Insider sits down with Buk57

Alright, in a continuation of our Pre-Raleigh interviews, i managed to sit down with the man from Power, Buk57! Fresh off their win in the ECL! Here he is!

Apollo: Alright, so the ECL just recently had its first event.  What was it like to play close to home in a major event instead of flying over here to the US.

BuK57: Yeah, it was the first event of many I hope! It was actually kind of strange to have an event in the UK seeing as the last one we attended was back in November 09! But it was really good to see the European turn out and see what all the new players had to offer. Events in the UK/EU haven’t really excited us before ECL, mainly because of we’ve became so used to attending MLG events which overshadow most of the events here. ECL was different though, definately the best and most proffessionally ran event I’ve attended in Europe.

Apollo: So, how does it feel to win the first major European event?  Also to beat out Fnatic who turned alot of heads over here in the US.

BuK57: It feels great, it was an event where we had to show we were the best in Europe again. After making a team change dropping Baxter and picking up MVP. Also some people were doubting us to be the best so it was nice to prove them people wrong. Beating Fnatic, well to be hones they were our only competition for the event. Especially with them coming off a good finish at MLG Columbus, and me and my brother missing that event for exams. In theory they should have had the advantage, as well as a 6 Team pre-lan that Fnatic hosted which we were banned from attending! So yeah it felt really good beating our ex teammate Baxter and Fnatic possibly the most confident team in Europe and to show we’re still #1.

Apollo: So, you haven’t competed in an MLG event in a while is that correct?

BuK57; Yes, our last event as a full team was Orlando in April so we’ve not been to one in 3months. But we now hold 13th seed for Raleigh thanks to MVP and Reaction teaming with ZooWuu and Fearris for Columbus and Fearris stepping down from the team to give MVP captaincy and us the locked pro seed for this event.

Apollo: So how do you guys feel going in with 13th seed right after coming off a huge win in the ECL?

BuK57: We’re feeling really confident about Raleigh as the 13th seed, and the 1st place finish at ECL. Especially with out bracket which seems to be making it very possible for us to break Top 12 and maybe even further. Although our online practice is limited due to EU teams basically giving up on halo 3 now because of no more events before Reach is released so there’s no EU teams to practice against, and practice across an ocean isn’t always the best!

Apollo: Speaking of Reach, since Raleigh is more or less the last Major Halo 3 event because most teams will be playing Reach.  Are you and your team going to continue in Halo 3.  Or will you be making the switch and playing Reach if you attend more MLG events.

BuK57: We’re going to be playing Halo 3 at DC definitely, trying desperately to get that last place in the Top 8 Championships. But after that our team will be moving over to Reach. Hopefully for Reach we can start off strong with a Top 16 seed and work our way into the higher placements throughout next season. Instead of having to start off like we did in halo 3 with a huge seed disadvantage to the teams who have been competing all season.

Apollo: So, you guys were the first whole European team to come over and compete in a MLG event.  How far do you guys think you have come since then, and how has MLG changed in your eyes.

BuK57:Yeah, last year we were the first full European team to attend an MLG event for Halo 3. I think we’ve improved so much since then and also became more professional in the way we act around the community and with other players. Back then when we were playing we were unknown except for being good online! Now we are placing highly at MLG events and now even being seeded next to players who we used to look up to when we played. So we’ve came a long way since our first event in Anaheim.

MLG has changed in my eyes to become more of a social experience now as well for me and my team, we’ve met people we would have never met outside of gaming and halo and its just amazing to meet thousands of people that all share the same interests in gaming as you.

Also MLG has changed for the international side of it, there has been players from the UK, Sweden, Netherlands, and Australia attend events now, its just a sign that MLG is growing and more and more people are getting involved in it.

Apollo: So, back to ECL here for a few moments.  I managed to check out some of the footage on the live stream and saw a good number of pictures from the event.  How did the first ECL event go?  What did you like about it?  Hate about it?

