Anton Vinokur is a stand-up comedian from Russia. In 2024, he launched a podcast series on his YouTube channel, speaking with former esports legends from the Russian scene. His goal is simple: real conversations without clichés or formalities.
One of his first guests was Anton “Cooller” Singov — a Quake legend and one of the most iconic names in the game’s history. Having kept a low profile in recent years, Cooller’s appearance sparked interest from longtime fans and new listeners alike. This podcast goes far beyond Quake — it’s about family, streaming, values, and what comes after the spotlight.
❗ The episode was recorded in August 2024. And despite initial plans to make the series a regular feature, the Cooller episode remains the only podcast released on Vinokur’s channel so far.
The full English transcript of the podcast is presented below.
What’s Inside:
Introduction and Memories of WCG 2002 and uNkind
Gaming as a Part of Life
First Contract with an Esports Organization
Most Memorable Tournaments
First Matches Against Cypher
What Cooller Is Doing Now
How Cooller’s Parents Reacted to His Quake Career
Did Quake Interfere with His Studies?
Why Quake “Died” and How It Differs from Counter-Strike
A Deep Dive into Poker
Other Games Cooller Tried to Compete In
Toughest Opponents and Online vs LAN Play
Career Prospects in Esports Outside of Playing
The Moscow Five Period and “Regular” Jobs
Is Cooller Arrogant and Is That a Bad Thing?
Talking About Cooller’s Son and His Family’s View on Quake
Cooller’s Hobbies and How His Wife Supported His Passion for Gaming
Final Thoughts
Introduction and Memories of WCG 2002 and uNkind
Anton Vinokur (Interviewer): Today, my guest is someone whose name is instantly recognizable to anyone who followed the rise of esports in Russia — Anton Singov, known to most as Cooller. A true legend of the Quake scene.
If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, I’m sure anyone over 30 will feel a wave of nostalgia. I’m 30 myself — I grew up playing in LAN cafes, trying to keep up with friends. I didn’t win often, but I was hooked on esports from the start: Counter-Strike, tournaments, livestreams... And even when Russian teams were losing, there was always one person you could root for — that was you. I remember watching championships, DreamHack events, and thinking: “Cooller’s playing — we’re still in it.” You really did win, and the finals with you in them were always electric. You became a symbol of an entire era.
Let me start with a tournament I still talk about with my friends — WCG 2002. That was your first WCG, right? How old were you?
Cooller: I was sixteen.
Interviewer: So you were sixteen years old and already competing in South Korea. How long had you been playing Quake at that point?
Cooller: Do you mean that specific version of Quake, or my experience overall?
Interviewer: Overall. How many years had you been playing before you made it to WCG?
Cooller: I started around 1997. So, roughly five years by then.
Interviewer: What was the qualifying process like for WCG? Do you remember how players were selected?
Cooller: It began with city-level qualifiers. Each city had a set number of slots. For example, Omsk had two, Krasnoyarsk had two, Saint Petersburg had three, and Moscow had three. The winners from those events advanced to the national qualifiers, where only three players would earn spots for the global finals.
Interviewer: So it was you, uNkind... and who was the third?
Interviewer: You're probably the only person I can ask about this. We were reminiscing about old-school players in Discord the other day, and as soon as someone mentioned unk1nd, everyone lit up: “Yes, of course!” He was a legend too. I still remember that quote — “Hey Mom, I’m in Korea. I took first place. I won twenty thousand dollars.” We tried to find him — but nothing. He just disappeared. Then we came across something saying he’d changed his name. Apparently, he’s doing crypto now, maybe teaching courses or something. Do you know what happened to him? Or is that a sensitive topic?
Cooller: I can’t say for certain — I can only guess. But I’d rather not speculate. Changing your name and identity is a rare and serious step. My guess is that something significant happened in his life that pushed him in a new direction.
Interviewer: When did he leave the Quake scene?
Cooller: Right after Korea. After that WCG.
Interviewer: When was the last time you saw him?
Cooller: About twelve years ago. We crossed paths at a gaming event. Since then — nothing.
Gaming as a Part of Life
Interviewer: He’s certainly a fascinating figure. But let’s go back to WCG 2002 — that was a major milestone for you. I remember watching some of your interviews, and one line stuck with me: “I don’t even like video games.” Yet you continued playing. Was that really true? Or was it more about Quake being the only game that genuinely interested you?
Cooller: It’s important to make a distinction here. There’s the competitive aspect — tournaments, pressure, the drive to win. And then there’s what you might call casual gaming — single-player campaigns, narrative-driven experiences. That second category doesn’t appeal to me. I simply don’t enjoy it.
Interviewer: I get that. I feel the same way. I might jump into Counter-Strike with friends every now and then, but I’ve never been drawn to the big mainstream titles. Take Grand Theft Auto, for instance — you load it up, walk around, do missions... but everything feels repetitive. There’s no real momentum. At some point, you just ask yourself, “Why am I doing this? Just to say I finished the game?” That’s never been enough for me.
Cooller: Exactly. Over time, you start asking: “What’s the point?” People play games to unwind, to pass the time, to enjoy themselves — and that’s fine. But I don’t find any of that fulfilling. I can’t tolerate wasting time with no clear purpose. If I sit down to play, there has to be a goal. Maybe that’s a side effect of turning passion into a profession. Or maybe it’s just something in my nature: if I’m playing, it has to be with the intention of winning. And usually, that means aiming for a result — prizes, money, something tangible. For me, playing was always work. And work should be compensated.
Interviewer: So you approached it like a job from the very beginning?
Cooller: Not at all. At first, it was pure passion. I was completely captivated. That was the first thing. And second — perhaps it’s something innate. From an early age, I had an almost obsessive need to win.
Interviewer: What were you like in school?
Cooller: I did well — at least until the final two years. Once I started taking esports seriously, school faded into the background. I just lost interest. But before that, I was a top pupil.
Interviewer: I feel like we’re somewhat alike. When a goal appears, you pursue it with complete focus — without hesitation. I wonder, is that kind of mindset rooted in some childhood trauma? Or perhaps a psychological shift? When does a person start thinking: “I’m going to make it. I won’t stop until I do”?
Cooller: It’s not one simple answer — it’s a combination of things. People who have a deep, almost painful drive to win often carry something unusual within them. That’s just my opinion. Still, I believe that for a man, the desire to win is natural. It’s part of how we’re wired. Healthy competition is essential. Striving to win — that’s a core instinct.
First Contract with an Esports Organization
Interviewer: I might be wrong, but weren’t you one of the very first Russian players to be signed by a professional organization? You ended up with mousesports. Were there any other Russian players getting signed back in the early 2000s?
Cooller: I don’t remember every name, but yes — I believe I was one of the first to receive an official contract as the industry began to take shape.
Interviewer: What year was that?
Cooller: Let me think... In 2003, I was part of eSu — Electronic Sports United. At the time, it was a pretty serious project, but it didn’t last long. Then, in 2005 — if I’m not mistaken — I was signed by mousesports.
Interviewer: That’s impressive. You joined the professional scene at such a young age. I remember when you were already playing under the mousesports tag — it felt like a whole different level. Just hearing the names of those teams commanded respect: Virtus.pro, mousesports, SK Gaming, fnatic... It was a golden era. We were watching the streams, and even when Virtus.pro lost, it still felt like progress. Do you remember a player named LeX? He was part of Virtus.pro too. A strong roster — Russian lineup.
Cooller: Of course. I remember him well.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear. Hardly anyone I know today is familiar with those names.
Cooller: It’s a different era now. But Team Spirit are doing really well these days.
Interviewer: Yes, Team Spirit have definitely made a name for themselves. And when Na’Vi emerged, it really felt like a new chapter was starting.
