"Sources Say" is a new column that will ideally come out weekly, but we'll see how it goes. It will focus on discussions and behind-the-scenes developments I can confirm or plainly just feel confident are happening, even if they don't lead to any official moves. "X team are targeting Y player," or "A player has been practicing with B team," -- that type of stuff.​ Check out the most recent editions.





Over two years into this writing journey, a new trend has presented itself in recent months: new writers asking for help. I feel conflicted when asked questions about “how to become an interviewer or writer in ​CS:GO” because my path up to this point is not replicable nor has it been typical. On top of that, you’d likely find writing skills near the bottom of my journalistic toolbox. What I can do, though, is share the other tools that were not only recommended to me but were instrumental thus far in my little adventure.





Priority No. 1, in my opinion, is understanding that the writing world is far from glamorous. Unless you have some tremendous talent, hardly anyone in esports will even recognize how good of a writer you are. Stuchiu is one of the best writers in all of esports, yet he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. That alone is enough of an example that this is something people begin to do out of passion, or as a hobby, rather than as a job. Most should expect to volunteer for a significant amount of time and instead of aiming to become a paid writer, aim to join a publication that can get writers to events.





Just attending an event or two will give writers a leg up on those who don’t almost instantaneously. There is no such thing as too much networking, and attending an event is the best opportunity to do exactly that. It will open doors and help people put a face to a name, something that I believe was absolutely critical in what I’ve accomplished thus far. Anyone interested in interviewing at any point should watch Thorin’s ​recent video on the topic. He explains it much better than I ever could and is a reference I’ll use countless times in the future.





Above all else, I want to point out that writing is a thankless job in esports. Expect little appreciation and a treacherous road that demands even the most disciplined of individuals to remain patient and committed to honing their craft. That’s not meant to deter anyone; I just want to keep it real with anyone who imagines it as something else before they jump in.





Alright, let’s get to it.





--Earlier in the week, Smooya tweeted something to the effect of “Five Germans are better than four.” It left many fans assuming the tweet was a bait or troll, but it wasn’t. Things aren’t exactly harmonious for BIG, though it’s not clear as to what the exact problem might be. One source mentioned the BIG players want him around so long as he wants to be there. Others have said BIG inquired on Syrson before the Major roster lock. Maybe as an insurance plan for after the event? More will surface in the near future, I imagine.





--It appears FACEIT intends to use casters from one of its recent "Community Caster Challenges" event for at least part of the Challenger Stage of the Major. Outside of that, it appears the rest of the talent lineups are mostly undecided -- either that or the other interested parties haven’t been informed if they’ve been chosen or not. This is all a bit odd when you consider just how close the event is. From what I’ve gathered, FACEIT seems reluctant to pay typical rates of top-tier talent. Either way, expect some missing faces unless someone gives in on either side.





Photo by Adela Sznajder/DreamHack