Cloud9 has for a long time been one of the most popular teams in CS:GO – lately they have also made their fans happy with great results. According to Ryan ”fREAKAZOID” Abadir the team has far more to show.
This weekend they get a new chance to prove themselves in second major of the year.
– I truthfully believe we are going to win the Cologne tournament, the star tells Aftonbladet Esport.

Two months ago, close to no one would have expected Cloud9 to become one of the top contenders for the trophy at ESL One Cologne. In recent time however, the team has proven to be one of the most talented bunch of people in the world. Yet, according to one of the stars, there is still more to come.
– I think our skill level is a lot better than people realize, and with the combination of Sean’s calling it is a deadly combination which is why we have performed this well. However, we are not satisfied until we win and even then the show must go on, Ryan ”fREAKAZOID” Abadir says to Aftonbladet Esport.

The last couple of weeks, Cloud9 has placed top three in several tournaments against the best teams in the world. Their impressive results can, however, only partly be explained by the raw talent in the squad. Another big factor has, according to fREAKAZOID, been the social fit and friendship.
– We just flow as a team. We get along great outside the game, so that translates to the game. Some teams don’t get along well outside the game, but we all have that “bro” love for each other and our management really.

You guys also seem to have improved a lot individually, winning more 1v1 duels and clutches than before. Is that something you feel yourself or is it just me imagining things?
– No definitely, the amount of clutches and crazy rounds has been awesome to watch since it is generally not me, he says with a laughter and continues:
– The amount of talent we have is what make it happen.

”I believe we are going to win ESL One Cologne”

This weekend, Cloud9 has the chance to prove themselves once and for all. In the major tournament, ESL One Cologne, they will face off against the entire CS:GO elite, in what many consider to be the most unpredictable major as of yet.
– My expectation is to win, nothing less. If you don’t believe you can win or beat the best teams, then why waste your time playing this game? You play this game to be the best, never be average, or that’s is how I play and the rest of my team. I believe we are going to win ESL One Cologne.

Together with Tyler ”Skadoodle” Latham, fREAKAZOID is the latest addition to the Cloud9 squad. When the entry fragger was first brought in, during the shuffle this spring, he lived a very different life.
– I had to adjust from a college life where I was studying hard and on the school rugby team and maintaining a long term relationship to all the things we have going on now. The traveling is tough as well because we are constantly changing time zones and that can be grueling on your body.

”Fuck your skins”

A while back, in the middle of July, fREAKAZOID received hate from people that had lost their skins betting on Cloud9 in a match they lost. During a streaming session, fREAKAZOID decided to send them a harsh message and let everyone know that he ”doesn’t give a fuck about your skins”. The whole concept of skins in CSGO is, however, not something he resents.
– I love the idea of trading and betting skins, don’t get me wrong, but what isn’t correct is getting mad at an individual or team because you lost your bet. That makes zero sense. People need to understand you are betting skins on something not certain and if you get mad at someone else for losing your bet then I have no comment on what kind of person you are. I do believe it is helping evolve the game because it brings an excitement when you are watching matches because you now want that team to win more than you did before since you bet skins on that team.