Interview: Guilherme “spacca” Spacca – Player/Analyst/Caster CS:GO

Guilherme “spacca” Spacca is one of the famous names in the Brazilian Counter-Strike scene. He is known for his great success in several areas focused on the game, not only as a professional player. The former CS:GO player currently works in marketing for Gamers Club, the largest gaming platform in Latin America. In addition, he is a Caster/Analyst of Counter Strike Global Offensive.

Guilherme “spacca” Spacca as Caster/Analyst of CS:GO. (Image: Twitter)

Check out the exclusive conversation we had with Guilherme “spacca” Spacca.

How did you know Counter Strike and when did you start playing?

I met Counter Strike in 2004 at a lan house next to my school. Some friends of mine were going to play and I was interested, I had never been to a lan house. So, that first time I went, I was already in love with the game. Initially I didn't play as much CS, because I was really bad, and my friends made fun of me. At first I was playing Battlefield and later I returned to Counter Strike, because one day, I passed a lan house and saw a team training. I didn't know that there was a competitive scenario, with teams and training. I found this very interesting and so I started to dedicate myself more to the game. I've been playing Counter Strike for 16 years.

The Brazilian scenario of CS:GO is growing more and more, what do you consider important for this growth to continue in the coming years?

The Brazilian scenario of CS:GO grows a lot, and I think professionalization is important. Today we have organizations that invest a lot, with good structure, but little protection for the players. I wish there was a league / union project for the players that would defend their interests. Because there is still a lack of commitment from organizations, contracts that are not fulfilled, awards that are not paid. This harms the players a lot, as a majority depends on this salary to live, they do not play just for hobby. Perhaps some laws that value CS:GO players.

With all your experience in Counter Strike, what do you think is essential for an organization to succeed?

I think for an organization to be successful, it needs to think long term. It is no use thinking about an organization being created and in just 6 months, 1 year, and it already gives results. This is not the case. An example is FURIA, it was an organization that worked very quickly, but it is a random case. They got their hands on players, on punctual decisions and so were successful. There is no point in having a large organization, a large investment if there is no scenario for this to happen. Selling the project to players is also important, making them feel important and that they are part of that. Investment to hire the best players, having a gaming house, among others, is also essential.

Currently you have the functions of Caster/Analyst, how is this experience?

My experience as a Caster/Analyst is being very cool. In March I completed 1 year as Caster and it gave me a totally different view of CS:GO. I tell my friends that if I started to be a professional today, I would be much better than how I played a while ago. I saw things that at the time were difficult for me to see. It was always a person who did not dedicate me in the analysis part, nor my gameplay, it hurt me. Doing this now as an analyst gives me another perspective of the game, I can see more where there are gaps or take advantage of space within the game.

Nowadays you no longer compete professionally as a player, if you had a good project for a return, would you go back to compete?

I wouldn't be competing professionally again, even with a good proposal. My mission on Counter Strike in general, I already did. As a professional, I competed in three different CS, 1.6, Source and CS: GO. I traveled the world playing Counter Strike and I have to make room for the new generation that is emerging with “game hunger”. I no longer have this hunger for games, I like to play yet, but I no longer have the lust to be playing 24 hours a day, preparing for big championships, my phase is over.

With the arrival of Valorant, do you see CS:GO threatened in terms of professional players migrating to the Riot game?

I don't see CS:GO threatened by the arrival of Valorant. I think Tier 2 and Tier 3 players from around the world will have more opportunities in the Valorant game. Because it's a new game, a game you don't know much about, the mechanics of the game. So, a large part of the players who were not successful in CS:GO talking about professionalization, making money, traveling, will have a great chance at Valorant.

The Esports scenario is going to improve with this, with more space for players who were good at other games, but could not reach an advanced professional level. We will have more people living with Esports with the arrival of this game, casters, analysts, commentaries, and players. I haven't played the game yet, but seeing the gameplays I don't see the game much like CS:GO as many people were saying. A mixture of Overwatch with CS, the graphics that are more childlike can catch a younger audience. Even though CS:GO also has a young audience, the professional environment works with players of 20, 22 years old.

What was your most striking moment on Counter Strike?

There were several, complicated to say just one. I think when I was asked to play at the MIBR in 2009 it was a very incredible feeling. Raphael “cogu” Camargo called me calling me. When I played for FURIA and qualified for Minor in London in 2018, I was also forever marked as a player.

In closing, do you have any person who inspires you in this profession?

I don't have someone in particular that inspires me. It's not just Counter Strike, I don't have many idols in music and football for example. I am a more relaxed person, I admire several players, but I never had one in particular. I try to get more inspiration from people outside the game, for example, my parents. My father is one of the best human beings in the world, and I always try to elevate that, in CS or in any other profession by being honest and true. So to sum up, I was inspired more by mine than by any specific player.

If you want to check out Guilherme “spacca” Spacca social networks:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spaccacsgo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guispacca/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/oldmanspacca
E-mail: [email protected]