Graphics by Nick Lupo

Next up in our Q&A series is none other than Corey "tr1p" Dodd. Corey has tasted great success over his Counter-Strike career and will look to help lead the Chicago Chimera to back to back CGS North America and World Championships this summer.

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Hey Corey, how has your offseason been going on so far? What have you been up to? You've an avid poker player so I take it you've been playing quite a bit.

Yeah poker is my other passion with gaming so I spend quite a bit of time playing. I am really looking forward to playing some live NL in LA since I can't play NL where I live.

What's the greatest amount you've ever won?

I recently had about a 8 hour marathon session where I ran very well and ended up just over 10k. There are also days that can go in the other direction but it's all apart of being a poker player. I've had a few days of losing over 5k which really hurt.

Have you purchased any fancy toys, etc with your winnings?

I'm not the type to really blow money on things I don't really need. I have been looking into doing some investing and hopefully be getting a house in the next year or two.

The CSS team has a bit of an old and new flavor to it with Erik returning from the summer squad and Albert making his debut this year. What do you think is the key to this lineup that will allow you to take that next step?

This team is just filled with veterans that know how to get it done when it matters. Erik and Albert are very motivated which helps us play as close to our 'A game' as possible. It gets very long and drawn out practicing online but having fresh blood helps a bit.

At the draft, many expected sunman to be taken by the team but instead you went with Albert, a player never even mentioned in the media or by spectators. Tell us a little bit about the decision to choose him over a player you've played with for a long time in Justin. Brian has mentioned that you played a part in the decisions (being the only protected CSS player) with your input.

Well I wanted to keep the lineup the same with Griff and Garett but we knew there was a good chance someone could pick them up so we had to have a backup plan. Brian wanted my opinion on backups and I gave him players I thought that would fit missing roles on our team. At the end of the day it was Brians choice and we didn't even know who was being picked up until the draft was over.

Erik was the strat caller during the summer, will he be reprising that role or will you be taking the helm?

Erik will be the strat caller. I like just playing and not worry about what everyone else needs to be doing. Maybe one day I will find the motivation again who knows.

Tell us a little bit about each of your four fellow members and just what they bring to the CSS team.

Erik, most random energetic person I know that can make some crazy shots with 10 sens. Pasha, laid back always seems to play his best when it matters. Matt, by far the most skilled player and never has a bad game. Albert, he makes me look like an old man with his slick movements theres always hope of winning a crazy odd man situation when he's alive.

Most people overlook or forget the fact that before compLexity broke out at Winter 2004, you were the most hated team in CS. Just how good did it feel to prove all the doubters and flamers wrong?

Well all the hate we were getting just turned into motivation. We knew we were good it was just a matter of going out there and proving it. It felt even more special for me as that was my first LAN tourney I called strats for. I think its up there in my top3 CS moments.

Outside of the CGS, what has been the greatest personal moment for you?

Hmm thats a tough one. I look back at when I use to inline skate when i was in my early teens and I still get chills looking at some of the rails I grinded or gaps I've jumped around town. I don't think I've had better moments than those on skates.

As returning Champions, do you feel any extra pressure to perform at the expected level and to defend your title?

I think teams will be gunning for us more than others. I don't think theres extra pressure we are just going to go out there and do our best and what ever happens, happens.

You spent several months in Los Angeles last summer and winter, what was the best memory for you over that span (competition aside)? There were definitely some great times.

There are so many it's hard to pick one. I really liked just going to the beach and relaxing it was like a 2 month vacation.

Alright, well best of luck in 2008. Do you have any parting words or shout outs you'd like to give?

Shout out to all the fans and my friends back in Fargo!