Question number one, what took so long to get a 1.6 team back in the organization? Was it lack of 1.6 competition because of CGS or was Pandemic just focusing on its other divisions?

Our absence from 1.6 was a choice we made when the CGS was formed. After the draft, North American CS was weak at best. To add to this, we had strongly aligned ourselves with the World Series of Video Games -- the country's largest corporate gaming sponsors were choosing sides between Newscorp or GMP -- and the WSVG was dropping CS from its circuit. Our focus shifted to WoW and more mainstream titles, and it paid off for us...it really put us on the map in a global sense.

Now, given the current economic environment, it's time to get back to basics. 2009 will be less about the flair of big media and exotic travel and more about getting our hands dirty and rebuilding pro gaming from the ground up.

Did you always have your eye set on this team or did you try out other rosters and individuals before wanting to go with more of a "deeply rooted" squad such as this one?

I spoke with a number of players and teams and we contemplated a ton of possibilities. I won't go into specific details for obvious reasons, but we really did leave no stone unturned. My most active discussions took place with Sonny and Mark (Torrez) leading their own searches, and together we probably went through more than two dozen individual players before settling on this squad. When Sonny was given the chance to play with this lineup under MoB as sort of a trial run, we knew we were onto something.

Are you content with how the team has been playing or do you hope they get back into the groove of things like they once were? I ask this while understanding they are coming off a 1.6 drought pretty much.

There's no reason to ever be content with a sub-.500 record in CEVO-P and a 3-2 mark in ESEA-I, but it's not an altogether bad start given their circumstances. It won't be much longer though... they're a blue collar team and they're certainly not 'washed up.' They understand that we expect alot out of our teams in this organization and they're working their asses off every day to get back where they need to be. They're hungry, and that may be the single biggest reason I'm proud to say they're the new Pandemic.

Is Dolven still involved with the organization?

Mark and I are still very close friends and we talk on a daily basis. He's currently not directly involved in Pandemic, but I still look to him for advice from time to time and value his opinion. The Counter-Strike team was his creation, an evolution from the local roots that Pandemic grew from, and he knows Sonny and Chad better than anyone. His confidence in the chemistry of this lineup went a long way in convincing me to seal the deal.

What upcoming events do you guys have your eyes set on?

The Kode5 US Finals are the first live event we've confirmed. We're waiting to hear details on ESL America, assuming they'll be back with a CS/WoW circuit this year, as well as the WCG and ESWC qualifiers. We've committed to attending every major North American LAN with an ample prize purse.

Will a 6th be joining the team or is everyone just right where they are?

I've never been a believer in having a 6th player and I doubt these guys have either. Chemistry is incredibly important in this game and beyond that I think we have all the pieces to the puzzle.

Have any of the old Pandemic players such as cramblock, Griff, torrez, or PH33R showed any interest in playing again?

Cramblock is long gone from esports though I still see him from time to time, and Griff is playing a lot of Left4Dead. I can't speak for JJ, but I expect Torrez will resurface as soon as he can find a stable, suitable roster to compete with. We explored lineups that included him, but nothing seemed to gel just yet.

Many of the managers have their own trademarks; JaX has his suit, Lake has his red tie, and Torbull is tall. What is going to be your trademark?

You know what, I'm glad you asked that. Besides the baby face, I really need one don't I? How about we get some suggestions right here. If anyone comes up with something that's actually usable, I'll even send them some of our sponsor product.

I'm going to regret this.

And last but not least, the usual shoutouts if you have any.

Thank you to all of our fans who have stuck with us over the years. I'm always available for questions or comments in IRC and now more than ever I'd like to hear from you -- especially your questions or comments on how we can help esports grow in North America. We want to make the most out of our return to CS and we can't do it without your help.

Oh, and if you're in the Dallas area be sure to come out to Kode5 on March 14th - you won't be disappointed.