Cooller: Do you know how Na’Vi was formed? They were just regular guys from Ukraine. Guys like us. They went to tournaments, tested their skills. At first they placed in the top three, and then they started winning. Bit by bit, they evolved into a professional machine.
Interviewer: That’s when I really started enjoying the broadcasts. Not just watching out of habit or disappointment, but genuinely looking forward to every match.
Interviewer: That’s right! Thanks for the reminder. It really was a big moment.
Cooller: But I’ve never liked it when a player or a team achieves one flashy result — and then disappears. There’s a spark, but no follow-up.
Interviewer: Do you think that’s just luck at play?
Cooller: Most likely, yes. In esports, randomness is one of the most powerful factors. You can win a world championship — and then what? Why do some people vanish, while others keep evolving?
Interviewer: Quake is mostly a solo format. There were some team modes, of course, but at its core — you play for yourself. Kind of like stand-up: you step out there alone and perform. Whereas in Counter-Strike, it’s five people. You have to communicate, deal with different personalities, function as a unit. That’s a different level of challenge.
Most Memorable Tournaments
Interviewer: You’ve played in countless tournaments, traveled all over the world. Is there one event that stands out in your memory? Something that left a lasting impression?
Cooller: The most unpleasant tournament I ever played was the one where I got disqualified. It took place in Germany, but the organizers were from China. At the time, I was playing for mousesports. I had made it to the final and approached the organizers in advance to confirm the exact start time of the match. One person said “10:00”, another said “11:00” and someone else said “12:00”. I insisted: “Please give me a precise time.” Eventually, we agreed — “Be there at 11:00.” I showed up at 11:00 — and they told me, “You’re an hour late. The final is already underway. You’re disqualified.”
Interviewer: What? That wasn’t some amateur event. Even ASUS Cup would never have handled it that way.
Cooller: It was a commercial tournament, organized by a Chinese company. Basically, their version of ASUS Cup.
Interviewer: But players came from all over the world. Couldn’t they have just checked where you were? Asked someone?
Cooller: No. That was it. I was disqualified. And on top of that — they took away my prize money. I had reached the final, but someone else was sent to play instead of me. I wasn’t even awarded the second-place prize.
Interviewer: They didn’t even acknowledge you as a finalist? No payout, no official recognition?
Cooller: Nothing. I was made out to be the one at fault. They said, “You let the tournament down. Spectators came to watch the final, and you didn’t show. Disqualification.” The organizers clearly didn’t understand how proper competition is supposed to work.
Interviewer: Was your team, mousesports, there with you?
Cooller: Yes, the whole team and management had traveled to the event. But instead of support, I faced pressure: “You’ve damaged our reputation.”
Interviewer: No one stood up for you?
Cooller: No one. Only my manager came over and quietly said, “Don’t worry. It happens. You came, played, didn’t get paid — that’s life.” That was all.
Interviewer: That’s awful. This was a final. Even if the rules didn’t allow the match to continue — they could’ve at least honored the prize money.
Cooller: Exactly. But again, it comes down to circumstance. It was a commercial event, and they wanted to create a headline.
Interviewer: That wouldn’t fly today. A tournament like that would be canceled on the spot.
Cooller: The most shocking part? My spot in the final was given to the player I had defeated in the semifinal. That was k1llsen.
Interviewer: Wait — what?
Cooller: Yes. I beat him the day before, and the next day, he was playing in the final instead of me. I approached him and said, “You know I earned second place. That prize belongs to me.” He replied, “Yeah, I know.” And that was it.
Interviewer: So he took both his own winnings — and yours?
Cooller: Most likely. I didn’t ask for details. But no one defended me. Mousesports simply said, “These things happen.”
Cooller: And he — never even came up to me. Never said, “Let’s split it at least.” He just took everything and walked away. Since then, I’ve genuinely disliked him.
Interviewer: Did he at least lose the final?
Cooller: Yes. That’s the thing — at that point, he simply wasn’t a strong player.
Interviewer: So that tournament with the Chinese organizers was the most unpleasant. But what about the opposite — was there an event that stood out as the most memorable? One you’d gladly return to?
Cooller: There were quite a few. For example, Intel Extreme Masters World Championship 4 — I reached the final there. Although, to be honest, I’ve lost every final I ever played against Rapha. I could beat him in group stages, but in playoffs, he consistently came out on top. Maybe he just had the ability to peak at the right moment. So yes — unfortunately, he always had the upper hand in our final matches.
Interviewer: Was there a tournament where things started off rough, but you managed to pull yourself together and win?
Cooller: Yes. One of the most memorable was ESWC 2003 in Paris. A very serious tournament. Only 16 players were invited — the absolute best from around the world. The format was round-robin, which made the competition extremely intense. But I won.
Another one that stands out is CPL Winter 2005, played on Quake 4. The game had just come out, and many players from other shooters — Painkiller, Unreal Tournament, and so on — joined the tournament. I went there mostly just to observe, without high expectations. I had been practicing, but I didn’t think I’d be able to compete internationally. Watching others, I could tell I was still behind. But I have this trait — I can gain momentum as the tournament progresses. And that’s exactly what happened: I found my rhythm, got into the game — and ended up winning.
Interviewer: How much was the prize money?
Cooller: I think it was around nine or ten thousand dollars for first place.
Interviewer: Of course. He, Rapha, Cypher — they were the elite of Quake. And what always amazed me was this: you were already a legend from Russia, and suddenly another player from the CIS appears — incredibly young.
Cooller: Do you mean Cypher?
Interviewer: Exactly. And right from the start, he began defeating everyone. When did you first notice him?
Cooller: It was a local tournament in Minsk. Practically all the top players from the CIS were there — from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, other cities. I was the favorite. And then, in one of the rounds, I was matched up with this… Cypher. I had no idea who he was. Just a very young guy. We sat down to play — and I barely managed to win. I thought, “What was that?” He caught my attention. I figured maybe it was just a fluke.
Interviewer: What year was that?
Cooller: Around 2003 or 2004. That’s when he made his presence known. And by 2005, if I’m not mistaken, he was already a champion.
Interviewer: Do you know what he’s doing now?
Cooller: Yes. He left esports and started working a regular job. Building a career.
Interviewer: In IT?
Cooller: Most likely. Something along those lines. I’d rather not go into details. But considering that many players from the CIS are currently banned from international events, the esports environment has become quite difficult. You have to find ways to adapt.
What Cooller Is Doing Now
Interviewer: And what are you doing these days?
Cooller: A bit of entrepreneurship, a bit of investing. Overall — various directions.
Interviewer: Investing makes sense. But what exactly do you do on the business side?
Cooller: For example, my friend and I own a bakery.
Interviewer: Want to give it a shout-out?
Cooller: Not really. It’s the kind of business that doesn’t need much advertising. A simple model: small investment, solid returns. We also opened a shawarma spot. Sounds basic — people often joke about that — but in practice, we invested 500,000 rubles, and it brings in around 50,000 rubles in net profit every month.
Interviewer: That’s actually impressive.
Cooller: Yeah, we broke even in less than a year.
Interviewer: You’ve really built something. A lot of people joke because they don’t understand how it actually works.
Cooller: There’s another project. My wife — well, she and her friend — launched a Pilates studio, and I helped at the early stage. It’s small, but cozy and high-quality. At first, my wife was just a client. I once asked her, “Why not open your own?” She said, “It’s too complicated. Where would we get the money?” But in the end, they figured everything out, teamed up — and made it happen. It’s up and running now. Not large-scale, but stable.
How Cooller’s Parents Reacted to His Quake Career
Interviewer: But you won quite a few tournaments, right? Back then, those were serious prizes — 10, 25, even 50 thousand dollars. Did you always understand how important it is to manage money wisely? Because you don’t seem like the kind of person who burned through it all. Where does your financial discipline come from?
