Ola "elemeNt" Moum

Ola "elemeNt" Moum (born 24 June 1986 in Oslo), with the alias elemeNt, is a Norwegian professional Counter-Strike player currently playing for the team Meet Your Makers. He is widely regarded as one of the best Counter-Strike players in the world and has a lot of awards and achievements to show for it.

Seldom rose the star of a gamer as tall as Ola 'elemeNt' Moum's. Before May 2002, he was only known in his home country, but he attracted international attention when his clan Meredia defeated GoL at Gamesphere LAN.

Known to many as the Captain of Team SK Gaming-Sweden in 2003 and 2004. A team that won every tournament they attended for one whole year. Considered by many to be the best team leader at the time for his excellent tactical precision and by using the money system in the game to his advantage.

He was also the first major player traded between clans for money (a reputed several thousand dollars). The transfer of Ola "elemeNt" Moum to Team NoA from SK was not immediately beneficial to NoA's results. However, the consequences to SK were devastating. Before this transfer, SK had not lost a match at a major LAN event in over a year. Following the loss of elemeNt, SK lost two matches at ESWC and placed 5th-8th; two at CPL Summer and placed 2nd; and four maps at WCG, placing 4th. By normal standards, those results were impressive. But SK had not lost a map in a major competition while elemeNt was a part of the team. Losing eight maps in six months without him put them in a downward spiral.

Quite a few gamers do an impression of his famous quote: "Towers are so the 80s" - that Ola "elemeNt" Moum stated after getting killed by a tower of two players in a game between SK and NoA.

Current Gamesense stats: Averages: 0.93 Frags Per Round, 88.47 Damage Average Per Round, 0.27 Domination Factor. Which is impressive.

Main sources used: Gotfrag, Fragbite, Sogamed, GGL, ES Reality. The CPL.

Career

• Lords:

Unknown period of time.

• Meredia:

01.03.02 – 01.09.02 elemeNt, BSL, Damien, Naikon, Knoxville

• GameOnline:

01.05.02 - 01.09.02 (?) elemeNt, GoZie, Souledge, sMh, Hyb, VonoX, Mson

• eoLithic:

01.09.02 - 12.10.02 elemeNt, knoxville, Naikon, Luke, nVy, Damien

• GameOnline:

16.10.02 - 29.01.03 elemeNt, GoZie, Souledge, sMh, Hyb, VonoX, Mson

• eoLithic:

29.01.03 - 15.06.03 elemeNt, Xeqtr, Naikon, Knoxville, Damien, Dark

• Schroet Kommando Sweden:

15.06.03 - 18.05.04 elemeNt, fisker, HeatoN, Potti, SpawN, ahl, brunk

Statement from SK.swe about the 6man lineup on the arrival of elemeNt: “The line-ups will vary depending on map and day. Sometimes you have a down period, sometimes the opposite. The idea is to time this so we always have a strong line-up. The rotation also creates more variation in the team, something we might have been lacking at times.”

Statement from element on arrival: “SK is a high ranked clan with an excellent future and some really skilled players. I am really looking forward in developing myself as a player with this team. And with the help of the sponsors I will be able to use the hardware and gaming gear so I can bring my gaming to a higher level”

Statement from SK.swe on department: “For the first time in eSports history, a player was bought out of his contract and switches teams officially, the way it should be” says Andreas Thorstensson responsible Team Manager for the CounterStrike division within Team SK. “We strove to find a solution with all parties involved. As this is an absolute premiere in eSports, we had to break new ground. The highly professional work and attitude of everybody involved made it possible to sign contracts last week. We are looking forward to competing with Ola and his new team in the next tournaments and wish him all the best for his future.”

• Its all good:

03.10.03 - 04.10.03 Mix-team consisting: elemeNt, bsl, Knoxville, Luke, Naikon

• Norsu:

08.04.04 - 12.04.04 Mix-team consisting: elemeNt, Knoxville, Dark, digital, natu

• Cheat=1337:

22.05.04 - 24.05.04 Mix-team consisting: elemeNt, knoxville, Damien, OmeN, Ghetto Pimp

• Team NoA:

18.05.2004 - 10.04.05 elemeNt, Knoxville, XeQtr, Naikon, Shaguar, method

Statement from elemeNt on arrival: "Now, I'm in NoA, because I like a new challenge. I enjoy living in other countries and experiencing new cultures." elemeNt said. "By signing me, it's a sign we are going to have a future together in this coming year. I feel like I’m at home on this team and, to top it all off, in the company of friends."

