Player Profile: 40AiR
What’s your gaming alias (in-game name)?
40AiR
What’s the story behind your alias?
Growing up in New Jersey, everyone would call each other by their last name. When you sound out my last name, FOR-TEE-AIR. Sort of how that all came together.
What’s your real first name (optional)?
Kyle – and yes, I love drinking Monster.
Where are you from?
Toms River, New Jersey
When did you start playing Counter-Strike?
I got introduced to PC gaming in 1999 at 8 years old when my brother gifted me a PC, immediately I was introduced to Half-Life and the early mod of Counter-Strike the rest is history.
What inspired you to start playing Counter-Strike competitively?
It was actually Chicken that inspired me to play on an ESEA open team for the first time. This was in 2024, although I gamed counter-strike for the past 15 years, I was a very casual gamer and didn’t get an actual gaming PC until 2023.
Do you play any other games competitively or casually? Which ones?
I ONLY PLAY COUNTER STRIKE. I am a purist.
What’s your favorite Counter-Strike map, and why?
I have to say de_nuke. I am a fan of the way the map is played, it’s not a traditional setup, and the fast rotations on the CT side make for interesting setups and gameplay.
What’s your favorite role in the game (AWPer, rifler, IGL, support, etc.) and why?
I like analyzing the other teams patterns and playing a dynamic game. My best role would be entry to get info and mid round calling.
Who’s your favorite professional Counter-Strike player or team?
Favorite professional player right now would be Karrigan, he is my age and I am a sucker for a good IGL.
What’s your role on Chicken Coop, and how do you contribute to the team?
I wear all the hats but ultimately, my role is to make sure everyone in our org is having fun while we execute on our vision of truly making an impact on the North American Counter-Strike scene.
What’s been your favorite moment or achievement while playing for Chicken Coop?
I think just seeing the idea to fruition, we started with a list of goals and were able to over achieve them in a short amount of time. I truly believe we are capable of achieving great heights in esports and I plan to continue on that path.
How would your teammates describe your playstyle or personality?
I would hope they see that I am truly a team player, and although my passion can at times be over bearing, I truly want whats best for the team. With that being said I HATE LOSING.
What’s your biggest strength as a player?
Being able to recognize patterns and use game sense to make up for where I lack in aim.
What’s one area you’re working to improve in your game?
Focusing more on my individual game play and less time on what my teammates are doing.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or routines?
If I am playing a match, I like to throw on a jersey, I think esports is the future of sports and I like to treat it as such 🙂
What’s your favorite type of snack or drink to have during long gaming sessions?
Monster Energy drink and Super Sour Gushers.
What do you do to relax or recharge outside of gaming?
Spend time playing roblox with my son, hanging out with my dogs and the girlfriend and when its nice out you can catch me by the pool!
What’s a fun or unexpected fact about you that most people don’t know?
I was in a full body cast at age 3.
Do you have any unique gaming setups, hardware, or lucky charms?
My setup has to be dialed in, I like to have my peripherals in the same exact spot to reduce inconsistencies in my play.
If you could add any new feature or map to Counter-Strike, what would it be?
BRING BACK CACHE
What’s your favorite gaming memory of all time?
Just playing ESEA with my buddies and Chicken.
What does being part of Chicken Coop mean to you?
It means everything to me, I dump my soul into this org because I truly believe we can make a difference.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into competitive Counter-Strike?
Find good players in the scene and build a network. Your brand is everything, start thinking like a professional.
Where can fans follow you (social media, Twitch, etc.)?
@40AiR