Cooller: Mostly from my parents. It’s all about how you’re raised. In our family, there was a clear understanding of what money is, what it’s for, and how to save and grow it. That mindset was passed down through generations.
Interviewer: You had a positive example. I had the opposite — from early on, the only concept I knew was “credit”. Everything was bought on credit. I remember once we finally paid it off, and it felt like real freedom — like we could just go out to a café. But soon there was another loan. Saving didn’t even seem like an option.
Cooller: I was lucky in that regard. My mom taught me the right mindset — just by example, without lectures. At home, the rule was simple: if you got money, save first — even if it’s just under a pillow. Then spend. And after that — think about how to invest. I started earning at sixteen. I gave all my prize money to my mom, and she managed it.
But one moment stands out in particular. She never really took my esports career seriously. She’d say, “What are you doing with your life? You should be studying.” And then one day I came home and said, “Mom, I won a tournament.” — “What tournament? Stop with that nonsense.” — “Seriously. There’s a prize.” — “How much?” — “Three thousand dollars.” She didn’t believe me.
Since I was underage, the money had to go through her — into a savings account. I said, “We need to go to the bank.” She brushed it off: “Why? What nonsense.” But we went. We got to the counter, I gave the passbook to the clerk. They pulled out thirty new $100 bills and laid them out on the table. I just stood there watching my mom. She was in shock — but smiling. From that moment on, I always brought the money to her. Later, I started splitting it — some for me, some for her. But I almost never asked her for anything. I always wanted to be financially independent.
Interviewer: Did you grow up with both your mom and dad?
Cooller: Yes, but my parents divorced when I was around thirteen or fourteen.
Interviewer: I guess that moment at the bank must have shifted her perspective. She saw the money and realized — her son was doing something serious after all.
Cooller: Maybe, but officially she still thought it was nonsense. She kept saying I should get a proper education and build a “real” career. She had very different ideas about life. I remember one time she even said, half-joking, “You’d be better off becoming president” — as if that were the benchmark for doing something worthwhile.
Interviewer: Do you have a university degree?
Cooller: Of course.
Interviewer: So you managed to combine studying and competing?
Cooller: Yes. At first, I studied full-time, then switched to part-time. To be honest, I studied more out of obligation — because it was “the right thing to do”.
Interviewer: What was your major?
Cooller: Law.
Interviewer: So you're a certified lawyer?
Cooller: Yes. My mother insisted. I first enrolled in the Moscow Tax Police Academy. She wanted me to work in the tax authorities — thought it would be reliable, stable, and promising. And to be fair, she wasn’t entirely wrong.
Interviewer: But you understand that when adults say, “Join the police or the tax service — you’ll be set,” they usually mean more than just stability.
Cooller: Of course. That’s life.
Interviewer: Are you involved in that field at all now?
Cooller: Not at all. In fact, ask me anything from the curriculum now — I probably wouldn’t be able to answer. I’ve forgotten it all.
Interviewer: Understandable. When you’re playing a final in Paris, it’s hard to focus on lectures.
Did Quake Interfere with His Studies?
Interviewer: Did your professors and classmates know what you were doing?
Cooller: They knew. But I tried to keep it quiet. I felt awkward about it.
Interviewer: So you didn’t tell people you were in esports?
Cooller: No. If someone asked, I’d say I did sports — but I never specified. I didn’t go around saying, “I’m an esports player.” I’d just say, “I’m an athlete.”
Interviewer: You always seemed to be in good shape, physically.
Cooller: You mean physically? I’m not so sure. I wouldn’t call myself especially fit now.
Interviewer: But you get what I mean — there’s a stereotype: overweight guy in shorts, hunched over, tired all the time...
Cooller: Maybe I just got lucky genetically.
Why Quake “Died” and How It Differs from Counter-Strike
Interviewer: Have you ever regretted choosing Quake? Did you ever think you might’ve done better trying your hand at Counter-Strike instead?
Cooller: Maybe I had those thoughts at some point, but eventually, the path was set, and there was no turning back.
Interviewer: Was there a perception among Quake players that Counter-Strike was a simpler game?
Cooller: Back then, Quake was the dominant discipline. If we draw a parallel with today’s landscape, Quake held the place that Dota does now. In terms of popularity, scale of tournaments, and audience engagement — it was the centerpiece of the scene.
Interviewer: Why do you think Quake eventually disappeared from the global stage?
Cooller: It started when the developers began demanding fees from tournament organizers for the right to host competitions using their game. The organizers simply refused. Their position was clear: “We’re promoting your game — and you want us to pay for that?”
Interviewer: So, basically, greed?
Cooller: As far as I know — yes. I might be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that was the core issue. In 2002, Quake was still part of the World Cyber Games lineup. By 2003, it was gone. Organizers simply walked away from the game.
Interviewer: Maybe id Software was struggling financially and tried to make up for losses that way.
Cooller: I think it was a mix of greed and a lack of understanding of how the scene worked. Instead of scaling the game and turning it into a true esports product, they limited it. Their mindset seemed to be: “We’ve got the best game out there — why should anyone run tournaments and profit off of it without us?”
Interviewer: But within the esports community, there was a strong sense that Quake was far more technically demanding than Counter-Strike. Timings, weapon control — a different level entirely.
Cooller: Quake required much more from you as an individual player. It relied less on team coordination. Counter-Strike is all about synergy — about five people operating as a single unit. Psychology, communication, behavior — everything plays a role.
Interviewer: Nowadays, it’s become standard for teams to have sports psychologists.
Cooller: And that’s completely justified. I believe psychology is one of the most critical factors in competition. In my career, I won not because I was the best aimer — but because I had mental resilience. I’ve seen countless talented players lose control at the wrong moment. These days, people call it “tilting”. You lose your balance — and you can’t recover. And Quake doesn’t give you time to reset. It draws you into its tempo completely. It’s a flow state. There’s no room to pause and reflect.
Interviewer: And all the while, you need to track item timings, enemy positions, the entire map...
Cooller: Exactly. The whole game is built on thinking and deep analysis. You’re constantly forecasting. It’s not just about holding positions. You’re thinking, “What does he think I’m doing?” — “What does he think I think he’s doing?” — “What does he think I think he thinks I’m doing?” It’s a multilayered logic. You’re not just shooting — you’re reading your opponent’s mind.
A Deep Dive into Poker
Interviewer: It sounds a bit like poker. When did poker first enter your life?
Cooller: Around 2005 or 2006. That’s when poker started gaining popularity. A lot of pro gamers shifted into it. And at the time, you could actually make good money — the general skill level was still pretty low.
Interviewer: Did you start in casinos?
Cooller: Like most people, I started online. Later, I played live tournaments — both in casinos and in more casual, private games.
Interviewer: When was the last time you played?
Cooller: Last Thursday. Some friends and I get together from time to time. We take it seriously, but it’s just for chips — for fun.
Interviewer: You’re a competitive person. I didn’t realize it at first, but I remember playing a cash game in Cyprus. We were just playing, and suddenly someone said, “We’ve been sitting here for seven hours.” I was shocked — seven hours! I don’t even sit that long on a flight. Time just disappears.
Cooller: Absolutely. It triggers a whole hormonal cascade — money, risk, competition, psychology, body language. Everything hits at once. It’s a very intense experience.
Interviewer: At some point, I realized poker was taking up too much space in my life. Like scrolling short videos — “just one more, just a few more…” — and before you know it, you're hooked. Poker felt the same way. I had to step back.
Cooller: It all comes down to your mindset. Everyone has a gambling instinct. The question is how you handle it. You have to ask yourself: Why am I doing this? What am I gaining — and what am I risking?
