Feed The Trolls | Surprise Final Episode 2024 | Major, Player of the Year & Team Falcons

Welcome to the surprise final episode of Feed The Trolls for 2024! 🎉 In this special wrap-up, we revisit some of our boldest takes from the past 30 episodes and ask: where did we nail it, and where did we miss the mark? Joining us is none other than NER0, and together we tackle everything from the Major to Player of the Year, hooXi’s evolution, and the future of Team Falcons.

🔥 Topics Covered:

FaZe Clan’s Major triumph 🏆

The GOAT IGL debate: Is it time to crown karrigan?

donk vs. m0NESY: Who deserves Player of the Year?

G2 Esports, hooXi, and Snax’s impact on 2024.

Niko’s potential move to Team Falcons.

Will s1mple return in 2025? 👀

The struggles of Vitality and the state of Team Liquid/NA CS.

This one’s packed with laughs, bold takes, and plenty of CS:GO insights to wrap up an epic year. Think of it as the dessert of the season 🍰

Recorded 19 December 2024

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction + year-end wrap-up

01:12 FaZe surprises & delivers: Major performance

05:52 karrigan is the GOAT IGL. No debate.

10:18 donk vs. m0NESY: Player of the Year showdown

27:11 hooXi, Snax, and G2 Esports

40:45 Niko’s rumored move to Team Falcons

46:45 s1mple’s future: 2025 comeback?

53:32 Team Vitality’s 2024 disappointment

57:22 What’s next for Team Liquid & NA CS?

Follow Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

Follow NER0 on X: www.x.com/NER0cs

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- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

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- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

Edward Cleland on Player Mindset, CS2 Team Dynamics & Handling Pressure

In this episode of Mind Games, I sit down with Edward Cleland, a renowned performance coach who has worked with top CS2 teams like G2 and Team Liquid. Edward shares his approach to helping players focus under pressure, manage online criticism, and navigate the complexities of competitive Counter-Strike.

We dive into how he builds trust with players, manages egos, and balances relationships between teams and organizations. From mental health and physical well-being to the impact of CS2's open circuit in 2025, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring competitors and fans of esports.

📅 Recorded: November 19, 2024

🔖 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Edward Cleland & MindBodyEsports

01:22 Keeping players focused on CS2 and ignoring online distractions

03:12 The difference between public perception and reality in esports

04:39 External factors that affect team dynamics

06:18 Why Edward chose esports

08:52 How players handle high-pressure environments

12:44 Mental health challenges in competitive Counter-Strike

16:55 The value of routine and control for players

19:30 Three key lessons from MindBodyEsports

20:43 Physical health considerations for CS2 pros

22:31 What happens when players resist coaching

26:42 Balancing roles between coach, team, and player

28:51 Managing egos in professional teams

30:20 Pros and cons of CS2's open circuit in 2025

30:50 Team Liquid's preparation for the Shanghai Major

32:32 Edward’s advice for aspiring CS2 players

Follow Edward on X: www.x.com/MindBodyEsports

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- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

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- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

What to Expect at the Perfect World Shanghai Major | NAVI, s1mple, m0NESY & More

 @Thooorin  and I are joined by Dust (yes, he’s on the desk for the Shanghai Major!) to break down what fans can expect from this highly anticipated Counter-Strike event. From NAVI’s shocking exit to m0NESY’s rumored move to Team Falcons, we cover all the drama, storylines, and predictions leading up to the finals.

Key Topics Discussed:

🔸 Green room leaks and insider takes

🔸 NAVI: Out of the Major but still team of the year?

🔸 The s1mple comeback and G2’s playoff chances

🔸 Vitality, FaZe, and MOUZ: Who’s poised for glory?

🔸 Dream final matchups and forgotten contenders

📅 Recorded: 9 December 2024

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and did you know Dust is working at the Major?

00:29 Green room leaks!

01:57 NAVI out of the Major

13:46 NAVI still team of the year?

15:59 The S1mple comeback

23:01 m0NESY to Team Falcons

23:38 G2 in the playoffs. Is Snax good enough?

