Escorenews correspondent Maria Gunina conducted an exclusive discussion with James Banks, exploring his professional relationship with s1mple, his involvement with Bad News Eagles, and his multifaceted career trajectory.

This conversation occurred following FaZe Clan’s victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas during the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 playoff stages.

— You’ve experienced an exceptionally demanding period with your birthday celebrations, the formal declaration of Bad News Eagles collaboration, all while the Major tournament continues. How are you managing these simultaneous commitments?

— In professional esports, you develop strategies for handling overlapping responsibilities. Currently, I’m navigating through numerous positive developments, which I’m embracing while maintaining optimism for continued success.

— Does turning 32 feel significantly different from your earlier career stages?

— Not particularly. The esports environment naturally keeps you engaged with younger professionals, and despite parental responsibilities, I maintain my gaming passion. While I don’t psychologically feel my chronological age, I still address the administrative obligations that accompany professional maturity.

— I understand completely. Collaborating with emerging talent genuinely revitalizes your perspective. The constant stream of internet culture references…

— Precisely. Contemporary meme culture represents an ongoing learning process where younger casters like Hugo, Harry, or Scrawny introduce new terminology that expands my cultural literacy.

— Let’s explore your involvement with Bad News Eagles. What initiated this partnership? Who drove the initial discussions? How did this opportunity materialize?

— Originally, I conducted a Major interview with rigoN representing Bad News Eagles. He detailed their organizational challenges following separation from previous partnership BLINK, where contractual negotiations reached an impasse. He explained their current coach handling multiple roles including management, analytical duties, coaching responsibilities, and social media coordination. My immediate reaction was astonishment about their Major preparation methodology when they should concentrate entirely on competitive performance.

Consequently, I arranged informal sessions with the team, establishing personal connections while offering: “Team members, I require no compensation, but possess industry connections. Should you desire assistance, I can provide support”. Their response involved requesting my managerial services. During negotiations, they proposed financial support, but I clarified my existing employment situation and Major compensation. Multiple organizations presented contractual offers that I would categorically reject based on professional standards—these arrangements fundamentally disadvantaged the players.

However, the team doesn’t necessarily require substantial salaries currently. Their sticker revenue provides financial stability, making the priority identifying an organization capable of nurturing their talent while providing developmental resources. Drawing from my professional background, I can accurately assess whether organizational offers provide adequate support structures.

— This represents familiar territory, given your previous management experience with Alliance. Would you agree that broadcasting talent and team management constitute distinctly separate skill sets? How do you integrate these roles, and what aspects of management appeal to you professionally?

— Prior to full-time esports engagement, I received promotion into management positions. Interpersonal skills represent my fundamental strength, explaining my broadcasting effectiveness. I possess substantial understanding of human dynamics, including when to implement professional rigor and escalation protocols, creating effective role integration. Previous examples demonstrate others struggling with this dual responsibility, but my Alliance experience and current Bad News Eagles collaboration indicate satisfactory performance—otherwise stakeholders wouldn’t continue endorsing my involvement.

— Do you establish specific objectives for your management career development? Perhaps eventual organizational ownership aspirations?

— Naturally, as an ardent NAVI supporter, my ultimate ambition involves joining NAVI’s organizational structure. This would necessitate significant improvement in Russian or Ukrainian language proficiency. However, regarding Bad News Eagles, should they receive substantial offers eliminating my managerial role, my primary concern remains securing favorable outcomes for the players. I approach management opportunities based on professional interest rather than predetermined career milestones. Bad News Eagles captured my attention due to compatible personalities, shared professional attitudes, and recognizing my younger competitive self in their developmental journey.

— Having established your management preferences, what aspects of stage performance provide the greatest professional satisfaction?

— Colleagues frequently inquire about my preference between hosting duties and interview sessions. Studio hosting offers distinct advantages, but arena environments typically position hosts differently. I genuinely appreciate stage presence, audience connectivity, and the physiological response—currently experiencing post-performance warmth and perspiration following our recent interview session. This represents anticipatory excitement, constructive nervous energy, and the ability to absorb crowd dynamics.

