We talked with Peter "ptr" Gurney after their appearance at the America’s Minor in London. Although eliminated from the tournament, ptr shows a bright face when talking about the team's prospects, future, and goals. Being the most experienced player in current line-up, ptr can be one of the most important influences in the other players' games.

Hi Peter. You have been playing for Team Dignitas for a while now. What is your impression of the team’s potential?

ptr: My impression so far of the team is that I believe we have a lot of skill and talent, but we have many things to work on. Being more dynamic and understanding how to react when certain things are happening on the map.

You are a well-known player in North America, having already participated in several International LAN’s with different teams. How are your expectations towards the present line-up at future events?

ptr: I honestly just want to take our time with this team. Of course, I want to go to every LAN and make something of ourselves, but we need to do it the right way. We need to work hard and build our fundamentals. We need to learn how to be dynamic and be good teammates. This is what I am more worried about more than anything else at the moment.

How have these last few weeks been going regarding practicing and official matches?

ptr: It's been going well. We just played our first LAN together at the Minor. I think it went pretty well considering it was our first LAN together, learning a lot of important things while building team chemistry.

What are you working on right now with the team? Are there any “sharp edges” you’re trying to polish at the moment?

ptr: For the most part, we are working on our map pool. In-game wise, we are working on our communications and being more dynamic. Also, not shutting down when we are losing and trying to teach that it's never over even when the score might look bad.

Let’s talk about ESEA Leagues. Team Dignitas was demoted from Pro League last season but it is currently undefeated in MDL, with a 9-0 record at the moment of writing this interview. Do you think you have what it takes to get the spot back in EPL?

ptr: Yes, I definitely believe that we have what it takes to play in pro. The only thing is we must have strong mentalities when playing top teams. You must be able to let some rounds go even if it upsets you.

You have already played in EPL, playing every season from 3 up until 7. What major differences are you noticing when comparing EPL teams with MDL-level teams?

ptr: Well, in my opinion, the MDL teams are more reliant on skill rather than team play and being more dynamic. When you play pro teams, most of them have a good understanding of the game, so you must not only out-aim them but out-think them as well.

How do you see the team faring in EPL if you manage to qualify?

ptr: When we qualify, I think that we will do well. I think our first season might be an average one only winning 50% of our games. It really all depends on how we prepare ourselves now. I want to crush Pro League when we come back in. I want to have a 6 map pool and have my players understanding top-level CS.

Being such an experienced player, you are one of the main voices in the squad. How are you helping the less experienced players in the team reaching the next level?

ptr: Basically, after every match we watch the demo back. As the demo is playing, I point out certain things people could do better or show them how our team play is either bad or good and how we should fix it. I also go into servers with them, and we just talk about ideas and reactions if certain things happen on the map.

You’re mostly known for being one of the best AWPers in North America. What tips would you give your fans that aim to improve their sniper game play?

ptr: Honestly, just play the game. You should watch demos of how other pros position themselves in certain situations and try to think why they are doing it. Like I said though, just playing the game a lot will help you learn the most.

Are there any words you would like to say to finish up this interview?

ptr: Thank you for the interview. Thanks to all the fans that support us. I promise we will continue to work hard and bring Team Dignitas glory again!!

I want to thank Peter for taking his time to answer my questions after the Minor and wish him and the squad the best of luck. You can keep up with him and the team in his social media:

Twitter

Twitch