Professional CounterStrike: Global Offensive player Robin ‘ropz’ Kool has spoken about how he overcame a tragedy in his personal life to fulfil his dream.
Kool was interviewed by FACEIT for a series of player profile videos that they are producing for the London CS:GO Major, taking place between September 5 to 23.
Each video provides an in-depth look at the life and the backstory of a professional CSGO player. Along with the Estonian, FACEIT has produced profiles for MIBR’s Jacky ‘Stewie2K’ Yip and G2 Esports player Richard ‘shox’ Papillon.
In the video, ropz and his family speak about how difficult it is to balance both his schoolwork and his professional career, and his headmaster remarks at how impressive it is that he continues to perform at a high level in both fields.
However, the 18 year old also took time to speak about a personal tragedy that affected his life immensely, the death of his father. Kool’s father owned large farms in Estonia, but a downturn in business saw the family lose their home to bankruptcy, and shortly after this, Kool’s father sadly took his own life.
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Ropz stated that if he could go back in time and speak to his father, he would tell him: “I could earn so much money playing CS, and to just wait. Things will work out.”
Kool’s mother, Gea, is clearly proud of her son, and spoke about her joy at his success after an undoubtedly difficult time, saying; “He has found his way, he has found his work and hobby in this game, his way of life.”
Unfortunately for ropz, his journey at the FACEIT London Major ended in the New Legends Stage, when mousesports were eliminated by FaZe Clan.