For instance, I recently interviewed rain, who approached me radiating enthusiasm and excitement, creating emotional resonance. The previous Major’s NAVI victory created particularly memorable moments when Boombl4 proposed to his partner, generating celebratory chaos where Sasha [s1mple] and I celebrated our friendship through spontaneous stage celebrations. Regardless of winning teams, you experience shared emotional peaks where participants achieve extraordinary accomplishments, creating collective experience unity.

— Elimination interviews represent another professional responsibility. What methodologies do you employ for these challenging interactions?

— I wouldn’t claim interviewing supremacy, but my player background provides unique qualifications for post-defeat conversations. Having experienced competitive disappointment myself, I understand appropriate player handling techniques to establish comfort zones. This represents my most valuable professional attribute—extracting meaningful post-elimination conversations because athletes don’t perceive judgmental attitudes. I focus on analytical details regarding match outcomes, underlying causation factors, and emotional accessibility.

I conducted the interview where dev1ce became emotionally overwhelmed, requiring interview termination. I provided emotional support and appropriate disengagement—personality assessment represents critical professional competency.

— Do elimination interviews sometimes create professional exhaustion?

— Emotionally intensive sessions, particularly those involving dev1ce and apEX… Another challenging interview occurred years earlier with kennyS discussing mental health challenges—having personally experienced depression, these interactions prove particularly draining as they extract emotional resources. However, this constitutes professional responsibility, though emotional entanglement remains challenging. Recovery strategies involve positive environment immersion afterward. Maintaining emotional awareness ensures professional sustainability.

— Could you provide professional guidance for conducting effective interviews?

— Certainly. Three fundamental interview principles: Prioritize questions reflecting genuine curiosity rather than external expectations. Audience members frequently suggest specific inquiries, but your authentic interests should guide questioning strategies, while consistently initiating with neutral questions to establish participant comfort levels.

For example, certain competitors or broadcasting professionals exhibit interview reluctance due to confidence concerns. Establishing comfort through positive demeanor, emotional responsiveness, and interactive adaptation proves essential.

Additionally, follow-up questioning represents critical skill development. During my initial interviewing phase, I maintained rigid question adherence, but discovered opportunities for organic conversation development based on participant responses.

“We were really motivated to win to shut up the crowd”. Chopper on match with FURIA, psychological tricks, and sacrificing his hair to the god of CS
Team Spirit captain reflecting on the Major.

— What’s your professional assessment of NAVI’s current competitive form?

— The premier global team currently.

— Do you personally desire their victory or objectively recognize their championship capability?

— Honestly, entering the Legends Stage considering global circumstances and recent tournament performances, I maintained realistic expectations about championship prospects. As a supporter, I naturally hope for victory.

However, observing their 3-0 qualification performance, particularly B1T’s dominant performances against all opponents. Perfecto demonstrates elevated performance levels compared to recent competitive showings. S1mple hasn’t even activated peak performance—he maintained streaming activities before playoff commencement. Historically, s1mple transforms during elimination stages, so maintaining current momentum suggests championship viability.

— You appear to maintain close professional relationships with players, particularly Sasha. How does his private personality compare to his public s1mple persona?

— I wouldn’t characterize dramatic differences. Naturally, he demonstrates increased openness personally, as he selectively shares life aspects publicly. Many global competitors maintain personal/professional separation strategies.

Sasha employs balanced approach—sometimes sharing holiday imagery with his partner, while other periods emphasize competitive focus. However, within our friendship dynamic, I’ve experienced increased authenticity from s1mple. We maintain reliable friendship where he consistently provides support and previously assisted me professionally.

“Individually G2 are great. But as a team — no”. Boombl4 on Legends Stage, preparation, and his dreams to be a massage therapist
Exclusive from Antwerp.

— You previously mentioned your interview with Zeus during Krakow as particularly memorable. What distinguishes this interview professionally?

— I maintained strong NAVI fandom historically. Having competed in CS 1.6 against these professionals during their developmental phases—I concluded my competitive career in 2007.

