Interview conducted by JP “Moogle” McDaniel

This interview was with Joseph “Perez” Perez of MoB Gaming’s Counter Strike 1.6 Team

First off congratulations on winning the CEVO 1.6 Professional Playoffs. Tell us a little bit about your tournament experience and the CEVO season overall.

Thank you! The tournament was a pretty fun tournament with some very close and exciting matches that could have gone either way. We went into triple overtime with EG and into overtime with PoV which were both nail biting matches. Overall the tournament was run smoothly and the matches were exciting. As far as the season 9 as a whole, it went by pretty quick. We started it off pretty strong, closed the season with some losses and in the end got the big wins.

Let’s go through each of the matches on your way to the finals. The first match of the tournament you guys found yourselves against Evil Geniuses, a team you have a lot of history with. You would end up losing to them in a triple overtime match, 31-27. What did this do to the teams ego and how did you come back from it?

The EG match was a very intense and grueling match that seemed to go on forever. It could have gone either way in my opinion, but EG ended up getting the best of us in the end. After the EG match was over, no one was necessarily upset about it, it was more of disappointment because we knew what we did wrong, but more or so accepted the loss and just focused on beating x3o so that we could advance.

Next up you found yourselves against x3o. In a match many would of thought to be the Grand Finals for the tournament, you guys handily defeated x3o with a 16-6 score. What do you feel contributed to this win the most?

Nuke is definitely one of our stronger, if not our strongest map. I believe that our communication and teamwork definitely contributed to the win, and of course the fact that we were hitting our shots. Unfortunately for x3o, they did not have Ediz, who is their strat caller/in-game leader. This in turn forced x3o to use a alternate player and that in game chemistry which is built up with ediz over the years, was definitely lacking. It could have been a closer game in my opinion if they had their entire starting lineup.

You guys had a chance at redemption playing against Evil Geniuses once again in round two of the lower bracket. The first half would end with a 10-5 lead for yourselves. What did the team do to focus in on the match against a team who in a previous match took you to triple overtime?

We were not thrilled at all about having to play EG again, and of course, on a map that we never played before as a team….tuscan. We went up on tside pretty quickly and they fought back to get a solid 5 rounds vs. us on their ct side. Matt “Lim” winning the pistol round on our ct vs. nepo in a 1v1 was probably the deciding factor. After him winning we knew we had to stay focused, because EG is a team that likes to buy on second rounds…therefore playing cautious and not being overly aggressive. We also focused on good map rotation. We ended up getting the necessary picks early off in the round to stop EG from executing.

In the last match in the finals you guys played against Paragon of Virtue, a team who surprised many sending x3o to the losers bracket so early in the tournament. They took you guys to overtime on Train offering up an extremely competitive match. Tell us a little bit about the match in general and how you guys pulled it together, taking the win.

The match started slow for us. We went down 10-5 I believe. As ct, we were still very sloppy, but unfortunately for PoV, as many saw, they pretty much handed us 2 rounds that they should have won. First round being where Noah and I both were saving our guns, and PoV over thank and ended up going inner where we were saving, allowing us to frag all 4 remaining members of their team, and winning the round. Second was on our save round where they all went inner and Lim killed 3 with deagle headshots. That match was definitely not our best show of cs, but we ended up pulling through with the win after some clutch play.

In the finals you guys fought against a legend in the 1.6 scene, Complexity. Many did not think coL would make it as far as they did and when they got a quick lead on you guys early on in the first half considered it over. What did you think about the match and how do you feel about Complexity being back in the top tier 1.6 scene?

First of all I would like to say gg to complexity. Their tside on dust2 was pretty organized and had us over thinking ourselves pretty much the entire half. We were getting the initial pickoffs lower b and back middle, but they eventually and consistently kept capitalizing on our rotating. Going into the second half we knew that we had to win pistol round, or face a tough and long road ahead of us if we wanted to win. Fortunately we won the pistol round and went on to win the match. I think coL being back in 1.6 is great. They bring back a lot of skill and are a respected organization. Unfortunately, it is only a temporary 1.6 circumstance, as they will be heading back to source soon. GL with that.

If you guys had to name an MVP for the team throughout the entire tournament, who would it be?

Overall, everyone had their key rounds in which they shined. If anyone, I would have to pick Scott (evolution) as the MVP because he really played well the throughout entire playoffs. In the finals vs. complexity on both maps, he won quite a few clutch situations that could have proven deadly for us if lost.

What match was the most important to you to win?

I believe winning the tuscan match vs. EG was the match of most importance, because that match guaranteed us Top 3 and a chance at redemption. This match set the tone for us for the rest of the tournament.

Were there any specific highlights throughout the tournament for you?

There were many highlights, Thomz is back and played great. StrikeR and I winning that 2v4 in the PoV match. Lim fragged 3 inner and us winning a very much needed and important save round. And of course, evolutions multiple clutches on nuke vs. coL. It was a full team effort.

