Some players are born competitors, and DS is one of them. Starting his Counter-Strike journey at just 7 years old, he played semi-professionally for years before shifting his focus to Fantasy CS2. His deep understanding of the game, players, and strategy has helped him dominate multiple Powerplay seasons — winning both Season 4 and Season 5.
So, how does he do it? What is the secret behind his success, and what advice does he have for new fantasy managers? Let’s dive into the interview and learn from one of Powerplay’s best.
How did you get into Counter-Strike? Have you been a fan for a long time?
I started playing CS 1.6 when I was 7 years old at an internet café with friends. I played at a semi-professional level until I was 19, but back then, rewards were too low to make a living without being a Tier 1 player. So, I stepped back and became a casual player, but my passion for CS never faded.
What got you into fantasy CS? Was it difficult to dive into at first, or did you pick it up quickly?
I had played HLTV Fantasy before, so I already understood the basics. I think I found Powerplay through an ad or HLTV forum thread. At first, it took a little time to learn how the scoring system and roles worked, but once I figured that out, it became easy — especially with all the information available on the site.
Do you have any favorite teams or players in CS?
I have had many favorites over the years.
CS 1.6 — Fnatic, Polish Golden Five, Na'Vi
CS:GO — Na'Vi (since 1.6), NiP (GeT_RiGhT & f0rest)
CS2 — Na'Vi & G2 (even though NiKo is gone, I think G2 will still be top 3 this year)
My favorite players:
CS 1.6 — GeT_RiGhT, NEO
CS:GO — GeT_RiGhT, f0rest, s1mple, device
CS2 — donk (curious if he will stay consistent) & iM (same country as me, I know how hard he worked)
You are one of our early adopters — you have been with us since February 2023. Do you remember how you first discovered Powerplay?
Like I mentioned earlier, I found Powerplay through HLTV. What drew me in was the idea of collecting player cards and using them in fantasy tournaments.
For newer players who might not know — back then, there were no skin prizes. We played just to win bundles and unlock our first cards. Even without rewards, it was fun because it felt unique compared to other fantasy platforms.
Did you build your Season 5 lineups with strategy, or did you just follow your instincts?
I cannot say I had a set strategy from start to finish, but I focus on form — and most importantly, PICK DONK.
Was there a player who surprised you, either by overperforming or not meeting expectations?
DONK was by far the biggest surprise. He had an incredible season.
On the other hand, m0NESY and ZywOo had moments where they did not perform at the extraordinary level we usually expect.
Is there a role or card in the game that you think more people should pay attention to?
Right now, I would say:
TeSeS (Entry)
SunPayus (Sniper)
Both look very promising for this season.
Do you have any specific routine when setting up your lineup, or do you just go with the flow?
I analyze:
Is the tournament online or LAN?
How have the players performed recently?
Most importantly — PICK DONK.
How has the Powerplay Premium subscription affected your gameplay experience, if at all?
I use it regularly. It makes lineup building and trades much easier.
If you could change, add, or remove one thing in Powerplay, what would it be?
A system for exchanging duplicate cards (I have a ton of them).
Card variations (common, silver, gold) with bonus points for higher rarities.
More games (Dota 2 would be great).
What is your plan for Season 6? Any players or teams you are keeping an eye on?
It is going to be tougher this season with more competition. I will keep my eye on:
Na’Vi players
Falcons & MOUZ (a lot of potential in these teams)
If you could create your dream CS2 team, who would be in it?
I will only pick from CS2 (all-time is too hard to decide):
IGL — karrigan
AWP — m0NESY
Entry — NiKo
Support — ropz
Kill Machine — DONK
What is the most memorable moment for you in CS, either as a fan or a player?
The PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 when Na’Vi won. They proved they were an incredible team, and iM became the first Romanian player to win a Major.
Any final thoughts or shoutouts?
Stay consistent with fantasy. I missed one round last season and thought I lost first place — but I still won in the end.
What does fantasy CS2 teach you?
Consistency. Whether in fantasy or real life, it is what gets you where you want to be.
What advice would you give to beginners just starting their fantasy journey?
Do not focus on prizes early on. First, try to collect as many cards as possible — building good lineups is tough at the start.
How has playing fantasy CS2 changed the way you watch and enjoy CS matches?
Now, I watch differently. Even if I do not support a certain team, I want my lineup players to perform well.
What common mistakes do beginners make in fantasy, and how can they avoid them?
Not understanding roles. Even if you have strong players, if they are in bad roles, your lineup will not perform well. Read the role descriptions.
What is one tip or strategy you wish someone had told you when you started playing fantasy CS2?
Always pick players based on their role in the team. And most importantly — PICK DONK.
Do you think fantasy CS2 helps build a stronger connection with the CS2 community?
Absolutely. Especially after the Discord server opened — it made the competition more interactive. A few 1v1 or 2v2 fantasy challenges would be fun too.
What has been the most rewarding part of playing fantasy CS2 for you?
Winning Powerplay Season 4 and 5 was amazing — especially winning two knives. But the competition is what makes it fun. I have been playing since the early days, when there were no prizes, and the moment skins were introduced, everything became even more intense.
Join the Powerplay Community!
Big thanks to DS for sharing his journey and strategies. His success proves that consistency, smart picks, and deep game knowledge are the keys to winning in Fantasy CS2.
Who should we feature next? Join the Powerplay Discord to discuss strategies, connect with other fantasy managers, and stay ahead of the game.
Join now and be part of the action!
Still need help?
Contact us