Mind Games Ep. 3 | Xirreth on Coaching NAVI, CS2 Tournament Prep & Mental ToughnessIn this episode of Mind Games, I’m joined by Xirreth, the performance coach behind NAVI’s incredible 2024 success, including their Copenhagen Major victory. Now preparing for the Perfect World Shanghai Major, NAVI enters as the heavy favorites, and Xirreth shares how preparation evolves under these high-stakes conditions.We also dive into the challenges of traveling year-round, how it affects team dynamics, an...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Vitality's shot at the Perfect World Shanghai Major—can they win it all? 🏆 @freyaspierstv joins @Thooorin and me for a deep dive into Team Vitality's roster, strategies, and their potential to claim the next CS:GO Major. From apEX's transfer rumors to Spinx's future, we tackle all the drama and predictions surrounding one of the most exciting teams in Counter-Strike right now. 📅 Recorded on November 21, 2024 ➡️ Let us know your thoughts in the comments: is Vitality the team to beat at the Shan...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 27
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 abou...
Nov 22, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 Major win...
Nov 13, 2024•55 min•Ep. 26
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 to ana...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 25
🎙️ 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 talent wh...
Nov 05, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 Major ...
Oct 31, 2024•34 min
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 the re...
Oct 31, 2024•28 min
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 some fi...
Oct 24, 2024•58 min•Ep. 24
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 challenges an...
Oct 21, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 miss our i...
Oct 12, 2024•35 min
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 entertainme...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 23
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 conversation also ex...
Oct 12, 2024•57 min•Ep. 22
🎮 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 SAW, Fl...
Oct 03, 2024•37 min
🎮 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 of T...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 as th...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 21
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 episod...
Sep 23, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 8
@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 team’s mora...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 20
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 of Ti...
Sep 09, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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: http://www.x.com/Thorin...
Sep 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 16
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 potentia...
Sep 03, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 around th...
Aug 30, 2024•58 min•Ep. 18
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 who q...
Aug 27, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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: NAVI versus ...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 17
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 players 06:...
Aug 20, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 of t...
Aug 20, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Ugly Haters come here! @DonaCSGO joins @Thooorin and I to talk about THAT X argument with Launders and criticising pro players online. The conversation starts with an explanation about what happened and expands into the role content creators and broadcast talent play in the competitive Counter-Strike community. We talk about A LOT of things in this one and share a ton of personal anecdotes. This one is hard to summarise. Just know you should listen. It's a really interesting conversation! 00:00 ...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 16
All new episode of Feed The Trolls is here. @Thooorin & I are joined by Allan Hender to take a look at the drop in performance from two of Counter-Strike's biggest teams: Vitality & FaZe. We explore the expectations placed on both these lineups, the constant roster change discussions which plague the scene and the possible fixes to the drop in form from both teams. Find Thorin on X: http://www.x.com/Thorin Find Allan on X: http://www.x.com/allan_hender Skip to your favourite parts: 00:00...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 15
SELL ME THIS PRO is a show where @BDogCS & I discuss up and coming pro players in the competitive CS2 scene. In this episode we're chatting about the young Brazilian Counter-Strike player snow. We chat about the criteria BDog uses to look for a player, with a focus on consistency, longevity and the ability to perform under pressure. We also examine the South American competitive scene and its evolution and then take a look at snow's journey from streaming to joining professional teams. 0:00 ...
Jul 31, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 2
@Thooorin & I are joined by @fl0m to discuss the recent changes in Team Liquid's CS2 roster. We go through all the variables which make it difficult to pinpoint the cause of any potential failure. The addition of an unknown player, ultimate, raises questions about the org's decision-making process. We weigh in on Twistzz desire to IGL and what impact this could have on his career. There's a lot of other points: Cadian, mithR as coach, YEKINDAR's form drop.... SO. MUCH. STUFF. Find Thorin on ...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 14
