Tech Girl Talks

Edward Cleland on Player Mindset, CS2 Team Dynamics & Handling Pressure In this episode of Mind Games, I sit down with Edward Cleland, a renowned performance coach who has worked with top CS2 teams like G2 and Team Liquid. Edward shares his approach to helping players focus under pressure, manage online criticism, and navigate the complexities of competitive Counter-Strike. We dive into how he...

What to Expect at the Perfect World Shanghai Major | NAVI, s1mple, m0NESY & More  @Thooorin  and I are joined by Dust (yes, he’s on the desk for the Shanghai Major!) to break down what fans can expect from this highly anticipated Counter-Strike event. From NAVI’s shocking exit to m0NESY’s rumored move to Team Falcons, we cover all the drama, storylines, and predictions leading up to the finals...

Mind Games Ep. 4 | Jack Birtwhistle on Managing Vitality, Zywoo & CS2 Playoff Prep In this episode of Mind Games, I’m joined by Jack Birtwhistle, the performance manager for Team Vitality, fresh off their impressive run to the Perfect World Shanghai Major playoffs. Jack shares his unique journey from rugby to esports and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he supports one of the top Counter...

Astralis, br0, and ESIC’s Weak Ruling: The Fallout The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has ruled on Astralis’ emergency substitution of cadiaN for br0 at the BLAST Fall Finals, and the punishment? Weak, to say the least. With the Major hype dominating the scene, this critical issue risks being swept under the rug. That’s why  @Thooorin  Ne0kai and I dive deep into the ruling, the controversy,...

Mind Games Ep. 3 | Xirreth on Coaching NAVI, CS2 Tournament Prep & Mental ToughnessIn this episode of Mind Games, I’m joined by Xirreth, the performance coach behind NAVI’s incredible 2024 success, including their Copenhagen Major victory. Now preparing for the Perfect World Shanghai Major, NAVI enters as the heavy favorites, and Xirreth shares how preparation evolves under these high-stakes c...

Vitality's shot at the Perfect World Shanghai Major—can they win it all? 🏆  @freyaspierstv  joins  @Thooorin  and me for a deep dive into Team Vitality's roster, strategies, and their potential to claim the next CS:GO Major. From apEX's transfer rumors to Spinx's future, we tackle all the drama and predictions surrounding one of the most exciting teams in Counter-Strike right now. 📅 Recorded on...

Mind Games (the title is a work in progress) is a series of interviews I've done to better understand the mental and physical preparation and struggles which go into playing Counter-Strike at the top level. It's self indulgent but something I really wanted to learn more about. In Episode 1 I talk to Fabian Broich from Achieve Minds. Fabian is a Sports Psychologist but also a player agent. You'll l...

In Episode 26 of Feed The Trolls,  @PimpCS2  joins  @Thooorin  and I as we break down FaZe Clan’s recent struggles in Counter-Strike 2. Once a top contender, FaZe's performance has declined, leaving fans and analysts wondering—what went wrong? We dive into the expectations versus the reality of their 2024 journey, examine Karrigan’s leadership, and explore potential roster moves. Plus, we share pr...

In Episode 25 of Feed The Trolls, I team up with  @Thooorin  and special guest Lurppis for a deep dive into Counter-Strike's evolving relationship with data analytics. We analyze an insightful article by Ner0 on HLTV (Why We're Still Waiting for Counter-Strike's Data Revolution) and discuss how data is transforming the game from player scouting to team dynamics. Join us as we break down: The role...

🎙️ Sell Me This Pro | Fluxo’s Journey in Tier 2 CS 🎙️ In this episode of Sell Me This Pro, co-hosted with  @BDogCS  we dive deep into Brazil’s rising team, Fluxo. We break down their recent performances on LAN, explore their unexpected fall short of the Americas RMRs, and analyze standout players who could redefine their future in Tier 2 CS 👀 Highlights: A deep dive into Fluxo’s lineup dynamics –...

ESL Challenger Katowice Recap & 2025 Predictions: Falcons, Eternal Fire, MIBR, SAW & B8 | Challenged Podcast Finale In the final episode of Challenged for 2024, hosts Sam and  @Darfmike  dive deep into the ESL Challenger event held in Katowice. Join us as we reflect on the emotional highs and lows of notable teams and players, analyze the dynamics within teams like Falcons, Eternal Fire, a...

ESL Challenger Katowice 2024 Preview: S1mple Returns, Team Changes, and Tournament Predictions The final ESL Challenger event of the year, ESL Challenger Katowice 2024, is here, bringing some of the best Counter-Strike teams to compete on LAN. In this video, we break down the event with in-depth previews of the teams, group seedings, and key storylines. Join me and  @Darfmike  as we analyze the hi...

