Mind Games (the title is a work in progress) is a series of interviews I've done to better understand the mental and physical preparation and struggles which go into playing Counter-Strike at the top level. It's self indulgent but something I really wanted to learn more about. In Episode 1 I talk to Fabian Broich from Achieve Minds. Fabian is a Sports Psychologist but also a player agent. You'll likely know him because he represents Br0 from Astralis (?! Benched off the bench Br0). We speak...

In Episode 26 of Feed The Trolls,  @PimpCS2  joins  @Thooorin  and I as we break down FaZe Clan’s recent struggles in Counter-Strike 2. Once a top contender, FaZe's performance has declined, leaving fans and analysts wondering—what went wrong? We dive into the expectations versus the reality of their 2024 journey, examine Karrigan’s leadership, and explore potential roster moves. Plus, we share predictions for FaZe’s EU RMR and Shanghai Major prospects and discuss if there’s any hope for a...

In Episode 25 of Feed The Trolls, I team up with  @Thooorin  and special guest Lurppis for a deep dive into Counter-Strike's evolving relationship with data analytics. We analyze an insightful article by Ner0 on HLTV (Why We're Still Waiting for Counter-Strike's Data Revolution) and discuss how data is transforming the game from player scouting to team dynamics. Join us as we break down: The role of data in forming competitive Counter-Strike teams. The challenges and potential of using data...

🎙️ Sell Me This Pro | Fluxo’s Journey in Tier 2 CS 🎙️ In this episode of Sell Me This Pro, co-hosted with  @BDogCS  we dive deep into Brazil’s rising team, Fluxo. We break down their recent performances on LAN, explore their unexpected fall short of the Americas RMRs, and analyze standout players who could redefine their future in Tier 2 CS 👀 Highlights: A deep dive into Fluxo’s lineup dynamics – from Art’s influence to Kye’s potential redemption arc. Spotlight on piriajr, an emerging...

ESL Challenger Katowice Recap & 2025 Predictions: Falcons, Eternal Fire, MIBR, SAW & B8 | Challenged Podcast Finale In the final episode of Challenged for 2024, hosts Sam and  @Darfmike  dive deep into the ESL Challenger event held in Katowice. Join us as we reflect on the emotional highs and lows of notable teams and players, analyze the dynamics within teams like Falcons, Eternal Fire, and MIBR, and discuss the impressive victories of SAW and B8’s promising rise. With the Shanghai...

ESL Challenger Katowice 2024 Preview: S1mple Returns, Team Changes, and Tournament Predictions The final ESL Challenger event of the year, ESL Challenger Katowice 2024, is here, bringing some of the best Counter-Strike teams to compete on LAN. In this video, we break down the event with in-depth previews of the teams, group seedings, and key storylines. Join me and  @Darfmike  as we analyze the highly-anticipated return of S1mple to LAN competition, as he joins Team Falcons. We also explore...

In this episode of Feed The Trolls, we’re diving into the latest drama surrounding Tier 2 Counter-Strike.  @Thooorin  and I are joined by teddcs to discuss a range of hot topics, including the 2025 open circuit changes for competitive CS and their impact on smaller, financially struggling teams. We also delve into the BLEED/Unpaid scandal, Kassad’s unexpected financial involvement, the rise (and potential fall) of SAW, and the never-ending issues with shady organizations in esports. Expect...

In this episode of Sell Me This Pro,  @BDogCS  and I dive deep into the evolving UK Counter-Strike scene, spotlighting the journey of rising star Gizmy. We break down the challenges faced by UK players, the significant strides made by the Monte Gen team, and what it takes to succeed in tier 2 and 3 esports. With insights into Gizmy's role as an in-game leader (IGL), we discuss how his leadership is transforming the team and pushing the boundaries of UK esports. Key Highlights: 📍 The...

ESL Challenger Atlanta Recap: FlyQuest’s Stunning Victory, M80's Stumble & SAW Drama Recorded 10 October (before Berry announced he was leaving SAW) In this episode of CHALLENGED,  @Darfmike  and I dive deep into the biggest highlights and surprises from ESL Challenger Atlanta! We break down FlyQuest’s unexpected triumph, M80’s disappointing performance on home soil, and the shocking developments at SAW, where coach Berry and arrozdoce left the team right after the tournament. Don't...

Apologies for my mic quality - I was recording on the road! In this episode of Feed The Trolls, I sit down with Anders and  @Thooorin  for a real, no-holds-barred chat about life as an esports commentator. We dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly—like dealing with online criticism, the mental strain of being in the public eye, and how to handle friendships and competition in such a high-pressure environment. We also break down the evolution of esports broadcasting and why balancing...

The Falcons’ Entry into CS2: Roster Moves, S1mple, and Competitive Impact | Counter-Strike Podcast Recorded 25 September 2024 Join  @Thooorin   @KingT_CS2  and me as we dive deep into the Falcons’ entry into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). We break down their ambitious roster plans, player salaries, and how key decisions could shape the future of their team. We discuss how the Falcons’ influence compares to teams like ENCE and Heroic, and the role of agents in the evolving CS scene. The...

🎮 CHALLENDED: ESL Challenger Atlanta with  @Darfmike  🎙️ In this episode, Mike & I dive into the upcoming  @ESLCS  Challenger Atlanta, breaking down the chances of top teams and discussing the resurgence of North American Counter-Strike. We take a close look at M80, their potential, and Wildcard's struggles, plus the grassroots growth of NA talent.The conversation heats up as we tackle the controversy between IEM Rio and ESL Challenger Atlanta and analyze the performances of teams like...

