iBP AMA today on HLTV.org

27-7-2014 11:20

ESEA season 16 winners iBUYPOWER will be conducting an AMA for today only, right here on HLTV.org.

If you'd like to participate, post your questions in the comments below, but please remember to be polite and respectful.

The American side, who came in at number seven on our July 2014 world ranking, will be answering your questions throughout the day, as they prepare for the FACEIT North American Championship, which kicks off at 21:00 . Questions will also be answered during any downtime between matches.

Skadoodle and co. give you the chance to ask them anything!

Choose your questions wisely, though, because you're unlikely to get another opportunity like this for some time. In addition to attending G3 next week, iBUYPOWER will be bootcamping for two weeks before they compete at ESL One Cologne on August 14th, and later ESWC on October 29th.

Question: What is your goal at ESL One? Which placing do you think is realistic?

2014-07-27 11:23

4 replies

Starting off on the right foot for each match would be a good goal definitely, like winning both pistol sides. Top 5 for me personally is a realistic goal, i'm not on a very good record with international events so this would be a good time to change that.

2014-07-27 19:44

3 replies

Great reply!

2014-07-27 21:13

thank you mate and gl there, will probably be there in cologne :)

2014-07-27 21:53

Respect man Great player best wishes

2014-07-28 13:09

how muich, overall, is the stay for you for bootcamping G3+ Bootcamping Cologne + flights etc? Do you think you will stand any reasonable chance if you're playing against the worlds best and you're not on homesoil? thanks for answering!

2014-07-27 11:24

1 reply

A lot.. ~$15 000+

2014-07-27 20:35

I dont have any question for now, but I would like to say that is amazing idea, and Im cheering for more stuff like that :)

2014-07-27 11:25

1 reply

Thanks :D

2014-07-27 19:44

Have you prepped cobblestone and overpass? Whats your thoughts on finally having some new maps? I bet you're all stoked that we dont have to play/see dust2 and inferno every time anymore, arent you?

2014-07-27 11:28

2 replies

We are/will be prepared for any maps that comes our way, I haven't been around as long as my veteran counter-strike teammates so I personally don't mind to play D2 a bit more :)

2014-07-27 19:46

It's very difficult (read: impossible) to find an overpass/cobble scrim in NA. The map isn't even an option on ESEA servers, and very few teams have off-client servers. Furthermore, no other teams besides us and coL have any reason to play these maps as they are not in any other tournament. I would have much rathered season/tuscan(toscan) to have been added, or have left the map pool without these additional maps until they could be eased into competitive play.

2014-07-27 21:15

Do you think that the roster swap made you a much better team, if you dont look at the results? ( so communication wise etc )

2014-07-27 11:29

1 reply

I feel like our team has more stability with the line-up we have now. Steel/DaZeD do a wonderful job fulfilling leadership roles, things I don't have to worry about. I can primarily focus on what I have to do and such.

2014-07-27 19:52

What does swag eat for breakfast?

2014-07-27 11:29

3 replies

skunk spray

2014-07-27 12:18

1 reply

I am done with It!

2014-07-27 12:34

Most of my teammates tend to skip breakfast. sleeping in > breakfast. But steel and I will usually get breakfast.

2014-07-27 19:53

How well do you think iBP will perform at the upcoming Cologne? And will you sell iBP jerseys? :D pleasee

2014-07-27 11:29

2 replies

I can't say for sure, but we will work hard during our bootcamp to ensure great results. (top 5 for me) I have no idea if iBP will start selling the jerseys, they look cool huh? :D

2014-07-27 19:55

1 reply

Becoming my favorite team, keep it up (: Take down a big tournament please!

2014-07-28 07:37

For dazed. Where do you self think you rank in world now. Which teams how edge on you?

2014-07-27 11:30

1 reply

World Rank? Not sure, i will say we can compete with anybody but deciding on a world ranking for us is impossible without a decent amount of tournaments attended.

2014-07-27 23:33

Question: I feel as time goes on (in CS:GO) North America is really progressing in talented teams. I feel including yourselves and others are very under-rated. Perfect example was the latest ESEA finals where americans placed top 2. Why do you think this is? Lack of international participation?

2014-07-27 11:31

3 replies

Recent articles suggest American teams only have one solid tournament(ESEA LAN) to look forward to each year on home soil, this is true. We practice day in and out for this one tournament and we are well prepared simply because we don't have anything else to look forward to(unless you compete in international events) a lack of NA LAN tournaments is our downfall.

2014-07-27 19:59

When you can count the amount of stable sponsorships on one hand, the best and most active players will usually end up on those teams. This means that you will find huge disparities in skill between teams; the more active and experienced teams will, more often than not, thrive.

2014-07-27 20:41

1 reply

Damn I just noticed you and skadoodle replied to this, GL at eswc. Yell, "lets go" after crucial round wins. Always did wonders for me at lan.

