“One thing I learned about getting bigger, it’s not girls that write to you, it’s mostly guys”. BlameF on gym life, new Astralis and CS2

At IEM Cologne 2023, we sat down with Benjamin “blameF” Bremer, the newly appointed in-game leader for Astralis. The Danish professional shared profound insights about his team’s structural transformation, the evolving Counter-Strike competitive scene, and how his dedication to physical fitness creates competitive advantages in high-stakes tournaments.

— Is the new Astralis roster an update to the previous one, or did you do a major overhaul of the roster?

— We’ve implemented what I consider a comprehensive reconstruction rather than incremental adjustments. While we technically replaced two players, the strategic implications extend far beyond personnel changes. Every team member received completely redesigned roles, including myself taking on fresh positions across all terrorist-side scenarios and significant counter-terrorist adaptations. This represents a fundamental reinvention of our competitive approach and tactical identity.

— In June, dev1ce suggested that IGL influence diminishes during matches due to micro-decisions requiring individual player autonomy. Do you share this perspective?

— There’s validity to his assessment regarding contemporary Counter-Strike dynamics. The modern meta demands players capable of making intelligent split-second judgments during round progression rather than relying exclusively on pre-planned strategies. Mid-round scenarios increasingly depend on rapid adaptation and calculated risk-taking rather than rigid execution of predetermined plays.

— When you initially joined Astralis, you expressed reluctance about assuming IGL responsibilities, yet you eventually called on Mirage, and now lead as primary shot-caller. How has this transition unfolded?

— My philosophy consistently emphasizes team optimization over personal preference. I’ve always maintained readiness to fill whatever position maximizes our collective potential. When management approached me about transitioning to in-game leadership, I recognized the opportunity to leverage my strategic understanding for team benefit.

The decision emerged from organizational needs rather than personal ambition. My versatility across multiple roles made this a logical progression, and I’ve discovered genuine aptitude for tactical direction and mid-game adjustments.

— Unfortunately, we don’t have a second CS:GO Major this season, but if we had it, who would be in the finals?

— Based on current form and consistency, Heroic and Vitality represent the pinnacle of global Counter-Strike excellence. Their systematic approaches and player synergy create consistent championship-level performance.

— What about Astralis? Could you make it to the finals, playoffs, group stage?

— Realistic assessment prevents overconfidence given our recent Major qualification struggles. However, I’m confident we’d advance beyond previous performances as our reformed structure matures. Tournament outcomes depend heavily on team development stages, making precise predictions challenging during transitional periods.

— Recently there were numerous debates about in-game trash-talk. What’s your stance?

— Verbal competition during matches doesn’t concern me provided opponents maintain professional respect afterward. The critical distinction lies between competitive banter and genuine hostility—the former enhances entertainment value while the latter damages professional relationships.

Winter themed Cobblestone assets were found in Counter Strike 2

— Everyone knows about your gym dedication. Previously you pursued bodybuilding and hold nutritionist certification. What initiated this journey?

— My initial motivation mirrored many young men’s fitness aspirations—developing physical appeal. However, the pursuit evolved beyond superficial objectives into a comprehensive lifestyle philosophy. Each incremental achievement created motivation for further development, transforming physical training from recreational activity into integral identity component.

The commitment became so profound that dietary discipline remained absolute regardless of social circumstances. Bringing prepared meals to celebrations and vacations might appear unconventional, but the practice instilled invaluable life lessons about commitment, self-reliance, and consistent effort toward long-term objectives.

— Is maintaining peak physical condition challenging with professional CS players’ demanding schedules?

— Achieving previous conditioning levels proves practically impossible given current competitive demands. Constant travel necessitates using inadequate hotel facilities with limited equipment, while nutritional consistency suffers from unpredictable food sourcing. My current focus prioritizes sustained activity maintenance rather than maximal physical development.

— Describe your daily training routine during tournaments versus home periods.

— I maintain single daily sessions with consistency prioritized over intensity. My approach utilizes five-day muscle group splits with abbreviated workouts rather than extended sessions with rest days. Standard training involves 30-35 minutes targeting specific muscle groups followed by 15-20 minutes of cardiovascular activity for metabolic activation.

— You mentioned initial gym motivation involved attracting female attention. Did the results match expectations?

— Reality delivered humorous enlightenment [laughs]. The unexpected lesson about physical development reveals that male admiration significantly outweighs female interest. Countless messages from fellow gym enthusiasts about abdominal development and bicep construction far exceeded romantic attention. Physical transformation primarily attracts fitness-focused individuals rather than achieving original social objectives.

— That truth must sting.

— The realization provides initial motivation adjustment. Once training becomes personally fulfilling rather than externally motivated, the activity transforms into self-improvement journey with health benefits surpassing superficial goals.

M0NESY: “I’m flattered that people call me ‘baby GOAT’, but I’m not the GOAT yet”
Such a level-headed player.

— Does physical conditioning provide competitive advantages for handling esports pressure compared to non-training players?

— The benefits manifest predominantly in peripheral activities rather than direct gameplay enhancement. My endurance allows extended practice sessions and post-match analysis when teammates require recovery. The capacity to review games overnight and prepare strategic notes for subsequent days creates marginal competitive edges through preparation quality.

— What guidance would you offer aspiring professionals balancing gaming excellence with physical fitness?

— Sustainable consistency outperforms aggressive but irregular training patterns. Begin with manageable twice-weekly gym sessions establishing habitual patterns before considering intensity increases. Gradual progression sustained over extended periods achieves superior results compared to intense monthly training followed by extended inactivity.

HuNter-: “It’s not a big difference, having a daughter and having m0NESY in the team”

— Let’s discuss CS2. Do you anticipate release within coming months?

— Industry indications suggest imminent launch, though player adaptation presents significant logistical challenges. The compressed summer timeline creates additional pressure for rapid competitive adjustment.

— How do you perceive initial CS2 tournament dynamics? Is increased randomness acceptable given limited preparation time?

— Early competitions will undoubtedly feature heightened unpredictability due to insufficient practice opportunities. Demos analysis time reduction combined with varied team adaptation approaches creates volatile competitive environments, though established elite organizations still maintain advantage through foundational strength.

— We know the first Major will occur in Denmark, with China rumored for second event. Which locations deserve future Major hosting opportunities?

— My preference emphasizes vibrant esports communities with passionate fan engagement over geographical considerations. Locations generating substantial excitement and spectator enthusiasm provide superior Major experiences regardless of specific national boundaries.

“Now that CS2 is coming, more people will play it. Even people from Valorant will come back”. SunPayus on his adaptation to ENCE, and why he doesn’t want to be famous at home
Did you know that he has a chemical engineer degree? We neither.

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