blackmane: "I don't care what people say" - Part 1

TEK9 sits down with Chris "blackmane" Kinnair on the day he returns to Dignitas for Modern Warfare 2. Considered one of the most talented players in Call of Duty 2 and 4, Kinnair has an impressive but controversial reputation and has never failed to hit the headlines. Topics include his famous temper, his time playing CS:S, the team's new lineup and their goals for the future. Kinnair admits he's let the team down in the past but insists he wants to put his troubled past behind him and silence his critics in Modern Warfare 2.

Corbie: First off, what are your reasons for coming back with this new Dignitas Call of Duty team?

Chris Kinnair: Well I never really left in the first place, I was always just there hanging around and after i37 ODEE told me he wanted me to lead a Modern Warfare 2 team and, as I thought the game was going to be huge, I couldn't refuse.

When you left the active team before, who's decision was it and why?

It was my decision and it was only because I wanted a break... good break that turned out to be. (smiles)

What do you think of your new teammates and what are your specific goals in Modern Warfare 2?

I think my new team mates are great, I get along really well with with nreo and phan. People thought that I hated phan which in a way was true but I didn't really "hate" him. I just hated how every time we played TCM he was probably the biggest factor in them winning. The only specific goal I have for Modern Warfare 2 is pretty simple, win everything.



Will you pick up the sniper following SoCLoN's departure?

Yes, I will be sniping for the new team.

How do you think the loss of Soclon and Lookzor will affect the team?

Well SoCLoN and Lookzor are two really really good players but after our winning streak I just felt that they lost the motivation to play. So with picking up nreo and phantasy, who are equally as talented, we will go into Modern Warfare 2 with renewed motivation.

As team leader did you pick the new players and, tactically, why were two SMG players chosen?

Yes, I picked the new players and I don't like to think of it as picking up two "SMG" players. I chose phan and nreo as I know they are very talented and will be able to adapt to the new game quickly. Anyone in the team can use any weapon really we will just mix and match for a while until we are happy with who uses what weapon. Even then we will still probably change things up pretty often just to keep teams on their toes.

What do you think you will bring to the team as leader?

The same thing I've always done in the team, just sort things out when things aren't going to plan.