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Justin “Ksiaze” Goszczynski is a playmaker for the Charlotte Phoenix VALORANT team. Ksiaze, who was Rank G in Counterstrike: Global Offensive, is from Ontario, Canada. You’ve already seen Ksiaze’s killer headshot clips posted on the Charlotte Phoenix Twitter, but you can learn more about the man “Behind the Screen” in this article.

Ksiaze sat down to discuss his past golf career, how he swapped from MMORPG to FPS games, and the Polish meaning behind his gamertag. Learn more about Ksiaze, (his friends pronounce it KAY-ZEE), including his love for The Witcher 3, Tostitos, and the Flatbush Zombies, (aka The Glorious Dead American Rap group).

What are some things you like about being home right now? 

I have more time to myself to focus on VALORANT. Also, being around my pets more often is always a plus.

What is your favorite character in VALORANT and why?

Jett. The level of mobility and creativity during combat is something I have a lot of fun with.

In your opinion, who has the best ultimate ability in VALORANT?

Breach. While the use of the ult is pretty straightforward, it’s almost always a round win.

What is it about VALORANT that excites you or makes it unique from / more fun than other games?

From playing a lot of CS: GO, having different agents instead of every player having access to the same utility makes the game extremely interesting and fun. Seeing the way other teams mix up the agent pools depending on what they want to do is also really cool.

How did you choose your username/gamertag?

My family is Polish, and my friend called me “Polish prince” one day and it just stuck, so I just decided to use the word prince in polish: Ksiaze.

When and how did you start playing video games?

I got into video games at a young age. My cousins were big into World of Warcraft growing up, so I ended up playing a bunch of random free-to-play MMORPG’s for the longest time: Silkroad Online, Rohan: Blood Feud, MapleStory, and Eden Eternal. Anything else that was free I’ve tried when I was younger with a close friend. In high school, a classmate ended up introducing me to Counterstrike: Global Offensive and that is where I realized my love for FPS games.

How did you decide to go pro in VALORANT?

A couple of CS:GO friends of mine including Churmz wanted to make a team, so we were all trying to grind the game as soon as it came out and ended up catching some peoples eyes, got a tryout, and it just happened.

Who do you look up to the most and why?

 I look up to anyone at the top of their craft. The fact that they grinded to get up there and have enough dedication to stay there is something that means a lot to me.

Do you have any pets?

Socks, a 15-year-old cat, and Sunday, an 8-year-old Weimaraner.

What are you most proud of?

Winning a golf tournament when I was little. I felt like I could do whatever I put effort into.

Do you watch traditional sports? If so, what is your favorite team?

Chelsea. I’m a big soccer fan and have always been a supporter of the blues. As for everything else, living near Toronto has always defaulted me into being a Toronto supporter so I will watch the Raptors, Leafs, and Jays.

If you attended college, what did you study?

I took a co-op program for business administration with the co-op heavily focusing into golf.

Do you have any special talents?

I use to be extremely good at golf when I was younger. I went to the States for a Hank Haney golf camp while I was around 13.

How well do you know your teammates?

I’ve just been introduced to most of my teammates. However, I’ve been good friends with Corey (Churmz) for a few years.

What do you like to do in your free time besides play video games?

I like watching TV shows and anime. I used to have a lot of fun playing golf, but I stopped playing in high school and am trying to pick it back up again.

What video game world would you like to live in?

Would I be a main character or just a n NPC roaming around the land? It would make a huge difference if I would want to live in a world like Skyrim/Witcher compared to something super safe and still just as exciting like Pokémon.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

Community. I watched 6 seasons and am waiting for the movie.

Who is your favorite singer or band?

My favorite group is Flatbush Zombies.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Nowhere specific. I’ve always wanted to live downtown in a big city where everything is walking distance, so that’s really my only criteria.

If you could instantly become an expert at something, what would it be?

Making music: playing an instrument or singing.

Aside from VALORANT, what are your top 3 favorite video games to play and why?

CS:GO, League of Legends / Dota 2, and The Witcher 3. I’ve grown up playing CS:GO, and it was almost the only game I played for a while. I always played League or Dota with friends so I have great memories. And The Witcher 3 is my favourite game to relax and chill down with, but I might be replacing it with Black Desert Online soon.

What is your favorite meal or snack?

Love snacking on some Tostitos.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Stop trying to do what other people want you to do and just take what you want.

If you could give advice to players looking to improve at VALORANT or video games in general, what would your advice be?

Just try not to get tilted and remain calm no matter what happens, and look at every round/game as a learning experience and strive to become better from it.