. And then you go into the semifinal against FaZe, and their best two players are Snacks and Hunter. It's just, you know... No, but it's...
what you're not going to you know that cannot happen simple as that and it is a byproduct you know like you can forgive malbs for his performance like he is his first major very new yes absolutely and he did have a great map um against heroic otherwise you know a bit of a shaky series in some moments like you look at that nuke like g2 should have won nuke so easily.
what you're not going to you know that cannot happen simple as that and it is a byproduct you know like you can forgive malbs for his performance like he is his first major very new yes absolutely and he did have a great map um against heroic otherwise you know a bit of a shaky series in some moments like you look at that nuke like g2 should have won nuke so easily.
I mean, they were losing so many silly rounds against, I mean, you just look at that 4v2 pistol round, man. And unfortunately, a couple of times, it was mild. It was like, I mean, it's like, how do you say it, the deer in the headlights. It's just kind of stuck doing something that if you ask him after the game, I'm sure, what was going through his head, he's like, I don't know.
I mean, they were losing so many silly rounds against, I mean, you just look at that 4v2 pistol round, man. And unfortunately, a couple of times, it was mild. It was like, I mean, it's like, how do you say it, the deer in the headlights. It's just kind of stuck doing something that if you ask him after the game, I'm sure, what was going through his head, he's like, I don't know.
It would just be like, it's just sort of a joke, right? And it's unfortunate that it happened a couple of times in some key moments, right, that Montessi wasn't on his game either.
It would just be like, it's just sort of a joke, right? And it's unfortunate that it happened a couple of times in some key moments, right, that Montessi wasn't on his game either.
Yeah. And then you had Nico, which is like the one I feel like still flaw in his game. And it's not necessarily a small one is that he still has moments where he tries to do too much. Like he tries to force. plays and, like, tries to, you know, go for a play when there's no play there for him to make, right? And instead, he just ends up giving his life away or whatever.
Yeah. And then you had Nico, which is like the one I feel like still flaw in his game. And it's not necessarily a small one is that he still has moments where he tries to do too much. Like he tries to force. plays and, like, tries to, you know, go for a play when there's no play there for him to make, right? And instead, he just ends up giving his life away or whatever.
I can't say it was egregious, you know, against FaZe or Nuke, but there was that one round where they were sort of wrapping Heaven and they smoked, FaZe smoked Windows and Mini and Rain jumped and he was the one making noise, but Frozen was with him and Brokey with the C4. They wanted to sort of
I can't say it was egregious, you know, against FaZe or Nuke, but there was that one round where they were sort of wrapping Heaven and they smoked, FaZe smoked Windows and Mini and Rain jumped and he was the one making noise, but Frozen was with him and Brokey with the C4. They wanted to sort of
split a uh in a way and an equal herd rain and just walk through the main smoke you know and frozen was waiting for him and just killed him freely like this was one of the reset rounds late into the game and it's like i think if he's able to just that one last bit um sort of put under put under control
split a uh in a way and an equal herd rain and just walk through the main smoke you know and frozen was waiting for him and just killed him freely like this was one of the reset rounds late into the game and it's like i think if he's able to just that one last bit um sort of put under put under control
I think that's the final hurdle because someone will say, yeah, but what about the Heroic game and when he had seven 3k rounds in the CT side? Yeah, but if you remember some of those, it's actually him playing relatively chill and then just they were coming his way and he was able to connect on the kills and had really good kills.
I think that's the final hurdle because someone will say, yeah, but what about the Heroic game and when he had seven 3k rounds in the CT side? Yeah, but if you remember some of those, it's actually him playing relatively chill and then just they were coming his way and he was able to connect on the kills and had really good kills.
And then a couple of times it's like, all right, this is like a sort of a 50-50 fight, maybe a 40-60 fight. I'm going to swing because I'm better and I'm going to get the frag. Like, those are fine. That's not what I'm talking about. It's just like...
And then a couple of times it's like, all right, this is like a sort of a 50-50 fight, maybe a 40-60 fight. I'm going to swing because I'm better and I'm going to get the frag. Like, those are fine. That's not what I'm talking about. It's just like...
Like something where you're just watching, it's like, this is not the play, you know, like this is not going to work on, on this level of play. So yeah, it was unfortunate. I think on ancient, when you look at it, it's like Kerrigan just going a, every single gun round, you know, in different ways. Yeah.
Like something where you're just watching, it's like, this is not the play, you know, like this is not going to work on, on this level of play. So yeah, it was unfortunate. I think on ancient, when you look at it, it's like Kerrigan just going a, every single gun round, you know, in different ways. Yeah.
And that's where also, you know, when someone, he even had good stats for that one, but he couldn't find too much impact because they're just, you know, he's always in retake or whatever. And a couple of times they won one half by on B. And that's where you see on the T side a couple of rounds that like G2 just usually would win, but they don't win.
And that's where also, you know, when someone, he even had good stats for that one, but he couldn't find too much impact because they're just, you know, he's always in retake or whatever. And a couple of times they won one half by on B. And that's where you see on the T side a couple of rounds that like G2 just usually would win, but they don't win.
The one 4v3 where Kerrigan gets a double from Long and they can't, you know, Monacy and I think it was Monacy and someone else like, you know, whatever, 2vX, like they can't do anything. And then it was the one with Monacy and Malbz in a 2v3 where Malbz was on the flank and sort of saw a guy Long and then he went short. Oh, yeah, yeah.
The one 4v3 where Kerrigan gets a double from Long and they can't, you know, Monacy and I think it was Monacy and someone else like, you know, whatever, 2vX, like they can't do anything. And then it was the one with Monacy and Malbz in a 2v3 where Malbz was on the flank and sort of saw a guy Long and then he went short. Oh, yeah, yeah.
yeah but it's like there's no way how there's no way that guy you saw was the guy you killed like it just doesn't make any sense but that also tells you about the panic depression and also honestly looking like everywhere because i guess he heard the crowd and then he thought someone was behind but actually crowds couldn't believe they they didn't know about the long guy so
yeah but it's like there's no way how there's no way that guy you saw was the guy you killed like it just doesn't make any sense but that also tells you about the panic depression and also honestly looking like everywhere because i guess he heard the crowd and then he thought someone was behind but actually crowds couldn't believe they they didn't know about the long guy so
It's just one of those things where that's why FaZe is FaZe. And I, bro, I did not believe. I have no shame in saying it. I thought they were not even going to make the playoffs, really. And then when they got to the playoffs, I thought they limped into the playoffs. I thought Vitality was going to put them out of their misery, especially after Map 1. But that's the difference.
It's just one of those things where that's why FaZe is FaZe. And I, bro, I did not believe. I have no shame in saying it. I thought they were not even going to make the playoffs, really. And then when they got to the playoffs, I thought they limped into the playoffs. I thought Vitality was going to put them out of their misery, especially after Map 1. But that's the difference.
It's like if, and it was a very big if in this particular tournament...
It's like if, and it was a very big if in this particular tournament...
if they cannot walk that they have that's fucking thing that's the thing that face as is in those moments at the highest of pressure situations like their players elevate their game they don't crumble under pressure pressure it sort of strength and threatens them and they rise to it and you have carried and who is you cannot agree this ideal of all time probably the greatest
if they cannot walk that they have that's fucking thing that's the thing that face as is in those moments at the highest of pressure situations like their players elevate their game they don't crumble under pressure pressure it sort of strength and threatens them and they rise to it and you have carried and who is you cannot agree this ideal of all time probably the greatest
playoffs now major playoffs you know big moment igl that we've had because whenever you watch them play it's layered it's like there's a game plan there's conditioning there's all this stuff that just makes it easier and you can really see it on the server and sort of appreciate the beauty of it in a way
playoffs now major playoffs you know big moment igl that we've had because whenever you watch them play it's layered it's like there's a game plan there's conditioning there's all this stuff that just makes it easier and you can really see it on the server and sort of appreciate the beauty of it in a way
That's the best he's played in a long time. Any team that's going to win the major, you know, is going to have...
That's the best he's played in a long time. Any team that's going to win the major, you know, is going to have...
some sick individual performances like you're never going to have a team where it's like oh yeah they're just all sort of average you know even navi winning and it's sort of being a a fluke that like jl had sick fucking rounds and you had bit on inferno on the final map just going like so like that's counter-strike that's how it has to be anyone who thinks otherwise is sort of like the lulu yeah you couldn't win with just team-based counter-strike the whole time it has to be something at some point
some sick individual performances like you're never going to have a team where it's like oh yeah they're just all sort of average you know even navi winning and it's sort of being a a fluke that like jl had sick fucking rounds and you had bit on inferno on the final map just going like so like that's counter-strike that's how it has to be anyone who thinks otherwise is sort of like the lulu yeah you couldn't win with just team-based counter-strike the whole time it has to be something at some point
Well, still, the only team that ZywOo beat in the major playoffs is Cloud9 in Copenhagen.
Well, still, the only team that ZywOo beat in the major playoffs is Cloud9 in Copenhagen.
That's a crazy stat. Or whatever, which is like, you know, it's a nice one for the ZywOo haters to bring up. Obviously, they won other big tournaments and won other big playoff series, and he's played well. I think... Man, I love Apex. I think he's a great IGL, but... You look at that quarterfinal and Anubis, like the calling, why was he calling?
That's a crazy stat. Or whatever, which is like, you know, it's a nice one for the ZywOo haters to bring up. Obviously, they won other big tournaments and won other big playoff series, and he's played well. I think... Man, I love Apex. I think he's a great IGL, but... You look at that quarterfinal and Anubis, like the calling, why was he calling?
What was all the rush on their T side after being up 3-0? Because the first round they lose was actually two saved guns and three pistols or whatever, some saved guns and pistols. and pistols, and it's just ending rounds at like 1.15, 1.20, 1 minute mark, which I know people will say, well, 1 minute isn't super early, like a lot of teams do that.
What was all the rush on their T side after being up 3-0? Because the first round they lose was actually two saved guns and three pistols or whatever, some saved guns and pistols. and pistols, and it's just ending rounds at like 1.15, 1.20, 1 minute mark, which I know people will say, well, 1 minute isn't super early, like a lot of teams do that.
It's like, yeah, sure, but, I mean, when you're playing from ahead one thing, you're playing Anubis, which actually, you know, gives to the slow pace, like, it's very difficult for the CTs, you can always count on them having to make a move, and then you can go to punish that. I really did feel like he sort of called FaZe back into that map. And things then spiraled a little bit out of control.
It's like, yeah, sure, but, I mean, when you're playing from ahead one thing, you're playing Anubis, which actually, you know, gives to the slow pace, like, it's very difficult for the CTs, you can always count on them having to make a move, and then you can go to punish that. I really did feel like he sort of called FaZe back into that map. And things then spiraled a little bit out of control.
Then you had ROPS waking up and all these different guys having different moments and just faceclam, becoming faceclam. But also, you look at the last couple of tournaments, sort of, that Vitality, and look at the series that they get eliminated. Like, it's not looking good for Apex in those series on an individual level.
Then you had ROPS waking up and all these different guys having different moments and just faceclam, becoming faceclam. But also, you look at the last couple of tournaments, sort of, that Vitality, and look at the series that they get eliminated. Like, it's not looking good for Apex in those series on an individual level.
And sometimes on the way, you know, let's say the T-sides have looked at different times and...
And sometimes on the way, you know, let's say the T-sides have looked at different times and...
he is a guy that has these positions with more responsibility not your typical igl shit roles right but actually things like yard on nuke and so on and he's been vocal i think maybe it was spring fall finals or something like that where he was like you know taking accountability publicly saying this one's on me you know i play like shit i call like shit and that's all great but he needs to sort of
he is a guy that has these positions with more responsibility not your typical igl shit roles right but actually things like yard on nuke and so on and he's been vocal i think maybe it was spring fall finals or something like that where he was like you know taking accountability publicly saying this one's on me you know i play like shit i call like shit and that's all great but he needs to sort of
snap out of it i feel like with whoever comes to vitality um next because it it was one of the main issues why they've been losing spinks look liberated in the second half of the year probably knowing he was on his way out and played with more balls and was more aggressive which which was great for him and great for the team i think that was the issue with him before where just way too passive sometimes man especially on t-side on his lurks it's like
snap out of it i feel like with whoever comes to vitality um next because it it was one of the main issues why they've been losing spinks look liberated in the second half of the year probably knowing he was on his way out and played with more balls and was more aggressive which which was great for him and great for the team i think that was the issue with him before where just way too passive sometimes man especially on t-side on his lurks it's like
nothing there's nothing there it's like a mini happy sort of so yeah we'll see what happens with them but They have Fremzy, they have Xivu. They have Firepower.
nothing there's nothing there it's like a mini happy sort of so yeah we'll see what happens with them but They have Fremzy, they have Xivu. They have Firepower.
Yeah, that was a good decision from Kerrigan, though, to put them on something that's more uncomfortable and they might sort of crumble if things start going south, and that's exactly what happened, really, in a way.
Yeah, that was a good decision from Kerrigan, though, to put them on something that's more uncomfortable and they might sort of crumble if things start going south, and that's exactly what happened, really, in a way.
I think they were all right. I had them in my pick-ems. I had the Liquid beating Spirit. Yeah, and I think they had their chances to win that game. But I think sort of as you alluded to it a little bit, it's just the departments in which they were lacking... still just a tiny bit that sort of in a game like that against a team like Spirit and a player like Donk is going to cost you the game.
I think they were all right. I had them in my pick-ems. I had the Liquid beating Spirit. Yeah, and I think they had their chances to win that game. But I think sort of as you alluded to it a little bit, it's just the departments in which they were lacking... still just a tiny bit that sort of in a game like that against a team like Spirit and a player like Donk is going to cost you the game.
You know, they had I think it was they had a 4v3 on Anubis on T side. There was a lot of time left into the round. They didn't like... They blind called into a stack. Yeah, they blind called into a blind called B split where there was a stack and Donk had a saved AK and then he got the
You know, they had I think it was they had a 4v3 on Anubis on T side. There was a lot of time left into the round. They didn't like... They blind called into a stack. Yeah, they blind called into a blind called B split where there was a stack and Donk had a saved AK and then he got the
four more kills and aids them right like that's not that's just not a good call like you need to send a scout somewhere or you need to do it differently right like that's just a bad call like sure dong did a good job of getting but they weren't even that difficult kills to get it was mostly like easy kills for him like yeah yeah debating for him right you had that um
four more kills and aids them right like that's not that's just not a good call like you need to send a scout somewhere or you need to do it differently right like that's just a bad call like sure dong did a good job of getting but they weren't even that difficult kills to get it was mostly like easy kills for him like yeah yeah debating for him right you had that um
I mean, now it was a while ago, so I don't remember what else was there on Anubis.
I mean, now it was a while ago, so I don't remember what else was there on Anubis.
Yeah, and then you also had on Dust 2, it was a 13-11 game where they lose the second round, where again, they don't take cat control, right, it's T, and just go sort of into a B split, again, kind of blindly. So a couple of mistakes like that were then, once they actually started playing well and Nikinder picked up a little bit, all of a sudden, wow, they're coming back, they're coming back, and
Yeah, and then you also had on Dust 2, it was a 13-11 game where they lose the second round, where again, they don't take cat control, right, it's T, and just go sort of into a B split, again, kind of blindly. So a couple of mistakes like that were then, once they actually started playing well and Nikinder picked up a little bit, all of a sudden, wow, they're coming back, they're coming back, and
They've got some great gabagool there, Jason, right? Yeah, some good gabagool as well. Some great waste management companies there. Some concrete booties. As you do.
They've got some great gabagool there, Jason, right? Yeah, some good gabagool as well. Some great waste management companies there. Some concrete booties. As you do.
Then at the very final round, it's kind of one duel, like with Yekinder on long, that he loses the duel against an MP9, right? And that was against sort of a weak buy, right? Four MP9s, one M4. Yeah, and they lose that round and could have taken it to OT. So it's like there was good stuff there, but it just wasn't on a consistent enough level to be able to beat Spirit, which is...
Then at the very final round, it's kind of one duel, like with Yekinder on long, that he loses the duel against an MP9, right? And that was against sort of a weak buy, right? Four MP9s, one M4. Yeah, and they lose that round and could have taken it to OT. So it's like there was good stuff there, but it just wasn't on a consistent enough level to be able to beat Spirit, which is...
yeah sucks for team liquid but on the other side you know kind of gives you hope that with some extra time and them ironing out this stuff twist picking up a little bit he also had a poor individual map on um anubis uh himself so if that picks up a little bit all of a sudden i mean they're right there man they're not far far away you're believing in this liquid lineup I mean, why not?
yeah sucks for team liquid but on the other side you know kind of gives you hope that with some extra time and them ironing out this stuff twist picking up a little bit he also had a poor individual map on um anubis uh himself so if that picks up a little bit all of a sudden i mean they're right there man they're not far far away you're believing in this liquid lineup I mean, why not?
Depends on what you mean. Better than the last one. I still think they should look to upgrade on Yukindar. I still think they should try and get some other space creator rifler. I don't know. It's kind of tough. Because we were just talking about FaZe and how you want veterans and you want experienced guys who've done it before and then...
Depends on what you mean. Better than the last one. I still think they should look to upgrade on Yukindar. I still think they should try and get some other space creator rifler. I don't know. It's kind of tough. Because we were just talking about FaZe and how you want veterans and you want experienced guys who've done it before and then...
You know, I was, you know, we were talking before about Liquid and who could they, who they could get potentially, right? Like, yeah, you could, and then you get exertion, right? But what's he doing in these big games? He's also sort of shitting the bed, right? Like, so, and that's the thing that you need to think about is like, you're not...
You know, I was, you know, we were talking before about Liquid and who could they, who they could get potentially, right? Like, yeah, you could, and then you get exertion, right? But what's he doing in these big games? He's also sort of shitting the bed, right? Like, so, and that's the thing that you need to think about is like, you're not...
The goal you want to reach is winning tournaments, right? So you don't need a guy who's going to mop up in groups. Like, sure, that's also important to get to the playoffs. But you need guys who are going to do it in the big games when the spotlight is on.
The goal you want to reach is winning tournaments, right? So you don't need a guy who's going to mop up in groups. Like, sure, that's also important to get to the playoffs. But you need guys who are going to do it in the big games when the spotlight is on.
And I don't know what the issue is necessarily with exertion of some of the mouse guys because he has, like, a good head on his shoulders when you talk to him or when he talks in interviews. Yeah, it's very mature, right? So it's sort of just...
And I don't know what the issue is necessarily with exertion of some of the mouse guys because he has, like, a good head on his shoulders when you talk to him or when he talks in interviews. Yeah, it's very mature, right? So it's sort of just...
that was super fucking painful though like one kill like that and then you go on and that was the 13 11 dust 2 game like i was watching that i was like bro this is like fucking whore you can't and and thank you chat because you reminded me on one thing that i think is the biggest problem for liquid is their city size they do way too many setups They do way too many.
that was super fucking painful though like one kill like that and then you go on and that was the 13 11 dust 2 game like i was watching that i was like bro this is like fucking whore you can't and and thank you chat because you reminded me on one thing that i think is the biggest problem for liquid is their city size they do way too many setups They do way too many.
They make a lot of plays, especially with Jekinder. They need to play more default, man, because that's what they did in that round. Ultimate dies. Then they played too long. Too long, 2B. Spirit goes out short, and that's it. The round is over. I know it's hard in that situation. You could either play 3A and then cover both long and short or play for short.
They make a lot of plays, especially with Jekinder. They need to play more default, man, because that's what they did in that round. Ultimate dies. Then they played too long. Too long, 2B. Spirit goes out short, and that's it. The round is over. I know it's hard in that situation. You could either play 3A and then cover both long and short or play for short.
It's difficult with only two guys, is what I'm saying, to play for both long and short. but it doesn't even matter that particular round, just in general, right? You can see how teams have figured it out a little bit.
It's difficult with only two guys, is what I'm saying, to play for both long and short. but it doesn't even matter that particular round, just in general, right? You can see how teams have figured it out a little bit.
So why did Liquid hedge Long? It's always, you wonder, sometimes guys try to be a little bit too smart over thinking, okay, they know that... Bro, put Twist at mid-long with a rifle.
So why did Liquid hedge Long? It's always, you wonder, sometimes guys try to be a little bit too smart over thinking, okay, they know that... Bro, put Twist at mid-long with a rifle.
I guess even as an individual because that's where you have the advantage you know they're on a shit buy and they didn't come up close so anytime like you can get long he was getting he got it basically he's clearing pit side he just he just lost a duel against an mp9 like that's that's not a bad play that's not a bad trade just a guy not being able to like get the kill I think and he was caught a little bit like he wasn't holding from door anymore he was like sort of now he was out and then the guy swung and he lost the fight to an mp9 like
I guess even as an individual because that's where you have the advantage you know they're on a shit buy and they didn't come up close so anytime like you can get long he was getting he got it basically he's clearing pit side he just he just lost a duel against an mp9 like that's that's not a bad play that's not a bad trade just a guy not being able to like get the kill I think and he was caught a little bit like he wasn't holding from door anymore he was like sort of now he was out and then the guy swung and he lost the fight to an mp9 like
yeah and like chad said he was finding a lot of entries there in previous rounds so it's like if he got that kill you would be saying wow your kinder so sick liquid came back thanks for kinder right like Don't just play the outcome, Jason.
yeah and like chad said he was finding a lot of entries there in previous rounds so it's like if he got that kill you would be saying wow your kinder so sick liquid came back thanks for kinder right like Don't just play the outcome, Jason.
So he should have just held the corner from door.
So he should have just held the corner from door.
I get what you're saying now, Jason. He should have just sort of... You've been vindicated, Jason. Just like all American viewers and listeners. I remember it differently. I thought he had vision from the start of the round, then he just decided to move at some point.
I get what you're saying now, Jason. He should have just sort of... You've been vindicated, Jason. Just like all American viewers and listeners. I remember it differently. I thought he had vision from the start of the round, then he just decided to move at some point.
Like, I don't know why people thought, like... Recency bias, bro. That's it. Like, it's wild. Like, they played the best CS that any team from Asia has ever played. No doubt about that. But they were going up against Maus. I mean, if they're going up against Liquid, I'd probably sort of give it to them to run that hot hand. But, you know, Maus' broken hearts...
Like, I don't know why people thought, like... Recency bias, bro. That's it. Like, it's wild. Like, they played the best CS that any team from Asia has ever played. No doubt about that. But they were going up against Maus. I mean, if they're going up against Liquid, I'd probably sort of give it to them to run that hot hand. But, you know, Maus' broken hearts...
before of people who are, like, more experienced on the... And sure, they don't do it... This is the thing with Maus. They don't choke at the start of the bracket. You know, they don't choke in the quarterfinal. They choke, like, deeper on, you know, depending on the opponent. Like, Maus was not going to lose to the Mongols, man. And look how great, like...
before of people who are, like, more experienced on the... And sure, they don't do it... This is the thing with Maus. They don't choke at the start of the bracket. You know, they don't choke in the quarterfinal. They choke, like, deeper on, you know, depending on the opponent. Like, Maus was not going to lose to the Mongols, man. And look how great, like...
even that they had that mad comeback on map one so mongol said everything going their way and they still couldn't like close out sanzu choked right which is again not shocking he's what 18 years old 19 years old right like that team is super young it's the youngest team ever i think for me the most positive thing is just mzinho because i remember when he first uh played
even that they had that mad comeback on map one so mongol said everything going their way and they still couldn't like close out sanzu choked right which is again not shocking he's what 18 years old 19 years old right like that team is super young it's the youngest team ever i think for me the most positive thing is just mzinho because i remember when he first uh played
Yeah, he was the bad weather, yeah. He was pretty lost and didn't know what he was doing, really. And he's just evolved so much as a player, where now he's like their most solid guy, arguably.
Yeah, he was the bad weather, yeah. He was pretty lost and didn't know what he was doing, really. And he's just evolved so much as a player, where now he's like their most solid guy, arguably.
I don't know how it's going to work in the next major cycle, but I mean, they also got an elimination stage spot for the Asian region. So that's while NA got one back with Liquid. So Europe doesn't have eight anymore. They're back to having six. Hell yeah. Yeah. What do you guys... What do you guys make of... Sorry, go for it.
I don't know how it's going to work in the next major cycle, but I mean, they also got an elimination stage spot for the Asian region. So that's while NA got one back with Liquid. So Europe doesn't have eight anymore. They're back to having six. Hell yeah. Yeah. What do you guys... What do you guys make of... Sorry, go for it.
No, I was going to say like for sort of... Well, where were you going to go?
No, I was going to say like for sort of... Well, where were you going to go?
Not on Mongols? Not on Mongols. No, me neither. Where were we going? I was going to go to the winning moment. All right, then do that. Mine is like three steps ahead. Okay.
Not on Mongols? Not on Mongols. No, me neither. Where were we going? I was going to go to the winning moment. All right, then do that. Mine is like three steps ahead. Okay.
It's just crazy, like, these standards that people hold, like, a 17-year-old kid to, you know? For me, dunk is literally what we were at when we started playing, like, competitive and went to, like, local lands, right? And your goal was just to... demolish the other team, yell in their face, sort of humiliate them during the game and then shake hands after the game, all still mates, right?
It's just crazy, like, these standards that people hold, like, a 17-year-old kid to, you know? For me, dunk is literally what we were at when we started playing, like, competitive and went to, like, local lands, right? And your goal was just to... demolish the other team, yell in their face, sort of humiliate them during the game and then shake hands after the game, all still mates, right?
The usual. The only difference is he's doing it on the fucking biggest of stages, right? In his first year in tier one and doing it on that level. But his attitude is the same. His approach is the same. He doesn't give a fuck, bro, about being the number one player in the world, about this, about that. He just wants to beat every single opponent he plays against. That's all there is to it.
The usual. The only difference is he's doing it on the fucking biggest of stages, right? In his first year in tier one and doing it on that level. But his attitude is the same. His approach is the same. He doesn't give a fuck, bro, about being the number one player in the world, about this, about that. He just wants to beat every single opponent he plays against. That's all there is to it.
He doesn't care about interviews. He doesn't care about fame. He doesn't care about whatever. It's all just a chore to him. He just wants to play Counter-Strike and own people. And that's awesome. People expecting I don't know what from him. That's in your head. Like, he doesn't have to do any of that shit. I don't think he was disrespectful.
He doesn't care about interviews. He doesn't care about fame. He doesn't care about whatever. It's all just a chore to him. He just wants to play Counter-Strike and own people. And that's awesome. People expecting I don't know what from him. That's in your head. Like, he doesn't have to do any of that shit. I don't think he was disrespectful.
He was probably a little, man, he was probably a little sort of also in himself. Can you imagine? I mean, also, do you remember that fucking last map? Yeah. Do you remember the 2v4 round right before the last round? Maybe some of the craziest shit. I'm telling you, Spirit was lucky that Halle was out of timeouts. Because he would have called one and they would have lost.
He was probably a little, man, he was probably a little sort of also in himself. Can you imagine? I mean, also, do you remember that fucking last map? Yeah. Do you remember the 2v4 round right before the last round? Maybe some of the craziest shit. I'm telling you, Spirit was lucky that Halle was out of timeouts. Because he would have called one and they would have lost.
I'm surprised NEO didn't call one after they won that round. They somehow, why would he? They were on a roll. Somehow they fumbled into winning that last round. Kind of. Like, B split, frozen, choked. Did you see the video of Brokey missing the smoke?
I'm surprised NEO didn't call one after they won that round. They somehow, why would he? They were on a roll. Somehow they fumbled into winning that last round. Kind of. Like, B split, frozen, choked. Did you see the video of Brokey missing the smoke?
I saw that on Reddit just now, and I saw the whole video. Wait, say that again? Your smoke will curve.
I saw that on Reddit just now, and I saw the whole video. Wait, say that again? Your smoke will curve.
Yeah, especially, I mean, man, when it got to Kerrigan after that, you were just, fuck, bro, that was just pain.
Yeah, especially, I mean, man, when it got to Kerrigan after that, you were just, fuck, bro, that was just pain.
We haven't even really talked about him yet in this episode. No, Donk.
We haven't even really talked about him yet in this episode. No, Donk.
He ended dust. We're talking about all these different guys choking, like Froze and Niko doing a little bit too blah, blah, blah. And this kid shows up, decider of the grand final, 30-14, 117 ADR, 1.98 rating in the final map. I mean, it's just unreal how...
He ended dust. We're talking about all these different guys choking, like Froze and Niko doing a little bit too blah, blah, blah. And this kid shows up, decider of the grand final, 30-14, 117 ADR, 1.98 rating in the final map. I mean, it's just unreal how...
Dominant he is, and I know the highest ever he shares with Nikko, like the 170 rating on a S-tier LAN, but I think he definitely clears Nikko because Nikko's was in Cologne, it was in New York, fewer maps, right, and all of that. Donk's was in Katowice, more maps, more maps in the playoffs, a best-of-five grand final. Feels like, yes, statistically it's the same number, but I think...
Dominant he is, and I know the highest ever he shares with Nikko, like the 170 rating on a S-tier LAN, but I think he definitely clears Nikko because Nikko's was in Cologne, it was in New York, fewer maps, right, and all of that. Donk's was in Katowice, more maps, more maps in the playoffs, a best-of-five grand final. Feels like, yes, statistically it's the same number, but I think...
donks it was more difficult to achieve it's always the same thing it's like it's hard it's more difficult to have a high rating over more maps right over a larger sample size so what he was able to achieve it's like this game has not seen it in its 25 year long history man it's just so crazy and what i love the most is his attitude that he doesn't care about like nothing he just wants to like he just plays and runs and shoots and
donks it was more difficult to achieve it's always the same thing it's like it's hard it's more difficult to have a high rating over more maps right over a larger sample size so what he was able to achieve it's like this game has not seen it in its 25 year long history man it's just so crazy and what i love the most is his attitude that he doesn't care about like nothing he just wants to like he just plays and runs and shoots and
Fox, that's it. And eat fucking nuggets and fries. Way to go, bro. It's good for him.
Fox, that's it. And eat fucking nuggets and fries. Way to go, bro. It's good for him.
Yeah. Hello? Well, I guess we'll have to... There he is.
Yeah. Hello? Well, I guess we'll have to... There he is.
yeah yeah yeah that's not even a not even a doubt anymore yeah yeah absolutely i i it's just like bro these other dudes should giving it like you know dong should get 80 70 of the prize pool and the rest of them should split the 30 bro it's like it's that that's how much he's carrying this team like it's actually insane without him i wish i knew how much they wouldn't be a playoff team like
yeah yeah yeah that's not even a not even a doubt anymore yeah yeah absolutely i i it's just like bro these other dudes should giving it like you know dong should get 80 70 of the prize pool and the rest of them should split the 30 bro it's like it's that that's how much he's carrying this team like it's actually insane without him i wish i knew how much they wouldn't be a playoff team like
Without him, I don't know if they make it out of the RMR if they don't have a really good player.
Without him, I don't know if they make it out of the RMR if they don't have a really good player.
But here's the problem. Well, no. For prize money, I feel like it's fine.
But here's the problem. Well, no. For prize money, I feel like it's fine.
Or more, for bigger orgs.
Or more, for bigger orgs.
Well, I mean, the cut for the players is the same, regardless of who the players on the team are. Yeah. No, but I think hopefully Spirit doesn't make the mistake that some orgs have made in the past where they do end up getting a great player on a rookie contract and then they don't offer him...
Well, I mean, the cut for the players is the same, regardless of who the players on the team are. Yeah. No, but I think hopefully Spirit doesn't make the mistake that some orgs have made in the past where they do end up getting a great player on a rookie contract and then they don't offer him...
sort of one even though he still has a lot of years remaining on his rookie deal because it is it is kind of crazy that you know donk would continue on the same contract into next year like that's just that's just egregious if you're a spirit you know yeah you'd help in a way like at least you you know if you bumped him from five to ten he's still severely underpaid but at least you know you've done something you've made an effort right like you've you've you know
sort of one even though he still has a lot of years remaining on his rookie deal because it is it is kind of crazy that you know donk would continue on the same contract into next year like that's just that's just egregious if you're a spirit you know yeah you'd help in a way like at least you you know if you bumped him from five to ten he's still severely underpaid but at least you know you've done something you've made an effort right like you've you've you know
Also, to get... I guess this is a little bit connected. We'll move into all the roster stuff, I guess, now. But one of the things that when we talk about you cut Magix, what do you do, blah, blah, blah. Also, you have this Kyosuke kid on your academy team. What are you going to do? Sell him? either sell him or elevate him into the main squad.
Also, to get... I guess this is a little bit connected. We'll move into all the roster stuff, I guess, now. But one of the things that when we talk about you cut Magix, what do you do, blah, blah, blah. Also, you have this Kyosuke kid on your academy team. What are you going to do? Sell him? either sell him or elevate him into the main squad.
But then you look what Na'Vi did with Monacy, and, you know, I'm sure they, like, in the end, it turned out they would be better off if they kept him, right, instead of that. And it's different because it's an AWPer. You can't have two of those on your team. So one had to go. So you can understand their decision at the time. But here you can have both of them on your team. True. Right?
But then you look what Na'Vi did with Monacy, and, you know, I'm sure they, like, in the end, it turned out they would be better off if they kept him, right, instead of that. And it's different because it's an AWPer. You can't have two of those on your team. So one had to go. So you can understand their decision at the time. But here you can have both of them on your team. True. Right?
And also, yeah, roles do matter. But you can't tell me a 17-year-old can't sort of adjust his... You know, he can only do this one. Like, teach him to do something else, right? And I'm not saying teach a passive player to be aggressive. It's just like he doesn't have to play the exact same position on every map, right?
And also, yeah, roles do matter. But you can't tell me a 17-year-old can't sort of adjust his... You know, he can only do this one. Like, teach him to do something else, right? And I'm not saying teach a passive player to be aggressive. It's just like he doesn't have to play the exact same position on every map, right?
As long as it fits his personality, like we were talking about in the Twists episode, right? Like, you can't make a guy who's... super erratic and active, you can't put them as an anchor.
As long as it fits his personality, like we were talking about in the Twists episode, right? Like, you can't make a guy who's... super erratic and active, you can't put them as an anchor.
Do you think he's a top five player in the world? No. No, I think I would listen to him. He's going to be one for the third year in a row. No, he's not. Shiro's not going to be number five on HLTV this year? No. Well, what do you got?
Do you think he's a top five player in the world? No. No, I think I would listen to him. He's going to be one for the third year in a row. No, he's not. Shiro's not going to be number five on HLTV this year? No. Well, what do you got?
I think that's Janko's point, unfortunately. I'm saying also Spirit has this benefit with this thing that the kids on the Academy team, they can literally just promote him at any point. So maybe if you're Spirit, you feel like, listen, Magix, you did match the number of kills, even though half of them were anti-equal kills. Well, maybe not half, but, you know, of Donk in the grand final.
I think that's Janko's point, unfortunately. I'm saying also Spirit has this benefit with this thing that the kids on the Academy team, they can literally just promote him at any point. So maybe if you're Spirit, you feel like, listen, Magix, you did match the number of kills, even though half of them were anti-equal kills. Well, maybe not half, but, you know, of Donk in the grand final.
So that buys you an extra three months or an extra season. And let's see if you can do a little bit more of that in the future. And then you retain your spot on the team, right? But if not, then, yeah, they just promote the kid and easy peasy.
So that buys you an extra three months or an extra season. And let's see if you can do a little bit more of that in the future. And then you retain your spot on the team, right? But if not, then, yeah, they just promote the kid and easy peasy.
I have to say, also, I'm happy with... I was a little bit worried, like, that, I don't know, Kerrigan just might announce his retirement after the major, like, if they lost or something. Do you think... I don't know. He is like 34, right? And things have been rough lately for him with FaZe and personal life too. So I don't know.
I have to say, also, I'm happy with... I was a little bit worried, like, that, I don't know, Kerrigan just might announce his retirement after the major, like, if they lost or something. Do you think... I don't know. He is like 34, right? And things have been rough lately for him with FaZe and personal life too. So I don't know.
And there were these rumors about whether him and Rain are going to be on FaZe or what's going to happen. What roster changes are they going to make? and so on and so forth. I'm just going to say I'm super happy that he said, you know, there'll be more chances to come. His tweets and everything he was alluding to, obviously still competing and still fighting, and I'm happy for it.
And there were these rumors about whether him and Rain are going to be on FaZe or what's going to happen. What roster changes are they going to make? and so on and so forth. I'm just going to say I'm super happy that he said, you know, there'll be more chances to come. His tweets and everything he was alluding to, obviously still competing and still fighting, and I'm happy for it.
I think he can definitely still do it, no doubt about it. But I don't know if it's going to be in FaZe. I definitely don't think it's going to be with this lineup of FaZe. Like either he's going to go somewhere or he'll stay and there will be roster changes for FaZe.
I think he can definitely still do it, no doubt about it. But I don't know if it's going to be in FaZe. I definitely don't think it's going to be with this lineup of FaZe. Like either he's going to go somewhere or he'll stay and there will be roster changes for FaZe.
Where are you going to record?
Where are you going to record?
Yeah, I mean, the problem, obviously, here's the thing, right? Ultimately, it's on Valve, but there's a reason why they were staying away from anything tournament circuit related for forever, right? Because what they used to say is like, we're not tournament organizers, we're game developers. We don't know about organizing a tournament or, you know, but they realized they need to have...
Yeah, I mean, the problem, obviously, here's the thing, right? Ultimately, it's on Valve, but there's a reason why they were staying away from anything tournament circuit related for forever, right? Because what they used to say is like, we're not tournament organizers, we're game developers. We don't know about organizing a tournament or, you know, but they realized they need to have...
a more hands-on approach slightly more hands-on approach like with the changes they wanted to the circuit they needed to introduce their ranking so they could get rid of the rmrs and this stuff and it made more sense over the course of a year but they're not gonna you know it's it's not gonna be perfect from the get-go like there are going to be kinks like this and i think you nailed the chat with the fact that once tournaments are being ranked next year like they will
a more hands-on approach slightly more hands-on approach like with the changes they wanted to the circuit they needed to introduce their ranking so they could get rid of the rmrs and this stuff and it made more sense over the course of a year but they're not gonna you know it's it's not gonna be perfect from the get-go like there are going to be kinks like this and i think you nailed the chat with the fact that once tournaments are being ranked next year like they will
then the female-only tournaments will be unranked, right? Like, they won't be able to accrue points in the same way by playing in those. And, you know, this situation probably can't happen from next year on. Now, it has happened now, and Blast Bounty is going to be the first tournament of next year. So the worrying thing for me is that this will just be a net negative for female CS.
then the female-only tournaments will be unranked, right? Like, they won't be able to accrue points in the same way by playing in those. And, you know, this situation probably can't happen from next year on. Now, it has happened now, and Blast Bounty is going to be the first tournament of next year. So the worrying thing for me is that this will just be a net negative for female CS.
Like, it will be another hit. Yep. on female cs because you know there is a good enough chance that they'll play in the tournament they'll get you know destroyed heavily by whoever they go up against and be like ah there you go they don't belong with they can't play it's like all this that's like not
Like, it will be another hit. Yep. on female cs because you know there is a good enough chance that they'll play in the tournament they'll get you know destroyed heavily by whoever they go up against and be like ah there you go they don't belong with they can't play it's like all this that's like not
necessarily true, but it's also true that they're not on the level of some of these other teams that are going to be in the tournament. Now, what was going through my head initially was they should have declined the invite. I thought the same thing. They should have declined the invite because it is a little bit of a sort of a loophole that it got to be in that position that they could play in it.
necessarily true, but it's also true that they're not on the level of some of these other teams that are going to be in the tournament. Now, what was going through my head initially was they should have declined the invite. I thought the same thing. They should have declined the invite because it is a little bit of a sort of a loophole that it got to be in that position that they could play in it.
Come on. That's my initial way of thinking.
Come on. That's my initial way of thinking.
Can I finish? Yeah, you can finish. And then we'll get Jason to explain.
Can I finish? Yeah, you can finish. And then we'll get Jason to explain.
But then I thought, well, what if, even though it's a very small chance, what if they win against anyone? Just win a game, right? Or what if they lose, but it's a really competitive game? Yes. Then all of a sudden they've done a good thing for female CS everywhere. Yeah. Jason, over to you.
But then I thought, well, what if, even though it's a very small chance, what if they win against anyone? Just win a game, right? Or what if they lose, but it's a really competitive game? Yes. Then all of a sudden they've done a good thing for female CS everywhere. Yeah. Jason, over to you.
Is it backlash? Backlash, exactly. But there's two worlds, and Janko highlighted both of them.
Is it backlash? Backlash, exactly. But there's two worlds, and Janko highlighted both of them.
No, you can only pick from the top 16. From the top 16? Yeah, you can't pick from anyone.
No, you can only pick from the top 16. From the top 16? Yeah, you can't pick from anyone.
I think the top 16 is now. It has to be now.
I think the top 16 is now. It has to be now.
The one biggest problem for female teams has always been that when they go out, even in these qualifiers and stuff, it's like people play against them with no respect. only because they're female, right? Even though there's actually some good players on those teams, right? And what they do on the server is not like they don't watch tier one CS and try to replicate that.
The one biggest problem for female teams has always been that when they go out, even in these qualifiers and stuff, it's like people play against them with no respect. only because they're female, right? Even though there's actually some good players on those teams, right? And what they do on the server is not like they don't watch tier one CS and try to replicate that.
They do, and they do a decent job at it. The problem is you go up against like Jimmy from Sussex and he's playing against
They do, and they do a decent job at it. The problem is you go up against like Jimmy from Sussex and he's playing against
you know the top female team but he knows they're females and he's like playing no fear and and all this stuff and full disrespect and it's like it's hard for everyone to play against that i mean that was that's art's whole philosophy of playing counter-strike it's just going yolo every single time right and i think that was like always the the issue um when i was around it is like
you know the top female team but he knows they're females and he's like playing no fear and and all this stuff and full disrespect and it's like it's hard for everyone to play against that i mean that was that's art's whole philosophy of playing counter-strike it's just going yolo every single time right and i think that was like always the the issue um when i was around it is like
Well, this is kind of tough, actually, because these people are not doing things that necessarily make sense. They're just doing it because they feel like they can bully you on the server, right? And it's actually because of that way of playing that you are getting screwed. So it's... Double-edged sword? What's the fucking term for that? Something else, but I can't remember now.
Well, this is kind of tough, actually, because these people are not doing things that necessarily make sense. They're just doing it because they feel like they can bully you on the server, right? And it's actually because of that way of playing that you are getting screwed. So it's... Double-edged sword? What's the fucking term for that? Something else, but I can't remember now.
So yeah, we'll see. It's going to be tough. But yeah, I hope they listen to Chad's little speech here and follow through.
So yeah, we'll see. It's going to be tough. But yeah, I hope they listen to Chad's little speech here and follow through.
Let's talk about that after New Year's. There's plenty of time to talk about Blast Bounty, I feel like.
Let's talk about that after New Year's. There's plenty of time to talk about Blast Bounty, I feel like.
You can do an episode, bro, from Belgrade.
You can do an episode, bro, from Belgrade.
Jason can bring his mixer.
Jason can bring his mixer.
We'll figure it out. I just had that realization, you know, just like a light bulb moment.
We'll figure it out. I just had that realization, you know, just like a light bulb moment.
zonic's really not doing many favors these days maybe to chill with the interviews but i don't know i don't know how they how you make those statements and feel like that's justified which part oh zonic yeah like why are you also at the end of the day why are you telling these players you're going to be cut like sure you'll need to lie to them to their faces sort of but it is for me it would be realistic listen you can earn your spot on that roster
zonic's really not doing many favors these days maybe to chill with the interviews but i don't know i don't know how they how you make those statements and feel like that's justified which part oh zonic yeah like why are you also at the end of the day why are you telling these players you're going to be cut like sure you'll need to lie to them to their faces sort of but it is for me it would be realistic listen you can earn your spot on that roster
And it starts now. Like, why would I change a player if he's working hard, doing well, executing his role on a high level, right? If I have him already on the team, why would I bring him for someone else? If he's ticking all the boxes. The problem is, none of them were. Like, they were all just... And I don't know how these players could allow it for themselves.
And it starts now. Like, why would I change a player if he's working hard, doing well, executing his role on a high level, right? If I have him already on the team, why would I bring him for someone else? If he's ticking all the boxes. The problem is, none of them were. Like, they were all just... And I don't know how these players could allow it for themselves.
And I'm very tired of this excuse, like, we didn't have a star player, we didn't have firepower. Firepower matters for your ceiling, not your floor. Like... And the reason why they had the lowest floor out of all the teams, because they were just a dysfunctional group. The entire time is like people sort of knew they were not going to be there. So people probably weren't like as focused.
And I'm very tired of this excuse, like, we didn't have a star player, we didn't have firepower. Firepower matters for your ceiling, not your floor. Like... And the reason why they had the lowest floor out of all the teams, because they were just a dysfunctional group. The entire time is like people sort of knew they were not going to be there. So people probably weren't like as focused.
They weren't trying as hard. They were just going through the motions. It's actually the worst possible environment for a competitive team to be in. But that's not as much like that's your job as the coach and your performance there. And all these guys like your job is to create a good.
They weren't trying as hard. They were just going through the motions. It's actually the worst possible environment for a competitive team to be in. But that's not as much like that's your job as the coach and your performance there. And all these guys like your job is to create a good.
Well, I think that's what the major playoffs are about for the most part, right? Like, I think those are the easiest games to do. Like, you just talk about the games, you talk about the teams, you know, there's storylines, there's narratives. There was a ton of games that these teams have played in the last month. So you have a good sample size, sort of know what they're made of in that sense.
Well, I think that's what the major playoffs are about for the most part, right? Like, I think those are the easiest games to do. Like, you just talk about the games, you talk about the teams, you know, there's storylines, there's narratives. There was a ton of games that these teams have played in the last month. So you have a good sample size, sort of know what they're made of in that sense.
environment and set goals like how many times did we hear him talk about that shit in fucking vitality and astralis oh we're constantly setting goals well set fucking you know lower expectations and lower goals set some more realistic goals
environment and set goals like how many times did we hear him talk about that shit in fucking vitality and astralis oh we're constantly setting goals well set fucking you know lower expectations and lower goals set some more realistic goals
Like, and because it was really sort of embarrassing what they were putting out there for everyone involved, for everyone involved, all the players, Zonic as well. Like, this is now, now with this new Falcons project, like the new roster, however it looks like now, if that doesn't succeed, all of a sudden it's like, well, actually, dude, we're just this one team for a lot of people on that team.
Like, and because it was really sort of embarrassing what they were putting out there for everyone involved, for everyone involved, all the players, Zonic as well. Like, this is now, now with this new Falcons project, like the new roster, however it looks like now, if that doesn't succeed, all of a sudden it's like, well, actually, dude, we're just this one team for a lot of people on that team.
Like, you know, right? Like the conversation changes so much.
Like, you know, right? Like the conversation changes so much.
It just sounds funny. I know. It just sounds funny, man. Because a guy can create a YouTube channel like all of us, whatever. I like him. Let's not get this wrong. I like him. It's just funny when you put him in the same sentence as Blade.
It just sounds funny. I know. It just sounds funny, man. Because a guy can create a YouTube channel like all of us, whatever. I like him. Let's not get this wrong. I like him. It's just funny when you put him in the same sentence as Blade.
also it has its place still like don't get me wrong but yeah that was all I wanted to say players will see through your bullshit like that's the thing you can't bullshit especially the experienced players the good players right like and the only thing that matters is knowledge Like, you need to know, and you need to have the answers for them.
also it has its place still like don't get me wrong but yeah that was all I wanted to say players will see through your bullshit like that's the thing you can't bullshit especially the experienced players the good players right like and the only thing that matters is knowledge Like, you need to know, and you need to have the answers for them.
If they ask, oh, why this, how that, blah, blah, blah, blah, you need to have an answer ready for it. Otherwise, it's just like, what are you doing? And, yes, the in-game knowledge is one, and the most important one, and that's your blade, and that's whatever.
If they ask, oh, why this, how that, blah, blah, blah, blah, you need to have an answer ready for it. Otherwise, it's just like, what are you doing? And, yes, the in-game knowledge is one, and the most important one, and that's your blade, and that's whatever.
And the more personality one is sort of, you know, if you want to talk again about someone like Robin and the different times with Faze, it's more like knowledge about... well, how do I get these guys online for the key moments, right? And that's a different sort of knowledge, but also very important depending on the composition of your team. Anything else there, like, doesn't matter.
