News has recently broke that fm-eSports will be playing out their ESL UK Premiership games with a stand in, after losing their fifth member James “Kryptix” Affleck. With no official statement released from the player after standing down from the team, we caught up with him to find out a little about his decisions and where he comes from.
You’re a well known name amongst the active “pro” scene within the UK, but for those joining us from different areas of the community, could you just introduce yourself and your history?
Hey, I’m James “Kryptix” Affleck, previous fm-eSports player. I started playing Counter Strike at the young of 11, and attended my first LAN event at 13. Even though back then I was terrible at the game, I absolutely loved it. After a while of banging noobs, a bunch of people from the old “andy’s vent” started seeing me as a decent player. The first decent team I was given a shot in was Team CRG, alongside redSNK, b3n, pritch & Bowzar. That was one of my best CS experiences.
So you’ve been playing Counter-Strike in one form or another for a long time, what is it about Counter-Strike that keeps you playing?
At the moment, my stream is the only thing keeping me interested in the game, but I really enjoy it. At the moment though, I don’t want to put the hours in to compete at the level that was required of me.
[livestream url=”http://www.twitch.tv/kryptixcsgo” width=”700″]
Most recently you’ve been playing for fm-eSports and have performed quite solidly whilst in their ranks. It has just broken that you’re going to be stepping back from the team, what lead you to this decision?
fm-eSports had a combination of the most skilled players that I’ve ever had the chance to play with. I love all of the guys there, but I just don’t want to commit the time to the game that they all want to. They really want to make it and play at the top of the game, and I am sure they will, but being the best doesn’t bother me.
Are you not a little bit disheartened that you’re going to miss out on the chance to play in the first ESL UK Premiership?
Definitely. It would have been an amazing thing to be part of and is great for the UK scene, however weighed up against the time I’d need to put into the game, it’s just not for me at the moment.
On the topic of the Premiership, how do you think the tournament will end up.. who will come out on top?
It could really go to any number of teams involved. I think Team XENEX and Infused have a good shot, but of course fm-eSports will be looking to take home the title.
What’s next for you?
I’ll probably be attending UK LANS with mixes, probably with keita. I’ll also be streaming as much as possible at www.twitch.tv/kryptixcsgo.
Final words?
Shoutout to beans & all my gaming girls. Thanks to fm-eSports for giving me the opportunity.
That wraps up this short interview.
fm-eSports are left with:
Neil “nEiLZiNHo” Finlay
Phil “Whindanski” Nicholas
Mike “mikeS” Tuns
Brandon “weber” Weber