BuK57: It went great, biggest EU event for console games so far. Things i liked about it were, they provided Astro equipment for each station like at MLG events, the mainstage looked great and there was a large audience area to spectate it. And also the prize money was good! Hate? I didn’t really hate anything, the only thing which annoyed me was the scheduling which sometimes caused delays and we had to play one match quite late at night after MVP and BUK 20 had gone back to the hotel already, so we had to call them and get them to come back and play!

Apollo: Sounds like a fun time Hahaha, so is there anything you would have changed for the event?

BuK57: I’d say that there shouldn’t been more games on main stage if it was possible, and maybe get people to save the later games in the tournament on memory cards to upload after the event for VoD like MLG do. Other than that nothing really that I’d like to change.

Apollo: So with Raleigh coming up next weekend, do you have any pre-event lans planned?

BuK57: We don’t have any pre-event LANs scheduled no. We tried to organize some with other Pro teams but some of their players couldn’t make it. And like i said Halo 3 teams in Europe now have given up! And just concentrating on Reach, so we’re going into the event without a LAN, however we’re going to try and fit in some series in the Pro Lounge on the Friday of the event.

Apollo: Haha, i’m sure you guys will be able to, if worst comes to worst you could always chill in the Dr. Pepper Booth and get some games in.

BuK57: Yeah, we’re normally welcome to play on there which is nice. So we should be fine getting some last minute practice against the other teams.

Apollo: So, with coming into the event with 13th seed, is there any pro team that you do not want to play?

BuK57: Ha! I can’t say really theres a team I don’t want to play. However I’d like to avoid Status Quo, their teamwork is amazing from what i’ve heard from MVP and Reaction who played them at Columbus.
And on the otherside of that, I’m really looking forward to playing the new Str8 Rippin’.

Apollo: Haha, your not the only one.   This is going to be an interesting event for the pro teams, a lot of teams made some serious changes.   What do you think about the new Carbon?

BuK57: The new Carbon i think are going to be one of them teams who either do amazingly well or get a low top 8 finish. I’ve heard they aren’t looking as strong as the other teams but that’s just rumors. Although I’ve played the full team online on american host kind of recently and I got an Overkill vs. them! But yeah that’s online. I think they’ll either place Top 3 or a low Top 8 finish depending on how well everything goes on the day.

Apollo: Alright dude, at risk of my internet crapping out again i think we’ll call it an interview, would you like to give any shout outs before we’re done

BuK57: Yeah just shoutouts to Power Gaming, the management, Steelseries, the rest of my team of course and all of our fans. Who I hope will be supporting us next weekend at MLG Raleigh

Insider sits down with Smalls

Whats going on folks, haven’t posted one of these in a while! Well we got some huge changes coming so i figured it was about time we posted a new interview! I present, the man himself! Smalls the coach of Heaven and Earth!

Apollo: Alright so,  you first appeared on the circuit under Vanity Gaming, and helping with the 09 Columbus events manning the live stream of the event that Liquid Lightning sponsored.  How did you manage to go from camera man to Pro Coach?

Small: Working on websites like Vanity Gaming, Gaming Workshop, and Gaming-Lessons definitely opened doors of communication to some of the pros. I have worked along side Kill3n for quite some time now so that definitely influenced my choice of becoming a coach. I was a competitive player for my first few events and always had thoughts of coaching. When things with my websites kicked up I started having to sacrifice time spent on playing for the website or vice versa. I got to the point where I couldn’t continue doing both. I figured that this would be a great time to go into coaching because I wouldn’t have to keep my individual playing skill up and I could focus on my website a little more. I also knew that I would have something over a lot of other coaches because I was a player and I knew the game on that level. So one thing led to another and I started communicating with a few pro teams including Ambush. Several days later I was on the team and ready to go!