Statement from NoA on arrical: "He wanted to be here," general manager Gary "Siege" Sanchez said. "This means we're going to be increasing our player assets by bringing on such a talented and experienced competitor. We’ve always strived to bring e-Sports to a higher level of professionalism and we believe that by being the first team to purchase a players contract, we’re setting the proper example for future transactions as we [e-Sports] continue to progress."

In a similar situation to his joining NoA, Moum’s contract was purchased by mibr from NoA in a basic trade similar to many that take place in other professional leagues.

Statement from NoA on department: “We've recently returned from living in Seoul, Korea and visiting Beijing, China after about 2 months,” said Sanchez, “This was the appropriate time to evaluate matters before we head off again to compete in WEG Season 2. The terms of the trade are confidential between the involved parties, but I'm proud to say that I feel this transaction went as well as it could - everyone involved is on good terms.”

• Made in Brazil:

10.04.05 - 12.05.05 elemeNt, cogu, KIKO, pred, Pava

Statement from MiBR on department: “The question of professionalism in e-sports is really a very serious one. There was no way of convincing elemeNt that traveling a lot is not acceptable as an excuse for his not coming to Brazil, as previously agreed at the time he was contracted. The fact is, on being summoned for the All Star Game to be held in Los Angeles between the 18th and 21st May, Ola thought he should only come to Brazil after the event, i.e., he would arrive here for training and participation in the CPL Brazil World Tour as from May 23 – with 4 days for training, and attempting, at least, to minimize the team`s biggest problem – communications. Only with sufficiently intensive training could the problem become less serious, and the team`s administration could not agree with Ola`s position.”

• Europe Allstars Team:

19.05.05 – 20.05.05 Europe : walle (mTw.ATI), GoodFella (4Kings), elemeNt (no clan)

• 4 Kings Intel:

21.05.05 - 25.10.05 aKuJii, Mangiacapra, natu, GoodFella, mysse, Red

Statement from elemeNt on arrival: “4Kings is a top 5 ranked team in the World and as such has potential to achieve success. Having played against them in the previous season of WEG they proved they are more than capable of competing with the best and are now looking to build upon this and progress. It seemed like a natural step for me with the added advantage of a new challenge.” Statement from 4 Kings on arrival: “I’m thoroughly delighted to announce Ola elemeNt Moum as a new starting member of the 4Kings CS lineup. Ola has consistently proven his abilities at the highest level of competitive gaming and will immediately make his debut at WEG Season 2 in Korea in June.”

Statement elemeNt on department: “I’ve recently moved across the sea to California, which makes me not able to compete with 4K at a competitive level anymore.” said Moum, “Some things in life are more important than others. 4K is a great team and I love playing with Marc, Keir, Jonas and Joona and I wish them the best of luck at the upcoming CPL.”

Statement 4 Kings on department: “4Kings announce, with immediate effect, the departure of Ola "elemeNt" Moum from the roster of the Counter-Strike Division. Ola initially joined the team before the 2nd season of the World e-Sports Games, and with a fine tradition of bringing the best from any team, we looked forward to a long and healthy relationship with one of the worlds best known Counter-Strike professionals. It is with great regret therefore that we announce the decision to remove Ola from the line-up due to logistical reasons. With Ola's recent move to the United States it has become increasingly difficult to prepare for upcoming tournaments and events. Despite Ola's excellent track record as a player and in-game leader, we had little choice but to make our decisions as it stands. It is important to note however that both parties recognise the decision as a professional one and that there is no personal reasoning behind the departure. Everyone at 4Kings would like to thank Ola for the time and work he put in during his time in 4Kings, and wish him the best in his future pursuits.”