2014-10-17 21:57

Do you guys rely on some of your players(e.g swag or skadoodle) while playing a match or all try to perfom equally?

2014-07-27 11:31

4 replies

No, but Rangers will be better than Celtic the next year.

2014-07-27 16:21

1 reply

What?

2014-07-29 03:48

We don't try to perform equally, each of us are just playing the game. Sometimes some of us will catch fire and start fragging immensely, which can tilt the results :)

2014-07-27 20:01

Some of us have bigger/smaller roles depending on maps. For example, Skadoodle is our awper and should be performing better on awp favored maps (dust2, train, cache). It's not that we rely on some players, it's just tactically certain players are in action more or less frequently than others. Having said that, we can have players go on fire at any point; we can be winning and have someone on fire, or we can be losing and have someone on fire bring us back into the game.

2014-07-27 21:18

1. How much is the top American teams play styles different then euros and in what ways? 2. Do you feel like a third international contender is likely to happen in America any time soon?

2014-07-27 11:33

10 replies

1. The euros play with more confidence, they usually aren't scared to do risky plays and what not. I think NA teams have a hard time wrapping that concept. 2. I have no idea.

2014-07-27 20:07

7 replies

when we do riskier plays, and play with confidence in practice games/scrims. we are more often than not just called a bunch of scrimmers by u guys/coL. i think it would be great for the community if top teams like u guys start trying to elevate the level of play in NA and help make us other NA teams better, rather than belittle us for plays that work.

2014-07-27 20:43

6 replies

please don't ignore this comment. i also feel like you and coL often blame your poor results on the lack of talent in NA to practice against but at the same time you whine and namecall when lower teams play risky and try to out-think you in scrims

2014-07-27 20:54

5 replies

There is confident play, then there is uncalculated play. It is one thing to not be afraid and take aim battles when you should be taking them, but it is another thing to do it at the wrong times. If you do a play that works 3/10 times and you have success with it, it was not a smart play to make. Even if it worked that time, it has a 30% success rate. These are not good odds. I do not personally know which teams you guys are from or if I am one of the people who called you "scrimmers" or "onliners", but I reckon it would be for the aforementioned reasons. Play smart and confident, not dumb and confident. Don't confuse smarts and confidence =)

2014-07-27 21:22

4 replies

But you cannot always make the right decision

2014-07-28 00:43

I know this is late, but I just want to point out that with lower level teams, their basic strats may not be good enough to even get to the 3/10 chance range as they may require taking aim battles against you guys that they simply can't win. Their only chance in many scenarios is to try to throw you off by doing something unexpected. Of course this only applies when there is a large skill gap between teams.

2014-07-28 11:59

2 replies

If that's the case, then they're too low level to be playing against. It gets boring for us, because in any tournament, primarily offline, no player will ever play like that. If they did, they would most likely get annihilated. So you can see why we don't like to practice against it. That type of play doesn't translate into anything meaningful during any respectable event.

2014-07-29 03:39

1 reply

Fair enough.

2014-07-30 20:25

1. I find that most American teams/players will play for their total frags as opposed to round wins. Even if they lose, they can still say "look I had 20 kills!" 2. I don't think so.

2014-07-27 20:22

1 reply

You can blame #1 on esea.

2014-07-28 04:33

What do you think about Cobblestone and Overpass being forced into the map pool with so little time before Cologne? How would you rank yourselves amongst the top CS teams? About how much do you practise per day (normally) and per week outside of preparing for big events?

2014-07-27 11:34

4 replies

I don't think it's a very good idea. I wanna say top 10 in the world. we practice weekly each day roughly 3-5 hours, and for big events like Cologne, we bootcamp! :)

2014-07-27 20:11

I don't think it was a good idea I would say top 5 in the world. 10 at the very least. Usually weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) and we will generally play until we can't find any teams to play, or we're tired.

2014-07-27 20:43

2 replies

Top5, jaja, good one

2014-07-29 02:59

top5??!! are you kidding me

2014-07-29 04:06

Do you feel like you've ironed out the issues which have held you back in Europe in the past?

2014-07-27 11:34

1 reply

I would hope so, but time will tell.

2014-07-27 20:12

Is swag a really key player? Why did the team get so strong after recruiting him while coL plumeted down?

2014-07-27 11:35

1 reply

Swag is a great addition to the team, we knew what we needed and we got him, and it worked out fantastically. Not sure about col.

2014-07-27 20:26

What top teams do you feel confident playing against and which top teams do you feel you struggle against? Also what teams and players would you guys like to see do well at ESL Cologne? Best of luck! Steel best streamer, Bernie dance 2g!<3

2014-07-27 11:40

1 reply

I feel most confident against all teams who aren't: NiP, VP, Dignitas, Titan I hope that NiP are able to do well again. They really work hard and make for a good showing at all events. Tyty

2014-07-27 20:44

1. Do you feel confident about going in Europe? 2. Why did you failed hard everytime you came in European Tournaments?

2014-07-27 11:40

swag, would you like to team up with jordan again in the future?

