I am an eSports purist and this exploration into the gaming wilderness is more than just a case of curiosity. I want to know if the skepticism, the criticism, the allegations, everything I've come to know and even write about the CGS, is it deserved, is it the truth?

I'm here bright and early, silently observing an eccentric mix of gamers who've poured in from all over Europe, there's an odd atmosphere, the scenario for potential draftee's is etched on every face, waiting to spill over. Many of the team mates and practice partners who have known each other for years will be pitched against one another, Counter Strike Source (CSS) teams will be ripped apart in the name of good television.

I spot the former Four-Kings Dead or Alive 4 player 'Padaman' walking aimlessly through crowds of CSS players. The former professionals look distinctly ordinary among the mass of potential usurpers.

The orange and black jerseys of fnatic are incandescent among the crowd, their Call of Duty 4 team is undoubtedly the favorite for their respective tournament, whereas the CSS team will attend another event conscious of the fact that the team was unjustly rejected last time round. The two managers, Joe and 2GD, play Quake 4 to an audience, I'm one of them.

There's apparently only eight teams in the Call of Duty 4 competition, I'm somewhat surprised that there aren't any more mix teams, the opportunity for easy for a prize placement is high, if rumors are to be believed. There's still significant talent attended with fnatic, LLL and Dignitas among the obvious favorites.

After hours of delay, a player meeting is held with all the budding CGS hopefuls standing shoulder to shoulder, press and media are asked to leave. Most did. I stand through the standard speeches, the CGS aren't pleased with the players “trashing” the front of the LAN centre, they're warned about the huge exposure they will receive over the weekend and told to act professionally.

The general managers and admins are introduced, Emil 'HeatoN' Christenson receives the warmest welcome, unsurprisingly. The Call of Duty 4 admin receives what can only be described as a collective groan, apparently the players know something I don't.

I venture into the press room after some initial confusion, the giants of the CGS organisation walk among mortals. Jonas 'BSL' Vikan and HeatoN speak in tongue, on more than one occasion. Paul 'ReDeYe' Chaloner speaks to Andy Reif about something, I lose interest quickly enough. I've a tendency to listen and watch, I sit next to people who I 'know' but don't initally introduce myself. 'It works'.

Andy Reif speaks to BSL, I'm less than two feet away from the man who holds million dollar tournaments, his speech is slow and calculated. I've interviewed 'him' before, but I'm still not sure of his intent. I eavesdrop and hear him explain how he has just returned from China, his wife isn't pleased with the amount of travel and time he's spending away from his family, he laughs.

“China in general is a great opportunity, the communist government is generally supportive as well, which is great.”

CGS day one gallery