And the more personality one is sort of, you know, if you want to talk again about someone like Robin and the different times with Faze, it's more like knowledge about... well, how do I get these guys online for the key moments, right? And that's a different sort of knowledge, but also very important depending on the composition of your team. Anything else there, like, doesn't matter.
You can talk the talk however much you want, but you need to...
You can talk the talk however much you want, but you need to...
to to walk the walk so I hate that I just said that but it's like at the end of the day you just need to know and you need to and when they talk to you and you tell them shit and they ask you shit like need to see that you got the handle of it and you know what you're talking about yeah what what did you guys think of Alistair getting replaced
to to walk the walk so I hate that I just said that but it's like at the end of the day you just need to know and you need to and when they talk to you and you tell them shit and they ask you shit like need to see that you got the handle of it and you know what you're talking about yeah what what did you guys think of Alistair getting replaced
My man. And then it's just sort of like building the narrative and presenting the
My man. And then it's just sort of like building the narrative and presenting the
kind of the story to the viewer right like letting them know what to expect uh if team a is going to win how should it look like if team b is going to win what's the best way for them to grab that win i mean obviously you always try to you know you want to be entertaining at the end of the day and then i don't get these different things and blah blah and sprinkle in but we're not there to you know take the piss like it's the quarterfinal semi-final of the
kind of the story to the viewer right like letting them know what to expect uh if team a is going to win how should it look like if team b is going to win what's the best way for them to grab that win i mean obviously you always try to you know you want to be entertaining at the end of the day and then i don't get these different things and blah blah and sprinkle in but we're not there to you know take the piss like it's the quarterfinal semi-final of the
I really don't know. But who?
I really don't know. But who?
They're coming in January. There you go.
They're coming in January. There you go.
Two player change?
Two player change?
major and it does feel like it is more business and i don't know if maybe just being remote had an effect to it um i'm not sure so maybe that it felt more so you didn't want to kill anyone you didn't actually want to kill anyone no i definitely did but it had oh okay no no i'm kidding i didn't it's just i don't know why it came off that way maybe that's just my personality you know
major and it does feel like it is more business and i don't know if maybe just being remote had an effect to it um i'm not sure so maybe that it felt more so you didn't want to kill anyone you didn't actually want to kill anyone no i definitely did but it had oh okay no no i'm kidding i didn't it's just i don't know why it came off that way maybe that's just my personality you know
We can be good.
We can be good.
No, I think it was... One of the things was like this whole Monessy thing. And all of a sudden, now he's staying at G2, which is like... Okay, it feels like... But what is G2 going to do? You know, is there a world in which Monessy is going to extend with them? And not just wait out?
No, I think it was... One of the things was like this whole Monessy thing. And all of a sudden, now he's staying at G2, which is like... Okay, it feels like... But what is G2 going to do? You know, is there a world in which Monessy is going to extend with them? And not just wait out?
I think for free, it's at the end of next year. I think that's when his contract will have expired. So then it's like... Well, you could have sold him now for a lot of money. And then now basically G2 is sort of banking on we'll get him to extend. Like we'll build a great team. We'll get a really, really good player for Niko. And then this team will be really good and he won't want to leave.
I think for free, it's at the end of next year. I think that's when his contract will have expired. So then it's like... Well, you could have sold him now for a lot of money. And then now basically G2 is sort of banking on we'll get him to extend. Like we'll build a great team. We'll get a really, really good player for Niko. And then this team will be really good and he won't want to leave.
But I don't know how realistic is that, man. I think probably what's going to happen is he'll end up going at the half season for some money because G2 will still get something.
But I don't know how realistic is that, man. I think probably what's going to happen is he'll end up going at the half season for some money because G2 will still get something.
right and let's say falcons or i guess falcons is the only team uh really but we'll still be willing to pay something to get them like at that point rather than wait to get them for free because i don't think this is falcons not being willing to pay this is like g2 making a statement that we just are not willing to let you know two of our best and star players go at the same time to the same team like what does that speak of them as an org right if
right and let's say falcons or i guess falcons is the only team uh really but we'll still be willing to pay something to get them like at that point rather than wait to get them for free because i don't think this is falcons not being willing to pay this is like g2 making a statement that we just are not willing to let you know two of our best and star players go at the same time to the same team like what does that speak of them as an org right if
Yep. Yeah, who do they get? You know, who would then... It's not the most lucrative of environments to go to, you know?
Yep. Yeah, who do they get? You know, who would then... It's not the most lucrative of environments to go to, you know?
Yeah, I can buy that. I can buy that.
Yeah, I can buy that. I can buy that.
It's not about that. It's about they wanted him to take a pay cut, I think was... Fuck, they get the Joe Miller special, Janko. Was it 15%? I don't know.
It's not about that. It's about they wanted him to take a pay cut, I think was... Fuck, they get the Joe Miller special, Janko. Was it 15%? I don't know.
Who's your second voice? Hunter? Hunter. Snacks and Hunter? Yeah. Like, Sphinx is not a one-for-one for Niko by positions, but... I don't think there's a doubt, you know, in Malb's skill, anything like that. But is only the one major the one that he has problems with pressure? Like, the second one, he's already... He'll get better over time, don't you reckon? Yeah, absolutely.
Who's your second voice? Hunter? Hunter. Snacks and Hunter? Yeah. Like, Sphinx is not a one-for-one for Niko by positions, but... I don't think there's a doubt, you know, in Malb's skill, anything like that. But is only the one major the one that he has problems with pressure? Like, the second one, he's already... He'll get better over time, don't you reckon? Yeah, absolutely.
The only question is how much time. Yeah.
The only question is how much time. Yeah.
That's a good point. I believe that he'll, you know, find a way. Because it's very reminiscent of Nico in his early days, right? Like the frustration, the, you know... Slamming at the desk.
That's a good point. I believe that he'll, you know, find a way. Because it's very reminiscent of Nico in his early days, right? Like the frustration, the, you know... Slamming at the desk.
You know, that's all fine as long as you sort of work through it, right? Like you get it over with. If it persists, then it's a problem. But yeah, we'll see. I don't know. Now it's all, I guess we'll just talk about it when some of this shit happens and then see how it looks like. The one interesting thing that also happened was that ESL announced their sort of 26 states. The club thing, right?
You know, that's all fine as long as you sort of work through it, right? Like you get it over with. If it persists, then it's a problem. But yeah, we'll see. I don't know. Now it's all, I guess we'll just talk about it when some of this shit happens and then see how it looks like. The one interesting thing that also happened was that ESL announced their sort of 26 states. The club thing, right?
Yeah, the extra incentive where it's like for the smaller IEMs really, anything outside of Katowice and Cologne, you get more than double the prize money in this club money, which is one thing. And you get that based off of... There's two programs.
Yeah, the extra incentive where it's like for the smaller IEMs really, anything outside of Katowice and Cologne, you get more than double the prize money in this club money, which is one thing. And you get that based off of... There's two programs.
yes yeah like there are the club there's club prize money there's annual payouts they're tied to esl's forecasted revenues and profits esl shares 10 of its revenue and 25 of its profits from tiron counter-strike esports competitions to fund these payouts but regardless like there's a lot of money going into this club prize money which goes to the org
yes yeah like there are the club there's club prize money there's annual payouts they're tied to esl's forecasted revenues and profits esl shares 10 of its revenue and 25 of its profits from tiron counter-strike esports competitions to fund these payouts but regardless like there's a lot of money going into this club prize money which goes to the org
And then it's up to sort of, I guess, the players and the org to figure it out. Are the players going to get any of that? Or is that going to go 100% to the org?
And then it's up to sort of, I guess, the players and the org to figure it out. Are the players going to get any of that? Or is that going to go 100% to the org?
yeah sure I mean yeah whatever that's up to them to figure out all that stuff but for example you know for an event like Dallas the prize the player prize money which is like the prize pool is going to be 300k but then they opted by 50 grand Yeah, and then there's an additional 700K in club prize money.
yeah sure I mean yeah whatever that's up to them to figure out all that stuff but for example you know for an event like Dallas the prize the player prize money which is like the prize pool is going to be 300k but then they opted by 50 grand Yeah, and then there's an additional 700K in club prize money.
So that brings the total sort of prize pool to a million for Dallas, for Chengdu, for these IEMs. But here's the thing, which I was surprised to see. The club prize money actually gets counted in the VRS. Yes. Are we sure? Yes. It's official now. Yes, it says it somewhere in the thing. Yeah, it's happening now, Jason.
So that brings the total sort of prize pool to a million for Dallas, for Chengdu, for these IEMs. But here's the thing, which I was surprised to see. The club prize money actually gets counted in the VRS. Yes. Are we sure? Yes. It's official now. Yes, it says it somewhere in the thing. Yeah, it's happening now, Jason.
It's like you would maybe stay up for the first one and then that's it.
It's like you would maybe stay up for the first one and then that's it.
Which is also a reality. This is only formulated this way because of the orgs. Because in reality, it's all prize money, just that the standard contracts between teams and players is where players get 80%, 85%, 90% of the prize money. So this is a way for them to say, oh, it's not prize money, so you players are not entitled to this.
Which is also a reality. This is only formulated this way because of the orgs. Because in reality, it's all prize money, just that the standard contracts between teams and players is where players get 80%, 85%, 90% of the prize money. So this is a way for them to say, oh, it's not prize money, so you players are not entitled to this.
This is exactly the sort of a thing where a player organization would go like, hey, wait, you're trying to fuck us over, right? Like, no, we're not going to stand, you know, and they would have a sort of a dispute about this thing.
This is exactly the sort of a thing where a player organization would go like, hey, wait, you're trying to fuck us over, right? Like, no, we're not going to stand, you know, and they would have a sort of a dispute about this thing.
This is the thing, right? But it all goes to the club. That's the thing. It all goes to the club. It's only the players get it because they have an agreement with the club that they get the percentage of the prize pool. Right, but I don't... I guarantee you... It goes to G2, then G2 pays it out to him.
This is the thing, right? But it all goes to the club. That's the thing. It all goes to the club. It's only the players get it because they have an agreement with the club that they get the percentage of the prize pool. Right, but I don't... I guarantee you... It goes to G2, then G2 pays it out to him.
That was great. I love that.
That was great. I love that.
Yeah. Chaz had two banging speeches. I know.
Yeah. Chaz had two banging speeches. I know.
I think it's just obvious, right? Like, PGL is going full into the prize money and, like, incentivizing, like, teams in that way. Players sort of to say, we want to play these tournaments. And then Blast and ESL are going more like, hey, we want to incentivize yours. Also for ESL, their IEMs are fucking not in Europe. You know, the smaller ones. True. With Chengdu and Dallas.
I think it's just obvious, right? Like, PGL is going full into the prize money and, like, incentivizing, like, teams in that way. Players sort of to say, we want to play these tournaments. And then Blast and ESL are going more like, hey, we want to incentivize yours. Also for ESL, their IEMs are fucking not in Europe. You know, the smaller ones. True. With Chengdu and Dallas.
It's harder to get people out there. You're going to have to get people to get out there. So that's why it's 300K prize. It's 700K for the club. So they'll be like, well, you'll go to this one, but maybe you'll miss one of the whatever other ones. So also the viewership stuff is in there. I mean, a lot of details. Yeah, there is.
It's harder to get people out there. You're going to have to get people to get out there. So that's why it's 300K prize. It's 700K for the club. So they'll be like, well, you'll go to this one, but maybe you'll miss one of the whatever other ones. So also the viewership stuff is in there. I mean, a lot of details. Yeah, there is.
I love being upset myself. Thanks, Chad.
I love being upset myself. Thanks, Chad.
I think the bigger problem is not that part of the world as much as China, because the games have to be scheduled earlier. You could not have a game scheduled at 8 p.m., which would have been fine, right? Because of their own rules and whatnot in regards to venues or gatherings or whatever it is. So I think that hurt it a little bit too, because...
I think the bigger problem is not that part of the world as much as China, because the games have to be scheduled earlier. You could not have a game scheduled at 8 p.m., which would have been fine, right? Because of their own rules and whatnot in regards to venues or gatherings or whatever it is. So I think that hurt it a little bit too, because...
If you were able to push it by three more hours for EU, that would make the first game in the main time zone at 10-11 AM. Sure, it's not... Or even 12. That's not ideal, but you can catch the game. It's not like in the evening, so you can combine it with other things, or I don't know. But it would be fine. Like, NA still gets wrecked.
If you were able to push it by three more hours for EU, that would make the first game in the main time zone at 10-11 AM. Sure, it's not... Or even 12. That's not ideal, but you can catch the game. It's not like in the evening, so you can combine it with other things, or I don't know. But it would be fine. Like, NA still gets wrecked.
But even for them, then that second game is, like, early in the morning. It's perfect, yeah. So you can wake up for that. You can catch the second game on each of these days. And you can catch the grand final. So, yeah, it's not ideal. But as Chad said, I don't even think... I think it's actually pretty crazy that it's once every 20 majors. Like, if it's once every... Eight to ten? Yeah.
But even for them, then that second game is, like, early in the morning. It's perfect, yeah. So you can wake up for that. You can catch the second game on each of these days. And you can catch the grand final. So, yeah, it's not ideal. But as Chad said, I don't even think... I think it's actually pretty crazy that it's once every 20 majors. Like, if it's once every... Eight to ten? Yeah.
Like something like that. Like once every four years you have an event in that region. I think that's reasonable sort of for everyone to be like, okay, it's been a while. It's their turn. Let's give it to them.
Like something like that. Like once every four years you have an event in that region. I think that's reasonable sort of for everyone to be like, okay, it's been a while. It's their turn. Let's give it to them.
It's a good future. One of the potential titles for the podcast was globally offensive as well at the very beginning. Good logo, that one. And this would have been really that. We are global, three different continents.
It's a good future. One of the potential titles for the podcast was globally offensive as well at the very beginning. Good logo, that one. And this would have been really that. We are global, three different continents.
i'll get to it you know i didn't want to delay things this morning so i just decided i'd go to school in that i have to as someone who is the resident sort of not having a mic stand guy yeah that's not how you do it like you can't lean it on the table because then it makes all these sounds and noises a little bit like you have to hold it in your hand it has to hold on it has to there has to yeah you can't be doing that yeah i can
i'll get to it you know i didn't want to delay things this morning so i just decided i'd go to school in that i have to as someone who is the resident sort of not having a mic stand guy yeah that's not how you do it like you can't lean it on the table because then it makes all these sounds and noises a little bit like you have to hold it in your hand it has to hold on it has to there has to yeah you can't be doing that yeah i can
There ain't going to be a single fucking noise.
There ain't going to be a single fucking noise.
Moving the microphone around. When you move the mic, it makes a noise because it hits the table. Yeah. Now it's fine. Now it's like, okay, but let's see when it falls down in five minutes.
Moving the microphone around. When you move the mic, it makes a noise because it hits the table. Yeah. Now it's fine. Now it's like, okay, but let's see when it falls down in five minutes.
Four and a half inches or whatever it is.
Four and a half inches or whatever it is.
Oh, okay.
Oh, okay.
There's the sad part, obviously, about the MRQs being online, but we already thought that would happen.
There's the sad part, obviously, about the MRQs being online, but we already thought that would happen.
Yeah, and just talking about the show in general and everything like that. So that was nice and seeing everybody. And then, you know, we're only home for fucking 48 hours before we got here.
Yeah, and just talking about the show in general and everything like that. So that was nice and seeing everybody. And then, you know, we're only home for fucking 48 hours before we got here.
I don't think every TO will do them online. I think someone will do them online eventually.
I don't think every TO will do them online. I think someone will do them online eventually.
Well, it's the new RMR, right?
Well, it's the new RMR, right?
Well, it depends, right? Like, I think obviously it's hard to do it for the, if you're like a European TO, it's more difficult to do it for like Asia or America than it would be to do it for Europe. But like, let's say that you were ESL or you were PGO or you were Blast, you have a space, right?
Well, it depends, right? Like, I think obviously it's hard to do it for the, if you're like a European TO, it's more difficult to do it for like Asia or America than it would be to do it for Europe. But like, let's say that you were ESL or you were PGO or you were Blast, you have a space, right?
They have their studio in Copenhagen, ESL have Katowice, PGO have here in Romania, in Bucharest, where they're doing the group stages for the event that's about to go down. So there is options to do it for that part. I wonder if Valve pay for flights for that portion of the tournament or not. That would be a good question to get an answer to from a TO.
They have their studio in Copenhagen, ESL have Katowice, PGO have here in Romania, in Bucharest, where they're doing the group stages for the event that's about to go down. So there is options to do it for that part. I wonder if Valve pay for flights for that portion of the tournament or not. That would be a good question to get an answer to from a TO.
Well, it may do. It could still move. Because of the proportion of the sub-regions and the amount of spots available, the highest-seeded team, other than the one who takes the spot directly in stage...
Well, it may do. It could still move. Because of the proportion of the sub-regions and the amount of spots available, the highest-seeded team, other than the one who takes the spot directly in stage...
It's a whole new crew, man. The only people that I saw in Katowice were Trace, Scrawny Launders, and Pamp.
It's a whole new crew, man. The only people that I saw in Katowice were Trace, Scrawny Launders, and Pamp.
three which would be mongols at the moment um they populate their region with two other spots so at the moment the team after them for the asian ranking is fly quest but that can change before april 7 so i think that will also change in like some weird ways right like if there's like some kind of disaster for liquid and they kind of drop down the rankings and end up having to qualify asia then they become a high seed within asia so that that gets it
three which would be mongols at the moment um they populate their region with two other spots so at the moment the team after them for the asian ranking is fly quest but that can change before april 7 so i think that will also change in like some weird ways right like if there's like some kind of disaster for liquid and they kind of drop down the rankings and end up having to qualify asia then they become a high seed within asia so that that gets it
i'll say this on the overall on the discussion that i had on tuesday night with like graham and and i need to watch that back i actually i actually heard some good things about that it needs to be restructured when we do episodes of that in the future i need to like it wasn't great because i just traveled back and i was
i'll say this on the overall on the discussion that i had on tuesday night with like graham and and i need to watch that back i actually i actually heard some good things about that it needs to be restructured when we do episodes of that in the future i need to like it wasn't great because i just traveled back and i was
I need to be better prepared from my perspective and I need to create either visuals or better descriptives to help bring the viewer along. So I want to do a better job with that in the future. But the general sentiment, and I might be wrong, maybe Graham, maybe Striker will listen to this and then they can tell me if I was right or wrong based off of what they said.
I need to be better prepared from my perspective and I need to create either visuals or better descriptives to help bring the viewer along. So I want to do a better job with that in the future. But the general sentiment, and I might be wrong, maybe Graham, maybe Striker will listen to this and then they can tell me if I was right or wrong based off of what they said.
I think that a lot of the stuff that we've seen in recent times with different teams and this fucking letter and all this shit that's come out there, I think that Graham and
I think that a lot of the stuff that we've seen in recent times with different teams and this fucking letter and all this shit that's come out there, I think that Graham and
striker uh kind of of the opinion or the vibe that i get from them is we're going to go through some teething issues this first season but overall we're not in any better or worse position than we were last year at the like with the way things are sure um Hopefully, I'm not putting words in their mouths. That is the perspective that I got from having the conversations with them.
striker uh kind of of the opinion or the vibe that i get from them is we're going to go through some teething issues this first season but overall we're not in any better or worse position than we were last year at the like with the way things are sure um Hopefully, I'm not putting words in their mouths. That is the perspective that I got from having the conversations with them.
It's like I went back and read that letter that those teams put out. And some of the teams that even signed their name to that letter, I'm like, why the fuck did you like, why the fuck are Mals putting their name on this letter? Like, did they even read it or like Imperial? Did you guys even read?
It's like I went back and read that letter that those teams put out. And some of the teams that even signed their name to that letter, I'm like, why the fuck did you like, why the fuck are Mals putting their name on this letter? Like, did they even read it or like Imperial? Did you guys even read?
And then the last thing at the very end is like, to leave you with a short-term suggestion that would help us add open qualifiers to the major again, allow all teams and players to have a chance to save their careers and dreams. It's like, well, like Graham made some good points.
And then the last thing at the very end is like, to leave you with a short-term suggestion that would help us add open qualifiers to the major again, allow all teams and players to have a chance to save their careers and dreams. It's like, well, like Graham made some good points.
He was like, at a certain point, these open qualifiers that are being played, like we can't start counting round of 128 matches. Like we can start counting when we're down to like the final 64 teams or the final 32 teams or whatever. But we can't be like, why would we be counting all of those matches? And I kind of agreed with some of what he was saying.
He was like, at a certain point, these open qualifiers that are being played, like we can't start counting round of 128 matches. Like we can start counting when we're down to like the final 64 teams or the final 32 teams or whatever. But we can't be like, why would we be counting all of those matches? And I kind of agreed with some of what he was saying.
I think if we can collect the data, then we probably should. But then there was a conversation about how do we collect that data? Who does the onus fall on? We spoke to Timu from Yala. And he suggested that when they pay for services like ES Portal or Faceit to run their online qualifiers and events, that then those companies send the data to Valve.
I think if we can collect the data, then we probably should. But then there was a conversation about how do we collect that data? Who does the onus fall on? We spoke to Timu from Yala. And he suggested that when they pay for services like ES Portal or Faceit to run their online qualifiers and events, that then those companies send the data to Valve.
But either way, Valve, as Yanko learned last episode we did with the crossover, HLTV have a lot of power.
But either way, Valve, as Yanko learned last episode we did with the crossover, HLTV have a lot of power.
How many of them are even really independent? That's probably the first thing that needs to be addressed.
How many of them are even really independent? That's probably the first thing that needs to be addressed.
Let's get into Yanka, what you've done in the time since you've been home, because Jason's got a fun story. Jason went on an excursion. So we'll do Jason's last.
Let's get into Yanka, what you've done in the time since you've been home, because Jason's got a fun story. Jason went on an excursion. So we'll do Jason's last.
uh with the way like you have to invite teams i don't i used that you start inviting from number nine onwards i think is how it works uh but in terms of the formats i'm not sure exactly with the formats isn't it like you have you have to invite or you have to qualify like
uh with the way like you have to invite teams i don't i used that you start inviting from number nine onwards i think is how it works uh but in terms of the formats i'm not sure exactly with the formats isn't it like you have you have to invite or you have to qualify like
No, no, no. I, I was just trying to, I'm not trying to call you out. And I was trying to understand the angle that you were going with it.
No, no, no. I, I was just trying to, I'm not trying to call you out. And I was trying to understand the angle that you were going with it.
Okay, so you were like with the ESO Challenger, which used to be like a DreamHack Open with only eight teams, for example, right?
Okay, so you were like with the ESO Challenger, which used to be like a DreamHack Open with only eight teams, for example, right?
Well, this is the thing. I'm probably going to be wrong, so Graham or Michal or whatever can message me, but I think the way that you would structure it would be like a DreamHack Open, not all of those teams were invited, right? A bunch of them had to qualify through different areas, and then those qualifiers kind of add on to the event.
Well, this is the thing. I'm probably going to be wrong, so Graham or Michal or whatever can message me, but I think the way that you would structure it would be like a DreamHack Open, not all of those teams were invited, right? A bunch of them had to qualify through different areas, and then those qualifiers kind of add on to the event.
let's be set funny names i'm gonna set a funny name like i'm not just gonna be chad you're gonna take advantage of the situation all the time
let's be set funny names i'm gonna set a funny name like i'm not just gonna be chad you're gonna take advantage of the situation all the time
If you look at what we just did for Akatowice, and I don't like this, and I don't like the way it is for the Major either, but I especially don't like it because I feel like TOs are being punished for having more teams come to their LAN events. So
If you look at what we just did for Akatowice, and I don't like this, and I don't like the way it is for the Major either, but I especially don't like it because I feel like TOs are being punished for having more teams come to their LAN events. So
We all know the way that HLTV structures on their website is that the play-in, which ESL won't call it stage one, but HLTV call it the play-in, is considered a qualifier. So it only scales at 14.3%.
We all know the way that HLTV structures on their website is that the play-in, which ESL won't call it stage one, but HLTV call it the play-in, is considered a qualifier. So it only scales at 14.3%.
of the possible available vrs points that also happens for stage one and stage two of the major they are considered qualifiers and not the main tournament which means if you have a smaller tournament at any other portion throughout like the reference i use that i thought is the most inflammatory and outrageous is you can have a like you could have the woman's only tournament the impact counts as 100 of the points but stage one and stage two of the major don't
of the possible available vrs points that also happens for stage one and stage two of the major they are considered qualifiers and not the main tournament which means if you have a smaller tournament at any other portion throughout like the reference i use that i thought is the most inflammatory and outrageous is you can have a like you could have the woman's only tournament the impact counts as 100 of the points but stage one and stage two of the major don't
That is actually exactly what I meant. I had a lot of fun.
That is actually exactly what I meant. I had a lot of fun.
It's like, you just think about that. It's like, why? It should definitely be scaled. Whether it's 14.3%, whether it's 50%, whether it's 75%, whatever it is, it definitely shouldn't scale at that. And that's because of the way that the prize money gets distributed based off of, I'm going to say HLTV's website. Now, I might be wrong with that.
It's like, you just think about that. It's like, why? It should definitely be scaled. Whether it's 14.3%, whether it's 50%, whether it's 75%, whatever it is, it definitely shouldn't scale at that. And that's because of the way that the prize money gets distributed based off of, I'm going to say HLTV's website. Now, I might be wrong with that.
But the thing is, if I'm ESL, why would I run a 24-team event?
But the thing is, if I'm ESL, why would I run a 24-team event?
um in the format that i currently do i i'm getting punished for doing that so i should just run a 16 event 16 team event and then i think that the angle that hltv would push back with is just well why don't you just run all 24 teams at the same portion of the tournament and then if i'm esl or a tournament organizer i'd push back and say now you want me to have 24 teams on site at the same time so i need to have an extra eight i need to have an extra eight prac rooms i need to have an extra four hotel rooms per team available at any given time i need to then have more i need to then have
um in the format that i currently do i i'm getting punished for doing that so i should just run a 16 event 16 team event and then i think that the angle that hltv would push back with is just well why don't you just run all 24 teams at the same portion of the tournament and then if i'm esl or a tournament organizer i'd push back and say now you want me to have 24 teams on site at the same time so i need to have an extra eight i need to have an extra eight prac rooms i need to have an extra four hotel rooms per team available at any given time i need to then have more i need to then have
more player managers available for the extra teams and resources that are on place at that time right i need to then potentially have more like streams or more match days so that the cost goes somewhere right so yeah it it's funky at the moment i don't know if it's working as intended with that or maybe it is maybe maybe i'm out of pocket
more player managers available for the extra teams and resources that are on place at that time right i need to then potentially have more like streams or more match days so that the cost goes somewhere right so yeah it it's funky at the moment i don't know if it's working as intended with that or maybe it is maybe maybe i'm out of pocket
Yeah, that's the thing. I'm on board with the fact that this is like a teething season because essentially we're only counting the last two months of last year and up to April 7 of this year. So once this year actually gets underway and we're six months deep, we're past the first major, we'll start to see what the actual implications of all of this is going to be
Yeah, that's the thing. I'm on board with the fact that this is like a teething season because essentially we're only counting the last two months of last year and up to April 7 of this year. So once this year actually gets underway and we're six months deep, we're past the first major, we'll start to see what the actual implications of all of this is going to be
come the second major of the year uh and how it is going to function and that sucks because if i'm a player i'm only looking at the event ahead of me the major ahead of me like what's literally just down the road so for me if i was putting myself in a player's shoes i'd feel oh the world is ending this sucks it isn't fair but in the big picture which we get to look at because our timeline is longer uh and we all we also get to step back we're not competing um it's like okay this sucks now but it it might or should be better in the future
come the second major of the year uh and how it is going to function and that sucks because if i'm a player i'm only looking at the event ahead of me the major ahead of me like what's literally just down the road so for me if i was putting myself in a player's shoes i'd feel oh the world is ending this sucks it isn't fair but in the big picture which we get to look at because our timeline is longer uh and we all we also get to step back we're not competing um it's like okay this sucks now but it it might or should be better in the future
Yeah, well, that's kind of what I meant. They look like shit in the final. They won 22 rounds over three maps the year before Phase 1-23.
Yeah, well, that's kind of what I meant. They look like shit in the final. They won 22 rounds over three maps the year before Phase 1-23.
What are you tired of? The year just started, bro.
What are you tired of? The year just started, bro.
I think the framing is like one you have is the world number one, the major champs. the argument about whether they should be tired or not, I guess is a completely different argument. But for the angle of like, you know, which team is hungrier for this trophy, I would say that Vitality were hungrier for the trophy because of the honeymoon period and you wanted to put your best foot forward.
I think the framing is like one you have is the world number one, the major champs. the argument about whether they should be tired or not, I guess is a completely different argument. But for the angle of like, you know, which team is hungrier for this trophy, I would say that Vitality were hungrier for the trophy because of the honeymoon period and you wanted to put your best foot forward.
And it's like something that, you know, Apex has been trying to win for a long time. Vitality normally have a bad history there. So all of those things kind of reinforce that angle. And then also you get to take down the world number one. So I'd say the hunger levels for the victory would have been on the side of vitality. But I don't know. I have a hard time.
And it's like something that, you know, Apex has been trying to win for a long time. Vitality normally have a bad history there. So all of those things kind of reinforce that angle. And then also you get to take down the world number one. So I'd say the hunger levels for the victory would have been on the side of vitality. But I don't know. I have a hard time.
This happened with Navi after their major win too, right? Like they won the major earlier last year and then they kind of fell off a bit. But I understand that. Your emotions are at the top of the mountain. It's the peak of the game. It's the best thing you can achieve. And then to be able to follow that up is hard. It requires a certain mental resolve.
This happened with Navi after their major win too, right? Like they won the major earlier last year and then they kind of fell off a bit. But I understand that. Your emotions are at the top of the mountain. It's the peak of the game. It's the best thing you can achieve. And then to be able to follow that up is hard. It requires a certain mental resolve.
And we all know that from sexual intercourse, don't we, Janko?
And we all know that from sexual intercourse, don't we, Janko?
I bet Lily Phillips didn't go on top throughout those 100 dudes. I'll say that much.
I bet Lily Phillips didn't go on top throughout those 100 dudes. I'll say that much.
The relationship of Ropz and Zywoo is the one that I was enjoying watching the most in the sense of, like, even when things that were silly were happening, like the round that they lost both the Orbs, and it's like they're just smiling at each other. And then, like, rounds that happen, and they get away with, like, a close 2v2 or whatever, and then they're just smiling.
The relationship of Ropz and Zywoo is the one that I was enjoying watching the most in the sense of, like, even when things that were silly were happening, like the round that they lost both the Orbs, and it's like they're just smiling at each other. And then, like, rounds that happen, and they get away with, like, a close 2v2 or whatever, and then they're just smiling.
I'm like, this is cute, and it's good that, like, they can have that kind of... They're sitting next to each other. They can have that type of relationship in-game. Um... I think the map pool thing that you pointed out there, Janko, you can understand how it ended there. Because if you're Spirit, you're going to go as the favorite. So you're going to go, well, these are our best maps too.
I'm like, this is cute, and it's good that, like, they can have that kind of... They're sitting next to each other. They can have that type of relationship in-game. Um... I think the map pool thing that you pointed out there, Janko, you can understand how it ended there. Because if you're Spirit, you're going to go as the favorite. So you're going to go, well, these are our best maps too.
So we don't give a fuck who you are. You're not going to try and have the bogey pick of, oh, we'll bring an Anubis in. Even though your Anubis isn't great, ours isn't either, but we'll bring it in and punish you with it. It's like, you're not going to do that. You think you're going to beat them going toe to toe.
So we don't give a fuck who you are. You're not going to try and have the bogey pick of, oh, we'll bring an Anubis in. Even though your Anubis isn't great, ours isn't either, but we'll bring it in and punish you with it. It's like, you're not going to do that. You think you're going to beat them going toe to toe.
Yeah, sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail, right? And in this situation, Janko, you pointed out the pistols.
Yeah, sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail, right? And in this situation, Janko, you pointed out the pistols.
It's baffling because while I'm casting, I try to keep track of that for the viewers because we always talk about how pivotal it is, but it's frivolous to bring it up and say it's an important pistol if you're not actually keeping tabs on how many pistols across the series are being won, right? Because it helps... That's like potentially six rounds within one map.
It's baffling because while I'm casting, I try to keep track of that for the viewers because we always talk about how pivotal it is, but it's frivolous to bring it up and say it's an important pistol if you're not actually keeping tabs on how many pistols across the series are being won, right? Because it helps... That's like potentially six rounds within one map.
But so pointing out that, and then the other thing was opening kills. Like it just felt like they were getting no opening kills. They were just giving up opening deaths a lot of the time. And then more often than not, Donk was always copping a nade.
But so pointing out that, and then the other thing was opening kills. Like it just felt like they were getting no opening kills. They were just giving up opening deaths a lot of the time. And then more often than not, Donk was always copping a nade.
It wasn't something I highlighted, I think, very well in the cast, but I remember reflecting on it being like, a lot of the time we're on Donk trying to get space and he just like cops a nade for like 30 damage. And I'm like, well, fuck it. No, now he's walking around. It doesn't stop Donk. Donk's still going to try and make his plays, but it obviously hampers him.
It wasn't something I highlighted, I think, very well in the cast, but I remember reflecting on it being like, a lot of the time we're on Donk trying to get space and he just like cops a nade for like 30 damage. And I'm like, well, fuck it. No, now he's walking around. It doesn't stop Donk. Donk's still going to try and make his plays, but it obviously hampers him.
I liked, did you see the headline from Hallie's post-final interview? What was the headline? I saw the interview. The headline was, this was HLTV, Hallie, today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations.
I liked, did you see the headline from Hallie's post-final interview? What was the headline? I saw the interview. The headline was, this was HLTV, Hallie, today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations.
And, like, that's bang on. What's a coach meant to do if your players are just giving over opening deaths all the time or making bad plays? And it's like... He said the whole thing is, the question was, it seems like historically it was an uncomfortable matchup for Donk. Statistically, Vitality are his lowest rated opponent. Does it feel like they figured something out about his play?
And, like, that's bang on. What's a coach meant to do if your players are just giving over opening deaths all the time or making bad plays? And it's like... He said the whole thing is, the question was, it seems like historically it was an uncomfortable matchup for Donk. Statistically, Vitality are his lowest rated opponent. Does it feel like they figured something out about his play?
And Halle said, I think they outplayed me first and foremost. Things were going well with this tournament and I knew how to set up our game plan in the majority of games, made good calls, tactical pauses, but today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations. So it's an interesting response.
And Halle said, I think they outplayed me first and foremost. Things were going well with this tournament and I knew how to set up our game plan in the majority of games, made good calls, tactical pauses, but today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations. So it's an interesting response.
And then he goes on in the same body of text, the same reply. About Vitality, we played three best of threes against them. We lost in Dallas, drew some conclusions, and then won twice. But today they prepared well for us, and it was tough playing against them. We need to make the right conclusions and use this experience when we approach our next game against them.
And then he goes on in the same body of text, the same reply. About Vitality, we played three best of threes against them. We lost in Dallas, drew some conclusions, and then won twice. But today they prepared well for us, and it was tough playing against them. We need to make the right conclusions and use this experience when we approach our next game against them.
So Rob's went 26 for 9, which was plus 17. 141.7 ADR on Dust2. And then on Nuke, Zywe went 26 for 6 plus 20, 127 ADR. It wasn't just that hard carries because other players were contributing, but those guys were owning so much that even if you had a chance in any situation, you weren't getting passed.
So Rob's went 26 for 9, which was plus 17. 141.7 ADR on Dust2. And then on Nuke, Zywe went 26 for 6 plus 20, 127 ADR. It wasn't just that hard carries because other players were contributing, but those guys were owning so much that even if you had a chance in any situation, you weren't getting passed.
And then by the time I made it to Mirage, everybody contributed pretty much across the board for Vitality to get it done.
And then by the time I made it to Mirage, everybody contributed pretty much across the board for Vitality to get it done.
um so pretty comprehensive and i the thing that i like the most that my favorite takeaway is the space now that flamesy and mezzi have like they have more room and they probably feel like they get to contribute more which is nice because rops likes a lot of those positions that are really hard anchor um that he doesn't just play like a classic hard anchor he finds like aggressive maneuvers or plays for himself so i think it's nice for those two especially
um so pretty comprehensive and i the thing that i like the most that my favorite takeaway is the space now that flamesy and mezzi have like they have more room and they probably feel like they get to contribute more which is nice because rops likes a lot of those positions that are really hard anchor um that he doesn't just play like a classic hard anchor he finds like aggressive maneuvers or plays for himself so i think it's nice for those two especially
So you were the official main host or your co-host?
So you were the official main host or your co-host?
Astralis. Astralis? It has to be Astralis. You think so?
Astralis. Astralis? It has to be Astralis. You think so?
You did say G2, yeah. You said G2?
You did say G2, yeah. You said G2?
Eh... I know you're presenting it as a question, but you presented it for a reason. So could I get your reason on why you may think that G2 falls into that category?
Eh... I know you're presenting it as a question, but you presented it for a reason. So could I get your reason on why you may think that G2 falls into that category?
so um we like you said we discussed this before and losing nico's voice so if if i think about this and i could be off but i i'm just gonna pretend this is how the team functioned before before snacks was like a babysitter uh maybe not for babies but for like you know
so um we like you said we discussed this before and losing nico's voice so if if i think about this and i could be off but i i'm just gonna pretend this is how the team functioned before before snacks was like a babysitter uh maybe not for babies but for like you know
My point here is right. Like all snacks had to do is kind of pull the puzzle together. Right. Like Nico would be like, Oh, I've got this born. I want to go for this. So honestly be like, Oh, I want to take this fight with the org. And then he'd be like, yeah, you can do that. Hunter you flash room. Yeah. You do that.
My point here is right. Like all snacks had to do is kind of pull the puzzle together. Right. Like Nico would be like, Oh, I've got this born. I want to go for this. So honestly be like, Oh, I want to take this fight with the org. And then he'd be like, yeah, you can do that. Hunter you flash room. Yeah. You do that.
Like, so everybody kind of knows what their roles would be, but his pieces when they were on would call the game. And then he would kind of mold the game around what was happening. Right. Yeah. When those players weren't on is probably when Snacks had to take over and then control the macro and the pacing and, like, what do we want to condition early and then how are we going to finish?
Like, so everybody kind of knows what their roles would be, but his pieces when they were on would call the game. And then he would kind of mold the game around what was happening. Right. Yeah. When those players weren't on is probably when Snacks had to take over and then control the macro and the pacing and, like, what do we want to condition early and then how are we going to finish?
The thing is, now they lose Nikos... Quickly, for the sake of Lily Phillips. Well, wait till I tell you about Bonnie Blue. But we'll get to her later. LAUGHTER But now, like, you don't have Niko whose voice, like, you know, people might be like, oh, but you don't want to let a player just call his shots. You have Niko. Let him call his shots, like 100%, right?
The thing is, now they lose Nikos... Quickly, for the sake of Lily Phillips. Well, wait till I tell you about Bonnie Blue. But we'll get to her later. LAUGHTER But now, like, you don't have Niko whose voice, like, you know, people might be like, oh, but you don't want to let a player just call his shots. You have Niko. Let him call his shots, like 100%, right?
And then if he's feeling it and then Mondesi's feeling it, you're fucking, there you go, there's your motion rounds. But now, Malb's stepping into that. He's not as experienced. So even though he might be able to mechanically hit the shots that Niko can, he doesn't have the understanding of what's necessary or the read of the game to make those calls. So here's the issue.
And then if he's feeling it and then Mondesi's feeling it, you're fucking, there you go, there's your motion rounds. But now, Malb's stepping into that. He's not as experienced. So even though he might be able to mechanically hit the shots that Niko can, he doesn't have the understanding of what's necessary or the read of the game to make those calls. So here's the issue.
The team needs to do one or two things. They need to just continue doing this so that Malbs, HeavyGod, and Monacy can get the reps in in this and learn the hard way, which is probably going to come with a lot of losses. Or they need to completely change their focus on the game and let Snacks be more structured in his calling, and they have to do as they're told.
The team needs to do one or two things. They need to just continue doing this so that Malbs, HeavyGod, and Monacy can get the reps in in this and learn the hard way, which is probably going to come with a lot of losses. Or they need to completely change their focus on the game and let Snacks be more structured in his calling, and they have to do as they're told.
And I think if you were going to go with option two, then I think you should look at the Shuey conversation, not because I think Snacks does a bad job, but then you may as well have someone come in to address a new system because you're starting from the ground up anyway. So I think it has to be one of those two options. The Shuey thing, you guys can ignore.
And I think if you were going to go with option two, then I think you should look at the Shuey conversation, not because I think Snacks does a bad job, but then you may as well have someone come in to address a new system because you're starting from the ground up anyway. So I think it has to be one of those two options. The Shuey thing, you guys can ignore.
We can just keep the roster there as is. But you're either going to rebuild and let Snacks have more control over the horses in the stable, or you're going to let those horses reign in a bigger paddock, and they're going to go out there, and sometimes they're not going to find the food, Jason.
We can just keep the roster there as is. But you're either going to rebuild and let Snacks have more control over the horses in the stable, or you're going to let those horses reign in a bigger paddock, and they're going to go out there, and sometimes they're not going to find the food, Jason.
Sometimes they're not going to find the water, and then they're going to have to come home, and they're going to have to get the food and water from Daddy. Yeah.
Sometimes they're not going to find the water, and then they're going to have to come home, and they're going to have to get the food and water from Daddy. Yeah.
You know what I meant.
You know what I meant.
Jason's wearing Blast merch, Janko. What the fuck?
Jason's wearing Blast merch, Janko. What the fuck?
Yeah, just ask Lily Phillips. Was that the porn star that got fucked by a hundred dudes?
Yeah, just ask Lily Phillips. Was that the porn star that got fucked by a hundred dudes?
There's always something with this guy, isn't there? No, sorry, Jason. Sorry, Jason.
There's always something with this guy, isn't there? No, sorry, Jason. Sorry, Jason.
I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I throw it out there. I reeled it in.
I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I throw it out there. I reeled it in.
Let's do Astralis and then we'll go to everyone's favorite North American team with two North Americans.
Let's do Astralis and then we'll go to everyone's favorite North American team with two North Americans.
But for the trio that was successful with Heroic, it's not clicking. Like whatever that was working for them before isn't working anymore, which means a fundamental change to the approach to the game is really necessary, right?
But for the trio that was successful with Heroic, it's not clicking. Like whatever that was working for them before isn't working anymore, which means a fundamental change to the approach to the game is really necessary, right?
Let me check.
Let me check.
Here's the first problem that they have on the CT side. is with some of the positions that KDM plays, like B on Mirage and Ramp on Nuke, he's not in a core position to be able to call rotations. He has to then rely on his players like Device, like Stown, like Yabby to be able to do that. The onus of reactions completely relies on them to assess the situation and call the appropriate thing.
Here's the first problem that they have on the CT side. is with some of the positions that KDM plays, like B on Mirage and Ramp on Nuke, he's not in a core position to be able to call rotations. He has to then rely on his players like Device, like Stown, like Yabby to be able to do that. The onus of reactions completely relies on them to assess the situation and call the appropriate thing.
So that, because of the structure of the team and Cadian not being the AWPer and not a rotating piece, misses key information. So that is then on those three. So that's on the coach and Cadian to be able to instill what would necessarily be classified as a system of responses.
So that, because of the structure of the team and Cadian not being the AWPer and not a rotating piece, misses key information. So that is then on those three. So that's on the coach and Cadian to be able to instill what would necessarily be classified as a system of responses.
you can't be trusting those guys to be making those choices on their own because KD in it previously would be, he sees something that he's watched in a demo and he says, fucking four guys rotate to this position right now. And the team would do it, right? That's how Heroic would work in the past. But they don't have that anymore because KD is not in this key rotating position.
you can't be trusting those guys to be making those choices on their own because KD in it previously would be, he sees something that he's watched in a demo and he says, fucking four guys rotate to this position right now. And the team would do it, right? That's how Heroic would work in the past. But they don't have that anymore because KD is not in this key rotating position.
So something has to kind of change in that sense. On the T side of things, yeah, like they see this and they do this and they poke and they prod and they rotate here and they quick react too. But I think that they can still salvage that.
So something has to kind of change in that sense. On the T side of things, yeah, like they see this and they do this and they poke and they prod and they rotate here and they quick react too. But I think that they can still salvage that.
I think they need to kind of just... Because one of the things that I like about the way that Vitality call is, they'll do default, but then also Apex do a lot of 4-1s or 2-3 splits. And it's masked as a default to start the round, but then it has a pretty quick conclusion unless they get hard blocked somewhere or there's a push or something.
I think they need to kind of just... Because one of the things that I like about the way that Vitality call is, they'll do default, but then also Apex do a lot of 4-1s or 2-3 splits. And it's masked as a default to start the round, but then it has a pretty quick conclusion unless they get hard blocked somewhere or there's a push or something.
And even if they have to cancel that, they can still go back into something else. I think maybe that's just what Astralis need to do, have more... direct calls out of spawn that if they can't execute and fall back into something else, but just try and... Kayden can still call things that aren't just like default every round. You know, he can call that, let's do this, let's do this, let's do this.
And even if they have to cancel that, they can still go back into something else. I think maybe that's just what Astralis need to do, have more... direct calls out of spawn that if they can't execute and fall back into something else, but just try and... Kayden can still call things that aren't just like default every round. You know, he can call that, let's do this, let's do this, let's do this.
uh i think yeah i slept with 100 men in one day lily phillips now that's maybe the hardest day of all of all of us that's she put in a shift i'll tell you that much yeah she earned her keep on that four per hour and a couple of on top yeah ish yeah and a couple you know bonus that's not too bad jason speaking of bonuses if you're going and you're doing the fucking launch party it means you have to be working the major right
uh i think yeah i slept with 100 men in one day lily phillips now that's maybe the hardest day of all of all of us that's she put in a shift i'll tell you that much yeah she earned her keep on that four per hour and a couple of on top yeah ish yeah and a couple you know bonus that's not too bad jason speaking of bonuses if you're going and you're doing the fucking launch party it means you have to be working the major right
And then as long as you get into the flow of the game, I think they have the players to pull it off. But whatever was before doesn't work anymore. It's not clicking. There's not that rhythm. There's not that beat. It's not the same thing.
And then as long as you get into the flow of the game, I think they have the players to pull it off. But whatever was before doesn't work anymore. It's not clicking. There's not that rhythm. There's not that beat. It's not the same thing.
well that cadian's the anchor right and he's he's gonna be more of a fidgety piece that's just the way it is so yeah like i think i think it is going to be tough for them to solve it that's why i think it's the most fucked for them out of all of the teams because the entire recipe and flavor like we've lost one of the herbs and spices or it's gone out of date i don't fucking know all the horses can't find it jason
well that cadian's the anchor right and he's he's gonna be more of a fidgety piece that's just the way it is so yeah like i think i think it is going to be tough for them to solve it that's why i think it's the most fucked for them out of all of the teams because the entire recipe and flavor like we've lost one of the herbs and spices or it's gone out of date i don't fucking know all the horses can't find it jason
But we'll see them on land. They'll be at Cluj. They're playing tomorrow. They're playing Payne again. Yes, they got blown out by Payne, didn't they?
But we'll see them on land. They'll be at Cluj. They're playing tomorrow. They're playing Payne again. Yes, they got blown out by Payne, didn't they?
I'm pretty sure they got blown out by Payne. No, Astralis beat them in the play-in. That's right. VP got blown out by Payne.
I'm pretty sure they got blown out by Payne. No, Astralis beat them in the play-in. That's right. VP got blown out by Payne.
Yeah, that's right. Yeah.
Yeah, that's right. Yeah.
The only player you want is Insani, man. And I'm sure Insani would like it too because Lacalze's now taken some of Insani's position. I mean, Insani's kind of nerfed a little bit.
The only player you want is Insani, man. And I'm sure Insani would like it too because Lacalze's now taken some of Insani's position. I mean, Insani's kind of nerfed a little bit.
Ocello with Insani.
Ocello with Insani.
Did you see the new thing that was announced with PGL's events? I have to find it. Where the fuck is it? When they're announcing some of the stuff, not the Krakow thing.
Did you see the new thing that was announced with PGL's events? I have to find it. Where the fuck is it? When they're announcing some of the stuff, not the Krakow thing.
The following event, you won't be invited.