As interviewing professionals, we aim to engage diverse competitors. Zeus historically avoided English-language interviews. Following their championship victory, I approached him proposing: “Zeus! This represents the ideal opportunity for your inaugural English interview!” The approximately four-minute session involved translation attempts from his partner.

He frequently utilized Russian expressions while attempting English communication, demonstrating exceptional excitement: he lifted the championship trophy while embracing me physically. This represented his first English interview, creating perfect circumstances for pioneering cross-cultural communication.

This remains professionally significant because I value interviewing previously unaccessed professionals. I aspire to interview all competitors, though some strategically feign language limitations. I maintain professional relationships where players communicate directly yet decline interviews citing confidence concerns—I respect individual comfort boundaries without coercion.

— You’ve demonstrated remarkable public transparency regarding emotional challenges and difficult periods. Currently, numerous individuals, particularly Ukrainian citizens, face adversity. Perhaps you could offer encouraging perspectives?

— Considering current global circumstances and Ukraine’s significance as my intended homeland, the situation proves devastating beyond comprehensive understanding for those experiencing daily uncertainty. Identify elements generating happiness, however minimal. Concentrate on positive aspects while maintaining community solidarity rather than division.

During FACEIT matchmaking, I encountered two Ukrainian players. Recognizing my identity, I inquired: “You’re managing Counter-Strike engagement during these circumstances?”. Their response indicated: “This represents escape mechanisms”—everyone requires psychological respite.

Even exceptionally resilient individuals require support systems—everyone currently faces various challenges. I maintain hope for rapid resolution and normalized existence restoration. Fundamentally, we must reconstruct Ukraine surpassing previous developmental levels!

What sets James Banks apart in the esports interview landscape is his distinctive approach to handling elimination interviews. Having competed as a player himself, Banks possesses an innate understanding of the emotional turmoil athletes experience after devastating losses. This background enables him to craft interview environments where competitors feel secure enough to share their genuine reactions and vulnerabilities.

One particularly memorable moment occurred when dev1ce became overwhelmed with emotion during their conversation. Banks instinctively recognized the situation’s sensitivity, concluding the interview immediately and offering physical comfort through an embrace. This ability to read human emotions and respond appropriately represents a critical skill for any interviewer working in high-stakes competitive environments.

Another challenging scenario unfolded during the BLAST World Finals when Vitality faced elimination against NAVI. Team captain ApEX openly wept while discussing his former French teammates, knowing he would soon be integrating Danish players into the roster. Banks’ natural affinity for building genuine connections with competitors provides him a distinct advantage in these emotionally charged situations.

— Do you experience emotional exhaustion after conducting elimination interviews?

— The particularly emotional sessions, like those with dev1ce and apEX, can be particularly draining. There was also an interview with kennyS where he discussed his struggles with depression. Having faced similar mental health challenges personally, Banks acknowledges these interviews can feel emotionally depleting. However, he emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and implementing recovery strategies to maintain professional effectiveness.

— Could you share your methodology for conducting effective interviews?

— Banks outlines three fundamental principles for successful interviewing. First, prioritize questions that genuinely interest you rather than those you believe others want asked. Authentic curiosity generates more engaging conversations than formulaic questioning approaches.

Second, consistently begin with neutral, non-threatening questions to establish comfort and rapport. Many competitors and talent experience interview anxiety, so establishing a relaxed atmosphere through smiles, positive energy, and emotional mirroring proves essential.

Third, master the art of follow-up questioning. When Banks initially started his interviewing career, he relied heavily on prepared questions. However, he discovered that some of the most insightful moments emerge from spontaneous questions triggered by the interviewee’s previous responses.

— You appear to maintain particularly close relationships with players, especially Sasha [s1mple]. How does his private personality compare to his public persona?

— While not dramatically different, s1mple demonstrates greater openness in personal interactions compared to his curated public image. Banks believes in complete personal transparency, while acknowledging the validity of different approaches to public presentation.

Numerous professional gamers choose to maintain strict boundaries between their competitive and personal lives. s1mple employs a balanced approach, occasionally sharing personal moments while predominantly maintaining game-focused public communication.

