​ Welcome to DeKay Mailbag, a semi-regular feature in which Counter-Strike reporter and insider Jarek "DeKay" Lewis answers questions from readers on Twitter. In this edition, DeKay talks about





Here's ​the previous edition .





Do you have a question for DeKay? Tweet him @NWDeKay or email dekaycs@gmail.com, and your question might end up in another edition of the mailbag. Now, onto the questions:

How much of the information shared with you by insiders can you not report on? Perhaps as a % or just total amount — Karl Enok Brochmann (@karl1ok) May 29, 2018

DeKay: It’s hard to ballpark a number when it comes to stuff like this. I guess if I really had to, I’d say I report 5-10 percent of inside information I actually hear. Each time I don’t report on something, there is always an underlying reason. It could be protecting a source from getting in trouble or not being able to get a second/third unrelated party to confirm something. Stuff like that. It’s quite often that I work on a story for weeks only to not publish it. That’s just part of the job.

How fucked is the Polish scene? — O X X O L I N E (@OxxolinE) May 30, 2018

DeKay: Well I’m at least excited to watch AGO play, outside of that I’m really not impressed. I’m pretty sure Virtus.pro regret signing players to those mega long contracts by now. I wish I had more to say but I don’t. It’s a bit depressing.

Was olof forced to come back due to xizt joining fnatic? — x.x (@hendrikq_) May 31, 2018

DeKay: As far as I’ve been told this isn’t the case. I was told Olof was ready to come back and Xizt had an offer he liked. It was perfect timing more than anything else.

What exactly is preventing ANGE1 from leaving Hellraisers? — Mohaimen Hassan (@mohaimen_h) May 31, 2018

DeKay: No one knows for sure, but the rumor has always been that his buyout is either not specifically stated in his contract (similar to Flamie) or it’s some astronomically high number. S1mple wanted ange1 really bad toward the latter end of last year and not even Na’Vi could free him at the time, which is why they went with Zeus.

Do you think it's possible FaZe makes a run at S1mple? — Kahlan (@sithshinobi) May 31, 2018

DeKay: I said it on a podcast but it’s good you asked so I can say it here. I think the window for Na’Vi to retain s1mple is closing if they don’t make some serious advances in tournaments. If they don’t win a tournament this year, I’m not sure he stays unless they make promising changes. Does he goes to FaZe though? I’m not so sure. I feel like FaZe would be more willing to change their in-game leader than swap out a star for s1mple. Let’s revisit this after the Major.

Which teams do you suspect will drop their CS rosters? — Kevin (@ScarletPug) May 31, 2018

DeKay: I wouldn’t be surprised if EnVyUs steps back from Counter-Strike after its repeated struggles with multiple lineups. Personally, I haven’t heard any rumors to suggest more orgs will leave the game in 2018. I think the game is in a healthy state right now, but that’s just my opinion.

What's the ceiling for shox's new G2? — Spreads (@Spreads15_) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I’d say a top 5 team that has the potential to win tournaments if they got the ideal path to a final. There is a way to unlock the shox and kennyS duo that we know can be lethal and that has to happen for them to succeed. I do question the back end of their lineup, though, so it’s possible they could be one roster move away from getting to that point. Realistically, I see them as a top 10 team by the end of the year.

Where do you see a guy like Lekro landing after his departure from Fnatic? — Evan (@NYJfootball2015) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I’d tab him as the go-to guy for NiP should they want to make a move, but that probably won’t happen until after the Major. I see him playing on some mixed teams to center himself again and then getting an offer from Pronax or NiP after the Major. I’m sure rejoining Godsent is an option too.

Where do you think Cloud9 should look to solidify their roster? — anton (@antonhenryy) May 30, 2018

DeKay: NBK, the guy they want most, is a great choice for what they need. He is versatile like Stewie is and can do just about anything you ask him to. I think his veteran savvy would help outside the server, too. If you look to North America, there aren’t a lot of options at the moment so the move really makes sense. I’m not sure there is a better player for them outside of NBK right now.

Where do you think Happy will land and the rest of NV, do you seem them breaking up or shuffle with the rest of french scene — Marcel (@MarcelStorms) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I’m not sure where Happy will end up. I think the list of players who are tired of playing with him is at an all-time high, meaning he won’t have a ton of options. He could likely play at a lower level to help evolve his leading style. RPK and kioshima should have some nice offers, so I could see them sticking together. But at this point your guess is as good as mine. We will have to see how things progress in the next couple weeks.

