Nakspinoy (CSGO): What have we learned from Razer Arena Rooster zGold SEA Tournament
February 25 was not an ordinary day for Nakspinoy’s CSGO lineup. That day was a breakthrough, a venture to the real competitive scene. Supposedly, 7 players would have met and played together to utilize the full optimum level of playing.
What went on the tournament?
First of all, I would like to thank Nakspinoy, and all those who supported the team in the tournament. Having such supporters meant a lot especially to those who played. I would also like to thank Razer for such an opportunity where people can play very competitively even in their own homes. This allows more players to test their mettle against players/teams of different skill. The mere fact that Razer actually holds tournaments that often is already good in itself. Players, especially the newly-formed and fresh teams, will definitely be given a chance. Here are some of my analysis regarding the tournament: the tournament itself, and the games, especially those Nakspinoy participated.
- Inferno might very well be Nakspinoy’s strongest map
- Nakspinoy now holds a 4–0 record in Inferno; 3 of which came from training in Match Making servers. The fourth win was against team SEAGREAT, where they forfeited the match after Nakspinoy kept winning towards a 7–0 scoreline. Nakspinoy’s A takes were on point, and the team kept abusing it until SEAGREAT forfeited the match. More improvements will be done in taking the B bombsite, although most of the wins came from B takes in Match Making. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it is going to be considered that Inferno is Nakspinoy’s stronger map than Cache.
2. The initial lineup of Nakspinoy holds promise.
- The starting lineup was decided right before. Of course, those who came to meet each other were given the highest privilege of playing the tournament. It turned out to be a solid lineup, with Joey “Spookey” Abonitalla showing the most superior aim during the whole tournament. He never lost momentum even on losing rounds. Dyon ”HyperRX” Bacudio solidly performed, even with having just buying his new mousepad on the day of the tournament itself, and has stylishly performed numerous clutches. Ron Jimuel “JimM” Mendoza has proven to be a very effective support player all throughout the tournament, and had good chemistry with HyperRX. OGKAESH showed consistency in getting kills for the team, doing mostly guaranteed trade kills and holding the line for the team. We have yet to learn from the other players in the lineup, and what sort of chemistry would come from each other in different sets of lineup.
3. Nakspinoy has yet to follow the playbook.
- Although the plays have been very solid for the team, Nakspinoy has yet to showcase their REAL strategic plays. Chance “King” Lepatan has done his homework in gathering strategies, but the enforcement was not entirely followed at all. The team discipline has yet to be solidified, if Nakspinoy is planning on stepping up their game to the next level.
4. Errors have been made.
- Nakspinoy played really well, especially in the first game, but faults were present in a consistent manner: meaning, whoever was in the lineup, the errors were still present.
- Coordination has to be improved in any situation plays (1v5, 2v3, and so on). Positional plays are also lackluster, in the sense that, at some point especially in CT rounds, players have to KEEP MOVING from one position to another after staying , to strengthen the unpredictability of the defense.
- More “us”, instead of “me/I”. Some players of the clan are too over-committed to their individual plays. The team has to prevent this kind of example: (Overpass, CT side) “Go B, I’ll solo at connector.” This kind of play is not a good example of coordination. Even if one player volunteers to follow what he feels is right to do, he should stick to the play, and do what he feels ONLY within the team play. No IGL is so strict enough that he/she tells you where you should exactly go anyway. If a plan has been made, stick to it, and from there, work around it.
- The team should refrain from giving info based on what he thinks. Proper play and execution plan comes from precise info. Confirmation is always better than giving a hunch. This happened in one specific round in Inferno where Nakspinoy already took the B bombsite, where multiple players suddenly gave info on enemy positions based on their hunch, which was turned down immediately with a reprimand coming from King.
5. Nakspinoy must practice with different lineups.
- So far the chemistry of the lineup of the team who played has performed really well, but, given that there are many players in the clan who wish to play competitively, there are many possibilites, plays of newer roles and newfound chemistry. This creates easier decisions on who shall play when up against especially a team we might know well.
6. Nakspinoy needs more scrimmages.
- Playing on WASD against a team which includes a real professional player, a real semi-professional player and 2 seasoned veterans was a real help in giving at least a fighting chance for the team. Playing there will help the team to learn a whole lot especially higher standards of competitive play.
The future seems bright and shows real promise to the clan Nakspinoy. Hopefully more improvements will come and we’re looking towards a better performance from the team. More power to clan Nakspinoy!