The Australian Counter-Strike Source community has been running rife lately with rumors that Azad 'topguN' Orami would not be making the trip to LA to compete in the CGS World Finals with the remainder of the Sydney Underground squad. It has been awhile since we have had the chance to catch up with topguN so I managed to pull the Counter-Strike player aside and ask a few quick questions:

There is a rumor floating about the Aussie CSS community that you will not be attending the world finals. So are you going to LA?
I think the rumor was created by somebody in Australia to make the international CSS teams feel safe. Unfortunately for them, I will be in LA.

How do you feel about the addition of de_tuscan to the CGS maps list?
I think that was a smart move by the CGS, as the map rotation can get boring and repetitive. A new map is a good way to show how teams can adapt to a new environment. Plus a change can always be fun.

Do you miss playing with your brother and how has spunj integrated into the team in your opinion?
Not really, we don't live in the largest apartment so he is everywhere I turn. The last thing I need is for his skin to be running around my screen too. I believe Chad has done an awesome job in squeezing himself into this unique team. He is very easy going so everyone gets along with him fine, and is a smart player, so there is no conflict within the team because of his gameplay.

What sort of practice schedule have you been keeping since the Pan Asia event?
We've been keeping it pretty simple, just as a team practicing every night. Working on the things that need working on. Lucky theres a new map in the rotation, de_tuscan, its given us had a good reason to practice. Making the long hours of CSS at night, not so long.

What do you do when you need a break from gaming?
Chat up girls on MSN. Let's hope the girlfriend doesn't read this. Hehe nah, I don't play an excessive amount of CSS, so I never get too sick and tired of playing. But theres nothing like a good piss up to get your mind off things.

How confident are you and the team leading into the World Finals?
Very confident, in myself, and especially in the team. I believe we have what it takes to take out the individuals, hopefully we get that chance. In the franchise as a whole I'm even more confident, we've got great players across all four games, and if we all perform when it matters, I don't see why we can't win.

Which teams do you predict to be the toughest opponent at the World Finals?
To be honest, I have no idea. I don't think that there is a much difference in skill level in the teams this season, as I believe that everyone is much better prepared for the finals, just like we are.

There is a lot of criticism floating around about how serious online competitions are, do you take online competitions as serious as LAN events?
As much as I'd like to, its just impossible. An online event is nothing compared to a LAN event, simply because of the level of excitement. On LAN, there is more pressure, giving it more of a sport feel, where as online your at home, with nothing to really worry about except your ping. Of course I take online competitions serious, but I don't' think that you can ever get the same feeling in winning an online event compared to winning a LAN event whether it be big or small.

What can we expect from the Underground Counter-Strike boys when they are on the CGS stage?
Other then spoofed up hairstyles, expect a lot of sweat, shouting, accidental swearing and pointing. I don't doubt that we'll be one of the most exciting teams on stage.

If you could choose 1 teammate to be stuck on a deserted island with whom would it be and why?
Probably Huk, simply because they say laughter is a medicine. And the way that kid makes me laugh, I'd never die. Also when I got hungry I could probably convince him that me eating his arm or leg was a good idea.

What do you see as the team’s strongest asset?
The friendship within the team. We're mates throughout all the games. Most of us want each other to succeed, not for us, but for themselves. Which is a definite load of each others backs.

Your teams practice schedule consists solely of online practice, do you think the lack of LAN practice effects the teams preparation?
LAN prac, for a LAN event, would be the best way to prac, definitely. But I don't think that the lack of LAN prac will effect us that much, because when we do get to LAN, we will only be more keen and more eager to play meaning we'll play a lot better.