Apollo: So, after coaching Ambush for a few events, what made you make the switch to Heaven and Earth

Small: Coaching Ambush was fun and all but I did not want to stop there. I saw myself having the potential to be a top coach and I wasn’t content until I could prove that. Coaching Ambush was a great way to start coaching because it was a team I knew I was definitely good enough to keep up with them. After the event, a few roster changes took place and we picked up Poweezy and Ice Vayne as our other two players. Ice Vayne brought his coach along with him to the team because he was friends with everyone on Ambush and there was a potential sponsor involved. It was not at all an upset. No hard feelings about the team change. Ambush said I did a great job coaching and shouldn’t feel like I got dropped. Things just didn’t work out in my favor. I went teamless for awhile and talked to several teams including Warriors, Darkest Hour, and tried to get through to Heaven & Earth. I didn’t have too much luck for awhile but then one day I got offers from all three teams. I definitely wanted to go with Heaven & Earth but a big thanks to the other 2 teams for considering me as a coach.

Apollo: Speaking about top coaches, what do you think about Tom’s decision to go without Lammie?

Small: I think Lammie and Coach Tom are both great coaches. I have a lot of respect for Tom and there has to have been a reason for the change or it wouldn’t have happened. Tom takes the coach position very seriously so he definitely knows what he is doing there. I am sad to see Lammie off of Str8 because they have teamed for quite some time. Coach Tom, on the other hand, is a great coach. He is one of my biggest influences as a coach. I know Str8 will be in great hands with this switch. Much love for Lammie though!

Apollo: Speaking of Str8, what do you think about the scores of the 6 team LAN?

Small: Im actually surprised by them. I think the new Str8 line up has a lot of potential and I really want to see them succeed. I know that there is a crazy amount of skill in Halo now so losing to these teams is definitely not something to be ashamed of. I did expect to see a lot more from Str8 though. Hopefully between now and tournament time they can get things together and pull off some wins.

Apollo:One of the largest topics spinning around the MLG forums is the Str8 score of 0-22..Just on your opinion, do you think its because their not clicking or is there something missing on the team?

Small: I think it has to be both. I feel like a drastic change was good for that team as far as the roster changes go but it seems to me like something isn’t right. I haven’t had the time to really sit down and evaluate the new Str8  Rippin’s gameplay. I can’t pinpoint exactly what the problems are but anyone can see there is really something that hasn’t clicked yet. Like I said, they are playing some of the best teams in the world so maybe it will be a different story once they get a little more time as a team and more experience under their belt.

Apollo: Lets move away from the teams a bit, and move towards Raleigh.   I’m sure everyone has seen your post about the Live stream at the LAN.  How did you manage to hook up with Red Bull for all of this

Small: The Red Bull LAN was a huge surprise! Everything pretty much came out of nowhere. We all knew Dave (Walshy) still had the Red Bull sponsor but we had no idea that all of this would come up. My team told me about the LAN under a week ago and then I started getting emails from Red Bull about it. They are wanting to get back into the groove of things and get more involved in gaming so they obviously started with Dave. They wanted to get Carbon a good LAN before Raleigh so we happened to get picked. Red Bull is testing the waters with this one and they have already talked about flying Nezir and me out for the next one!

Apollo: You mentioned that you are part of Gaming Lessons, how did you come into that site?

Small: Kill3n and I opened are websites and we wanted to get to the point where we could work with Tsquared. After working for awhile and talking to T2, we finally set things in stone. It was going to be Kill3n, T2, and me running a brand new site but we crossed paths with Bluestrike who runs the GL site. I have always wanted someone to work with that I could talk “nerdy” with. Bluestrike filled that role and for once in the last 3 years of running websites like this, I did not feel like a 1 man army when it came to building a website. Now that all four of us are united, we know we can make something truly amazing. We decided to bring Gaming Lessons in to our network of websites. We now consist of Gaming Workshop, Good Game HQ, Gaming-Lessons, and a few more unannounced or unofficial websites.

Apollo: So, you are one of the more active coaches around, sort of like Bravo, can we expect to see some goofy videos? Maybe you and Mike(StrongSide) having a dance off or something?

