A year ago, Evil Geniuses announced their blueprint project by signing Party Astronauts and Carpe Diem squads. With 15 players now on their book, the move was seen as an effort to rejuvenate the North American Counter-Strike scene.
A year late and after much criticism, the organization has now released one of those teams to redirect focus towards the remaining academy team, EG Black.
With EG Black now being given the opportunity to represent the organization at BLAST Showdown in place of the main oyster, we spoke to their coach Tommy “Axed” Ryan, about what the opportunity means to them as a squad.
BLAST.tv: You've been given the opportunity to represent EG at the showdown; what does the opportunity mean to you?
Axed: The opportunity to represent EG at this Showdown is something that EG Black has been looking forward to for a long time. When we signed with EG last May, we were told of this possibility, and it's amazing to see it come true. Walco and I have rebuilt the roster a couple of times since joining, and it's exciting to see where we currently stand against the best teams in the region.
BLAST.tv: The team has had strong performances in ECL; are you hoping to carry that momentum forward into the event?
Axed: Yes, absolutely, we hope to carry our momentum from ECL into the Showdown. We’re fresh from a cash cup win, advancing to the Melbourne closed qualifier, and we’re about to start another ECL playoff run.
BLAST.tv: What are your expectations for the event?
Axed: Our expectations for the event are to be competitive in every match that we play. A lot of our reps are coming from matches instead of practice. I think we do a great job at learning from every game we play, adjusting in the moment, keeping our composure, and having fun in every match.
Overall, as long as we keep doing those things, this event will be a success for us. We still have much to learn, and we’re excited to continue progressing.
BLAST.tv: There have recently been changes to the Blueprint model; how do you feel about these changes?
Axed: I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue working in the Blueprint project. I am still friends with the players who were on the EG White roster and wish them the best of luck in their futures.
The increased match reps of being the only EG academy CS:GO team will be very beneficial for our team, and we’re really looking forward to the grind. My only hope is that we can get a little bit more time in Europe to keep up with teams like paiN and MIBR in NA.
BLAST.tv: Would you say the model before these changes was successful?
Axed: The previous Blueprint model was definitely successful, as it allowed us to develop our mindset and game with the help of Blueprint’s expanded support staff. We were able to reap the benefits of the program through our achievements over the last year.
Specifically, EG Black qualified for ECL playoffs every season, won several cash cups (including with EG mixes), and successfully played part of a regular season with viz standing in. Last season we also made a great run to the ECL Grand finals. Sadly, we didn’t win, but everyone was proud of our progress.
BLAST.tv: Junior has had multiple chances at tier one level; what are the important focuses for him now he's back in NA tier 2?
Axed: Important focuses for Junior are to keep his confidence high, continue working on his communication, and try things outside his comfort zone. When Jerric was promoted, Junior was the only AWP I wanted to work with.
I knew he would contribute to the type of team environment I wanted. He works very hard, is receptive to criticism, is positive to the people around him, and wants to prove himself. Paytyn is a gem, and his experience in tier 1 is invaluable.
BLAST.tv: Jeorge is one of the hottest prospects in NA; what does he have to do to take his next steps as a player?
Axed: I think Jeorge is THE hottest prospect in NA. Jeorge is doing all of the right things to take his career to the next level. He is an incredibly intelligent player who is unmatched when it comes to mechanics, and he knows every nade in the game.
He is always watching Counter-Strike whenever he can, whether it be tier 1 EU, tier 2 EU, or NA ECL matches. He does a great job at staying in individual form by queueing a lot of FPL. I think his biggest area of improvement would be his communication, but by no means does he have bad communication. The sky's the limit for him.
BLAST.tv: There's a mixture of young players and experienced players on the team; what do figures like Stanislaw and RUSH bring to the table?
Axed: Stanislaw and RUSH bring veteran experience to our lineup and true professionalism in our practice environment. They both are willing to do anything it takes to win, and work very hard to continue improving at this stage of their careers.
Both players have about 1000 maps played in the top 50, which is not something we’re going to be able to find in North America easily. Our team would not have developed the same way without them. I also think it's a great experience for them to be around a group of players like us and remember what it's like to be young again.
EG will play their first match in the BLAST Premier: Spring Showdown against Furia on March 31st 21.30 CEST.
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