Interview by Trevor "midway" Schmidt
Photos by Andy Arato

With the announcement today of SK.swe’s new lineup, one of SK Orgainzation’s Owners and head of CS players Andreas “bds” Thorstensson sat down with Trevor “Midway” Schmidt to dicuss the future of SK and the past with NiP. A new rivalry maybe born between the two, but Thorstensson feels the fans know where their loyalty should be.

This move was a little expected but took longer then many might have thought, what was the delay in their departure from NiP?

Basically their former contracts ended the 25th of June, and we believe that they are supposed to be followed, so the players got signed the day after.

How did this come about after the release of the players from NiP, do you contact them or did they speak to you?

We actually got contacted by the players before they left NiP. Even though the public most likely thought there was a big grudge between them and SK after they left, it was never really a big issue. And I am happy to see that they realised SK is one of the most professional organizations out there.

Looking back on the whole situation, do you think SK has been proven in the right and did you think it all was handle in the best way?

Before the players left, I tried to explain how I saw the whole situation, pros and cons. But the best way to learn is by practise and this is what happened. I am more amazed that it only took 6 months to break down a team that existed for over 2 years with such a huge success behind them. Running a team is not easy and greed can destroy a lot.

Dreamhack saw NiP stop your new players from playing, has SK.swe worked out this situation or could you be forced to miss some events due to prior contracts?

I do not want to comment on the contracts between the players and their former employee. But I think it was unfair of the organization not to let them play (since 3 of the players actually won the pre qualifier for NiP). NiP already tried to break (or actually did break) two running contracts before. I do not think that is the future for esport organizations. Regarding SK and NiP we have no issues

A natural competition now exists between NiP and SK.swe, do you feel this could be a negative for the team and its fan base? What about that rivalry that will be created?

The core of the old team is with SK and I think most of the fans will see that.

Do you feel a rivalry has been created and how important will beating NiP in the first encounter be?

I did not take the break up of the old team personal, so there is no special rivalry on my nor SK's side. Maybe between the players. But they are used to these kinds of situations, and if so, they will just be more eager to perform better. NiP will just be any other team out there.

What is the situation now with SK.dk and will the SK organization pull support for that team now or in the future?

We will continue with both teams.

Do you see issues with sending two teams to CPL events as you have obviously faced in the past with SK.de and SK.swe?

I do not think that will be a big issue. There are many tournaments out there for our teams.

What tournament can we expect to see SK.swe at first?

We are looking into possibilities right now, but I can’t give a definitive answer yet.

In the past SK.swe denied invitations to WEG, it has seen that many teams attending WEG have problems with rosters and can't sustain their level of play; NoA, mouz and GamerCo have shown this. Will SK.swe ever consider attending WEG?

I think WEG is a great concept and nice addition to what we have tournaments wise today. And if we get an invitation and there are no obstacles we will definitely play.

Last question, you spoke of greed causing issues in teams, do you believe that is what happen in NiP and what do you think the future of that team will be?

I think greed can destroy many teams and organizations and last but not least friendship. Dont want to comment on what is going on with NiP and how successful they will be. But this is not how I like to run teams.