2014-07-27 11:42

3 replies

Jordan is one of my favorite teammates inside and outside the game so if its the right opportunity why not :D Changing lineups is not always the best idea though~

2014-07-27 21:02

2 replies

So, when the next ibp steps down/quit/retires/ You'll be bringing in n0thing right?

2014-07-27 21:18

that is true but you both have great cohesion - best of luck in europe, hope you do well.

2014-07-27 23:13

Steel did you lose skinz on the ESG v dAT match?

2014-07-27 11:45

1 reply

Didn't bet

2014-07-27 21:23

Is it hard to jerk off while in a group home / hotel? Wondering if thats why shoxie left titan?

2014-07-27 11:46

9 replies

We're all surprisingly close with each other and don't mind taking turns with your mum.

2014-07-27 21:23

8 replies

Hahahahahhahhahahhahahhahahahahahhahaah o god

2014-07-27 21:51

REKT

2014-07-27 22:02

LAWL

2014-07-27 23:33

hahahahaha ROFL

2014-07-28 13:45

hahaha

2014-07-28 23:20

HAHAHA, this is why I love steel. :D

2014-07-29 06:42

get_rekt

2014-07-29 13:38

#GeGe

2014-07-30 17:05

Does a team like yours hangout outside a lot out of CS? Like are you guys the best of friends outside the game or do you have your own friends and just treat the Team as a job?

2014-07-27 11:48

2 replies

We can only hangout together at LANs, and we are the best of friends, some of these guys are hilarious.

2014-07-27 20:33

As Ska mentioned, outside of CS when we are at events we do have a lot of fun together. When we are online, we usually have different interests outside of practice. Swag/DaZeD/myself will usually 10man or MM or ESEA Pug together from time to time. Same thing goes for DOTA. AZK usually plays with his friends / old teammates / french people, and skadoodle likes to unwind with his own games

2014-07-27 20:48

Did you expect NA teams to dominate over EU teams so badly @ ESEA Lan?

2014-07-27 11:48

1 reply

Noooooope. Was a surprise. A pleasant one =)

2014-07-27 21:35

Q: Has EG organisation approached you guys in any way? If so, are you considering the offer? In case that you'd find some strong sponsorship, would you consider moving to Europe for practice purposes (long-term bootcamp)? gl in Cologne

2014-07-27 11:49

4 replies

That's a bit of an awkward question for a public forum!

2014-07-27 20:22

3 replies

Please don't tell me that you're already on that EG's announcement strategy train because it drives me crazy. Hope you'll decide and let us know soon :)

2014-07-27 20:29

2 replies

Patience, my friend. Patience. :)

2014-07-29 06:45

1 reply

soon(tm) should be punishable by law

2014-07-29 11:01

Question: Which 3 teams would you anticipate to be in the top 3 on ESL Cologne(if you can't say your own team)?

2014-07-27 11:52

1 reply

NiP, VP, Dig

2014-07-27 20:48

I just want to let you guys know I'll be cheering for you! I have not been a fan for very long, but I would love if the US had finally won a major. It would be thrilling for me. Q: For DaZeD, as an in game leader when do you realize, "Hey, I need to bench this guy", or something along those lines? I know you guys have been playing together for a while now and I know you guys have proven yourselves time and time again, but this is a theoretical question. When do you know it is time to bench someone, or do you risk it and just keep them on the team and try to work out their weaknesses?

2014-07-27 11:52

Is there any bad blood with IBP and Hiko/sgares?

2014-07-27 11:53

Whos you toughest opponent out there ?

2014-07-27 11:55

1 reply

VP, NiP, Dig probably. NiP because they've established themselves as the best in the world VP because they've won the last major and have a wicked combo of both individual talent as well as good tactics Dig because they are a very powerful bunch of individual players under good leadership

2014-07-27 21:30

Are there any specific benefits you feel you're getting by staying in the EU to bootcamp before ESL?

2014-07-27 11:55

1 reply

Getting a feel of the euros game style/play, always a good benefit.

2014-07-27 20:36

Sir. Scoots said in a tweet that no American team actually pays their player. Is this true? What kind of support are you getting from IBP and do you think you're worth more?

2014-07-27 11:56

2 replies

this is true yes

2014-07-27 16:02

This is true. iBUYPOWER supplies us with our computers and peripherals. There is a large travel budget set aside to attend all worthy events, including all ESEA events, the ESWC qualifier, any major European events. We will prioritize certain events over others to stay within our budget.

2014-07-27 21:04

steel will stay in iBP? After Cologne...?

2014-07-27 12:07

3 replies

I hope so..

2014-07-27 20:23

2 replies

cool dude, u are great player btw. Gl with your team at Cologne.

