compLexity breezed through the double-elimination bracket two weeks ago at the WCG event in New York, beating many of the premier teams in the tournament such as Evil Geniuses , Gravitas Gaming US, and Back2Back . In the ESEA-i Playoffs, coL and EG squared off the in the Grand Finals, with Evil Geniuses eventually emerging victorious after a grueling set of matches.

Still, complexity looks to have adjusted quite nicely after the pickup of Scott 'evolution' Cavallero, despite internet issues at their home in Charlotte, North Carolina in the weeks leading up to the WCG event. With the backing of an organization such as compLexity, the lineup has been striving to push their game to the next level to prove that they deserve to wear the coL tag, and so far have been producing excellent results.

In the following interview, SK Gaming speaks with Derek 'dboorN' Boorn, a player that while he may be less recognized on an international scale, has been putting up one impressive performance after another for compLexity.

Derek, your team won the WCG Quiver Shoot-Out in New York two weeks ago. How did it feel to come away from the event with the $2,500 prize?

coL dboorN: It was amazing to finally be on LAN again and see how we matched up with our new pickup, evolution. Considering only first place paid out, it was nice to come out on top!

The rivalry between coL and EG seems to have intensified lately after some closely contested matches between you two at both the ESEA-i event and the WCG event. How healthy is this sort of competition for the American scene and is it fun to play them?

coL dboorN: It's definitely nice to have someone to compete with day in and day out. It motivates us to put in more work and shows us flaws we need to fix. It's hard to realize mistakes when all you do is win so, as hard as it is to lose, it's good to every once in awhile. In the grand scheme of things, we want to compete internationally so it's a bonus to get the kinks out right now rather than overseas or at a qualifying tournament. Fun to play them? Sure, but I think they're just as much fun to play as anyone else. I say our real rivalry is with Gravitas and always will be. Our roots are with x3o as are theirs and they're a great group of guys who we have a ton of respect for. So, me personally, I'd go with Gravitas being the bigger rival, as opposed to EG and coL just because of the names of the organizations.

How would you say ‘evolution’ has adjusted to life in the coL house? Has he been a welcome addition to the team?

coL dboorN: Definitely. In and out of game, evolution meshes perfectly with us. Whether it's his play style or his attitude, we're benefiting from having him around for sure. Although his attitude has always been in question, we've had zero problems.


Speaking of the house, how has it been living with your teammates? Do you all get along well outside of the game and has it affected your in-game performance?

coL dboorN: It has been quite the experience. Outside of the game we're all into sports so that's something we commonly share and take part in. Having chemistry is so important in cs and getting along with your teammates outside of the game only makes you that much better in game. Living together has rapidly sped up the process of getting to where we want to be. Being able to interact face to face is very beneficial and it's much easier to fix the kinks when you don't have to worry about distractions.

Now when your team left x3o organization for Jason Lake and compLexity, were there any mixed emotions at all?

coL dboorN: Mixed emotions? Maybe when the change initially happened but, in retrospect, both parties share the same opinion on the situation. x3o|NickFitz is definitely a class act and a stand-up guy. We have nothing but praise for him and what he did for us. On the same token, we have to look out for ourselves as well. We definitely don't take anything Nick did for us for granted and we appreciate it to the fullest extent.

You are living the dream of many gamers around the world. What does it mean to you personally to sport the coL tag?

coL dboorN: You couldn't have said it any better. The name compLexity is known all across the world and greatly respected. I speak on behalf of my entire team when I say we've all dreamed of playing under the compLexity name at some point in time. The organization epitomizes greatness. From the ownership all the way to the fan base, it's hands down something we're definitely stoked to be a part of.


Do you think compLexity is the best team in the U.S at the moment?

coL dboorN: I'd say we're definitely up there and have the potential to be. We're a very confident team as a whole as well as individually and I think that shows in-game.

Many feel that the American teams are still lagging behind Europe's elite. Will we ever see a NA team rise to the top again at the international level?

coL dboorN: I disagree. I feel like we're not aiming to be #1 in the USA as much as we are to compete internationally on a consistent basis. I'm not the person to sit here and make bold claims and statements about results but I don't see us being a disappointment, that's for sure.

So in your eyes, is the American Counter-Strike scene making any sort of revival?

coL dboorN: It's hard to tell. The practice regiments and conditions are lopsided but, at the same time, it's how you practice rather than how much. We're always looking to figure out new ways to improve tactics and concepts to sharpen our game. It's all about finding that right 5 players who, together, make a successful team and compliment each other's styles. We think we've found it! :D

Individually, you are not yet a household name in the community, at least on a global scale. Are you eager to prove yourself as a player at international events?

coL dboorN: Not at all. Personal glory isn't something anyone should be worried about or concerned with. This is a team game and you win and lose together. Although "proving myself at international events" would result in some sort of success, I want us to prove ourselves as a team. The rewards are far greater when you accomplish things as a unit rather than individually.

Will we be seeing your team at any international events in the near future?

coL dboorN: That's the plan. GameGune in Mexico was just announced and as of right now, that's where we're headed next. A few other tournaments are being discussed as well as bootcamps. Playing in Europe is what we strive for, so competing overseas would be an ideal situation for us to be in.

Many thanks to you Derek for taking the time to answer some questions. Any shout-outs?

coL dboorN: Not a problem, thanks for your time. Definitely grateful for all of our sponsors which include Creative, G8 Clothing, Fame Networks and PureTrak! None of this would be possible without them or the fans. The support is much appreciated. Also, shoutout to my boys at toyc and psa! & hi ak! :D~

dboorN at WCG Quiver Shoot-Out - Video made by arosen



You can catch dboorN and the rest of compLexity in action in the ongoing season of CEVO-p as well as the new seasons of ESL-invite and ESEA-invite, both scheduled to begin in the very near future.

Pictures courtesy of compLexity