In this episode of Feed The Trolls, we’re diving into the latest drama surrounding Tier 2 Counter-Strike.  @Thooorin  and I are joined by teddcs to discuss a range of hot topics, including the 2025 open circuit changes for competitive CS and their impact on smaller, financially struggling teams. We also delve into the BLEED/Unpaid scandal, Kassad’s unexpected financial involvement, the rise (and p...

In this episode of Sell Me This Pro,  @BDogCS  and I dive deep into the evolving UK Counter-Strike scene, spotlighting the journey of rising star Gizmy. We break down the challenges faced by UK players, the significant strides made by the Monte Gen team, and what it takes to succeed in tier 2 and 3 esports. With insights into Gizmy's role as an in-game leader (IGL), we discuss how his leadership i...

ESL Challenger Atlanta Recap: FlyQuest’s Stunning Victory, M80's Stumble & SAW Drama Recorded 10 October (before Berry announced he was leaving SAW) In this episode of CHALLENGED,  @Darfmike  and I dive deep into the biggest highlights and surprises from ESL Challenger Atlanta! We break down FlyQuest’s unexpected triumph, M80’s disappointing performance on home soil, and the shocking developme...

Apologies for my mic quality - I was recording on the road! In this episode of Feed The Trolls, I sit down with Anders and  @Thooorin  for a real, no-holds-barred chat about life as an esports commentator. We dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly—like dealing with online criticism, the mental strain of being in the public eye, and how to handle friendships and competition in such a high-pressu...

The Falcons’ Entry into CS2: Roster Moves, S1mple, and Competitive Impact | Counter-Strike Podcast Recorded 25 September 2024 Join  @Thooorin   @KingT_CS2  and me as we dive deep into the Falcons’ entry into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). We break down their ambitious roster plans, player salaries, and how key decisions could shape the future of their team. We discuss how the Falcons’ influence compares...

🎮 CHALLENDED: ESL Challenger Atlanta with  @Darfmike  🎙️ In this episode, Mike & I dive into the upcoming  @ESLCS  Challenger Atlanta, breaking down the chances of top teams and discussing the resurgence of North American Counter-Strike. We take a close look at M80, their potential, and Wildcard's struggles, plus the grassroots growth of NA talent. The conversation heats up as we tackle the c...

🎮 Sinners' Journey in Tier 2 CS | Roster Changes, Success & Challenges 🎙️ In this episode,  @BDogCS  & I dive into the Sinners' rise in Tier 2 Counter-Strike, exploring their recent wins, roster shake-ups, and what it means to be a regionally focused team. We break down the impact of new players Mikey and MoriisKo, and discuss the ongoing battle to improve while staying competitive. From...

This episode dives deep into the biggest roster shuffle of 2024—cadiaN’s shocking move to Astralis! 🎮💥 Bubzkji joins  @Thooorin  & I to break it all down, from the behind-the-scenes drama to the future of Danish Counter-Strike. We discuss the fallout from Heroic’s collapse, Stavn & Jabbi’s betrayal, the breakfast beef between cadiaN and Gla1ve, and how dev1ce will impact Astralis’ new li...

In this episode of SELL ME THIS PRO,  @BDogCS  & I dive deep into the career of Sirah, who recently transitioned from MOUZ NXT to TSM. We discuss Sirah's growth during his time with MOUZ NXT, along with the challenges and rumours surrounding both his former team and TSM’s much-anticipated return to Counter-Strike. We also explore the bigger conversation around Academy Teams and their impac...

@austincsgo  &  @Thooorin  join me to take a deep dive into NAVI's journey since their Major victory. We analyze the team's standout performances, tactical evolution, and the key players driving their success. We explore how B1ad3's coaching style and Aleksib's exceptional leadership have shaped the team’s strategy, while highlighting the crucial roles of team chemistry and spo...

Join  @BDogCS  and me in this special edition of SELL ME THIS PRO as we spotlight standout players from Tier 2 teams competing in ESL Pro League S20. Discover the rising stars from North America, South America, and Europe who have the potential to become Tier 1 superstars. 🌍✨ We dive deep into their international experience, raw mechanics, and fragging skills, highlighting what makes these playe...

A wild HenryG appears! 🦸‍♂️ Join myself  @Thooorin  and HenryG as we dive into the incredible rookie year of donk and Team Spirit in CS2. We analyze the team’s inconsistent performances throughout 2024 and debate whether the lineup of chopper, sh1ro, magixx, zont1x, and donk has what it takes to become the greatest of all time. Spoiler: We think donk might already be there! 🏆We also go off on a...

2 Pros on this episode as  @BDogCS  & I dive into Tier 2 Counter-Strike. We focus in on Passion UA, a Ukrainian CS team founded by Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko which recently qualified for the Shanghai Major EU RMRs. Jambo is their stand out AWPer and we focus in on his rise as well as how Passion UA works as a cohesive unit, with a focus on teamwork and systems-based play. We then m...