🎮 Sinners' Journey in Tier 2 CS | Roster Changes, Success & Challenges 🎙️ In this episode,  @BDogCS  & I dive into the Sinners' rise in Tier 2 Counter-Strike, exploring their recent wins, roster shake-ups, and what it means to be a regionally focused team. We break down the impact of new players Mikey and MoriisKo, and discuss the ongoing battle to improve while staying competitive. From winning CCT Season 2 Series II to gearing up for the EU RMRs, we talk about the unique struggles...

This episode dives deep into the biggest roster shuffle of 2024—cadiaN’s shocking move to Astralis! 🎮💥 Bubzkji joins  @Thooorin  & I to break it all down, from the behind-the-scenes drama to the future of Danish Counter-Strike. We discuss the fallout from Heroic’s collapse, Stavn & Jabbi’s betrayal, the breakfast beef between cadiaN and Gla1ve, and how dev1ce will impact Astralis’ new lineup. Can this team win a Major with these changes? 00:00 Introducing Bubzkji and Thorin as well...

In this episode of SELL ME THIS PRO,  @BDogCS  & I dive deep into the career of Sirah, who recently transitioned from MOUZ NXT to TSM. We discuss Sirah's growth during his time with MOUZ NXT, along with the challenges and rumours surrounding both his former team and TSM’s much-anticipated return to Counter-Strike. We also explore the bigger conversation around Academy Teams and their impact on the esports scene. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or curious about the latest CS updates, this...

@austincsgo  &  @Thooorin  join me to take a deep dive into NAVI's journey since their Major victory. We analyze the team's standout performances, tactical evolution, and the key players driving their success. We explore how B1ad3's coaching style and Aleksib's exceptional leadership have shaped the team’s strategy, while highlighting the crucial roles of team chemistry and sports psychology in their resilience. We'll also discuss the rise of JL and how his influence has boosted the...

Join  @BDogCS  and me in this special edition of SELL ME THIS PRO as we spotlight standout players from Tier 2 teams competing in ESL Pro League S20. Discover the rising stars from North America, South America, and Europe who have the potential to become Tier 1 superstars. 🌍✨ We dive deep into their international experience, raw mechanics, and fragging skills, highlighting what makes these players exceptional. Plus, we discuss the crucial role of events like Pro League in shaping the future...

A wild HenryG appears! 🦸‍♂️ Join myself  @Thooorin  and HenryG as we dive into the incredible rookie year of donk and Team Spirit in CS2. We analyze the team’s inconsistent performances throughout 2024 and debate whether the lineup of chopper, sh1ro, magixx, zont1x, and donk has what it takes to become the greatest of all time. Spoiler: We think donk might already be there! 🏆We also go off on a tangent to discuss potential roster shuffles for Virtus Pro. Find Thorin on X:...

2 Pros on this episode as  @BDogCS  & I dive into Tier 2 Counter-Strike. We focus in on Passion UA, a Ukrainian CS team founded by Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko which recently qualified for the Shanghai Major EU RMRs. Jambo is their stand out AWPer and we focus in on his rise as well as how Passion UA works as a cohesive unit, with a focus on teamwork and systems-based play. We then move on to Permitta Esports and dive into Polish Counter-Strike as well as a look at bnox as a...

North American CS fans have had their hearts broken a lot. Complexity's current performance adds to that heartache. In this episode  @launders  joins  @Thooorin  & I to chat about Complexity's current struggles. We look at the decline of the North American scene because of factors like iBUYPOWER match-fixing scandal, the impact of COVID-19 and the migration of players to Valorant. We analyze Complexity;s lack of form and inability to capitalize on their potential. Expect a conversation...

Here's a whole new SELL ME THIS PRO and EVERYTHING IS DIFFERENT.  @BDogCS  and I are doing a special episode to focus in on the results (and drama) surrounding the European RMR Closed Qualifiers for the Perfect World Shanghai Major. We touch on the PARIVISION cheating scandal, the weird on again off again transfer of r3salt between Aurora and 9 Pandas and focus in on the teams who didn't make the RMR: ENCE, Monte and Bleed (which aged well didn't it). We also look at some of the Tier 2 teams...

It's the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne recap and we've got A LOT to cover. What a vibe having  @RLewisReports  join  @Thooorin  and I to recap the entire tournament. We talk about the Vitality and NAVI final, the impact of MR12 in CS2 and the overall performance of the likes of Liquid, Spirit, FaZe, G2 and SAW. There is a LOT crammed in. But certified banger, guaranteed. 00:00 Introduction... Richard Lewis is here! 00:34 By The Numbers joke flies over Sam's head 01:01 IEM Cologne Final:...

The slow burner Pro!  @BDogCS  & I discuss rifler AW from DMS. Part of the conversation includes taking a look at the current state of competitive Counter-Strike in the CIS region and the rise of young talent. We analyse how AW performed with his team at their first LAN: The skyesports event recently held. You can find BDog in X: http://www.x.com/BDogCS 00:00 Introduction 01:41 DMS 03:16 The ride of young talent in the CIS region 05:02 The challenge of finding information on Tier 2...

CS2 team Sangal has dominated the Tier 2 online space, winning back-to-back tournaments. Their IGL is non-other than LNZ, who you may remember from NIP awhile back. Sangal recently qualified for ESL Pro League Season 20 so it seemed like a good time to focus in on LNZ and why he may be a pro that has shown resilience, growth and the potential to re-enter the Tier 1 Counter-Strike space.  @BDogCS  pleads his case on this episode of SELL ME THIS PRO and highlights the capabilities and strengths...