During the lead up to DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca, Virtus.pro's Jarosław "pashaBiceps" Jarząbkowski spoke to theScore eSports about his team's chemistry, how he feels about his own play and what it is like to play against the best.

When did you first start playing Counter-Strike and why did you decide to become a pro?

I started to play Counter-Strike a very long time ago. It was about 12 years ago. I was living in Nasielsk which is very small village, and there was nothing special to do besides spending time with friends. I couldn’t play football (soccer) 24/7, so for a change I decided to try CS at local internet cafes. I became better than anyone else in the village and I saw big potential in it, so I decided that one day I'll be on top!

Compared to other teams, Virtus.pro is known for being very loud and it has been said that you guys have internal conflicts often. What has kept you guys together for so long?

Yea, this is true. There were, are and will be arguments in a team. That’s a normal thing. We are like a family. During breakfast we could have a quarrel between us, but a few hours later we will become champions. We are big guys with big balls, we are not soft. We still stay together because we have a lot of experience.

After having some trouble earlier in the year, your team has been very strong recently. How did the team get back to the top of their game the past couple of months?

Kuben’s addition to the team had a big impact on our game. He really helps us a lot. We always had ups and downs during our careers, but determination, Polish heart, a common goal and fans all over the world will carry us like the wind.

Specifically, TaZ has recently been putting in some really big games individually even though he was looked at as a more supportive player for a little while. Why do you think he has been doing so well?

TaZ has never been a support player, he’s a real gorilla in-game. No respect for an opponent, he loves to shoot the head shots! He gets big games thanks to hard work he puts in during practice.

You most recently won the Crown Invitational in Australia. What do you think of the current Australian teams? Why do you think neither Immunity or Renegades were able to make it to the Major?

It’s a shame that there will not be kangaroos at the Major. Teams from Australia always surprise their enemies, I can see big potential in their game, but guys, it’s time to move to Europe! If they want to become a top tier team, they need to practice with the best teams in the world. Feel free to come to Polandooo!

Looking ahead to the Major, how will your team be preparing?

At the upcoming major, anything can happen. We had couple of tournaments lately, that kinda broke us. We are trying different styles right now, but it doesn’t always work. Hopefully we are a LAN team and we perform better there.

How much individual practice do you do normally? Is there anything you want to improve about yourself before the event?

This year was very hard for me. I have a very weak conditions to train at home. Next year will be my year. I will have my gaming room, I will play individually before and after team practice. Now nelaBiceps grabs my mouse when I am playing, so my level becomes too NightMare!

Your team changes roles more than any other team it seems. What is each player’s roles going to be at the Major?

I can’t tell you. Other teams are not sleeping.

Your team has been beating everyone, but how confident are you when you go up against teams like TSM and EnVyUs? What do you think will decide which team wins in Romania?

Everything starts when I wake up. How do I feel my biceps. Is it going to be a good day or even better. Sometimes it means that rivals shouldn’t swing their heads from the corner or I will cut them. Then only small details decides.

Finally, do you have any advice to give to Team Biceps while they wait to see you play at the event?

I hope that after the event, I will add Romania to my team Biceps best fans map. I would like to feel in your country like at home, and I hope you guys are waiting for me and my team. Romanian army we are coming!

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.

Translations provided by Jakub "kuben" Gurczyński.

Jacob Juillet writes about Counter-Strike for theScore eSports. Follow him on Twitter.