Small: Goofy videos is definitely a possibility! I take a very nice HD camcorder to each event for filming whatever comes up. As far as the dance off is concerned, Mike would get completely “out-danced” so I don’t think he would agree to letting it be on camera. I think he would be too intimidated by my moves. Expect some video footage to be released after Raleigh. If anyone has any ideas for videos, let me know!

Apollo: Dude…I’m feeling a dance off haha

Small: Haha we will see!

Apollo: Alright man, wells thats about all i got haha, so any shoutouts before we finish this sucker up?

Small: I always have shout outs! Let’s see here…I always feel bad for forgetting people.

Shout out to the following:
My girlfriend, the most amazing girl in the world, Steph aka I Heart Small. Love you <3
Kill3n
Tsquared
Coach Tom
Nezir
StrongSide
Cpt Anarchy
Sypher
Dersky
D Moralize
Weapon X
The old Ambush
Buckness
Karma
Phaze II
Sicknehss
SnipesxuPnDownx
Darkest Hour (good luck round 1!)
All of my friends and family
All of my and Heaven & Earth’s fans (We love you guys!)
The 4th Watch
Im Lemonjello
All of the other pro players and coaches!

Also, be sure to check out the official Heaven & Earth team site and Facebook page!
http://teamhae.com (Will be up within the next few days)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heaven-Earth/145386675488936 (“Like” us or I’ll find you!)
and last but not least…
RED BULL!! <3

Heads-Up with Flamesword captain of Status Quo

We got to sit down with Michael Chaves (aka Flamesword) the captain of Status Quo about their off-season changes. So check it out and let’s hear your thoughts about the new SQ!

Trent: Well, coming into the 2009 season you guys were touted as one of the top up-and-coming teams in Halo 3. The season wasn’t terrible, but it was definitely less than what was expected from you guys. What would you attribute that to?

Flamesword: We basically just never showed up to the event. We definitely had it in us, but like I said we just never showed up on gameday.

Trent: You seemed to never be in sync, but you showed flashes of what people expected! Was it a lack of practice, lack of chemistry or something else that caused that?

Flamesword: I think it was the cause of something else, but I just can’t explain. After Side left the team we started practicing less, so that might have had something to do with it.

Trent: Fair enough, since the Orlando National Championships both Legend and Totz have moved on and you have teamed with two very talented up-and-coming players in “A Pure Gangster” and “Enable”. How is this team different than the Status Quo team from last season?

Flamesword: Time will only tell, but I like the feel of this new squad because so far we listen to each other without complaints. Also, everyone is playing a lot more, so I’m happy to be able to sign online and game with a teammate right away.

Trent: Let’s look at your team. If you were to really analyze what you all bring what would you say are the strong suits of each individual player on your team, yourself included. Along those same lines, what prompted you to pick up APG and Enable?

Flamesword: I’m not sure yet because it’s a new team. We pushed for Enable because he’s a sick team player and APG is the next dominant force I believe.

Trent: Well, what changes would you like to see for the 2010 season in the league as a whole?

Flamesword: I want more events and maybe more Cali events. Its so sick out there.

Trent: On the topic of this coming season, have you heard much about the upcoming combine?

Flamesword: Nope, I just know its in Nashville.

Trent: Right, well we’re headed back to Orlando in mid April. Any predictions from the new Status Quo?

Flamesword: Looking at it right now, I feel this will be the best SQ so far. I have 3 young players on my team that just want to win and show they can hang with anyone. Also, Ace and myself are going all out this year to prove that we’re top players.

Trent: Last couple questions. With regard to the transactions that have been made so far regarding the other top teams, who do you think improved the most?

Flamesword: Instinct, they just look solid.

Trent: If you had to pick one, what team do you think didn’t do so hot?

Flamesword: I think they all improved. I think the level of competition will increase this year.

Trent: This will definitely be a year where there is more parity between the top teams. Any surprise teams to look out for?

Flamesword: To early to tell right now. Most teams haven’t really begun practicing.

Trent: Fair enough, well thanks for your time Mike. We’ll check back with you before the event to get your thoughts then as well.