The following event, you won't be invited.
yes you just have to say what it is what the punishment is okay i need to find the exact wording for it so yeah that's kind of cool i like that as well i think that's fair uh i probably aren't gonna find it so do we want to jump i'll look keep looking for it do we want to jump onto liquid do we want to do the zeus drama oh man that fucking zeus drama bro You guys are ex-coaches.
yes you just have to say what it is what the punishment is okay i need to find the exact wording for it so yeah that's kind of cool i like that as well i think that's fair uh i probably aren't gonna find it so do we want to jump i'll look keep looking for it do we want to jump onto liquid do we want to do the zeus drama oh man that fucking zeus drama bro You guys are ex-coaches.
So how do you feel about it?
So how do you feel about it?
He's heated.
He's heated.
Which part? All of it? Like what part?
Which part? All of it? Like what part?
Yeah, you can't do the launch party if you're not at the Major. That would be hilarious, though.
Yeah, you can't do the launch party if you're not at the Major. That would be hilarious, though.
It's something that happens all the time. There's a lot of things that I have grievances with that I don't bother saying anything about because what's the point? it's going to start a battle. And then as he said, she said, and like, there's my truth, there's their truth, the objective truth. Unfortunately, there's probably nobody standing in a position without a bias to be able to present that.
It's something that happens all the time. There's a lot of things that I have grievances with that I don't bother saying anything about because what's the point? it's going to start a battle. And then as he said, she said, and like, there's my truth, there's their truth, the objective truth. Unfortunately, there's probably nobody standing in a position without a bias to be able to present that.
Right. And then a lot of the time this thing gets picked up and it ends up on the HLTV forums or on Reddit or Twitter. And then it becomes like fucking TMZ cannon fodder for the community to talk about. And we're not really getting anywhere. It just presents a nice little bit of drama for people to, to, to enjoy, which, you know, is, I guess this is entertainment. So it's an extension of that.
Right. And then a lot of the time this thing gets picked up and it ends up on the HLTV forums or on Reddit or Twitter. And then it becomes like fucking TMZ cannon fodder for the community to talk about. And we're not really getting anywhere. It just presents a nice little bit of drama for people to, to, to enjoy, which, you know, is, I guess this is entertainment. So it's an extension of that.
So it is what it is, but people already jump to conclusions all the time. And like I said, when people read the first thing without actually like understanding any of the facts around a situation, they're just going to kind of take it for face value and run with it. So the damage traditionally gets done if you speak,
So it is what it is, but people already jump to conclusions all the time. And like I said, when people read the first thing without actually like understanding any of the facts around a situation, they're just going to kind of take it for face value and run with it. So the damage traditionally gets done if you speak,
It was a bit of a quip, but you think about the type of show that he was doing, right? You bring that into context. That shows more about... Which was it? Snakes and Banter? Yeah, that was the other one.
It was a bit of a quip, but you think about the type of show that he was doing, right? You bring that into context. That shows more about... Which was it? Snakes and Banter? Yeah, that was the other one.
I think it was Snakes and Banter. I said Snakes, sorry. I was thinking Snakes and Ladders. The other one is Hot Take Point Made. That's with Kassad. Yeah.
I think it was Snakes and Banter. I said Snakes, sorry. I was thinking Snakes and Ladders. The other one is Hot Take Point Made. That's with Kassad. Yeah.
Well, the Million Dollar Man doesn't miss majors.
Well, the Million Dollar Man doesn't miss majors.
I think the other thing is though, like the three of us, when, when these things happen, we have more information or we have perspectives presented from alternative viewpoints, right? So when we hear something from one party, but we've also heard something from another party and those things don't necessarily line up, it's like I just said before, it's like their truth.
I think the other thing is though, like the three of us, when, when these things happen, we have more information or we have perspectives presented from alternative viewpoints, right? So when we hear something from one party, but we've also heard something from another party and those things don't necessarily line up, it's like I just said before, it's like their truth.
It's from either side, right? The he said, she said type situation. So, um, you're trying to piece together this stuff with the information of all sides and, um,
It's from either side, right? The he said, she said type situation. So, um, you're trying to piece together this stuff with the information of all sides and, um,
It depends, Janko. If he's trying to be like a full-time pundit, right, and try and take those angles, then...
It depends, Janko. If he's trying to be like a full-time pundit, right, and try and take those angles, then...
i don't think it's necessarily gonna i don't think it hurts him because it puts the name in the spotlight right like and and i think zeus is someone who i think would be great on a desk uh i think zeus is very well spoken i think he obviously has the knowledge base he's got the cabinet i think he'd be really good on desks i would i would love to get him on some desks with like you and josh and jason when jason's doing his second job and
i don't think it's necessarily gonna i don't think it hurts him because it puts the name in the spotlight right like and and i think zeus is someone who i think would be great on a desk uh i think zeus is very well spoken i think he obviously has the knowledge base he's got the cabinet i think he'd be really good on desks i would i would love to get him on some desks with like you and josh and jason when jason's doing his second job and
uh i think i think like i i think you know if zeus is trying to go that angle then i think it's it's not a step back it's just a you know a thing that puts your name in the in the spotlight so from that direction yeah whatever um Unless we got anything else to say on this, I found the snippet from the PGL updates to 26, 27 in the rule book.
uh i think i think like i i think you know if zeus is trying to go that angle then i think it's it's not a step back it's just a you know a thing that puts your name in the in the spotlight so from that direction yeah whatever um Unless we got anything else to say on this, I found the snippet from the PGL updates to 26, 27 in the rule book.
That's a nice hard out. I'll get this and then we can just talk a bit about Cluj and then we can fuck off. So this is for a new addition to the PGL rulebook. This came out in their press release. You can go check it out on the website on the 11th of February. So fucking two days ago. Jesus Christ. Time is flying. There's so much news.
That's a nice hard out. I'll get this and then we can just talk a bit about Cluj and then we can fuck off. So this is for a new addition to the PGL rulebook. This came out in their press release. You can go check it out on the website on the 11th of February. So fucking two days ago. Jesus Christ. Time is flying. There's so much news.
Okay, so this says a team will be denied an invitation if they accepted the invite for but failed to attend the previous PGL event for which they were eligible. So that's the Furia example. So it's not if you deny the invite. If you say, no, I don't want to come, that's fine. If you accept the invite and then pull out like Furia did, then you get barred from the next one. I think that's good.
Okay, so this says a team will be denied an invitation if they accepted the invite for but failed to attend the previous PGL event for which they were eligible. So that's the Furia example. So it's not if you deny the invite. If you say, no, I don't want to come, that's fine. If you accept the invite and then pull out like Furia did, then you get barred from the next one. I think that's good.
That is very good. I like that.
That is very good. I like that.
Anyway, just wanted to get that cleared up. Yeah.
Anyway, just wanted to get that cleared up. Yeah.
Not me. What the?
Not me. What the?
He's going to start with silly buggers here.
He's going to start with silly buggers here.
It depends where they play them, because Eternal Fire shot the bet on stage. Yep.
It depends where they play them, because Eternal Fire shot the bet on stage. Yep.
I still don't like the role distribution. I think that Frozen needs to go play Robson's spots and then give Elysian Reign the actual spots and then fucking don't. The fact that if I go into this and fucking Kerrigan is anchoring the A-bomb site on Anubis... What are we doing?
I still don't like the role distribution. I think that Frozen needs to go play Robson's spots and then give Elysian Reign the actual spots and then fucking don't. The fact that if I go into this and fucking Kerrigan is anchoring the A-bomb site on Anubis... What are we doing?
No, but he should.
No, but he should.
Well, he's the youngest. He has to do what he's told.
Well, he's the youngest. He has to do what he's told.
Who? Reign already has taken some of them.
Who? Reign already has taken some of them.
But it's not about that.
But it's not about that.
But Elisha's playing the A anchor on Ancient.
But Elisha's playing the A anchor on Ancient.
Well, it depends. If your AWPer doesn't have an AWP, then yeah.
Well, it depends. If your AWPer doesn't have an AWP, then yeah.
Their solution is simple. Once they bomb out of a couple more tournaments, they'll see the light. If they don't make top four at this event, surely that's enough to make them want to make some changes.
Their solution is simple. Once they bomb out of a couple more tournaments, they'll see the light. If they don't make top four at this event, surely that's enough to make them want to make some changes.
so so that the initial answer is like oh they're young guys i'm the oldest on the team i've always liked mouse i like the way they function it's like bro you didn't have any other options what are we talking about like you went to mouse because it was the only team that offered you a spot like what are we what are we actually talking about here well yeah you can't say that what the fuck but then why say anything like what a what a shit question like whose house is on fire
so so that the initial answer is like oh they're young guys i'm the oldest on the team i've always liked mouse i like the way they function it's like bro you didn't have any other options what are we talking about like you went to mouse because it was the only team that offered you a spot like what are we what are we actually talking about here well yeah you can't say that what the fuck but then why say anything like what a what a shit question like whose house is on fire
Yeah, I had to do my own laundry when I got back to Malta. So, yeah, that's fair.
Yeah, I had to do my own laundry when I got back to Malta. So, yeah, that's fair.
What am I, Yanko? I'm not central. Oh, man, I got protein powder all over my hand.
What am I, Yanko? I'm not central. Oh, man, I got protein powder all over my hand.
Mouse. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. The Brolin situation, the jury's out, obviously. how Spinks slots into the team and how the team looks, it's a complete mystery. I have no... I have no idea of what it... How do you do it in Serbia, Janko?
Mouse. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. The Brolin situation, the jury's out, obviously. how Spinks slots into the team and how the team looks, it's a complete mystery. I have no... I have no idea of what it... How do you do it in Serbia, Janko?
Jason, you're under fire right now.
Jason, you're under fire right now.
I don't know if I tell you you're going to be a four-time major champion.
I don't know if I tell you you're going to be a four-time major champion.
uh yes that's fair that seems fair yeah i i think that that's a that's a reasonable take 3d max with bodies another one with a roster change
uh yes that's fair that seems fair yeah i i think that that's a that's a reasonable take 3d max with bodies another one with a roster change
Yeah.
Yeah.
He was mechanically very good.
He was mechanically very good.
They already qualified, though, for Dallas, so that's kind of nice. Yeah. They beat Heroic together online.
They already qualified, though, for Dallas, so that's kind of nice. Yeah. They beat Heroic together online.
You think FlyQuest definitely won't make the playoffs? Yeah.
You think FlyQuest definitely won't make the playoffs? Yeah.
Eight. Yeah, half the teams.
Eight. Yeah, half the teams.
I think playoffs should be Mongols, FaZe, Eternal Fire, Falcons, Virtus.pro, 3D Max, and the other two slots could be anybody's.
I think playoffs should be Mongols, FaZe, Eternal Fire, Falcons, Virtus.pro, 3D Max, and the other two slots could be anybody's.
All right, Kassad.
All right, Kassad.
It's not that I don't think they can make it. It's I haven't seen them play, so I don't want to come to any conclusions.
It's not that I don't think they can make it. It's I haven't seen them play, so I don't want to come to any conclusions.
Or Lily Phillips.
Or Lily Phillips.
Okay, Jason has to go in a minute. So do you guys want to know about Bonnie Blue?
Okay, Jason has to go in a minute. So do you guys want to know about Bonnie Blue?
Okay. Oh, I hope the dog's okay.
Okay. Oh, I hope the dog's okay.
You forgot about it. Yeah, I did. Okay, so Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips, who were friends, they're both adult actresses, were in a bit of a feud in recent times because Bonnie Blue, she claims to have had sex with 1,057 men in one day. It's a claim that stirred considerable controversy and debate in the media and social platforms. Just touching it doesn't count as sex.
You forgot about it. Yeah, I did. Okay, so Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips, who were friends, they're both adult actresses, were in a bit of a feud in recent times because Bonnie Blue, she claims to have had sex with 1,057 men in one day. It's a claim that stirred considerable controversy and debate in the media and social platforms. Just touching it doesn't count as sex.
And the video was taken down from OnlyFans because I believe it was difficult for them to verify the identity of all of the participants.
And the video was taken down from OnlyFans because I believe it was difficult for them to verify the identity of all of the participants.
True. Did everyone else wear a condom?
True. Did everyone else wear a condom?
I want to know how many bottles of baby oil they needed to get from fucking Puff's house to make that one work.
I want to know how many bottles of baby oil they needed to get from fucking Puff's house to make that one work.
beast games up late on amazon prime i feel like now if i get denied the visa for melbourne i know the reason okay that's the place to leave it i want we could have talked more uh but we we can't we're done yeah i mean this was weirdly enough this like little hour and a half pocket was the only time we could find for like the next week
beast games up late on amazon prime i feel like now if i get denied the visa for melbourne i know the reason okay that's the place to leave it i want we could have talked more uh but we we can't we're done yeah i mean this was weirdly enough this like little hour and a half pocket was the only time we could find for like the next week
Yeah, I'll see what the setup's like in Cluj. But I'm doing one on Tuesday for HLTV after I finish the day. And then we travel Wednesday. So maybe Wednesday or Thursday. Depends on the internet situation.
Yeah, I'll see what the setup's like in Cluj. But I'm doing one on Tuesday for HLTV after I finish the day. And then we travel Wednesday. So maybe Wednesday or Thursday. Depends on the internet situation.
All right. Backwards Benny out. All right. Peace, boys.
All right. Backwards Benny out. All right. Peace, boys.
Bromania, they call it out here.
Bromania, they call it out here.
think it was just us boys that's a weird double date yeah well at the time yeah yeah we didn't know right and i was exploring look at you now both with kids you know it all works who wouldn't know can we jason can we circle back i have more questions yeah yeah yeah question away So you went and you were in the Moody Center. Is that what it's called?
think it was just us boys that's a weird double date yeah well at the time yeah yeah we didn't know right and i was exploring look at you now both with kids you know it all works who wouldn't know can we jason can we circle back i have more questions yeah yeah yeah question away So you went and you were in the Moody Center. Is that what it's called?
And you were the host. What esteemed guests other than the mayor of Austin, Texas were there?
And you were the host. What esteemed guests other than the mayor of Austin, Texas were there?
Yeah, me and Londis went. I've got a microphone here and a microphone there. Let's do that, shall we? Yeah.
Yeah, me and Londis went. I've got a microphone here and a microphone there. Let's do that, shall we? Yeah.
Leo Matlock, I believe, is the chief business... Officer for Blast. That's his name.
Leo Matlock, I believe, is the chief business... Officer for Blast. That's his name.
He's got a very nice jawline.
He's got a very nice jawline.
Any players?
Any players?
All right. Eric Anderson. Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah.
All right. Eric Anderson. Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah.
That's about it. No. So not really any, I thought there'd be like some basketball players or something.
That's about it. No. So not really any, I thought there'd be like some basketball players or something.
and uh so today was was a busy day in romania not as busy as jason's but we'll get to that um so it's rehearsal day and i arrived last night late or it was technically this morning and then it's like the first day so you want to go and get like you want to get your water and any other supplies that you need then you gotta go get your gym memberships yeah
and uh so today was was a busy day in romania not as busy as jason's but we'll get to that um so it's rehearsal day and i arrived last night late or it was technically this morning and then it's like the first day so you want to go and get like you want to get your water and any other supplies that you need then you gotta go get your gym memberships yeah
He was there. Okay. Yeah. Did you do an interview with Jake Lucky?
He was there. Okay. Yeah. Did you do an interview with Jake Lucky?
If there's any listeners who heard Jason on the radio, please post in the comments below.
If there's any listeners who heard Jason on the radio, please post in the comments below.
He cut out.
He cut out.
Okay, Radio Texas. All right.
Okay, Radio Texas. All right.
His nationality, probably.
His nationality, probably.
I have some more questions.
I have some more questions.
With the announcement, what was the most interesting part that was announced by Blast for the Major from your perspective?
With the announcement, what was the most interesting part that was announced by Blast for the Major from your perspective?
They got Elon Musk, bro. They don't give a fuck about us.
They got Elon Musk, bro. They don't give a fuck about us.
Yeah, you don't right-wing enough.
Yeah, you don't right-wing enough.
Because all this is like from Star Wars. It's like one of the Empire's fucking fleet ships. Okay, I got you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what I mean though?
Because all this is like from Star Wars. It's like one of the Empire's fucking fleet ships. Okay, I got you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what I mean though?
And then you got to do all those things where we're doing the sound check, testing all the mics. There's some cool graphics that they're doing for the desk tomorrow.
And then you got to do all those things where we're doing the sound check, testing all the mics. There's some cool graphics that they're doing for the desk tomorrow.
That's always nice. Very immersive for the players.
That's always nice. Very immersive for the players.
gives us something to talk about not going to go probably not going to go deep in the major but there is something cool here yeah i think the fallen one on the rifle is fun for me it'd be interesting to see what he does after the tournament break and i think the major will have an impact on that but just seeing him do something different and when you think about it getting to play the rotating roles on the rifle he would be rotating around with the awp like he's not playing all of the rotating roles right he's anchoring beyond mirage like that's not a fun spot
where Mongols go every single gun round, it's not like, you know. But what are you going to do about it? So I think at least it's a positive uptick for Fury going into the major. Likely to still see some changes into the tournament break, right? Because they can use the core three players they have on the other side of the tournament break to hold on to those VRS points.
Last time we recorded one in this room, Josh was in the room. Yeah, that's right. Josh could also maybe end up in the room. And I think it's cute that Dinko has a whole room to pick. And when he set up, he set up right next to Josh.
I feel like Fallon's never been selfish.
Everyone says that he does everything for everybody else.
But why would a mind like Fallen, why would you not want to see him coach? It doesn't matter what else he would do otherwise.
Okay, okay. So some form of content could be possible. I just think, when I think about Fallen, and obviously... He'd be a great coach. I think he has a good temperament for it. I think I would want to see him get stern. That would be the thing that I think would be necessary. Yes, he's a little bit too nice.
um get the stick out from time to time but it would just be a shame i think for him to not be contributing to counter-strike considering he's one of the best in-game leaders over the last 10 years right like you i think he'd still be contributing to counter-strike i think he'd just be doing it in a different way his knowledge of the game is incredible i don't want to watch a fucking fallen variety stream playing repo and doing jumps you're never going to turn that stream on anyways even he's doing it
But my point is it would just be a shame to have somebody like go on to do that, which is like an entertainment branch. And as far as I'm aware with Fallen, I don't know his finances, but he's built a dynasty, right? Like he had the Games Academy. He's got the gear that he has. He's worth so much money.
So why the fuck does he even need to like prioritize something that makes money? Unless he wants to, you know, make generational wealth for seven different generations of his fucking family down the line.
Yeah, that's fair.
Yeah.
It's a cock table. Yeah, I heard it got a big workout last year, Jason.
yeah so when we landed there was a bunch of plans planes landing at the same time but our plane was one of the earlier ones of that bunch so maybe one had landed before us so there was a queue but the queue wasn't very big it was maybe at most i don't know 30 or 40 people felt pretty reasonable and then as we're in the queue alex and i get ushered off to like a different side um just as they open up different lanes and where maybe i don't know
25 people away from the front and ahead of us is like simple he's there with neo and frozen and there's a whole bunch of other players i see the guys for heroic i see and um what ends up happening is the pc system goes down and it's down for about an hour so there's already people who are at the very front of the line talking to the agents and they can't move right there was one there was a couple with a baby and it's like holy shit so they're stuck there with 40 minutes to an hour can't go
Can't go back. You finally made it and like, nope. Can't go forward. What do you need to go to the bathroom? You don't want to lose your spot in the line because during all of this 40 minutes to an hour, all these other planes are landing. So what was pretty empty, like line turned into probably a thousand people within this. It was just insane. It was fucking packed. And then eventually.
Where'd you fly through? Frankfurt. Frankfurt.
Oh, Dallas. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Malta to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Dallas. And then as we're going to go through, then you get ready. And I was in this line, Alex was in this line, and I saw about five or six people ahead of me. The woman that had just gone up, she gave her passport and she was getting asked a few extra questions. And I was like, I know what's going to happen here.
She ended up getting pulled to the secondary screening. So I like shifted line and jumped in with Alex. I was like, because the border agent leaves, like closes the queue. And I was like, I've already been waiting for a fucking hour. I jumped in with Alex. I was like, let's get out of here. And then I got up there. Alex went before me.
And Alex and I have the same travel plans while we're here in the US. So whatever Alex said is probably similar to the story that I said. But I went up and he goes, what are you here for? And I went, oh, it's a gaming event. And then I'm going to go see a friend and stay with him in Michigan. And he was like, oh, where in Michigan? I was like, oh, Grand Rapids.
And he's like, oh, yeah, there's a presidential library there. If you're bored, you can go and check it out.
Which president? Gerald R. Ford.
the only president that wasn't elected yeah yeah and he explained that to me i didn't i didn't know that and then we spoke about the weather how come he wasn't elected because nixon got uh yeah but he was the vice president the same way linden he got elected as his vp are you questioning kramer the border agent yeah that could be his last name but his name he was an old bloke i reckon it's probably in his 50s
And then we were talking about the weather because I was like, yeah, I don't know how sunny it's going to be in Michigan. And he was like, do you have a device that can access the internet on your phone right now? And I was like, yeah. And I was like, what is he going to make me look up? And he's like, yeah, type in weather.gov. And I go to like the weather thing and I show it to him.
And then he grabs it and he points and he brings up Texas. He's like, yeah, you should probably pay attention to this. And I was like, there was a hurricane or some shit that was coming. It was all red and everything like that. I just avoided that. I came in just before. We did all that. And then we fist bumped.
That's great. Swear to God. That's awesome. It was witnessed.
It could have been his last name, but it was Kramer.
It's not the same vibe as that pro league season. That was it.
It's a different situation.
But Simple's back. He was there. That's true. There was that photo that Trace, we should put that photo up.
Yeah, I've gotten the skills. Are you really wasting time editing?
A lot's been going on. I saw the blast one. Yeah, so there's something since the blast one. Okay, what happened since the blast one? So I guess to update everybody, there was a period of time there where Bestia were coming out and saying, hey, help us, right? We had Apex retweeting some stuff and it's like, we're struggling, we need help to get these visas.
So they made it publicly clear that they were struggling with the visa process, right? Then Blast earlier today put out a statement saying something along the lines of, right, here it is. Since February, Blast has proactively communicated with this team about the US visa process required.
I thought you had like six interns that you were paying.
All right. Well, thanks, Chad. Do you want to follow up on that? No, thanks, Janko. We'll get back to that one. Okay. Bestia were repeatedly provided with follow-ups, support and updated invitation letters for their visa process upon request, the TO states, but became unresponsive after their players failed to obtain their initial visas.
A clear deadline was then set for May 21st at 5 p.m. CEST after which players needed to have confirmed visas. Okay, so, right. The update that came out for us recording this right now about... half an hour ago.
And why do you think we started with the Fair Life milk bit? And beer. Yeah, right. The things that keep us alive are the sponsors of the shows. So they're some of my favorite sponsors.
Bestia's CEO has posted to X claiming that both the players, which is Tomasin and Lukov, or Luchov, I guess it's, yeah, anyway, have secured their visas and that they do not need to wait until Monday the 26th as previously stated.
one of the players himself also posted saying that all bastia players now have their visas okay so the problem is blast have already announced that legacy have taken their spot at the moment why have they done this that's like i don't get like that's one last part and they said that also valve approved that they were in communication let me get that i'm taking this from the hltv article just to give credit to them um shout out to our overlords they control everything they control everything um
Because there's a couple bits in here that are quite key.
Well, we always knew that America comes with a risk of visa issues. It's something that's happened in the past plenty of times. Now, look, it's not exclusive to America.
But it is interesting that it says here, Blast add that the decision has been validated by Valve. Right. So obviously the level of evidence that was delivered to Valve was enough for them to say, okay, we agree with this situation and we think that they should replace the team.
Well, it's impossible.
But it's going to be on Valve. Here's the thing. If you're Blast, you would want to put that decision on Valve, but Valve would want to put that decision on Blast. Yeah. Because I'm sure that Blast are the ones who are going to Valve and saying, hey, we don't have this information yet.
I should be celebrated.
Look, I think I don't like to use the term deserve because people say like, oh, they deserve to win that event or whatever. Right. And I think it's a poor word to use when talking about competition. But this is a situation where they qualify. So they deserve to be there if they're able to acquire their visas. Now, I understand the point of deadlines.
But right now, let's check for stage one of the major. It is still 12 days away.
And just to be clear, the deadline being May 21st at 5 p.m. was yesterday. You just just tried to drink the mic. I'm doing three things at the same time. You just tried to drink the night? I tried. Jason's the alcoholic. But yeah, the deadline was yesterday, which essentially put it as a two-week out window.
Now it's 12 days, and we're talking 24 hours later, or slightly over 24 hours later from that point of the deadline. So if there was ever going to be a grace period given for anything, you would hope or imagine that this would be it. But at the same time, Valve, I imagine, are going to want to put the onus on Blast. Blast are going to want to put the onus on Valve.
It's not like the events on the moon, you know?
It feels like it's usually one that comes with... The word that I'm going to use is paperwork, but that's not the word I'm looking for. It's more like... on the books, right? You know, you got the hotel bookings under the right names. You got the flights booked. You got the this. So you got the that. And that right there doesn't feel like the best reason for them to be missing the major.
It's just when these fucking Mumford & Sons bearded clowns started to become popular, Jason.
And if the deadline, if the conversation with Bastia to Blast was, oh, hey, we won't have the visas until the 26th,
with that that's next week right so then at that point we're cutting the timeline down by another four days so and then if they don't get it on that point then we're dealing with a week span but at the moment with the information that's provided because this is a developing story things may change you would hope that there is some reconsideration to this and bastir is given the opportunity i don't i don't see how you can once you've already invited the other players the group the the the everything why
It's not the best teams in the world. No, they're in stage three and stage two.
I'm going to hold that hope that there is at least a review of this situation. Valve will go tomorrow, then they won't be working anymore because they don't work on the weekends. So maybe they'll take a look at it today or tomorrow.
Hunter missed it.
I'm trying to find the point here because there's something to do with Bestia's legal representation. Um... that said that they applied incorrectly in the beginning. I just want to see if I can find the statement.
I can't tell you. I don't know. I got strong passports, mate. Yeah. Same as you.
But I think that the over like I want to wait till the story is completely developed. But you would hope that the teams that qualified for the major get an opportunity to play the major. Now, I understand all of the details around this and the need for deadlines and this, that and the other. But yeah, I want to wait for the story to complete before I I feel too strongly about anything.
There is something that I, you know, Jason, we have a lot of people who listen from all around the world.
Well, we do love New Jersey. They're my favorite group of fans from America. But I love all Americans equally. I'm still trying to turn my love for Americans around.
Which ones would they be?
What about Florida, man? He's in the news all the time.
Why don't we love them?
Okay. Now, keeping America in mind, we're here at IEM Dallas, and there's going to be a lot of American Counter-Strike fans who are going to be in the building to watch the playoffs.
Yeah. We do get a lot of people who listen to talk and counter from the States, don't we? We do. Which is always nice in Dallas. It's a large demographic for us.
Look, at this point, our bid is not being sponsored. Look, I will say this because fair life. Some people did reach out to me and I need to follow up. So I apologize to some of those. Oh, thanks, Chad. So the people have been lining up and you've just been ignoring them. I'm not the guy who should be responsible for anything.
He loves being useful. With it in mind that we're in the US, right? I made a tweet the other day and I upset the Turkish fan base. And I want to apologize profusely to the Turkish fan base because the tweet that I made was not intended to exclude them. And I think that I made them feel disrespected.
The tweet that I made was, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we can only have three teams from Group B in the playoffs. Now, again, with the context that we're in America. And I was thinking of teams that the American fan base would like to see in the arena. That would mean one of Falcons, Maus, Liquid or FaZe would miss out.
So, obviously, Aurora are also in Group B and they did make it through. How dare you? But this is the thing. The reason that I listed Liquid and FaZe alongside of Falcons and Maus... Is because you hate Turkish fans? No, it's because Liquid has North American representation and is the North American team.
And FaZe is also a massive team as far as English speaking, actually any speaking crowd is concerned, right? When we were in Australia and people would come up to Alex and I while we were filming content on the street and went, hey guys, how you going? We'd be like, oh yeah, you coming to the event? Who are you excited to see? Everybody would say FaZe. Like FaZe is just a massive fan favorite.
And the fact that S1mple was back and everything along those lines. I should have added the context that it was a tweet framed for the fans in the arena because obviously the Turkish fans who have a very good team
But Jason, they've been very upset with me. Have they been? They've been very upset with me.
But this is the thing. If the Turkish fans listen to me commentate an Aurora game, I'm an Aurora fan. I like the way that they play Counter-Strike. I think Wakadia and Jota are actually... I think those two are better than Centaurus and Woxic, which is kind of crazy to say. But I think the output that they've been having... You just angered them again. No.
I don't think they're like, they were saying nice things. Taking that hole deeper. These sports double down. They were very upset with me, the Turkish fan base. One of them said that they were going to fuck my mother in the ass. That's not cool. No, but they were upset, Jason, that I excluded their team. So all's fair. All's fair. All's fair.
He's happy to go with that. No, but I got a lot of Turkish flack for that. And then every time they won a game in the lower bracket, the tweets came back and stuff. And I was like... Aged like milk. There's even no point me reiterating, trying to re-establish my point here. It's pointless. It's gone. The ship has sailed. I'll cop it on the chin. And I'll say sorry to the Turkish fans.
But it's... Also...
Eight out of eight.
Look, this event, day one, you'd give them the day off because of the travel. I think train is a weakness for them in their map pool. I think their train looks like it gets exploited. But overall, I think the problem that they had was something that was really strong for them at the start of the year being Anubis is no longer as strong for them.
So that has kind of put them in a weird spot with the map pool. And I think Madge has been trying to work out what's best for them next. And while trying to identify that, I think it's given them a couple of extra hits which have seemed like it's hurt them a bit. But the fact cannot be argued that they don't play well in the arenas.
Them and Mongols were going to have that same matchup again for the third time this year in an arena. And they're fortunate they get to play against one another. But both of these teams are still coming to grips with how to properly play Arena CS. Right? They won a match. Actually, they won two matches in Astana. Did they look better to you? Obviously, the field's weaker.
He was having back issues earlier in the year as well, wasn't he? He was having some health issues. Yeah, but that was sorted, I think. Yeah, no, I think that was after their long sprint, right? And then they pulled out of an event so they could take some time. Was it Melbourne?
Yeah, I don't know. I've liked the way that Aurora have held themselves this year in terms of the consistency of making playoffs for a team who isn't an international roster, right? Because this is something else that we have to remind ourselves. National teams at the moment, how many of them are properly good? Other than Spirit? Mongols and Aurora. That's it.
But look, here's the deal. It's going to be tough for them because one of them will be eliminated in this quarterfinal. The conversation that I had for Astana and now again in Dallas is these teams need to have good results in these playoff matches. But Mongols or Aurora play into Maus, which is...
Actually, if Maus looked like they did against Falcons in the seeding game, I don't think... Dude, Maus actually looks like the best team at this event. They look really good.
But for you, the beard will grow back within the span of a week. Yeah, it'll be back quick. So you don't have to worry about the facial hair. No, it does sprout back up quickly. Real thick. Yep, thick and lean. What else has been happening? Other than the Counter-Strike, has there been anything fun?
But that's also how hard they got slapped around by Maus. They farmed against... They farmed NRG, and who was the other team? Heroic, they lost. They won 2-1. Yeah, and they shouldn't have lost that Nuke game.
Or maybe they should have lost that new game with how they were playing. But either way, right? Monacy was farming in those games. The Dust 2 game from Monacy against Heroic, the level of bullshit that that kid was pulling off in that map was nuts. Like, oh my god.
Sure, I guess they have Rez and Akor.
True. But I guess there's also the new factor of Falcons, which is something that Vitality is getting a better scope onto as the season progresses.
and rubbing his eyes out and everything. See, I think it's interesting, right? Because I mentioned during the cast, I was like, you know, it could be a relief if they lose it in this one, obviously because of the stakes of the match. They're already in the playoffs. It doesn't cost them a lot. But at the same time, there has to be the flip side of that.
If you do lose, this is the first time you've felt a loss, even though it's not a hard loss. It's the first time you've felt a loss since the Eternal Fire loss back on the 24th of January. What Pandora's box gets open from there? I'd prefer the devil you know versus the devil you don't. Keep winning if you can. Yeah.
But how about they just don't lose? I'm in for that fairytale. Sign me the fuck up.
That's kind of crazy. That framing is insane. That actually is a mental way to talk about it. That's insane framing. And they'll get a boot camp.
We're laughing because that's emotional damage and it would probably break me if I was in that situation as a human being to the point I'd never recover.
Maybe not on the stage. Not on the same ceiling. If both are at 100%, Vitality have them covered. Like ZywOo... Torji's good though, isn't he? Torji's awesome.
I love watching Torji play.
The four spies. Oh, my God. Everything, everything. And then all of a sudden... It was trying to get it started, too.
It was so good.
Yeah, like the Mavs won because they had a bone to pick, right? They wanted that revenge from losing in two back-to-back semifinals against Falcons. And they also, you brought this up on the desk, but proving to yourself that you can beat them, even though it is only a seeding game, can be a lot for the confidence going into the tail end of this season.
Yeah, and the other side of it, I framed it on the cast and I said, look, for Falcons, because they've won them both times, they're probably going to be a bit more complacent.
Yeah. And I think, though, that game was exciting because of the 12-5 comeback on mount number two, which was Mirage. Like, Maus changed up the veto. They went into Nuke the last few times. This time they went into Mirage. It looked like it was going to backfire. Torji was great. Loved the energy that he brought.
And then the other game, obviously the Mongols versus Vitality one, Mirage is the third. Like, the bullshit the Mongols were getting away with That's obviously how you have to win a game of Counter-Strike against the best team in the world.
But that one round where Senzu got boosted window and was behind Flamesy and he was going the trigger discipline because he wanted to get multiple kills on A and then Flamesy just turns around and kills him. It's like, oh my God. And that for Senzu, who struggles in the big games, that one kill and living, like if he went one kill, lived jungle, they probably win the round.
And you just, you hate to see that because like, think about...
Flamesy running tech nine, pops Senzu's head on the balcony, douche. Then I don't know, maybe it's Blitz coming through the smoke because I think Mazzinio died site. And then he comes through the smoke, shows himself, realizes his two teammates are dead. It's like, I have to play retake. Goes to jump back through. Flamesy tracks him through the smoke. Boom, boom, boom.
That's game. There's a fun. It was a fun game of CS That's what I like about Rob.
don't you think they looked pretty caged and scared for like certain periods yeah but then when they like equaled it up late they started to play more like themselves like there were certain situations they were giving mongols so much space in middle like mongols were just able to literally take connect to control and this is probably because of the financial situation vitality didn't have enough nades to harass and go for mid fights but mongols would walk into mid they go we have connector fight us
and they would just wait for them to fight them and then they would win a jewel and then they just finished the round like they're doing a b split but with two guys attacking a like they're just like we'll just make sure you're engaged over the entire map like mongols that's when they're putting their skill on display and it can be so much fun like i think 910s mega legit i think mazzino has become so rock solid remember the little 16 year old kid you were like what's he doing on this team just like poor guy just pulled out of some random land center in mongolia some fucking
Now he's nuts. See, Blitz's output as an in-game leader, really good in that series too. Like, Techno plays a lot more of these supportive positions. He had a couple of key moments, but he was pretty average overall. And then Senzu's the one in these big games. He had a nasty question, didn't he, Senzu?
But I'm excited for Mongols. I'm excited for Aurora. I hope that they have gotten over their stage fright by the time that we get into the major because I want them to be in the playoffs. I want the playoffs of the major to be Vitality, Falcons, Mous, Spirit, Aurora, Mongols. And then if I have to... I have to pick two more teams. FaZe. Stop, guys.
Give me that. Here's the thing. When I went on...
was it snake and banner is that the one yeah when i did that one with duncan and maui um and like i know that's not that one the eighth theme is energy is that is it we have three points yeah um and yeah the one it was about phase being like yeah the the phase like elise killed phase whatever the the phase that you know and love is gone simple is the only player in the world that can keep he is the he is the only player in the world that can keep the current phase with that status he just is
Okay. He is. There's no other player.
I'm with you, yeah. Jason, imagine we have this.
But think about how stacked Counter-Strike could be at the moment. I know. You have Vitality with ZywOo and Robs. I know. You have Falcons with Niko and Monacy. You've got Spirit with Donk.
Right? And Shiro. You've got Spirit with Donk. And... Shout out to our boy. Then you have FaZe with S1mple. Think about the superstar era we would be in then. And that would mean that S1mple needs to be dedicated and get back in. But Jason, he changed his Instagram.
This means he has 1.6 million followers on Instagram. He's changed his fucking Instagram picture. off the radar on the mission.
No, they're in stage two. They are? Stage two, yeah.
He hit shots that reminded me of Simple Evolved. He also missed shots, but he hit shots that were like, that's the boy. That's the guy. You were casting it. You were getting excited. I did get excited.
I think Kerrigan should change at least one player every six months.
No, not because of that. Because it means that he gets to call looser.
Look, just make it a six-man roster. Make it a six-man roster, and then you're able to just keep... You're on the bench for six months. You can go spend time with your family. But could we, just quickly... So let's say it was those seven teams. Exclude all the players in those seven teams. And Na'Vi is eighth. No, but just pretend there's an eighth slot. Okay.
Out of the remaining players in all of Counter-Strike, could we build another superstar team? Yes. Who? Who's of superstar caliber enough that would be the lead name?
So I guess you could start with Twists as like your first piece. Right? You could, yeah. Do you think he's good enough to be in the status? I'd like to believe so.
Exactly. So that's where I'm at right now. If we had to build like another... Who's the AWPer?
Yeah, look, without my troubleshooting, we wouldn't be here right now. And that's why I should be celebrated. Whose water is this? Yours.
Oh, Josh is accusing Dinko of overpowering the board here.
He is. He's firing up. He's taller than Josh. Yeah, but taller. Dinko's taller. Like you're got a little bit more reach. It's possibly true.
Yeah, props to Staun.
But that was group stage. Yeah. He was then good in playoffs or he had better playoffs than he normally does. Device is actually a really interesting thought. So we have device twists.
Now you're getting crazy. I'm talking star status right now that we could inject and we'll get signed for the next Marvels movie.
Grim. Yeah, well, Na'vi's fucked. Na'vi will have change in the break, 100%.
I think it's better for Sybil to go to FaZe.
Also, like, look, I know what you're saying.
That's why I said a year and a half. But either way, I was just living in fantasy land there because I would love to have this level of Counter-Strike. Even if it's Astralis, who are the team to come in and take that spot over Na'Vi, for example, because I think... They can do it. Yeah, they actually look pretty good.
It's good right now.
The tactical level is high, but what the individuals can pull off in certain moments makes it exciting too. Like I think it's harder to win clutches now. So the appreciation for clutches, especially that crazy ones being one is through the roof. Like Counter-Strike is always going to be evolving. I was talking to Nico today doing one of those clutch things.
And one of the clutches that came up of his was the deagle round that he had on cash when he was in mouse on the A side. And he goes, that's not really a clutch. That's a highlight. Even though it was a 1v5. And he's like, they came towards me. And then he's like at this level of Counter-Strike. And I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. That's when I was playing. Hold up a second.
But to that point, the game has evolved and is going to continue to evolve. And now we have such a high-level understanding of the macro from all players. It's not just the in-game leader being a puppet master saying, go here, do this. Everybody contributes. And then the level of understanding of how to play certain situations and what you need. The game is at its highest level ever, of course.
Yeah, it was more like a chessboard with the players. And you wouldn't tell them why they were doing something. They would just have to do it. Whereas now that's different. Now everybody talks about everything like that. So, yeah.
It's just the cognitive function, bro. Like I think if anyone's done an all-nighter, you know just how you feel, then imagine doing that when you're on an airplane and you're in these less than ideal conditions. You don't have the ability to be, you know, like keeping yourself awake with like a shower or a proper bed.
Even if you're in business classes, the best way other than a first class that you can travel, but still it's not the same level of sleep.
Yes. And they won four majors over that, what, year and a half span? Or two year span? Two and a half. Two and a half. Yeah, that's right. With Atlanta 2017. Yeah.
Wait, so we brought in a replacement. He could have just gone to the bathroom.
This is Dinko. He's our intern. Intern, yeah.
i was just trying to think you got me going on events that we've flown into and we started broadcasting immediately i think trace and i did one where we flew from the states to copenhagen and we that day same day like the same kind of thing couple of hours after we landed we did a pro league broadcast there was also pro league back when it was in the old esl studio with henry uh alex matt we flew in from australia at one time this was the season i was hosting
We got through... I used Alex's new shoes joke on him today. Did you like that one?
Did you get too big for your old ones? But um, I saw Alex Alex use that one on Harry one time so I thought it was really good. How did Harry react? Um, baffled I think. Yeah, just confused. So I can't wait till we tell Jason what Dinko said.
Wow, okay. He's got a bit of fire in the belly there. So I think we should tell Jason.
I mean, I'm going to add the podcast.
Didn't call to fuck them.
like not just because of that i think just because they they're not they don't have the same they're not ashamed of anything right they've been through life they're at the point where they're just like i just don't care about anything yeah they've turned it off yeah okay all right where were we um
I'm trying to have less of them.
Someone's already drunk from this.
Yeah.
I can't really talk about Liquid because of the JKS thing. It's just easier not to.
I didn't do any of their games here. We're on their B streaming. Jason did the first one, but that was it.
Nerds has been quiet compared to his normal self. Since he joined Liquid, he hasn't quite... That's weird. Why?
Should we talk to him?
I think the old adage, you know, not being able to see the forest for the trees is probably something that Naf's struggling with right now because he's been playing nonstop, right? For the last 10 years.
And I think somebody who's now more of a seasoned player could probably use like a three to six month break to be able to step back and
identify if the motivation is there that he wants to keep playing and then second of all kind of re-look at Counter-Strike and leave all the baggage behind of how you did things before and embrace CS2 and the current meta which I'm not saying it needs to have drastic changes in the way that you react to something as a protocol or decision making but just fall in love with the game again.
And I'm not saying he doesn't love it. You wouldn't do it every day if he didn't. But at a certain point, just doing something for such a lengthy period of time, that just becomes your life.
Yeah, 2017. Yeah. Maybe he needs Kassad back in his life. They need a coach in Liquid. No one needs that. Absolutely nobody on this planet needs that.
all right i mean well he thinks simple's career is a mockery so i i don't know you boys have brought simple up for every little fix over the past year i also want to know and i also want to want to tell you
Again, I distance myself from Janko's opinion. Any ladies listening to the podcast, I do not even pretend to understand what having a period would feel like, and I would never. Never assume that I could handle the trials and tribulations.
But that's it, right? I guess for me, and this is where I think I'm different to most.
you are you're a special little flower i have already let that go like for me i'm not sitting there going oh well why didn't they make better decisions so they could have kept nico it's done now yeah it's done now like i understand your point that's what i'm saying like this is the last conversation i want to have about this nico and monacy g2 i'm not even talking about that it's it's just more about like
moving forward that's why saw is such a big sign imagine this right so you do get some pious and saw and then you have mouths and you have heavy god and let's say that you keep hunter you you have one more piece that you can bring in right now do you want that piece to be a rifler Well, it has to be a rifler. Do you want that piece to be an in-game leader or a rifler?
And Shuey's only on loan at Liquid. And if things don't go well for him there, then maybe he is going to... I'm not talking for him, but if I was him, I would look at all my options.
But he went into a team that was already having problems in Liquid.
It was fine. Yeah, I think the sign that just resonated with me then. thinking of the good old days. No, just the, you know, Yann Cassano is the best man at a wedding. I don't think I'll ever be the best man at a wedding.
I'm sure somebody knows.
I was standing in line with Sabrina for 40 minutes to an hour. Did you ask her? I didn't. And now that I recorded, she couldn't go anywhere. She couldn't leave. I should have asked her.
Yeah, like I made like a punked reference with Ashton Kutcher. And I was like, you're too young. You don't get that reference. I was like, for fuck's sake. Anyway. Let's talk about other things, shall we? But yeah, I don't know.
I guess for me, the idea of Sampaio with Shuey, Heavy God, Malbs, and then Hunter, and Saw as the coach, that's not a bad mix of experience with your Sampaio and your Hunter side of things. Shuey's obviously played at a high level and he's gone deep within a major before. His time in Malbs was, sure, not the most prosperous, but definitely decent.
And then Heavy God and Malbs, you need them to become the players that we see in their peaks. And then that's a team that I actually think is competitive. Like it does leave Liquid in a weird spot. Liquid are a team who maybe would want to consider getting this whole Hooksy situation. Okay, let's try another thought experiment here. Let's go Liquid with- Plus Hooksy, plus Device.
Plus Device, minus Ultimate, minus NAF.
I know that would no longer mean they're American. That's a whole different conversation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm with you. Just live in the world with me for a second. So that would give you Twist, Nertz. Hooksy, Device. Hooksy Device, who's the fifth? Twist Nertz, Hooksy Device. Oh, no, Naff would say, because Shuey's gone. So Naff would say. But you could replace Naff.
But you could replace Naff, yeah. But like then, is that more exciting? Like, we're playing CS Manager right now.
Okay, I see what you mean. Okay, fair enough. He's had a couple of those episodes. No, that's fair enough.
So he's gone to the bathroom. He's put his son on. He's taking a phone call.
That's a good question. That is good.
Oh, yeah. He's such a boomer right now with the phone situation. There was other names here that I was looking at, looking at Jason's laptop. PR is a name that I think from Game Allegiant is someone who I'd want to get on a better roster if I possibly could. Sure. Looking at what else we got here. I also think VP, you could try and rescue Flamas potentially. Yeah.
Yeah, I think that there's probably some names as you go down the ranks. Like, Rinkle you'd love to get off of NiP, but he's signed for an extended period of time now. I think Heroic... Shush had a great tournament. Yeah. I think Heroic are fun. It's just sad if they lose some Pyos and Saw. I think when you look at the Heroic roster, I like Tenaya.
I think LNZ and Youngster still need to do some development because at the moment they're still pretty raw and they have hit and miss games. But otherwise, I think Heroic are actually playing and having a decent level of output, so I'll be interested to see where they end up in the VRS after this tournament. So there are names.
It's just a shame that with some of the fall-off of some of these teams, like Pain's an example of a team that's just completely disappeared.
Yeah, but which names are we talking about? Like, who's left still?
Towards the end of CSGO, your Flamesies and your Mezzies were hot prospects towards the end of CSGO, right? But they're so young enough to make that transition pretty seamless. Fair.
Yeah. And that's always been the issue, right? Because the way that it was translated back in the day was, oh, the older you get, you can't play Counter-Strike anymore. But that was because the money wasn't good enough to support you and a family.
We are always breaking new ground, right? And this is the thing, my concern with Rain in this phase roster is like the positions he's been put in having to adapt late in the piece. And understandable making way for a Liege who's very skilled, but Liege is also 27 or something along those lines. So it's not like he's a spring chicken either. There's only three year difference between him and Rain.
Yeah, exactly. It's the circumstances. But the thing is, you wonder at what point the toll is taken on a player like Alige because his partner, we all know, it's a public relationship. Goose Frito, she plays for FlyQuest Red and she lives in America. It's America, right? And then Alige is now spending most of his time over there in Europe to be playing for FaZe.
I didn't think about Rush because I didn't think he'd get married. But I think I could see him. The last best hope for Chad. Yeah, but I'm okay with it because Janko says a lot of responsibility. I don't know if I'm up for responsibility.
So, you know, everybody has these type of circumstances. I get it. I can sympathize with that. Most of my relationships have been a fucking dumpster fire because I live on the other side of the world with the girls I decided to date for some fucking reason, right?
Yeah, sick one. No, they're all nice. They're all lovely. They're all lovely.
Where should we go? There's been a lot that's happened in the news. I'm having a fun time talking.
When I'm at home, I get bored. I love hanging out with you guys, yeah. Yeah, I only do it with microphones on though, so...
It was hard to tell from the cameras on the first couple of days what the attendance was.
i didn't have any idea like i had no idea of what kazakhstan would be like obviously i didn't go i was doing the remote stuff with alex playing with the soundboard but um no it was like on the ground i don't know what the it was i know harry was putting pictures up this was it from our hotel like a silkway maybe that's no that that's the mall yeah i don't know but it's right there but harry had
This one? Yeah, that's the one. Harry had really nice things to say. Harry said it was very clean and everything like that. Because I have no expectation of the place. I don't know what it's like.
Just his reaction was, so James asked him, well, he asked him like, oh, this crowd here, they're cheering for you. I'm butchering the verbatim. But he was, you know, he was like, he said, I don't care.