2014-07-27 20:29

1 reply

tyty

2014-07-27 21:30

Is steel always as toxic as he is when he streams?

2014-07-27 12:07

2 replies

If I can't be the best CSGO player, at least I can be the best toxic CSGO player, right, RIGHT?

2014-07-27 21:34

1 reply

haha, nice response :)

2014-07-28 08:02

Who do you feel are top 5 teams NA?

2014-07-27 12:16

How much steel can steel lift?

2014-07-27 12:18

3 replies

Max bench is 225lbs. I'm a weakling.

2014-07-27 21:05

2 replies

prove it man!

2014-07-27 21:06

pics or it didn't happen

2014-07-28 03:27

Whats your ingame roles?

2014-07-27 12:19

2 replies

Awper

2014-07-27 20:40

Dependings on maps. I suppose normally I am either support or entry fragger. There are a couple of maps where I am the secondary lurk. I generally prioritize smokes/flashes/nade/molotov over an AK if we are lower money so I can help set up executes. If we are dropping rounds or if I feel DaZeD is making emotional/impulse calls, I will provide input into strats/setups/patterns that the enemy is doing.

2014-07-27 21:27

Who do you think are TOP 10 WW teams?

2014-07-27 12:22

1 reply

*World Wide*

2014-07-27 15:07

Who is the best raw aimer NA?

2014-07-27 12:23

1 reply

Skadoodle's aim is pretty crisp.

2014-07-27 21:30

If you can provide a good showing at G3 and ESL One Cologne will we see alot more of iBP at some more of the future events in Europe such as dremhacks even if the prize money is lesser than that of say G3?

2014-07-27 12:25

1 reply

We have a budget that we can use to go to events. If this means prioritizing one event over another, then we will have to miss out on the smaller scale events. Europe trips are quite expensive and we can usually do 2-3 domestic events for the same price.

2014-07-27 20:24

So nice guys rhar you are making AMA here and not on reddit, cheers. My question will be: what place is accaptable for you guys in booth G3 and EMS Cologne, if you dont reach minimum of yor goal, any changes happen to team?

2014-07-27 12:25

1 reply

I'm happy with top 5 finishes, but obviously we're in it to win it all.

2014-07-27 20:45

How many years Dazed has left considering he's well past his 40's? Why did he change to left handed gaming so late in his career?

2014-07-27 12:34

1 reply

We figure he can make it to 85 years old, so he is just over halfway done his life.

2014-07-27 21:05

Question: Is adreN somehow involved in iBP?

2014-07-27 12:41

how you feel chances in cologne ? how many hours you pracc online ?

2014-07-27 12:55

For Swag: What was the reason you changed from coL to iBP?

2014-07-27 12:56

Dazed: How much do you hate complexity ? Question: Do you think that induction of steel and swag gave your org a bad image ?

2014-07-27 12:58

Are you getting a percent off sticker sales or organisation gets all ?

2014-07-27 12:57

1 reply

The team split the sticker sales five ways (20% each) from EMS One Katowice

2014-07-27 21:31

@Steel Are you still my best m8 from the cadred days????

2014-07-27 13:01

2 replies

Depends, do you still need a bib from all that dribble? :D

2014-07-27 21:32

1 reply

youtube.com/watch?v=TcxpbhM0DaA

2014-07-27 21:36

On a scale of 1-10, how much does steel rage in matches compared to when he streams?

2014-07-27 13:02

4 replies

2014-07-27 13:25

HAHAH :D Thats a good question

2014-07-27 13:46

good one :D

2014-07-27 14:52

'Bout a 9

2014-07-27 20:24

What forced you to make line up changes and pick up Swag?How did you change your playstyle since then? P.S. thx for the answers in advance and gl hf in both tournaments :)

2014-07-27 13:14

How do you feel about Value being more involved like contributing to EMS Katowice 2014 and now ESL one 2014. What more do you think Value needs to do? Also how do you feel about the online leagues like Faceit and CEVO becoming more invested in the NA scene is it a good thing or bad thing? And lastly what maps would you like to see being into the competitive scene?

2014-07-27 13:18

2 replies

Valve being more involved is definitely good for the scene and community. What is also good is that they are constantly updating the game based off of community feedback and or statistics. More leagues in NA is good. More to play for, more practice, more variety. More is better. It's how teams will be more active and get better =) +season +tuscan

2014-07-27 21:07

1 reply

Thanks for the reply and all the best at ESL and ESWC and future events. :D

2014-07-28 12:08

does anyone on IBP have a job or is everyone 100% focused on cs?

2014-07-27 13:18

2 replies

As far as I know we are all just focusing on CS/Streaming for now.

2014-07-27 21:17

I have a full time job 8-4, but I still have time to focus on CS.

2014-07-27 22:21

Do u plan to attend more European Lan tournamets?