Flamesword: Alright, thanks.

Well, There you have it! You agree or disagree with what Mike thinks lets hear it below.

On the Inside with vVv Gaming

Well folks…We’re back! After a small delay in posting, we’re back in action! We’re going to bring you more interviews, more news, more guides than ever before! And man do we have a way to kick it off. With the first of hopefully a handful of interviews with the leaders of some of the largest gaming communities and sites out there!

First up is Lord Jerith, founder and owner of vVv Gaming!

Apollo: Alright why not start off by introducing yourself.

LordJerith: I’m Jerry “LordJerith” Prochazka, the owner of vVv Gaming.  I’m a 39-year old consultant from Chicago, IL. I have eight years experience as a business research consultant on human capital projects with Accenture. I also have special expertise in the design, implementation and analysis of human capital research, particularly in the analysis of quantitative data, as well as qualitative data analysis.  I have proven expertise in award application processes.  Before working with Accenture, I had 12 years experience in nuclear engineering as a propulsion plant watch supervisor and nuclear training specialist for the United States Navy.  I received a BS with Distinction from Old Dominion University and attended graduate school in the Master of the Arts Program for Social Science (MAPSS) at the University of Chicago.

Apollo: Alright so vVv is one of the largest gaming communities out there, one of the “Old School” communities if you will.  How long has vVv been around?

LJ: : vVv Gaming emerged onto the competitive circuit in 2007 with its explosive Gears of War team, vVv Vision

Apollo: Hmm, so what did you think of Visions 2nd place finish at Orlando.

LJ: I think they did great.  The team has great chemistry and is exciting to watch.  We expect great things from them in 2010.

Apollo: So, vVv already has one of the top Gears teams on the circuit, have you ever thought of trying to recruit one of the top Halo teams?

LJ: Halo is a complicated puzzle.  It all comes down to the infamous “Rule #8” of Major League Gaming.  Let me explain further. The rule states: “Players and Coaches may not appear on a Main Stage Station with sponsor insignia that is not approved by MLG or conflicts with MLG sponsors.  Players and Coaches may be asked to wear MLG apparel during Main Stage activity.” So, we have been very hesitant, as teams are instructed to take off their sponsors clothes, and put on MLG branded clothes. However, This year with the combine, we feel a bit better about giving Halo 3 teams an opportunity to represent and be sponsored by vVv Gaming. This year with the combine, we feel a bit better about giving Halo 3 teams an opportunity to represent and be sponsored by vVv Gaming : vVv Sector 7 for GB, vVv Supernatural for GB and the Combine, along with vVv Ultimate for the combine.

Apollo: So speaking about the combines, what are your thoughts on them? Good Idea? Bad? Great for advertising?

LJ: I think they are a very good idea.  I think MLG, in order to try to get consistency, artificially stacks the deck for its pro players.  The combine provides teams with an opportunity to compete with less of the deck stacked against them.  I understand that sponsors want consistency, but MLG should invest in training coaches and teams to work through problems.  vVv Gaming tries.

Apollo: So lets talk about vVv for a minute,  what made you think to create a gaming community and did you think you would be so successful?

LJ: When I bought the XBOX 360 in November of 2005, I took a close look at XBL, and thought, “this will change everything.”  So, while playing CoD2 with a small clan, I realized that this could grow much larger.  People will want an identity and community in this chaotic space. It wasn’t until Gears released in 2006, however,  that we had an opportunity to break into the competitive scene.

Apollo: So, did you attend Orlando?

LJ: No, I did not.  I never attend the nationals.

Apollo: Is there any reason why you do not attend nationals?

LJ: I spent several years in Orlando, Fl for Naval Nuclear Propulsion School.  So, I know the city pretty well. As far as why not nationals, it is the end of the season, and from a recruiting standpoint, we know things change pretty significantly at the end of the season, and turnout is usually the lowest.

Apollo: So do you play competitively at all?