Yeah, and still like deadpan. And apparently Shiro said in an interview with one of the co-streams in Russian that he's just upset with the level that the team's performing at at the moment. Like he's not happy with that, which is great that he has such a high standard.
And look, I can empathize with the fact that, you know, he is the best counter-strike player or one of the best counter-strike players in the world and wants his team to win and they won the last major, et cetera, et cetera. And then I also bring into it, he's 18. He's a young man. Remember when we were 18?
It all happened from nowhere, right? Yeah. And I think the thing is like, not only he's from a small place in Russia, like he's not from Moscow or anything like that, right? That's why Dinka called him the Siberian psychopath or whatever the fuck it was like.
Fair enough. I feel like I do that every day then.
Do you like his reaction? Yeah. Cause it was, people were critical of his reaction.
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Well, the thing is, the thing is, if he came out here, like that's if he was a bit older and maybe a bit more and let's say he was doing it in Russian, you know, maybe in Russian, he would have said like Spasiba, but he still could have been like email about things because he's not happy with how everything went. Right. Like that.
I think to your point of the crowd was there and that was their like home turf. That's the closest thing to a home event that they're going to get anytime soon. Right. And that might sound a little bit harsh, but that's the state of the world right now. So, yeah, I think that the crowd, hopefully they also can perceive him as what he is, which is which is a young man. And they don't take it.
Yeah. In which facet, Jason? Literally? Financially?
Was Ashton Kutcher going to come out as a callback?
You think I'd know.
Yeah, that's some of the favorite out there. I think the Aurora...
Oh, yeah, you can do that for sure.
Well, not for this event. For the next one. Just for the bedroom.
You can't return those clothes. As long as you get it cleaned first, I think it's okay. Just don't tell anybody.
That's probably the only tie you would wear. Do you think if I was walking around the street in a cowboy outfit in Austin, Texas, there'd be some looks? No.
You can't do that, Jason.
furia point is a fun one i saw not a fun one fun's probably not the right word but a good place to start because you know you you discussing the fact that's how you felt coming off the plane i think the fact that for furia the fact that they went deep in the playoff of astana was a good thing so them coming and obviously having to sacrifice to sleep and everything here they're like all right we had a good result in astana
You just have to let them be.
No, let them be who they are.
They're a pirate. You're a podcaster.
I'm glad that he's changed the mic condom.
I left stuff at home. I packed very lightly for the five weeks worth of travel.
Yeah, I think we're probably done.
New update with recoil. I need to play some more. I don't even think it makes that big of a difference. I will say.
Was this one the yesterday one?
The one with Grail. It felt like the most useless update possible.
Yeah, they are trolls. Which I admire the fuck out of that. I think it's so easy for them to rile the community up. Yeah. It's the easiest thing to happen.
Well, that's the thing.
We've met the devs. Do we think that they go and they read the feedback? Like some of them would.
Bye-bye.
For Aurora, it's probably not the same, but they must have known they were going to make it to the playoffs at the very least. They made it to every single playoffs of every single event they fucking attended this year.
would have definitely expected to be heroic i don't think if they weren't traveling in from astana then yeah yeah yeah i think so too i think so too um it's just one of those scenarios where you get dealt that dud hand and they beat them in the rematch so you know they got there actually i mean and i'll be honest you didn't even really get a delta hand you just this is the decision you made
Yeah, you know like that's you guys just started to go on the schedule and this is just the result Didn't the Dallas invites come out before the Astana once? Yeah, okay So if you agreed to do Dallas and then you accepted Astana.
The cognitive function is going to be laggy, right? And if everybody's functioning at 70% and the team's operating at fucking 40%.
But Furia, I guess we could dip into both events, really, because it was the debut for them with the international roster in Astana. And I think they surprised many people. Molotov was fun to watch. He wasn't always at the top of the scoreboard, but he had some nice moments, which is essentially what you're looking for. Fallen was...
more handy on the rifle than i would have expected overall then you had yuri and astana playing really strong so i think as a hail mary attempt and a roster that might not look like this after the tournament break i think this is better than what they had before right and maybe it gets them a little bit further in the major than what it would have otherwise but at least it's a step being made they took a map off of spirit
I think the context needs to be made that the walk back from the venue to the hotel is about 45 minutes. Sorry.
Do you know, I haven't been outside because I feel like walking from the hotel to the venue feels like you're outside.
Yeah, you feel it. Which is probably why I'm feeling a bit off. I should go out in the sun.
I would say on that, Janko, this is where Karagin does his best work because it's more like round-to-round calling. where he's having to improvise or come up with solutions off of their base, off of their default, off of the rounds that they've spoken about or gone over. But he's making these adjustments and making those calls in the flow of the game.
And that's where I'd say Kerrigan does his absolute best work.
Yeah, Adobe of all people.
Now we're thinking outside the box. Gentlemen, let's not fuck around today. Let's get into it, shall we? Let's get straight into the fucking trenches.
I didn't think they would, but I thought they had to.
No, because Jason, you've made some inflammatory comments. The internet.
I don't know, Jason. I don't know if what I would say was inflammatory. I think what I said was a well-disguised clickbait headline.
Look, Dallas doesn't excite me for seeing them other than Sibyl being in the server, right? Like I obviously Sibyl wanted to play with Rain and Rain's not going to be there or potentially not going to be there for Dallas, right? So I'm only really worrying about the major. I don't really care about how they do there. I don't really care about the skulls thing either. It's just a temporary thing.
I'd heard something.
couple of weeks ago about them needing a stand-in for rain um in those anchor type positions you guys can see if you can connect the dots there we'll see how many geniuses are out there um but for me this is what i think i think you know you yanka you're saying yeah he's on the bench you don't know what the future is going to look like how about this broke you to liquid yeah i saw people say that oh i'm not ready to give up on ultimate it's not there for me yet why not
But if you could get Brokey, wouldn't it be a better addition? Or were we just using the recency bias of his bad performances?
I don't know, Jason. Some people on the internet seem to think it is.
Dexter, yeah. I've never been hot on Dexter, to be honest. I think that his performance at Bucharest, they must have already known he was getting replaced.
yeah it's kind of what allows you to play a bit freer i know but still compared to i know simple is the goat and everything but you know considering the how much he's played in cs2 and everything and all that but dexter had a lot of time off before this before the heroic stint right i know that's more than simple for sure i don't know like i said i i'm not not hot on him i think um I don't know.
Maybe, maybe they could use that energy that he brings, but like, cause it's a different energy that he brings compared to what simple brings. But I don't know. Is that, does that even fit with phase? I'm not sure.
I mean, maybe more out of game. And he is very aggressive as well. And I think the issue was, like Janko was highlighting it before, it kind of feels like Brokey got neutered in that sense. I don't expect S1mple to be fully leashed up or anything, but playing in a blade system, you know your role as an AWPer a bit more. He's not always having to be the playmaker.
So I guess when you look at it and the framing of this is an all-in for the major, then the structure doesn't matter so much. You just need it to stick and maybe the chaos. But you can't win every game with just chaos, right? So, yeah, I don't know. I think the simple one is the blockbuster signing, it's very FaZe. You know, it's very like on for FaZe, like the brand and stuff. True.
Yeah, I think it's more fun overall. Maybe not as safe, but yeah.
I was going to do a what are the odds tomorrow on HLTV confirmed, and I was going to do that exact question, like do they make the playoffs? I don't think they make the playoffs.
I don't think this is going to raise the quality of the team substantially within what they're in stage three, right there. So they get an extra bit of time to practice us.
All right, all right. Let's start with the news, shall we? So today it was announced that Brokey was benched, which was followed by tweets from the likes of Carrigan and Rain. Carrigan going to say this is one of the hardest benchings.
They're in stage two. So they have, they start on the 7th of June and today is the 5th of May. So they have a month. Yeah, no, I don't, I don't think they made the playoffs. Like I'm trying to think realistic expectations and realistic expectations is they don't make the playoffs.
No. So it's the one where you need to give the points, right? So you need that three points. Yeah. I didn't realize that until the day, like I woke up and Duncan was like, Oh, send me a three points. And I was like, Oh fuck. Like I got to think of three points. I was like, shit. So then I was like, okay. Uh, the, the good one, the map pool is not that bad. I see people talking about the map pool.
That's, that's an easy one. And I was like, bad. Okay, what's bad? Bad. Oh, the Blast Rivals format. I fucking hate that it's 18 and 16 through the playoffs. That's bad. All right, let's go with bad. Dude, I saw someone strawman the fuck out of that. He was like, oh, it broke one point. It had 1 million people watching. The format can't be that bad.
I just want to reply and be like, you fucking ape. Just because there was a lot of viewers, it doesn't mean the format is good. You fucking idiot. Those two things are not connected by any stretch of the imagination. And then... The last thing was, yeah, I was like, okay, so I've been having this opinion about FaZe for a while, right?
Not the, like, Alige has killed FaZe, but that FaZe aren't the same FaZe that people maybe, you know... remembering from yesteryear. And I think that what happened was with the Shanghai Major, it kind of was the last breath of that type of phase, the one that would never give up. When they win these crazy rounds, they're all laughing at each other and stuff.
They think they can come back in every game. That identity essentially died when Rops left. And it was dying since Twist left.
You know, Rain talking about the time that he had spent with Brokey as a player, seeing him grow up from FPL into the player he was, you know, winning the majors with and et cetera, et cetera. Which, you know, was... I would say a shock because there was no murmurs of it, even though you can make sense of it. But anyway, let's just stick with the news before I jump into opinion.
right because i don't think frozen has really stepped up to the plate in the same way um that twist was able to contribute to the team within that time even though they were in both major finals last year they've been on a slow like steady decline and then elige comes in and he doesn't even he doesn't have the mentality to be that phase right the phase that never gives up never surrenders is in every game gritty chaotic like
There was even something in an interview, right? Where like first thing was like him about the comms. And then there was something about like him not like loving the chaos. It's like FaZe, that is FaZe. FaZe is the team who thrives in that. So Elysia's addition, right? Is the one that will be marked with the downfall of that FaZe, right? We're in a new era of FaZe now.
Like we got to think of them as something different. Maybe that'll get like another...
life now that they get simple for this event who knows um but yeah that's why that statement came through and i thought well we can make it inflammatory by saying elise killed killed phase but i don't think elise is playing badly i think he's one of the best contributors in the roster at the moment alongside of frozen so it just was like a fun way to spin it you know yeah no it's just so funny because you just phrased that so eloquently and wonderfully explained the problem but that just turns into the headline elise killed phase extremely inflammatory
Yeah, good headline though, right?
Yeah, he got the people going, Jason. So as you see, it wasn't a bad opinion. It was just a strong framing.
I need a second. You guys keep talking. My headset's dying.
And then after that, they announced that Simple will be standing in during the stint of IEM Dallas, which is taking place in about two weeks from now. And then they will be playing the major with him. Then they announced a little bit after that, that Skulls will be standing in for IEM Dallas for rain. Potentially. Potentially.
still when you look how face plays especially on the t side like it's fine it makes sense it's good right it's like other things that are the issue for them i think uh you know maybe it's not the end for carrigan you know who i think it is the end for or is fallen yeah yeah that's the first now that this team's gone international it feels like that's that's where this is headed it's got to be right
Surely he can't do another last dance. How many last dances do people get?
Nice overused saying.
Yeah, I don't know why I took us there. You were just talking about Karrigan. I was like, I don't want him to retire. So then I was like, let's go to someone. It's not that I want Fallen to. It's just that I think... Someone I want to retire. It's just that I think that, like, it's been spoken about even since the Imperial time. And now, like, Furia is limping.
That's the state of the nation right now. So let's now get to your tweet, shall we, Jason?
There was a moment where there was a little bit of, you know... Sun summit for a brief moment, but that's gone down the drain now. So, yeah. Should we talk about rivals? Yeah, I think we can. Back to back to back to back to back champs.
Well, okay. Before we glaze Falcons and Vitality then, should we talk about the other two teams who were in the running for most of the year and then at the moment feel like they're falling off, right? Because let me know if you guys don't agree. Vitality number one, Falcons number two, then it's Spirit or Miles number three. It doesn't even really matter, but they're three and four.
And then there's a bit of a void after that. So like Maus, the conversation at the start of the year around this team was, yeah, Brolin's going to join. They're going to live off the remnants of the structure that existed with Sykron and Shui. Sykron's still there. We know he's a strong influence on the team, but this is only going to last for a certain period of time.
And then after a while, it'll start to dip down. Now with that in mind, Maus performed much better and much higher. than what I had anticipated, right? I thought, you know, maybe this is a team that's still making playoffs, still looking like they can do damage, but not necessarily making finals and winning events, right? And that's what they were able to do.
They were able to get into finals and push Vitality as well, especially Lisbon. So they over-exceeded from that standpoint. But now...
In the last couple of events, they've been pipped at the post by Falcons, who literally within one and a half days of Modesty being in the team and available to practice with them, that's the practice time they had, have already made it to back-to-back finals and pushed Vitality harder than what Mouz ever did. That's without a doubt. So what do we think about Mouz?
Do we think that that initial take has aged well? Are you guys on board with the thought that, yeah, it's starting to simmer out now because Brolan's inexperience as an in-game leader, the remnants of what they had before are starting to wear off, or do you think there's a different problem with them?
You'll have to. Now, the tweet reads, I long ago accepted that I don't think we're ever going to get simple as one of the best players in the world again, but he's not doing himself any favors by standing in for teams with massive issues and a recent history of underperformance. Jason, do you care to elaborate?
There's a few points here because we need to make sure that the context is given because the last stand-in stint that he did was for Falcons, who are now known as the Falcons. But this was Falcons last year when the roster was pretty bad and he replaced some pious and then Shanghai was dirt.
Yeah, that's the thing, right? So I think that there's really quality pieces on the team. I think the consistency factor or in the big games, being able to get them to deliver at their utmost potential is probably the part that is necessary in the big games. And maybe it's just a matter of winning one of those series in an important moment for them to break through. But the clock is...
running out right now, because you look at the events that they have left Dallas is in 14 days, and then they're in stage three. So the time that they'll get official reps, they get a two week kind of breather right now before Dallas, they'll obviously be practicing there. I don't mean they're not doing anything.
And then after Dallas, I'm sure there'll be like a five, six day rest period of some variety and then bang, let's fucking go hard before we have to fly over and compete. Right. So I think that it's like that breakthrough needs to come either in Dallas, because I don't see it happening at the major, right? This is a team who have had issues on the stages before.
And I don't think that expecting them to do it in the most high pressure environment against teams who are much more comfortable in those situations. Look at the players on Vitality now, look at the players now.
um who are in excuse me i've just blanked in the falcons roster right like i i don't like tesla's used to be a perpetual big game choker but we've seen kicks and have good moments in big games um obviously modesty and nico combined right so you you're in magisk of course too so i worry for mouse if that breakthrough moment that aha like we can actually do it moment doesn't happen in dallas they might not happen this season
Because I think everything you said there is fair, Jason. What's the point of looking for change if they're quite clearly one of the best teams in the world? They just can't get past the ones who are better than them.
I think the reason that maybe it comes into question for me is just how quickly Falcons went from it's like, Falcons have this fucking ceiling that's in, sorry, this floor that's in the basement and a ceiling that could be really exciting to add Monacy and now consistently back-to-back finals where they've been able to be competitive with the best team of the season without a doubt.
It's like, wow, that happened so fucking quick.
Now he's come into phase who are another team currently in turmoil, not living up to the namesake and not putting up the results. But I think this begs the question, what would you have Simple do, Jason?
It was 11-1 against Vitality on their map choice on the first half. So that went pretty well. I think Chopper was having a mare of a game.
Yeah, he wasn't having a good time. I wanted to contribute something to the conversation though, just with the Shiro narrative that Yanko likes to talk about. Today I was doom scrolling and on Instagram popped up like a reel of Donk. Like they've got all these clips of like Donk like raging or like sighing or whatever. And then they've just spliced in Shiro misses.
And it's like, you know, it's like all the casters or whatever. It's like me going, Shiro really has to hit this one.
and alex go and alex always let that one go and then like harry's there oh shiro misses the shot and then it's just like it's like so send it to me chat send it to me right now go back i was just looking for it i'll see if i can get it but yeah i watch it every night before i go to bed i link it every day i'll put it i'll put it in an intermission right here in the fucking in the episode yeah do it
I saw it. I was like, oh no, how has this happened? Janko is getting into my algorithm.
I'll see if I can find it. But yeah, I saw that today. But otherwise with Spirit, if we're going to say Mouses are just there, then shouldn't it be the same conversation for Spirit? The only teams they've lost to this year are Vitality, Falcons,
uh mouse and i think they lost to navi at one point as well but other than that you know like how how long could we play this game for you know yeah exactly right like well yeah i know what you mean i know what you mean I like then they're not in tip top form, but they're still in, I would say they're still in striking distance for the major, right?
Well, look, I have a tough time with Spirit. Obviously, you have such a crazy year last year. That's where Donk busts onto the scene. And I think you summed it up well. It's giving them the pass. I think it's fine. If they're able to make top four at the major, that's where they are. That's where they should be. I don't see them winning it. But right now, actually, that's not true either.
They could win it. I said they're in striking distance. They could win it. They're not my favorite. My favorite would be Vitality, obviously. That goes without saying. But yeah, I think Spirit is still in the conversation. They're still in the hunt.
There's definitely points of frustration being shown. Thank you.
I got a simpler one. I don't disagree with anything you said there, but I would run the same thing. I think that The fact that Falcons have performed at such a level after only having Modesty just joined the team is a great sign for the time we get to the major to see Falcons locking horns with Vitality in that environment.
You've got Vitality who have been at the top of the scene the whole season so far. They're undefeated for like 100 days or something. They've won five consecutive events without dropping a series. It's fucking mental. you've got Falcons who just added one of the best players in the world. That's what you want to see.
The likes of modesty going up against his IWU and it robs going up against the Nico and you know, like those are the names you want to see, but yeah, For Falcons, the time that they've had is limited. Sure, you could say, oh yeah, but Montessi used to play with Nico. Yeah, there's definitely some points there that will help that integration, and that's a very positive sign.
But we're still talking no practice time at all. And you just have to go back a couple years, maybe even pre-pandy time. I feel we were much more generous to teams, like when players had just joined rosters and stuff.
So it's like this team made it to back-to-back finals, pushed Vitality, beat everybody else that they had to beat, made light work of some of the opponents, and they've had fuck all practice. So for me, this is just the beginning of what Falcons have to offer.
Jason doesn't buy it. I'm not sold on it.
Jason, why aren't you sold on that logic?
Yeah, I think a player like Magisk, I've heard before in an interview say as well, with the role that he plays in the team, it's very important for him to know the way that his teammates are going to react in certain situations so that he can complement them accordingly. And he's the player at the moment on that team who's getting the hardest time probably from a public perspective.
I think Teslas has done a great job to show his worth. He also said in an interview that he feels the pressure's been taken off a bit now that Modesty and Niko are around him, which is true. right? Those are meant to be the players who deliver. So now there's no, like the spotlight isn't on him to the same degree. He didn't even really have to worry about that in heroic.
So I guess that's, you know, a weird thing, but he's definitely evolving as a player. He has, Teslas has some really impactful kills, I think. He's got some really impactful kills. I like the team overall, obviously in terms of what they're delivering, it's very exciting CS. I'm glad that we have these two teams locking horns at the moment.
i think that the details will make you know probably from the viewer on the outset jason it's not going to make a huge difference from a viewing perspective i think the games will probably be delivered the same way but the the little details that you're pointing out are the ones that are and they can make the difference to winning or losing the game right so um like i wasn't at the start of the year you jason oh jason i don't want to do this i'm not trying to like i'm not trying to i'm not
Yeah, I'm not trying to put you under the spotlight here.
tired and and whatnot and also a testament i feel like to to their own uh mental fortitude and and just yeah yeah now i i think um like we what about this right do you guys think now this is completely off they're not really off topic because of the best of five finals we've had this year other than Katowice, I think. Lisbon was a five mapper. Melbourne was a five mapper.
This one was a five mapper. Do you think the majors now should be five mappers? Do you think there's enough evidence there for Valve to change it?
I think it should be a best of five. To get rid of best of ones, Janko, and I haven't looked at coming up with a schedule or anything. We'll keep format talk away for a second. Do you think teams would be willing to forego best of ones if they get best of threes but have to potentially play two best of threes in the same day, like in the Melbourne format like we did?
best of ones go so quick man yeah it's it's over so quick you know in mr12 it's like just one or two things if they go wrong and you lost both pistols and that's it like you there's nothing pistol and first gun round and then you're like oh that's kind of the entire half right there yeah so i i think they will oh that's a good like that right there boys though it's one of those things that when i'm listening to like a game and people like oh they're getting owned it's 5-0 i'm like they've had one fucking gun round like i'm like what are you
Well, he's in a tough spot anyway, right? Because he's still under Navi. So there's a big buyout for anybody who would actually want to get it.
What do you mean they're getting owned? It was a pistol round, a force buy, an eco, a gun round, now partial. Like, what are we talking about?
I think the Zywe one is... the key for me. Like it's, I think the thing is Zywoo's had some really good moments over his career, obviously back to back world number one, right. Only ever being in the top two until last year. And like they won the major, we can, that bracket conversations for another time. They won that Cologne.
So there's, there's these moments where like Zywoo was definitely there and present and delivering the high level counter-strike. But what you're pointing out there, I think is, is, is key. Like, because, that energy and even sometimes now, I don't wanna say tilting, but frustration being shown.
Whereas like Zywe before and maybe just the productions have gotten much better at now showing the reactions, right? So we're getting more of it because that's another side of things. The buy-in or the emotional investment feels like it's higher, which is elevating his game because now ZywOo is the guy who I'm like, yeah, he's a superstar who can take over the game, right?
And that's what the biggest criticism of ZywOo was for the longest time was that, yeah, well, you know, where is he in the big games when his team really needs him to bail him out? And now he's that fucking guy. He's obviously one of the greatest players to ever touch Counter-Strike, right?
I want to make sure that that is understood by all the people listening because people will take the negative and disregard all the positive. But the positive is huge. But this is a positive. This is that ego manifesting. And he's only 24. Like, he's in the point right now.
where this is fantastic for him to be now walking around with his big dick in the server and actually like laying it out game to game. Because he's unreal at the moment. The shit he is doing is fucking mental. Him and Modesty going toe to toe was so fun to watch in these finals.
So your your position is that this is a bad choice for simple to make.
There's a fair argument now that he has overtaken S1mple. Obviously, more MVPs. I think the reason that S1mple goes down that manner is also because of the person he was and the way that he carried himself.
Yeah, the Sphinx Niko one was okay that they did. They actually talked some trash to each other. But yeah, you got to pick your personalities.
I like Mike there. You know, there's some other people who could have been Mike. There's good. Mike has the, he handled it way better.
That's fucking insane. Yeah, well, I guess like that shows this patch of dominance, right? Because we haven't really got stuck into this vitality stuff, because it opens the Pandora's box to all the other legacy teams, right? So This Vitality streak, maybe some of our viewers don't actually keep up with Counter-Strike. That would be crazy. Vitality this year played six tournaments. They won five.
The first one they played was Studio Event. It was Bounty. They lost to Eternal Fire, aka Aurora. Since then, they haven't lost a single game. They played five events. They've been very strategic in terms of which events they've skipped to make sure they're able to power up and get the focus in.
they've had a nice set of way points, I would say, that have acted as extra motivation for them when they've attended these events, right? So you win Katowice, they had Cologne from the roster last year. Then they go into EPL, they win that. So they're still like, still at that point, asserting their like dominance on the scene.
And then from there, it's like, okay, well now all we have to do is win Melbourne and we can win the Grand Slam. In the meantime, they had, so they went arena event, Katowice, a big win, great stuff. ROPS brings them the Katowice Trophy. Awesome. They go, they win EPL. That's a studio event. But like I said, yeah, establishing a dominant force. Then Lisbon happens directly after EPL.
That's an arena event. So, you know, you always get a little bit extra barred up for an arena event. That's the type of counter-strike you want to play, putting on entertainment in front of a lot of people watching. So there you go. There's the next bit of excitement for them. Let's win another arena event. They win that. They take the break.
Now it's like, well, all we have to do is win Melbourne and we win the Grand Slam. There you go. That's fucking sick. An extra million dollars. You can become one of five teams now have ever won the Grand Slam. Rops can become a two-time alongside a twist. The only two players who ever won two. They go there. They win that.
Then they have to travel back onto the other side of the fucking world to play a studio event where the four best teams in the world are, including themselves. And then in that moment in time, it's like, okay, we can become, if we win this event or if we win certain matches, it was the semifinal they needed.
We can overtake another legendary team, Liquid, from that 2019 run where they won the Grand Slam. We can have more consecutive series won than them. And they go and do that. And then you're in the grand final and you're like, well, we may as well win it. We're here now. The whole thing has worked out so perfectly for them along the road.
And now it's like, okay, the next thing I'd set, and you've mentioned this before, Yanko, if I'm Vitality, two Grand Slams in a year. Win Dallas, come out of the break, win Cologne, win an EPL season, win Chengdu. It's the only team to have ever won two Grand Slams in a calendar year, Jason.
Think about that.
Make sure you get your invoices sent in, boys. That's all I'm saying.
like in either case it would make more sense to to skip that event like i know that probably the orgs are pushing for that and here's the thing with the frequent flyer though you have to play four consecutive blast events in a row which means that you have to play the second bounty so like i think that teams maybe didn't read the fine print when they were agreeing to that type of stuff because obviously you don't have to you can turn down any of these invoice invites at any time
So they could void that. But I'm kind of... Essentially, what I'm doing is I'm still manning your point because the frequent flyer, if you're having to play two bounties, being online Counter-Strike, maybe teams don't want to do that. Maybe that doesn't fit into the plan.
Well, if you're like... Not where it's placed in the second season. Where it was placed in the first season was fine. It was the first event. In the second season, it's not the first event. The first event's Cologne. So you come out swinging...
in recent history. It's been pretty quiet on that front. I'm gonna actually take a look on HLTV how the VRS is shaped up because I don't look at the ranking all that often. I'll be completely honest with you. I was only looking at it pedantically because it was determining which teams qualified for the major. But since then, I haven't looked at it a lot. Right now, obviously Vitality number one,
I think though, Janko, because it takes like a certain amount of your best events. So the problem, what will happen to them? They'll get hit hard by decay. They'll get hit. If I am understanding the situation even remotely correct, they'll get hit really hard by decay. They need a good result at the major, kind of like FlyQuest, or they'll get fucked.
So I'm just looking now, since he ended playing for Na'Vi in October of 2023, he played one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine series with a bunch of best ones in there for Falcons, which have a bit of a mixed bag as far as his ratings are. There's a couple of maps there that he has a really good rating. There's a couple there where he has a pretty average rating.
um in the future let me just see so at the start of the year what did they do they have anything good at the start of the year they only are in the play-ins they didn't make it out of the play-ins but who'd they beat in the play-ins vertus pro they lost to them they lost to australia they beat yeah it's tough right yeah the decay is gonna hit them like a fucking truck yeah they were like the playoffs and clues that's it
Yeah, but I think a lot of things happened with rivals that led them to it being those teams. Obviously, Liquid was going to represent the Asia region. Mongols had said no. It's lucky Mongols had said no because then Falcons were the next team to get the... European invite, otherwise it would have been FaZe getting the European invite, right?
Like it actually worked out good for the top four, but not good for the bottom four. So Rivals kind of, you know, had a mixed bag. Obviously the viewership was great, but yeah, I think there has to be some restructuring done there. Boys, with this team right now of Vitality, where do you place them in the all-time greats?
Or do you want to wait until they no longer are being great to objectively have that conversation? Because one of the things that happens is people get caught up in what's happening now, right? Recency bias. People also want to poo-poo things of the past. Is it unfair to try and rank them now? We don't even know how great they can be.
No, because Astralis even lost some when they were dominant, right?
They still achieved it.
There's a part of that that upsets me so much though, because it's like, they talk about NIP like they were just a bunch of fucking bums.
It's like, it's Get Right and fucking Forest. These are two of the absolute best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game. Like, and I mean that sincerely. I know we have S1mple, we have Zywe, we have Monacy, we have these big names now, but back then when these fucking whippersnappers were still in their diapers shitting himself on a Sunday,
These guys were out there fucking schooling people. Like these are some of the greats. The conversation from 1.6 is Forrest Neo. And then if you really want to get a little bit flirty with it, you can bring Get Right into that conversation.
But these are some of the best Counter-Strike players to have ever touched the game, transitioning to a whole new thing and then bringing in a couple of sources. I just thought I'd make a gag there. I still love Source. I played it professionally. Everybody's fine. Exist was also a good 1.6 player. Like was he on the same level as a Forest or a Get Right? No, right?
Because Forest and Get Right were like our modern day, they were riflers, but they're like our modern day fucking ZywOo and Monacy, right? That's who they were back then with Neo in the mix. Exist was still a very good player. Like Exist was playing with the best Swedish teams at the time, Fnatic, et cetera.
So like these are great players who transitioned game and showed that they could, you know, they refined it to such a point where teams had to work hard to beat them. And yeah.
I don't know because it's a weird spot. Essentially, the question that I get left with from what you're saying there is, is the man up to the task? He's the only one who could answer that, but why would he say yes to this opportunity just because maybe he just wants to get back in the server and he gets to play two events and then he can go back to chilling again?
Yeah, there's a saying for this, right? Standing on the shoulders of giants.
Right?
That's the problem that I have with this conversation. And the one, right, and I always think when people are like, yeah, NIP would just be truck drivers and plumbers. I'm like, are you guys just referencing my team? Like, Top Gun drove a truck and I was a plumber. Like, is that what you're saying? We gave it out there, guys.
I was like, have you guys ever been to Australia? It's really fucking nice over there, all right? It's hard to get people to want to play Counter-Strike. The world's too nice in that part. But yeah, I think this Vitality team is a marvel to watch because of not just the quality of output of individuals, right? Because Mezzi had some really good moments. I thought Mezzi was fantastic in Melbourne.
Yeah. Flamesy has a tough job. Sometimes he just runs in and dies, but he does the hard entry and he just looks silly sometimes. But like player for player, it's a very skilled team. It's really fun to watch the individuals. Obviously on a strat basis, the staff there, Ekstaz and Matt are the ones who are the coach, assistant coach. I think that's all great.
But the thing that I really like about their patch so far has been games where it felt like they should have been down and out that they've been able to come back into. That's the thing that I like because even though they lost Mirage yesterday, they were down 12-3. They brought it back to 12-12.
And then the pressure kind of left Falcons and then they were able to play again more freely and that was good. I think it's made for, you know, it's shown a strong mental, a strong strategic base. It's shown that they can be dominant. The individuals there, it just feels like it's full package.
And a lot of people yesterday when I was tuning into different streams and stuff wanted to see them lose. And I'm like, I don't know. I like witnessing this right now, like seeing a team at this level of class. I don't care who wins or who loses. Right. But I would like to see Vitality have essentially like a flawless season. I like living more now than I did when we were doing games and stuff.
Why would he say yes to this if he didn't actually want to give it a go?
when Astralis was around and we were on the desks and we were talking about it, or I was playing when NIP were in that dominant streak or whatever. Now, I don't know why, maybe it's because I'm a fucking boomer, but there's something about this like run or them being so good that feels really cool to witness. And I feel I'm more cognizant
of this happening now than I had been in the previous ones. Maybe it's because we've been looking out for this, right? Like who's going to be the next chosen one? Because we haven't had one of these since Astralis, right?
Yeah, and FaZe had a small patch as well. But this one feels like different to those two. And maybe I'm just, that's the recency bias talking.
I feel like there's no negatives, Janko.
Nice. What else do we want to talk about, boys?
Oh, yeah, that's right. Yeah, I'm doing the remote stuff for that. I've got to set up up in the living room. I'm doing that next. I have to do HTV Confirm tomorrow, and then after that, I can start de-rigging some of this stuff and work it all out. So we'll see how I go. It could be a fucking clusterfuck. I hope Seb doesn't watch this. Seb, it's going to be great.
My camera's really good, Seb. That's the main part, because obviously it's not about the sound of microphones. No, we'll get it sorted. It'll be good. How's delay casting, Jason? I'm a little bit worried about that. Do you feel like you're delayed?
Okay, that's nice. That's exciting. I think the thing with Astana is we're missing the big teams, right? Like you don't have any of the really big names there. Okay, hold up a second. Let me take that back. You're missing three of the four big names. Yeah, you still have Spirit. You still have Na'Vi. Aurora, okay, Eternal Fire. Good to see them again. The Mongols back in the server.
G2, Game Elysian, Virtus.Pro, Astralis with Hooksy. G2 with Hades is another key point there. Ferdows Pro, the new coach, exciting. Another paint event, we'll see if they keep losing. FURIA with the international editions of Jekinda and is it Molodoy? MIBR back again. M80 still kicking about. Then you've got BIG off of the final in Mongolia. They lost to Heroic there.
NIP, it's crazy to see NIP, holy shit. First one. Odic, which is a Brazilian team, and then Hotu, or H-O-T-U. They came from the Asia I've seen before. Mo is coaching. Oh yeah, Mo is coaching. So they must be Far East, Russia, or Kazakhstan. So that's the teams. What's the most exciting storyline for anybody here?
It kind of feels like Spirit has to win this one, doesn't it?
Well, it's the same thing I was saying about mouse, right? With the breakthrough against the elites, like in Dallas, this is kind of the same thing for the likes of the Mongols and Aurora is they need to, first of all, make it to the playoffs. It doesn't even matter if they get there shaky, they just need to get there.
But then it's about accruing wins on a stage and proper wins, not wins against other people who are out there for the first time, not beating game Allegiant who are out there for the second time on the stage. Like mongols or aurora need to beat like a navi on a stage out of the field here like even i would even say beating fucking g2 on a stage even though that team is
fucking cooked, is still a decent win looking at the field. If we get like Aurora versus Mongols in the semifinal or the quarterfinal and one of them has to win, it's like, well, this doesn't add to the repertoire for either of you guys going into the major. And that was just like, well, someone has to win, right? We've thrown you guys into a pit and the crowd wants blood.
One of you must leave the winner. It might not be the best fight in the world, but somebody will die.
Yeah, well, they're over studios, Jason. You know, they want the high life now.
They want to play. Look, I think I want to see how bad it can get for Astralis. Like, it's always terrible. But like, how bad can it get? Like, surely Hooksy makes the team better. I would hope.
Just looking at this field, it's actually quite interesting because using the old Tommy analogy, right, it is –
kind of a super bowl for the teams like gamer legion astralis big nip yeah odic and hotu like for them it's actually a really really important tournament to accrue some wins and get a decent placement there's no there's no major for them yes exactly yeah sorry i i should have explained yeah so for them this is all about gaining some vrs and getting a jump on the early yeah For next season, right?
And then, you know, you do well here, you move up in the rankings, you start getting invites going into the second season of the year, and then bang, the major actually starts to become a real conversation for you. So yeah, for those teams, they need to be swinging for the fences. I think fortunately, for somebody like Gamer Legion, they also get Dallas. So that's cool for them.
No Astralis in Dallas. So yeah, there's some fun stuff to look at here. I think it's going to be interesting to see these mix of teams, but maybe people just need to pin their expectations and change their framing.
So if like the big teams, you're looking at what type of growth are you seeing or like you can pin an expectation on Spirit to you'd expect them to make the grand final as I would say as a minimum. For Na'Vi, it's like, well, where are they at really? Like, how bad is it?
Mongols and Aurora, it's time to, you know, like, sack up a bit and start showing that maybe it can be a threat when the Major rolls around in a couple weeks' time. And then the mixed bag that's below it, they're all playing for something different.
How many more coaches, Jason?
Yeah, they had one little glimmer, but it was even playing bad off meta CS.
Oh, yeah.
I just Googled opposite of Super Bowl and what have we got? Described a low profile non-competitive event with minimal spectacle, little to no media coverage and smaller niche audiences. Examples might include A casual... Bro, that fits Brazilian CS so well.
This is, like, let's see. Let's just call it mediocre ball.
Oh, 2030. Why? You're making me feel old.
I would say in three years.
Insani is 21. Big Zero is going to be aged out by then. He's 28. Lato.
Fuck Lato and Dumau. What, bro?
We won't see shit out of them, man. They'll be on the B stream and it'll be over. They'll be playing the loser games in the fucking lower bracket. We won't see shit from them.
Let's get out of here. Let's get out of here. I don't want to upset Brazil.
Well, I don't know if we'd call the normal intro normal, but I think we'd call it, you know, they're two different intros.
I understand the hesitance to try and quantify it, Jason, right? And also because of the Falcons stint. But I think this team is better than the Falcons team that he stood in for last year without a doubt, right? And he's... I think Carrigan's framing...
in his tweet is um you know talking about brokey the lineup didn't work and i used all my experience but with this we throw a hail mary at the major right because i the way that i see this is regardless of this simple addition as a stand-in this could very well likely be the last time we see this constellation of phase players together obviously with the vrs you need to keep three so we don't know what it could look like in the future but because of how mid things have been this year
and how it's clear that it's essentially a rebuild is necessary. Like they do need to have some drastic changes. So like they can go to like all in for the major, which is obviously the plan with Simple because it either lands or it doesn't. Like he might get the hunger once he's in that competitive environment, it unlocks that thing. Like a competitor like Simple,
you know i i can understand why the guy you know isn't grinding he's he's beaten the game right if he still wants to play and wants to continue to add to the legacy and contest with the likes of zywoo donk monacy well then he needs to get his act together because he's getting older when they're all now like entering their well for donkeys duncan monacy are young as i was 24 now so i think that's probably entering like what would be considered prime territory that's the definition that's going to continue to change but
If Simple wants to, he's going to be able to get the last couple of good years out of them. And if he can make this return, then that's really exciting. And I would prefer to live in that fantasy world where that's a possibility than be negative on it. And the things that you're talking about, him rage quitting stream, that's Simple.
This is the guy that think about when he's pugging with Freiburg, you know, shut the fuck up. You old, right? Like, you know, like this is simple. We're talking about he's, he's the Dennis Rodman, like the wild card, the fucking crazy guy. Right. But we loved him because he was great at the game and the things were mind bending.
And if he can, you know, actually be able to unlock that he's playing with players. He respects like you look at it. There was something that's come out just recently. I was reading it. Rain was the rain reached out to simple to ask him to, to play. Right? So like this brings us to the other side of this coin because you're looking at it from the simple side and how this could have impact him.
But for FaZe, you sit there and you go, okay, well, why simple? What are the choices did they have? And this shows you like how, I don't want to say dire, but maybe how desperate they are to swing for the fences in this situation.
Also said, sorry, in the, in the followup tweet, it's like, this is an all in move. We're going for the trophy at the major. Even if Sasha is only a stand in, I know we can win. I know you're not going to tweet stuff like, like you're not going to say like, Oh, well, well shucks guys. We'll, we'll give it our best, you know, but like that is a pretty bold statement for car again to be making. Yeah.
And if not, if he's not on a team when all the dust settles around the Major, that'd be fucking insane. That'd be way too crazy.
yeah but yeah exciting times for falcons obviously with the addition of monessy now to the worst kept secret i guess yep not even not even really a secret although that i mean i was i was laughing when i was prepping for the final because i messaged you and i was like so this modesty is like done right like we go into this we're going into this major final cast like expecting to like have this storyline be that this deal is done he's going there am i gonna sound like a moron if this gets cancelled
Um, yeah, I mean, I don't know. It was a weird one because it was like official and 99% of the ways, except for the organizations actually confirming it. So it felt like very weird going into having, having the conversation and cast and on desks that the deal was just done. I was like, I don't know why we aren't just saying it's done.
I, I'm actually, I mean, I don't know, I guess I'm kind of surprised they, they made the final. I mean, they look good for most of the event outside of the final, but I don't know, man, when I watch them play, it's like, I don't, I don't really see them.
uh we have servants or nannies whatever you call them yeah my mom came over yesterday afternoon and hung out with the baby until until nap so i got some video game time there she was like oh yeah go take a nap if you need to go do some work and i was like i think i'll go play video games for like two hours so yeah i wanted that it must be nice yeah but yeah i guess bucharest
I feel like they do a lot more like just like grouped up, like calls, you know, like they just like make a call and either it works or it doesn't. I feel like I don't see them work the map all that much. Um, But look, I don't know if you want to talk about positives. I like heavy God. Heavy God was awesome. This event, he took another step forward.
Mobs obviously still struggling with some of the increased responsibility, but it looks like it's, you know, in some areas it's getting better. I think it's still very inconsistent. So he needs a little bit more time with it. Hunter, I guess the same thing. It felt like he was having a really good event up until the grand finals, which was a bummer.
So I don't know this, this team, I think still didn't give us anything new. And I think it just kind of reinforced some of the stuff that we already kind of thought, which is, And occasionally they're going to be dangerous, but I don't see them lifting trophies outside of events like this where, you know, some of the top teams are missing and some of the other top teams go flat.
Uh, probably not. I'll let you read.
Yeah. And especially when I think like, I don't know, like, I think sometimes it feels like whether the play they're calling for that first timing is like the action away from, from that first timing is just like someone doing kind of, kind of like nothing, just kind of like twiddling their thumbs, you know, like there's no, I don't know, it feels disconnected.
Is this the tweet you were talking about the what a lovely day not to be on socials need to wait for deadlines at all?
Yeah, we'll go on about it. I'm going to find it. I know it was that.
I was in the zone. All right, yeah, here we are. Chad's obviously on vacation again, so it's just going to be Yanko and I doing this episode. He's out in Australia with Rush showing him the bush. Whatever you take from that, you'll take from that. Sounds hot, not going to lie. Yeah, it does sound, and it probably is a little bit warm where they are.
I feel like he's like the main positive when I talk about G2 that I have to hold on to because it's like the only thing it's the only thing positive I have to discuss is like I think he's he's awesome he's great and I think he's stepping up massively for this team and early returns are awesome and it's obviously a great decision for the future of G2 that he's in that jersey and hopefully you're going to keep him there but I mean it's still at the end of the day it can't possibly make up for losing Nico and Modesty all within what five months of each other
First good day of the year.
Like, like it's great. It's just like, good luck with what comes next, I guess. Like, let's, let's see.
It's probably also, I mean, you look at the string of decisions that this management has made from the JKS loss, from that roster change with the weird way that was handled, and then into the Hooksey departure as well with Nexa being brought in. I think if you're one of these players, and I mean, we saw Monacy in the Banks' podcast kind of say, You know, I didn't understand the JKS loss.
Hooksy was my favorite IGL. And I think if you're a star player who sees the game in a very specific way, especially with modesty and Nico working so closely together, it's like if you're making the decision, every decision that you've made with the roster, they disagree with like eventually they're just going to be like, what the fuck? Like, where is this team going? Why are we going this way?
Why are these decisions being made? And that's got to be frustrating as well for those guys who are like, oh, now my favorite IGL I've ever played with is gone. And we've brought in someone who's not really an IGL and I have to make do, you know, and that just keeps adding more work onto their shoulders. I would imagine that's the way it feels. So I don't know.
It's, it's such a strange, it is kind of a strange message too. Cause like also. Why are you kind of giving him an elbow on the way out? It was clear he was becoming disconnected from the team.
But that's like looking at a fucking jigsaw puzzle that you have 80% of the way done, throwing it across the fucking room and saying, I want this puzzle to be about dogs instead. Like you – Look at the pieces you're working with. You have two of the best fucking players in the world on your team.
Why would you want to work so hard to go away from building the team that lets them function the best and say, we want to go a completely different route against what our best players in the world want? It's crazy to me that you would want to have a strategy of that sense.
Well, and I think too, if you look at the other side, the G2 run, which was so clean, like even Falcons after they turned it around, all but one of their series was three maps. Every single series, they lost a map, they got tested. I was surprised at how good they looked in terms of teamwork and cohesion.
Yeah, that was going to be my exact next point is what do all those teams have in common? Saw and Snappy work together very, very well to bring players up and get them involved in the system they wanted to play. Mal's with Cyclone, who's been with the core of that team for fucking five or six years now.
Ash, who's able to do this with Gamer Legion, who's become one of the most well-respected coaches. You don't necessarily have the coaching staff and management structure to do that.
The whole conversation of them coming in, knowing the Modesty move was happening, how were the players internally going to react, how's Degster going to feel, Tess is with the Kiyosuke rumor coming out at the worst moment. And they looked like they didn't give a fuck.
You know, I don't mind Hades. I quite like Hades, and I think he can do some cool things. But I, too, even looked at this situation, and I was like, okay... Another Polish player who's been coached by Cuban, probably had a little bit of call over to his old mate, got the word about what Hades is like and pulled the trigger on that one.
I mean, that has to be over $2 million, right? Like Niko and Monacy. Yeah.
It won't be easy to attract him to their superstar, but you might be able to if you were really trying to go this fucking, like, Ent's route and Mal's route of, like, building up players and having this insane cohesion built up over a couple years.
You know, like they looked like they just played really good Counter-Strike and had been communicating really well, not making a lot of mistakes, especially in the grand final. Like they played post plants so fucking perfect. So I thought Falcons looked awesome. And it just continues the turnaround that we've started seeing from them since Nico joined the team.
A Jambo-like player who has had a little bit of success but hasn't really established himself in his career, like a potential player, would be an option to go towards.
I guess the most positive thing about where they currently sit right now is let's just say they have $2 million in cash that they want to spend on players and they're about to go into a major where we know there's always changes coming up. So you're at least going into a major. You have pretty flexible bank behind you.
Yeah, you might not be as enticing as a prospect as other teams might be, but you go to the major. Hope your team is playing well enough to help you out in conversations you're having with players and agents and organizations at the major itself.
I mean, that's all they have available to them now.
right well that's why wasn't he given why wasn't he given a larger salary then i swear you and i had this conversation on this podcast a year ago after dallas after they won it's like now's the time go back to nico and monacy and sit them down and say we want you guys here for the next five years we want to win we want you guys to win your first majors in our jersey and let's talk about the steps we need to take to do that in the future and where you want this team to go and like it shouldn't have been that hard i feel like
Aren't Niko and Monacy two of the most marketable Counter-Strike players out there right now? Yeah, I don't know. It's all weird. And that's what this tweet reads like. I mean, I'm glad you called it like a fucking this is what politicians say.
But it very much does read like a tweet of trying to like get ahead of what he knows the criticism is going to be to have like the excuses of like, you know, look at what we've won six trophies in the last two years. So trust me a little bit. We had to do it this way. And it's like, yeah, we had to do it this way because we got to this point, which should have been avoided a year ago.
But... His struggles are the new expectations and the new responsibilities.
Yeah, he's going to have to, I mean, that's, that's his struggle. I mean, he's talked about, he's even just kind of deleted and disconnected from social media a little bit to stay away from it. So he's obviously trying to do a couple of things to get on top of it before, before he reenters. But yeah, that's, that's the struggle that he's going to have to deal with.
Finally, it's the struggle that Nico played with his, with his whole career. He's always had those expectations on him too. So it's like you, you better just learn to live with it and learn to deal with it and let it find a way to motivate you or else you're in trouble.
Do we we should maybe touch on at Bucharest might not be a long topic considering how they perform But I mean, I think both of us were probably a little bit fucking surprised at how weak Aurora and the Mongols felt I
Yeah, I did too.
sharp really you know they didn't seem like they had that edge i mean i guess for me i i guess my my biggest curiosity is like i mean i think coming into this event i think something like this was was it felt like it was bound to happen for aurora we don't need to dive into it but obviously the conversation around them is just the insanity of the schedule accepting every single event so
They've already been talking about it, and I know it's always like a crapshoot of how much you think it actually affects someone, but it felt like with them going to every single thing out there, this was bound to happen. I think it's something similar for Mongols.
I mean, you heard the interview from Blitz where he was just kind of like, yeah, we went back and kind of took like a week off after all the travels to reset, and I kind of wish my teammates had played, say, about a counter-strike that I had because they just came in like looking rusty and individually just off, and...
So, yeah, I think both those teams kind of just got caught at like a weird moment in the calendar where they're trying to find as much rest as possible before everything ramps back up leading into the major.
Yeah, or can you find a way, or if it's without knowing anything within the team really, but maybe Blitz and Mara have to find a way to motivate the boys to want it. I mean, I know, because that is a really big point of where a team like this that probably never expected to be at this level, yeah, there might actually be a level of which they're all just saying, this is fucking awesome.
