Keaton Cherwaty, who goes by Keat, is the Art Director at Chicken Coop. He makes the graphics you see across the org: social media, the community cups and the player stream graphics.
He used to sign graffiti work as Nesko, but about ten years ago switched to Keat for the gaming scene. He picked up Counter-Strike in 2016 and was hooked immediately, grinding ESEA A+ pugs through high school. Being part of the professional Counter-Strike scene had been a goal since he was fifteen, and he counts the New Year Community Cash Cup, which he helped build, as his favourite thing he has done with the Coop.
I used to go by Nesko when I did graffiti artwork, but in the gaming scene it felt disconnected from who I am. About 10 years ago I changed it to Keat to feel more connected to the gaming space in a different way.
I started playing in 2016 as something different to play. I instantly connected with the game, staying up all hours of the night during high school grinding ESEA A+ pugs and trying to make a name for myself.
Something just clicked for me with competitive shooters. I have always wanted to be the best version of myself, and there is no better way to test your skills than to put them against others. You learn from your mistakes and make changes for the next game.
I played a lot of Fortnite at its peak, nearly qualifying for the World Cup in Solos, and Valorant.
My all-time favourite map is the CS:GO version of Train. It offered a lot of freedom and creativity, especially when taking the A bombsite.
I love lurking. I have been playing so long that I know the timings of peeks and how to slip behind players during rotations. It is incredibly rewarding and a key asset in high-level shooters.
I am the Art Director for Chicken Coop. I create all the graphics you see on our social media, community cups and player stream graphics.
The New Year Community Cash Cup. Knowing I had a big hand in developing it, and seeing top teams go head to head in something I helped create, was incredibly fulfilling.
Passionate. I put my all into everything I do, and if I fall short I learn from my mistakes.
Game sense. As a lurker, strong game sense is essential for determining ideal paths, predicting enemy movements and successfully executing plays.
I used to competitively figure skate for about 15 years. Unfortunately a knee injury stopped me from continuing.
Cloud9 winning the Boston Major. I will never forget sitting in a fish and chips shop in my hometown, listening to the match while having dinner with my family. The hairs on my arms stood up when they announced the winner.
Being part of the professional Counter-Strike scene has been a dream of mine since I was 15. This project has allowed me to start building that dream.
Practice, practice and more practice. Counter-Strike is not something you master overnight. The grind to improve never stops.