2014-07-27 13:19

Steel or whoever, What can you say about shroud and his future on CoL?

2014-07-27 13:28

1 reply

Dunno man

2014-07-28 23:31

how is it to know that coL is a better team than you and they got better players TO: adreN

2014-07-27 13:38

3 replies

adren isn't on the squad?

2014-07-28 23:31

2 replies

Ups my fault should have been in this chat :D How much do u train and how do u become that good at gaming

2014-07-29 11:20

1 reply

Shouldnt have been in this chat*

2014-07-29 11:21

Why is steel having dinner fucking cereal all the time?

2014-07-27 13:43

1 reply

Cereal is good any time of day. Why are you so worked up over it?

2014-07-27 21:07

Skadoodle. Do you eat at breakfast? If so what are the ingredients?

2014-07-27 13:43

Who would you add to your line up if for example swag was to quite CS?

2014-07-27 13:43

1 reply

you

2014-07-28 07:14

Q: How are you feeling about ESL Cologne? Will you be prepared? GL ez for iBP #1

2014-07-27 13:46

what do your families think of the fact you dont have a "real" job so to speak.

2014-07-27 13:58

1 reply

My parents weren't supportive of it at first, but I was living on my own anyways. When I started to really get into it, my father started to be more open minded about it and now thinks it's really cool. I did have a "real job" but I prefer doing this instead.

2014-07-28 23:30

howa re you so good?

2014-07-27 13:59

1 reply

Genetics

2014-07-28 23:30

How do u feel about ESL?

2014-07-27 13:59

1 reply

wat

2014-07-28 23:31

How best to practise tactics in team?

2014-07-27 14:01

1 reply

Play versus a team that doesn't run at you like jackasses, then try to figure out the timings for your tactic. For example, if a player needs to fall back from a position to meet up with the rest of the team, maybe he needs to fall back 5 seconds before the rest of the team. Find out when all of the smokes land. If one smoke takes 5 seconds from the time it is thrown to when it pops, and another takes 10, you should find better timed smokes that bloom together. Have your strats set out in a way that you can easily create fakes/double fakes from the same set-up. This keeps your opponent guessing.

2014-07-28 23:29

Q: Do you think you can win/get into top3 at both G3 and eslone? GL, cheering for you.

2014-07-27 14:10

1 reply

Yes. Thanks =)

2014-07-27 21:08

Question to Swag: When did you start playing CS, and how is your focus on school?

2014-07-27 14:10

1 reply

The very first time i touched cs was at my cousins, I believe I was around 7-8, I ended up buying the game with my brother a couple years later. As far as school goes im taking online classes to focus more on CS! :D

2014-07-27 21:06

Do you know if teams are actively practicing cobblestone and nuke for ESL one. Some have speculated that given how little time valve provided to learn the maps, that teams may form a gentleman's agreement over not playing them.

2014-07-27 14:14

1 reply

Don't know what the deal is in EU at the moment, but we will find out when we arrive. NA teams are not playing the maps as only us and coL are attending ESL One where it will be played.

2014-07-28 23:26

Swag play with Acceleration?!?!?!?

2014-07-27 14:32

1 reply

I play with acceleration ingame which is set to 1.05! Windows EPP is off.

2014-07-27 21:06

Do you feel like the home advantage was one of the main reasons to your success (and complexity's success) in the esea finals? Or do you feel confident enough that you can achieve they same scores against top eu teams in esl cologne for example?

2014-07-27 14:39

1 reply

It definitely gave us an edge, but we got lucky with how the brackets were laid out and the fact that coL upset NiP. Hopefully we can adjust to the timezone for ESL One as we arrive just a couple of days before G3

2014-07-27 20:27

to all: what do you think the reason is that you perform better than any other team against NA teams, but coL has more success against international teams?

2014-07-27 15:05

1 reply

I don't think that's a fair question since we have only had ESEA LAN with the roster to base it off of. I think coL generally steps it up on LAN, period. Not just versus EU teams, but in general.

2014-07-27 21:09

To all: if u had a chance, to change something in game, what would it be ?

2014-07-27 15:29

4 replies

It would be awesome to have a little "pro" badge/coin. That way people don't have to second guess if i'm the "real" skadoodle or not ;p

2014-07-27 22:25

3 replies

2014-07-28 08:09

Not to sound like a dick, but there is one Ska, you just have to make it out of groups at a major :D Seriously not a jab, but just something that I thought of, gl in Cologne, hope to see you and coL make the playoffs !

2014-07-28 12:38

1 reply

Oh yeah :/ dam.

2014-07-29 02:31

Do Steel and dazed love and respect and treat each other properly now?

2014-07-27 15:59

1 reply

No, they hate each other, but they don't admit it. When they'll start to lose, the same problems will come back and steel will quit as usual.

2014-07-27 16:23

with the lack of prize money in NA cs these days, combined with your lack of success internationally. how do you guys manage to make ends meat?