We're like a top five team in the world. You know, we sort of made it. Let's kind of coast. Yeah, I would hope that's not the case. I think for where we are in the calendar, hitting rock bottom at an event like this for both of these teams, it obviously sucks now. But if it's ever going to happen, I think now is a good time where you have this time off now.
And when you come back, it's a mad dash to the major. And you already know the fucking feeling of rock bottom.
So, you know, if you're the Mongols and like you're saying, like if we just assume they don't have that like hunger to be the fucking world dominating champions, which would be anti-Mongolian if you ask me, I think from there hitting rock bottom is a motivation of, oh, I don't ever want to be fucking back here again. I don't ever want to be this embarrassed.
I don't ever want to get knocked out in group stages again. Like I forgot what that felt like after the past six months. Now you have that reminder of this is what it's like to be at an event where you just fucking sucked. And hopefully that's a motivating factor of its own kind. Even if it's not for the trophy, it's avoiding sucking is a nice motivation too.
Yeah, but, you know, they just got knocked out of the MRQ. They're no longer in the majors, so that fucking sucks.
Yeah, it did. I think that third map was double overtime or single overtime.
That was really sad, especially because FaZe wasn't exactly looking like, you know, the strongest fucking team in the world. You know, throughout this whole event, they looked extremely shaky. Yeah, that's kind of gross. Hey, Complexity, though. Hey, Complexity, that was really cool. That was nice to see. We have Grim demonstrating the losing Elisha as a teammate, you know, effect.
Which just seems to be something that... Elisha is gone now from here. Well, think about it now. Afflicting Brokey.
it's yeah now it's it's spread it's all over the place it's now international as well so good luck um yeah i mean well grim think about like him coming into liquid he was like the star player of his teams in like tier two at a and then joins liquid and has those those spots kind of taken away from him and just you know mentally gets tested by by the team
leaves that team goes to complexity he's there alone looking great looking like a star player again alish gets cut from liquid joins complexity and grim slowly over time just gets worse and worse and worse until he's back to just kind of being this what are we doing here kind of a player and then alish leaves and now he's he's incredible again so like i i've texted him after a certain point in this event and i was like just don't ever let at least join your team ever again it's just that's just sounds simple i know just don't ever let it happen ever again just say no and put your foot down
Getting some of that frag and IGL back.
They didn't win their first game until the Cluj groups.
Oh, dude, that was bad.
Yeah, that was an issue. I don't know. I don't know what to say about FaZe at this point to be completely honest with you. Yeah.
yeah i don't know we'll see frozen looked really good at points i don't know if they don't fix this i mean here's the reality what we're seeing right now is a team that the individuals are all inconsistent because it feels like there's still a lot of questions that haven't been resolved and not everyone's comfortable with the resolution yet across the team so we're going to see some events where frozen pops off for like five six games in a row and then goes cold and brokey pops off for one or two games and then goes cold and same with rain same for elige um
I guess for them, the goal is just like we have to nail it down and find that consistency at whatever level we can get to by the time the major rolls around. So for me, it's like everything just gets judged at the major. Does this does this work or not? But certainly I think there's there's a lot of there's a lot of red flags when I watch phase that like something is just is not right at all.
They got beat by Virtus.pro at the end. Astralis, right?
They lost to Virtus.pro, Apogee, and 3Dbacks across the event.
When this lineup came together, there was like eight different gambles. And I think every single one went against them.
you know like when when you bring cadian in as an igl and then tell him he's going to do it without the op which is where like really the only success he's had in his career has come from that feels fucking crazy you're also taking device off the in-game leading position which he's been in so there's question marks there you're reuniting cadian with stown and yabby after all the drama that went down and no matter what the players say who knows how easy that situation is to re-trigger and obviously we haven't heard any word of any relationships blowing up but like
You know, like every gamble, every big risk of like where you need to see the improvement with that roster change has gone against them and you've seen it back off.
Yeah, that'd be five in a row. Yeah, the last one was Antwerp that they were at.
Yeah, that'd be... That's three years. That'd be really fucking bad.
It's sad, though. Like, honestly, like, as much as it has become fun over the years trashing on Astralis, like...
It's not healthy for the scene or the game if an organization of that pedigree eventually just kind of drops out and dies or you know Like can no longer it can no longer sustain itself into the future now Self-inflicted they've made some pretty fucking piss poor GMing decisions over the years. So I mean, I don't know I don't I don't know it would just be weird.
That's another one that's just going to be judged on the major. They just brought a new IGL. I mean, I'll say two things. I'm not ready to completely judge it off of what we saw at Bucharest. What we saw at Bucharest was obviously not good and not a whole lot to be excited about. But it is very early. I know they had 10 days, essentially, with Shuhei leading into the event.
They need more time to truly see what this is going to become.
hopefully yeah i want to say one more thing about liquid i think i think this next like two months for them is like in the major obviously is going to be critically important but i think they're going to be in one of those weird like um they might be in like one of those weird gm situations too where it's like where do we go from here you have naff who's struggling and pgl showed no sign of him breaking out of that funk
Ultimate, you're really not sure yet on his bounce back if he's going to be a long-term solution, if he's still showing enough improvement to warrant you giving him more time. And then you have Shuhei here on a loan, which is obviously nice for Liquid considering the way the last time they took a chance on an IGL and KD and worked out and they had to switch over to Twist.
But equally, it's kind of nice for Shuhei in the sense of he gets to choose as well if this is where he wants to end up after the loan. You know, like he can say, you know what, the major's over. There's these three teams looking for an IGL as well. I want to try one of them. I want to test the waters over with these guys and see if there's any interest.
You know, like if you're liquid, you're kind of playing to see if you have an IGL you want to keep for the future, but also you have to play well enough to where he's going to want to stay for the future.
I know exactly what Ramp is talking about. It was against Legacy, right?
Yeah, and I mean, you can say that all, like, you know, yeah, like this event, kind of like we didn't expect great things, but I think losing to Legacy is like, especially 13-4 on Nuke, is like, that can't happen. Like, I don't care what state your team is in. With these players, with your experience, like, that can't really be a thing.
You know, Virtus.pro, who's been looking better, the Mongols, who are a top five team, relatively understandable, but I think Legacy was like one that, for me, was sort of like...
i know i know you're big on them but for me i'm just like that that shouldn't be considering where liquid has been for a while and how much they've been able to contend even as recently as pro league you know beating eternal fire beating 3d max as well like i don't know that that one that one was disappointing but yeah it comes down to there's there's a lot of factors and i'm i don't really i don't really care to assess them super closely until i see what they look like at the major you know
A little bit, yeah. Actually, that jogged the memory quite nice. It's starting to feel good. I'm feeling loose. It was like I was stretching.
Well, it's Gamer Legion is out. Who else got eliminated? Fnatic is out.
Not a great investment there.
I don't know.
So is that like one of those nice PR things where it's like Krimz doesn't want to play for this team any longer? Or is that kind of like the first step of, okay, Krimz is pretty much going to retire?
Yeah. And also, I mean, he's always been someone who kind of has not really shied away from the light and the publicity. So like, it's always been kind of hard to get a read on exactly what his thoughts are on these things. So, but I mean, this one just came out of left field. It feels like it came out so suddenly, like this happened.
I think, I think I saw the news on like my travel day, like between flights and it's just like all a fucking haze. And then I landed, he's just gone. Yeah, I don't know. Because the way I think about it, too, is also it's not like he's been killing it lately. So if his idea is I don't want to play for this team, I want to find another organization to give it one last go.
Like, I don't know where he's going to be sought after. You know, I think he might just be done.
It feels like the most logical thing.
He's going to revitalize the region.
Dude, Tess's was awesome for them, this event, I felt like. I felt like he probably hasn't gotten as much recognition, but I thought he played so well for them in most games. And even on Ancient, specifically on Ancient, I remember watching him, the way he would challenge B-Ramp and be that more active, aggressive, lurk style when it was called upon. I thought he did an excellent job for that.
Yep, that makes sense.
But it's also like the Astralis one where it's like, it has gotten funny, but at the same time, you are kind of like a household name in Counter-Strike and this feels sad.
And then you're joining up with him in Melbourne, and you guys will handle an episode from there.
Yeah. Okay, well, here are the teams that are in so far to stage one of the Austin major through the European MRQ heroic OG meta sport that boom, which is boom, which is already the exile siren Magna is, and my favorite Namigas is the final team in there. And then gamer Legion fanatic BC game, para vision and 500 all got eliminated.
So, I mean, that, that was cool to see, but yeah, that's a complete team, which was crazy coming into this event. I thought it would be a little bit more scattered. I thought it would feel a little bit more disorganized, but they've clearly, they've clearly put some, put some fucking work in.
Actually, with a rolling schedule, you could probably do five best of threes if you really wanted to get crazy.
Yeah, I'm with you. I don't have anything to add on to that. It's immensely stupid. It's so stupid that I don't even feel like I need to justify it with anything.
Yeah.
The America side is going on, too. That started yesterday. And the big thing in the Americas one was talking about Complexity, who had to play on Sunday for the third, fourth place decider, fly home Monday, and then play, I think it was like Tuesday early afternoon, their first game, which they squeaked out a win over getting info, which is Carson, Fang, Shane, Markey, Dia.
And it makes sense when you see that Nico interview too, where he's just like, we came into this event, like working hard to do good here. And he gave this interview like after the first two losses. And then, and then you could see all the things they'd obviously been working on. It obviously been getting better. So that was, that was sick.
um but they're now playing later on today in a couple hours an hour and a half uh if they win that they're through to stage one which is cool um the group b bracket in the americas is probably the more interesting one all things together because wild card is down there with nouns and nrg wild card and nrg play for a spot uh in stage one uh in the next round did you have you followed this is this is vrs so it kind of gets a little complicated but did you follow the whole wild card thing yeah i did
That one's still confusing to me. I know it has a lot of people like I know Swisher made a big post about it earlier today about like the like finding the little loophole of bringing in a stand in.
I don't know like the rules with all details, so I don't want to, you know, get too harsh on anything either way because it gets complicated with how rules are executed and in which region they get assigned to for the MRQ. Um, but it obviously, you know, at the end of the day, no matter what they did kind of find like a little loophole to, to, you know, wrap themselves into the America's one.
Not that I, I don't blame them because why not? But it is something that needs to get fixed in the rules.
I have a kind of a question for you, I guess, on a more this would be on a more philosophical level looking at this scenario, because the way it sort of works out with wildcard is one of the Europeans, one of their guys, one of their not Americans, I should say, I guess, has lived in N.A. for seven years, even before he was competing in Counter-Strike.
The other two guys have lived in NA for a year. Do you put any stock in that where it's like, yeah, it's technically kind of a weird thing since they're European, but these are guys who have been playing within the region at the very least for a long time?
Yeah, I know. It's like extenuating circumstances that might be positive in their benefit, but I don't know how you can really judge that in every case equally.
Yeah.
I feel like I was informed like two hours ago when I looked into it and all like the different rules that get triggered at which stage of like the stand-in situation, when the invite was sent out, but like two hours later, I can't repeat it off the top of my fucking head. So yeah, I don't know.
Probably a situation that I would imagine Valve has made a note of, whether anything comes of it or changes, I have no idea, but I imagine it's something that they're going to look at or will most definitely be brought to their attention by teams and players and organizations looking for clarification in the future for sure. what else has been going on?
I don't think there's any, I mean, that's, that's kind of the MRQs. Um, it hasn't been any crazy news. All of it has just been around the monarchy and the roster changes and now teams getting eliminated from majors.
Yeah, you guys will recap the MRQs once they're done. You guys will hit Melbourne beforehand.
20-year-old auper.
I remember when you gave me that advice when I called to ask about Fallen when we were going to pick him up for Liquid. And yeah, you said that exact thing. And then you ended up having Stewie as the idea. Well, we tried. We tried to make that conversion. There were a lot of people that you had to try and make happy on that team that you couldn't make happy.
Yeah, I guess if anyone's going to do it, I feel like Fallen... I don't know. His rifle isn't terrible.
I think Furia is one of those teams that have kind of worked themselves into a box as well, like where they've missed the opportunity to pick up young talent, and now it's kind of like if you wanted to go and pry any of those IGLs away, would you be able to do it considering they might actually have a better team than you?
So I think the next couple months in the major are going to be important for Furia to be able to attract talent if they even want to go that route. I think the weirdest thing about this pickup to me isn't necessarily fallen, giving up the op, um, for this young kid. It's also you're, you're now making the decision to go communicate in English. Didn't you like hate that earlier when you tried it?
Like, didn't, didn't it like really not work out for anyone?
You know, all you can hope for, I feel like the best you can hope for is that this guy has like that Dexter quality.
Cause like, you know, he's going to make some mistakes in terms of decision-making and game sense and assessing the situation, but you just like, you just better hope that he frags out, you know, like, you know, like you better hope that he just gets you like some crazy rounds with the AWP, like a nuts, triple kill a good clutch.
You just need him to at least frag because you know, the mistakes are going to come in and that feels like the best. And I don't think that's enough to elevate this team quite yet.
probably probably one more roster change but i don't know like does this indicate in the future that now if they want to make a roster change they don't have to do it with within brazil like is their next roster change why not yeah it kind of has to but that's a realization that i feel like most orgs made like three four or five years ago versus versus like it feels like they're late to the party
Although I guess better late than never is as the saying goes.
Again.
Again.
but he was very very consistent like medium to high output in terms of frags and important frags at different points and yeah i feel like he played a pretty good tournament do you think zonic after like the first two days was having a panic attack do you think he was out there and like not not again like another lineup that i bring in and it's just like come out and just looks looks like garbage for two days straight he had to have he had to have gone to bed that night so worried
Yeah, true.
Yeah, I know. And that's I guess that's where we should start. Because I know you and I were just laughing too. I like I don't I don't have any crazy fucking detail. Like I'm almost like what fucking happened at Bucharest? I think I'm still fucking exhausted.
It also just took Apex 10 years to win Katowice or whatever it was, 11 years. Like that should be the first fucking sign for as many majors as he won like years ago even. And the teams he's been on, he's never been able to get a Katowice trophy.
I mean, another chance if he didn't play himself into another contract, I don't know what the fuck you'd have to do. He did just get MVP of the whole event and won the trophy and he was he was dominant. It was actually
did you even like what did you do you i mean you've had a day at home and now we're talking about it yeah i got home monday night um and then tuesday woke up played some video games did some chores around the house uh caught up in some things hung out with the kid most of the day um and then went out to dinner and now and now i'm here i woke up today did some chores and now now i'm talking counter-strike how do you get to play video games at home like
Some poor decision making.
And you can't deny, like, I've had plenty of my criticisms for Dexter, but even I'm at the point where I'm like, I just can't deny that he just gets kills. Like, you know, I don't know what to tell you. He gets double kills. He gets triple kills. He strings frags together. Like, the guy just has impact built into him. So, yeah, you can talk about all those details about it.
And sure, there's some things you miss out on. But, I mean, the fragging just feels like it far outweighs it.
There you are, 9-10, bringing him back.
Yeah.
It's his first trophy ever. That's sick. Yeah, I mean, I couldn't be happier for him. That's sweet. And like I said, I would be amazed if he's not on a team. Like, I don't know. I feel like they're – I don't know. Can he still get into the major cycle? I imagine probably not at this point.
It's a Turkish roster, right? I guess it's semantics at this point. But I can get it how you lose a little bit of that pride, right? I mean, it's a Turkish lineup for a Turkish organization representing Turkey on all levels. I don't think they're going to lose that many fans because they're playing for a different organization, right? Like, in theory, there should be understanding for your cause.
And I think, I thought you were going to say when you said it's more the shock factor. It's like, I think that's more why people care than, you know, just because no one ever heard a hint of it and it just came sort of overnight. It's like, Who really cares what's the team name that they're playing under?
You follow the roster, you follow the players, and whatever the organization is, it doesn't really matter all that much to me.
That's maybe the edge of too far. I think that's just people sort of copying what they do in sports when a player changes a team or something, right? And then they burn his jerseys and do all this shit. It's like, bro, it's not that... pick of a deal. It doesn't have to be like this. Yeah, exactly. It doesn't have to be like this. You're overdoing it. You're exaggerating.
You'll have to add it in post, Jason.
So that's where we're at. I guess this shouldn't be the reason why they skipped Melbourne.
Sure.
I thought it was a whole lot of issues, man.
yeah so no i just don't know if it's like but then they would have had to change because the invite but it's should be to the players not the org whatever to the core these days right because of the vrs yeah Yeah, but I think they also, Eternal Fire did put a tweet out that, you know, Zantaris is completely fine, healthy to attend Bucharest. So those issues aren't lingering.
But I mean, the schedule was going for them. We don't need to go over it again. I mean, it's very well documented that they were going to play every single tournament they could have, which just in its own right, even if they were all in Europe, is kind of whack.
makes sense i mean it's one of those situations where for falcons you know they're showing their commitment to building a contender lineup right and sort of the the promise in a way that they made uh to nico when he joined the team like this is them um coming true on that promise and you know people talk about i know i'm gonna get a lot of hate for this but
with their backing and whatnot, they did win the World Cup, guys. That's over $7 million in prize money that they got, right? That you get to invest in your divisions if you want to. And most of their divisions are doing fine, I think. I don't think they don't need sizable upgrades. So that enables them.
Majority of that money that they can just invest straight into their Counter-Strike division, right? So when you look at it that way, it's not necessarily new money coming in to finance these transfers. It's actually stuff that they made from EWC. But let's even – even in the case that that doesn't matter –
all too much i mean it's just i think even if i you know want if i'm objective for a second i i for me it feels like for the scene it's just great to have nico and monacy back together you know in a way like that was that was a nice bromance They had a nice bromance going in G2, right?
I think, you know, a lot of just fans, not even necessarily fans of G2 or Falcons, whatever, you know, were a little bit sad that those two didn't keep on playing together. So you have that storyline sort of going back for you. I don't think there's any point in discussing the individual qualities of Monessi and what he is going to bring to this Falcons lineup. It's just one-of-a-kind player.
I think, if anything, for me, it's more about... g2 and and sort of how this reflects on them i saw swanee's tweet man uh just like while we were at rehearsals and it was the photo of them lifting the cologne trophy and that was not even two years ago only one person from that squad coach included in still on g2 and that's hunter No Niko, no Monessi, no JKS, no Huxley, no Swanee, obviously.
And it's like, I mean, that team was really, really good. I mean, you win Katowice and Cologne in one year and then sure, you had the fuckery with like, is Niko going to leave? Is he not going to leave? Then they remove JKS for whatever reason. And then everything, you know, goes downhill from there. But...
It's just crazy to me that you lose sort of the best rifler we've had, you know, in Counter-Strike really. And you lose the, you know, probably best topper at the moment or at least one of the young stars of the game. You have them both on your roster and they both are out of the team in a matter of a couple of months. And sure, like you got... compensated for them.
That's great, but you can't replace, as I think G2 has figured it out, you just can't replace a player like Niko. You can't replace a player like Monacy. There's no one out there that, you know, you'll be like, okay, now we have all this money, let's pay for this guy.
No, like, there's no one like that out there, and for an organization that sort of is aspiring to lift trophies, you know, every tournament they attend, that's just a very... bad light that they put on themselves.
That's true. We do enjoy it. And listen, Chad, you can always take a couple of episodes off here when you need to. No one's going to force you to do things against your will on this podcast.
Well, there's one more thing that also was announced a couple of days ago is Nico's partnership with Razor. And that's a personal sponsorship that he has with Razor, which you can imagine a player of Nico's stature, that's going to be a significant chunk of change. And you don't have that if you're on G2. G2 has your rights.
yeah i don't know i think definitely like six figures um so yeah i mean you have that element to it as well i think it's funny the top reddit the comment in the thread like they went from we could have kept nico if we wanted to to we can't keep monacy even if we want to Right. I mean, and I think that statement also, of course, is the CEO of the org, right?
That's a guy who's not hands on with the Counter-Strike division, you know, isn't as but you need to be careful about, you know, what you say, especially on that level, right? Like, it just lets off a bad impression.
Great, man. I can't wait to hear that story. I'm excited for it, personally. Yeah, I mean, or the deadlines, like talking in terms of, I don't know if... What is the weekend, Janko?
Oh, yeah, of course. I don't know if he's referencing, like, oh, yeah, we have players lined up that we're going to sign. I don't know. We talked about these guys a year ago, right? And we were saying, like, G2 needs to do whatever they can, sort of just Monacy and Nikko, because you can build your Counter-Strike division around them for the next five years, right?
Nikko eventually moves into the IGL spot. You have your main AWPer. That's it. Those are the two of the toughest sort of –
positions to find in roles to fill and two of the most important positions on your squad right and i think probably g2 from an organizational standpoint a little bit is yeah that's like pretty damn expensive you know and and all that stuff but it's what is your strategy what's your end goal you know like are you trying to really be a contender or
you know is winning all that matters or does it matter under you know a certain budget or certain circumstances it has to be under a certain budget yeah you know because you also look at vitality right look at just what that one extra addition to an already strong roster made it into like there was 15 match win streak you know three tournaments three tournaments in a row is just crazy
No one can fill your shoes, Chad, but a big name like that adds a little bit of spice.
He gets the people going.
it's like you're caught i was like hooks you just won cologne like what are you talking about every dog shit man like i don't know what i'm doing dude you fucking you but i think that's the the issue what jason was talking about that seems to the the g2 was always like one move away from becoming what vitality is right and that could have been even something in the i don't know like
The roster with JKS obviously was the best, the most successful one that they've had when it comes to winning big trophies, right? And it all started going downhill from there. It was worse before, right? When you had your MNXs, your Jaxes on the team. And they were still getting to major finals. Twilight of KennyS' career, right?
Nexa was better at the time in his first stint than in his second stint, obviously. But then... even even on top of that, like you have this roster that won these two tournaments and then you bring in I mean, a rookie coach, Taz, has a wealth of experience as an IGL, right, and as a player in Tier 1 scene. But then it was that, and there were – the first six months were pretty rough, man.
Like, there were some big mistakes going on there that maybe have cost them some important games. And that stuff just also – it's a lot of little things, right, that have slowly added up and built up over a longer period of time that just caused the sort of – And even if you look at Nico, I think it's like every four years he changes a team, you know, sort of like three and a half, four years.
It was outside of the mouse to face that happened a little bit faster, I think. But he was in phase.
he was in phase for almost four years right and then he was in g2 for four years really right and yeah yeah i think most of it comes from just not being able to lift as many big trophies obviously the major still lose them but the first time he wins scatter and cologne is with g2 in 2023 so yeah i think for them it's going to be really tough it's going to be different and now it's like
has to take... I think maybe they're thinking... They're looking at Maus, for example. And Maus, their players, the running costs are way lower than your vitality, than your phase and everything else. And they're the second best team in the world now. And maybe they're looking at it and thinking, that's enough. If we get...
a little bit lucky or something maybe you know you can win some of the big tournaments even with that sort of a lineup but you know that's really hard to fucking do man yeah like you know to to to have the sort of a structure and the culture that they have i think being able to play on such a high level with zippix behind them not cyclone just speaks to how strong
their system is and their structure and the culture. I don't want to say system because it implies that a lot of it is just in game and it is set. It's more about the culture and the attitude and the behavior, right? Like to play on a high level no matter what. And they've also had some really good comebacks and whatnot. So
mouse isn't uh the rule they're the exception really when you look at the top teams and the best teams in the world and for that it takes you know a long time i mean cyclone has been there he was the coach of the academy team what four years ago now or something along those lines some of those players were on the academy team with him so that doesn't happen overnight and
Also, no offense to Maus, but G2, just the stature of the org, I mean, they're a big player in almost every major esport out there. They're always aiming for, you know, the trophies. They have a massive following. I don't think that cuts it. for their fans, really.
Just quickly, this is the funniest thing to me. You're right, Jason. I agree with you 100%. So how do you incentivize players to come to your team then? Money.
so all this money so you're not gonna so now you're gonna end up over overpaying like mid talent right or someone you know who's available because you have to you have to get someone you have to get or you lose the remaining players that you have right so the obviously even with that it's still gonna be less than you know what someone like nico would would command but still just so funny right like you're gonna end up now overpaying people because that's what you have to do for them to even want to join your team
yeah you're in bed yeah i'm trying to yeah i just don't give a fuck about this podcast you know i'm just i just roll out of bed and then rock up to do it no i've have i'm having pc issues um i arrived late last night because i'm trying to save my schengen day so i entered the u on the day of the rehearsal and i just saw a
Problem is, like, I would have been fine with it. But these last couple of things that came out. Yeah, right. Just like drunk on stream, man. And just like all this, like, I'm playing more Dota than Counter Strike is like, so you really just don't give a fuck. Like, you really just sort of that's the sad thing. You really just slowly evaporated.
like just just slowly went into oblivion like the greatest player we've seen you know yeah as we all know guys it's tough to get out of bed and do road work at 5 a.m when you've been sleeping in silk pajamas yeah true yeah that's the that's the truth they got him and i don't know perfecto yeah we have perfecto still out there in the wild what's got is he just in contract hell i would assume i don't know
It will depend on... Is it enough? Yeah, that's what I was going to say. It will depend on how the rest of the season goes, whether they make another change in the offseason, right?
Yeah, definitely. But I think it's a lot about, I guess, Tessus and Magus. Although I feel like Magus is going to get a full year no matter what, you know, just because of his... Mate, what about this though, Janko?
I'm thinking as well, like... Twists? I think it's going to be really hard to get players out of Liquid. I think you've sort of been vocal about not playing for Falcons. I'm not sure about that, though.
Yeah, true.
I think you'd have... I wouldn't want Twists for one simple reason. Like, too many voices, then.
you know you have carrigan you have nico i think twist okay he's not going to be igl anymore i don't think he's just the sort of a player same like nico who can just be quiet and play his role like he they've evolved as much as players where they are going to be very vocal during games you know and and to be able to just play i guess frozen could work or how about how about oh how about case serato
How about Kiyosuke?
Let's just send it. Let's just get all the hot names. Donk.
it's just taken them longer than they thought and I think unfortunately what we talked about in G2 has transpired where they were not going to be able to keep it would have taken I don't know what for him to be willing to remain on that team and that's why I was talking about you know they should maybe try to get bit if they could at all right someone who's
Montessi can connect with on a personal level. So there's there's something there for him to want to stay even if things are not going well on a just results based level. But I think there's plenty of things he's unhappy with. With with G2 where it's like just just he just wants out.
Well, he wanted to look wise for that one. You know, beard always helps with that.
He can't. How can he? If Shuei is going to be in the group, right, and Nerds is definitely going to be in the group, and Ultimate is going to be in the group because he's the AWPer, it feels like Twist is going to take over some of the half-lurk spots, right, or play opposite of NAF. The active lurk, yeah.
Yeah, where NAF now gets all of his sort of role spots positions, and then Twist is filling in the blank sort of...
Chad, I did have one question as well, because you were talking about the energy and everything like, you know, was there any sort of pent up frustration you were feeling towards me? Because in that skit we did, you know, you weren't lacking energy there when you had to pin me against the fucking wall, mate.
Yeah.
He has to be, yeah. He's in the team to be the anchor.
What? Well, Twists won't go, Twists will never be an anchor again until he's 30.
I think we'll see, but I don't want to ignore what Chad mentioned about, you know, JKS and NAF and changing positions and who did how much. I think probably more so the reason why JKS is the one that got replaced. It has to be Justin replaced, 100%. What?
Yeah, because NAF has been on that lineup for how long, right? And he's just entrenched in Team Liquid. And you can make a case that, you know, it was like the overall dysfunction of the team and the lineup that caused a dip in his performance too when he's been... nothing but stellar for a long time, right? It's not that he struggled for a super long time or that he doesn't have a high ceiling.
It could just be a slump that could be unrelated to some of these factors. He might just have a bad sort of period, right? And I think it sucks for JKS because I was thinking in my head while I was about to say something and it's like, I do think NAF has a slightly higher ceiling, but not by much.
You know, I think like when they're both on their A game, I don't think there's like a massive difference between the two. There's a little bit of a stylistic difference, but they share a lot of strengths and
you know like good in the clutch smart players take their time uh pretty calm right don't make too many mistakes or give their life up too easily right all this sort of a thing so it's unfortunate for jks if anything i think it's a great player for a lot of the other teams that's now on the market uh for justin's got to be done at tier one man it's got to be jover
I don't know. I'm just saying because they seem to be lacking a proper sort of anchor player. There's no way.
If he's still playing well, it doesn't matter how old he is.
I was going to say at this point then, if that's the case, FlyQuest is the better option for him, right? Because they're a big org. He can probably get good terms from them, a good salary. He's a marquee name. He's the most accomplished and successful Australian player ever. So for them, it would be great. And they can upgrade Leas. I mean, they should do it immediately, right?
Like they should just right now. But I don't know if Justin is...
He spent the last of that money on the master bathroom.
Going to be a little bit tougher for your kinder than for JKS, but yeah.
I think it's good. I think it's a nice mix. I think you also nailed it, Chad, in the sense of they lost a good amount of games that they probably should have won against some of these top five teams that would have definitely given them more confidence and... We all know how important that is.
I mean, go all the way back to Cologne, man, and the game for the playoffs against FaZe, and that collapsed, right? I mean, they only beat Na'Vi. I mean, only beat Na'Vi. It was the best team in the world. They beat them two times at Blast Groups, and that was pretty much it.
I'm sure they beat someone else at some point, but they couldn't break through that sort of a glass ceiling that maybe would have unlocked a different level.
for that particular lineup but for me it's also I mean I shared your sentiment I definitely overrated them because I was saying you know I'm thinking by the time Shanghai Major comes along there'll be a contender and it wasn't really true and that Spirit game is probably the best example because that is the game that they could have won if a couple of rounds went differently, right?
The Don case in the 3v4, right? On a saved AK and an eco round and on an Ubis and some other things. But that's it. That's just the story for this team liquid lineup. You know, it just came... to two came short too many times. Right. And I think it's also interesting.
We had device first and now twists like two marquee names who've taken up the in-game leader mantle and having to sort of give it back less than a year for device. It was a lot shorter.
and cadian had that line where it's like yeah man like it's easy for you to give me a call when it's like three three or four two but let me see you you know do it when it's 11 11 and like we have like mixed money and blah blah blah like that's the that's the thing that's like the the big difference between being a secondary caller and the IGL is like, as an IGL, you have to have an idea.
You have to have something for every round, right? And then if someone chimes in, maybe you sort of agree, yeah, that makes a little bit more sense. But it's your job to have it all the time in the mid rounds, all the time. Like if everyone is quiet, you are the one who has to speak up, right?
I must've just forgotten how hard it was. For me, the surprising thing was, in Twisted's case, was some of the stuff that they were lacking in is usually where a star player is good at. Like their mid-rounding on T side wasn't great, sort of pulling people in when trades happen. It's like, you know, rounds like 4v3s and so on.
Like that's usually where those players excel because they almost as if they have x-ray too, you know. They understand where everyone's at, what's the scenario, you know, what's the most likely thing that's going to happen and that and a little bit like I've said numerous times, you know, too many setups on...
on CT side so that was a little bit surprising for device it didn't look too hot from the start because their best map was ancient and what they were doing on ancient T side is just set calls all the time like B rushes B contacts A rushes and so on so it definitely lacked depth in in
But I think both of them are better players for trying it now because it just gives you a different perspective on the macro and a better understanding. And I think I'm not sure about device, but I would like to believe that for twists, he will get back to it, you know, down the line, most likely.
Yeah, I mean, I care about that, but he was banned by the anti-cheat, so yeah.
Maybe he's one of those doctors who just has a PhD in linguistics and speaks seven languages.
A healthy, incestuous scene down there in Brazil. Because they just love fucking each other over all the time. When is the next time? When are we ever going to get a good Brazilian team, man? We have four average teams, five average, six average teams. Even now, Odic qualified for what, Astana? Legacy is here, right? So some teams that you haven't seen for a while are now showing up, right?
There's MIBR, there's Spain who's here, FURIA is here as well. It's crazy how every Brazilian team is two roster, not one roster change, two roster changes away from actually being interesting in any way.
Listen, Jason, we're not here to fucking hold people's hands, right? Like we have a discord. That's where people can, you know, talk and say, hey. What did they mean by this? I'm not really, I'm not really, you know, up to date with this situation. And then, you know, there's going to be conversations happening.
Bob Bobinski is going to come out of the woodwork after spending six hours on all the forums defending Shiro and saying how he is.
the best human to have ever lived um and come and explain it to you discord is a fun place man jason just unbanned someone that i banned i have to ban a couple more people we need to give someone like mod uh privileges or something like there's too much shit going on there like every time i look into i have to time out someone because they're calling each other donkeys and
No, yeah. That guy, I think it was Diaz. He was posting, Daniel, I think. He was posting like picture, photos from the event too. It was nice. Have a little bit more of that and a little bit less of donking. Like maybe Chad comes back one day. Probably not. It doesn't look likely. I think also this statement from the CEO of Spirit, right? Talking about Monacy and Shiro and all that stuff.
Did you guys catch it? You know what I'm talking about? Or do you have to go to this board? No, he said, Monacy is an incredible player and I'd love to work with him, but right now we have someone just as good, right? In terms of having shit. Now, obviously, you know, You see, that's a CEO maybe saying good things. Maybe a little bit too delusional, but it's all right.
Shiro is not as good as Monacy, but he's better at some things. And he is a player that suits this Spirit roster probably a little bit more, right? That they have. But there was a part of me, and I know we talked about this before, is like, if you could get Monacy to Spirit, right? In theory. And you just say, fuck it. Promote Kiyosuke, have him dunk him. Honestly, that would be kind of sick.
But just for the way they play and with dunk being as aggressive as he can be, probably someone like Shiro suits them better.
Well, that's only happens to wait out.
Yeah. That's not good. Yeah, it's definitely a little bit questionable. I will say, though, that I'm not against Valve giving them an exception for this year because they have been in the circuit for the last five, six years, you know, running tournaments and everything and perhaps...
blue screen on my pc when i got into the room tried to troubleshoot a little bit this morning looks like an ssd issue got new ssds at rehearsals two of them didn't help the problem even chef himself should not help chef the old mighty was like bro your pc is just fucked ask them to give you a new pc so i did try to conjure up um a setup in the meanwhile so we can pull this off and hope it works
Giving them that sort of a leeway because it's difficult for TOs potentially to maneuver with the new rules and everything and maybe some of the deals that they had in place. I don't know, but I'm fine with even that sort of an exception for this year. But now that some of these things come to light and you see how it actually is for everyone else in the space.
there's no need for them to be the only exception to this, right?
yeah well what bothers me a lot more is the fact that it impacted a lot of other teams's schedule the fact that this tournament was supposed to be in mexico right so a lot of teams are like thinking okay if we're going to play that and we want the frequent flyers from blast like we're going to skip this other tournament because we don't want to have to go from like what australia to mexico to
to Astana pretty much you know and like have all this back and forth but now that it's in Europe well some teams might have responded differently and I don't know if they've been made aware of that at the invite date that the event was most likely going to be in Europe which again is like different level of questionable but
Also, the fact that it's moving from an event that's supposed to have a crowd to now just being another studio event. It's like, well, now it's a completely different event to what it was supposed to be, right? And, like, what are the sort of guidelines when it comes to that as well? I think... that for me is a bigger issue, at least in the case of PGL.
I mean, they went, it was just a different location. The event didn't change. You know, it was of a clue. Yeah. It was like group studio and then playoffs in the, in the arena. Right.
I'm sure Blast will call them flights and tickets to Denmark instead and hotels.
I think we could talk a little bit about Blast and then maybe a little bit more about Bucharest because I think the one we did, Jason, was before the playoffs.
Vitality won Zywo has more MVPs 16 series in a row now for Vitality all of them being best of threes or best of fives there you go I mean just how how mental is it that they won the first map 13-0 bro that's so crazy in a grand final never happened before you know Miles is not a bad team by any stretch of the imagination I think I think for me as well definitely the second best team in the world at the moment yeah they're ahead of Spirit but Spirit's still in the conversation for me it goes Vitality the tippy top of the
Yeah, and I think also shouldn't be neglected the fact that Vitality did this like at the end of a sort of a three-week...
traveled stint right three weeks stint where they had to play a lot of series at EPL and managed to leave the trophy there and now also I mean at Lisbon having to beat spirit and mouse back to back two of the main contenders in the semi in the final other great run they were down like to one
In the grand final, right, both losses being 13-11, they still managed to win the last two maps, 13-7, 13-7, and the last one on Train, where they haven't really played, you know, on this sort of a stage, right, or anything, and managed to make it sort of look easy. So yeah, I think...
It is a little bit, I know who was like, you guys made a small joke about, or maybe it was like when we were doing rehearsals, Jason, but it's like, you know, a team rising or like about having an error being dominant coincides with all their contenders struggling too, right? Which was the case...
a little bit with sort of astralis and their rise it's like oh phase is a little bit lost they're in trouble right because you know boston happened and all that stuff the brazilians you know sk were struggling with roster changes and whatnot and sort of one coincides with the other but i think it shows you a team that has all the correct pieces and has good leadership and everything and gets along outside of the server as well it's going to be tough for a lot of these things like you know how does phase beat them
right? Like, which is not a bad team by any, how does mouse beat them? I mean, they were close, you know, sort of, but there's a long line in history about team with teams that were close to beating someone, right? Like it just has with the amount of firepower that they have, and they have good structure and good foundations and everything, right?
It's just they're absolutely the team to beat by a large margin, it feels like.
Yeah.
It's because these teams have been beating the likes of, you know, FaZe got eliminated from Katowice by Eternal Fire, you know, for the playoff spot. I think there's some losses in there from FaZe which are concerning for, you know, because this is the tough part. This is the trap, right?
Because you're saying, you know, I'm going to say, okay, they lose to Eternal Fire, who's a good team at the moment. They lose to maybe even Virtus.pro, who played a lot better in Lisbon than they did Before, they lose to Astralis in the third place decider, so how much was their heart really in it? But that's the thing, if FaZe is going to be FaZe, they need to be winning these games, right?
Like, I don't have a problem with them losing to Vitality, or even when they lose to Spirit, although it wasn't super competitive, like, that's the bigger problem. But there you're like, okay, a contender losing to a contender... Not so big of a deal, right? But losing to some of these other teams, it's like if you're really phased, these are the games you take care of.
These are the games that you win even though it's ugly, right? And the fact that they're unable to do that, that's the part that's concerning, right? And some of the messaging that's coming out of the camp and being uncomfortable and everything. So I know someone mentioned that anyone who's moved homes...
You know, he's willing to give a leash sort of a one event off and phase one event off, especially moving continents. So that's OK. But this is the one then, you know, this has to be the one.
Exactly. Like that.
He's going to be in that team to the major. No, but I'm saying the problem is, Jason, the same thing with Liquid, with this last roster. It's like if you just never get that win, right, to give you the confidence, if you never have that one result, how are you supposed to keep believing? Like it's very difficult, right? It takes really, really a lot to dig deep.
And sure, they've been together, some of those players, for a long time. And the core of the team has been together for a long time. They've had these sort of – ups and downs, but it's been a lot of downs, man, outside of the Shanghai major. Look at the last nine months, right, for FaZe Clan. Yeah, that's fair. It hasn't been anywhere, and that can wear on you, right?
And then you make a roster change, and all these teams are having a honeymoon period. You don't even get that.
right it takes a toll so i think it has to be this one has to be for phase like they have to do i don't know what's like be at the minimum top four they have to take someone down like who's right there with them a contender they probably need more they probably need that final at least i feel like phase phase has got to be the hardest team to gm right now
And Bitt to Falcons and that's it.
Bitt, Monacy, Nikko. What did he say? Kerrigan. Magisk. And Magisk.
No, no, I'm here. Just keep going. I just need to do something on the PC so they can help me fix it. And I turned off the camera for a sec so I can move around the room. Be right back.
They're switching it up a little bit, but it's still just a layout. It's going to be a little bit different.
Obviously, for this tournament, with no spirit, mouse, and vitality, right, it gives an opportunity for everyone else. We get to see who's the best of the rest, in a sense, right? And I think for some of these lineups, it's definitely... I don't know if other teams can still make a roster change, right?
Like if that's still available to them, like if things go south here, because obviously this event doesn't count for the major cutoff, right? So the points are not on the line. That's all set, no results.
No, no, no, not within the rules, but like if they can make what's available or if a change makes sense or do you just sort of have to eat it until the major is over? But for example, Aurora and the Mongols, can they finally lift a trophy? One of those two teams, right? FaZe as well.
FaZe as well with, you know, you lost to Vitality at some tournament, Spirit at another, right? Neither of those teams is here. Well, they also lost to VP and Astralis who are at this tournament, but yeah. Likes of Liquid, new roster, right? We get a first look.
G2 and Falcons probably going to be a little bit weird with the rumor, Monacy going to Falcons would be hilarious if they actually had to play each other. We have three Brazilian teams who are not going to make the playoffs even with this weak field, but they're probably going to knock each other out and then lose to 3D Max for the last playoff spot or to Gamer Legion.
So, yeah, I think it's interesting. Complexity managed to qualify for this one. That was huge for them.
I can hear you guys. You're all good.
Yeah.
Yeah, we take this. We get to see Dumau and Lato again, right?
You never stop bringing him up. It's so crazy how, you know, they were like, the big thing for them, the breakout, was making the Stockholm Major 2021. And they've been on the same team for almost four years now. Like, I would have expected them to make a leap forward like three years ago. I know, without it.
Our boy.
No, no, keep going. I just need to take one photo. I'll be back in 30 seconds.
Oh, my God.
I don't think so. I think they're pretty good at the moment. They're piecing it all together. They have good individuals on the team. So I think they should be fine in that game. But yeah, I'm interested to see them firsthand.
For me, it's more, Chad, like some of those games were not competitive. Actually, a good number of them was not competitive. That's the problem. It's not a shame in losing to these teams, but they weren't even putting up a fight.
I think we're done. For a team that's not even at the event, but good talk. Well, we like them. We like them. My main favorite for this event is the Mongols.
Thanks, everyone. I'll go get my PC. Peace.
Yeah. They're always like the Henry G line about Zeus. He finally does something.
Yeah, I mean, I don't want to speculate in this sort of a situation, but who knows if something was already done and now just light was shown on it in a way where they maybe were about to get caught red-handed doing something they shouldn't have, and that's why this happened so quickly, right, again.
I don't want to necessarily speculate, but it is one of the, you know, sort of truths that a lot of these or a lot of just people in the space, different stakeholders are sort of dependent on being sponsored by gambling companies of different kinds or betting casinos or skin casinos or skin marketplaces, whatever it is, to be able to sort of be up and running in a way.
you know on the other side of things it's also like Eternal Fire is now a top five team in the world right like they can demand a higher command a higher salary right than they could have a year ago right so even if we ignore the sort of sponsorships and
some of those things, like if you can get paid, let's say, four or five times or whatever, three, four times higher salary elsewhere, I mean, you couldn't blame the players. That could be reason enough in its own right to sort of go somewhere else and Dior being willing to facilitate the move in a way or maybe they're hand-forced a little bit. I'm sure they didn't walk away for free, right?
So it's sort of... Smells like making the best out of a bad situation for everyone involved. Although I don't know what's going to happen with Eternal Fire just as an organization now. Is this going to cause them to just straight up fold? Or are they going to be able to keep these other teams up and running because they're not as expensive to maintain as a Counter-Strike squad?
I guess we'll have to see. And I don't really care.
Yes.
Yes.
Okay. What about the fifth one? It's getting hard for that fifth one, isn't it?
in the best of three, right?
Yeah, they were.
I think he is a really good player.
Yeah, that's one angle. My angle was going to be... Your players aren't shooting, Jason. I was going to say they're the only team really without a big star player at the moment, which is basically just reworded exactly what you said. I don't know how you fix it. I think you need a little bit more firepower. I mean, I don't know.
This is why I always bring up the mouse thing as the existential counter-strike and all the conversations the players have because it's like, can system counter-strikes still work at the moment? It seems like every team is leaning towards firepower.
Or you need like 200 damage in nades.
I think that mental from Malz got knocked tonight in that Dust 2 round that you already talked about, the Apex long and going back to the B-bomb site. I think that ruined it. Because it wasn't just the fake that pulled everyone over. It's also, I think it was an exertion that was pushed up, like top mid, Sphinx pushed all the way up to barrels.
And it's like, at that moment, they probably had to feel like they were in such control. They felt like they knew everything. Four players at the site, they can't get out cave. Miles had to feel like they had that round won like a million times over.
He didn't do anything.
They're at every event. They're at every single event. And most of them are like two to three days off in between. So if they feel like they haven't had enough time to practice now, what are you going to feel like in fucking May?
But they fucking decided to do everything. I know. It's crazy. And it's like, I can even have sympathy with that perspective of not being home, not having enough time to practice and prep. But once you accept an invite to every single event, it's like, well, you've made this decision. They're also doing the Dallas Kazakhstan thing. How the fuck are you going to pull that off? I don't even know.
They're going to have to pull out one of those, surely. How do you do that? But I think if you're a team... There's a way.
It wasn't terrible.
I don't think it was short, but it wasn't crazy long, I don't think.
All right, we've done it. We're live. The conclusion of ESL Pro League Season 21 here in Stockholm, Sweden. Vitality are your champions. Rops is your DHL MVP. Zyroo is your HLTV MVP. Oh, I was telling you, I got this in the shuttle. Actually, no, never mind. We'll save that for another day.
Yeah, but they're going to be so burnt out.
Yeah, I don't know. It might be a possibility. I still just think you're going to want to use those two weeks to prep for the major. I think they're just going to be fried of just pure counter-strike for that long. Maybe I'm wrong, though. And the travel. I just think the way they lost and got eliminated here was that nuke game. They lost the spirit, though. Yeah, but they lost so many dumb posts.
They lost two 5v3s. a three v one, and a 10 second diffuse stuck in their face. That's right. And I think if you lose those kinds of rounds, that shows to me that you're losing focus in those post plants in those situations in terms of communicating your positioning in terms of communicating what you're watching in terms of communicating what's happening, and what's going to happen.
And I think that issue surely only gets worse if you're going to every single event.
It was less than three hours. And that includes like probably 40 minutes of... Between map, halftime, 45 to 50 minutes of halftime breaks. The game went live at five. Yeah, and it ended around eight.
Yeah. I mean, surely like you can patch this kind of a situation by saying like regional wildcard invites have to have three players from the region, right? Like that would be like an easy fix.
But, I mean, also the silliness, too, of being outraged at Liquid for accepting the invite was a little bit much. Yeah, the way that it was framed...
Oh, yeah. They absolutely would love it. Well, that's also, I mean, that's why part of the reason why I was thinking it's like insane for people to be upset that they accepted an invite. And obviously, if you look into it, you probably wouldn't be upset. But let's say you were.
Like for Liquid, it's like, well, how would they pass up on an opportunity to get extra points to go deeper in the major and potentially get more sticker money?
Oh, that's right.
yeah i mean you have apex even mentioned that in his post game on nuke especially they played those post plans so good though so like some of them were just played really well but i played some of them really bad yeah that oh yeah probably a combination of both i think i think mouse i think got scared like really early on dust 2 as players they just did not seem that all that confidence that i'd been seeing throughout this event from them it was non-existent i actually like during the third map during inferno i was laughing to myself because i'm i'm
Based on last year, and you guys might have time with the details, they're not coming to me right now, because Spirit strategically skipped some events last year throughout the year, right? They didn't go to Rio.
They won Katowice, though. Don't they get a direct invite to Pro League after that?
Yeah, but I know they strategically skipped events, so... That would tell me that they're trying to like organize their calendars so that they can be peaking at the right moment. So that they can be picking up momentum to aim for mostly the big events.
I mean, the only change you'd ever make with Shiro is modesty.
Crazy. A little bit crazy.
And I was like, I was like, I have like this, I have this Lord of the Rings like comparison for you. That was like the fucking final charge at Pelennor Fields to take back Minas Tirith. Like watching them come up, like be laying short on Inferno and just watching the defenders like back off.
Was he?
I think, I think the kind of secret conversation was even for me in my mind, I thought they would have that conversation even after winning the major of like being like, do we need it? Like not realistically. Absolutely.
Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. But I think sneakily, they had one of the best off seasons in terms of they actually made sure they re-signed him to the Academy team and make sure he stayed in-house.
They kept him in-house. So, I mean, that's a big win if they want to make a switch.
Yeah, the Grand Slam.
just like the fucking orcs right that big charge happened the rohirrim came in and those orcs all fucking shied away and that's how i felt like i was watching like jimmy backing up into different angles not wanting the initial fight everyone was just trying to back away from from stopping vitality from doing anything that's my lord of the rings comparison i always appreciate the charge of the rohirrim lord of the rings one of the movie series of all time that's for sure
Go on.