Every person has their own tendencies. Gambling is just one of them. The key is to recognize it, organize it mentally, and figure out how to manage it. That’s what I did.
Interviewer: You even worked with a coach, right?
Cooller: I did. Though it didn’t end particularly well.
Interviewer: What happened?
Cooller: I broke bankroll management rules.
Interviewer: So you “spewed”?
Cooller: Exactly. We had a deal: he’d coach and stake me. He provided the bankroll, I trained, moved up through the limits, and results were solid. I gave him a percentage. But eventually I started playing limits I couldn’t afford. That was on me.
Interviewer: In poker, I’ve often heard: don’t play above your skill level. But in other fields, that’s exactly how you grow — by learning from stronger opponents.
Cooller: It depends on the context. If you’re deliberately challenging stronger players to learn — that’s smart. But you can’t risk money you can’t afford to lose. Learning from the best is great — as long as you’re in control.
Interviewer: The tricky part is that poker doesn’t give you a post-match breakdown.
Cooller: That’s what your brain is for.
Interviewer: Fair. But say you bluff twice — and the third time, you get caught. In Counter-Strike, you can rewatch the demo and analyze your mistakes. In poker, it’s not as easy.
Cooller: Simple example: you play a thousand hands against a familiar pool of opponents. Now imagine playing half a million hands against the same group. That sheer volume of experience makes you better. Your brain adapts — you start seeing patterns.
Interviewer: I agree — especially when you're playing the same people regularly.
Cooller: And if you also have a coach — you improve much faster and lose way less money.
Interviewer: I had this one moment. Someone asked me if I knew how to play poker. I said yes — because I knew the hand rankings. Then we went to play, and I got crushed. I realized I’d been outplayed, and it stung. I don’t mind losing — but I hate not learning anything from it. That’s when I understood: I didn’t know a thing. I started watching training content, streams… That’s how I found LoremCDMX.
Cooller: Great streamer. I love his style. Charismatic, funny, and super clear in his explanations. He lives in Mexico, so the time zones are different — I often end up watching his streams late at night.
Interviewer: Who else do you enjoy watching among streamers?
Cooller: In poker — innerpsycho. I really like his style. Sometimes I tune into VooDooSh or Recrent. As for pro players, I follow tournaments in Counter-Strike, Apex Legends, and Dota. And if any of the former Quake players are streaming — I always watch. cYpheR, k1llsen, rapha, baSe — they’re still fascinating to follow.
Other Games Cooller Tried to Compete In
Interviewer: You seem to have a knack for picking games that, let’s say, don’t exactly blow up. You were amazing in Quake, and then I see Overwatch, Apex… How did you get into those?
Cooller: When a new game comes out, I give it a try. I set goals, try to improve, grow. Sometimes it worked out.
Interviewer: But you did win in those games too, right?
Cooller: In Apex Legends — not really. We played in Twitch Rivals, but that wasn’t exactly a major event. But that’s not the point. When you're a pro player, you can’t spread yourself too thin. Eventually, you have to make a choice. If you’re trying to juggle everything, you’ll never truly excel at anything. You need to focus. Like, if you’re a footballer, you’re not going to seriously train in tennis and basketball at the same time.
Interviewer: And when you focused fully on one game — did the results follow?
Cooller: Yes. When I went all in, things started clicking. In Overwatch, I reached a decent level of play.
Interviewer: How old were you when Overwatch came out?
Cooller: That was 2016. So, eight years ago. I’m 38 now — which means I was 30 then.
Interviewer: Do you remember the first time it felt hard to push yourself? Like you had to force yourself to sit down and say, “Alright, let’s get to work”?
Cooller: Honestly — no. That feeling never really came. Even before the restrictions hit CIS players, I was still one of the top LAN competitors in the world. Though not online. The pandemic in 2020 moved everything to online, and that changed the whole game — netcode, latency... naturally, results dropped.
Toughest Opponents and Online vs LAN Play
Interviewer: For me, it always felt like a caveat: “Yeah, you're good online... but let’s see you on LAN.” Was the difference really that dramatic?
Cooller: Extremely. There were times when we’d practice online — and I’d get destroyed, not even close. Then the next day — a LAN tournament. I’d face the same opponent — and they couldn’t do anything. Zero ping, almost no input delay — and it’s a completely different feeling. The mechanics just feel sharper.
Interviewer: Beyond mechanics, what else changes?
Cooller: Psychology. Here’s an example: online, your opponent feels like a machine. Perfect decisions, perfect timing, every move calibrated. You can only beat that by capitalizing on tiny slip-ups. But then — it’s game day, there are cameras, a crowd, a stage... and suddenly they’re making mistakes. They're not the same player anymore. You see it and think: “Ah, there it is — the real version. Got it. Go home”.
Interviewer: Was there ever an opponent who, when you sat down to play on LAN, would see your nickname and immediately know — they were going to lose?
Cooller: That’s a really good question. Actually — a very interesting one. Because that’s exactly how it works. There are players whose style, rhythm, and approach just naturally fit yours — and others who are a nightmare. You feel it right away: this person throws you off your game, disrupts your flow. You’re not yourself anymore. You sit down and already know — it’s going to be tough.
Interviewer: Can you name nicknames? Just so we know who you’re talking about?
Cooller: Well, Rapha, for example — he’s the textbook definition of an uncomfortable opponent for me. His style just doesn’t suit mine, he makes me feel uneasy. Same goes for Cypher — also extremely difficult for me to play against. But then you have players like k1llsen — the exact opposite. Even though he’s one of the strongest in Quake Champions, playing against him was always comfortable. If you take the stretch from 2017 to 2024 — he’s someone I always felt confident facing.
Interviewer: Is the game still alive today?
Cooller: No. The league was shut down. That’s it. Quake no longer exists.
Interviewer: Wait… for real? It’s over?
Cooller: Yes. As of now, it’s official — Quake, as an esports discipline, no longer exists.
Interviewer: That’s sad… So they just told everyone: “Alright guys, back to real life”?
Cooller: It’s a bit more complicated than that. I think there were several reasons. First of all, Quake was always a niche product. It never really went mainstream the way Counter-Strike or Dota did. And second — in 2022, everything changed. We were blocked.
Interviewer: “We” meaning who?
Cooller: Players from the CIS region. And we were a core part of the game’s ecosystem. The audience, the competitive level — it all relied heavily on us. We were the gravitational center: people watched us, supported us, wanted to see us in matches. And when we were removed — the whole structure collapsed. Popularity plummeted. Even before that, things were hanging by a thread.
Career Prospects in Esports Outside of Playing
Interviewer: What did you feel in that moment — when you still had a game where you were one of the best in the world… and suddenly — nothing. The game’s gone. It all starts to feel like some kind of cyber illusion.
Cooller: That’s exactly what I call it — “cyber nonsense”. I’m 37 now. And you know, people still joke about it, because many years ago, in a major interview, I said plainly: “This is all cyber nonsense. Don’t ever get involved in this crap”.
Interviewer: You meant esports as a whole?
Cooller: Yes — the entire phenomenon. And I got a lot of hate for saying that. People wrote: “How can you say that?”, “You’re part of it yourself!” But I was trying to get one simple idea across: at any moment, someone can call you and say, “Sorry, you’re done. That’s it.” And it won’t be a discussion, or a warning — just a fact. From that point on, no one needs you. No tournaments, no salaries, no stage. You’re on your own. Figure it out however you can. That’s what I meant by “cyber nonsense.” Not that esports is inherently bad — but that it’s fragile, unreliable. It’s not a sustainable system.
