It seems Mindplex have become the centre of attention lately in the Australian Counter-Strike:Source Community. From winning two consecutive championships in rising leagues and numerous top finishes in the most recent competitions, Mindplex have proved worthy of being in the spotlight. It seems, however that the team has yet more news to bring to the community. Essence Gaming, headed by Yuki and Prodigy, have decided to take on Mindplex as their premier Counter-Strike:Source Team! Congratulations to them!
Mindplex's current lineup stands as: Ar3s, JovaN, JoshKent, Strydrcore and unbreaK. It was previously rumoured that unbreaK was going to rejoin Mindplex after the loss of CHRiSOAOW, and this seems to have come to fruition. However, amongst the latest shock for the team with Trevor "MechDAWG" Kreider quitting Counter-Strike:Source indefinitely, there have also been rumours bouncing around that "Zer0//" (former Resistance fragger and Deathmatch King) may be joining the Essence lineup in the near future in order to fill the shoes of Mech.
As part of the sponsorship deal, Mindplex have scored plenty of benefits from signing on with Essence Gaming. Mindplex receive the usual, such as a Server (properly equipped with WarMod and SourceTV) and a Private Ventrilo Server (capable of holding each section of Essence Gaming). During the sponsorship period as well, Mindplex will receive payments for their Online events and LAN Events, including the upcoming CEVO seasons and possible National LAN Competitions.
I caught up with Anthony AKA Ar3s and asked him how he felt about Mindplex being sponsored in this manner. He released this statement:
Ar3s: Mindplex see this as a wonderful opportunity and something that doesn't come around often so we are taking this with both hands! We feel this is the milestone that we need to improve as a CSS team, not only in-game but with a professional attitude out of game.
Essence Gaming is headed by Luke "Yuki" Clark, who is partnered with James "Prodigy" Derooy and Ryan "Muggie" Martin. The Multi-Gaming Corporation itself is sponsored by The LANBox. LANBox provide a large array of gaming servers and hosting and the new Essence squad will be wearing the tag with pride during their Competition matches.
Yuki also stands on as the Event Manager over at Sublime PCGear and Leagues. He has created Essence to bring another Corporation to the Community and show that there are more willing to start up. As it stands, his goal is to give these players the opportunity they deserve and support they deserve in their adventures through Counter-Strike:Source and bring more to the community of what we need to improve the Australian Source Community.
I asked Yuki if he'd make a statement and here's what was released:
Yuki: It's a pleasure and joy to be able to manage a team like Mindplex. Each player has shown a great amount of respect and are great people to get to know. I look forward to seeing through their cevo seasons and LAN attendance and enjoying watching them improve from every match they attend.
Joining Yuki at the helm of Essence Gaming is James "Prodigy" Derooy. Prodigy is well-known as a General Manager. His background of management includes the likes of Envy-Gaming, the prestigious CoD4 team, and currently with Sublime, helping create initiatives like Sublime's recent competitions. He has come aboard with Essence Gaming under the same position as General Manager.
I also caught up with him and here's what he had to say:
Prodigy: I'm looking forward to being apart of this organisation, with the likes of Yuki and Muggie I see a very positive outcome of this opportunity. With a team of such a high standard like Mindplex, I'm unable to picture a better opportunity to start evolving into a greater team and putting the Essence label out there.
Muggie has always been a part of the scene as well. A very prevalent administrative figure over at the CyberGamer League. Muggie has always seen responsibility as a stepping stone to victory. He has always been on-point with CyberGamer and I believe he will do a fine job in Essence Gaming as well. I spoke to Muggie regarding the move and here's what he had to say:
Muggie: I am very pleased to be apart of Essence Gaming. I look forward to helping out the boys from Mindplex achieve their goals and progress further. I am also very keen on getting support for the organisation and look forward to working with Yuki and Prodigy.
I would personally like to congratulate Mindplex on their sponsorship and wish them, Yuki, Prodigy, Muggie and the rest of Essence Gaming the best of luck in their future endeavours and the upcoming competitions and CEVO Seasons. You have the thumbs up from me, let us hope the community and spectators agree that this move is for the best.
