karrigan at IEM Dallas, “You will never see FaZe give up”

FaZe Clan’s captain Finn “karrigan” Andersen concluded IEM Dallas with renewed optimism about Counter-Strike’s competitive future, despite the team’s disappointing third-place finish.

The organization faced a particularly difficult tournament path, encountering eventual champions ENCE on two separate occasions leading to their elimination. Despite the setbacks, the veteran in-game leader demonstrated remarkable resilience and forward-thinking perspective. During the championship Sunday proceedings, WIN.gg conducted an exclusive interview with karrigan to explore FaZe’s emerging rivalry complications, the squad’s adaptation strategies, and his surprisingly positive outlook on Counter-Strike 2’s impending release.

WIN.gg: Your match against MOUZ featured an exhausting quadruple overtime on the decisive third map. Given your collective experience, how significantly did fatigue influence the outcome?

Karrigan: Competing in a best-of-three series where the final map extends deep into multiple overtimes presents unique physical challenges. Approximately six months back, tournament organizers eliminated inter-overtime breaks, and this marked my initial genuine experience with substantial exhaustion accumulation. The continuous switching between terrorist and counter-terrorist sides without strategic timeout opportunities creates particularly demanding conditions.

Matches of this intensity inevitably descend into chaotic exchanges, which ironically enhances spectator entertainment value. Numerous viewers described it as among the most thrilling competitive maps they’ve witnessed recently.

The back-and-forth nature made for engaging gameplay but exacted a physical price. Fatigue becomes especially pronounced following major tournaments—we competed in Paris just ten days prior. The cumulative effect undoubtedly impacted our final performance execution.

WIN.gg: How did the team process the elimination immediately afterward? Discussion sessions or recovery periods?

Karrigan: Our collective reaction was visibly apparent immediately following the defeat. Multiple players remained seated, processing the numerous round sequences and reflecting on individual and collective improvement opportunities. We limited extensive tactical discussions initially, focusing instead on emotional recovery.

Ancient matches featuring such complexity involve both exceptional plays and correctable mistakes, but immediate detailed analysis proves challenging under tournament constraints.

We maintain confidence in our strategic direction and competitive resurgence efforts. Our gameplay demonstrated capability against elite opponents, though we acknowledge consistency requirements against specific team matchups. ENCE delivered impressive performances throughout the event.

Currently, we’re prioritizing mental reset protocols before conducting comprehensive future planning sessions. The squad demonstrated exceptional determination, operating on reserve energy while maintaining competitive integrity until the final moment. This persistent fighting spirit represents a valuable organizational characteristic we consistently display.

WIN.gg: Facing ENCE twice at IEM Dallas proved frustrating, especially considering your Paris challengers stage loss to them. What specific factors complicate this particular matchup?

Karrigan: Their map selection strategy creates particular difficulties for our preferred playstyle. Anubis has emerged as their strategic counter-pick against us—previously the decider map, now selected twice as targeted punishment. This clearly indicates a map requiring immediate strategic attention specifically for ENCE confrontations.

Their analytical preparation appears superior currently. Enhancing our Anubis proficiency would significantly simplify veto processes. During our most recent encounter, we established favorable positions on Ancient, mounting significant comebacks and maintaining advantageous leads.

They’ve secured three consecutive victories against us, though we previously triumphed in critical matches including the Pro League Season 15 finals. We must monitor any opponent establishing repeated victory patterns.

Typically we encounter one group stage defeat—ENCE has now accomplished this twice, during the major and this event. However, our stage performance demonstrated noticeable improvement. We possessed multiple opportunities to secure victory and will closely analyze future encounters for strategic adjustments.

WIN.gg: With Paris concluding the CS:GO major era, does this impact your competitive mentality?

Karrigan: The conclusion doesn’t alter my fundamental approach. My primary current concern involves Counter-Strike 2’s release timing uncertainty. Summer break launch rumors conflict with CSGO-only tournament speculations.

I primarily seek clarity regarding training focus during the player break period. Should CS2 become tournament-ready within four weeks, our break transforms into immediate adaptation requirements. The veteran player perspective creates particular challenges regarding transition planning and preparation timing.

WIN.gg: Does Valve provide professional players with advanced information?

Karrigan: We receive no privileged information. Our understanding remains limited to the game’s developmental status—specifically its incomplete readiness. Launching any competitive title featuring seven maps without comprehensive testing presents substantial challenges.

Currently we’re in an information waiting phase, which inevitably affects preparation mindset. Hopefully the player break proceeds as scheduled. Should no developments occur during that period, Cologne will necessarily utilize CSGO. Currently I’m awaiting definitive information to structure next season’s competitive calendar effectively.

WIN.gg: Assuming all active duty maps became immediately available, would CS2 qualify for tournament implementation?

Karrigan: New competitive titles never launch in tournament-ready condition. Bugs and unforeseen gameplay elements inevitably emerge during initial competitive adoption phases.

However, I particularly appreciate our historical transition experience from CS 1.6 to Global Offensive. That represented an exceptionally challenging migration to an entirely new gaming environment with numerous technical issues.

Regarding CS2, I conceptualize it as a substantial game update rather than completely new title. Our adaptability remains our greatest strength. The forthcoming transition promises significantly improved experience compared to previous generational shifts.

Initial competitive implementation will undoubtedly feature chaotic elements for approximately two to three months. This explains my preference for Cologne remaining on CSGO—tournament victories should reflect genuine competitive superiority rather than adaptation speed advantages.

WIN.gg: Which specific balance modifications would you prefer in CS2’s final version?

Based on available footage and limited gameplay exposure, hitbox improvements appear resolved. Movement mechanics represent my primary concern area.

I’ve communicated to Valve that movement currently feels somewhat imprecise and technically inconsistent. Movement proficiency represents fundamental Counter-Strike skill differentiation dating back to CS 1.6. This gameplay element significantly contributes to player engagement and competitive depth.

Current CSGO metagame occupies relatively balanced positioning. Overpowered elements and meta developments naturally emerge, but Valve has demonstrated excellent responsiveness analyzing statistical data and implementing necessary adjustments.

With CS2, I anticipate accelerated response timelines when addressing significantly problematic or unbalanced gameplay mechanics. They’ll maintain proactive oversight ensuring optimal competitive conditions for the March major tournament.

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