“I would change the AWP”: NertZ talks CS2 at IEM Dallas

A fast track to the semifinals is only the start of Guy “NertZ” Iluz at IEM Dallas. 

ENCE is currently on a roll, triumphing over some of the event’s biggest names to earn an advanced spot in the playoffs. Already guaranteed top four, the team is currently preparing to face the winner of G2 Esports and FaZe, hopefully adding another victory over a top team to its run.

WIN.gg sat down with newest ENCE member NertZ to learn his takes on tough brackets, the team dynamic, and whether or not Counter-Strike 2 is ready for the big stage. 

An interview with NertZ at IEM Dallas

WIN.gg: NertZ, IEM Dallas is your first time playing in front of a crowd, and you’ve made playoffs. Do you think the live audience will have an effect on your play?

Nertz: I don’t think so, I’m just too focused on the game. I also don’t want to jinx myself, but I will say that I hope not.

ENCE probably had the toughest run in the group stage, defeating Complexity, FaZe, and Astralis. How did it feel to come out on top against tough opponents?

Of course. When you’re facing the best teams in the world, I think Astralis is top five in the world, I feel like we are playing really good. We are practicing a lot and we show good results in scrims and officials, so we have a good feeling for the next matches.

we won 2-1 vs @Astralisgg , ggwp @dev1ce you played insane.
We are in the semis cya in few days 🤗#EZ4ENCE

— NertZ (@NertzCS) June 1, 2023

You’re the newest player on ENCE, joining in February. How much are you involved in tactical decisions mid-round or is captain Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer firmly in control?

From what I heard before, it was the coach, Snappi, and [Pavle “maden” Bošković.] But after [Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia] and I joined the team, I think we have cooperation. I will say something, every player will say something. It’s balanced, the ideas that we have. Everyone can call in ENCE.  

Assuming new maps were added, do you think Counter-Strike 2 is ready for tournament play?

Obviously it’s not ready to play. I feel like it’s still 64 tick rate and still a lot of bugs. I was sticking to the walls when I played matchmaking on Dust 2. I think they have a lot to change. 

When CS2 comes out, is there anything you’d personally like to change?

I would change the AWP. I think it’s still too overpowered for the game. Maybe change it so instead of five bullets, it goes down to three. I also feel like they need to change the right-side peak in CS. When you’re peaking from the right side, it needs to be more balanced.  

How did you first get into gaming?

I was watching my brother play [Counter-Strike 1.6] with his friends when I was 8 years old. He played with his friends. I started playing and after one year I started to play with a casual team. After that I downloaded Steam and started to play. It wasn’t so competitive in Israel, but I was in local teams for Israel in 1.6. 

Is there a big local scene for CSGO in Israel?

Unfortunately no. Before they announced CSGO, we always played with each other because of the ping difference. But after CSGO was announced, every player just plays international matchmaking. The local scene is just gone right now. I really want to see more of the Israeli community playing CS and competing in CS. 

Do you have a favorite skin?

StatTrak™ M4A4 | Howl.