Interviewer: You know, it’s clear that you’re still interested in all of this. I see you occasionally streaming on Twitch, sometimes commentating — there’s no doubt that your passion for Quake and esports hasn’t gone anywhere. You’ve mentioned watching Counter-Strike. Have you ever thought about getting involved in a different role? Esports today isn’t what it used to be. It’s not just a hobby or a passion project anymore — it’s a full-fledged industry. People get paid to stream, teams operate like real businesses. Have you thought about stepping into a managerial or mentoring position? Becoming the kind of person who could help young players avoid the same mistakes you once made?
Cooller: That’s a great question — thank you. I’d say this: I believe people spend their entire lives going through a process of, let’s call it, “self-identification”. You’re always trying to understand who you are, what drives you, what really resonates. And that changes over time — that’s perfectly normal. Right now, I feel like I’ve evolved to a place where I’m beginning to seriously think about what you just asked. And yes — I think I would like that. I’d genuinely love to have my own team. Not just a gaming lounge — I had one, by the way, and sold it — but a real international organization, with rosters, structure, proper infrastructure. If you were to ask me directly, “Would you want to be the founder and CEO?” — the answer is yes.
I'd also love to be a mental coach — in a top-tier team. Because I think it’s essential to talk about things like focus, mindset, pressure management, performance psychology. But in my experience, younger players are often very dismissive of that. They hear “mental game” and think, “What is this guy talking about? I just want to frag.” That’s a mistake. That’s shallow thinking. That’s a losing mindset. So yes — I would love to be a mental coach. Maybe in my own team, maybe in a world-class organization.
Interviewer: That’s exactly what I mean — being part of a serious team. I imagine something like Team Spirit — I can totally see them bringing you on board. You’ve got a name, a legacy. You’re not just anyone — you’re Cooller. Take someone like Konstantin "groove" Pikiner — sure, he played Counter-Strike a while back, and now he’s managing a team. But if someone like you joins an organization, it's different. Even if you’re not competing anymore, the name still carries weight. I can picture it: you’ve got your own team, you’re giving interviews, rallying the squad, saying, “Let’s go, guys — this is our moment.” Can you see yourself as a team manager? Not necessarily a CEO, but someone who’s responsible for team dynamics, like they do in Dota?
Cooller: I’m sure I could do it — no question. And I’d probably do it well. But the real question is: would I enjoy it? Would it energize me, would it align with everything I just said? That’s the key. So yes, I could absolutely take on that role — but I’m not a fan of the day-to-day micromanagement stuff. I don’t like keeping tabs on everyone, checking who's doing what, telling people how they should behave. That part doesn’t appeal to me. I’d rather focus on something bigger.
Interviewer: So you’re more into the strategic side of things — looking at the big picture, thinking, “What can we improve? Where can we get stronger?”
Cooller: Exactly. That kind of thinking is what interests me. But chasing after players, trying to keep them in line — that’s not really my thing, at least not right now. Maybe I’ll grow into it, but at this moment, I’m not that guy who wants to be the sixth player on the bench “just to be around.” That’s not me.
Interviewer: I get it. I remember when NaVi was just starting out — it began with someone simply saying, “Let’s build a team.” Back then, it felt easier, like you didn’t need much. But today, when someone says, “I want to create a team,” it’s like… okay, that’s a massive undertaking. Salaries, logistics, staffing — it’s not small.
Cooller: Do you have any idea how many people work in these organizations today?
Interviewer: No hard data, but I can guess. Take NaVi or Virtus.pro — I’d say they’ve got at least 100 people on staff. Between the players, coaches, managers, marketing, partnerships — it’s a big operation.
Cooller: I was going to say 50, but yeah — 100 or more makes sense.
Interviewer: Exactly. It’s not just a passion project anymore. Esports is corporate now. Even the players — they’ve been polished. They’ve been told, “You’re professionals now — act like it.” You used to say you didn’t like having results demanded from you. And I get that — it puts pressure on you. It messes with your head when everyone expects results.
Cooller: Yeah, for sure. But now that players are earning serious money, the expectations have changed. Everyone’s on contract, the buyouts are huge — it’s a different landscape. And the approach has to be more tailored. For some players, tough love works. For others, it’s about building a calm, supportive environment. And if we recognize that someone thrives only under those conditions — we need to respect that. That’s how I’d approach it.
Interviewer: That’s actually great to hear. I really hope it works out for you. Because you’re a professional — I’m not even going to say “former.” No — you’re a pro. Even just talking to you now, it’s obvious. Some players lose the spark, they say, “I’m done.” But you — I ask if you’re still motivated and you’re like, “Just give me the shot.” You’re still in it.
Cooller: Absolutely. If it weren’t for the pandemic and the geopolitical stuff, I’d still be competing. I’d still be traveling, playing, making a living. And the money’s actually really good. I know I would’ve kept performing well. I’m not saying I’d be number one, but top 3 to top 5 in the world — without question. And if everything were still happening offline, on LANs like before — I’d dominate. That’s what happened: 2017 — top 3, 2018 — top 3, 2019 — top 2, and in early 2020 — I won. I finished #1. I won the League that year.
Interviewer: Honestly, I think some orgs don’t realize who they’re letting walk away. If I were them, I wouldn’t have let you go so easily.
Cooller: If someone came to me with a real offer — and I don’t mean just a job title, but a clear role, where I could bring actual value — of course I’d consider it. I’m open to opportunities. Why not?
Interviewer: That’s the right mindset. That’s how it should be. You’ve got the right perspective.
The Moscow Five Period and “Regular” Jobs
Interviewer: You were also part of mousesports, then NaVi, and of course Moscow Five. That was... I mean, M5 was a legendary tag!
Cooller: Please, don’t remind me. Really — just don’t.
Moscow Five (M5) was a Russian esports organization founded in 2001. It was known for its teams in games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and League of Legends. The organization had periods of both success and inactivity, particularly due to financial issues and the arrest of its CEO Dmitry "ddd1ms" Smeliy in 2012. M5 later returned to the esports scene with new teams, including a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team in 2014 and League of Legends teams in 2014 and 2019.
Interviewer: Why? What happened?
Cooller: It’s simple. I’m ashamed — both in front of myself and mousesports. I left just for the money. They lured me away with a higher salary — just €300 more — and I agreed.
Interviewer: Well, at the time, that must’ve been a significant amount if it influenced your decision like that.
Cooller: At mousesports I was earning €1500. Moscow Five offered €1800. That’s all there is to it.
Interviewer: What was the highest salary you ever earned during your career? I mean just the salary from an organization, without prize money.
Cooller: Prize money is a whole different story. It was always a personal agreement — sometimes I gave 20–30% to the org, sometimes 10%, sometimes nothing at all. As for salary, it was the fixed amount from the club under contract. On top of that, I usually had personal sponsorship deals.
Interviewer: Like — logos on clothing and such?
Cooller: Exactly. And some of those contracts are still active — like the one with AMD. Although now, obviously, things are much more complicated. Most companies are tied to international structures, and any kind of cooperation is tricky.
But in general — I’ve adapted. I made a conscious decision not to rely solely on the esports industry. I’m trying to build other avenues in parallel, develop additional projects to diversify risk and not depend on just one income stream.
Interviewer: That’s actually a great example — especially considering your background as a player. I can imagine a lot of pro gamers who just hit a wall at some point. No plan, no preparation. Just: “Well… I guess I’ll get a job somewhere. I dunno… deliver mail or something.”
Cooller: Yeah, I’ve seen that. And I’ve experienced it too. I had a period when I literally had nothing to live on. No tournaments. Contracts ended. No one calling. You’re just alone — and you realize that aside from playing, you haven’t really learned any practical skills. No trade, no fallback.
No money. No support. Zero demand. And you’re sitting there thinking: “Now what? How do I live?” It’s not a great feeling — but it really sobers you up.