LJ: Not at all. We do not allow staff to compete. I coach players in Gears behind the scene. There are exceptions (i.e. our Halo3 manager vVv Solid, but our basic rule is staff does not compete, but they can coach.

Apollo: Simple enough, other than Gears, what other games do you play online?

LJ: : I finally just found the time to finish Assassin’s Creed 2.  I play games like Dragon Age, Aion, Total War series and King Arthur.

Apollo: So, we all know that vVv has a large standing in MLG and on the Xbox 360, but what about the other consoles? or the other leagues like the WCG

LJ: I try not to say much, but I think our accomplishments speak for themselves, check out our wiki page. We had the bronze metal winner representing team USA for Guitar Hero at the World Cyber Games World National Finals in Chengdu, China last year, if that helps give some idea. Not to mention our FIFA player, vVv Michs, also represented Team USA for FIFA in China. On the PC side, our Call of Duty teams, Left for Dead teams and Counter-Strike: Source teams all finish top 4 in their divisions.

Apollo: With all you guys have done, surely you get many teams wanting to represent vVv, how do you determine which teams will and which teams will not

LJ: It depends.  We turn down 88% of all applications, and We turn down 95% of team applications. Mostly we want teams that understand the business side or are opening to learn about the business side. Many teams make the mistake of wanting money from vVv Gaming, without explaining how it will benefit vVv Gaming. Most teams clearly do not think through their worth.  They will say, we will represent vVv Gaming to our fullest.” We always ask, exactly what does that mean?
The problem is that many teams feel that being skilled means something, and quite frankly, that is just the tip of the iceberg.  We often refer them to this video: http://www.vvv-gaming.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=34305 , also, saying “we will get vVv known.”  We just show them our list of accomplishments and say, “more than we are?” How would you do this?

Apollo: Would you like to give any shout outs out before we wrap it up here?

LJ: Yeah actually I would, I want to give a shout out to vVv Vision, Steel Series, KontrolFreek, our awesome staff and amazing community.

Alright guys there you have it. Know an awsome site? Want to see an interview with the owner? Submit the site link and why they should be interviewed to me at Apollo@mlginsider.com or InsiderApollo on AOL. Lets here them!

Insider sits down with Mackeo

Alright whats going on everyone! As I promised i have an exclusive interview for you all!  He’s a veteran of MLG and has been on more Top teams than we can count! Ranging from old school FBI The Agency back in the good’ol days of Halo 2 to Final Boss!  He’s an awesome guy, i present to you..The one…The only…The Mac-Attack….Mackeo!

Apollo:  Alright, So dude, you’ve fallen off the grid recently and everyone’s talking about you retiring and you lying to a AM team about going to Anaheim.  Care to set the record straight?

Mackeo:  Basically the am team situation was I only had half of my heart in going to Anaheim. I really didn’t want to go but the am team wanted me to. They were going to give me a certain amount of money to go with them and then with that I was going to book the airfare, and they were giong to give me the rest in Anaheim. It took them a while longer to get me the money and they weren’t completely able to fulfill their part. However, I did not book the plane ticket at a smart time so by the time I was looking at airfare it was very expensive and I could not get a time that I desired because I had a test I had to take on Friday of Anaheim. I then told them I think it was the wednesday before the event that I could not attend and gave them all their money back. It was just not a good situation and I’d take most of the blame.

Apollo:  So, do you have any plans for Orlando?

Mackeo:  : I’m not planning on going to Orlando just because I’ve been so focused on school, and if I did go to Orlando it would not be a full effort. When I come back I want it to be for real and not some wimpy attempt.

Apollo:  Have you thought at all about what you might want to do for the 2010 season?

Mackeo: Right now I have no plans for the 2010 season, and haven’t been thinking about halo at all. It woulden’t be that big of a deal to me if I never came back to halo I feel that I’ve moved on from it quite a bit. However, the only real motivation for me to come back is for the money aspect. I know that I’m good enough that I could make money at this game and just be a top player. However, my main concern is not to waste my time and life. After the championships I will probably begin to get on and just feel it out see who I think is good and whatnot. I will also probably talk to Victory. After taking all these things into consideration and depending on how good and confident I feel about myself and potential teammates I will then come back.