• The Bad Guys Crew:

09.09.05 – 10.09.05 Mix-team consisting: elemeNt, DarK, LzR, Naikon & qck

• United 5:

08.12.05 - 18.12.05 Step-in for CPL Winter 2005: elemeNt, Kmode, kaM, Pham, Hostile

Statement from United 5: “Now many people have been asking what United 5’s CPL lineup is now that CuZ is unable to participate? After having gone through a few names (being that Derosa could not attend the bootcamp and all the days of the event), we have decided as a team to use Ola “elemeNt” Moum as our new 5th. We have known and competed against elemeNt many times and many events, so when we came to find out that he was local to the team and not participating at this event with any other competitive team, we felt that he would fit right in. With his many years of CS experience as well as numerous CPL titles, his raw skill and smarts will be a great asset for this squad. One of the main reasons we chose him was the fact that he could call strats too.”

• Upset U:

15.09.06 – 17.09.06 Mix-team consisting: elemeNt, DaY, enoksen, noLA, raven, (ellak & Kunfigur3)

Here is the statement from elemeNt concerning this weekends clash: “Unfortunately after several discussions, Thomas "DaY" Rudstrøm, was unable to find a solution to his obligations to 4Kings and a scheduling conflict with the Eurocup LAN finals being held at the same time in Aarhus, Copenhagen. I was left with a choice; World class player DaY wasn`t able to attend the WCG finals, which personally I think lowers Upset.U chances so much that I dont feel very confident paying money out of my own pocket to attend the LAN finals. Don`t get me wrong, WCG comes around once a year and I would love to be there, but at the same time 4K gave me the offer to go with Thomas to Eurocup finals and play for natu whos banned. Therefore, I would like to wish MYM good luck in Italy and I couldn`t think of a better team to represent us. Go Norway!”

• 4 Kings Intel:

14.09.06 - 25.09.06 Step-in for natu in CB EC XIII: elemeNt, Mangiacapra, aKuJi, DaY, Ady

Statements from 4 Kings: “Due to Mysse and Blizzard being unavailible, we've enlisted the services of Ola "elemeNt" Moum for tonight’s clash. We chose elemeNt because we've worked with him before and we felt he has what it takes to finish in first as natu's replacement. Our goal for Eurocup tournament is for a 4Kings' clean sweep. 4Kings.cs finishing first and Grubby finishing first.”

• Mousesports:

01.01.06 - 07.08.06 elemeNt, Blizzard, Roman R, gore, fleks, PapsT

Statement from elemeNt on arrival: Joining up with Mouz for 2006 is one of the decisions that has made the most sense in about a year. I am looking forward to getting back into the heat of competition with a highly professional team such as Mouz.

Statement from Mousesports on arrival: “He is an intelligent guy who knows how to play CS and I’m convinced he will learn German pretty fast after moving to Berlin, Germany,”

Statement from Mousesports on department: “The difficulties of breaking a language barrier were clear by signing a non-german speaking player to a dominantly german-only speaking roster. After 7 months, the language barrier has proven that more support is neccessary for funding such an international multi-lingual team in order to compensate for differences and demands at the present time. Communication between the players was not a problem outside of the game, as English was the shared common language with Ola. All parties mutually agree that it has proved to be ineffective at crucial in-game times where effective communication could decide the difference between another championship, on request from elemeNt's behalf, Mouz hereby waives his contractual obligations.”

• Europe Allstars Team:

10.05.06 Europe : SpawN (SK Gaming), vilden (SK Gaming), elemeNt (Mousesports), XeqtR (NoA), Musamban1 (x6tence)

• Meet your Makers:

02.11.06 - elemeNt, juve9le, REAL, Oops, PRB, xione

Statement from elemeNt upon arrival: “I'm back! Playing with some of the finest Norwegian players since the days of eoL, I'm sure we will grab a few titles for Norway and put us back on top where we belong. Ofcourse it was hard to say no to a tempting offer from XpreZ but this is what I've wanted to do for a long time now.”

Statement from MyM’s Jonas "admin" Hamidi on arrival: "I'm happy to announce that elemeNt is joining meetyourmakers today. That makes us a 6 man lineup. It works great for mym since we still have many players going to school, and now we have the opportunity to attend at all events if we want." He continued, "I have never worked with elemeNt before, but I had my teams playing against him, and all I know is that he is a really good player with a lot of experience. It’s good to know that mym.cs will now be even better. Welcome Ola, hope you have a nice stay!"