That’s when I went out and got a regular job. And honestly, I’m thankful for that experience. It was tough, yes. There was doubt, fear — all of it. But I gave it a shot and realized: it’s possible. It’s not as hard as it looks from the outside. You just do your job — properly, responsibly. You work — and you live.
Interviewer: You really do have a strong inner compass. That kind of mental resilience — it’s obvious. And to be honest, I don’t understand why you’re not already part of some major org. Sure, work is work. But I doubt that it brings you true satisfaction. After years of esports, after the stage, the arena, the adrenaline… and now it’s like: “Mr. Sergeyevich, please sign here.” That must feel totally different.
Cooller: Yeah, maybe. I’ve worked as a regular employee, as a sales manager, even as a department head. I’ve been an influencer, a project lead. At one point, I even relocated to London — for work. I got into the gaming industry, joined a well-known studio: Splash Damage. They’ve worked on Wolfenstein and other major titles. It’s a serious team. I went there on a business trip, but it was essentially a full relocation experience. I worked with their team as a project manager. I wouldn’t say it was meant to be forever, but it was a rich and meaningful experience.
Interviewer: I remember you mentioned money and your move to Moscow Five. There's one thing I've been curious about — Dima Smely was there, right? Did you witness everything as it unfolded? When the footage of his arrest started airing on TV?
Cooller: Yeah, I witnessed all of it. In fact, just days before the whole thing blew up, I had signed a contract with him personally. He was the one who lured me away from mousesports — offered a slightly higher salary, and we made a deal. Everything seemed completely normal. And then — just about a month later — the news breaks. Everything seemed fine: new team, new chapter… and suddenly, snap. The entire situation flipped overnight.
What made it harder was that mousesports always treated me with trust. Their philosophy was simple: “Do what you think is right. We believe in you. You know how to prepare, what you need. If you win — great. If you lose — no problem. We know you’re a top player.” That kind of freedom and confidence really worked for me.
In M5, though, it was a different story. The pressure started immediately. The tone shifted to: “We need results. We just signed you — it’s a PR move. It has to be backed up with wins. Anton, come on — you have to deliver.” These expectations started weighing on me right away.
So I go to the tournament — and get demolished. Simply because the thought of having to win was stuck in my head. And that’s not how I function. I need a sense of freedom to perform at my best.
Interviewer: Honestly, I don’t understand why anyone would even say that to a player. I mean, if you're already competing at a high level, you're there to win, not to hang out. Of course, some people might go just to enjoy the event, but if you’ve done your bootcamp and prep — you don’t need a reminder. You already know what’s at stake. I still remember that old video of the Counter-Strike lineup — ed1k, xek, Dosia... Dosia still plays, by the way. They gave them gloves, talked about sports and boxing, even had plans to go to the mountains.
Cooller: Dima Smely was definitely a unique character. I don’t say that negatively — just that he had a very particular way of doing things. And sometimes, that kind of personality doesn’t mesh with the environment around it.
Interviewer: Do you remember your reaction when the whole thing went public? Were you shocked? Or did you already have a feeling something was off?
Cooller: First — surprise. Then — disappointment. Because it was all happening right in front of me, and to some extent, involved me directly. I had just left mousesports, which was like family to me. And suddenly I was caught up in something that turned into a disaster. I just thought, “Well... that’s that. Bad move.”
Interviewer: Did you try to return to mousesports? Maybe reached out, like: “Hey, I’m a free agent again — maybe we can talk about a new deal?”
Cooller: To be honest — I don’t remember. But I think by that point Quake was already starting to fade. So there wasn’t much sense in going back. And mousesports as an organization — they’re big on image. Reputation matters a lot to them. Even if there was no conflict and I didn’t do anything wrong, bringing back a player who left... that’s not something they’d normally do.
Interviewer: Funny how in football, that kind of return is totally normal. Players go back, restart their careers — and fans love it. But in esports, everything’s so much more closed off. Organizations often only think about themselves, forgetting that the whole industry runs on spectators. And spectators want emotions, storylines, comebacks. That’s where the real magic happens.
Is Cooller Arrogant and Is That a Bad Thing?
Interviewer: Do you keep in touch with any of the old players? Like Cypher, for example?
Cooller: Of course. We still cross paths from time to time. We're not in close contact, but we might run into each other, have a chat, maybe even play together. I stream sometimes too — I enjoy it. There's something emotionally resonant about the whole process for me.
Interviewer: You don't come across like the typical streamer these days. Nowadays it's all about shouting, provocation, being over the top. But you're different. Calm, focused. You just play — and somehow manage to run the stream at the same time. It creates a completely different atmosphere.
Cooller: It’s all about the image. You know that, being part of this scene. We often find ourselves performing certain "roles". Like right now — I’m on a podcast, and that’s a role too. But I try to stay as close as I can to my authentic self. To how I really am. And by the way, this is actually my first time on a podcast like this — so there’s still a bit of surprise in it for me.
Interviewer: Anton, thank you for this. When I first messaged you and it didn’t work out, I thought, “Damn, that’s a shame. I really wanted to start with him.” I’ve always wanted to talk to the players I grew up watching — ROMJkE, ed1k, LeX… Just to see how they're doing. This isn’t a regular interview. I’m not here to ask stock questions. I watched your old interviews, got a sense of who you are — and to be honest, I was a little nervous. I thought the conversation might turn out dry, one-word answers and all that.
Cooller: You thought I’d be difficult to talk to?
Interviewer: Yeah, like you might be too closed off. That it’d be hard to get you to open up personally.
Cooller: See, that’s the image. It’s how people perceive you. But reality can be very different.
Interviewer: I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. You just come across as someone serious, reserved. Although… I’ve heard people say you’ve got a bit of an ego. But honestly, it all depends on what that’s based on. If someone has real achievements behind them — wins, a legacy, a journey — then it’s understandable. It only becomes a problem when it’s built on nothing.
Cooller: So you’re talking about unjustified arrogance.
Interviewer: Exactly.
Cooller: That kind of inflated ego with nothing to back it up. But when it’s built on something — on hard work, on actual accomplishments — that’s different. That’s earned self-respect. It’s when someone without any real success starts acting like a superstar — that’s when it starts to look strange.
Interviewer: Yeah, and you just don’t understand where it comes from. I can respect confidence when it’s backed by discipline, effort, character. But when someone random shows up acting like the world revolves around them — it raises questions.
Cooller: I’d actually say, “It’s a little more complicated than that.” If you dig deeper...
Interviewer: Actually, I don’t see you as someone with an inflated ego.
Cooller: Well, as for you — I actually think you have quite a strong sense of self-importance.
Interviewer: Maybe that’s exactly why I don’t see it in you.
Cooller: And to be honest, I think that’s one of your strengths. In today’s world, you can’t really survive without a healthy sense of your own worth. I’m not talking about arrogance — I mean a solid internal foundation. Without it, you’ll just get eaten alive.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful point. A really good quote.
Cooller: It explains a lot, doesn’t it?
Interviewer: Yeah, but sadly, most people don’t get it. They hear words like “ego” or “arrogance” and immediately take it the wrong way. When in reality, it could be about dignity — about having a grounded, realistic self-respect. That’s just how life works these days.
Cooller: And that’s exactly why we need to talk about this. It’s important to put it into words.
Interviewer: Let’s unpack it a bit more, so people understand what you mean. What exactly are you saying when you say, “You can’t survive today without a sense of self-worth”?
Cooller: I mean that internal standard you set for yourself. The level you see yourself at. If you want to be up there — you need to aim for it. And that creates a strategy: how do I get there? How do I succeed? I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be where you are in stand-up if you didn’t demand a lot from yourself. It always starts from within.