What was the EX6 to Envy rumor that came during the first envy g2 french shuffle. Where is zywoo going? — Jiho (@Jih0Park) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I don’t remember this rumor very well, so it’s possible I thought there wasn’t any truth to it. Zywoo has a lot to prove because he hasn’t played at a “professional” level yet. The word I’ve received for a while now is that teams/players aren’t convinced he would be a great teammate and want to see him get some time in at the professional level. He will have a truckload of offers, but he will likely jump on the most prestigious one. I’m not sure where that will be just yet.

What is the most ridiculous salary you have ever heard of based on the underwhelming performance of that team? — MaiNStreaM (@wEZZALOiD) May 30, 2018

DeKay: Virtus.pro or North making somewhere near $20,000 a month is ridiculous.





Pro players refer to communication as an up and down parameter. I can understand morale, confidence, and skill fluctuating, but shouldn't communication be a constant high at their level? — Christopher Crouzet (@zcrou) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I think communication in our game is tied to emotion and morale more than anything. Sometimes personal issues between players can affect this dynamic and players will feel less inclined to properly communicate everything going on around them in the server. Many players just go silent when they are upset about something, which can seriously impact a team’s performance. These are just a few of the more prevalent factors but they certainly aren’t the only ones.

Which teams have eyes on NBK? — jonasio :D (@RedDeadMP3) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Just Cloud9, as far as I’m aware.

What is your favorite cheese? — Insomniuhh (@insomniuhh) May 30, 2018

DeKay: I’m a pretty simple guy, so any sharp cheese in general is good IMO. I’m American so I probably don’t know what I’m missing in other parts of the world.

What would be your solution to VP's current situation? — Pero Petković (@Pero5kovic) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Drop NEO and/or Pasha (that’s painful to say) and grab some talent from Kinguin. I would have said AGO but they are playing really well and consider themselves as the better team compared to VP, so I doubt any of them leave unless the money is too enticing.

With the Chinese scene growing, do you think they can produce tier 1 teams. And if so, how long do you believe it will take to reach that level? — CoolDog69 (@KevO6759) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Until a Chinese team can regularly go anywhere in the world uninterrupted by visa issues, I don’t think it will happen. These guys need to spend more time in Europe and North America or even move there permanently live there to reach Tier 1. The quality of practice where they live is horrible.

In your opinion, why Fnatic really want Xizt in the team? — Ryan (@Daorudayo) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Watch Thorin’s video analyzing Fnatic adding Xizt. He explains the relationship that Xizt and Carn have had for years along with the fact that most Swedish players idolize the early NiP core players and have always wanted to play with them. You should have a good understanding after watching that.

What should mixwell do after he can leave G2? — Alex (@sovereign_csgo) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I doubt he has a ton of options, so he should probably pick one that allows him to play as comfortable as possible. If he can do that and play well, teams will be jumping to sign him after the Major because he is a talented and versatile player.

What team does k0nfig and cajun got offer from? — aa (@PerseusSkill) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Sprout. I don’t buy the idea that they were actually going to leave the team, it seems they just used the offer as a bargaining chip.

Hey Dekay,



After S1mple to SK didn't go through, rumours appeared that he might be available for transfer in june.



Do you think Immortals / former SK might still pull the trigger on that trade? Do you expect other teams like Faze to try to get him with astralis being dominant? — kobyyS (@Kobyy11) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I don’t expect the current SK lineup to go that route now that Immortals have Stewie locked up. If anything I could see another North American player join before s1mple joins, but crazier shit has happened. See one of the questions above about FaZe.

What do you think are Valves plans for the game in the next year? — piethrouer (@piethrouer) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Release Panorama UI and change the Negev again.

Do you think other teams will start to head towards the no dedicated AWPer looking at the recent success of Team Liquid? — Michael Adler (@h1ghly_) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I’m not sure Liquid is finding success because they don’t have a primary AWPer, but more so because they have players in spots that fit all of their strengths. If another team just attempts to copy their style, I wouldn’t expect it to work nearly as well. Liquid is using more of a natural approach because it suits their five players best.

