ropz: "ZywOo is the best player in the new version of CS."

At the BLAST Premier World Final, Robin Kool | ropz was interviewed by media.

Q: Do you consider yourself the best player in the new version of CS?

A: I don't think so; Mathieu Herbaut | ZywOo is.

Q: Even though you've had an impressive start in the new CS version, do you still feel that way? Because based on the stats, you're the most consistent player in the new CS version.

A: I'm definitely at a Top 3 or Top 5 level. But even if the stats don't show it, it's ZywOo. However, it's only been two months; you can't make a truly objective judgment yet.

Q: In recent years, the only non-AWPer to be the Top 1 was Marcelo David | coldzera in 2017. Do you think riflers have a chance to become the Top 1 in current CS?

A: Not entirely sure; it depends on how the roles change over time in the new CS version. But most teams, especially those like s1mple's and ZywOo's, are centered around AWPers. So I believe there's always a place for AWPers. Yet, NiKo is an exception; he performs exceptionally well and holds high ranks. Ax1Le is another example. So, while it's possible for a rifler to be Top 1, it's very challenging due to the lack of the best environment.

Q: Speaking of the new game, what's the secret behind your excellent adaptation?

A: It's not just one special reason but a combination of various factors. Part of it is playing many beta versions before the game's official release. While still playing CSGO competitively, I streamed and played the new CS version, finding enjoyment in it. During that time, I had the opportunity to study the new game, analyzing the best peeks, timings, pre-aims, and utility usage.

It's also about mindset—maintaining a positive attitude while not overly stressing the differences between the two games because they're fundamentally different.

Lastly, there's a bit of luck involved. Whenever you perform well, there's a feeling of being blessed. Of course, a supportive team environment is essential, achieving good results, reaching playoffs, and even winning championships.

Q: You mentioned differences in timings and peeks. Are there significant changes compared to CSGO?

A: I mean changes in the maps. Inferno is a clear example, with various new utility and open skyboxes altering tactical approaches. You can throw smokes quickly, which was impossible in CSGO. Hence, some timings are different, and new timings even emerge.

Q: How does it feel to team up with frozen again?

A: Feels great. Ever since I joined FaZe and worked with karrigan, there were talks about frozen joining someday. Now that he's finally here, we're excited to see how it goes. So far, it's been smooth; we've trained for a week, and he's an excellent player. He progressed significantly during his time with MOUZ, and I'm glad to compete alongside him.

Q: When you learned Twistzz was leaving, did you consider anyone else besides frozen?

A: It was pretty much frozen; we didn't have any other options.

Q: Looking ahead, do you think FaZe's style needs adjustments to accommodate frozen?

A: There's some role overlap after he joined, but mainly with rain and karrigan. So, they'll switch roles to some extent, and overall, frozen fills a part of Twistzz's role. Some maps are suitable; others aren't. Adjustments are inevitable, but our gaming philosophy won't change—we'll just adapt roles to fit the new position.

Q: It's been two years since you last worked together. What changes do you see in frozen now?

A: I think he's become an all-around player. He's always been mature, level-headed, and extremely talented. Considering his age, he has numerous strengths. He's the kind of player the team anticipates, capable of doing anything, which is what we seek. Now he's more proactive, confident in his actions, and has developed his style, knowing what suits him best.