I thought Jason was going to say Liquid. No, I was going to go for the underdog FaZe. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
it's the most interesting conversation coming out of, or coming into Lisbon is what they're going to look like. Cause I'm very curious. Cause I'm like, they've, they've publicly said, I'm assuming they've taken this event off so they could have some time to take.
So, but let's say they've had two to three weeks where, yeah, he's been doing some visa shit on the side, but probably still tracking, tracking and getting involved and having the conversations and swapping roles around and trying new things and changing things. And, you give Kerrigan and a leash and that team time to cook for that long.
Are they going to come out on the other side and look like they can challenge for trophies again? I'm really curious about that.
Alish hated Train.
Just going to throw that out there.
Can you give me that water by chance?
you could see promise and then you can also see whatever the opposite of promises lies. But like there were some rounds, there were some rounds I was watching on ancient when they played, when I would like watch nerds would be like hyper aggressive and middle towards red room. And like the other four players would be like back at elbow and like be lane.
And I'd be like, this feels like just like your kinder where there's just like one guy being very aggressive and not a whole lot of followup behind it. And it wasn't every round. It wasn't with the same frequency. But when I see that, I'm just like, ah, It scares me a little bit. I think positive signs, Ultimate had a good event. He had a bit of a return to some kind of positive form.
He was really on the rifle, I thought. Yeah.
I think the biggest concern right now is I think, unfortunately, I still think they can be good. But I think if you want to get to a point where they can contend and become like a top five team, it's going to get to a point where you just have to change one of NAF or JKS. It's a five power problem again, right? Those two players on one team are limiting how high they can go for sure.
I wouldn't even say it's causing like terrible problems. It's just limiting you from getting better, which I guess is a terrible problem in its own way.
We won both on Nuke.
I would say, I mean, if we're going to get nitpicky on this one round, if I had to imagine what occurred, that particular situation would be, Nertz probably just wanted to take a jiggle in three shots and fall back. He fucking wide swung, Jason. Okay, jiggle might be aggressive, but he did not want to commit to a fight. He just got banged out. And then Naf said, okay, my teammate just died here.
The last thing they'll expect is another teammate taking this peek. Let me see if I can just even things up and back away.
I know. You know how that happens. It's like, that's not communicated from Nert. So there's no way for Naf to be coordinated with him. That's, I would, I would.
Yeah, yeah.
I'm not excusing it. I just, I just imagine that's one of those rounds where just someone didn't say what they were going to do. And there was no way to build upon it as a teammate.
Is this my illness rattled brain, but didn't have, didn't liquid have that? Was it the playoff game or something towards the end of groups where they had that Inferno where they had a big lead on the CT side and they kept doing those more gambly like mode and they just like save like four rounds in a row. Who's that against?
It really does suck. It fucking blows.
And just had a career rate vitalization out of NIP as well.
But I appreciate that at least he said it was hard.
I'm glad he didn't just come in and be like, yeah, I've always wanted to do this and I'm handling business. And yeah, I already got a trophy.
I mean, if I think about this in perspective, and I actually haven't even given it a thought if they were to remove NAF and keep JKS, but in my head, it's always been remove JKS and keep NAF.
Well, I mean, part of it is not even anything gameplay related. It's just NAF's been there for fucking ever, and he's been such a...
This is my point though, but if you get an IGL, then you tell, then you basically tell Twist that he, then I almost feel like you have to put Twist back in anchor positions.
Well, you put NAF back there.
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I don't know. I mean, you're right. There's no easy decisions at the moment for Liquid.
I think I think they might like I think they might need to think about getting I think I want to see them get someone who can be like a buddy paired up with nerds like it should be twist like a battle I know but as the IGL yeah it is I don't know what makes it look a little bit sexy sometimes on T side yeah yard outside nerds and twits behind them I think if you were to look like at certain maps you could see areas on the maps where they have good things
Yeah, I guess that's that's a good way to put it because I think I feel like there are maps where I see nerds just like kind of die on aggressive plays very, very solo. I don't know after I feel like there's not a lot of players. Yeah, I don't know. It's just repeating what we've already said.
I feel like there's not a lot of players like if nerds goes down or if they're in a four v five, I feel like they kind of just sit and wait for a minute and then just choose a bomb site.
I mean, this event just showcased that they're like steps ahead literally every other team. Like it is like S tier is Vitality and then everyone else is A and below.
I tried to upload on the Wi-Fi on the first podcast we did and it was going to take a while.
Yeah, probably. Yeah.
No.
Yes, he was.
Yeah, yeah.
They haven't stuck the landing out of COVID quite yet.
I think a confidence win would help them, but I don't think it's going to increase their ceiling to any crazy level.
It very well could be, but I think that was part of, I feel like that was part of the reason of Twist kind of taking over the in-game leadership was he wanted to institute his kind of culture as well.
They don't have a positive like emotion energy guy.
Which was always what Stewie was.
Could be nerds. But like, again, this is the issue Stewie had as well. I mean, not to like- You can't do it on your own. You can't do it on your own. Yeah, you just get exhausted eventually. Nerds coming into a new team, probably that's a tough situation to become that guy.
But yeah, there's certainly an essence of that kind of team cohesion that comes with that kind of a positive attitude and environment that's not there.
Yeah, that was good.
Reach out your hand and touch God. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if they have the personality for it. I'm sure they have conversations. No, I don't think they have the personality for it either, unfortunately.
Like, I mean, you'll have all the open and tough conversations about the game stuff, but I think outside of the game stuff, they don't have the personality to be like the tight nip, like, let's get together, hang out, tell jokes and shit.
Can I be honest with you? I'm not entirely confident that that kind of like hardcore system counter-strike without star players can work anymore. I feel like I need to be convinced, like Navi needs to convince me that that can even work.
Yeah, but you're not putting him in the category of star players like, I mean... He's one of the best anchors in the world. I know, but I'm trying to say, I was going to go with like the unreasonable. Yeah, I was going to go with the unreasonable comparison, but like your star players on.
Exactly. That's why I know it's unreasonable, but like you don't have that pop-off star who you know is going to likely give you 13 kills per half, 20 some per game.
He was.
They're eighth in the VRS right now. I feel like this is probably very reactionary based off the final. I love it. I feel like vitality is going to cause like an arms race of picking up just like pure talent.
It's bad.
Sorry, Chad. Channel changer.
Actually, when Yanko said that, you said that earlier today, the crisis mode, I thought about it. I thought about S1mple coming back into that roster, but I thought about it in the sense of, do you really need to account to have a... This is crazy. Do you really need to have a permanent AWPer?
What if you brought Simple in, had him on a rifle, had him on primarily AK-47, and he picks up the AWP when you guys have the money for it. But in today's game of Counter-Strike where the economy is always half busted. Who are you replacing? Wonderful in this example, but it doesn't have to be. You could put him for another rifler as well.
No, but that's what I mean. He's saying if he replaces Wonderful. But don't say we're always going to prioritize you having an AWP. Play with an AK-47.
Yeah, but he's the one example of that, outside of choosing to buy it when you have the money for the AWP. Yeah, yeah. But, you know, like, do you need to have someone who's reliant? I mean, you can't have anyone who's that reliant on the AWP, but you could bring him in as a rifler as well.
I don't think he's ever coming back. But also, the other thing is, when is his contract done? Because surely his buyout is way too soon.
Yeah, because it's all based around a VRS that ties everything together.
Is it beyond waiting to see more time with Brolin at the helm? I didn't rate them before.
You haven't clicked with them yet.
Oh, they look like a train wreck.
It's hard to find a handyman. It's like a classic case of you never know what you're missing until it's gone.
I don't, not to this extent. Well, come on now. I think you knew you'd be missing a lot.
I think in terms of like how the team just looks like kind of like lost on the maps is shocking to me.
personal all the resources into ilia let's go just try and power him up like a like the spirit bomb from dragon ball z just everybody put your hands up they kind of have to at this point they have to at this point i know but i think they knew what they were going to miss it's just making up for it is still hard because go ahead i i bet what they thought was that with seeing how good mobs played when nico was on the team i think they thought that was going to be a little bit of a smoother transition like they would be getting more from him at this point
I think most teams should be willing to take that risk considering how, how they've looked. There's been a lot of disappointing.
Yeah.
I think, but it's also, you know, it's not just that it's also like what's available, you know, like what's available to pull the trigger on. But I think there should be teams willing to take that risk for sure. And I think G2 should probably be one of them. But my only problem with that is, um,
Well, maybe not a problem, but I think if you bring Shuey in for snacks, you have to let Taz go as well, right? Like that's sort of a, you don't have to.
You don't have to.
But it feels like that would be a big signal of a lack of confidence.
I guess, I guess that'd be a difference between like lower level Counter-Strike and professional Counter-Strike is at some level when the level of game you guys play at, it's like, just be happy that you put yourself in a position to have the opportunity for the kill.
Like you obviously want the kill and you'll be disappointed if you don't get it, but putting yourself in a position to have the exact fight you want is an accomplishment in itself.
Or two years later, I missed that footstep. I ignored the footstep.
It was Abu Dhabi, yeah.
It's a beauty of Counter-Strike, isn't it? There's so many different ways, there's so many different aspects of this game that you can improve to become better. So even if you don't have the most mechanical aim, if your positioning and your game sense is better, you can still overcome that. That's a beautiful part of the game to me.
Utility, if you know more nades, you have more options of how to handle situations. That makes you better. I think it's such a cool feature of Counter-Strike that not a lot of games have.
I think you shook him there.
You don't even have the chance to like click W. There's always been some like loss in translation between like the GoTV and the... Yeah, but that's... It's like an X-ray as well, bro.
there we go it's just like that it's just that easy nice hotel room now normally what i do is i like to critique jason's tidiness and cleanliness of his hotel room and he's really put on a show for you this morning mate yeah yeah this is a treat no way no way you're clean like that this is very clean what is this vitamins over there yeah a little bit a little bit of vitamins what do you take uh there's there's some um what do i take vitamin vitamin d you don't take some bullshit you don't take some bullshit for the hair grow right no no no that's that's only him ironically i
That's poetic, actually.
I guess the context of this would be you guys probably spent six months last year of like knowing the roster was going to change, probably leaving, maybe not leaving. It was so weird.
Well, also, I'd imagine, because you just said that right now with Raps on the team, Vitality's never been in the prac room as much. And I imagine if this was last year and you're having that kind of roster upheaval and you have that social gap in the team, that's less hours someone's going to voluntarily be like, I'm going to go to the practice room.
I'm always worried about it. I don't like being in this environment.
You're 17, first team, it's fine.
He calls your number? Yeah.
No, but I like that. I like that IGL tried to, like, pinpoint the players he needs to get activated and call on your number specifically.
Rising from the ashes, if I recall correctly. We did that quite a bit.
I was going to ask about CS2. Yeah, I was going to jump on the same thing.
I just wanted to know, you mentioned it earlier, the change of how many good players there are in CS2 now that it's come along. What's the big difference in the game now, CS2 to CSGO, now that you've had some time on it? A lot more wide swings, obviously, but how is the game playing a little bit differently for you?
It feels like the impact swung back to riflers versus troopers right now.
when I watch it, it feels I feel like the game just like, all of a sudden, so many teams are playing it so much more simplified. Now we're towards the end of CS go and start of CS two, there was still a lot of like movement and cerebral positioning and map control. And now I see a lot more teams I feel like spreading out into a default grouping up pretty quickly and hitting a pop.
I think it's also
He's too aggressive.
You'd rather have an aggressive opera than a passive one?
They take that side.
The CT incendiary would be a dog shit. Nobody respects it. More expensive weapon. Nobody gives a fuck about this.
I did lobby with him. I think he's in that mode where he's not really comfortable speaking English. He can, but he doesn't want to do it. So he just holds back.
also just have more options on train at any point in the round like there's an execute from the t's like you can look over that z smoke on top of the boxes and z or you can run through and get back bomb you can do it yeah and anubis it's like okay temple smoked if i have a flash through then i'm just in a shit fight everywhere i look yeah like it's one second in that already inside with you and right and train you have like give a lot of time to like like assess the situation and determine how you want to play yeah yeah what did you call that smoke
And then you... Yeah. Tell me when you guys had to have been... You guys had to have been popping off when Apex was going nuts last night. Ah, yeah. He played, had such a good... I bet that's more fun than ZywOo popping off as Apex going nuts.
I'm like, bro, I know you don't want to answer these questions. So let me give you a softball and we can just take it somewhere and go somewhere. And it's like, why?
It's pretty good.
As long as you're not getting canceled, I don't care. Say whatever you want.
That's the limit. Okay, there is a limit. It's just way higher than y'all think it is. Does shit talking... Have you been in a situation where you feel like it's either opposing team shit talking you has affected you or your teammates?
Like, um, Which one of your teammates is most likely to fuck one of your other teammates' girlfriends?
I think he wouldn't know what you mean. Does he speak good English, Zontix?
Shiro responded to me a little bit. Magics obviously can, but I try and avoid magics since he does everything. Donk dabbles.
I know, we love that. We get right in.
This would drive me nuts. Did you go talk to him now that you're in Vitality? Yeah.
I tried to ask about his anime mouse pad. His anime mouse pad? Yeah.
You know, I was- You know goddamn why. Soju, brisket, kai bi, ssamjang, kimchi.
Jason Moses. No, I get that frequently though, yeah. I take that name when I was like 13 years old. I didn't understand the implications.
jason obold sometimes we call him muhammad because of the beard muhammad yeah so when i grow this beard out i i get uh conveniently a little bit more randomly selected for airport searches okay even taxi traffic even you know i rate your like your bald head is good because some bald heads look like a spit stick you know like what i mean they look like you know like the other ones
Yeah, it tickles a little bit. This is weird.
Yeah, people are like, they have the option to criticize.
The internet is tailor-made for people to find, to be able to vocalize the reasons in which they're upset. What'd you say? The internet is like tailor-made for people to be able to just put out what's bothered them.
I don't want to play hangman with the audience. He said return. Yeah, that's fine.
Like fuck. It's a versatile word. Fuck you. It can mean that in a certain sense. But it's not always a bad word.
It's not the biggest deal in the world.
Yeah, okay. Okay, because... ISL and... It's like official sponsored broadcast is up here.
Why did Sadokis lose his job? What did he say?
Let's not play hangman with the audience. Chad, tell them what Sadicus said.
Eventually, they just built up to the point where it's not worth having.
A personal birthday stream.
Scrawny always tells me when Matt came back and delivered that line in that grand final, Scrawny was like, oh, fuck. Like, we have real competition stepping back in.
Yeah, well, let's just not make it so obvious. Do me a favor. I'm just here doing my job.
So what did he say? The shepherd's goat? The shepherd's staff takes down the goat. So the reference being that Simple is the goat of Counter-Strike, the greatest of all time. And then Montessi with his shepherd's staff, herding farm animals. Okay, I see, I see.
but yeah he had some that were some that were pre-made all casters have I think all most play-by-play casters these days have some pre-made lines for various players or some play on the words or their name like Chad's saying and then there's a creativity in the moment with that line so you just kind of have it prepared and then you have to creatively kind of activate it when you're in the moment but when you're so who's your partner now
I don't ask for his. I'm not huge on pre-prepared lines myself. Usually we cover like storylines for the game, like various players inside the server, the teams, like the big picture storylines for the teams. Like obviously in Katowice it was easy because it was like Apex has been here 11 times, hasn't ever gotten it, it's gotten close. Those ones are just like hand delivered to you.
but the the things with jason saying about the story the reason that you want to have that stuff is so that you can bring those in and the down moments of the game yeah and then like when you have the big climax of the game all those things come true actually there's a lot of dead time in the game like freeze time and well you were talking about fucking vp at the end of csgo casting a vp match back in the day was like you better have an hour's worth of fill prepared like you have to be ready to just fill actually with them everybody bullied them on the chat james saving like yes
Yeah. I mean, you have different audiences you have to kind of cater to and like different people you work with are more about the X's and O's and the details, especially with players. But yeah, it's always a balancing act because some fans like those details.
Some fans want you to go into the nitty gritty and some fans are like, we're just here to kind of enjoy and casually watch and we want to feel the excitement.
The biggest gap that I always find players help the most in is like big picture tactics is not a huge deal. It's like the player decisions of saying this smoke landing here paired up with this Molotov and this flash that pops here. Now you know what peak they're trying to activate. And that's why you chose to slide into this position.
Like those little micro details of individual decisions are the biggest gap in a cast.
it's also like to you know like when a decision is like when you can make the decision to shoot or hold the trigger and you just know the consequences of that decision are gonna be so mad like it's either gonna win the round or lose it so like the fun of it is actually he's made the decision to hold it he just had a tough game he had a tough series overall there's another round where he was meant to smoke like you could tell because he ran into site to smoke palace and then he runs in the site throws the smoke and then starts running back ticket and then gets caught mid-sight and it's like
Rolling back into a Katowice stage, bulked up, just ripped.
You're talking a lot about confidence and courage in the game. Do you feel like it's helped you when you have a bad game, like bouncing back in a game, like having a really bad half?
And it keeps you engaged in the game too. It's not like you're sitting there dead for a minute just like,
All I know is the barber in Caddo, he fucked up one side. It wasn't going to grow back. It was always going to be weird. The only option was a factory reset. It was the only choice I had. I wouldn't have done it otherwise. I just want to let the record and the people know, Jason, because people are always like, oh, you
And first of all, I didn't ask for your fucking opinion, but this is so that I'm getting ahead of it when they do give me their opinion unsolicited about my face. Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.
Okay, so let's get into a couple of key pieces of news. Obviously, Davy G, he's going to be leaving the Iberian family when they do get a replacement, which everyone is being up to now. What other big news was there?
Yeah. That's hugely exciting.
Yeah, well, yeah, yeah. Lucky moves to gun five was another key piece of news.
Adam S to 9Z is kind of on the fringe of what's interesting, to be honest. Afro to OG as a trial, that's also kind of interesting.
kind of interesting if bad news meagles can make another major right uh one that was actually interesting was this kid called joey he's spanish he got picked up by the mouse nxt roster and i played some face-up pugs with him over the over the time and but the most recent face-up pug that i played with which was still a long time ago his friend was abusing me so yeah i wasn't playing very well but they also have to remember i'm old as fuck right so they have to be nice to me no one appreciates that do they
No, they don't get it until they're old. They'll get it when they're old.
I guess be classified as a living room, I guess because there's a television here. There's a little table where I am right there. Yeah. This armchair. There's an actual chair, which is what my feet are on. There's the couch. Yeah, we're having a great time. But we drove to Cluj from Bucharest.
How fucking popular are you, man?
All right. So shout out to Joey.
I just don't know where we start with tonight's actual conversation. Obviously, it's the playoffs of the PGO Occlusion Poker 2025 event.
The Bulgarian from 500. Okay, so I think the thing is the clips, if I was actually gonna make a statement on it, there's a lot of things that I would wanna go and do. So first of all, I would wanna make sure that I had the context of the entire match. So first of all, I'd wanna watch the entire match. Then I'd wanna watch the pop demos. Then I'd watch the POV demos without x-ray.
Then I would want to look at lots of the other matches that he's played before. Maybe go on Skybox Edge and look at the parting he did have on other Mirage games. And then I would probably sit there and I could make a claim. But otherwise, I would feel that I wouldn't be holding my position up very fairly if I was just to say, yeah, because four fucking clips I saw on Twitter.
I thought his parting was very direct. That's what I thought. His padding was very direct.
But at the same time, the clip starts and then it's like only a 10 second clip. There's not enough context of like, what information do they have? You know, I also wasn't looking at what time of the round all of these were happening at, for example. Right. So there's other factors that play into this. It does.
Like if you just look at those scenarios and I'm not defending him, I'm saying I need to watch. If I was going to make a comment, I need to look at more.
Yeah, but online tier 2, tier 3 Counter-Strike must be fucking crazy. And people using radar cheats. Radar cheats is something that is definitely very possible. They could be doing one of two things. They could have an actual cheat that is taking the information from the computer somehow. I'm not a tech guy, so I don't know how it's doing that.
It took about six and a half seven hours.
And then populating a radar on a different screen that they could be looking at. Or they could be paying for...
data from like one of these betting companies that or one of these data companies that provides that information for the for the live betting odds and it could be populating the thing in the same way so it's like possible for this to happen it's just absolutely the conversation this brings up is hey let's make sure that the webcam is not of their face but it's of behind them
And it shows the screen and everything on their desk within a reasonable space. That's what the webcam should show for online matches. There's obviously other problems. And then the question of like, what round do you start doing this? Do you do it for the top 64 teams? Do you do it for the 128? Do you do it for this? Do you do it for that?
It's like, that has to be a comp, but overall there needs to be better measures put in place, uh, so that we can be monitor the cheat.
Yes. Ideally.
That's a pretty good take, guys. I think we fucking nailed it.
Well, we've got over 90 years combined between the three of us. You'd hope that we're making sensible statements. Maybe more than 100 years. Jason, you were doing remote casting with little Dinkles, Mr. Dinkles.
Yeah, your sidekick. How was that?
Why?
Sad, man. It's sad, but it's also good, like in the sense that the core of the team, Agile, Muterus, and of course, Story, this is really important for them, right? Getting a top eight in an event like this with the prize money, the LAN wins, is actually really important for them going forward to get more invitations because of the VRS. But overall, it just sucks that a dead team
has qualified for the arena. It sucks that a dead team beat FlyQuest. It sucks that a dead team beat Complexity.
100%, Janko.
Yeah, three. But we left at like 7.15 in the morning on Wednesday. And the story goes, we were meant to have a big bus. Not a big bus, but like a bus that would fit nine people. However, they rocked up with a van and a car.
Yeah, but they brought in Bobby. You thought Bobby for Jocko. It worked out for the qualifier for Dallas. But it didn't work out after that. So I don't know. I'm not sure. I also didn't, I wasn't casting that 3D Max game. It is kind of crazy to me though that that result is even possible. And that is where I think Saw being liberated by pressure played in the most, right?
Against the FlyQuest game or against the Complexity game, I'm just going to say I think Complexity and FlyQuest must have been bad. But the pressure must go out of the window for SoR in that moment against 3D Max because 3D Max should have been heavy favorites in that game. And that's where playing more aggressive or pushing smokes or whatever.
And then also the other thing, at a certain point, the idea that it's a dead team and Roman and SHR getting told when they enter Romania that they're no longer going to be on the team. That probably sucks for the first few days. But when you're in a 2-2 game to qualify for the arena... that probably goes out the window at a certain point.
And you're like, yeah, we're competitors and we want to win. We want to go as far as we can.
Oh, yeah, for sure.
I think the Complexity one, and this isn't to shit on them, this is just to be realistic, is losing a Liege is a massive blow, but then obviously they lost Floppy as well, who is pretty inconsistent, but still very experienced by this point, and they're adding in two new boys, and it's not meant to be a knock at them, they're going to have a learning curve themselves, but to think that Complexity was going to be able to hold a candle to its former glory, which that former glory was also starting to wane anyway towards the tail end of last year,
So I just had a document in the background that I needed to cover.
I think that they're just having a natural correction based off of where the team's at. It's not a team that is going to be able to compete at the top level. That's just the fact of the matter. And that's not trying to be harsh. It's just that they no longer have the driving factor of a leisure anymore.
And then you could have a good performance from Hauserk and you could have a decent performance from Grimm and then you could be competitive, but you don't have a leisure anymore. And that was the jewel in the crown. FlyQuest went home after Katowice Groups.
uh so with luggage i imagine that's a tight it was it was so scrawny and launders uh they opted out of the seven hour drive uh and they decided they'd stay at the hotel and then fly which was fine they sorted all that out uh and then can you guys hear that yeah whose phone is near their microphone
They should have reached out to eat out to see if there was any available boot camp spaces in Belgrade, Serbia.
No, I didn't think so. It's like Atox is in Lisbon because it was a qualifier for that spot, I'm pretty sure. But yeah. Yeah, I don't know. I think if you had done Katowice groups, Katowice stage one, and you didn't make it stage two, you hang around for like a week and a half. You then actually have that period of time of a boot camp. You go to Serbia so you don't take any more shagging days.
You come into EPL where you need to get a good result because... if they drop below the Mongolian and Chinese teams, which maybe they already have based off of their performance, then what happens is Mongolia, China will get an extra spot for the MRQ.
So then Australia loses two options, which then hurts FlyQuest because FlyQuest then have more pressure when they play online qualifier in Australia for the major. And so then you could have stayed for those like 12 days, whatever it was, gone into EPL, had a good result, maintain your position, and then maybe they would have got invited for PGO Bucharest. I don't know. No, 16 teams.
No, they wouldn't have. Oh, but other teams could turn down, so maybe.
Where are they in Asia only, Janko? Can you have a look? They'll be behind Liquid and... They'll be behind Liquid and... They're 3rd behind Liquid. How many points a difference between them and the next, which I think is Atox?
27 points.
Ay caramba.
so it's it's not it's not pretty out there they're about to get overtaken by m80 if they've dropped down to number six then they're no longer in contention for stage two yeah so first and it there's no sign that that's going to stabilize or get better in any way so they might just say the mrq yeah oh no it's going to be tough for all these teams but at least we're getting a little bit of uh
The main stage changes is just reinforcing what already existed, right?
Yeah, so the stage one of Katowice or Cologne, they're kind of disqualified. Yeah.
Here's what I'll say on that. One of two things is going to happen. Events that run formats that have LAN-based qualifiers will no longer run in tournaments with LAN-based qualifiers. They will either limit the teams and just make it a 16-team tournament, or they will extend the event and keep it at 24, but they'll make all the teams there at once.
So one of those two things will happen, in my mind. Obviously, you need to announce certain details in advance, but that will be the change. There is no point a tournament organizer running an event with a LAN qualifier, like a stage one or a play-in, like for an EPL or a Katowice slash Cologne. It is pointless, it makes no sense.
you're putting all this extra money into being able to bring those teams there and pay for all the facilities required. And you're not getting the payoff. You're getting 14.3% worth of scaling of VRS points for those events. So they're not even that enticing if you're a team.
So your options are completely get rid of them, save yourself money and have less teams because you're complying by Valve's rules. And then people will be like, but what about the other teams? It's like, well, they're not incentivized to do that as a TO. So why would you? Because it's the right thing to do. The right thing to do, we wouldn't have any fucking homeless people in the world.
But yeah, they got a flight. They arrived about half an hour after us. But the reason the flying didn't seem like a great idea was, one, if people read the news at the moment. Two, very, very snowy, extreme.
So that's not going to happen. Right?
Fucking hell.
I just meant that maybe Elon could pay for some poor people or some shit. Or universal basic income. Yes, I love that. And then the other option is that these TOs, if they want to contain, sorry, maintain the grandeur of scale, then they will need to be running events with like, maybe you stagger it.
So like you run like two groups for the first couple of days and then you fly home the losers and then you bring in the other teams like overlapping just towards the tail end of those groups and then you run it at that point. So maybe you can mitigate some costs that way.
So not everybody's there for the entire length of time with hotels and prac rooms and stuff, but there will be a change in that in the future. I don't know if it'll be this year. But I would imagine it would be next year.
I don't like it either.
Playoffs, fuck it in the playoffs, man.
Which seems more achievable. Unless you're one of the lowest seed teams in the tournament and you get, I don't know, Fnatic and Na'Vi in your GSL group at a major in 2014. That would suck.
extremely snowy snow for like fucking four days straight um so there was there was a lot of flight delays and whatnot yesterday and we also thought it would be cool if we're all in a bus it worked out fine we're in a car in a van um and we got to see you and alex No, it was in the van. I was in the front seat. Directly behind me was Jacob, who was doing business the whole time.
But just so people are aware, right? Because I see this crop up sometimes and people are like, oh, this team, this like good team, like top three team in the world only had to beat these guys, these guys and these guys to get to this. And it's like a format where it's like, let's say the ESL format where it's a bracket.
And they're like the number one or number two highest seeded team in the world. It's like, okay, so you're going to play in your first round against the worst team because you're one of the highest ranked teams. So by the seeding of the tournament, you will play against a bad team.
And then if there's an upset in the game that then leads into your match, then you're going to play against another low seeded team because the fucking other high seeded team fucked up. You see this happen at certain things and people are like, oh, they only played these guys. It's like, well...
The format, you actually want to get the good players, you want to get the good teams to the playoffs, and because they have a good status, so a good ranking, aka a good seed, they get rewarded with versing teams who are seeded low. That's how it's going to be.
blast next week and not pgl this week or why would you watch pro league next week and not blast and vice you know like it's all the same we spoke i spoke about this on hrtv confirmed i brought it up the the reason i brought it up is because i don't understand the complaint if you're a viewer you like you don't if you don't want to watch don't watch This is how it was pre-pandemic, right?
He had his laptop tethered to his phone. He's on fucking calls. He was doing work the whole time. Next in was Alex. Then in the back seat was Maui and Blair. And then in the car was Richard and Dust. And we had multiple stops along the way.
And we've gone back to this because this is a course correction from Valve. Valve have come in. They said they don't want the duopoly of the scene controlling, you know, what's going on with everything. So that pushback was to take away the power that the orgs and, sorry, the TOs and the partner teams in those events had to then return us to this mean.
And then the whole point, the whole conversation that we, I remember having on podcast pre-pandemic was these teams need to choose.
That's not true at all. 100% I was. What were you doing? HLTV confirmed, man.
Yeah.
Yeah, man.
But yeah, like we've been talking about this forever was like there is choice and I agree with you and the sentiment of us a lot of the same teams and this is why like there was one thing that was irking me and I don't want to upset the Turkish fans because I think that your team is good, but this is one thing I brought up about the way that the Eternal Fire players were looking in the game against 3D Max that they looked like so out of it.
No, it's to do with my property tax or something that I have to pay. So I kind of wanted to cover that.
They looked tilted the whole time that they didn't want to be there and someone was like, oh they said in a vlog that they're really homesick. What are you fucking talking about your home seat? The year just started, right? Okay, so you haven't been home a lot. That's literally their job. Do you want to be elite level in this industry doing this game?
But we just had partner leagues for the fucking last three to four years. It's now not like that anymore. We've gone back to how it was pre-pandemic. And the reason we're here is because of Valve.
And choose! Don't go to all the events, Janko!
doing the season right then you're like conversation you're like you don't what this can't be the conversation now we literally just started this and we knew this was going to be the case like i'm so i'm so glad it's yanko in this fight right now because i feel like i'm usually the one in this fight get him fucking yanko get swing swing baby this can't be the like we we knew this was going to happen like we valve stepped in to change everything to open the playing field for tos so we knew this was going to be the recourse right we even
Yeah, and they had stops along the way. We got to see some of the countryside of Romania, which was quite nice.
said last year we said top teams were going to skip PGL events we said that late last year we'd heard that we knew that was going to be the case like we had seen that we knew exactly what was going to happen and it's happening but here's the problem guys exercise choice if you're a team and you don't want to go to an event don't Don't go to the event.
If you're a viewer and you don't want to watch the event, don't watch the event. What we're going to do is we're going to be having a course correction. We're going to reset. We're going to work out what is actually sustainable for these people as individuals. What's going to be sustainable for viewers? What's going to be sustainable for TOs? That's what we're doing.
No music.
No, because people were sleeping. Me, Maui, and Jacob would occasionally go in conversations. Maui was in the backseat. He was on his phone telling us, oh, coming up on the right is a river or coming up on the left is a castle. Alex was watching anime. Blair was sleeping. So yeah, it worked out. There was no need for music. Everyone had their own stuff going on.
Each team?
I think the spirit thing is probably a mixture of them being young at the top. Obviously, they started Katowice the year before on the high, but then that target kind of slowly slipped off of their back for points. And then it was coming to this year as the major champs, the bounty win, and the expectation, obviously, to be able to keep
keep that up right and that's something that's going to come with time or maybe it won't come with time maybe they can't hack it but this just goes back to my this is what like you're saying Yanko it's going to take a year and there'll be these conversations I think right like if I was in a room with Valve this is what I reckon the question or the way that they would try and like frame this whole situation
First of all, they wouldn't make a statement that asks questions. So I'm already going to go against that. But I feel like the sentiment of what they would be trying to convey would be, would you rather go to one event a month and go to that event as a top team and your goal is to come top four,
Or do you want to attend every event that is in a month and just do whatever you can at each of those events? Maybe one you'll do well, one you'll knock down in groups, one you'll be middle of the pack, one you'll make the playoffs. And that's the thought that's going to have to come through a lot of these orgs and players' minds.
It'd be better to go to one event a month and to place really well than it would be to go to four events in a month, wouldn't it?
Yeah, that's what I hope. Well, I don't hope. I think that's probably where we'll get to in the future. That future is probably still a couple of years away of tweaks to the system. And we're going to have the TOs go to war come 2027, right? They're just going to overlap with each other and try and blow each other out of the water. It's not going to be them working together.
They're not going to be, hey, let's be friends. They're going to be like, yo, let me come here and slice your throat open and book your venue and do this and do that. It's going to be crazy, man.
I paid like nine grand worth of bills in the last five days. And I'm just like, I'm over paperwork. I'm fucking I'm done. I just don't want any more bills to come in the door. They just keep coming though. There's more paperwork had to make fucking resume today. Thanks to grok shout out to grok one time unironically used AI to help me do something. So that was nice.
it's gonna be wild like there's there's gonna be a lot of that uh and you know we there's always the question of like what's sustainable or what should be sustainable i feel like what's sustainable is what is right like if we're still going and the ball's still in motion good but that's always going to change and that's life like sometimes the global economy is in a spot sometimes it's in a good spot it's going to be the same with our space sometimes we're in a good spot sometimes we're in a bad spot
It's like a lot of traditional sports out there are struggling at the moment, but maybe they'll come back. Maybe they won't. Like it doesn't, it's not the answers that people are looking for. And we, as people who are involved in this and all the other people involved in this, we should all be striving for the best thing we possibly can. We also need to be realistic about like what's available.
What happened?
What type of sponsors can we get? We have terrorists in the name. Over to Jason with the beard.
I like this stuff.
Well, we have three clear models at the moment, right? So we have PGLs, which we're saying the prize money goes and however that prize money is spread between the org and the players is determined based off contracts of them. That's not a PGL problem. That's not a viewer problem. That's a them problem, right? Whatever that is. So that's one.
They have that, but they also have like appearance fees, right? Based off of where you are in the VRS ranking. So those appearance fees have to be merit-based. So like, let's say that you're, I forget it exactly, but like you're one to four, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, you're five to eight, you get this much worth of appearance money at their event, right?
So they have those two things. ESL have club money. So club money is the prize money that will go to your organization as opposed to the players. And the reason this is introduced is because semantics, Because a lot of these orgs with their players have a deal where the majority of the prize money, if not 100% of the prize money, goes directly to the players.
So the semantics that ESL have introduced with the idea of club money implies that the money that is earned based off of the placing at the tournament goes directly to the organization, aka the club, as opposed to the players. And then the other thing that they have is, don't they also have like a revenue share thing?
But that also has to be based off of merit-based things like the viewership and all that type of stuff that you bring in. So there's those three different models, right? And then I even step back one further and I look at all of these businesses and I think ESL and Blast are probably more similar in terms of like if I was going to group them, what are they or what are they trying to be?
And if I put PGL to another side, PGL in my mind is the pure old school business They're a tournament organizer. They run tournaments, right? They do the production for the tournaments. They're not trying to be anything else. They're not trying to be a powerhouse on social media. They're not trying to have a massive network of content. They just run the event. They put the event on you.
Really?
Watch it if you want to watch it.
enjoy sponsors on it that's it that's what they do whereas like blast is trying to do blast.tv that's why it's the blast.tv paris major the blast.tv austin major they've got like some people there who are interested in tech and cracking the esports code and how do we make money out of that and esl is similar in a way but esl is even broader than blast like extensively gaming festivals they want to be the gaming experience build communities community focus live legendary yeah
Exactly. So that's leading into lifestyle a little bit more. So I look at it from even a broader perspective and I go, well, what is the ultimate outcome or what is the best outcome or what should we be trying to achieve? And again... we have to stop. I hate, I'm just over the fucking lumped in terms of e-sports too. Like, cause we've had, I had this conversation a million times.
Is it called Edge of Tomorrow Vibes?
It's just for Counter-Strike is how we should be focusing is like on, on what we should be looking at for Counter-Strike because if Counter-Strike can be a business where companies make money and I'm pretty sure PGL do right. And as we said, they're not trying to be any of these other cringe things. They're just trying to be a tournament organizer who runs tournaments.
Yeah. And they make money. Well then doesn't that, isn't that a good business model? Like, doesn't that mean it's a good business model or am I like wrong?
Oh, there it is. Okay. Yeah, I'm having a look right now.
Well, we're going to sell that actually. So we need to play that three times a series. And yeah, they want it to be from, they can't show guns though, Janko. So can you work with that? Can that work?
That's so hilarious. I won't name the sponsor, but there was literally a sponsor that wouldn't have their logo on the screen if there was guns and they sponsored Counter-Strike. It's like, what are you doing?
Oh yeah, absolutely. We'll work out a way. Don't worry.
It's like you like the young audience this much, but you don't like the thing that the young audience finds interesting.
And that's why we love New Jersey and America.
I'm so American-peeled these days, man. I'm trying to bring all the American fans back online, man.
It's great. It's liberating. It's the place of freedom. You guys have it all sorted out over there. And honestly, the whole time that I was ever saying anything negative about the States is because it came from a place, Jason, you know this, of envy. Deep, deep envy. I understand that very much. I'm so on board now. And look, I love all of our American viewers. And I hope that you keep watching.
How's he gone and done that?
And I hope that you forgive me for maybe anything negative I ever said about America.
And I'm glad you did that, Jason. I'm glad that you came down from your ivory tower and you showed me the condensation at its finest.
Absolutely the best time of my life. Some of the happiest times.
It's true. In casinos, it was raining money. And I've got family from the States as well. They live somewhere in Texas.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, yeah. I don't know where I could go with that. Chad, did you play?
No. There was no way to qualify.
Yeah.
I don't think for 2015 there was a way to qualify. Occlusion of BOGO 2015, yeah. That's very possible, yeah.
Yeah. So that is what it is. But, yeah.
I'm just checking right now if there definitely was no qualifier.
2015.
Major qualifier 2015. Yeah, I think we lost to Schneider's Dignitas.
We were renegades at the time. Yeah, we did. We did lose to Schneider's Dignitas.
That was with Lex and, like, yeah. Pit was in that roster.
I guess he's very low.
uh gnt jnt jnt he's doing his best brazilian there uh okay that's about as cool as afro trialing for og um it's up there i'm glad jason tried saying that he's trying to pull us back on track i gotta well i just i i you know again fluff episode there's not a whole lot of like hardcore counter-strike going on especially doing a doing an episode right before playoffs begin we could talk about the playoffs we could i feel like we did that last episode didn't we
You're confusing this with snakes and banter, Jason. Another three-box podcast.
Well, you'd hope the defuser is the headshot guy, right?
Look how enthused he is for this. This fucking guy. That's an interesting conversation, Jason. Big Yuzuru finally making it to a power field stage match. It's been a long time since he's been kept away.
And then when you take a look at the team that they're going up against, it's a shaky mouse, but on their first event with Sphinx in the roster, they do make a top eight, which I feel like was probably the bare minimum expectation. Brolin's in-game leading. It's been hit and miss, and probably people would say a little bit more miss just based off of some of the T sides overall.
I think so, yeah.
But it's still really early days. You wouldn't expect Brolin to be one of the best in-game leaders in the world immediately. And they're having to work and change some spots and bring Spinks in. And he's the more active lurk, with Jimmy as the standard lurk and anchor. So, you know, there's all these factors that come together.
But you would say, based off the experience factor, that Mao should be the favorites going into that game. They won't be able to play Ancient, though. There'll be no Ancient.
Because they had a rough exit in Katowice, didn't they? Yeah, they really did. They didn't end up making it out of Stage 1 into Stage 2.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. The first kills, wait. Wait.
I have a feeling that he was meant to be an aggressive piece, but they've ended up tailoring him to be more of a passive piece. So I don't think you're going to get the best out of a player when his natural inclination is to be more aggressive. And Davideas and Bigizura are obviously going to get all of those spots and responsibilities.
So, you know, unless you use him more actively for map control on the T side, or you liberate him to take some aggressive lurks, then it is going to be tough for him to be an impactful player.
I think eventually, right? But he's only 17.
Yeah, it might just be a thing with time.
Yeah, and they changed it back.
I think Pain is a team that is just going to have to continue to kind of add bricks this year, right? So we'll see, because they've been like slowly, gradually, like, you know, having, okay, this is a good performance. This one's not so good, but there's promise there, right? So it's, and I don't think that they're going to get any pieces to majorly upgrade anything within that organization.
But watch. Pause it.
It would probably be someone like Big Yuzuru going elsewhere, right? Or like NQZ going elsewhere.
As he starts shooting, and it looks like the defuser dies first. Or...
You know, it's like...
Big, big zero is the most exciting thing about that team because he's the best Brazilian in game leader. I think.
I don't know.
Give me Insani.
Janko, look at Jason's microphone for a second.
I told you, I told you.
Look harder. It's a whole different mic.
Sorry, it's great. It just looked like a dragon dildo before. So now you're online with the rest of the boys. So I'm happy to see the change. So sorry to interrupt the conversation, but we were just saying that pain was boring.
Can I ask a question though? One that could make the thought of pain more interesting. Will they beat Malz tomorrow?
Bianco's thinking about it.
Are you talking about an online Counter-Strike match?
losing your identity as a player and losing value because of it all right jason i got uh you know there's a few of these that happened where i was like yeah yeah i think this guy can do this like he's experienced enough he he's gonna take on the the task and that like device was the example that is yes it's gone me uh but like now the thing is if if twists
If Twist stops being an in-game leader by the end of this year, Jason, I'm never in my life again when a player who is clearly not... Because, you know, I was thinking about this today. It actually upsets me to hear that because I was an in-game leader, right? And I actually wanted to be an in-game leader.
Like I know what it actually was like to what like I know the attributes that I had that I think I know I had attributes that made me a bad leader, don't get me wrong. But I also think that I had attributes that were good attributes about me and the way that I go about scenarios that made me a good leader. And I had the feeling of wanting to be a leader.
And if these people are just saying this, and they don't actually have that, I'm kind of upset on the discipline of being an in game leader. They're upsetting in game leaders everywhere.
Well, I was just trying to get a quote that I remember from Peter Pan, gentlemen. Maybe you guys remember this.
Whenever a child says, I don't believe in fairies, there's a little fairy somewhere that falls right down dead. So I think every time like a star player or like any moderate aggressive rifler comes out and says, I want to be an in-game leader, I think a previous in-game leader somewhere around the world drops down dead. So at some point... You're in trouble, Chad.
We're going to stop it now. I don't want it to be me.
It'll be a good map pool for them. It'll be for both teams, really. It'll probably be some configuration of like Ancient Mirage, Inferno, probably.
Exactly. Yeah, no, look, okay, so there's a couple things to unpack here. I don't really want to talk about the matchup against Heroic because I have certain feelings about the Heroic team at the moment until they get some more experience. I think I've mentioned it before.
Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Yeah, I would, the more I think about the pain mouse game, like the reason I'm edging, I know we're talking about Mongols right now, but the reason I'm edging mouse over pain is experience. But when I start looking at like the depth of map pool, pain should have them covered. So I think I'm like 60, 40 miles, actually I'm 55, 45 miles in that one.
So I think pain actually have a good shot. In this Mongols one right now, I think I'm 65, 35 Mongols. Because at the moment, Astralis haven't been playing comprehensive Counter-Strike as a team. Astralis are like all over the place there. It just looks weird. It doesn't look like they're on the same page in their approach to the game.
Awesome. What is your daddy? Who is your daddy and what does he do? What's that one? is a low-key banger yeah it's a good film it's a good film arnold does some great movies man yeah he nailed the 90s it was a real good decade his documentary is pretty interesting too why have we never parodied any arnold stuff with yanko as arnold i am not buff enough yet Get to the chopper.
Okay, well, we'll start working now. Yeah, I don't... Who you got winning?
I feel like they're not very experienced at the moment in the purest of domains, which will come with time, but currently they are more comfortable in their houses. Second, the new Astralis jersey. I know people are like, why did they do a black jersey? Everybody has black and white jerseys. Who cares? Who cares? Why do we care so much about jerseys? Who really cares? Also, it looks fine.
Can we just do the FaZe versus Saul one? Does anyone think Saul's cool?
Lily Phoenix. Lily Phillips. Phillips. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And Bonnie Phoenix. Yeah, yeah. Both pregnant now, of course. It can't be to the dudes that they were getting like group gangbang by, right? Because think about it. Surely you were wearing protection. So it's got to be.
It's not 100%.
That's what you said. As we heard. As we heard, right? Right, guys? Jason's been paying for the only fans. So, dude, does anybody here think that Saw can beat FaZe?
We don't have to waste any time talking about that matchup. But we can talk about then the Falcons versus EF game, which I think is quite interesting because Falcons ban Anubis. So that means the one map that the EF are the most comfortable on is gone. Falcons also always pick Dust2, which they will be able to pick because EF are going to ban Ancient.
So there's a chance that Falcons beat EF, everybody. I'm just saying.
Jason, if I'm in the locker room, I'm walking around, I'm pacing back and forth, and I'm saying to these boys, This is what we always wanted. We always wanted the plucky upstarts. To put Turkish Counter-Strike on the map. And we're doing it not only for ourselves, but for the future of our families and the people watching at home.
We can make generational wealth if we come into tournaments like this and we start winning. And right now we're a top three team. I don't give a fuck how tired you are. I don't care how much you want to go home. I don't care how much you want to see your fucking family. This is Counter-Strike. We're a team on the rise. We're Cardia. Jota, you guys are hitting hard.
I'm going to make some good calls. Zantaras, you hit the headshots. And the Southpaw sniper walks in. I want you to give it your all like it's 2019 and I'm fucking carrying it. We're going to go out there. We're going to storm the stage. And we're going to take this fucking grand final. And they're going to say that in Turkish.
Yeah, look, so for visa shit, mate, fucking visa nonsense.
They're gonna sell it in Turkish, obviously. Yeah, that's a recreation. Yeah, yeah. Because man, like, honestly, you think about it, you're a team who could literally walk worth 400,000 euros. If you win this event. Yes. And for EF, it's not like they have a massive org. Like it's a big org in Turkey, sure.
But I think about how much of that prize money these guys are likely going to get out of that. And it'd be a massive tier one win for them. It could do massive for the confidence down the stretch.
It doesn't look bad. Their old one was really cool. This one is still cool. And I don't really care about the color. I'm just looking at the jersey.
Is this a Ted Bundy quote? Not Ted Bundy. He's a murderer. What's the TV show with the American guy that went over to coach the... Ted Lasso. Is this a Ted Lasso quote?
I gotta find it.
Yeah, I think it's fine. It's fine, Jersey. It's all good. Who really cares about, like, who gives a fuck? Are you buying a Jersey? Are you someone buying it? Who's buying a Jersey? What are you, a fucking six-year-old boy, and you're going to watch the game? Like, what are we talking about, man?
I think he doesn't have to be a system-based AWPer in this team, though.
Exactly. And I think he's going to get a bit more freedom in this team to do kind of moves. And he looked the best I've seen him in the last series that I saw them play. Janko and Jason, if I play this scene from Ted Lasso... Do you think it'll get us in trouble and taken down off YouTube? We'll be fine on Spotify.
It's a good thing, Yanko. You haven't seen Ted Lasso. Ted Lasso's kind of nice. Can I play it? Do you think I can get away with it?
It's kind of long. We'll see how long we can listen to this. But, Yanko, you said it's based off of Iverson, right?
Well, here we go. How's Jamie doing? Says he can't practice today. Says he's hurt.
Yeah, so you guys could hear it.
Oh, man. It's only 12 seconds. It's fine, man. We're fine. It's fine.
One of the most listened to podcasts in the world versus three fucking idiots.
Yeah, start talking about ivermectin and COVID, Jason. What are your thoughts on CNN? How do you feel about Joe Biden?
Tell us about Kamala Harris. What about Gavin Newsom?
I don't know what I mean. Yeah, Jason did go to the inauguration, actually. I did, yeah.
Janko, you're the expert on all things Niko, though. How do you feel about the team right now? We'll come to you live with Janko.