2014-07-27 17:34

2 replies

Great question, let me upload my income tax forms for you.

2014-07-27 23:40

1 reply

still waiting :/

2014-07-28 01:53

To AZK: What's your favorite CSGO player? GL & <3

2014-07-27 18:09

If you fail at G3 + ESL are you going to consider roster changes?

2014-07-27 18:25

6 replies

Yeah we'll hold open tryouts and replace all 5 of us actually.

2014-07-27 23:38

5 replies

I literally fell out of my chair. you have to be the Matthew Perry of csgo, only gayer.

2014-07-28 02:56

3 replies

mad africa?

2014-07-29 00:23

2 replies

You do realize that flags are not ip based on this website? so i can change it and set it to wherever i want to be from? Btw if you want to kiss his ass you can go to his stream.

2014-07-29 01:07

1 reply

oh my you are very mad africa

2014-07-29 15:37

LOL

2014-07-28 03:29

You guys are gonna be in EU for around 3 weeks (including G3) right ? Will 3 weeks be enough time to adapt to the EU play style ? Do you think gaming houses will be worthy for CS teams or a good bootcamp prior to a tournament is enough ?

2014-07-27 18:34

1 reply

1) Correct 2) I think the G3 event + bootcamp should be enough for us to iron out all of our tactics, create really powerful pistol rounds, adjust to the timezone difference, and get a good idea for all strategies that we will face 3) I am not sure how well team houses would work for CS to be honest. Bootcamps are generally sufficient before bigger events. Streaming your team's practice games and official matches is dangerous to the success of the team, and regular MM/pugs are not as fun to play/watch as other games solo queues are (sc2, dota)

2014-07-27 20:31

1. Can i add you on steam? I love you. With all my heart. 2. How to you view your chances on G3 and ESL Colonge? 3. Skadoodle i love you. Keep awping bro!

2014-07-27 19:07

2 replies

1. Nope 2. We expect to put up a decent fight. As always (and like most teams), looking for a top3 finish. 3. He says thank you =)

2014-07-27 21:10

1 reply

thanks :) my friends and I love skadoodle. when skadoodle makes a huge play: SKADOOOOOOOOOODDDDDLLEEEEEEEE HOLY SHIT DID YOU SKADOODLE OMG <3 iBP iBP is love, iBP is life

2014-07-28 03:31

What do you think about compLexity ? Do you think that adding shroud to their roster is a smart move ? Where will be held the bootcamp ? What about getting a gaming house NA/EU ? Are you guys looking for an European manager or whatever ? Would be glad to help. (:

2014-07-27 19:45

1 reply

The bootcamp will be held at the Gfinity studio in London. They seem like a great company and we can't wait to get there =) Gaming house seems a bit excessive and expensive, not to mention the obvious issues with having a 17 year old player on the team that probably could not commit the time We are not looking for a European manager -- Impulsive works for ibuypower at the headquarters and is in charge of the esports side of things.

2014-07-28 23:23

Do you think you would have beaten NiP and Na'vi at ESEA lan had complexity not knocked them out?

2014-07-27 19:59

1 reply

I feel like we would do better against NiP than VP just because everyone watches them so closely (they are the best). We would know what to expect from NiP. Having the higher seed vs VP definitely helped us. I do not think we would have an issue beating NaVi

2014-07-27 20:29

have any 2 of you ever tagteamed one girl?

2014-07-27 20:03

2 replies

the trio of dazed steel and kate is very intriguing. im curious about this as well.

2014-07-27 20:51

1 reply

No comment.

2014-07-27 21:11

Is Swag very important for you ?

2014-07-27 20:15

1 reply

static.hltv.org/images/galleries/6069-me.. a picture says a thousand words..

2014-07-27 23:37

How many energy drinks do you guys go through at an average tournament?

2014-07-27 20:34

3 replies

I go through about 1-2. I'd rather stick to water for the most part and only really drink energy drinks if I have had a long break between games or if I am generally tired.

2014-07-27 21:11

none.

2014-07-27 23:36

I'll only have 1 if im feeling very tired.

2014-07-28 23:35

my question is for josh and josh alone; 1- i feel like a stalker after watching you play like 100 hours but i gotta ask after streamin for hours in 1920x1080, do you play 1920x1080 competitively as well?

2014-07-27 20:50

4 replies

The settings I play with are the settings I stream with too. I changed to this resolution primarily for the streaming, but I do like the resolution.

2014-07-27 21:12

3 replies

Out of curiosity - What CPU / GPU do you have? And do you have all low-low-low blabla. I've used 1920x1080 aswell but get lag/stutter at dm and from time to time in matches aswell aaaand what FPS like in general?

