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SpawN: "I will be back!"
Written by Carmac in interview 6 months ago (150 comments) | Tagged in: SpawN SKcs interview
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SK Gaming talks to Abdisamad “SpawN” Mohamed, the world's most popular Counter-Strike player who announced his (temporary?) retirement on Saturday.

What made you come to this decision, motivation or possibilities to do other stuff that got more intresting than the team?

I've always been skeptical when it comes down to such a decision. I was thinking about this for a year ago actually, but I've always been a competitive person in everything I do. Finally I felt that it came down to a point where I think I have experienced and achieved the most possible things in gaming. So I think it was a natural step.

"I believe in GeT_RiGhT and I think he'll be perfect for the team."
What do you think of GTR as a replacement for you?

I've played both with and against him, and he's definitely a very cool and skilled young guy that has a lot of potential. I believe in him and I think he'll be perfect for the team.

Do you think there is enough time for the team to prepare for EM II in the new lineup?

I hope so. They're bootcamping right now at Tentpole's house so it'll be intense practice.

Does the SK Gaming team have enough potential in it to top Fnatic for the title of the #1 team?

Of course.

You were a part of SK 2003. What made that team lose its fire?

It had a lot to do with us losing motivation and people knew exactly how we were playing.

"I'm just happy that people dig me, I'm very grateful for that."
Why are Fnatic not burning out in the same way?

I guess it's the same thing as we had in SK 2003. It's hard to reach the top, but a lot harder to stay on top. The most teams know how they are playing and it will be a lot harder for them now than before they were on top.

Does this mean that Fnatic will be stopped soon?

I think they will do well, but it will be a lot harder for them to dominate like they did last year.

How would you describe your style of play?

Aggressive.

Professional CS players are very often extremely lazy, sleep until 1300 and call the pizza delivery man to bring them all shopping. Do you fit into that profile?

I wake up around 11-12, go to the gym four days a week. I tend to play better when I'm in good shape, it's easier to focus. Now when you mentioned pizza I got really tempted though, maybe I'll go get one when we're done with the interview ;)

How can you explain your popularity? Your profile has more views on SK Gaming than any other two CS players together.

I'm not sure, I guess I'll let others speak for me on this question. I'm just happy that people dig me, I'm very grateful for that.

Were there moments in your life when your popularity surprised you?

When I was first on the SK ranking and HeatoN second. I celebrated with a jolt cola... Haha just kidding.

Do you have any real life examples?

I'm still surprised that people actually recognize me almost everywhere I go. It's pretty insane to be honest.

"We did so much that year together, from winning almost every tournament we entered to being 30 minutes on Swedish TV at 8pm"
Which team did you enjoy playing with the most?

I've actually had a good time in all my different teams. But if I'd have to pick one it would be SK 2003. We did so much that year together, from winning almost every tournament we entered to being 30 minutes on Swedish TV at 8pm (when there's most viewers).

What is your favourite esports moment?

Winning WCG with SK, no doubt.

In terms of the places you visited thanks to gaming, which is your fondest memory?

Tough question. I've been to a lot of cool places, from Las Vegas to China. But if I really have to pick one it would be Portugal. We were there with SK during the European football championships. It was a really nice place with a lot of cool people and we just enjoyed the heat.

"I will keep playing and stay in shape - I will be back."
Did gaming allow you to make lasting friendships?

There's so many, I'd like to mention everyone but that would be a really long list. But, ahl and fisker, hands down. Really cool guys, I really enjoy being around them.

What is your plan for after Counter-Strike?

I will be focusing more on PR stuffs, I'll be having the role as PR supervisor.

Will the fans ever see you playing professional Counter-Strike again?

Yes. Like I said before, I haven't stopped completely. I will keep playing and stay in shape - I will be back.

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Interview: gosey and Carmac
Photo: fragbite.se

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