What is in the future for MoB Gaming?

Well right now, although being very satisfied with our win in CEVO, the team will be focusing the remainder of the week preparing for the WCG and ESL event being held in Los Angeles next weekend. Of course, like any team, we want to do well at both events. CS can go back and forth and anyone can win on any given Sunday. Well just prepare and fix our small flaws and hope to do well come next weekend! I want to thank TurtleBeach, 180 and The Godfather.

Article by Ted Ottey

Pandemic vs 50 Calibre

Definitely the highlight match of round 1, Pandemic and 50 Calibre were two both impressive, and disappointing, teams throughout the regular season. Looking at the match from a distance one would think Pandemic would have an easy win, however, their 4th place seed and record in the regular season would have the close observer rethinking that assumption, especially since 50 Calibre had previously beaten Pandemic earlier in the season. With all their chips on the table these two giants looked geared for an all intense close match, however, the result couldn’t have been anything different.

By winning the knife round, Pandemic was able to choose offense, usually considered the easier side, to start the match on. Whether it was the return of long time starter Jason “crzg” Pielemeier or just very excellent preparation, Pandemic looked in the top form we saw during their European tour, picking apart 50 Calibre’s defense one by one. With well coordinated pushes inside the A hallway and outside the A hanger, Pandemic was able to take down 50 Calibre’s often four-man stacked defense within the A bombsite hanger. Ending the first half with an impressive 9-3 lead, Pandemic looked unstoppable.

With their backs against the wall, 50 Calibre tried desperately to get back in the game, pushing the A bombsite hanger with the same ferocity Pandemic had. Despite picking up the early round, 50 Calibre just wasn’t able to convert their offense pushes as Pandemic would out-maneuver them outside the A hanger and inside the hallways. The match ended in a surprisingly large 13-5 victory for the AEF champions as they advance to face EG in round 2.

Pandemic > 50 Calibre Gaming 13-5

Frag Dominant vs MoB Gaming

Another very interesting match that, once again, turned out to be very different than what most would have expected. Looking solely at the seeds, one would easily predict Frag Dominant to defeat MoB as the difference between a 3rd seed and 6th seed is supposedly significantly more then say 4th and 5th seed. Apparently MoB didn’t get that memo, however, taking a page from Pandemic’s book by gaining a the identical large early 9-3 lead on offense.

After a short delay due to server issues, the second half resumed with relatively little change as MoB continued to look dominate. Gasping for rounds, Frag Dominant was able to convert the final two rounds of 4-12 match point situation before MoB closed the match 13-6 in their favor, sending the 3rd seed to the lower bracket where unfortunately they will now wait to play the loser of Pandemic vs Team EG.

MoB Gaming > Frag Dominant 13-6

MoB Gaming vs Evil Geniuses

The two teams with the most history face each other for the second time this tournament. The first time they met the match lasted over 55 rounds in three overtimes. This time it was over without even one.  MoB would win the pistol round, and the two follow rounds but EG would prove they are a force to be reckoned with and take the first gun round. MoB would reply quickly however and take the second gund round, forcing EG to save.   MoB would never look back and go up 10-4 with EG getting a round every now and then thanks to n0thing. The half would end at 10-5.

MoB would win the gun round after the half, but EG would rally together some round win making it 12-8 in favor of MoB.   MoB would go on to win with a score of 16-10 leaving EG with a 4th place finish for the tournament.

MoB Gaming > EG.usa 16-10

Paragon of Virtue vs Complexity

In a match that shocked pretty much everyone watching the tournament, we find PoV against coL in the upper bracket finals. PoV would start out the match very strong winning the pistol round, and the next two, but coL would rally in the gun round and tie it up 3-3.   With some impressive play by Hanes, coL would take the half going up 8-3, and finishing 10-5.

The next half PoV would start off the round with an amazing ace from drew making it 10-6. Complexity would go on to lose the coL round and PoV would take a 11-10 lead. Down but not out, coL would com eback and take the lead away from them 12-11, but PoV would rally back to a 15-14 score.

Complexity would finish the match out with an impressive deagle round, winning the match 16-14. PoV now faces MoB Gaming in the lower bracket final.

coL > PoV 16-14

MoB Gaming vs Paragon of Virtue

Having just lost to coL, PoV finds themselves now in the lower finals against MoB Gaming. They would start off strong taking the pistol round  and going up 7-1 on MoB. The half would end with a very strong 10-5 with PoV in the lead. MoB would prove that they are the best of the best however and tie it up 11-11 in the next half. The two teams would trade wins back and forth all the way into overtime.

In overtime the two teams would continue to trade wins, however PoV would start to pull away 18-16. MoB rallied back however and won the match 21-19.