2014-07-28 10:47

2 replies

medium, low, low, medium, enabled, 2x, 2x, disabled disabled disabled. specs can be found on my website or stream channel (steel_tv)

2014-07-28 23:21

1 reply

You're the man :)

2014-07-29 06:18

What would you say has had the biggest leap or impact in performance for the team? I believe it is replacing adreN and anger with swag and steel.

2014-07-27 20:57

1 reply

although adren and anger are fantastic players having steel/swag on the team puts everyone back in their proper roles and makes everyone more comfortable. I think that helps a lot.

2014-07-29 01:09

A question to any of the 5 that want to answer. Who's the best team mate you've ever had?

2014-07-27 21:00

1 reply

tck or azk so far. ska would be up there if he communicated more...

2014-07-29 01:08

No questions really, good luck guys :)

2014-07-27 21:12

Can I have a signed iBP pc??

2014-07-27 21:12

Question: Will a documentary group be following you in the next few months and capture your road to EMS Cologne / G3 / ESWC?

2014-07-27 21:16

1 reply

Nope, just our manager Impulsive with his recently smashed camera (shh, don't tell his girlfriend, it's her camera! xD)

2014-07-27 21:36

Q: as a kid, u had any inspiration in any cs 1.6/s player?

2014-07-27 21:17

question: how is the life of a professional player? how do you try to improve yourself's as players?

2014-07-27 21:24

1 reply

The same as the life of an amateur player. Except we're good. And we travel more. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from other players (good or bad plays). Look at situations objectively, not subjectively.

2014-07-28 23:20

To Skadoodle: Do you ever miss playing with your original GO lineup(ie: Mike3D, Emong, TM, Juve)? Do you still play games with them outside of GO? To Steel: Who are you cutting for K8theGr8Edge? Don't lie, we know it's coming. To whomever: Does Impulsive have any input for you guys? I know he doesn't really play GO, but he's pretty experienced so I'm curious as to if he ever talks to you about what may or may not work? Otherwise, does he just give you tips on how to style your hair?

2014-07-27 21:39

2 replies

k8| is our cheerleader. Nobody gets cut for her. Impulsive will chat to me if he sees something going wrong. I will then pass it on to dazed if/when it's necessary. Otherwise he is there to give us props, high fives, and cheer when he's with us in games. Oh, and he brings us water. He's our glorified water boy xD

2014-07-27 21:46

Yeah we had some fun memories and such! I don't play any games with them currently. Sometimes impulsive can spot things that he thinks could work for us, because sometimes we're blind and out of ideas.

2014-07-27 23:36

How is Derrick as a manager? I remember when he played with turmoil and x3o. Does he get into the strategic side of the game or does he only manage the team itself well nvm i guess just saw the question/reply above

2014-07-27 22:01

Do the 5 of you get to keep all of the prize money? Or does the manager or iBP get their share? How does a gaming organization like iBP finance itself? If you dont get paid salaries, how do you get money for a living? Steel gets some from streaming and swag prob lives at home, but what about the others?

2014-07-27 21:59

1 reply

As we are not salaried, we split the prize money 5 ways for the players. iBUYPOWER.com/ca/de is a company that specializes in building computers. It is sort of like Alienware. You can go to the website, customize a computer, and they will build it. Generally gaming ones. All of us are using an ibuypower revolt computer mini and we all stream with it. Swag is 17 years old living at home, so all of the money he gets from CS is way more than he would normally be making. Skadoodle works full time. I am not sure what AZK does, but dazed and I both have other ways of making income that we don't need to talk about publicly on a forum. We are able to make ends meet =)

2014-07-28 23:19

Do you think that valve will bring a big update before the event? They did it before and if yes, do they stay in contact with the pro scene and actually bring in changes they want that pro players think would make the game better?

2014-07-27 22:06

4 replies

I would be really surprised if they released a major update right before the event, if anything it will be minor changes, and yes they are in contact with us but that doesn't mean that they always listen.

2014-07-27 23:43

3 replies

They made a lot of changes i think before katowice, with stickers for supporting the teams, a lot of bug fixes and some minor map changes. I would like to see those changes again:) thx for info anyways

2014-07-27 23:51

2 replies

Can't wait for my stickers. 4 going on ALL of my guns.

2014-07-28 23:15

1 reply

I want to have some too because the old ones cost too much on the market^^

2014-07-28 23:18

1. Do you guys have any other jobs than just being professional CS:GO players? I know it must be pretty hard in NA since there are almost no big tournaments but it would be nice to know. 2. Do you guys prefer lan or online?

2014-07-27 22:41

2 replies

1. You can call me ska the carpenter if you'd like :) 2. Anything is better on LAN.

2014-07-27 23:37

When I was living in London, UK I was working in IT Desktop Support. I resigned from my job prior to ESL One Katowice. This is what allowed me to move back to Canada and travel so frequently over the past several months of being on iBUYPOWER. I prefer LAN. 100%

2014-07-28 23:15

steel, honest opinion on the butterbean?