29:22 Vitality's Major run

32:55 The FaZe comeback

35:43 Spirit relies too much on donk

44:58 MOUZ for the finals

46:18 The Mongolz dream team

52:36 No mention of Liquid

55:34 Dream Shanghai Major final

59:30 We didn't forget Heroic

Follow Us:

🔗 Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

🔗 Dust on X: www.x.com/followdusT

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

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- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

Mind Games Ep. 4 | Jack Birtwhistle on Managing Vitality, Zywoo & CS2 Playoff Prep

In this episode of Mind Games, I’m joined by Jack Birtwhistle, the performance manager for Team Vitality, fresh off their impressive run to the Perfect World Shanghai Major playoffs. Jack shares his unique journey from rugby to esports and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he supports one of the top Counter-Strike teams in the world.

We dive into his approach to managing Vitality’s roster, including working with ZywOo, widely regarded as one of the best players in Counter-Strike history. From preparing a team for losses to handling fan interactions with young players, Jack provides valuable insights into the mental and physical challenges faced by pro players.

📅 Recorded: December 12, 2024

🔖 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Jack Birtwhistle & Team Vitality

01:39 From a rugby background to Counter-Strike performance management

06:17 Preparing teams mentally for the possibility of losing

09:53 Managing ZywOo: Supporting a world-class player

11:48 Roster rumors and the pressure to perform at the top

15:54 Fan interactions and their impact on young players

20:54 Key struggles faced by professional CS2 players

21:42 What separates good players from great ones in Counter-Strike

28:44 Exploring the link between depression and esports competition

33:52 Vitality’s KARE Project: Supporting player well-being

36:12 Inside Vitality’s mindset heading into the Major playoffs

You can find Jack on X: www.x.com/JBirtwhistle

You can find out more about Vitality's KARE initiative here: https://vitality.gg/en/kare-4/

Find me on the socials:

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

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Astralis, br0, and ESIC’s Weak Ruling: The Fallout

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has ruled on Astralis’ emergency substitution of cadiaN for br0 at the BLAST Fall Finals, and the punishment? Weak, to say the least. With the Major hype dominating the scene, this critical issue risks being swept under the rug. That’s why  @Thooorin  Ne0kai and I dive deep into the ruling, the controversy, and what it means for competitive Counter-Strike.

From concerns about integrity to the legal, player, and organizational implications, we dissect it all. And yes, we also call out Astralis for their part in the chaos.

Key Topics Discussed:

🔸 The BLAST Astralis br0vid controversy

🔸 ESIC’s ongoing credibility crisis

🔸 Accountability in esports orgs and player impact

🔸 Financial constraints holding ESIC back

🔸 Can cadiaN really destroy Astralis from within?

📅 Recorded: 28 November 2024

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Shanghai Major Pick'ems

02:09 Esports Integrity Commission and concerns about integrity in Counter-Strike

07:10 The BLAST Astralis br0vid controversy

16:55 Who is to blame in all of this?

24:32 Legal implications

27:15 Player impact

29:42 Organisational accountability and IGL Protest

34:21 What should have been the punishment for Astralis

40:29 ESIC Financial Constraints

46:21 The ESIC credibility crisis

49:09 The Wild West of Tier 2 Counter-Strike

55:41 The CadiaN masterplan to destroy Astralis from the inside?

01:00:15 ESIC to disband?

Follow Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

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, and how NAVI stays mentally and physically sharp. From burnout management to the impact of positive reinforcement, Xirreth gives us an inside look at what it takes to build a world-class CS2 team.📅 Recorded: November 28, 2024🔖 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Xirreth & NAVI’s 2024 journey02:20 How NAVI prepares for Major tournaments as favorites04:50 Managing expectations and external pressure07:06 NAVI’s bonding and the Shaolin Training Ground experience11:14 Coping with travel, exhaustion, and burnout in esports15:15 Why routine is crucial for pro players18:40 The biggest challenges for top-level CS2 players21:06 Are too many hours together damaging team dynamics?26:26 Using positive reinforcement to boost performance30:25 “You are what you think”: The power of mindset

Find me on the socials:

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

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 Shanghai Major?

Topics Covered:

🔸 apEX transfer drama & Vitality's roster plans

🔸 Spinx rumors: leaving or staying?

🔸 ZywOo's impact as CS:GO’s Silent Star

🔸 The unpredictability of "dead" teams at Majors

🔸 Best CS:GO player of 2024

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction - Freya is here!