Well, they're the models for the Jersey, Jason.
no i get it i understand it it just it just seems a little silly to have to have that all over the place and i just want to say i don't really care if people buy jerseys i'm only joking this is an entertainment product if you like buying a jersey of a team that you support i think that you should do that all right don't get you don't get your panties in a bunch all right guys that's fine you can buy whatever you want i don't really care spend as much money possible on esports yeah and give it all to us uh the paypal is talking counter at
I think they picked Dust2 100%. I think Dust2 is their map now. They lost to Mouz on the most recent, but they were six in a row before that Mouz game. And Eternal Fire's Dust2 also looks really not...
not poor but it does it doesn't look good it doesn't look like one of their stronger maps so i feel like that's what falcons pick and then i think eternal fire probably picked nuke to be honest with you i think they probably picked nuke or inferno probably inferno again i mean they beat them two times handily yeah
So let's make some picks.
Well, it was all sensible up until the last one. Yes, exactly. I know.
Best of five. They both banned Train.
I think so, too. I think I put percentages on it before. I think I said 55-45 in the Miles series to Mongols. I think I said, no, it was the Pain series. It was the Pain-Miles, yeah. Yeah, 55-45 to Miles in the Pain series. Because I can say World War Pain win, but let's go with Miles. I think Mongols 65-35 over Astralis. I think fucking should be 85-15 with fucking Saw versus FaZe.
Yeah, but we can never count out the dead team buff. For some reason, it's just like magic. It's this EF versus Falcons game that's got me that I kind of would want to lay out the logic on a bit more. I think the Falcons picked us two and I think that they win it. They're already one map in the series as a minimum. Obviously, idiot.
It's just with how the map pool is going to end up on the tail end. Trainers are third. If they can get Trainers are third, I'd give them a chance. I think Trainers are third is their best chance. If it's Nuke or Inferno... This is the thing, Janko, because I kind of agree.
If EF play Inferno again, then at that point, as Falcons, you're going to have made so many adjustments and understand so much data about it that surely you don't get fucking done again.
Yeah, online they did that.
No, we don't have a PayPal. And the third thing. The third thing. Oh, yeah. Astralis at this event. They've looked good. No, they've looked okay and bad at Cluj so far. So, yeah. That's about Janko. Your fucking phone.
Really?
Okay, here's another one.
Do you think that two days worth of resetting, so Wednesday and Thursday, do you think those two days are enough time for Eternal Fire to mentally reset and refocus?
Well, then I hope more of these people, TOs, install the same rule that fucking PGL did.
They've already accepted all the way up. Yeah.
But no, but they could. So for example, I don't think PGL Bucharest invites, at least not public. So I don't know if they've accepted or not accepted for that. Yeah. I don't know if PGL Astana have sent invites yet. I don't know.
I'd have to look at the rivals event to see like where they would fall into that category.
Yeah, not that not like MasterCard. So yeah, we like do who do we like more visa or MasterCard? Which one's gonna sponsor the show or AMX?
don't know if they would be invited to that one anyway um so yeah i think they're doing melbourne i think they're doing dallas maybe they could have some visa issues they're doing melbourne do i keep calling it sydney or did i say melbourne no you said melbourne every time i call it sydney i like what am i doing anyway um well okay i don't know i part of me wants to say falcons but can i say i think falcons are gonna win but i hope ef is gonna win can i say that yeah absolutely
Okay. Because I want to see EF consistently be a good team.
And it's not that I have anything against Falcons. It's just that I think I kind of agree with it's probably more important for the long-term development of EF.
Yeah.
I'll take a FaZe versus Mongols grand final as well. I would too. Because it's FaZe's event to win. Or it's FaZe's event to lose. It depends on how you want to frame it.
And that's when we bring North American Counter-Strike back, baby. And that's when we start chanting USA. Star Spangled Banner on my face. Just as Blast fucking Austin's going down. Elige enters the arena. It's the semifinal. The crowd's going wild.
Everyone's waving. And Kerrigan gets to wipe away the heartbreak of Boston. And he becomes an American hero.
The four of them, well, the five of them, because Neo's there as well. Alige lifts the trophy, and they all lift Alige, kind of like Simba.
That's amazing.
I think I got too excited.
Well, hold up. Does Janko have anything to say? You got to put it to the jury.
The laundry machine. Jason, what are you, from the 1860s? The laundry machine.
You just woke up. I always forget about that.
Yeah, good, good, good, good. I one of the things that like I spoke to Alex about this before. And I said to him that if we're going to go on like an event run, because we have some more events coming up in a stretch before we get a lengthier break, we got to stay on top of things. So we there's a few things that I said, I said, we can't get sick.
We can't get was the other one can't get heartbroken. And sure, one more thing. It was one more. I forget what the last one was.
Well, yeah, but that's probably it. But that kind of goes into the getting sick one. Sick, heartbroken.
Yeah, so like Alex has been coming to the gym with me every day, which is nice. Making sure we're going outside and experiencing the water. It was very snowy in Bucharest. We're still going outside there, which kind of sucked at times.
But just making sure you're not rotting in the hotel room, which you can definitely do if you're at events like this, especially if it's more of a in and out of the office, like studio type environment, which it was for the group stage. And just staying on top of things mentally. So that's kind of the big thing at the moment.
which all seems to be going pretty well. But yeah, I think overall it's going good. And another thing, oh, I guess the other thing you need to do, yeah, the lazy thing, but it's like the work. You need to make sure that with the casting that you're delivering, you're either mixing it up or you're hitting the right tone or you're doing all these different things.
So Lucky Pro League's the next one, which I guess we won't be casting together at all.
Yeah, and we all will be mixing it up. Yank will be on the cast. Josh will be on the cast. Jason will be on the cast. It'll all be happening.
The thing that I don't understand, Alex doesn't do that gag where we do that bit like...
not frequent but we do it you know more often like we've done quite a few events and you just do it because you'd like okay let's just have the observers do all that if especially if it's like a nothing round or whatever but it was surprising to see a reddit thread pop up out of that uh so it's fine i'm sure you found a comment in there that was hating on you and telling how you don't know how to do your job and how unprofessional you are
Someone did say they get paid for this, which I was like, yeah, yeah, I did just, yeah. We didn't speak for an entire round. This guy's right. He's fucking nailed it.
Are there any problems as well with my camera orientation? Are we happy with this?
Yeah, but that was during an Astralis series, I do believe. So that was on Inferno. Astralis big. It was very well observed, that round by Shev and Jay. So that was a nice little round. My boy. But...
What's your whisking method? Is it a fork or is it an actual whisk? I use a spatula. To whisk your eggs together.
But you have to mix it. You have to mix them initially, right?
But you want as much air in there as possible, Jason.
Yeah, the venue is like across and about 200 meters that way. We have suites. I don't know if everybody has suites, but I have a suite. So I don't know what I did right or wrong, but it's kind of nice. So yeah, this is, as you guys were talking about before, there's not really a cock chair because the bedroom is its own separate thing.
I use a blender.
I have a little dash of milk, eggs in a blender, and that gets a lot of air into the mixture. Fluffy eggs. I recommend everyone tries it.
That's me most of the year.
It's been a busy week. No one mentioned anything about my beard, which I thought maybe some people would say something that I don't know. I've shaved my face. Do we want to get to the bottom of that story?
Oh, okay.
There's the sad part, obviously, about the MRQs being online, but we already thought that would happen.
Yeah, and just talking about the show in general and everything like that. So that was nice and seeing everybody. And then, you know, we're only home for fucking 48 hours before we got here.
I don't think every TO will do them online. I think someone will do them online eventually.
Well, it's the new RMR, right?
Well, it depends, right? Like, I think obviously it's hard to do it for the, if you're like a European TO, it's more difficult to do it for like Asia or America than it would be to do it for Europe. But like, let's say that you were ESL or you were PGO or you were Blast, you have a space, right?
They have their studio in Copenhagen, ESL have Katowice, PGO have here in Romania, in Bucharest, where they're doing the group stages for the event that's about to go down. So there is options to do it for that part. I wonder if Valve pay for flights for that portion of the tournament or not. That would be a good question to get an answer to from a TO.
Well, it may do. It could still move. Because of the proportion of the sub-regions and the amount of spots available, the highest-seeded team, other than the one who takes the spot directly in stage...
It's a whole new crew, man. The only people that I saw in Katowice were Trace, Scrawny Launders, and Pamp.
three which would be mongols at the moment um they populate their region with two other spots so at the moment the team after them for the asian ranking is fly quest but that can change before april 7 so i think that will also change in like some weird ways right like if there's like some kind of disaster for liquid and they kind of drop down the rankings and end up having to qualify asia then they become a high seed within asia so that that gets it
i'll say this on the overall on the discussion that i had on tuesday night with like graham and and i need to watch that back i actually i actually heard some good things about that it needs to be restructured when we do episodes of that in the future i need to like it wasn't great because i just traveled back and i was
I need to be better prepared from my perspective and I need to create either visuals or better descriptives to help bring the viewer along. So I want to do a better job with that in the future. But the general sentiment, and I might be wrong, maybe Graham, maybe Striker will listen to this and then they can tell me if I was right or wrong based off of what they said.
I think that a lot of the stuff that we've seen in recent times with different teams and this fucking letter and all this shit that's come out there, I think that Graham and
striker uh kind of of the opinion or the vibe that i get from them is we're going to go through some teething issues this first season but overall we're not in any better or worse position than we were last year at the like with the way things are sure um Hopefully, I'm not putting words in their mouths. That is the perspective that I got from having the conversations with them.
It's like I went back and read that letter that those teams put out. And some of the teams that even signed their name to that letter, I'm like, why the fuck did you like, why the fuck are Mals putting their name on this letter? Like, did they even read it or like Imperial? Did you guys even read?
And then the last thing at the very end is like, to leave you with a short-term suggestion that would help us add open qualifiers to the major again, allow all teams and players to have a chance to save their careers and dreams. It's like, well, like Graham made some good points.
He was like, at a certain point, these open qualifiers that are being played, like we can't start counting round of 128 matches. Like we can start counting when we're down to like the final 64 teams or the final 32 teams or whatever. But we can't be like, why would we be counting all of those matches? And I kind of agreed with some of what he was saying.
I think if we can collect the data, then we probably should. But then there was a conversation about how do we collect that data? Who does the onus fall on? We spoke to Timu from Yala. And he suggested that when they pay for services like ES Portal or Faceit to run their online qualifiers and events, that then those companies send the data to Valve.
But either way, Valve, as Yanko learned last episode we did with the crossover, HLTV have a lot of power.
How many of them are even really independent? That's probably the first thing that needs to be addressed.
Let's get into Yanka, what you've done in the time since you've been home, because Jason's got a fun story. Jason went on an excursion. So we'll do Jason's last.
uh with the way like you have to invite teams i don't i used that you start inviting from number nine onwards i think is how it works uh but in terms of the formats i'm not sure exactly with the formats isn't it like you have you have to invite or you have to qualify like
No, no, no. I, I was just trying to, I'm not trying to call you out. And I was trying to understand the angle that you were going with it.
Okay, so you were like with the ESO Challenger, which used to be like a DreamHack Open with only eight teams, for example, right?
Well, this is the thing. I'm probably going to be wrong, so Graham or Michal or whatever can message me, but I think the way that you would structure it would be like a DreamHack Open, not all of those teams were invited, right? A bunch of them had to qualify through different areas, and then those qualifiers kind of add on to the event.
let's be set funny names i'm gonna set a funny name like i'm not just gonna be chad you're gonna take advantage of the situation all the time
If you look at what we just did for Akatowice, and I don't like this, and I don't like the way it is for the Major either, but I especially don't like it because I feel like TOs are being punished for having more teams come to their LAN events. So
We all know the way that HLTV structures on their website is that the play-in, which ESL won't call it stage one, but HLTV call it the play-in, is considered a qualifier. So it only scales at 14.3%.
of the possible available vrs points that also happens for stage one and stage two of the major they are considered qualifiers and not the main tournament which means if you have a smaller tournament at any other portion throughout like the reference i use that i thought is the most inflammatory and outrageous is you can have a like you could have the woman's only tournament the impact counts as 100 of the points but stage one and stage two of the major don't
That is actually exactly what I meant. I had a lot of fun.
It's like, you just think about that. It's like, why? It should definitely be scaled. Whether it's 14.3%, whether it's 50%, whether it's 75%, whatever it is, it definitely shouldn't scale at that. And that's because of the way that the prize money gets distributed based off of, I'm going to say HLTV's website. Now, I might be wrong with that.
But the thing is, if I'm ESL, why would I run a 24-team event?
um in the format that i currently do i i'm getting punished for doing that so i should just run a 16 event 16 team event and then i think that the angle that hltv would push back with is just well why don't you just run all 24 teams at the same portion of the tournament and then if i'm esl or a tournament organizer i'd push back and say now you want me to have 24 teams on site at the same time so i need to have an extra eight i need to have an extra eight prac rooms i need to have an extra four hotel rooms per team available at any given time i need to then have more i need to then have
more player managers available for the extra teams and resources that are on place at that time right i need to then potentially have more like streams or more match days so that the cost goes somewhere right so yeah it it's funky at the moment i don't know if it's working as intended with that or maybe it is maybe maybe i'm out of pocket
Yeah, that's the thing. I'm on board with the fact that this is like a teething season because essentially we're only counting the last two months of last year and up to April 7 of this year. So once this year actually gets underway and we're six months deep, we're past the first major, we'll start to see what the actual implications of all of this is going to be
come the second major of the year uh and how it is going to function and that sucks because if i'm a player i'm only looking at the event ahead of me the major ahead of me like what's literally just down the road so for me if i was putting myself in a player's shoes i'd feel oh the world is ending this sucks it isn't fair but in the big picture which we get to look at because our timeline is longer uh and we all we also get to step back we're not competing um it's like okay this sucks now but it it might or should be better in the future
Yeah, well, that's kind of what I meant. They look like shit in the final. They won 22 rounds over three maps the year before Phase 1-23.
What are you tired of? The year just started, bro.
I think the framing is like one you have is the world number one, the major champs. the argument about whether they should be tired or not, I guess is a completely different argument. But for the angle of like, you know, which team is hungrier for this trophy, I would say that Vitality were hungrier for the trophy because of the honeymoon period and you wanted to put your best foot forward.
And it's like something that, you know, Apex has been trying to win for a long time. Vitality normally have a bad history there. So all of those things kind of reinforce that angle. And then also you get to take down the world number one. So I'd say the hunger levels for the victory would have been on the side of vitality. But I don't know. I have a hard time.
This happened with Navi after their major win too, right? Like they won the major earlier last year and then they kind of fell off a bit. But I understand that. Your emotions are at the top of the mountain. It's the peak of the game. It's the best thing you can achieve. And then to be able to follow that up is hard. It requires a certain mental resolve.
And we all know that from sexual intercourse, don't we, Janko?
I bet Lily Phillips didn't go on top throughout those 100 dudes. I'll say that much.
The relationship of Ropz and Zywoo is the one that I was enjoying watching the most in the sense of, like, even when things that were silly were happening, like the round that they lost both the Orbs, and it's like they're just smiling at each other. And then, like, rounds that happen, and they get away with, like, a close 2v2 or whatever, and then they're just smiling.
I'm like, this is cute, and it's good that, like, they can have that kind of... They're sitting next to each other. They can have that type of relationship in-game. Um... I think the map pool thing that you pointed out there, Janko, you can understand how it ended there. Because if you're Spirit, you're going to go as the favorite. So you're going to go, well, these are our best maps too.
So we don't give a fuck who you are. You're not going to try and have the bogey pick of, oh, we'll bring an Anubis in. Even though your Anubis isn't great, ours isn't either, but we'll bring it in and punish you with it. It's like, you're not going to do that. You think you're going to beat them going toe to toe.
Yeah, sometimes you're the hammer, sometimes you're the nail, right? And in this situation, Janko, you pointed out the pistols.
It's baffling because while I'm casting, I try to keep track of that for the viewers because we always talk about how pivotal it is, but it's frivolous to bring it up and say it's an important pistol if you're not actually keeping tabs on how many pistols across the series are being won, right? Because it helps... That's like potentially six rounds within one map.
But so pointing out that, and then the other thing was opening kills. Like it just felt like they were getting no opening kills. They were just giving up opening deaths a lot of the time. And then more often than not, Donk was always copping a nade.
It wasn't something I highlighted, I think, very well in the cast, but I remember reflecting on it being like, a lot of the time we're on Donk trying to get space and he just like cops a nade for like 30 damage. And I'm like, well, fuck it. No, now he's walking around. It doesn't stop Donk. Donk's still going to try and make his plays, but it obviously hampers him.
I liked, did you see the headline from Hallie's post-final interview? What was the headline? I saw the interview. The headline was, this was HLTV, Hallie, today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations.
And, like, that's bang on. What's a coach meant to do if your players are just giving over opening deaths all the time or making bad plays? And it's like... He said the whole thing is, the question was, it seems like historically it was an uncomfortable matchup for Donk. Statistically, Vitality are his lowest rated opponent. Does it feel like they figured something out about his play?
And Halle said, I think they outplayed me first and foremost. Things were going well with this tournament and I knew how to set up our game plan in the majority of games, made good calls, tactical pauses, but today I couldn't make up for how players did in micro situations. So it's an interesting response.
And then he goes on in the same body of text, the same reply. About Vitality, we played three best of threes against them. We lost in Dallas, drew some conclusions, and then won twice. But today they prepared well for us, and it was tough playing against them. We need to make the right conclusions and use this experience when we approach our next game against them.
So Rob's went 26 for 9, which was plus 17. 141.7 ADR on Dust2. And then on Nuke, Zywe went 26 for 6 plus 20, 127 ADR. It wasn't just that hard carries because other players were contributing, but those guys were owning so much that even if you had a chance in any situation, you weren't getting passed.
And then by the time I made it to Mirage, everybody contributed pretty much across the board for Vitality to get it done.
um so pretty comprehensive and i the thing that i like the most that my favorite takeaway is the space now that flamesy and mezzi have like they have more room and they probably feel like they get to contribute more which is nice because rops likes a lot of those positions that are really hard anchor um that he doesn't just play like a classic hard anchor he finds like aggressive maneuvers or plays for himself so i think it's nice for those two especially
So you were the official main host or your co-host?
Astralis. Astralis? It has to be Astralis. You think so?
You did say G2, yeah. You said G2?
Eh... I know you're presenting it as a question, but you presented it for a reason. So could I get your reason on why you may think that G2 falls into that category?
so um we like you said we discussed this before and losing nico's voice so if if i think about this and i could be off but i i'm just gonna pretend this is how the team functioned before before snacks was like a babysitter uh maybe not for babies but for like you know
My point here is right. Like all snacks had to do is kind of pull the puzzle together. Right. Like Nico would be like, Oh, I've got this born. I want to go for this. So honestly be like, Oh, I want to take this fight with the org. And then he'd be like, yeah, you can do that. Hunter you flash room. Yeah. You do that.
Like, so everybody kind of knows what their roles would be, but his pieces when they were on would call the game. And then he would kind of mold the game around what was happening. Right. Yeah. When those players weren't on is probably when Snacks had to take over and then control the macro and the pacing and, like, what do we want to condition early and then how are we going to finish?
The thing is, now they lose Nikos... Quickly, for the sake of Lily Phillips. Well, wait till I tell you about Bonnie Blue. But we'll get to her later. LAUGHTER But now, like, you don't have Niko whose voice, like, you know, people might be like, oh, but you don't want to let a player just call his shots. You have Niko. Let him call his shots, like 100%, right?
And then if he's feeling it and then Mondesi's feeling it, you're fucking, there you go, there's your motion rounds. But now, Malb's stepping into that. He's not as experienced. So even though he might be able to mechanically hit the shots that Niko can, he doesn't have the understanding of what's necessary or the read of the game to make those calls. So here's the issue.
The team needs to do one or two things. They need to just continue doing this so that Malbs, HeavyGod, and Monacy can get the reps in in this and learn the hard way, which is probably going to come with a lot of losses. Or they need to completely change their focus on the game and let Snacks be more structured in his calling, and they have to do as they're told.
And I think if you were going to go with option two, then I think you should look at the Shuey conversation, not because I think Snacks does a bad job, but then you may as well have someone come in to address a new system because you're starting from the ground up anyway. So I think it has to be one of those two options. The Shuey thing, you guys can ignore.
We can just keep the roster there as is. But you're either going to rebuild and let Snacks have more control over the horses in the stable, or you're going to let those horses reign in a bigger paddock, and they're going to go out there, and sometimes they're not going to find the food, Jason.
Sometimes they're not going to find the water, and then they're going to have to come home, and they're going to have to get the food and water from Daddy. Yeah.
You know what I meant.
Jason's wearing Blast merch, Janko. What the fuck?
Yeah, just ask Lily Phillips. Was that the porn star that got fucked by a hundred dudes?
There's always something with this guy, isn't there? No, sorry, Jason. Sorry, Jason.
I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I reeled it in. I throw it out there. I reeled it in.
Let's do Astralis and then we'll go to everyone's favorite North American team with two North Americans.
But for the trio that was successful with Heroic, it's not clicking. Like whatever that was working for them before isn't working anymore, which means a fundamental change to the approach to the game is really necessary, right?
Let me check.
Here's the first problem that they have on the CT side. is with some of the positions that KDM plays, like B on Mirage and Ramp on Nuke, he's not in a core position to be able to call rotations. He has to then rely on his players like Device, like Stown, like Yabby to be able to do that. The onus of reactions completely relies on them to assess the situation and call the appropriate thing.
So that, because of the structure of the team and Cadian not being the AWPer and not a rotating piece, misses key information. So that is then on those three. So that's on the coach and Cadian to be able to instill what would necessarily be classified as a system of responses.
you can't be trusting those guys to be making those choices on their own because KD in it previously would be, he sees something that he's watched in a demo and he says, fucking four guys rotate to this position right now. And the team would do it, right? That's how Heroic would work in the past. But they don't have that anymore because KD is not in this key rotating position.
So something has to kind of change in that sense. On the T side of things, yeah, like they see this and they do this and they poke and they prod and they rotate here and they quick react too. But I think that they can still salvage that.
I think they need to kind of just... Because one of the things that I like about the way that Vitality call is, they'll do default, but then also Apex do a lot of 4-1s or 2-3 splits. And it's masked as a default to start the round, but then it has a pretty quick conclusion unless they get hard blocked somewhere or there's a push or something.
And even if they have to cancel that, they can still go back into something else. I think maybe that's just what Astralis need to do, have more... direct calls out of spawn that if they can't execute and fall back into something else, but just try and... Kayden can still call things that aren't just like default every round. You know, he can call that, let's do this, let's do this, let's do this.
uh i think yeah i slept with 100 men in one day lily phillips now that's maybe the hardest day of all of all of us that's she put in a shift i'll tell you that much yeah she earned her keep on that four per hour and a couple of on top yeah ish yeah and a couple you know bonus that's not too bad jason speaking of bonuses if you're going and you're doing the fucking launch party it means you have to be working the major right
And then as long as you get into the flow of the game, I think they have the players to pull it off. But whatever was before doesn't work anymore. It's not clicking. There's not that rhythm. There's not that beat. It's not the same thing.
well that cadian's the anchor right and he's he's gonna be more of a fidgety piece that's just the way it is so yeah like i think i think it is going to be tough for them to solve it that's why i think it's the most fucked for them out of all of the teams because the entire recipe and flavor like we've lost one of the herbs and spices or it's gone out of date i don't fucking know all the horses can't find it jason
But we'll see them on land. They'll be at Cluj. They're playing tomorrow. They're playing Payne again. Yes, they got blown out by Payne, didn't they?
I'm pretty sure they got blown out by Payne. No, Astralis beat them in the play-in. That's right. VP got blown out by Payne.
Yeah, that's right. Yeah.
The only player you want is Insani, man. And I'm sure Insani would like it too because Lacalze's now taken some of Insani's position. I mean, Insani's kind of nerfed a little bit.
Ocello with Insani.
Did you see the new thing that was announced with PGL's events? I have to find it. Where the fuck is it? When they're announcing some of the stuff, not the Krakow thing.
The following event, you won't be invited.
yes you just have to say what it is what the punishment is okay i need to find the exact wording for it so yeah that's kind of cool i like that as well i think that's fair uh i probably aren't gonna find it so do we want to jump i'll look keep looking for it do we want to jump onto liquid do we want to do the zeus drama oh man that fucking zeus drama bro You guys are ex-coaches.
So how do you feel about it?
He's heated.
Which part? All of it? Like what part?
Yeah, you can't do the launch party if you're not at the Major. That would be hilarious, though.
It's something that happens all the time. There's a lot of things that I have grievances with that I don't bother saying anything about because what's the point? it's going to start a battle. And then as he said, she said, and like, there's my truth, there's their truth, the objective truth. Unfortunately, there's probably nobody standing in a position without a bias to be able to present that.
Right. And then a lot of the time this thing gets picked up and it ends up on the HLTV forums or on Reddit or Twitter. And then it becomes like fucking TMZ cannon fodder for the community to talk about. And we're not really getting anywhere. It just presents a nice little bit of drama for people to, to, to enjoy, which, you know, is, I guess this is entertainment. So it's an extension of that.
So it is what it is, but people already jump to conclusions all the time. And like I said, when people read the first thing without actually like understanding any of the facts around a situation, they're just going to kind of take it for face value and run with it. So the damage traditionally gets done if you speak,
It was a bit of a quip, but you think about the type of show that he was doing, right? You bring that into context. That shows more about... Which was it? Snakes and Banter? Yeah, that was the other one.
I think it was Snakes and Banter. I said Snakes, sorry. I was thinking Snakes and Ladders. The other one is Hot Take Point Made. That's with Kassad. Yeah.
Well, the Million Dollar Man doesn't miss majors.
I think the other thing is though, like the three of us, when, when these things happen, we have more information or we have perspectives presented from alternative viewpoints, right? So when we hear something from one party, but we've also heard something from another party and those things don't necessarily line up, it's like I just said before, it's like their truth.
It's from either side, right? The he said, she said type situation. So, um, you're trying to piece together this stuff with the information of all sides and, um,
It depends, Janko. If he's trying to be like a full-time pundit, right, and try and take those angles, then...
i don't think it's necessarily gonna i don't think it hurts him because it puts the name in the spotlight right like and and i think zeus is someone who i think would be great on a desk uh i think zeus is very well spoken i think he obviously has the knowledge base he's got the cabinet i think he'd be really good on desks i would i would love to get him on some desks with like you and josh and jason when jason's doing his second job and
uh i think i think like i i think you know if zeus is trying to go that angle then i think it's it's not a step back it's just a you know a thing that puts your name in the in the spotlight so from that direction yeah whatever um Unless we got anything else to say on this, I found the snippet from the PGL updates to 26, 27 in the rule book.
That's a nice hard out. I'll get this and then we can just talk a bit about Cluj and then we can fuck off. So this is for a new addition to the PGL rulebook. This came out in their press release. You can go check it out on the website on the 11th of February. So fucking two days ago. Jesus Christ. Time is flying. There's so much news.
Okay, so this says a team will be denied an invitation if they accepted the invite for but failed to attend the previous PGL event for which they were eligible. So that's the Furia example. So it's not if you deny the invite. If you say, no, I don't want to come, that's fine. If you accept the invite and then pull out like Furia did, then you get barred from the next one. I think that's good.
That is very good. I like that.
Anyway, just wanted to get that cleared up. Yeah.
Not me. What the?
He's going to start with silly buggers here.
It depends where they play them, because Eternal Fire shot the bet on stage. Yep.
I still don't like the role distribution. I think that Frozen needs to go play Robson's spots and then give Elysian Reign the actual spots and then fucking don't. The fact that if I go into this and fucking Kerrigan is anchoring the A-bomb site on Anubis... What are we doing?
No, but he should.
Well, he's the youngest. He has to do what he's told.
Who? Reign already has taken some of them.
But it's not about that.
But Elisha's playing the A anchor on Ancient.
Well, it depends. If your AWPer doesn't have an AWP, then yeah.
Their solution is simple. Once they bomb out of a couple more tournaments, they'll see the light. If they don't make top four at this event, surely that's enough to make them want to make some changes.
so so that the initial answer is like oh they're young guys i'm the oldest on the team i've always liked mouse i like the way they function it's like bro you didn't have any other options what are we talking about like you went to mouse because it was the only team that offered you a spot like what are we what are we actually talking about here well yeah you can't say that what the fuck but then why say anything like what a what a shit question like whose house is on fire
Yeah, I had to do my own laundry when I got back to Malta. So, yeah, that's fair.
What am I, Yanko? I'm not central. Oh, man, I got protein powder all over my hand.
Mouse. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. The Brolin situation, the jury's out, obviously. how Spinks slots into the team and how the team looks, it's a complete mystery. I have no... I have no idea of what it... How do you do it in Serbia, Janko?
Jason, you're under fire right now.
I don't know if I tell you you're going to be a four-time major champion.
uh yes that's fair that seems fair yeah i i think that that's a that's a reasonable take 3d max with bodies another one with a roster change
Yeah.
He was mechanically very good.
They already qualified, though, for Dallas, so that's kind of nice. Yeah. They beat Heroic together online.
You think FlyQuest definitely won't make the playoffs? Yeah.
Eight. Yeah, half the teams.
I think playoffs should be Mongols, FaZe, Eternal Fire, Falcons, Virtus.pro, 3D Max, and the other two slots could be anybody's.
All right, Kassad.
It's not that I don't think they can make it. It's I haven't seen them play, so I don't want to come to any conclusions.
Or Lily Phillips.
Okay, Jason has to go in a minute. So do you guys want to know about Bonnie Blue?
Okay. Oh, I hope the dog's okay.
You forgot about it. Yeah, I did. Okay, so Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips, who were friends, they're both adult actresses, were in a bit of a feud in recent times because Bonnie Blue, she claims to have had sex with 1,057 men in one day. It's a claim that stirred considerable controversy and debate in the media and social platforms. Just touching it doesn't count as sex.
And the video was taken down from OnlyFans because I believe it was difficult for them to verify the identity of all of the participants.
True. Did everyone else wear a condom?
I want to know how many bottles of baby oil they needed to get from fucking Puff's house to make that one work.
beast games up late on amazon prime i feel like now if i get denied the visa for melbourne i know the reason okay that's the place to leave it i want we could have talked more uh but we we can't we're done yeah i mean this was weirdly enough this like little hour and a half pocket was the only time we could find for like the next week
Yeah, I'll see what the setup's like in Cluj. But I'm doing one on Tuesday for HLTV after I finish the day. And then we travel Wednesday. So maybe Wednesday or Thursday. Depends on the internet situation.
All right. Backwards Benny out. All right. Peace, boys.
Bromania, they call it out here.
think it was just us boys that's a weird double date yeah well at the time yeah yeah we didn't know right and i was exploring look at you now both with kids you know it all works who wouldn't know can we jason can we circle back i have more questions yeah yeah yeah question away So you went and you were in the Moody Center. Is that what it's called?
And you were the host. What esteemed guests other than the mayor of Austin, Texas were there?
Yeah, me and Londis went. I've got a microphone here and a microphone there. Let's do that, shall we? Yeah.
Leo Matlock, I believe, is the chief business... Officer for Blast. That's his name.
He's got a very nice jawline.
Any players?
All right. Eric Anderson. Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah.
That's about it. No. So not really any, I thought there'd be like some basketball players or something.
and uh so today was was a busy day in romania not as busy as jason's but we'll get to that um so it's rehearsal day and i arrived last night late or it was technically this morning and then it's like the first day so you want to go and get like you want to get your water and any other supplies that you need then you gotta go get your gym memberships yeah
He was there. Okay. Yeah. Did you do an interview with Jake Lucky?
If there's any listeners who heard Jason on the radio, please post in the comments below.
He cut out.
Okay, Radio Texas. All right.
His nationality, probably.
I have some more questions.
With the announcement, what was the most interesting part that was announced by Blast for the Major from your perspective?
They got Elon Musk, bro. They don't give a fuck about us.
Yeah, you don't right-wing enough.
Because all this is like from Star Wars. It's like one of the Empire's fucking fleet ships. Okay, I got you. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what I mean though?
And then you got to do all those things where we're doing the sound check, testing all the mics. There's some cool graphics that they're doing for the desk tomorrow.
That's always nice. Very immersive for the players.
We're fine. All good.
It's hilarious how they can gang up when it comes to TOs and attending tournaments, but they can't do that to sort of say, hey, why don't we stop paying these dudes so much?
They're still there. Still trucking along. The most entertaining team in Counter-Strike.
less point four of a point that's even more like both of those things are mental what's mental is that on the day it's announced if the game finished by the time it's announced it counts and so if the game religion was playing the mongols in the third slot not in the second one because they lost like three and a half points because of that loss if their game was still going on they wouldn't have lost that's absurd like these things are just
absurd and especially the stuff about prize money if you get eliminated it counts I feel like the event should either count or not if it's in the middle of it
I just want to apologize to you, Chad, for not bringing my headset to also wear on my head.
How did we fuck it up so hard? Why are we running tournaments with 24 teams? Actually, we're not running. Actually, that's, I guess, the point. We don't have a 24-team tournament. We have multiple 16-team tournaments, which is so silly, and it's all because of the fucking Swiss format, bro. We could have everyone play at the same time if it were a different format.
It feels like the issue is not so much whether a team from nowhere can make a Tier 1 event. You have opportunities. I just think for these orgs relying on having to make open qualifiers to attend these tournaments and then obviously getting some upsets and moving up in the rankings, I think that's what they have an issue with. With the restrictions that VRS puts on someone like CCT, then is the...
Does their business model change then if they have to run it?
Right, right, right. But we don't have that happening. Perhaps they would invite teams that maybe wouldn't be in the ranking, but they would bring them more viewership, right? But is that a good thing?
It's fine to get away from that in Tier 1, but in Tier 3, I think that's where the issue is. There's not that many just tournaments...
four tier two slash tier three teams where they could like accrue points and without having to play a tier one team maybe if they win enough smaller ones that could still be enough for them to break through right i think that's the where the complaint comes from is like sure there is enough open qualifiers but those are not obviously not easy of course i'm not saying they should be easy but it's you know why can't we just have a tournament where we'll have from the 24th to the
um 40th place you know teams and then there'll be some prize nice prize money there where okay if we win a couple of these then maybe we get from 24 to 16 and we're that that cutoff team too but I think that happens right I mean that's there's opportunity for that because we have ccts happening literally every month that's like a couple of them even overlapping at times right so like these these events
This is my bootcamp place.
Well, also, no disrespect, but when the fuck did Copenhagen Wolves or Endpoint qualify for fuck all in the last five years? They made one pro league, which is where we saw Nerds for the first time. And, you know, ended up doing, he did pretty well for himself. So it's, you know, you guys are complaining about the road is much tougher for you to get to somewhere where you've never gotten to before.
I'm representing. He has the headset. Thongs?
It's not the same. There's no restrictions for NA. There's just no teams. Nothing's preventing people from signing up. But you don't need a fucking social security number to sign up for an NA qualifier.
I thought he wanted to be here. Yeah, me too. I did. You're the little guy this time.
No.
But still, it's like, how is that reasonable to expect a private company to do your work for you? Or for it to be in their hands? I don't know, man. At least pay HLTV some money to hire more people so they have more staff. Maybe they do. You don't know.
upholding what we set out to do with the rules that we're putting in place because I need some clarification so like a qualifier is you know it's a ranked event it's a qualifier right but unless you guys are covering it they don't know it happens and then it's not included in the ranking That is 100% what I'm saying. Holy shit. HLTV is the most powerful entity in Counter-Strike.
Jason likes the bush.
You knew it all along.
We were lost in the bush one time.
Sounds like a pretty good idea, how to handle it, to be honest with you.
We have a guy on our... discord who was wanted to set up like a live vrs sort of tracking thing for teams okay just trying to find data i don't know it's a lot of technical speak that i don't know you know what it means but hopefully something but i mean that's that's that's why we can do the live version of the ranking yeah we have all the data we have all of the data okay um
Ah, okay. Okay, I need to... That LASIK doing work.
It feels like I'm here, like I'm just a make-up-ish kid who's here, like has no idea what's going on.
14, 15, 19. Three.
And the correct answer is... Did we have to sort of drag it out?
Actually, this is just a quiz and I am the king of those. So let's go.
Yeah.
Later on, he got some. Flipside or Navi, you think?
I feel like he would have bragged more about beating Blade one time.
2016.
Yeah, I'm happy. The better game was the semi-final between Na'Vi and Luminosity because Na'Vi was actually saving those boosts on overpass for the Major and they wanted to win that game so bad they whipped it out. But Luminosity lost and then won the Major.
They also played like Starlighter.
Starlighter was Luminosity versus Fnatic.
How many questions are there?
Nice.
Wait, Pro League Finals in London. That was 2017. Or 16. I think 17. That was the Shox Apex G2 lineup. So did that roster change happen after Katowice or did it get into 2017 with that roster?
Jason is not 100% today because the sun is down. He didn't get the buzz going. It's literally just coffee here, guys. I know talking counter viewers are going to be... They're not going to believe this, but it is only coffee. So he's like... He didn't get his medicine today.
I think Envy was done by then. I think Titan probably. I think G2 is our best bet. Rock and roll 2017?
Was that Cannon Shocks finally playing together?
You can see because the questions were difficult.
I can't see the letter after K. Can you tell me what's after K?
You say that now. Would you have drunk it? Maybe a little bit. Do you want it now? No, now I'm pumped up.
Moses. No gags about who drinks coffee at 8 p.m. when he's doing it.
We're back in the room.
we go through pr people so we don't really get like your back reasoning this is also like i'm gonna steal the conversation for a little bit but this is also for making this is also one of the fucking problems like there's so many of these teams where there's people there that they think the way they justify being employed by the team is like protecting the players from giving like a three minute interview or making it so hard to reach them because they need to be protected to focus on
It's like, how are we ever going to enlarge the pie if we don't have the access to the players, if we don't let them speak their mind and be there and just give an interview, for Christ's sakes? It's like, you don't need to...
And there's an ice cream school in it. It's called Affogato.
coddle them 24 hours you don't need to straight after the game to have a team talk into a you know shuttle ride together into to the prac room to talk then to have a team dinner then to have a team walk around then to have bedtime stories all together with your performance coach like you all need to just relax guys
you know just give an interview here let the players come onto a couch let them do a piece of content here let them do a skit there let them show their personality a little bit and who knows maybe you might have some more fans rant on that sounds sounds pretty reasonable to me i'm just glad somebody else said it anyone else want to add anything to that
Still don't let Kassad stand behind you.
The problem is it's just like when it's about to be the end of the game. It goes straight from the casters to the desk, right? But we can't...
watch the game from the couches because the players could see it as well so there's nowhere to actually there is a place to watch the game where I watch it it's just a little bit backstage there's some tech guys who have program screens there but you know it's interesting to stand behind the team if it's an English speaking team sort of see their comms and all of that stuff
So that's why they're there at that time. You know, it's not that they're trying to do, I don't know, what's it just to sort of keep track of the very end of the game. But I do understand the teams. I would do the same thing if I was still on a team, right? Because some of the players told me, it's like, bro, I can see a guy in like my...
peripheral vision just sort of like looking over my shoulder like watching me play you know it's just a distraction it's just a little bit annoying in a way right you get used to you already have 10 cameras in your face people in your phone filming while you're playing for the winner reaction for the loser reaction like any extra distractions you want to minimize them sort of um if you're on a team so i would complain probably as well if i saw big ass kasad well
Or pimp recording all my trade secrets.
I'll be honest with you.
It's a one or a two for my sources. For your sources. What did you say? It's a one or a two. Okay, one of the front ones.
What was the weirdest thing you found?
Ah, the update. Yeah.
That was bad.
Eh, don't think so. I think that we're going to see an even bigger buff now that Donk gave an interview and said that it's more powerful and that he's going to use it a little bit more.
Middle of the game.
that I don't remember exactly but I mean that is 100% the analysis of the match I mean what's disrespectful about it he kind of disappeared for a whole series talking about headlines Stryker do you have any comments on some of the headlines during Blast Bounty that G2 felt scolded by
I think they were just like 1-3 because when they beat Bait, the headline was something like G2 limps through, you know, whatever. Something like bad performance, barely makes it. And they ended up, they still made the semis, right? And then when some other teams struggled, the headline wasn't as aggressive.
Yeah. I mean, I didn't know he was going to get full serious about it. I thought he was just going to have a funny answer to it, you know, or something. Now I feel like, okay, I don't have enough evidence about this. I don't remember what was said exactly. I think it was their performance coach maybe tweeting something or someone mentioned it.
I'm starting to sweat profusely now, getting red in the face. I'm regretting the fact that Jason didn't get some drinks instead of coffee. You know, it's all coming together.
Next headline, Chad.
I mean, that's the... You know, if you look back at Vitality the last five years... There's Juan Colon from this year. There's the Paris major. All right. That's it. There's a lot of Catalina Colons. There's tournament twins.
Yeah, there was a pro league in there. There was some other stuff in there. But the biggest ones, one of them has an asterisk on it. And the other one, legit.
I didn't expect that from PR.
Astralis yet to beat the European squad this year.
They beat Wildcard once and Brazilian teams.
Just like the phrasing of it. It's very funny. It's also hilarious how it never crossed their mind that they could make the playoffs. So they were like, all right, once we're back home after we drop out, you'll take care of it for the future tournaments.
Oh, yeah, yeah.
Again, the headline sounds way better. A lot can happen in a year.
He doesn't like to give himself away. 1v1s are not a measurement of how good a player is.
Great idea for Pro League.
We can do that much homework.
People love to hate Versus Pro.
And I'm not as staunch of a defender of Virtus.pro's Counter-Strike as I was around Rio and especially during the Rio Major. But I hate people pushing narratives or getting away with it because when we were doing their first game or something there and people are saying... I mean, this team is just terrible. What are they doing? This is awful. How they looked. What were they doing on this map?
What was the plan? I'm like, if this was any other organization or team, I don't know which of the two is the bigger problem. They've added two new players, young players, not super experienced, not complete rookies, but, you know, and they've changed their IGL. Any other team makes that big of a change. For teams that have made smaller changes, we're willing to give them time and say it's fine.
FaZe didn't make the playoffs. We're like, yeah, that's all right. I mean, you know, they brought in a leash, had to move like multiple people around. That's fine. But for Virtus.pro, it's unacceptable if they look sloppy at times and it's not great. I mean, which team has looked crisp clean in this tournament? None.
so i just don't look crisp and clean across the whole i just hate that it's like why you know i get it like people really dislike their play style for a while even though they change that even with that roster but never mind so it was just like i don't think it's about that this time though i don't think it's about their old play style because i mean that you can see on a first look that that they're just not the same team from that i think it's just
If anything, it reveals the incompetence of different orgs and people who work in them. I mean, the only guy that I legitimately saw publicly look like he knows what he's talking about is, of course, Graham. Messi also from Complexity, right? Yeah. Some of that stuff is just mind-boggling to me.
And I think also, if you thought it was going to be great from the get-go, I don't know how anyone could think that. I think it was obvious there's going to be teething issues and then people can... You know, you can debate on how bad is it or whatever, but I think this is not the final form of the VRS or anything.
crazy no but I mean because of what you said because of how it went in the previous couple of teams and then his stock as an individual player has fallen as well we're talking about fucking electronic guys this dude was it was like him Nico Rops you know and simple yeah In terms of just riflers, right?
And S1mple, the best player in the world, he was like number four or five one year as the second best player on that team. I mean, that was crazy. He was like the perfect Robin to the Batman of S1mple. And now the guy isn't even in the conversation. It's one of the biggest fall-offs we've had in a tier one player.
So, okay, now if you're going to in-game lead, that part is understandable, but then you need to deliver in that role. And everything that you heard from the other players in interviews is... The things are fine. Like, everyone's enjoying it. Like, they're just going through the motions, figuring things out with the new team and getting adjusted to the way he calls and the way they want to play.
yeah but like you're the most aggressive player we've seen in a while you know like you are ivy on train yeah ct side as well yeah yeah so like some of these t positions i mean you can tell that he is still being he has it also doesn't have to be their final form you know he can learn for a season and see what electronic is doing and maybe that's the long-term plan to sort of get a feel for what the team wants him to do and how to do it because there's a big
difference between having rotator roles in the tier two and in tier one and how people you know half of the game for teams is just abusing rotations and and moving that one guy right so it's something that takes time to to get good at yeah i mean if if it ends up working like i'm all for it it's just more like you know you you get one of the most aggressive guys we've seen in the scene and you just put him pits pit inferno ivy and train and stuff or yeah pit inferno too actually
We already saw even when in January or December when Valve was already giving some exceptions to TOs for some of the rules that they've implemented with VRS. And I think that's fine because in general, you want this...
rulebook to be there to sort of prevent bad actors from doing i don't know what to make sure that the the circuit can't be too closed and yes obviously at the moment like they've had the opposite effect to to some extent or arguably so um but I do think they'll have to start correcting things sooner rather than later.
Nerds and Twists entering together looks kind of sexy. I'm not going to lie. Nerds is really good. And I think they need to play more default as CT. For me, that's also one of the problems. There's too many moves, too many setups. There's always something. And I think people...
are game planning around that and it's like obvious to them and they're just something's coming and they're sort of just doing a little bit of something because they know liquid's gonna react and then they're just set up to punish that reaction that's it that's their whole t-side revolves around around those things and uh yeah i think if they do that uh we'll see an improvement i would like them to drop whatever they think is the weakest map in their map pool right now and play train
JK has the B anchor.
A was also a camper's paradise after the bomb is planted. So that's why it forces you to still be active a little bit even after you plant the bomb. Unless you've gotten all the kills already, then you can chill.
For example, the Eternal Fire one, I watched the full thing. It feels like sometimes they just open way too flat, right? Like against Vitality, the first map, they got owned, right? And then against Eternal Fire, obviously the first map as well. And how much of that is just maybe not being...
prepared well enough or maybe you know people just not being on point individually not coming ready to play it did seem at times maybe in the eternal fire game that their energy wasn't where it's supposed to be you know for a game like that
I think it's also in the internal fire game, at least on Nuke, right? Like, Brokkie had a lot of his clutches. Crazy clutches, yeah. But also you saw some of the misses towards the very end and some of the inconsistencies.
It's like, I think if you're FaZe, you would have liked it if he was able to evolve a little bit more over his time there in some of the stuff that didn't come naturally to him, which is just... playing with a little bit less pace at times, being patient some more, right, in different situations.
All right.
Because, yeah, sure, he thrives in the chaos and when there's a lot of action going on, but that's not going to be the case all the time. So... It's tough because when he's playing good, he's sort of the difference maker for them. And that's when they have these deep runs and potentially go on to lift trophies.
I knew it wasn't us.
But when he's not, that's when they kind of tend to falter and maybe not even get into the playoffs.
In the Anubis game, he was there, but there was also a round or two when Elyse was there with Brokkie, so I don't know what's the reason for that, but... Yeah. So I think more when the rifle is there, it's Kerrigan.
I mean, they're trying to kind of accommodate her to some extent. Even when you look at their nuke, it's like, yeah, Frozen is ramped, but sometimes Broky is ramped on his own. Sometimes they do, I don't know what, the leashes. you know, going secret and then Reign is helping from Main to fight as well. It's almost like they want to give everyone every position.
And then, you know, Kerrigan is playing A. And Rookie is the off. Those are the two things that are set. And everything else, sometimes it feels... A little bit more fluid.
I don't know. They lost to Virtus.pro in their first game. And I said, and I did the video on Twitter about their T-side on Mirage from the Falcons game, but I think it was a little bit even more egregious in the Virtus.pro game. There's just too many set calls, too many, oh, we're just throwing two smokes mid and we're going to pop A, or we're going to rush A, or we're going to...
do a fast b split or all of that um and for me that's not a way to win consistently in tier one because even falcons in that game were sort of ready for it and were countering them and it was a little bit some of the clutches and some fortunate moments that sort of enabled g2 to come out on which was weird because especially in the Falcons game, when it did play default, it was fine.
It worked well. They did well in it. So I don't know this desire to freeze time call so much, but I'm not a fan of that.
Also, it's a surprising thing that it wasn't like that from the start. That was a surprising thing.
Yeah.
Yeah, that's how I didn't either. He said, like, they changed it that day or, like, a day ago.
The most knowledgeable guy about the game isn't necessarily your in-game leader all the time.
So also you always need to have two guys on CT in a way. You have to have the main guy and the secondary guy because you have two sides. Right. So, for example, in FaZe, Niko was the main core. I mean, Coldzera had a lot of responsibilities. Actually, it became so that Cold was more calling the CT side than Niko.
