Following compLexity 's 5th-8th place finish at the ESWC 2010 we had a chance to sit down with Derek 'dboorN' Boorn to discuss the upcoming ESEA LAN Finals, Arbalet Cup Dallas, their ESWC performance and what he thinks of fellow American EG players fRoD and Storm.

Your team opened up the ESWC with a 14-16 loss to the eventual tournament champions Na`Vi. How pleased were you with the result of that match, despite being on the losing end of it?

Pleased isn't the word to describe our emotions. We don't go into a match vs anyone, including Na`Vi, with the mentality of "let's make it a close match", we aim to win. We were on the wrong side of it and after letting a 14-10 lead slip away when we were in control of the money situation is more disappointing than pleasing. Promise is the word I'd be looking for to put that match into perspective.

compLexity had what many would call a successful run at last weeks ESWC, placing 5th-8th after being knocked out in the quarterfinals by SK. Do you view that tournament as a success?

A success? To an extent. I feel as if the match vs fnatic was one we could have had swung in our favor if we didn't make a few key mistakes. Participating in these tournaments is something you can't mimic in practice or online matches. The top teams capitalize and make you pay for each mistake you make and when the tournament is over, the hindsight is brutal on "what could have been." We didn't go into the tournament with a goal of placing 5th-8th but we weren't necessarily displeased with the outcome. You learn what you can and move on.

I have heard that despite coL being one of the most supported organizations in terms of sponsorship, they don’t necessarily practice the most or put in as much time as some other teams in America. Can you shed any light on that?

From a third party perspective, I can see where you've gathered your opinion but, with that said, we put in the work needed to be prepared. Our style is kind of what throws people off as it looks more "puggish" but there's definitely a method to our madness and we're very aware of what is happening in-game and what our teammates are doing. Things aren't necessarily as scripted for us because our players excel better in "freelance" situations where they're not on a tight leash and are able to use their strengths as they see fit.

Given EG's recent performance at the ESWC and being a player that competes quite frequently against their veterans fRoD and Storm, do you feel these two players are past their prime? Do you think they will find the success they had in the past under the coL name?

You've inquired the wrong person to try to stir up, or create, any type of drama (maybe walle would be best fit to question about his thoughts on EG's roster). I don't think like your average community member or forum goer so my opinion is completely player based. My opinion is also 100% outside perspective but I believe fRoD is playing just as well as he always has been. Storm's role is obviously different than fRoD's and from what I see, he displays great teamwork and communication while being completely aware of what he needs to be doing to help his teammates. Storm isn't someone they call on to open up rounds for them or completely dominate an area alone, he does he job just fine as far as I see it. Why would you call on me to criticize the only other USA team competing at events? Come on :D! GO USA!

Regarding the latter part, EG is a team that I've always looked up to in the aspect of the heart they show as a team and in-game. They're never out of a match and I'm sure that mentality translates into practice and their free time so whatever slump the players, or team, are in, I'm sure they'll bounce back fairly quickly.

It has been just over three months since this current coL.cs roster was announced. How satisfied are you with your results thus far (in general) and will changes be made to the roster if certain goals at the ESEA Finals & Arbalet aren’t met?

Outside of lacking a killer instinct to put teams away and a minor letdown in the IOL Season 2 Finals, I think we've performed just about par as what I would have thought to begin with. Am I satisfied with par? Absolutely not. When you're at the top, you have to create an even stronger work ethic than you once exhibited before as teams will be aiming for you and giving you their best shot each time out. With that said, it reminds you that teams are on your heels and are eager to take your spot, thus reassuring you that you have to be hungrier than you've ever been before.

Speaking of the ESEA Finals, which team outside of coL and EG do you think could break into the top two and why?

Two teams stick out to me, Loaded and Finesse. I'm a firm believer that if you have the dedication to win and you put in the work to be successful, it will take a lot to stop you. These teams display tremendous hunger to be the best and are always looking for something else to learn. Combine their skill to go along with that and given the prior attributes, they'll always be near the top competing as long as their dedication never diminishes.

Following ESEA, the Arbalet Cup Dallas event will be taking place. How excited are you to see a big international tournament back in the States?

Oh boy, it's quite a treat. No one could ever express enough thanks and appreciation to what that guy is doing. He is single-handedly reviving CS in the USA while making it prosper even more overseas. It's also nice for it to be on our own soil and I know a lot of the Europeans actually love coming to the states. Add on the fact that it's ultimately two tournaments in one that pay out in cash and you've set the stage for quite an intriguing weekend (given the struggles tournaments have had, and are still having, to pay out the winners of their events).

With Arbalet being a 32 team invitational event, it goes without saying that a lot of American teams (including some that are not even in ESEA-i) will be playing in the event. How shocked are these teams going to be when they get their first taste of top international competition?

I can't say I'm a fan of your descriptions. Shocked? I'd say they're more than thrilled. Are they confident? That's not for me to say but I don't think I'd be going out on too much of a limb to say that they're eagerly awaiting to play these types of teams. It's what every gamer always dreams of, to be able to play the best and see how you match up. This definitely makes for an interesting weekend and gives underdogs more than enough chances to slay a giant.

The National ESL was announced a few days ago and appears committed to strengthening the North-American eSports scene. How confident are you in midway in doing just that (strengthening the scene)?

I haven't read much into the details as I've been getting a few errands done since we've got home before we leave again tomorrow. Anything of the nature, especially with ESL's and Midway's branding, is going to strengthen the situation in the USA. The lack of teams and the practice conditions are what makes CS in the states what it is, combined with the attitudes and mindsets of players and the arrogance they display. Integrating another option for teams to take CS seriously again will never be a bad thing, though.

Thanks a lot for doing this, the final words are yours.

It was a pleasure. Just want to say thank you to our absolutely incredible sponsors that allow me to even speak of events that we've attended outside, and inside, of the USA. Those sponsors include Creative, XFX, QPAD and G8 Clothing. It's truly a blessing to be able to do what you love and not have to worry about expenses. Also a shout out to the gal, Ally, and to SK for conducting this interview with me. One last thank you to all the fans out there supporting my team through these events, it doesn't go unnoticed.

(Photographs courtesy of compLexity Gaming)