Interviewer: Well, thank God I’m not trying to play Quake — I’m doing stand-up. We’re just getting started. Stand-up in Russia is still a young scene.
Cooller: Even so, your level’s already high. Compared to the average — you’re ahead. And this podcast idea — I think it’s great. I’m sure you realize it too. But here’s a piece of advice: do more episodes with esports players. People with stories. With something real to say. That could become your real strength.
Interviewer: Maybe. We’ll see. I’m actually curious to see how many people will watch this episode.
Cooller: I’d say thirty thousand at most. (Note — as of June 2025, the episode has over 106,000 views)
Interviewer: That’s great. Though honestly — the numbers don’t matter to me as much anymore. I’ve seen millions of views — on LABELCOM, on "What Happened Next?" These days, I’m just doing my thing. I’ve got a job, I earn a living. The podcast — that’s about the dream. Not the income. I wanted to start with you. You were the name I used to see on screen when you won. And now you’re here — that’s amazing. I’d love to bring on someone like Dosia next. I wonder how he’s doing.
Cooller: That’s exactly what I’m saying. There are so many great players in esports — and people barely know anything about them. And it wouldn’t just be interesting for the audience — I’d be interested too.
Interviewer: Have you thought about doing something like this yourself?
Cooller: I have. I’d love to. But if I do it — I’d want to do it properly. Systematically.
Interviewer: Honestly, I think you have more potential than I do. You’ve got a real foundation, personal stories — and not just about Quake. With Cypher, with others — you’ve got real connections. You could just start with, “Remember that one time…” and it wouldn’t be an interview, it would be a conversation. Even Fox — Dosia’s brother — he used to play well, and then just disappeared. I looked into it, and turns out he’s working as a security guard now.
Cooller: Yeah, he completely switched fields. Went a totally different direction.
Interviewer: That’s surprising. In my mind, he’s still linked with Dosia. Like how people always associate Fedor and Alexander Emelianenko. Stories like that — they’re real. They feel alive.
Talking About Cooller’s Son and His Family’s View on Quake
Interviewer: Do you have a wife?
Cooller: I do.
Interviewer: Kids?
Cooller: A son.
Interviewer: How old?
Cooller: Ten.
Interviewer: Wow, already grown up. Practically a big man. Wait… how old were you?
Cooller: Twenty-eight.
Interviewer: So that was in 2014?
Cooller: Exactly.
Interviewer: What was that like? You were a pro player, full-on esports life — travel, tournaments… and suddenly, a family, a child. Was that something spontaneous?
Cooller: No, it was a conscious decision. Definitely not an accident. At some point, you just realize — life moves on, you get older. Family becomes important. We’re not just living for ourselves. You want to leave something behind. Pass on your genes, your name.
Interviewer: Well, you got lucky — you had a son. The name continues. With girls, it’s a bit more complicated.
Cooller: If you consider that luck… In our family, it’s always been men. My brother has three sons. My dad had two sons. His dad — also two. That’s the line.
Interviewer: What did you feel when your son was born? Did it affect your career, your game? I mean, you’ve got a wife, a kid — but still have to train, compete...
Cooller: Do you have kids?
Interviewer: Not yet.
Cooller: That’s why you’re asking. It changes everything. You change as a person. Your thinking, your behavior, your priorities — everything shifts.
Interviewer: For the better?
Cooller: Absolutely. You become more grounded, more focused. The responsibility grows. You can’t think only about yourself anymore — and that makes you stronger, more resilient.
Interviewer: And how are you as a father? I mean, of course you’ll say “I’m involved,” but realistically — were you there from day one? And what’s his name, by the way?
Cooller: Yaroslav. And yeah, I was there from the start. Sure, at first they gave him to his mom, but then they brought him to me — right into my arms. I remember that night so clearly. I was dozing on a couch, waiting. Then I get a call: “Congrats, dad, come out!” I step outside, half-asleep, and they go: “Here you go!” And I was like, “Oh wow, cool little guy.” That was the moment I was all in.
Interviewer: And I’m guessing it wasn’t just that one moment. You actually stayed involved?
Cooller: Of course. Fully involved.
Interviewer: When did you start being that dad who asks, “So… any girls at school?” Are you interested in what he’s into? I mean, ten years old is a real age already. Or is he, like most kids now, all about Skibidi Toilet?
Cooller: He’s into sports. Football and swimming. And he’s taking it seriously. Just a couple of weeks ago, he came back from his first training camp — football, ten days away from home. First step toward something more serious.
Interviewer: What club does he play for?
Cooller: Right now just a local one. Not a top academy yet, more like a school-affiliated team. But with swimming, it’s more serious. He trains at a sports school for Olympic reserves. I don’t remember the exact number, but it’s close to home. He’s already qualifying for ranks, taking part in competitions, specializes in backstroke.
Interviewer: That’s awesome. What about video games? I mean, you’re an esports legend. How’s he doing in that area?
Cooller: I don’t let him use a computer yet. The phone — yeah, unfortunately that’s already lost. But the computer? Not yet.
Interviewer: So you’re strict about it?
Cooller: Yeah. At this age, it can be really dangerous. A computer has a powerful influence, especially when the internal compass hasn’t fully formed. I want him to gain experience first, figure out how to approach it all.
Interviewer: How old were you when you started playing?
Cooller: Eleven or twelve. We had an agreement: until ten — just watching, maybe pushing some buttons here and there, but that’s it. Of course, now there are tablets, phones, Roblox, Brawl Stars, endless reels… It’s already part of his world.
Interviewer: And you look at all that and think, “What is this even? This isn’t gaming.”
Cooller: No, I get it. I understand how it works. It’s still gaming — just in a different form. And there are even tournaments for that stuff. Honestly, sometimes they’re more intense than traditional esports. I’m fully aware of all that.
But my attitude is different from how my parents treated me. My mom used to say, “What are you doing? This is all nonsense.” And I try to stay open-minded. If he wants to do something — let him. The key is understanding the why. What are you aiming for? What do you want to achieve? Every kid goes through a stage of finding themselves. Let them explore. The main thing is to stay in dialogue and help them understand what they’re doing.
Interviewer: Would you ever sit down and play Quake with him?
Cooller: If he asked me to — of course.
Interviewer: Does he know who his father is? That you’re a legend?
Cooller: Of course. The trophies are right there at home — he sees them. Sometimes he asks, “What’s this one for? How did you win it?” He’s curious. Actually, not long ago I put some effort into restoring part of my collection — found some at my mom’s place, dug a few out of old boxes. I managed to recover about 60–70% of my trophies. I put them all up on one wall at home. It’s important to me — as a memory.
Interviewer: Is he proud of it? Does he tell people?
Cooller: He told me once that his swimming coach came up to him and asked, “Yaroslav, is your dad the Cooller?” Turns out the coach is in his thirties too — same generation as me, he knows who I am. At school, some kids are starting to say things too, recognizing me. But honestly, I’d rather no one knew about it. Not because I’m ashamed — I just don’t want that kind of pressure on my son.
Interviewer: What kind of pressure?
Cooller: The kind where he might start comparing himself to me. Like, “My dad achieved all this, and I can’t.” That’s not helpful — it can create unnecessary complexes, internal pressure, even resentment. It’s really important to pay attention, to talk about these things. Because he might shut down, start worrying about living up to something that isn’t his.
Interviewer: Yeah, I get that. It’s like being Messi’s or Ronaldo’s kid — growing up in someone’s shadow.
Cooller: Exactly. It takes real, thoughtful parenting to navigate that. You have to make it clear that your child doesn’t owe anyone anything. He doesn’t need to be better, or even equal. He’s his own person. His path is his own choice.
Interviewer: Do you already see him trying to win, to prove something?