Through their friendship, Banks has gained access to dimensions of s1mple’s character that remain hidden from general view. Their relationship extends beyond professional courtesy to genuine friendship and mutual support, with s1mple providing significant assistance during challenging periods in Banks’ career.

— What’s your assessment of NAVI’s current competitive standing?

— They remain the world’s premier team according to Banks’ professional evaluation.

— Do you believe they possess the capability to secure another championship title?

— Entering the Legends Stage, Banks maintained realistic expectations given global circumstances and recent tournament performances. However, witnessing their dominant 3-0 performance shifted his perspective significantly.

B1T demonstrated exceptional individual performance, while Perfecto has elevated his gameplay beyond levels seen in recent competition. Meanwhile, s1mple hadn’t yet activated his characteristic playoff intensity, having focused on streaming and practice sessions before the elimination rounds.

Banks notes that s1mple consistently transforms during critical tournament phases, entering what fans describe as “God mode.” If these performance patterns continue, Banks expresses complete confidence in NAVI’s championship prospects.

Games and Esports Articles CS 2

“I saw a bit more of the real s1mple. He’s always someone I can rely on”. James Banks’ interview

Escorenews reporter Maria Gunina conducted an exclusive discussion with James Banks exploring his unique friendship with s1mple, his involvement with Bad News Eagles, and his evolving career trajectory in competitive gaming.

This conversation occurred following FaZe Clan’s victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas during the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 playoff stage.

---

— Let’s explore your involvement with Bad News Eagles. How did this partnership originate and what motivated your decision to support them?

— It began when I interviewed rigoN from the team during this Major event. He shared their challenging situation of operating without organizational backing after their previous arrangement with BLINK dissolved due to contractual disagreements. Their coach was handling multiple roles simultaneously—management, analysis, coaching, and social media responsibilities. I was genuinely concerned about their competitive preparation under such circumstances.

I approached them informally, suggesting “I have industry connections that could provide assistance if you’re interested.” They responded by asking if I would consider becoming their manager. We discussed the arrangement thoroughly, and I emphasized that my primary income comes from my talent work, so financial compensation wasn’t necessary. Several organizations had presented offers that I considered unacceptable from a professional standpoint, which I wouldn’t endorse for any team.

— This isn’t your initial foray into team management, having previously worked with Alliance. How do you balance these distinct professional roles, and what aspects of management appeal to you most?

— Prior to dedicating myself fully to esports, I received a promotion into management positions in previous employment. My genuine interest in people naturally translates well to both talent work and management responsibilities. I’ve developed strong interpersonal understanding and know when to implement serious approaches while maintaining positive team dynamics. The transition felt organic given my background.

— What are your long-term objectives in team management? Do you aspire to establish your own organization eventually?

— As an avid NAVI supporter, joining their organization would represent an ideal opportunity. However, that would require significant improvement in my Russian or Ukrainian language capabilities. For Bad News Eagles, if they secure a substantial offer that eliminates their need for my management services, I’m completely supportive—my primary goal is ensuring they achieve proper recognition and support.

— Beyond management, what aspects of on-stage work do you find most rewarding?

— People frequently inquire whether I prefer hosting duties or interview sessions. Hosting provides excellent experiences during studio events, but in arena settings, hosts typically operate off-stage. I thrive on the adrenaline of live stage presence—the palpable fan energy, the anticipatory nervous excitement that fuels performance. Just before our conversation, I completed an interview and still feel the physical warmth and energy from that engagement.

Recently, I interviewed rain, who approached me radiating genuine happiness and enthusiasm—that emotional connection becomes infectious. The most extraordinary moment occurred during the previous Major when NAVI secured victory, witnessing Boombl4’s marriage proposal to his partner, followed by Sasha [s1mple] and myself celebrating like exhilarated children on stage, reflecting our deep friendship. It transcends team allegiance—capturing those authentic “this is history unfolding” moments creates profound shared experiences.

— Handling elimination interviews represents another crucial aspect of your responsibilities. What approaches do you employ in these challenging situations?

— While I wouldn’t claim interviewing supremacy, I excel specifically in elimination interviews due to my player background. Understanding the emotional landscape of competitive disappointment enables me to establish comfort and trust with eliminated competitors.