Apollo: Hmmm….Do you think you will come back and get back on a top team or do you see yourself putting together an AM team?

Mackeo:  Good question….I’m not too sure yet.  I’d most likely plan on putting a team together that I thought could compete and win.

Apollo:  Have you had a chance to pick up Call of Duty MW2 at all?

Mackeo:  I have played CoD MW2 personally wasn’t a fan I thought CoD 4 took more skill and just the fights are so lame in comparison to halo.

Apollo:  Haha that will go over well with the MW2 community.

Mackeo: Haha yeah I am sure it will.

Apollo: What are your top 4 predictions?

Mackeo: 1st Triggers Down 2nd Str8 Rippin 3rd Carbon 4th FB

Apollo:  If you do decide to come back next season, I know it’s far away but, do you see yourself competing in the 2011 season?

Mackeo: The way I see it is if I come back I’m going to be on top and stay on top so yes I’d be competing in 2011. However, if Iwere to comeback and it be not quite what I wanted I would probably just not think about halo really ever again

Apollo: What type of Mackeo can we expect to see in the 2010 season if you do come back and play?

Mackeo: A great one that will be on the top of his game. With renewed interest.

Apollo:   Now, recently there has been a renewed interest in your disappearance, including the creation of a whole”Mackeo?????” thread on MLGpro.  Have you had a chance to check the thread out? And what do you think of the communities commitment to you.

Mackeo:  I have not had a chance to check out that thread, but I think I’m going to have to now. The fact that the community cares that I disappeared means alot and inspires me to come back to show that I am very capable of being an MLG Pro.

Apollo: Ok so there has been a lot of speculation on what happened between Final Boss and You?  Would you mind letting us in on what really happened?

Mackeo:  Basically I got a phone call from fearitself saying I was off the team, and that was that.

Apollo: So no warning what so ever.  That’s really shady.

Mackeo: Yeah, well its over now and I don‘t really care.

Apollo: Do you have anything to say to anyone, or the community as a whole?

Mackeo: *in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice*  I’ll be back

Alright you heard it here everyone…Mackeo’s coming back! Its short and sweet and to the point.. But he is a very busy man so thats all we got for you! So, keep checking back! Got another exclusive coming you way sometime next week!

Interview with CRA, now Oasis

Apollo: Hey whats up everyone, I got a chance to sit down with the entire team of CRA or Clean Rich Adolescents.  The winners of the Halo 3 Anaheim Qualifier.  This is a group of great guys and i wish them well at Anahiem!

BlakeumZ: Before we start the interview out, I’d like to clear up a name change really quick.  On the ladder we are known as “Clean Rick Adolescents”, but the name is too long for the events so we will be attending Anaheim as “Oasis”.

Apollo: Alright so how about starting off by just introducing yourselves(Name, where your from, what got you into MLG, anything else you can think of)

Ashes: I’m Ashes (Mike Cholko), I’m from Philadelphia, PA, I got into MLG about 4 years in Halo 2 just by playing team hardcore and hearing about it, and I loved the concept of BR start and competition at a high level, I got into a party with GH057ayame after a game of Team Hardcore and didn’t even know who he was at the time, added him as a friend, and that’s when I really started to get into things

BlakeumZ: My name’s Blake Roberts, I’m from Tigard, Oregon.  I first got into competitive MLG through local tournaments held in our downtown city.  Through those I met CAK, my future teammate – who was insanely better than me.  Through about 6-8 months of solid improvement, I eventually got onto CAK’s level and began running with him for various LAN, and online tournaments.

CAK: My name is James (CAK69), i was born in the state of Oregon and continue to thrive in my birth place. I got into the game during the end of Halo 2, I was not a very solid player, but i continued to practice. Then i started taking competitive gaming seriously during the beginning halo 3. After placing well during local tournament I found that i had potential.