But you need to, depending on what happens on one side, a guy on the other, you always have to do stuff as a team. So you need to have people who are going to be able to react to what's going on on the other side and control this side. You can't have guys fighting for banana and then people on A just sort of standing holding. No, that's when you block.
When you're doing something on the other side, you block here. Can you give an example of this?
It's just involved in teams. People didn't have that much stuff on CT. They would just come out and rounds would start happening. I think a lot of it is sometimes you have it because teams are introducing young players, new players, and then maybe they don't know that they even should do something in a situation. So then let's say I know it's middle and Niko is connector and his job is to
sort of decipher whether they're actually going for mid control and defaulting mid, or did they throw nades and want to pop somewhere? And then he gets that information, hopefully, and perhaps has to tell someone, hey, you guys play close up or block them now, right? Just because he's like firsthand sort of seeing it.
So for him, it's like B Inferno, there's all this thing that we do, and then you come from the beginning, okay, so when we want to do this on Banana, this is what we should do on A. And then you also have Cole, if he's saying, okay, I want to do this setup. He was good also at reading the opponents. He's like, I want to do the mid setup now. So the B guys, then you need to chill a little bit.
You don't want to go for the full Banana fight, and it's sort of playing off of each other, and then you have these main things that both sides want to do, and
you mold that together into a full round, depending on, okay, we're playing against a forced buy, against a full buy, what's our buy, you have all these different rounds for that, or small plays and small setups, and then it's just about constantly adapting throughout the round, right? Like, I mean, you open with one call, and then you're adapting, seeing what happens, what's going on, but...
For us, it was kind of like that. And I feel you always have to have those two guys on CT side and T side that are a little bit more controlling. Because you can have good players, but who are sort of don't move too much. Don't react too much. They just stand there, right? Yes, they're not too good at maybe taking initiative. But you just have a guy who will say, hey, come, let's do this.
And they'll come and it will be fine. Yeah.
I think also my teams always had really experienced tier one players. And we would play a good amount off of feel and play a good amount of default, right? Because when you have that, you have the luxury of your players making quicker, better decisions in the mid-round and doing default. So you should play to that strength instead of just making them stand in setups all the time. Yeah.
So, you know, but if you have a different team, obviously younger players, then you're going to have more structure and things a little bit more set to make it easier for them while they accrue the experience. And sort of once you do something five times in a game and you've seen three different things that happen out of it, now you get it.
Now you're like, all right, so this is what I need to be careful if X happens and so on.
I mean, I think they looked good in the G2 game. They looked bad at some moments, good in other moments. For example, Eternal Fire series was very inconsistent. I think, honestly, they were just kind of unlucky in the G2 game on Mirage. How some of the rounds went, they could have easily ended up winning that series and stayed in the tournament a little bit longer. But...
Yeah, I saw Kassar, of course, tweet something like, oh, their low caps, they're terrible. Like, if you watch the games, that's not true. So, yeah, I think with more time to practice and figure, you know, because you also have Zonic and Magid there. You have the heroic core with Kik-san. And then you have Niko coming in. Like, that's a lot of different pieces that you need to fit together.
And for these guys to sort of get used to playing... with each other in a way. So it was good to see Magus had a 1v4 clutch and sort of remembered that he still has it.
Jesus Christ. He has leeway because of all the things he's achieved. And that's fine. But that's not going to last forever.
The one non-darkness. I don't know. Yeah, sure.
You cannot spell Kasad without the S and sad.
We have a different way of saying you strike the iron while it's hot, you know?
Someone will have to win an Arena game.
Bro, that was like for them, for the Mongols, they were the home team there. I think they just rode that energy and they smashed Heroic and got third place in the wild rank.
It's pretty good.
Liquid.
I think whoever keeps their cool on that stage is going to come out on top. I think for Eternal Fire, the reason why they made it was they finally realized they need to be a little bit more chill when they play. I think Jota helps with that as well because he's bringing them some positive energy as well, even when things are a little bit tough.
Major was talking about it in the post-game interview after the FaZe series. and for the Mongols as well. I don't know why people expect them to win the major when they've never been in that sort of an environment. People are getting carried away.
Obviously, it's going to be a different experience for them, but also a good team that also I feel it's not really spoken about, but I think they also have a little bit of a problem managing their emotions in some games where they can get frustrated, Blitz especially, and just sort of going full out in a way.
Okay. Do you want to answer it?
There's no way you don't know anyone in Illinois. It's like a telemarketer.
You just got hacked.
Speak for me.
Yeah, like sometimes he also just goes for some full YOLO plays. And maybe you can even see it in Interflex, maybe on the calling a little bit too. In some situations, they go for that YOLO style at times. But yeah, let's see. It's up to them to evolve and take that next step. And that's why I think it will be a cool game to watch.
Right? Because Pro League is also longer, in theory.
I lost it this year.
Could be, yeah.
And I'm taking Major over Blitz. No, I mean in terms of... What's funny, asshole?
It was when we had a match.
It's tough because when you play against a team so many times and another good team, they start to understand how you think about the game and your protocols. And that's the problem. You can change your strat and you can change this. You can move people around. But the concepts that you believe are good Counter-Strike, what are you supposed to do?
Not do those things because they will be expecting them? The answer is yes, to some extent. You need to sort of change the way you play because that matchup changes as you play time and time again, right? Like what did we see with Na'Vi and G2? They beat them like nine, ten times in a row, right? Like eventually, obviously what you're doing is not working.
So do what you don't think is the right thing because what you think is the right thing has been losing you nine series in a row.
Yeah, I saw someone post that he's averaging the last three months, his stats are higher than S1mple's major MVP stats.
Okay, sure. Whatever. All that is just funny. Like hearing that is just funny.
Just hearing the team speak from Liquid in that Spirit game. And Nerds dying to Shiro. This guy never goes for rounds. I swear. He never plays to win the round. And it's true. That's kind of true. He's really good at maybe punishing some hyper-aggressive plays and all of that. But... I think the way Shiro takes his game to the next level is just be more aggressive sometimes.
We shouldn't. We're not fucking ambassadors of any of the teams.
And I understand you have Donk on your team and you have a system in there and all of that, but just put it on film, right? Because you can now know... when you go up against Spirit and on the CT side, that he's almost never going to be somewhere in an aggressive angle early on or try to play in someone's face a little bit of the combat topping, right?
And someone will say, yeah, but that's not his style. Well, I mean, you need to be able to do multiple things. Same way you could say about Brokkie needs to know how to be a little bit more passive and... maybe hit more shots, right? Or maybe you can say the same thing for Monacy at times, or whoever, right? It doesn't even matter.
Because when you game plan against them, it's such a luxury to know that he's always going to be somewhere back towards the side, and then you just need to sort of have utility left to deal with him, right? And then if you get it, he's always going to be falling back. He's never going to smoke, come on, try to fight in it, and be in your face, and make some sort of a highlight.
That's the most fun part about it. That and speculating about the VRS without knowing how it actually works.
If I have to make a prediction, I'll go with Navi.
It's all right. I think now we will be spirit.
Again, maybe HLTV does a little bit too much power.
I get it. It's like an exception to the rule, but that was a historic run. He's not having a historic run now. He's playing really well.
I'm here for you.
Even worse, they had Nafany as a stand-in.
I mean, I'm with Striker. The first thing he said, what are the odds of them losing to Na'Vi in the semi? And then whatever the odds are for that, those are the odds of him not winning the MVP.
Yeah, because they beat them head-to-head two times out of three.
Well, not necessarily because if they lose and he has a very good series, he could win it. We've seen that happen more than once. Even against ZywOo probably.
I'm giving it 50%.
They definitely have an HLTV account.
What's the number you see the most?
I think it was more sort of miscommunication within the face camp than it was sort of that they're not a part of the conversations.
It's a fair assumption for ZywOo.
Who knows, man? Who? It's a rough night.
What's going on?
Donk was unhappy about his Blast Bounty performance. He feels like Shiro should have gotten MVP. He's already falling off. He had one good year. That's it. That's it.
Oh, no. I don't know.
Team Louver. They could at least be original. But I think, listen, I think the underlying problem is deeper than that. The underlying problem is sustainability in...
He's like, I said, you know, he should thank Jane for how long Jane was in the tier one scene, because then everyone's talking about Jane, people are not talking about Shiro as much. And for me, it's also just watching the games and seeing his movements on the map and the decisions that he makes. It's almost always the safest possible decision.
call right which again doesn't mean he's a bad player doesn't mean it's like you know that that stuff can work but it becomes a little bit predictable as well you know and that's why i would have liked it sometimes if he would to change his play style at least a little bit because there is there would be so much space for you to make those plays Because people wouldn't expect it at first.
Then they would have to change their approach so much when they go up against your team and all of this stuff. Yeah, I think it's a little bit, you know, at times it even looks sort of like, come on, bro, just like go for it. Please just just just try to make a play like it's, you know, three before there's a minute, 10 seconds left, you know, try to search and find one kill.
And then they're in a three by three and maybe they can do something instead of just posted up somewhere and hoping the other team makes a mistake. Like that's it. If the other team screws up. he will probably punish that. But if they do a good job of playing their advantage, he'll just save. He'll be out of position to find any impact and he'll save and that's it.
esports slash counter-strike esports right for these or these orgs are not doing this because they hate pgl and they love vsl and blast they're doing it for money reasons right and it goes back to 2016-17 venture capital coming in everyone overpaying for players and inflating players salaries where i i don't know if you guys ever had this but when i talked to someone unfamiliar with esports and they asked me how much are the players getting they're getting paid oh a lot
Who the fuck cares? It's his fault for allowing it to get to him.
It was just a meme at the start. But why are you laughing at your little shit? It's just a meme. People were memeing, oh, as soon as he got a Porsche, he started playing like shit. Then if someone asked him, he would get all defensive about it and stuff instead of just laughing it off. Of course, there's no correlation between his play and the fact he got a new automobile, Chad.
Never.
So it's like, but he was, I mean, at the beginning, he had to get pretty hard. He wasn't negatively portrayed. People were just memeing about it.
Yeah, that's why you ignore them. Why would you care what some random says from who knows wherever?
He's just trying to elicit a reaction from you.
There you go. So you let him in. He's won. You've lost.
That's it. But the prize money goes to the teams. I'm like, no, actually the players get 90%, 85% of the prize money. And they're like, wait, so how does the club make money? That's a very good question. And that's what Silvio said in his tweet too, where it maybe feels like either the salaries are too high for the players or you can't have it both ways, right?
It's pretty strong.
There's a bracket now in the Bitcoin.
When we get some sponsors, maybe we'll have one producer too.
We will.
Yeah, absolutely. The exposure, that's what it's all about.
Any cool comments, Chad, any nice comments in there?
Meanwhile, they have two guys on payroll working 24-7 on the app.
Yeah, I do the same.
I can say for the one man's bullying is another man's just sort of horsing around. Just boys will be boys. You know, the world out there, man, it can be a cruel place as Chad has found out reading comments on the internet. You know, guys, it's not all sunshine and rainbows out there, right? Right. You need to be ready for some tough love.
right six million dollars in chad's bank account can't defend him from a little if i had six you're the million dollar man so it's true i wish i had six million dollars that'd be nice wouldn't it so yeah embrace the suck because it's only why would you need after the after the suck that you can appreciate the goods how does that improve your life drastically if i had six million would you still be casting counter-strike yes yes but i'll tell you what i would be doing differently yeah
He will run a $2 million Australian-only tournament to get the team into the top 10 in terms of the VRS points.
Well, Chad only accepts oceanfront, so... Those are in the seven figures, right?
Not like Jason who lives in the bush.
Stickers are a different conversation. They have their own private stickers for the majors as well. And I was always, even when I was coaching, it was a little bit difficult when players have such a high base salary regardless of your results. There's not too many levers you can pull to sort of Motivate them and impact their motivation to some extent.
Was it like when you were in college?
So you asked for it.
The curvy one.
They're fucking small. They're tiny.
Why? Because I'm a Serbian barbarian.
I don't even wash. Actually, it's pretty neat and tidy in my domain as well, Chad. I am the master of my domain. No, it's a combination, actually. It's a trimmer and a shaver.
Like the one.
No, no, no. The actual, the blades. No, the actual razors. That has to be used for the face first. I actually use separate razors for the two, Jason.
I don't know. But yeah, I can't use the trimmers for the testicles.
Right? Because you will nick something. So it has to be the razor for that.
You're just like we're talking about fucking balls and not Chad's hemorrhoids this time around.
I was always for make the base salary less, make the incentives higher. So if you're the number one team in the world and you're winning tournaments, you're actually making more than you would otherwise. If you're not really performing, then why would we spend? You know, a team on a tier one team for the org, that's like a couple of million dollars a year just on salary.
You see, but that's the problem with men. We don't talk enough about things, right? You just push them under the rug and then, you know.
We should do that next. Next offseason.
I'm happy. Yeah, I'm fulfilled.
I just wanted to say thanks for having us, Chad. It was a pleasure.
I don't know.
What a fucking boring ass show.
And you think they get that much back through even some of the rev share or the prize money or the stickers? I mean...
9.30?
Oh, my God.
18.
Oh, that's nice. There's no lines.
Yeah.
What?
I'm pretty sure.
I don't think they've put their stuff out yet. PGL for that?
Thanks, Jason.
Yeah, he's fucking with everyone.
All right.
No, no, no.
Backpack.
Yeah, it's just great. It's just so tasty. The food here is just so good. I thought you were going to break into what you need to do.
5.
So all three for you, Jason.
Well, that's a question for you, Jason. Maybe blue?
It was Simple and who? Oh, my God. Flamie was there. There's another Orpah though, right? Because like, someone was like, yeah, we've got, Simple was just talking about Mirage. It was Guardian, wasn't it?
You put Magisk in instead of Shush. That's pretty good. That's pretty good as well. I know you'd like nerds, but we don't have nerds.
He's having some good clutches and stuff. He's having some impact. It's only temporary, Janko.
What's the alternative?
I don't think he would be there having beverages.
Wow, they're right out there. They're on the beach.
We'll come up with a better one in the future. Yeah.
I don't know. I don't know. I'm not really big on recycling. These are questions, though.
Interesting. Okay. We'd like to keep that away.
Has anyone picked up anything new recently other than recycling and composting?
Like, what are you guys doing? Like, it's fucking Christmas time. Like, go do something. Like, what are we, what the fuck are we doing? And I'm just like...
Don't close it.
It's really dense at the moment.
It's just, it's chocolate honeycomb flavored.
I'll tell you, Chad, because I felt the same, but it's different when it's your kid. I imagine so, Janko. Then somehow you're like cool to do all that stuff. You still kind of hate doing it with other people's kids. At least I do. But, you know. I do too. For my kid, I'm like, yeah, it's interesting. It's like having, you know, it's like a really, really long RPG campaign.
Well, I don't weigh down on any children.
I think the major playoffs were sick. We had a lot of good games, actually. Agreed. Wild games. Even on the quarterfinal days, we had some sick individual performances from different players on different maps, sick moments, exciting games, exciting narratives. So just the first overall impression, it was a good major. Yeah.
Like, there weren't any big hiccups in terms of, like, problems, issues, nothing like that, right? Am I forgetting something?
They could have won that series.
And right before the inauguration, so, you know.
But the question is also like, I think mostly in regards to Magix and his performance, like, do you think that's a replicable performance from him that he had in the grand final? Or was it just like a one-off that he just had a day, right?
What's the difference between a bad player and a guy who's been playing bad for a long time?
You know, I can agree with you that he's definitely had his good moments. Even in Katowice, it was also, you know, obviously, Donk is always going to lead the way for them. Like, there's no doubt about that. But if they're going to win a tournament, other guys have to do a bare minimum, you know, in their roles, right? Like, you can't just...
fumble kills and fumble rounds and just be half useless on maps like even donk can't get you out of that rut so and for any team one result like won't change the way you're thinking about stuff right and and and how you evaluate your team like sure you're going to be happy that you won but any every team you're always looking at how do we win consistently
And do we feel like we can, in every tournament, go and be one of the favorites, right? And it's going to take the utmost best from anyone else to take us down. And I don't think necessarily Spirit. I think definitely, man, just the eye test. When you watch them play, they're not a team that's super clean. They're not a team that's...
like super well drilled that has a lot of depth like they're just not like they're a team that has the best player in the world right and then have some other guys who at different times if they can step up and do a little bit the stars it might be as well yeah
may as well align for them and then they can go on to win a tournament i i think just love the majors man because it's like the pinnacle of competitive counter-strike and and you can sit here and talk about ifs and what's included like not he wasn't even in the playoffs so then all of a sudden it looks like a fucking open major for g2 right like the one team that they struggled against is not even in the playoffs i was actually most worried about the heroic game i was like if they're able to beat heroic
I thought they were going to win it all, because I didn't... They have such a good track record against the other teams. I think only if Maus was in the final, it could have been tricky, right? But against Spirit and FaZe, they have such a good track record. And then you go into the semifinal against FaZe, and their best two players are Snacks and Hunter. It's just, you know... No, but it's...
what you're not going to you know that cannot happen simple as that and it is a byproduct you know like you can forgive malbs for his performance like he is his first major very new yes absolutely and he did have a great map um against heroic otherwise you know a bit of a shaky series in some moments like you look at that nuke like g2 should have won nuke so easily.
I mean, they were losing so many silly rounds against, I mean, you just look at that 4v2 pistol round, man. And unfortunately, a couple of times, it was mild. It was like, I mean, it's like, how do you say it, the deer in the headlights. It's just kind of stuck doing something that if you ask him after the game, I'm sure, what was going through his head, he's like, I don't know.
It would just be like, it's just sort of a joke, right? And it's unfortunate that it happened a couple of times in some key moments, right, that Montessi wasn't on his game either.
Yeah. And then you had Nico, which is like the one I feel like still flaw in his game. And it's not necessarily a small one is that he still has moments where he tries to do too much. Like he tries to force. plays and, like, tries to, you know, go for a play when there's no play there for him to make, right? And instead, he just ends up giving his life away or whatever.
I can't say it was egregious, you know, against FaZe or Nuke, but there was that one round where they were sort of wrapping Heaven and they smoked, FaZe smoked Windows and Mini and Rain jumped and he was the one making noise, but Frozen was with him and Brokey with the C4. They wanted to sort of
split a uh in a way and an equal herd rain and just walk through the main smoke you know and frozen was waiting for him and just killed him freely like this was one of the reset rounds late into the game and it's like i think if he's able to just that one last bit um sort of put under put under control
I think that's the final hurdle because someone will say, yeah, but what about the Heroic game and when he had seven 3k rounds in the CT side? Yeah, but if you remember some of those, it's actually him playing relatively chill and then just they were coming his way and he was able to connect on the kills and had really good kills.
And then a couple of times it's like, all right, this is like a sort of a 50-50 fight, maybe a 40-60 fight. I'm going to swing because I'm better and I'm going to get the frag. Like, those are fine. That's not what I'm talking about. It's just like...
Like something where you're just watching, it's like, this is not the play, you know, like this is not going to work on, on this level of play. So yeah, it was unfortunate. I think on ancient, when you look at it, it's like Kerrigan just going a, every single gun round, you know, in different ways. Yeah.
And that's where also, you know, when someone, he even had good stats for that one, but he couldn't find too much impact because they're just, you know, he's always in retake or whatever. And a couple of times they won one half by on B. And that's where you see on the T side a couple of rounds that like G2 just usually would win, but they don't win.
The one 4v3 where Kerrigan gets a double from Long and they can't, you know, Monacy and I think it was Monacy and someone else like, you know, whatever, 2vX, like they can't do anything. And then it was the one with Monacy and Malbz in a 2v3 where Malbz was on the flank and sort of saw a guy Long and then he went short. Oh, yeah, yeah.
yeah but it's like there's no way how there's no way that guy you saw was the guy you killed like it just doesn't make any sense but that also tells you about the panic depression and also honestly looking like everywhere because i guess he heard the crowd and then he thought someone was behind but actually crowds couldn't believe they they didn't know about the long guy so
It's just one of those things where that's why FaZe is FaZe. And I, bro, I did not believe. I have no shame in saying it. I thought they were not even going to make the playoffs, really. And then when they got to the playoffs, I thought they limped into the playoffs. I thought Vitality was going to put them out of their misery, especially after Map 1. But that's the difference.
It's like if, and it was a very big if in this particular tournament...
if they cannot walk that they have that's fucking thing that's the thing that face as is in those moments at the highest of pressure situations like their players elevate their game they don't crumble under pressure pressure it sort of strength and threatens them and they rise to it and you have carried and who is you cannot agree this ideal of all time probably the greatest
playoffs now major playoffs you know big moment igl that we've had because whenever you watch them play it's layered it's like there's a game plan there's conditioning there's all this stuff that just makes it easier and you can really see it on the server and sort of appreciate the beauty of it in a way
That's the best he's played in a long time. Any team that's going to win the major, you know, is going to have...
some sick individual performances like you're never going to have a team where it's like oh yeah they're just all sort of average you know even navi winning and it's sort of being a a fluke that like jl had sick fucking rounds and you had bit on inferno on the final map just going like so like that's counter-strike that's how it has to be anyone who thinks otherwise is sort of like the lulu yeah you couldn't win with just team-based counter-strike the whole time it has to be something at some point
Well, still, the only team that ZywOo beat in the major playoffs is Cloud9 in Copenhagen.
That's a crazy stat. Or whatever, which is like, you know, it's a nice one for the ZywOo haters to bring up. Obviously, they won other big tournaments and won other big playoff series, and he's played well. I think... Man, I love Apex. I think he's a great IGL, but... You look at that quarterfinal and Anubis, like the calling, why was he calling?
What was all the rush on their T side after being up 3-0? Because the first round they lose was actually two saved guns and three pistols or whatever, some saved guns and pistols. and pistols, and it's just ending rounds at like 1.15, 1.20, 1 minute mark, which I know people will say, well, 1 minute isn't super early, like a lot of teams do that.
It's like, yeah, sure, but, I mean, when you're playing from ahead one thing, you're playing Anubis, which actually, you know, gives to the slow pace, like, it's very difficult for the CTs, you can always count on them having to make a move, and then you can go to punish that. I really did feel like he sort of called FaZe back into that map. And things then spiraled a little bit out of control.
Then you had ROPS waking up and all these different guys having different moments and just faceclam, becoming faceclam. But also, you look at the last couple of tournaments, sort of, that Vitality, and look at the series that they get eliminated. Like, it's not looking good for Apex in those series on an individual level.
And sometimes on the way, you know, let's say the T-sides have looked at different times and...
he is a guy that has these positions with more responsibility not your typical igl shit roles right but actually things like yard on nuke and so on and he's been vocal i think maybe it was spring fall finals or something like that where he was like you know taking accountability publicly saying this one's on me you know i play like shit i call like shit and that's all great but he needs to sort of
snap out of it i feel like with whoever comes to vitality um next because it it was one of the main issues why they've been losing spinks look liberated in the second half of the year probably knowing he was on his way out and played with more balls and was more aggressive which which was great for him and great for the team i think that was the issue with him before where just way too passive sometimes man especially on t-side on his lurks it's like
nothing there's nothing there it's like a mini happy sort of so yeah we'll see what happens with them but They have Fremzy, they have Xivu. They have Firepower.
Yeah, that was a good decision from Kerrigan, though, to put them on something that's more uncomfortable and they might sort of crumble if things start going south, and that's exactly what happened, really, in a way.
I think they were all right. I had them in my pick-ems. I had the Liquid beating Spirit. Yeah, and I think they had their chances to win that game. But I think sort of as you alluded to it a little bit, it's just the departments in which they were lacking... still just a tiny bit that sort of in a game like that against a team like Spirit and a player like Donk is going to cost you the game.
You know, they had I think it was they had a 4v3 on Anubis on T side. There was a lot of time left into the round. They didn't like... They blind called into a stack. Yeah, they blind called into a blind called B split where there was a stack and Donk had a saved AK and then he got the
four more kills and aids them right like that's not that's just not a good call like you need to send a scout somewhere or you need to do it differently right like that's just a bad call like sure dong did a good job of getting but they weren't even that difficult kills to get it was mostly like easy kills for him like yeah yeah debating for him right you had that um
I mean, now it was a while ago, so I don't remember what else was there on Anubis.
Yeah, and then you also had on Dust 2, it was a 13-11 game where they lose the second round, where again, they don't take cat control, right, it's T, and just go sort of into a B split, again, kind of blindly. So a couple of mistakes like that were then, once they actually started playing well and Nikinder picked up a little bit, all of a sudden, wow, they're coming back, they're coming back, and
They've got some great gabagool there, Jason, right? Yeah, some good gabagool as well. Some great waste management companies there. Some concrete booties. As you do.
Then at the very final round, it's kind of one duel, like with Yekinder on long, that he loses the duel against an MP9, right? And that was against sort of a weak buy, right? Four MP9s, one M4. Yeah, and they lose that round and could have taken it to OT. So it's like there was good stuff there, but it just wasn't on a consistent enough level to be able to beat Spirit, which is...
yeah sucks for team liquid but on the other side you know kind of gives you hope that with some extra time and them ironing out this stuff twist picking up a little bit he also had a poor individual map on um anubis uh himself so if that picks up a little bit all of a sudden i mean they're right there man they're not far far away you're believing in this liquid lineup I mean, why not?
Depends on what you mean. Better than the last one. I still think they should look to upgrade on Yukindar. I still think they should try and get some other space creator rifler. I don't know. It's kind of tough. Because we were just talking about FaZe and how you want veterans and you want experienced guys who've done it before and then...
You know, I was, you know, we were talking before about Liquid and who could they, who they could get potentially, right? Like, yeah, you could, and then you get exertion, right? But what's he doing in these big games? He's also sort of shitting the bed, right? Like, so, and that's the thing that you need to think about is like, you're not...
The goal you want to reach is winning tournaments, right? So you don't need a guy who's going to mop up in groups. Like, sure, that's also important to get to the playoffs. But you need guys who are going to do it in the big games when the spotlight is on.
And I don't know what the issue is necessarily with exertion of some of the mouse guys because he has, like, a good head on his shoulders when you talk to him or when he talks in interviews. Yeah, it's very mature, right? So it's sort of just...
that was super fucking painful though like one kill like that and then you go on and that was the 13 11 dust 2 game like i was watching that i was like bro this is like fucking whore you can't and and thank you chat because you reminded me on one thing that i think is the biggest problem for liquid is their city size they do way too many setups They do way too many.
They make a lot of plays, especially with Jekinder. They need to play more default, man, because that's what they did in that round. Ultimate dies. Then they played too long. Too long, 2B. Spirit goes out short, and that's it. The round is over. I know it's hard in that situation. You could either play 3A and then cover both long and short or play for short.
It's difficult with only two guys, is what I'm saying, to play for both long and short. but it doesn't even matter that particular round, just in general, right? You can see how teams have figured it out a little bit.
So why did Liquid hedge Long? It's always, you wonder, sometimes guys try to be a little bit too smart over thinking, okay, they know that... Bro, put Twist at mid-long with a rifle.
I guess even as an individual because that's where you have the advantage you know they're on a shit buy and they didn't come up close so anytime like you can get long he was getting he got it basically he's clearing pit side he just he just lost a duel against an mp9 like that's that's not a bad play that's not a bad trade just a guy not being able to like get the kill I think and he was caught a little bit like he wasn't holding from door anymore he was like sort of now he was out and then the guy swung and he lost the fight to an mp9 like
yeah and like chad said he was finding a lot of entries there in previous rounds so it's like if he got that kill you would be saying wow your kinder so sick liquid came back thanks for kinder right like Don't just play the outcome, Jason.
So he should have just held the corner from door.
I get what you're saying now, Jason. He should have just sort of... You've been vindicated, Jason. Just like all American viewers and listeners. I remember it differently. I thought he had vision from the start of the round, then he just decided to move at some point.
Like, I don't know why people thought, like... Recency bias, bro. That's it. Like, it's wild. Like, they played the best CS that any team from Asia has ever played. No doubt about that. But they were going up against Maus. I mean, if they're going up against Liquid, I'd probably sort of give it to them to run that hot hand. But, you know, Maus' broken hearts...
before of people who are, like, more experienced on the... And sure, they don't do it... This is the thing with Maus. They don't choke at the start of the bracket. You know, they don't choke in the quarterfinal. They choke, like, deeper on, you know, depending on the opponent. Like, Maus was not going to lose to the Mongols, man. And look how great, like...
even that they had that mad comeback on map one so mongol said everything going their way and they still couldn't like close out sanzu choked right which is again not shocking he's what 18 years old 19 years old right like that team is super young it's the youngest team ever i think for me the most positive thing is just mzinho because i remember when he first uh played
Yeah, he was the bad weather, yeah. He was pretty lost and didn't know what he was doing, really. And he's just evolved so much as a player, where now he's like their most solid guy, arguably.
I don't know how it's going to work in the next major cycle, but I mean, they also got an elimination stage spot for the Asian region. So that's while NA got one back with Liquid. So Europe doesn't have eight anymore. They're back to having six. Hell yeah. Yeah. What do you guys... What do you guys make of... Sorry, go for it.
No, I was going to say like for sort of... Well, where were you going to go?
Not on Mongols? Not on Mongols. No, me neither. Where were we going? I was going to go to the winning moment. All right, then do that. Mine is like three steps ahead. Okay.
It's just crazy, like, these standards that people hold, like, a 17-year-old kid to, you know? For me, dunk is literally what we were at when we started playing, like, competitive and went to, like, local lands, right? And your goal was just to... demolish the other team, yell in their face, sort of humiliate them during the game and then shake hands after the game, all still mates, right?
The usual. The only difference is he's doing it on the fucking biggest of stages, right? In his first year in tier one and doing it on that level. But his attitude is the same. His approach is the same. He doesn't give a fuck, bro, about being the number one player in the world, about this, about that. He just wants to beat every single opponent he plays against. That's all there is to it.
He doesn't care about interviews. He doesn't care about fame. He doesn't care about whatever. It's all just a chore to him. He just wants to play Counter-Strike and own people. And that's awesome. People expecting I don't know what from him. That's in your head. Like, he doesn't have to do any of that shit. I don't think he was disrespectful.
He was probably a little, man, he was probably a little sort of also in himself. Can you imagine? I mean, also, do you remember that fucking last map? Yeah. Do you remember the 2v4 round right before the last round? Maybe some of the craziest shit. I'm telling you, Spirit was lucky that Halle was out of timeouts. Because he would have called one and they would have lost.
I'm surprised NEO didn't call one after they won that round. They somehow, why would he? They were on a roll. Somehow they fumbled into winning that last round. Kind of. Like, B split, frozen, choked. Did you see the video of Brokey missing the smoke?
I saw that on Reddit just now, and I saw the whole video. Wait, say that again? Your smoke will curve.
Yeah, especially, I mean, man, when it got to Kerrigan after that, you were just, fuck, bro, that was just pain.
We haven't even really talked about him yet in this episode. No, Donk.
He ended dust. We're talking about all these different guys choking, like Froze and Niko doing a little bit too blah, blah, blah. And this kid shows up, decider of the grand final, 30-14, 117 ADR, 1.98 rating in the final map. I mean, it's just unreal how...
Dominant he is, and I know the highest ever he shares with Nikko, like the 170 rating on a S-tier LAN, but I think he definitely clears Nikko because Nikko's was in Cologne, it was in New York, fewer maps, right, and all of that. Donk's was in Katowice, more maps, more maps in the playoffs, a best-of-five grand final. Feels like, yes, statistically it's the same number, but I think...
donks it was more difficult to achieve it's always the same thing it's like it's hard it's more difficult to have a high rating over more maps right over a larger sample size so what he was able to achieve it's like this game has not seen it in its 25 year long history man it's just so crazy and what i love the most is his attitude that he doesn't care about like nothing he just wants to like he just plays and runs and shoots and
Fox, that's it. And eat fucking nuggets and fries. Way to go, bro. It's good for him.
Yeah. Hello? Well, I guess we'll have to... There he is.
yeah yeah yeah that's not even a not even a doubt anymore yeah yeah absolutely i i it's just like bro these other dudes should giving it like you know dong should get 80 70 of the prize pool and the rest of them should split the 30 bro it's like it's that that's how much he's carrying this team like it's actually insane without him i wish i knew how much they wouldn't be a playoff team like
Without him, I don't know if they make it out of the RMR if they don't have a really good player.
But here's the problem. Well, no. For prize money, I feel like it's fine.
Or more, for bigger orgs.
Well, I mean, the cut for the players is the same, regardless of who the players on the team are. Yeah. No, but I think hopefully Spirit doesn't make the mistake that some orgs have made in the past where they do end up getting a great player on a rookie contract and then they don't offer him...
sort of one even though he still has a lot of years remaining on his rookie deal because it is it is kind of crazy that you know donk would continue on the same contract into next year like that's just that's just egregious if you're a spirit you know yeah you'd help in a way like at least you you know if you bumped him from five to ten he's still severely underpaid but at least you know you've done something you've made an effort right like you've you've you know
Also, to get... I guess this is a little bit connected. We'll move into all the roster stuff, I guess, now. But one of the things that when we talk about you cut Magix, what do you do, blah, blah, blah. Also, you have this Kyosuke kid on your academy team. What are you going to do? Sell him? either sell him or elevate him into the main squad.
But then you look what Na'Vi did with Monacy, and, you know, I'm sure they, like, in the end, it turned out they would be better off if they kept him, right, instead of that. And it's different because it's an AWPer. You can't have two of those on your team. So one had to go. So you can understand their decision at the time. But here you can have both of them on your team. True. Right?
And also, yeah, roles do matter. But you can't tell me a 17-year-old can't sort of adjust his... You know, he can only do this one. Like, teach him to do something else, right? And I'm not saying teach a passive player to be aggressive. It's just like he doesn't have to play the exact same position on every map, right?
As long as it fits his personality, like we were talking about in the Twists episode, right? Like, you can't make a guy who's... super erratic and active, you can't put them as an anchor.
Do you think he's a top five player in the world? No. No, I think I would listen to him. He's going to be one for the third year in a row. No, he's not. Shiro's not going to be number five on HLTV this year? No. Well, what do you got?
I think that's Janko's point, unfortunately. I'm saying also Spirit has this benefit with this thing that the kids on the Academy team, they can literally just promote him at any point. So maybe if you're Spirit, you feel like, listen, Magix, you did match the number of kills, even though half of them were anti-equal kills. Well, maybe not half, but, you know, of Donk in the grand final.
So that buys you an extra three months or an extra season. And let's see if you can do a little bit more of that in the future. And then you retain your spot on the team, right? But if not, then, yeah, they just promote the kid and easy peasy.
I have to say, also, I'm happy with... I was a little bit worried, like, that, I don't know, Kerrigan just might announce his retirement after the major, like, if they lost or something. Do you think... I don't know. He is like 34, right? And things have been rough lately for him with FaZe and personal life too. So I don't know.
And there were these rumors about whether him and Rain are going to be on FaZe or what's going to happen. What roster changes are they going to make? and so on and so forth. I'm just going to say I'm super happy that he said, you know, there'll be more chances to come. His tweets and everything he was alluding to, obviously still competing and still fighting, and I'm happy for it.
I think he can definitely still do it, no doubt about it. But I don't know if it's going to be in FaZe. I definitely don't think it's going to be with this lineup of FaZe. Like either he's going to go somewhere or he'll stay and there will be roster changes for FaZe.
Where are you going to record?
Yeah, I mean, the problem, obviously, here's the thing, right? Ultimately, it's on Valve, but there's a reason why they were staying away from anything tournament circuit related for forever, right? Because what they used to say is like, we're not tournament organizers, we're game developers. We don't know about organizing a tournament or, you know, but they realized they need to have...
a more hands-on approach slightly more hands-on approach like with the changes they wanted to the circuit they needed to introduce their ranking so they could get rid of the rmrs and this stuff and it made more sense over the course of a year but they're not gonna you know it's it's not gonna be perfect from the get-go like there are going to be kinks like this and i think you nailed the chat with the fact that once tournaments are being ranked next year like they will
then the female-only tournaments will be unranked, right? Like, they won't be able to accrue points in the same way by playing in those. And, you know, this situation probably can't happen from next year on. Now, it has happened now, and Blast Bounty is going to be the first tournament of next year. So the worrying thing for me is that this will just be a net negative for female CS.
Like, it will be another hit. Yep. on female cs because you know there is a good enough chance that they'll play in the tournament they'll get you know destroyed heavily by whoever they go up against and be like ah there you go they don't belong with they can't play it's like all this that's like not
necessarily true, but it's also true that they're not on the level of some of these other teams that are going to be in the tournament. Now, what was going through my head initially was they should have declined the invite. I thought the same thing. They should have declined the invite because it is a little bit of a sort of a loophole that it got to be in that position that they could play in it.
Come on. That's my initial way of thinking.
Can I finish? Yeah, you can finish. And then we'll get Jason to explain.
But then I thought, well, what if, even though it's a very small chance, what if they win against anyone? Just win a game, right? Or what if they lose, but it's a really competitive game? Yes. Then all of a sudden they've done a good thing for female CS everywhere. Yeah. Jason, over to you.
Is it backlash? Backlash, exactly. But there's two worlds, and Janko highlighted both of them.
No, you can only pick from the top 16. From the top 16? Yeah, you can't pick from anyone.
I think the top 16 is now. It has to be now.
The one biggest problem for female teams has always been that when they go out, even in these qualifiers and stuff, it's like people play against them with no respect. only because they're female, right? Even though there's actually some good players on those teams, right? And what they do on the server is not like they don't watch tier one CS and try to replicate that.
They do, and they do a decent job at it. The problem is you go up against like Jimmy from Sussex and he's playing against
you know the top female team but he knows they're females and he's like playing no fear and and all this stuff and full disrespect and it's like it's hard for everyone to play against that i mean that was that's art's whole philosophy of playing counter-strike it's just going yolo every single time right and i think that was like always the the issue um when i was around it is like
Well, this is kind of tough, actually, because these people are not doing things that necessarily make sense. They're just doing it because they feel like they can bully you on the server, right? And it's actually because of that way of playing that you are getting screwed. So it's... Double-edged sword? What's the fucking term for that? Something else, but I can't remember now.
So yeah, we'll see. It's going to be tough. But yeah, I hope they listen to Chad's little speech here and follow through.
Let's talk about that after New Year's. There's plenty of time to talk about Blast Bounty, I feel like.
You can do an episode, bro, from Belgrade.
Jason can bring his mixer.
We'll figure it out. I just had that realization, you know, just like a light bulb moment.
zonic's really not doing many favors these days maybe to chill with the interviews but i don't know i don't know how they how you make those statements and feel like that's justified which part oh zonic yeah like why are you also at the end of the day why are you telling these players you're going to be cut like sure you'll need to lie to them to their faces sort of but it is for me it would be realistic listen you can earn your spot on that roster
And it starts now. Like, why would I change a player if he's working hard, doing well, executing his role on a high level, right? If I have him already on the team, why would I bring him for someone else? If he's ticking all the boxes. The problem is, none of them were. Like, they were all just... And I don't know how these players could allow it for themselves.
And I'm very tired of this excuse, like, we didn't have a star player, we didn't have firepower. Firepower matters for your ceiling, not your floor. Like... And the reason why they had the lowest floor out of all the teams, because they were just a dysfunctional group. The entire time is like people sort of knew they were not going to be there. So people probably weren't like as focused.
They weren't trying as hard. They were just going through the motions. It's actually the worst possible environment for a competitive team to be in. But that's not as much like that's your job as the coach and your performance there. And all these guys like your job is to create a good.
Well, I think that's what the major playoffs are about for the most part, right? Like, I think those are the easiest games to do. Like, you just talk about the games, you talk about the teams, you know, there's storylines, there's narratives. There was a ton of games that these teams have played in the last month. So you have a good sample size, sort of know what they're made of in that sense.
environment and set goals like how many times did we hear him talk about that shit in fucking vitality and astralis oh we're constantly setting goals well set fucking you know lower expectations and lower goals set some more realistic goals
Like, and because it was really sort of embarrassing what they were putting out there for everyone involved, for everyone involved, all the players, Zonic as well. Like, this is now, now with this new Falcons project, like the new roster, however it looks like now, if that doesn't succeed, all of a sudden it's like, well, actually, dude, we're just this one team for a lot of people on that team.
Like, you know, right? Like the conversation changes so much.
It just sounds funny. I know. It just sounds funny, man. Because a guy can create a YouTube channel like all of us, whatever. I like him. Let's not get this wrong. I like him. It's just funny when you put him in the same sentence as Blade.
also it has its place still like don't get me wrong but yeah that was all I wanted to say players will see through your bullshit like that's the thing you can't bullshit especially the experienced players the good players right like and the only thing that matters is knowledge Like, you need to know, and you need to have the answers for them.
If they ask, oh, why this, how that, blah, blah, blah, blah, you need to have an answer ready for it. Otherwise, it's just like, what are you doing? And, yes, the in-game knowledge is one, and the most important one, and that's your blade, and that's whatever.
And the more personality one is sort of, you know, if you want to talk again about someone like Robin and the different times with Faze, it's more like knowledge about... well, how do I get these guys online for the key moments, right? And that's a different sort of knowledge, but also very important depending on the composition of your team. Anything else there, like, doesn't matter.
You can talk the talk however much you want, but you need to...
to to walk the walk so I hate that I just said that but it's like at the end of the day you just need to know and you need to and when they talk to you and you tell them shit and they ask you shit like need to see that you got the handle of it and you know what you're talking about yeah what what did you guys think of Alistair getting replaced
My man. And then it's just sort of like building the narrative and presenting the
kind of the story to the viewer right like letting them know what to expect uh if team a is going to win how should it look like if team b is going to win what's the best way for them to grab that win i mean obviously you always try to you know you want to be entertaining at the end of the day and then i don't get these different things and blah blah and sprinkle in but we're not there to you know take the piss like it's the quarterfinal semi-final of the
I really don't know. But who?
They're coming in January. There you go.
Two player change?
major and it does feel like it is more business and i don't know if maybe just being remote had an effect to it um i'm not sure so maybe that it felt more so you didn't want to kill anyone you didn't actually want to kill anyone no i definitely did but it had oh okay no no i'm kidding i didn't it's just i don't know why it came off that way maybe that's just my personality you know
We can be good.
No, I think it was... One of the things was like this whole Monessy thing. And all of a sudden, now he's staying at G2, which is like... Okay, it feels like... But what is G2 going to do? You know, is there a world in which Monessy is going to extend with them? And not just wait out?
I think for free, it's at the end of next year. I think that's when his contract will have expired. So then it's like... Well, you could have sold him now for a lot of money. And then now basically G2 is sort of banking on we'll get him to extend. Like we'll build a great team. We'll get a really, really good player for Niko. And then this team will be really good and he won't want to leave.
But I don't know how realistic is that, man. I think probably what's going to happen is he'll end up going at the half season for some money because G2 will still get something.
right and let's say falcons or i guess falcons is the only team uh really but we'll still be willing to pay something to get them like at that point rather than wait to get them for free because i don't think this is falcons not being willing to pay this is like g2 making a statement that we just are not willing to let you know two of our best and star players go at the same time to the same team like what does that speak of them as an org right if
Yep. Yeah, who do they get? You know, who would then... It's not the most lucrative of environments to go to, you know?
Yeah, I can buy that. I can buy that.
It's not about that. It's about they wanted him to take a pay cut, I think was... Fuck, they get the Joe Miller special, Janko. Was it 15%? I don't know.
Who's your second voice? Hunter? Hunter. Snacks and Hunter? Yeah. Like, Sphinx is not a one-for-one for Niko by positions, but... I don't think there's a doubt, you know, in Malb's skill, anything like that. But is only the one major the one that he has problems with pressure? Like, the second one, he's already... He'll get better over time, don't you reckon? Yeah, absolutely.
The only question is how much time. Yeah.
That's a good point. I believe that he'll, you know, find a way. Because it's very reminiscent of Nico in his early days, right? Like the frustration, the, you know... Slamming at the desk.
You know, that's all fine as long as you sort of work through it, right? Like you get it over with. If it persists, then it's a problem. But yeah, we'll see. I don't know. Now it's all, I guess we'll just talk about it when some of this shit happens and then see how it looks like. The one interesting thing that also happened was that ESL announced their sort of 26 states. The club thing, right?
Yeah, the extra incentive where it's like for the smaller IEMs really, anything outside of Katowice and Cologne, you get more than double the prize money in this club money, which is one thing. And you get that based off of... There's two programs.
yes yeah like there are the club there's club prize money there's annual payouts they're tied to esl's forecasted revenues and profits esl shares 10 of its revenue and 25 of its profits from tiron counter-strike esports competitions to fund these payouts but regardless like there's a lot of money going into this club prize money which goes to the org
And then it's up to sort of, I guess, the players and the org to figure it out. Are the players going to get any of that? Or is that going to go 100% to the org?
yeah sure I mean yeah whatever that's up to them to figure out all that stuff but for example you know for an event like Dallas the prize the player prize money which is like the prize pool is going to be 300k but then they opted by 50 grand Yeah, and then there's an additional 700K in club prize money.
So that brings the total sort of prize pool to a million for Dallas, for Chengdu, for these IEMs. But here's the thing, which I was surprised to see. The club prize money actually gets counted in the VRS. Yes. Are we sure? Yes. It's official now. Yes, it says it somewhere in the thing. Yeah, it's happening now, Jason.
It's like you would maybe stay up for the first one and then that's it.
Which is also a reality. This is only formulated this way because of the orgs. Because in reality, it's all prize money, just that the standard contracts between teams and players is where players get 80%, 85%, 90% of the prize money. So this is a way for them to say, oh, it's not prize money, so you players are not entitled to this.
This is exactly the sort of a thing where a player organization would go like, hey, wait, you're trying to fuck us over, right? Like, no, we're not going to stand, you know, and they would have a sort of a dispute about this thing.
This is the thing, right? But it all goes to the club. That's the thing. It all goes to the club. It's only the players get it because they have an agreement with the club that they get the percentage of the prize pool. Right, but I don't... I guarantee you... It goes to G2, then G2 pays it out to him.
That was great. I love that.
Yeah. Chaz had two banging speeches. I know.
I think it's just obvious, right? Like, PGL is going full into the prize money and, like, incentivizing, like, teams in that way. Players sort of to say, we want to play these tournaments. And then Blast and ESL are going more like, hey, we want to incentivize yours. Also for ESL, their IEMs are fucking not in Europe. You know, the smaller ones. True. With Chengdu and Dallas.
It's harder to get people out there. You're going to have to get people to get out there. So that's why it's 300K prize. It's 700K for the club. So they'll be like, well, you'll go to this one, but maybe you'll miss one of the whatever other ones. So also the viewership stuff is in there. I mean, a lot of details. Yeah, there is.
I love being upset myself. Thanks, Chad.
I think the bigger problem is not that part of the world as much as China, because the games have to be scheduled earlier. You could not have a game scheduled at 8 p.m., which would have been fine, right? Because of their own rules and whatnot in regards to venues or gatherings or whatever it is. So I think that hurt it a little bit too, because...
If you were able to push it by three more hours for EU, that would make the first game in the main time zone at 10-11 AM. Sure, it's not... Or even 12. That's not ideal, but you can catch the game. It's not like in the evening, so you can combine it with other things, or I don't know. But it would be fine. Like, NA still gets wrecked.
But even for them, then that second game is, like, early in the morning. It's perfect, yeah. So you can wake up for that. You can catch the second game on each of these days. And you can catch the grand final. So, yeah, it's not ideal. But as Chad said, I don't even think... I think it's actually pretty crazy that it's once every 20 majors. Like, if it's once every... Eight to ten? Yeah.
Like something like that. Like once every four years you have an event in that region. I think that's reasonable sort of for everyone to be like, okay, it's been a while. It's their turn. Let's give it to them.
It's a good future. One of the potential titles for the podcast was globally offensive as well at the very beginning. Good logo, that one. And this would have been really that. We are global, three different continents.
i'll get to it you know i didn't want to delay things this morning so i just decided i'd go to school in that i have to as someone who is the resident sort of not having a mic stand guy yeah that's not how you do it like you can't lean it on the table because then it makes all these sounds and noises a little bit like you have to hold it in your hand it has to hold on it has to there has to yeah you can't be doing that yeah i can
There ain't going to be a single fucking noise.
Moving the microphone around. When you move the mic, it makes a noise because it hits the table. Yeah. Now it's fine. Now it's like, okay, but let's see when it falls down in five minutes.
Four and a half inches or whatever it is.
Okay.
Yes, they could have just hid.
Oh my god.
Which is fine. G2's had their number.
26, 27?
That makes sense.
Oh, okay.
And they beat G2.