In terms of Counter-Strike: Source, 2007 was a very successful year for Eric "Brawwr" Neer. Playing under several different names and organizations, his team secured a number of notable results, including 2nd place at the Buy.com CGS Qualifier, 4th at the CGS Combine, 2nd in CEVO-P Season 4, and 4th in the Summer CPL event. To top it all off, Neer was contracted to the Dallas Venom CGS franchise in December, earning himself a guaranteed annual salary and prize bonuses.

First, let's discuss the circumstances under which aZn was released from the Venom. Is the CGS really in a position where it can tell people what games they can and cannot play? I realize that there are contractual issues involved, but surely there's no harm in playing a little 1.6 on the side? What are your thoughts on the decision?

Is GotFrag in a position to tell you what you can and cannot write about? As long as you work for GotFrag, yes they are. Why do you not do news coverage and interviews like this one for GotFrag’s competitors? Because they are just that, competing with GotFrag. At the time, Counter-Strike 1.6 was viewed as direct competition with the league and was therefore off limits. Azn knew this and was told on more than one occasion not to attend the first 1.6 tournament, which he did anyway and proceeded to lie about it.

In the real world, this would be enough justification to terminate the contract then and there, but he was only fined (albeit rather heftily, but not as harsh as the contrary) allowing him to remain in the league. He then did the same thing again, resulting in his termination. No matter how the legions of fan boys want to twist this story, fault lies with aZn and no one else. But that is all history now and it isn't going to change. Now that we've set a great tone for the interview, let’s continue, rofl.

You have been very successful with the Zomblerz and Gravitas Gaming in recent months, but the line-up decided to split up in early December. Was the parting due to your discussions with the CGS?

I included my team in all the discussions and decision making. We reached a decision about what I was going to do, and they decided to go their separate ways all on good terms. But to answer your question, yes, the primary reason they decided to break up was because of my leaving.

Why did you decide to take the CGS contract rather than remain with your established line-up? How did your teammates feel about the decision at the time?

Since the last combine, playing in the CGS was and is the main focus of the top tier teams not currently in the league. I am no different. While this wasn't quite how I envisioned getting in to the league, I wouldn't have had another chance like this again, I would be stupid to refuse. My teammates were supportive of my decision and no one told me to say no, not the gravitas management, my teammates, or anyone else I spoke with.

How did you end up being selected by the Dallas Venom? Did the General Manager choose you, the CGS management, or did you offer your services to the league? Did any discussions take place before you were fully contracted?

As far as I know, my being selected was a group decision of the CS team and Jax. Nothing really interesting took place as far as discussions lol, Jax contacted me, told me the situation, I said yes, hey lets go play some CS!

At the combine back in June, as x6 at the time, we were selected as the taxi team for the Venom. This basically meant that we were the backups for the team had there been a situation that required replacing a player, so it would have been me or one of my teammates that went.

When the CGS ruleset was first announced, parts of the community expressed disapproval over both the selection of Source over 1.6, and the intended ruleset. When you first heard of the CGS, what were your initial thoughts? Have they changed at all now that you have been contracted to a franchise?

I'm not sure as to which community you are referring to, but I know of one that was actually quite pleased with the selection of source. At first, I remained open minded, not jumping to conclusions until I tried it for myself. I enjoy the rule set now, but there is always room for improvement, and hopefully those improvements will be implemented.

What improvements do you have in mind?

In my opinion, 9 rounds is a little short and results can tend to be less consistent. But that is coming from a players point of view. I think 12 would be better but with the point system, it may throw things out of balance. On top of that I'm not sure as to what kind of time restraints they work with and production stuff, so I wouldn't be the best judge on that end either.

The Dallas Venom had been playing with aZn for a year, right from the beginning of January when they were Jax Money Crew. Do you feel pressured to fill his shoes? What kind of reception did you get from the other players in the team?

Obviously there is a pressure to fill his shoes from critics and live up to some of the hype I've been getting but I'm just going to play my game and try to not let it affect me. All of the other players on the team have been very receptive, welcoming, and friendly in my transition.

As a new player in the CGS, do you feel inexperienced at all in comparison to the other players on the team? Has the sheer amount of practice that they have put in, or their familiarity with the CGS ruleset set you back at all?

I wouldn't describe myself as inexperienced. I'm sure I've played just as much as they have in this rule set, but their familiarity with one another may be a disadvantage to me, but one that will surely disappear with time.

What has your time in the Dallas Venom been like so far? Have you been training hard, or taking a break over the holiday period?

We didn't get started practicing right away when I was announced due to the relative closeness of the holidays, but now that those have past we have a regular schedule and are getting some good practice in +}.

Always Remember: The dude abides.