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

Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/techgirlza

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/techgirlza

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/techgirlza

Twitch - http://www.twitch.tv/techgirlza

Discord - https://discord.gg/SKvCd82nv4

TikTok - http://www.tiktok.com/@TechGirlZA

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