2014-07-27 23:16

1 reply

He should stop talking shit.

2014-07-28 23:15

Steel do you think a 2 week bootcamp is too long? In terms of becoming exhausted of playing so much cs just before one of the big events of the year.

2014-07-27 23:42

2 replies

I think 2 weeks of 12 hours is too long, yes. I would much rather 2-3 days of 12 hour intense bootcamp. We have the resources to do the bootcamp, it's up to us to choose what to do with the time, so perhaps we will not get burned out if we play our cards right.

2014-07-28 23:12

1 reply

I don't know if 12 hours a day is rly good for your gaming, isn't it too much so that you play worse after so much training? do you compensate play time with sport?

2014-07-28 23:22

How do you guys feel about the two new maps added to the pool? Are you guys ready for it? I have seen steel's contribution to the maps; will this give you guys the upper edge somehow?

2014-07-27 23:46

1 reply

I've answered the first bit of the question above. With regards to my input/suggestions, I did not actually make the amends to the map myself. I simply offered suggestions. Valve picked and chose which ones to work with. I have zero upper edge.

2014-07-28 23:14

Question to swag:How did you meet with those pro players from USA how did they saw your talent?

2014-07-28 00:52

Question to Steel: Who did your 3 Redlines on, Reliable or ManaJuma?

2014-07-28 03:12

1 reply

Reliable bro

2014-07-28 23:11

What will it take for the 1st 250k LAN in MURICA' ?

2014-07-28 04:33

2 replies

i can answer this one for ibp: it will need either 1) valve to give a $250k purse to esea, or 2) esl to host a $250k event in the us.

2014-07-28 10:59

1 reply

or MLG??? :D

2014-07-28 16:27

what is everyone waring for cloths??

2014-07-28 06:39

1 reply

We just bought team dusters with american flags underneath.

2014-07-29 01:11

Do the Bernie behind the casters please.

2014-07-28 07:05

1 reply

Done.

2014-07-28 23:10

Why dont you stream skadoodle ? love to see you & swag streaming

2014-07-28 07:13

1 reply

Too busy, don't have enough time to stream. I have to work and practice.

2014-07-29 03:43

@steel Everyone talks about swag being the big pickup but definitely you have been as well. Ska mentioned you have taken on a leadership role...is this mid game calls or are you just a mad dog people love IRL aka fifflaren? @dazed How good is finally having a complete lineup and winning? Does this make calling/living easier? Are you enjoying CS more now and glad you switched back from that awful XBOX saga? @skadoodle What's your favourite AWP skin? @swag I've got no real questions for you. @AZK Have you ever sat down with AZR from VOX EMINOR and talked about copyright?

2014-07-28 10:57

2 replies

DaZeD is the IGL. If he is dead, I will take over mid round. If he is stuck or gets stuck on one train of thought, I can nudge him out. Usually he's on point so I don't really have to say anything.

2014-07-28 23:10

I like the redline, because I like to be team color coordinated :D

2014-07-29 02:33

To all, Is it safe to say that n0thing is the best NA player?

2014-07-28 11:24

1 reply

I can answer this one; Hiko is the best.

2014-07-29 01:58

Do you guys prefer silenced weapons or non-silenced? =) Gl on G3 and ESL

2014-07-28 11:26

2 replies

For me, it depends on the map and the spot that im playing.

2014-07-28 23:26

Same with azk, and thank you.

2014-07-29 02:34

your way to success ? :) training, aim, what you doin to be better and better everyday :)

2014-07-28 16:48

2 replies

Mostly just practicing against other teams with my own team, but in my own time I also do some deathmatch,aim maps from time to time and also demo reviews.

2014-07-28 23:30

1 reply

do you(all of you) help to DazeD with strats, give him ideas etc?

2014-07-29 00:11

Skadoodle: who is the toughest awper youve faced?

2014-07-28 23:23

Swag, can you elaborate a bit on why you left col, and how ibp is different?

2014-07-28 23:25

well,play today american teams?

2014-07-28 23:28

@steel are you still in contact with nooky ? :)

2014-07-28 23:35

1 reply

Yep

2014-07-28 23:40

does swag have biceps or can he rap at all

2014-07-29 01:02

iBUYPOWER to win G3 and atleast top 4 in ESL, goodluck guys :D

2014-07-29 01:35

post4

2014-07-29 02:04

Question: For AZK, who is the best and who is the worst player in your team? and why? ^^

2014-07-29 03:10

I'm not sure if you still answer questions but I have some for steel: What's your best lan memory, css included? Do you regret css at some points? Here's a video you might not have watched for a couple of years: youtube.com/watch?v=ipUnJo-o-Ww Thanks!

2014-07-29 06:38

question: Sorry if somebody already asked it, but what do you think about overpass and cobblestone? Have you practiced it yet? Do you like at least one of these maps?

2014-07-29 11:26