• Team Norway:

05.08.01 -

Nations Cup I,II,III,V,VIII,IX,X & ENC: 05.08.01 - elemeNt, OSiRiS, Somberlain, Evil_R, Naikon, Slick Silver, eclipse, Xeqtr, Dark, sirfresh, eon, Knoxville, nVy, bsl, damien, Luke, juve9le, Juzam, Xistenz, OmeN, DaY, raven, REAL, oops, prb, xione, catche, draziw, ellaK, enoksen, KunFigur3, stingeR, t0s.

Achievements

Awards

2002: Players of 2002 ESReality Counter-Strike Player of 2002: Ola "elemeNt" Moum ( Schroet Kommando) Counter-Strike Leap of 2002: Ola "elemeNt" Moum ( Schroet Kommando)

2003: CPL’s Frank Nuccio announced the new SK.swe captain Ola "elemeNt" Moum to the most valued player at the CPL Dallas 2003.

Players of 2003 ESReality Counter-Strike Player of 2003: Ola “elemeNt” Moum ( Schroet Kommando)

2004: eSports Awards 2004: Nominated to Counter-Strike Player of 2004: Ola “elemeNt” Moum ( NoA)

2006: ESL Pro-Series VIII: Rookie of the Season – Ola “elemeNt” Moum (Mousesports)

Interviews

• 30.01.03 Gotfrag: esu.eoL-Element|Styla interview
• 14.08.03 Gotfrag: Quick Interview With SK|ElemenT
• 25.09.03 ESReality: Interview with SK|Element
• 23.11.03 Gotfrag: SK|elemeNt Interview
• 15.02.04 ESReality: Player of 2003: Element
• 13.04.04 SoGamed: Interview with Element
• 03.06.04 ESL: ENC (CS): elemeNt Interview
• 20.09.04 CompLexity: The Syndicate Interview Series: Element
• 02.10.04 Gotfrag: OsloLAN Interviews Day 1
• 10.02.05 Catch-Gamer/SK Gaming: elemeNt Interview @ Catch-Gamer.no
• 15.06.05 GGL: The elemeNt Saga: Part 1
• 18.06.05 GGL: The elemeNt Saga: Part 2
• 02.02.06 GGL: Ola 'elemeNt' Moum Talks Transfer
• 15.11.06 MYM: The elemeNt Interview

Others about elemeNt

4K^natu in an interview by Jax Money Crew 18.05.06 in a question of believe is one of the most highly skilled players around the world you always look forward to competing against and respect greatly?:

“I have a great amount of respect for a lot of players but if I had to choose one I'd have to say it's Mr. Ola Moum. Not only is he a great guy and a friend of mine but also I've watched him play since god knows when and he has always been one of the smartest kids around both individually and tactically. So yeah, this one goes to elemeNt =)”

CPL President Angel Munoz in an interview by GGL 07.12.05, on a question from elemeNt himself. When will you make me a star, Angel?:

“(Laughs) elemeNt is already a star. It's a great question, actually, for a lot of different reasons. You know, the CPL, it was so hard growing the concept that we had. The biggest limitation that the CPL has had is that we fought so hard to establish the concept and we were so reactive to criticism because we were always trying to build something against all odds. And now that we're there, we can now think about how we can promote our players a lot better. So I think that it happens now that we're embracing CS 1.6 for the WT, so we're uniting what should not have been separated anyway. But now we're uniting it again with id's blessing, so that's our effort. Obviously, we've worked very closely with Fatal1ty. That's obvious to everyone. Vo0 has been getting a lot of attention. We just need to do some of the same stuff for the teams and for the people like elemeNt. I mention elemeNt in my interviews a lot because he's one of my favorites. He's such an independent. So my answer to elemeNt is, "Give me a little bit more time, we'll get you there. We'll get you on MTV (laughs).”

4K^Harriman on the following question about elemeNt from the UKTerrorist:

Element replaced you in 4K, do you think that is a permanent change and how will it alter both the teams performance and team spirit?: “I really don't know, hes a really good player, probably a lot better than me, and has played and won in all kinds of competitions so I’m sure it can only be a good change. Also hes always seemed really nice so I think it was a good choice all round.”

4K^Red to Begrip in WEG after they just had recruited elemeNt on how it affected the team:

“In a positive way I must say, Ola is a great guy both in game and outside. The team has a good chemistry which leads to that we are having fun when we are playing, no whine or small disputes as it’s often in other teams.”

fr:Ola Moum sv:Ola Moum