MoB Gaming > PoV 21-19

Complexity vs MoB Gaming

Map 1 - Dust2

Complexity opens the match up taking pistol and gun round. Rambo and frod post impressive scores with 5-1 and 7-2  respectively. MoB would have to wait till the sixth round to win their first round, making it 5-1 in favor of coL. MoB would start to rally back late in the half and finish out 11-4.

The second half MoB would completely dominate. They would win the pistol round, and both gun rounds making it 11-9. Rambo would try to give his team some momentum in the 12th round with a clutch defuse behind smoke making it 12-10 for coL.   MoB would shut coL down from here on out and win the match 16-12. We head to de_nuke.

MoB Gaming > Complexity L.A. 16-12

Map 2 - Nuke

MoB goes up 2-0 winning pistol but almost losing the second round with some impressive play by Warden. MoB sneaks by again in the next round as well, and now coL finds themselves really low on money buying two consecutive rounds, 4-0 MoB. With evolution lagging out, coL had a chance to take an eco round from MoB but fail and are now down 5-0.   Rambo is -1 and 7 in halfway through the first half and they are down 7-0. Complexity finally takes a round making it 10-1. Evolution shows some amazing M4 work however and after a short burst of energy from coL, he takes the momentum back from them making it 12-2.

MoB would finish the match ending 16-2, demolishing complexity. Congratulations to MoB Gaming for winning the CEVO 1.6 Pro Playoffs. Look for an interview with the team in the next day or two.

MoB Gaming > Complexity L.A. 16-2

FINAL STANDINGS

1st -  MoB Gaming - $5,000.00 USD
2nd -   Complexity L.A. - $3,500.00 USD
3rd - Paragon of Virtue - $1,500.00 USD

Article by JP “Moogle” McDaniel

The CEVO Playoffs Day One has kicked off and we’re starting with the Upper Bracket Round 1 Matches.

Paragon of Virtue vs Frag Dominant

We’re starting off the day with the upper round 1 match of Paragon of Virtue (4th seed) vs Frag Dominant(5th seed). PoV started the match off taking the first four rounds, including pistol and the first gun round. This would set the pace of the match.  FD planted their first bomb of the match in the 7th round, which earned them their first round win, one of two they would get the entire match. PoV simply demolished FD this match, nothing else to it.

PoV > FD 16-2

Evil Geniuses vs MoB Gaming

Yes, you’re reading that score correctly. Triple overtime. With such a history between these two teams, we shouldn’t of expected anything less. EG started the match off winning the first pistol round. MoB would answer back after two lost rounds,  winning the next three in a row, including the first gun round. MoB began to go on a run after this going up 6-4 before EG would answer back and take a round, proving there was still some life in them.

After fixing some things MoB took the next rounds and went up 11-4 at the half. They would win the pistol round after half but this is when EG decided they were still in this game and they wouldn’t let it slip away from them.   With eight straight rounds, EG would climb back to a 14-12 score before MoB would answer back with a round win, their last before overtime.  Going into the first overtime EG would take the first half, winning five straight. For the next two overtimes each team would win five consecutive rounds until the third overtime.

n triple overtime, EG would take the first round, winning every first round in all three overtimes. MoB would answer back though after EG took two rounds with a 27-26 score. It did not matter however as EG would go on to win the match 31-27 winning the match.

EG.usa > MoB Gaming 31-27

Paragon of Virtue vs x30

The first upset of the tournament comes in the form of  Paragon of Virtue defeating x3o in the second round of the tournament.
x3o won the pistol round and would go up 3-0 over PoV. Paragon would come back and win the next two gun rounds however which put them in a very good spot.

x3o would shrug off the two rounds however and go up by two again, but this would be the last time they would hold the lead in the match. Paragon would win the first half with a score of 8-7.

They would carry the momentum into the first half and start the second half out strong, but x3o would tie it up 13-13. Regardless, PoV toughed it out and defeated the heavy favorites in the tournament sending x3o to the lower bracket against MoB.

PoV > x3o 16-13

Evil Geniuses vs Complexity

In what many would expect be a given to EG, coL proved that they still have what it takes in this match. The pistol round would go to coL and put them on their way to a three point lead, but EG finally answered back in the first gun round.

This did not stop coL what so ever however and would continue to dominate EG 5-1. Rambo really played well this match ending at the half around the 15-3 ratio. It would go to 11-4 at the half and coL would come out guns blazing on the other side going up 14-4.
coL would go on to win the match 16-8 and completely shock everyone. We’ll see if coL can continue on in the tournament when they face PoV tomorrow in the upper finals.

coL > EG.usa 16-8

MoB Gaming vs x30

In what many would of thought to be the finals this tournament, MoB and x3o met in the first lower round bracket. Many would of also thought this match would have been a lot more competitive but MoB was quick to jump on the scoreboard going up 4-1 in the beginning of the match.

x3o, the favorites to win this tournament suffered a loss against PoV early in the tournament now found themselves against MoB. They were unable to even offer up a competitive match and would go on to lose the match 16-6.