Cooller: Yeah, you can tell. He wants to win. And honestly, there’s some risk in that.
Interviewer: Why? Isn’t that a good thing — to want to win?
Cooller: In itself, yes. It’s a good trait. But what matters is where it comes from. I don’t want him to be driven by the need to prove something to others — especially not to me. I want it to be his own desire. Something internal. If he feels, “I want this,” that’s one thing. But if it’s, “My dad achieved all this, so now I have to” — that’s dangerous. It makes every loss feel like a failure. And that’s not healthy.
Interviewer: So it’s important to you that it doesn’t turn into obsession?
Cooller: Exactly. I try to talk to him about these things. But he’s still a kid — he mostly runs on emotions. It’s like he’s flying on instruments. He sees the trophies, his eyes light up. Brings me his own medal and says, “Dad, look! I won too!” Of course, I cheer him on: “Nice! I’m proud of you!” Sometimes I joke around, like, “A medal is great — but let’s get ready for the European or Russian Championship next!” I’ll point at my trophies and say, “Here’s your benchmark.” But it’s all light, playful.
Interviewer: But overall — you’ve got a healthy relationship?
Cooller: Yeah, we’ve got a great connection. He feels my support. I try to stay close, to guide him — but never pressure him.
Interviewer: How did your wife feel about all this? I mean… you being a professional esports player. How did she take it?
Cooller: Calmly. She always understood and supported me. She followed my matches, rooted for me. Sometimes there were funny situations — someone would come up to her and ask, “Wait, is Anton really your husband?” And she’d say, “Yes, he plays Quake.” People were surprised.
Interviewer: What about her parents? How did they react to the whole story?
Cooller: That was more complicated. There were definitely some questions.
Interviewer: Like, “Is this guy even serious?” or “How are you two going to make a living”?
Cooller: Exactly. The usual clichés came up: “He's into video games”, “antisocial”, “lives in a virtual world”... It was all based on a lack of understanding.
Interviewer: Yeah, older generations still struggle to take it seriously. For them, you’re like a character from Ready Player One — just without the headset.
Cooller: They simply can't grasp it. The same way we can’t really relate to why people used to potato harvest trips. We didn’t live through that — at most, we can say, “That’s not for me.”
Interviewer: Did you try to explain that it’s not just “playing games,” but actual work?
Cooller: Of course. I told them it's not just “pressing buttons” — it’s a real job. Contracts, schedules, responsibilities — a full-fledged career. At one point, I had to be direct: “Please keep your opinions to yourselves.” Especially since my wife’s mother is a highly respected educator, very principled and strict.
Interviewer: Has everything calmed down since?
Cooller: Yes, things are fine now. The dynamic has changed.
Interviewer: Probably helped once you had a family and a child — things start to fall into place. Though I bet someone still asks at family gatherings, “Anton, are you still playing those games?”
Cooller: Of course. They just don’t understand the scale — international tournaments, prize pools, livestreams with thousands of viewers. It’s outside their frame of reference.
Interviewer: And it’s already 2025. Esports is part of mainstream culture now.
Cooller: Formally — yes. On paper, in media headlines. But in practice — not really. People are starting to recognize it in places, some articles appear. But for most, it’s still not seen as a legitimate profession. And that’s disappointing.
Interviewer: Even though everything’s already here. Society is tech-driven, information-based — I mean, everyone has an iPhone. But remember when iPhones first came out? Not everyone could even turn one on. You had to connect it to a computer, install iTunes, configure everything — it was complicated. Only the tech-savvy could manage. And now? You hand a kid a brand new iPhone and in a minute, they’re using it like a pro.
Cooller: Imagine life now without all this. No gadgets, no computers — it’s hard to even picture.
Interviewer: And we don’t have to fight it. That’s just life now. Sure, some people opt out entirely — that’s fine too. Their choice. I’m not judging. By the way… do you know that lawyer Yegorov? He has a YouTube channel.
Cooller: The one who moved to the forest and films his life out there?
Interviewer: Yeah, that guy.
Cooller: I know him. His content is really good. Thoughtful, grounded.
Interviewer: Every time I watch his videos, I catch myself thinking, “Maybe he’s got the right idea. I could make a beehive out of a five-liter water jug. Harvest my own honey. That’d be pretty cool.” And you know what? He’s doing just fine — no gadgets, no digital chaos.
Cooller’s Hobbies and How His Wife Supported His Passion for Gaming
Interviewer: How do you usually relax? Just gaming? Maybe fishing? Do you have any hobbies?
Cooller: A bit of everything. I might play a game, stream, hit the gym, or watch a movie. Spending time with family is important too — doing something with my son, going to events together. Recently we visited Saint Petersburg, and before that, we went to the countryside — barbecue, fresh air, nature. Just regular stuff.
Interviewer: I thought maybe there’s something a bit more unusual. Like fishing?
Cooller: I do fish, yeah. My father has been passionate about it his whole life — to the point where it actually contributed to my parents splitting up. My mom used to say, “Why do you need that fishing?”
Interviewer: [laughs] She probably didn’t realize what her son would end up doing.
Cooller: Exactly. My dad bought a house 400 kilometers from Moscow, built a cottage, a big plot of land. He goes there every week. He’s got motorboats, snowmobiles, ATVs — that’s just his way of life.
Interviewer: So I guess it’s a real stroke of luck to find someone who shares your interests.
Cooller: Or at least doesn’t get in the way of them. But I think it’s not just about luck. The key is mutual understanding. When you don’t have to justify what’s important to you — you’re simply respected for it. Sometimes it’s the opposite: you’re doing something valuable, and people still judge you for it. Everyone’s situation is different.
Interviewer: I’m just wondering — when your wife saw what you do, that you earn money from it, while she’s up every morning going to work... Didn’t she ever want to drop everything? Didn’t she feel like, “Okay, I seriously need to rethink my life”?
Cooller: The thing is, when we met, she was making a lot more than I was. She already held a high position, had a serious salary — very driven. In the beginning, I was the “junior partner” — in both status and income. But she never made me feel inferior. On the contrary — she supported me.
Interviewer: What do you mean?
Cooller: She helped me see that it was okay. That I didn’t need to feel inadequate because of it. That if we’re a team — everything is shared. Her success wasn’t something to compete with, it was something we could build on together. And I think that’s a huge stroke of luck.
Interviewer: And nowadays, if you look at social media, it’s all about “A real man should earn a million,” “A man must…”
Cooller: Oh, yeah, I’ve seen all that. The million thing too — I think a lot of couples have had that conversation. I really was fortunate that things turned out differently for us.
Final Thoughts
Interviewer: Anton, thank you so much for coming. I truly enjoyed meeting you and having such a meaningful conversation.
Cooller: Thanks for the invite. I really enjoyed it too. By the way, this was my first time doing a podcast like this.
Interviewer: Maybe it’s the start of something new? A media project, a YouTube channel? You could bring in someone like Cypher?
Cooller: We’ll see. I’m not ruling it out.
Interviewer: I’m not a producer, but here’s an idea: we drop this episode, and at the same time you launch your channel. We put the link in the description — and off it goes.
Cooller: Sounds like a solid plan. The only question is whether I want to commit to it fully. These days, I try to focus only on what truly brings me joy.
Interviewer: But you already stream — that’s pretty much the same thing. And if it’s about the technical stuff, I’ve got a team: cameras, lighting, studio — we’ll set everything up.
Cooller: If it’s not a “figure it out yourself” deal and there’s real support — then yeah, I’m interested. I’d give it a shot.
Interviewer: We’ll help. We’ll walk you through it, set it all up, connect you with the right people.
Cooller: Thanks a lot. Honestly, I hadn’t given it serious thought until now. But you’ve got me thinking. Everything’s in place. I just need to take the step.