01:00 apEX transfer drama: Why is Vitality's CEO looking to sell?

07:54 Major contenders: Are Vitality the favorites to win in Shanghai?

10:27 Falcons rumors: Vitality players on the move?

12:54 Can "dead" teams actually win the Major?

16:07 Spinx leaving Vitality—fact or fiction?

19:51 Who could replace Spinx in the Vitality roster?

30:39 ZywOo: The Silent Star driving Vitality's success

35:55 Vitality’s inconsistency problem: What’s holding them back?

45:43 How ZywOo’s humility shapes his game

50:54 Roster changes: A double-edged sword for Vitality

57:19 THAT Amaranth Yeast Beer joke you can’t miss

01:01:13 Best CS:GO player of 2024: Our pick

Follow Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

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 about juggling the role of player agent and sports psychologist while also touching on the unique struggles faced by top level Counter-Strike players.

Recorded 14 October 2024

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Mental Resilience in Counter-Strike Esports

02:48 - Who is Fabian Broich? Agent, Sports Psychologist, and Mentor

05:56 - Why Mental Health Matters: Insights for Pro Players

08:52 - From Fields to Screens: Transitioning from Traditional Sports to Esports

11:58 - Trust Matters: Building Relationships with Pro Players

15:12 - Double Duty: Balancing Agent Work and Performance Coaching

17:53 - Inside Counter-Strike: Unique Challenges Players Face

20:45 - Stress and Burnout: Managing Mental Load in Esports

23:55 - Fans vs. Players: Navigating Pressure from Expectations

26:56 - Support Systems: How Organizations Can Help Pro Players

29:50 - Room to Grow: The Future of Counter-Strike Esports

32:55 - Pro Player Advice: Tips for Aspiring Counter-Strike Stars

Find Fabian online:

Fabian on X - www.x.com/SportsPsycFaBro

His agency - www.achieveminds.com

Find me on the socials:

Blog - http://www.techgirlblog.com

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My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

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.

Recorded 11 November 2024

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:09 FaZe's performance vs expectations in 2024

05:42 Karrigan's leadership under scrutiny?

15:55 FaZe’s goodwill - no standout “weak” player

23:49 Too much emphasis on player roles in CS2?

29:00 Potential roster changes in FaZe

32:23 Where does Karrigan go from here?

39:10 FaZe Clan's budget and spending habits

41:42 The end of MOUZ?

44:59 FaZe Shanghai Major run predictions

49:30 FaZe fan love

52:55 Can FaZe win the major?

Follow Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

Follow Pimp on X: www.xcom/PimpCS2

Find me on the socials:

Blog - http://www.techgirlblog.com

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Discord - https://discord.gg/SKvCd82nv4

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My wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3IYV9R777HMQK/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

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 analyze player performance.

How data science impacts team communication, academy systems, and player recruitment. The investment landscape for data analytics in esports and its future.

Recorded on 5 November 2024.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Ep. 25 of Feed The Trolls

02:13 How Data Shapes Team Formation

05:53 Challenges of Analyzing Player Performance

10:28 Team Dynamics & Communication

13:27 The Impact of Contextual Data in CS

17:19 The Call for Data Analytics Investment

21:27 The Future of Data in Esports

27:47 The Investment Dilemma in Esports

30:09 Data Science & Team Building

32:14 Academy Systems and Player Development

35:04 Using Data for Scouting & Recruitment

36:37 Balancing Stats with Player Intangibles

41:42 What’s Next for Esports Analytics

49:52 Power Dynamics in Esports Organizations

Follow Thorin on X: www.x.com/Thorin

Find me on the socials:

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My wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3IYV9R777HMQK/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

My gear (shop it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/techgirlza/list/3FH7APBG6UDTE)

- Canon EOS M50 Mark ii

- My PC: Z590-GUNDAM (Wi-Fi) Motherboard, ROG Strix RTX3080 Graphics Card, PSU ROG Strix 850G GUNDAM edition, Intel Core i7-10700 Processor & ROG Strix Helios GUNDAM edition case.

- ROG Strix XG27AQV Gaming Monitor

- TUF Gaming VG27VH1B