How badly do u think HZ & Savage their careers will be damaged due to this fierce tiger shitshow — Jerckysminion (@Jerckysminion) May 29, 2018

DeKay: This will absolutely hurt them, I don’t see how it could help. Wouldn’t be surprised if Savage just retires like it had been rumored prior to this new team.

Where would like to see players like jdm, Lekr0, mixwell, FNS, Pimp, and other notable teamless players? (Whether the moves are realistic or not) — 🌚 Jason 🌝 (@ASC_JW) May 29, 2018

DeKay: JDM would be a good addition to any team in North America that needs an AWP. He will automatically upgrade just about anyone, I’m just not sure teams want to pay his buyout (assuming he is still under contract).





Pimp should have had a team months ago, I’m not sure why he isn’t on one. He has veteran experience and has played almost every role in the book. Personality clashes aside, he would be a great addition to any mid-level Danish or international team.





FNS will always have a draw because he has shown himself as a capable in-game leader on multiple occasions. Look for a mid-level NA team to scoop him up.





See above questions for lekr0 and mixwell.

What can teams do now to upset a seemingly untouchable Astralis roster? — charliΞ (@hyperbucketCSGO) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I did a podcast with Wallabeebeatle, Max Melit, and Sam Delorme on this exact topic last week. Give it a watch if you have time, the show is called Writer’s Block.

How long have you been following Counter strike? — Asa Jordan (@Asa__Jordan) May 31, 2018

DeKay: First played in 2004, but started following the pro scene when CS:GO started. Started following very heavily towards the latter end of 2013.

If s1mple and flamie were to go to SK, who would have replaced them? I heard they tried out Flarich and Aiyvan , but did they talk to some other organizations about other players? — Andrei Valentin (@Tarni234) May 29, 2018

DeKay: Yep, those were two of the names mentioned as far as I can remember. I don’t think they got too far in the process of replacing them, because the deal fell apart pretty quickly.

Hello DeKay, how are you? Do you have any information about SK and MiBR move happening before ESL BH? — Andrew M. (@AndyyMGS) May 29, 2018

DeKay: According to the people I’ve talked to, that won’t happen.

Why does it seem like Old LG/SK are the only team to publicly have difficulties switching orgs repetitively? — Sudoku (@sudokumasterrr) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I think it’s coincidence more than anything. Both moves are unique in their own way. They have only had issues switching orgs twice, which is hardly enough of a sample size to come to that conclusion.

How pivotal do you think the strength of the CZ has been in altering the meta and what have been the biggest issues to occur from it? — James Elliott-Hughes (@JamesElliottHu1) May 31, 2018

DeKay: The CZ has essentially just replaced what the TEC-9 used to do, but brought that same advantage to the CT side as well. The main issue is that winning force-buy rounds isn’t appealing Counter-Strike to most purists of the game, which I agree with. It shouldn’t be such a good gun for $500.

Overall thoughts on Fortnite's massive prize pool dick? — Cirman (@CirmanGG) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I’m not sure why but it doesn’t bother me. I’m happy for that game and its community. Competition breeds excellence in my opinion.

Do you think the roster moves that are gonna be mad in this mini shuffle will inprove the teams (envy, g2, c9) — Eclipse (@Eclipse__CS) May 29, 2018

DeKay: G2 and C9 should both improve with the moves they make, I’m not sure how quick they’ll improve though. It might take towards the end of the year to see huge improvements.

are you coming to the Major? — infinityG (@Darcomanna) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I’m still on the fence. I’d love to, it’s just more of a time constraint issue.

Have there been rumblings of faze.nbk? Also, how do you deal with shady situations/info? (Outside of reporting it)

Finally, it probably isn't mentioned enough but thank you for your work, the community would be a worse place without members like you. (Rostermania is fun too.) — Rhongomyniad (@Rhongomyniad) May 29, 2018

DeKay: I haven’t heard anything about NBK joining FaZe. Most shady situations I run into are taken care of behind the scenes and are never publicized. Most organizations act quickly when they are told their situation might go public. I just try to make sure all sides are treated fairly and help in any way I can. Sometimes orgs get taken advantage of, sometimes players do. Every situation is different.





Photo by Helena Kristiansson/ESL

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