Thorin explains how CSGO’s best can learn from Kobe’s Mamba Mentality

CSGO caster Duncan ‘Thorin’ Shields opened up about the late Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality,” and how esports pros from across the world need to adopt his teachings by principle to “pursue greatness…and build a legacy for yourself.”

The death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant rocked the sports world on January 26, with the 41-year-old tragically passing away in a helicopter accident.

While he’s gone, he’s left a lasting legacy on fans around the world thanks to his attitude, and his mentality of always striving to be the best. Now, Thorin is urging others to adopt the so-called “Mamba Mentality” and start building out a legacy for themselves in esports, and not rest on their laurels.

Speaking during BLAST London on February 2, Thorin put current esports stars under the microscope, reiterating the words of the late NBA great.

“In light of the sports world’s recent tragic loss of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, I want to talk a little bit to the esports world, but especially you CS:GO pros, about the Mamba Mentality — the philosophy that he lived his whole life by.

“I’m sick and tired of some of the talking points that come out of these pro players, like people saying ‘well I’ve won a major so what is there left for me to accomplish.’ Think it through — two majors, three majors, how about being the best you could be?

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“You could win five majors, you could set the record, go ahead and go for that — that’s what the Mamba Mentality is about. It’s about pursuing greatness, it’s about building a legacy for yourself, it’s about trying to be the best you can be, whatever level you’re on.”

The Mamba Mentality isn’t exclusive to just pros. It can apply to regular players who might compete on an amateur level across any esport, or even the rank grinders looking to hit a new personal best. It’s also a mentality players have to live by regardless of social status, or the size of their bank account.

“Everyone’s got all this money nowadays — everyone’s swagged, everyone’s flashing the cash everywhere. People think that’s an excuse like ‘well I’m making my money anyway, I’m getting paid anyway,’ that’s no excuse to just be fawning in your performance.

“The whole point of that money, as you can see by a guy that got paid $300 million who was still grinding to his very last day, is you’re supposed to be the guy out there — your worldly concerns are taken care of — how about you actually try develop your game, master your craft, leave a legacy?

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“One day that money will be spent and all that will remain is your legacy and what you actually did and how you lived your life.”

Bryant, a player who won five NBA championships, was an 18-time NBA All-Star, as well as a three-time MVP, didn’t let his money, family, or previous successes jade his judgment.

He always worked for those he loved, always looking to put the hard yards in for them and make himself a role model, and Thorin wants some of CS:GO’s old guard to do the same.

“People want to say ‘yeah, but, I’ve got a girlfriend now, I’ve got a wife, I’ve got kids, it’s distracting me, I’ve gotta think about them?’” he said.

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“How about actually competing for them? How about competing to take what’s yours for yours so you can get that money, you can secure that career, and then they have something to look forward to in their lives.”

The talk seemed to spur on FaZe Clan in their BLAST London performance, with the struggling team connecting the dots to put on a throwback performance to topple Team Liquid in the final of the event.

Bryant’s legacy is something that impacted millions across the globe, and now it’s time for some of CS:GO’s best talent to pave their own way for the future.