VictuMM: My name’s VictuMM (Matt Kunke), I’m from Clackamas, Oregon. I first got into MLG a little bit back in Halo 2 by running MLG customs with my neighbors. Although I wasn’t very into it back than. I got really into it in Halo 3 just by playing MLG playlist and starting to go to LAN’s and local tournaments.

Apollo:  Have any of you attended MLG events before?

CAK: I attended Meadows 09.

BlakeumZ:I have lanned at local events H3 probably 20+ times, however no.

Ashes: I attended Philadelphia, 2005

VictuMM: I have not gone to any; this will be my first one.

Apollo: With Anaheim so close, are you guys nervous at all about the event?

Ashes: I’m not worried about the event; I’m just worried about missing a few college classes on Thursday/Friday, and maybe Monday.

VictuMM: I’m not very nervous; I’m more pumped up and excited.

Ashes: Yea, VictuMM has his smarties ready.

CAK: No, I feel confident that our team will pull through; we just have to continue to put in hours for practice.

BlakeumZ: I’m not worried at all – these guys are the best teammates a guy could ask for.  We all want the same thing, and NO ONE is stopping us.

Apollo: When I tell you guys that every team that has won the Online Qualifier that MLGInsider has interviewed has gone o n to place at least top 32 in the event, does this make you guys nervous at all?

VictuMM: I think we are very capable of placing top 32.

BlakeumZ:We don’t get nervous, just excited.

CAK: It adds some pressure to our shoulders, but i believe we can live up to that.

Ashes: No, it makes me feel even better about our chances.  Who wouldn’t like to hear a stat like that?

Apollo: That would have to be whoever gets paired against you in round 1.

VictuMM: Hahahaha

Apollo: So, do you guys plan on sticking together after Anaheim?

Ashes: As long as we can get a sponsor afterwards, sure.  I’m going to be going on Christmas break from college for a month, and as long as we’re a good team with a sponsor I’ll dedicate time when I’m home to keep practicing, otherwise, nope

Apollo: How long have you guys been together as a team?

VictuMM: Cak, Blake and I have been teaming for about 2 months

BlakeumZ: Cak and I – for quite a while.  We picked up Victumm about 2 months ago.  Ashes recently hopped on board 3-4 weeks ago through Victumm.

Apollo: When Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 comes out are you guys going to switch to that or stick with Halo?

Ashes: Stick with Halo, I haven’t played any other video game since 2004

BlakeumZ: What is Call of Duty?

Apollo: If you guys get into the pro bracket and end up facing a pro team, which team would you guys not want to face?

VictuMM: I heard that Str8 Rippin did not want to play us.

BlakeumZ: Str8 Rippin – They may have stumbled in Dallas, but I’m confident they’ll regain #1 come Anaheim.

Ashes: I wouldn’t want to face Triggers Down, Hysteria’s trash talk might hurt VictuM’s feelings.

CAK: I personally would not want to play Str8 Rippin, because i know how dissappointed they were with their placing at Dallas. Their going to come out guns blazing.

Apollo: Do you guys have any LANs set up for the  days before anahiem?

VictuMM: We actually have one for tomorrow. But it will only be the 3 of us over here in Oregon.

CAK: Yep, just the 3 musketeers.

Ashes: I’m just going to be split screening with a local here in Philly to get used to the resolution change on Wednesday, otherwise I’ll just be on Xbox Live.

Apollo: Alright guys, that’s about it for me…Got any shoutouts before we wrap things up here?

BlakeumZ: Bigups to Rhymesayers, Ent, Wembley Park, Senses <3, and ShadowfireZ for his sick sig he’s made us!

VictuMM: Shout out to Cpoon and Ned Flanders. haha

Ashes: Im going to have to give a shout out to my close friend Christian (TT69z), he let me borrow the mythic Halo 3 disk to practice Heretic. I also have to give a big shoutout to Colin (Recycle), he is letting me barrow is Astros for Anaheim.

Apollo: Alright guys, thanks alot and good luck.