SpawN 'I've played with a couple of players whom I don't want as teammates again, they have a lot of ego issues'

One of the most well-known names in the Indian Counter-Strike scene, SpawN has found a new home after a disappointing end with Enigma Gaming earlier this year. With Carnival Gaming entering the scene, SpawN has a new roster to lead and the experienced in-game leader is looking forward to a new challenge.

In an exclusive interview with Dust2 India, SpawN talks about how the Carnival Gaming move came about, issues at Enigma Gaming, goals ahead and much more.

How does is feel to finally get a home after a period of uncertainty?

It was pretty tough. Individually for me, I had made 2024 a new start for me, I had done a full reset before heading into the New Year. I had a fairly successful start to the year, winning a couple of events. It was a looking good slowly but we realised that the organisation (Enigma Gaming) wasn't keeping their original word of investing into the game for a long period. It was quite shocking for me and hattygOD (Enigma shutting down CS operations), especially for hattygOD who has been a long-standing member of Enigma Gaming and trusted them and I put my trust in them as well.

I think, given with the new roster that we had in Enigma, we were working really hard, which showed in the LAN performances as well and once Enigma announced their decision to drop the entire roster, that gap period in between was quite the struggle for me. Personally, I really wanted to participate in Skyesports Grand Slam 2024 and I hate missing out on LAN events. During that time we had a set line-up in mind and we knew we had a slot in the event. But with Carnival being a new organisation to enter the scene, they had behind-the-scenes work going on with regards to their management, setting up bootcamps etc, we missed out on the event. We were actually in talks with Carnival Gaming for almost a month and Rider and myself used to keep talking with them as the ex-Godlike management already knew us.

To be honest, we had a couple of offers during that time but following the incident with Enigma Gaming, we had doubts and didn't want to go down that path again but Carnival is a well-known organisation with regards to the experiences these guys have. The environment is really good, very positive.

What are the current goals with the team?

The current goals are very simple - I want to stick for a long period with a select core. In the past I've played with a couple of players whom I don't want as teammates again, they have a lot of ego issues. Their game isn't that good but the ego issues is quite prevalent and I think those guys have realised that that isn't working and certain sacrifices are being made, switching from their main role just to get slots.

The current squad I have, with the addition of clouda - I believe hattygOD and clouda and two of the best players in India right now. clouda is the best entry-fragger in India and he has proven himself over the course of the last year. clouda and we represented India last year and we know each other and how much effort we both are putting in. Along with us, we also had SKwow, who was also a really strong player but he wanted to leave gaming for a while to pursue higher studies. From what I know, I think he is coming back, which is great news. Maybe in the future you can see me and SKwow together.

The goal as I said, is simple - to stick together for a long period of time, which all five of us currently want. The results don't matter right now because we have had a clear communication with Carnival over their plans and how it aligns with our plans , our needs etc. We are looking forward for a long run and currently I have the perfect team, I have the best teammates. It doesn't matter how many tournaments we lose, we are ready to stick together. We have started practice from today itself, with the set-up and media day etc we got very late, we are heading for Masters tomorrow itself - it's not an excuse but our expectations for Masters isn't that high either as we know we are going in with one day's practice. The real journey starts after Masters. In the future maybe we have a good coach as well, but that is for a later time, not currently, it depends on how we are doing and our improvements.

To sum it up, the team I have right now, it is the squad I have been wanting to play with, clouda as well was eager to play with me.

SpawN also spoke about hattygOD, mentioning that the AWP-er used to work full-time before getting the Enigma Gaming role last year for Skyesports Masters 2023 which saw him quit his job. SpawN mentioned that no one has really seen the best of hattygOD yet, stating that only once - during the Esportz Premier Series 2023 LAN Grand Final against Marcos Gaming, was the only time the world really got to see the best of the AWP-er. Carnival Gaming's captain also mentions that while hattygOD suffered from a lack of opportunities before, at Carnival Gaming there will be no shortage of opportunities.

SpawN states that hattygOD is back to his main role - AWP-er (hattygOD and ghostxD shared the Big Green at Enigma Gaming) and hattygOD is given the full liberty to showcase his skills. He additionally mentioned how Rider is helping him as the second caller and they've cleared out all the roles for the roster.

No one is selfish in this time, unlike some of my past teammates. (those who were selfish before) have realised their doings and have understood that, that way of going about things will not help them win any trophies. I am happy for them now and wish them good luck for the future.

Coming back to Carnival Gaming roster, SpawN also mentions how him and clouda have been wanting to be teammates for a while now.

clouda and me wanted to team up last year itself but because of the decision of some other players we had to sacrifice the move. Last year you saw us in the Grand Final as well for the Skyesports Masters 2023 (clouda won for Gods Reign taking down SpawN and co. in Revenant Esports). I'm really happy that he won given that he was playing his best Counter-Strike.

SpawN also spoke about signing the veteran EmbeR and mentioned how crucial it is to have someone as experienced as him in the team. SpawN highlighted EmbeR's composure in crucial situations as a key factor along with his general commitment to the team to help out the roster always.

I am very confident about this line-up and you will see this line-up together for a long time.

Carnival's captain also cleared out the air on the decision of hattygOD wielding the Big Green with someone like Rider in the team as well, who has held the role previously. SpawN mentions that it was a call Rider made himself and wanted to try out a different role.

(Rider) is very passionate about the game, he is willing to put in the hard yards and succeed. Not all Indian players respect such opportunities and we want to give it to those who deserve it.

Carnival Gaming will be seen in action today at the Skyesports Masters 2024 India Closed Qualifier against 2EZ Gaming.