FaZe Clan’s rifler Robin ropz Kool sit with Players and discussed loss in the semi-finals, team emotions and difficult financial situation in eSports.
You played more than 55 rounds yesterday. What went wrong and what lacked to close the game? Emotions, consistency or something else?
A game against ENCE was about back and forth. There were many rounds when ENCE should win and we should win. I think ENCE just won a few more. Every round was winnable. There were a set of countless moments where there was a timing or team flash, a really small factor that changed the round. I felt like maybe we had a few too many of those which cost us some rounds. We had some team flashes, we had some bad timings. I think Karrigan had some great calls but then when we get to the side, a timing or peak went wrong and it changed the round completely.
We had two entries, like 5 on 3 but they had some quick two kills etc. We had our foot in the door but we couldn’t finish it. From 55 rounds I think there are probably 10 - 15 rounds we should have won. It’s an unfortunate way to lose but it’s Counter-Strike.
What can you say about the current situation in the team right now? What was the conversation after your loss?
We didn’t have a big discussion yet but after the game, we were telling each other how unlucky we were. We realized in the game that all the rounds were so close and we needed one or two things to close the game but it didn’t happen. We had so many opportunities. It’s going to suck to rewatch this game because it looked like we should have won it.
Karrigan was quite emotional yesterday and blamed himself at some point. Were you feeling the same? How are helping teammates to cope with it?
We went to eat after the game. I remember Karrigan talking about this tweet as well. And then rain said, “Shut the *uck up, Finn, there’s no point”. Finn had great calls, he led us all games. Especially the call at 15:14. ENCE were 5 on the b-side and we had an a-side open. It was an amazing call. It’s just one of those games when we were unlucky with duels and timing. It was so tight. We support each other a lot, we are all equal and if anyone has a bad game we bring him up. If someone struggles then everyone struggles. It’s a team game.
FaZe Clan won quite a lot in CS:GO. What is your personal motivation to play this game?
I feel like I’m in my prime right now. I’m 23 now, I played for Mouz for almost 5 years, in countless arenas, and play-offs. I have all that experience now that I can bring into FaZe Clan and get as many wins as possible. That’s the goal. As long as I’m motivated I can do it.
It’s not the best year for esports so far. Some smaller teams ceased their operations, Heroic were looking for investments, and it was information that FaZe Clan fired some staff. As a professional CS:GO player, are you experiencing more pressure as you need to win every tournament you participate?
We don’t feel pressure on the organisation or the financial side. I think the only pressure we have is when we are the favourites. When you are the favourite team, you have to deliver good results. You have to qualify for the major if you are FaZe Clan.
On FaZe’s side, I think the organisation is facing some tough times but we are getting really good support from the organisation. Financially, we obviously have no problems and they would tell us if they were any. They are doing everything to make sure we are feeling good in the team so we can keep playing for the organisation.
The player's break is coming soon. Do you think we will see big reshuffles in teams?
Personally, I don’t know of anything but I would expect to see more reshuffles than usual. A lot of teams, favourites, played badly at the major so there’re things to think about. I’m pretty sure that all Tier 1 organisations have some thoughts in their heads. Also a lot of underdog teams performed well, some new names and superstars have been born. A lot of players to pick from - it’s a good thing.
What’s next for FaZe Clan?
In a short time, we are playing in Washington DC. We hope to perform it well and keep some momentum. A few more tournaments will come after the break. No idea when CS2 will come. We just to be ready for it and look forward to the future.