I conducted the emotionally charged interview where dev1ce became overwhelmed emotionally, requiring me to conclude the session appropriately while providing supportive acknowledgment. Another particularly difficult elimination interview occurred during BLAST World Finals when Vitality fell to NAVI. ApEX was visibly emotional, discussing his previous French lineup transition to Danish teammates. My established rapport with competitors provides distinct advantages in these sensitive situations.

— Do elimination interviews ever leave you feeling emotionally depleted?

— The particularly emotional sessions, like those with dev1ce and apEX—including one several years back with kennyS discussing his depression struggles (having experienced depression personally)—those interactions extract significant emotional resources. However, it remains an essential professional component, though maintaining emotional boundaries becomes crucial. Engaging in positive interactions afterward helps restore personal equilibrium.

— Could you share professional insights for conducting effective interviews?

— Certainly. Three essential interview techniques: First, prioritize questions that genuinely interest you rather than following predetermined scripts. What would you as an enthusiast want to know? Pursue those inquiries. Second, consistently initiate with neutral, approachable questions to establish comfort levels gradually.

Many competitors—even fellow talent—experience interview anxiety. Establishing rapport through smiling, positive engagement, and emotional attunement significantly improves outcomes. Third, master follow-up questioning. Initially, I relied heavily on prepared questions, but learning to identify organic conversation opportunities from responses dramatically enhances interview quality.

— You appear to maintain particularly close relationships with competitors, especially Sasha [s1mple]. How does his private persona compare to his public competitive identity?

— I wouldn’t describe dramatic differences. Naturally, he demonstrates greater openness in personal interactions compared to his curated public presentation. Many elite competitors maintain separation between personal and professional lives, which represents a valid personal choice.

Sasha balances both approaches—sometimes sharing holiday images and personal moments, while other periods focus intensely on competitive preparation. Through our friendship, I’ve witnessed more authentic dimensions of his personality beyond the competitive facade.

“Individually G2 are great. But as a team — no”. Boombl4 on Legends Stage, preparation, and his dreams to be a massage therapist
Exclusive from Antwerp.

— You previously mentioned your interview with Zeus during Krakow as particularly memorable. What made that interaction so significant?

— As a dedicated NAVI enthusiast since my CS 1.6 competitive days (retiring in 2007), interviewing represents my professional passion.

Zeus had never conducted English-language interviews previously. They achieved Major victory, and I approached him declaring “Zeus! This marks the perfect moment for your inaugural English interview!” The session lasted approximately four minutes with his partner attempting translation assistance.

He frequently exclaimed “blya” while earnestly attempting English communication, visibly excited—lifting the championship trophy while embracing me. Being the first interviewer to secure his English-language perspective created an unforgettable professional milestone.

— You’ve demonstrated remarkable transparency regarding personal challenges and emotional experiences. With many individuals, particularly Ukrainians, facing difficult circumstances currently, do you have encouraging words to share?

— Given current global circumstances and Ukraine’s status as my homeland where I anticipate returning, the situation remains profoundly distressing. The daily struggles faced by people uncertain about their futures, potentially feeling disoriented and overwhelmed—I recognize this represents experiences beyond my complete comprehension.

Identify elements that generate happiness, however modest. Concentrate on those positive aspects and avoid internal conflicts. During challenging periods, mutual support and collective unity become essential—coming together as communities sharing common objectives.

While playing FACEIT recently, I encountered two Ukrainian participants in the matchmaking queue. We conversed briefly—they recognized me and I inquired “So you’re continuing to play Counter-Strike under these conditions?” They responded “This provides complete escape from reality”—demonstrating how everyone requires psychological respite mechanisms.

Even the most resilient individuals require support verification—everyone faces struggles currently. I maintain hope for rapid resolution enabling restoration of normalcy. Most importantly, we must reconstruct Ukraine surpassing its previous condition!

“We were really motivated to win to shut up the crowd”. Chopper on match with FURIA, psychological tricks, and sacrificing his hair to the god of CS
Team Spirit captain reflecting on the Major.

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