WinOut

I had the great pleasure of being able to interview two members of the Fnatic gaming organization regarding the current WCG Finals in Germany, as well as their recent performances, and plans for the near future. Within, you’ll find answers not only from the Counter-Strike legend Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, also from the Fnatic Business Development Manager, Neil “Kboy” Kirk. I would first like to thank them both for their time, and I sincerely hope we can do this again very soon.

With the WCG 2007 winners not qualifying for the finals, who do you believe has the best shot at winning WCG 2008?

Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg: It is very even now on the top level, I believe that any team can win if they’re having a good day. So it is very hard to say, but these 4 teams looks good going into this tourney – Mousesports, mTw.AMD, MYM and SK-gaming.

Neil "K’boy" Kirk: The top level tier is so close that any of the teams could get a good run and go on to win, as we have seen in the past few months on different occasions. Personally I think we should be looking for Mousesports to capitalize on their recent good run and SK-gaming returning to form to prove a point.

WCG 2007 brought us what most people view as a random top 4. Do you think there will be any major upsets this time around, or do you think cs powerhouses like MYM and SK-Gaming will fill out the prize list?

Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg: I do believe some upset will occur but not a major one, I think all the “real” top teams will manage to get to the playoffs.

Neil "K’boy" Kirk: Not sure I would call them random from previous events. However I personally can’t see much of an upset this time around and expect a lot closer games with all qualifying for the playoffs.

The gaming scene in the United States has been affected much more than any other country by the entrance of the CGS, how do you think the new U.S. teams have done in the stead of Complexity and Team 3D, and how do you predict Gravitas Gaming will fare at WCG 2008?

Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg: I think they’ve been performing fairly okay the tournaments I’ve seen them on, sure they haven’t always been able to get to any finals, but they are still there putting pressure on a lot of great teams. I believe with some more training and more experience they will be a force to be reckoned with. I don’t really have any idea of how their group stage looks like or anything but I guess they will at least make it out of that one!

Neil "K’boy" Kirk: They’ve done well so far and with continued dedication and commitment from the players and management I’m sure they can go even further.

SK-Gaming is representing your nation in these World Cyber Games, and the Fnatic vs. SK rivalry is among the greatest in the history of esports. Are you cheering for your countrymen, or rooting against the team that eliminated you before the World Finals?

Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg: Since they are our rivals I rather see them doing badly, haha. And on the other hand I am rooting for e-stro to make it till the final, but that’s a long shot.

Neil "K’boy" Kirk:  It is a tough one, being all our CS players our Swedish. However I’m not, so have no real desire for them to win. I think they will do well, but they may find that the players are a little drained after the recent amount of travelling. I wish them well, even though there is a strong rivalry there.

The last few tournaments, Fnatic hasn’t looked as strong as they usually do. Do you think you’ve fallen off your game, or have the rest of the teams gotten better or adjusted to your style of play? What, if anything, are you doing to ensure future success?

Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg: We have been playing very bad these tournaments, but I think it comes down to lack of practice. Being on the road for one month not being able to do any real training affects our game very much, while the other team went back home and trained. And I do believe that people have to catch up to us, and as dsn said in his blog, “since we are one of the best teams we are also one of the most studied.

Neil "K’boy" Kirk: In my opinion it is a combination of all of those – teams improving, adjusting heavily to game play, study of demos, tough schedule of events, travelling. All of these factors take their toll on the players and can be the difference between 1st place and 5th. The guys have maybe struggled a bit due to the amount of time they are able to practice, but needless to say the did win Montreal beating SK twice on the same map! :D There is no doubt in my mind that our CS team is still number one in world.