MoB Gaming > x3o 16-6

Evil Geniuses vs Frag Dominant

This tournament proved to be Frag Dominant’s doom early on in the tournament. EG would win the pistol round and the beginning of the match would maintain a sense of competitiveness between the two teams. After the third round however by FD they would go on to lose most of the halves matches to EG finishing at 10-5.

EG would win the pistol round yet again on the next half and decimate FD, not even giving them a round.

Tomorrow we will see the return of the CEVO Playoffs and some exciting matches no doubt. MoB will have their rematch against EG in t he lower bracket and no doubt we will see another exciting match there. In the upper bracket we have coL and PoV who both upset EG.usa and x3o battling out for a spot in the championship match. Make sure to tune in!

EG.usa > Frag Dominant 16-5

The Counter-Strike 1.6 Professional Playoffs begin this Saturday.  CEVO will be running many promotions this weekend where you will have a chance at 1 of many Sapphire HD 4850 Graphics Cards.  This will be your first chance to enter for one of those graphics cards.  The contest is simple: Predict your upper bracket with scores and predict your final match up with final score and winner in the comments of this article.  The person who has the most accurate prediction will win.  If there is a tie or multiple ties the final score of the final match will be the first tie breaker and if there is still a tie we will go and look back one match at a time for the most accurate score until a winner is determined.

* Note if your post is edited after the start of the playoffs on Saturday you will automatically be disqualified.

This post will also serve as the area for ALL contest submissions that require a post.  Tune into the QuadV cast all weekend long to listen for your chance to win one of the 15 video cards we will be giving away.

CEVO 1.6 Playoff Preview - By JP “Moogle” McDaniel
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The teams have been decided. The dates are set. The CEVO Counter-Strike 1.6 Professional Playoffs are about to begin.

Starting on Saturday, September 27^th and ending on Sunday, September 28^th, the playoffs are sure to be exciting as the top six teams from the regular season advance to play for a first place prize of $10,000.

Feel a little rusty on the teams? Not sure what or who to look out for? No problem. Below you can find the six teams qualified for the playoffs, as well as a brief rundown of each team.

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Article by Sam Oplaid Lingle

One week ago the CEVO Sennheiser Open culminated in a clash between Team Fortress 2 titans, pitting the mighty Pandemic, champion of every North American TF2 event in which have they competed, against one of their perennial challengers, Devastation. With six Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headsets on the line and numerous other headsets awarded to the top four finishers, the end was intense, with Pandemic reasserting their dominance. The Sennheiser Open, though, was not just another tournament for TF2 – it served as herald of a new era of competition for the North American scene.

Since the end of CEVO Season One back in early April, the North American TF2 scene has trudged through a dearth of high level competition. A few teams, like Devastation, managed to keep busy in the myriad of amateur leagues while others, such as Pandemic, turned across the pond to Europe to get their competitive fix.

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Recently CEVO had a chance to talk to Vincent from Mob Gaming about ESWC and his recent trade with Team EG.

Lets start with the most recent LAN tournament the team played in, ESWC Grand Finals. The team was only one of two American squads to make it to the second group stage. What was your team aiming for placing wise, and what do you believe was the main reason you did not advance any further in the tournament?

Placing wise, I am always looking to shock the world and pull out the big wins. I think we all went knowing we had to take it one round at a time and one game at a time. We came up short in the second group stage against Europe’s best, losing important pistol rounds combined with a slow start.

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Recently CEVO had a chance to ask Nick Fitzsimmons from x3o several questions regarding their Counter-Strike 1.6 team.  Below are the results of those questions.

Most recently your team competed at the ESWC Grand Finals and were one of two American teams to make it into Group Stage 2, finishing above MoB Gaming. What are your thoughts on the event?

I think ESWC 2008 Grand Finals as a whole was a great event. The venue was set up well with plenty of space for all of the teams, and the PCs ran Counter-Strike flawlessly. The staff and tournament admins were knowledgeable and stood by their rules, which is important in an event of that magnitude. We are proud of our performance and only wish that we had the opportunity to have advanced beyond Group Stage 2.
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Currently EG.usa is 7-3 in CEVO Counter-Strike 1.6 Season 9. Are you happy with this? How do you think your team will do in the rest of the season?

I’m satisfied with it.  I think that our 3^rd loss (to MoB on de_forge) is the only one that realistically should’ve happened.  Our overtime loss to devastation was a bit of a shocker to me, and our loss to Ferocity was played (valiantly, mind you) with four people.  MoB’s a great team, so as a manager you can’t really be upset with your team for a 4-point loss.  The other two I wasn’t thrilled with.

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