Ryan "fREAKAZOiD" Abadir is the entry fragger for Echo Fox and one of the most recognized players in North American CS:GO. The team has had a rocky start since its inception, changing up the roster several times over the span of six months, but with the inclusion of fREAKAZOiD, the team appears to have found some stability.

fREAKZOiD found the time to answer some questions from theScore esports, talking about his clean slate with Echo Fox and his future goals in-game, in life and in the gym.

In an interview with PVPLive you mentioned that one of your motivations for leaving C9 for Echo Fox was because you wanted to “feel like a kid again” playing CS:GO.

What made that feeling go away when you were on Cloud9, assuming you did have that feeling?

It is not that it went away, it was more so my mentality when I was on Cloud9. I joined and played more so in a job mindset, instead of how I used to when I was a kid. Just loving the game and playing all day because I enjoyed it. I feel like that mentality is coming back slowly, but surely.

Is this feeling important to you as a CS:GO competitor? Do you believe it will improve your gameplay or team atmosphere?

Yes I do. It helps me out when I’m playing countless hours, multiple days a week and realize this is the thing I love doing most. Mentality is everything in this game for me, so I really focus on being positive.

Joining Echo Fox had a number of positives for you. But before we get into the details, what were your first impression being brought into the organization? Do you feel it’s like a clean slate on your career?

My first impression was I have something to prove to myself, along with wanting to accomplish my own personal goals. I do feel like it is a clean slate and I’m incredibly excited for our future.

Have you had a chance to meet Rick Fox yet, if so, what’s your take on him?

I met him when we were filming some sponsor stuff and I must say he is a great person and damn he is a funny dude! Has a good attitude to him and hard working, obviously his accomplishments speak for him.

One of the other positives to joining Echo Fox is your reunion with Sean "sgares" Gares, what’s it like playing under his leadership again?

Honestly, Sean is my favorite leader and one of the best teammates I have had since I started playing competitive CS. He’s a smart ass dude, a great leader and definitely will help you understand the game to grow as a player. Sean now seems like an all around happier person and I’m sure his fiancé has a lot to do with that!

In an interview with Slingshot Esports you mentioned that, while NA have closed the gap with EU in terms of aim, the Europeans still have an advantage in terms of teamwork and "little details inside the game."

What do you think needs to change within the scene in order for this gap to close further?

I believe it is going to take more time playing with each other and maintaining a steady roster. I think chemistry between players and understanding what your teammate is going to do without saying anything is what takes time, and these are things top teams do off of instincts from playing with each other for so long.

What was your experience in Atlanta for ELEAGUE like?

My experience was great, I really enjoyed how the tournament was run and the people who helped us out. Big shout out to ELEAGUE and excited to go back as well. Favorite moments were shooting the commercial and certain rounds in-game that we won, that got me amped!

Echo Fox as a whole got a perfect score on Arby's Locked and Loaded challenge, but was that the first time you’ve ever fired a gun? What was that like?

I have shot a gun before, but I would say how loud the guns were, even with ear protection on, was what really surprised me. It was an awesome experience though.

How much of a goal was being on TV for the finals, to potentially be seen on TV by friends and family?

My goal was to win our group, and being on TV to me would have been a bonus. It was tough the way we lost a couple of the maps.

Unfortunately you guys were eliminated from the tournament, but how do you feel about the team’s potential in future events?

We will surprise people in the future.

Now on to the real questions. The last time we talked to you was July 12, 2015, almost exactly a year ago, and back then you said that you could bench 345 lbs, deadlift 455 lbs and squat 365 lbs. What do these numbers look like nowadays?

I took a lot of time off from working out to work hard inside the game before the ELEAGUE tournament, but I do think it affected my play. My mind wasn’t as clear, but it was good for me to experience that side of the game without working out how I used to. I will pass those numbers up though, just need some time!

Also, it looks like Ronnie "ryx" Bylicki does some lifting himself, is there a friendly rivalry between him and you in the gym?

No rivalry at all. It is awesome to be able to compete with someone who may or may not be stronger than me, maybe one day we will have our competition!

Who said a gamer can't be jacked? pic.twitter.com/ae14qJn6TM — ryx (@ECHOFOX_ryx) November 25, 2015

How soon can we expect the Echo Fox sleeveless shirts?

I want them ASAP! I pioneered tank tops on Cloud9 and I will bring them out in Echo Fox too as soon as they are released!

With health and exercise becoming more and more of a factor for esports athletes, have you considered detailing your exercise and health regime?

I would like to put it out there, but I feel like it is pointless. I feel like people need to find what is right for their own bodies, but I do not mind giving some of my own personal insight to people, from my own experiences.

What are some of your goals for the rest of the year, either in CS:GO, in your life or in the gym?

CS:GO goals I keep to myself because I want to prove it to myself, I don’t try and prove my goals to people anymore. It is more important to stay true to myself and prove it to me.

Gym wise, definitely to pass those numbers up, but I do understand it is going to take time. Life, I do enjoy traveling and getting to know different people, so I want to travel around some different countries and maybe get out to Brazil as well!

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.