Even since the rumours began to spread about a new UK “super team” as they were then dubbed, it was clear that some thought had gone in to the players that were going to fill up the ranks. This was not just a typical “suck it, and see” team, but rather one composed of a select set of players that can each compliment the skill set of their fellow team mates. When CS:GO first arrived onto the larger esports landscape, the idea of having “roles” in a team more than just AWPer, caller and the likes was a somewhat alien concept. As the game developed as a title, parallels began to be drawn almost naturally with other high profile titles such as League of Legends, whereby players adopt a role within a team and stay there. Whilst in CS there is a lot more off of the cuff flexibility, on the whole the more successful teams seem to fill a certain status quo.
The UK is no different, and the teams that are serious about competing are also falling into these pre-determined roles that it appears are now the base ingredients for a team. One such team, I feel, has not only this correct structure within their roster, but something else that each player can contribute to give them an added advantage. The following outlines why I think EZSkins are set up for success.
They have the right players.
From the offset EZSkins had what all successful teams seem to revolve a lot of their play around – a talented awper. Luke “fearLess” Morris has been playing Counter Strike for a long time, and as far as I can remember, has always been an advocate of the sniper rifle. In CS:GO, international exposure from playing in The Lone Rangers allowed many to see how talented Morris was, at times many were convinced he was one of the best AWPers in the game at the time. Luke is no doubt the best AWPer in the UK at the moment.
Of course the real lifeblood of the team sits with the Counter Strike veteran Sam “RattlesnK” Gawn, who despite being known for an explosive temper, is one of the most calculated in game leaders that our nation has to offer. With a keen eye for play by play calling and a plethora of pocket strategies in his arsenal, a team with RattlesnK is a team prepared to counter, adapt and apply. Not to mention him being versatile with both AWP and rifles alike. Sam’s dedication to knowing how to prompt his team to out-play his opposition can be seen as clear as day, most obviously when he is seen at events with his very own bible of tactics and anti-strats.
RattlesnK is often seen with a book of tactics.
Their most recent addition, George “hudzG” Hoskins, is fresh out of a short retirement for what probably won’t be the last time. However despite him falling in and out of love with the game, George brings a great level of discipline to every team he becomes a part of. Known for his ability to drop in and out of different roles, he is perfect for a team like EZSkins that will be looking to adapt as the game changes. His experience will aid in the teams progression towards becoming not only the best in the UK, but also in pushing on for the lower end of the European elite.
In Brandon “weber” Weber and Reece “Puls3” Marrs you have two players with a great level of natural ability. When you need to throw together crucial frags to pull yourself back into a round, the precision aim coupled with well-timed positioning of Mr. Weber is not a combination to forego making use of. Given any situation, this player is known for making good use of the hand the he is dealt, and can certainly be one to pull together a string of frags for the highlight reel.
As for Puls3, he has been in and out of a few of the bigger named teams within the UK since the game first began to pick up speed. With his innate ability both in and outside of the game, and his experience of playing with a plethora of players and team styles, he is a man that should know this game inside out. He can easily enough fall into the support role for the team when his “mad fragging” capabilities are not required, often the case with such a stacked roster, but this does not leave him mute. As a player who is consistent, and always there when his team needs him, a roster with Reece is a roster with a great back up plan.
They’re not rushing into things.
There have been plenty of opportunities for the EZSkins team to show their hand and put their behind the scenes work into practice. Since their conception that has been two epic LAN events, won by Choke Gaming and Team Infused respectively. However, the team have been somewhat reserved in the attendance of events within their home nation. They did go to one of the more recent hallmark events, Multiplay’s Insomnia 55, where they went on to win by taking down the former Choke Gaming side in a particularly one sided final. Aside from this, the team’s only other showing within the UK was at the notable DreamHack London event, where they qualified to be the only British representative.
Holding back from attending too many events is likely what allows there to remain an air of mystery around the EZSkins side, and through not solely depending on their fellow Brits for competition, they are able to flourish when their opponents are able to provide a bit more resistance. By not laying their cards down on the table and rushing into things, the team have been able to appear more composed when they do make an appearance. A frequently seen mistake for a newly formed team is to form with an upcoming event in mind, and fail to allow for adequate preparation time. Usually with this mindset, the teams are doomed from the outset, and a lacklustre performance at one event can often spell the end for British teams.
In the case of EZSkins, it is clear that they have opted to only attend open air events when they are ready to take on the opposition. Sure, they attended the international invite event in London, but that is an opportunity no team would’ve passed on. Even so, whilst there they showed that they were not just some mix of players that won a qualifier; they were on their way to becoming serious contenders. If this mindset stays amongst the EZSkins ranks, whereby they do not attend every event under the sun and take the time to prepare between gigs, they will soon start being more than just the UK team that won a qualifier.
They have a good support system.
EZSkins as a business is fronted by a man with deep roots in competitive Counter Strike, British born and bred and massive advocate of the UK scene. Henry “HenryG” Greer has rapidly become a personality within international CS:GO and has been jetting around the world to be both a commentator and analyst at some of the game’s biggest events. But despite rubbing shoulders with players with grand reputations, as videos published by Richard Lewis confirm, he is passionate about his team and can be seen full of emotion when sharing their success.
With the backing of somebody like Henry, and the stability of a business such as EZSkins behind them, the roster are sure to be provided with everything they need to keep pushing on to the next level. The rumour currently is that the team receive a salary, albeit one more a bursary, to allow them to maintain a bit more focus on the game at hand. It would not be surprising to see the EZSkins roster soon commit more time to the game, perhaps with the notion of an EZSkins gaming house in the not too distant future. As far as a British Counter Strike team is considered, there is little more they could ask for.
And yet despite this, the team also benefit not only from having a solid financial backing, but also being supplied with a dedicated coach who also has a wealth of CS experience. Connor “Sliggy” Blomfield, talented player turned coach, backs the team when and where necessary. His input to the team is likely invaluable, and his presence will aid in every one of their successes.
With all of this in mind, it is difficult to see why EZSkins would not achieve what they set out to achieve. It may take time, perseverance and resilience, but they have the ingredients needed to become a solid European CS:GO team.
