At Battle.net Invitational, readmore.talked to Johan 'Naniwa' Lucchesi about the tournament and his upcoming stay in Korea. Naniwa revealed that he is ready to give up everything for being the best at StarCraft 2.
Here's a snippet:
Do you think eventually anyone who wants to be top three in a tournament will have to live in Korea or is it possible living elsewhere?
It's already that way, you can't win tournaments that easily at least. I think I was the closest when I beat MC at Homestory Cup III, but that's just one series. As I've seen, I can't consistently beat Koreans, I've lost too many times now to MMA, Losira and so on. I am slowly learning that I need a lot higher level practice partners to compete at the same level and I think most of the top players know that as well. I know a lot more players will go to Korea, a lot of players are planning to go there just to practice. GSL Code A is just a bonus to me, I don't expect to win it or make Code S directly. As long as I can improve, I can do it in the next one.
You talk about players going there, let me name IdrA, ret and TLO - players who left Korea. A big factor was the environment and the lack of privacy. Is that something that concerns you as well?
I am willing to give up everything to become the best player so if I can't handle it, I will be very angry with myself. I don't think there will be any reason for me to still play the game if I can't enjoy Korea. Hopefully it won't be a problem, I will force myself through it if I have to. But IdrA was in Korea for three years for StarCraft Broodwar so it's obvious that he perhaps was tired of it. I have not been to Korea even once yet. Ret was also in Korea for Broodwar and had some very bad experiences. TLO as well...he had carpal tunnel, but I don't think he's as motivated as every other player. I think it's only recently that he really wanted to play, before he just rode on the fame and enjoyed whatever he got, because he was so happy about it. We can see with FXO that Korea is the place to be, because already at the previous MLG they improved a lot in the rankings. And qxc 4:0ing IM in the team league that should prove that it is the place to be.
I've always criticized his attitude but after reading that apparently I've just been dead wrong about the guy this whole time, hes not just a great player with a shitty attitude hes a great player who's dead serious on improvement. Gotta say I have some respect for the guy after seeing that, he's got a similar attitude that I have with most things I do in life, in all the way or out (although I'm not that way with gaming I just play super casual to relieve stress and have fun). Good luck to him when he goes to Korea, with that outlook I think he'll do extremely well while there and get some nice wins.
Im ready for Pro Gaming teams to start taking 1 month off every 6+ months to do KR practice.
As he says, and as teams know. Even if they dont want to compete in the GSL/GSTL, they really need to have practice in KR somewhat consistently to stay good.
Is it important for you that Thorzain is coming as well?
Thorzain, as far as I know, is not staying for a long time. For the flight there it is really nice, but we won't live at the same place so it doesn't really affect anything.
Anyone know where they will be staying? Does dignitas have a deal with a Korean team perhaps?
Best of luck Naniwa, it's sometimes a difficult road being hard on yourself, I really hope that you will see good results from your practice and perseverance!
This is the right attitude that all foreigners should have. Props to Naniwa for being one of the first few foreigners with this much determination! Good luck naniwa!
Is it important for you that Thorzain is coming as well?
Thorzain, as far as I know, is not staying for a long time. For the flight there it is really nice, but we won't live at the same place so it doesn't really affect anything.
That's kinda cute. It seems they really get on. After TSL3 and Naniwa's relentless trolling in TL Attack I was thinking there might be a little resentment there
Is it important for you that Thorzain is coming as well?
Thorzain, as far as I know, is not staying for a long time. For the flight there it is really nice, but we won't live at the same place so it doesn't really affect anything.
Anyone know where they will be staying? Does dignitas have a deal with a Korean team perhaps?
Was wondering the same thing.
Naniwa really seems to know what he wants and is willing to sacrifice to achieve it. Good for him. Hopefully it works out for him.
Naniwa won't live with Thorzain ? Where will he live ? (in a korean team house I hope... going there to practice on ladder would sucks so much ><) Too bad he'll not stay with Thorzain, because both could elevate their play faster if they'd be able to talk about the game.
That is a bold dream. If he does ever win it, he would be like the next esports icon in korea and abroad. His attitude is really inspirational and respectable.
where will nani be practicing ? in a team house or the ladder? .. it would be awesome if he was staying with huk/jinro/mc, Then he'd improve a shitload !
On August 07 2011 03:18 niteReloaded wrote: Sick determination, just as HuK, these boys are gonna do great, as HuK has started showing.
Without meaning to insult HuK, Naniwa strikes me as more intelligent and possibly even more determined, kid's a killer.
This. Some people hate his past BM, some people dislike his lack of social skills.
The the thing is. He knows what he wants. He doesn't play games. His stone cold, calculating, mind processing, intelligent behavior should show this. Just watching a player cam of him shows his brilliance. Like i wish i could read his mind.
3 months on KR ladder and Naniwa would compete with anybody he could get matched up against.
i also agree, HuK is very very skilled, more than likely more skilled than Naniwa. But HuK doesn't have the potential skill cap that Naniwa has.
Like they said, kid's a killer, he wants it that bad, more than any other player i have seen.
I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
Good for naniwa.. Seriously, could you consider perhaps a conversation piece so I feel like we can actually add input to this thread?
I have no doubt he will do better once he is mentally forced to play 10+ hours of starcraft [edit: per day] but I find myself worrying for his health. + Show Spoiler +
Koreans have padded wrists and bottoms, they are built for video games!
I think he will improve alot in korea hope he atleast manage to stay in coda A his first season. I think he one of few forigners thats gonna be able to compete with the koreans.
Naniwa seems as one of the most determined player in the foreigner scene. What we need to compete with koreans is a few more top players like him willing to go to KR, practice the shit out of themselves for a long period of time.
On August 07 2011 03:21 lazyfeet wrote: What naniwa said about TLO is so true. TLO remind of fruitdealer. TLO is more passionate about casting then playing for short period of time.
TLO have said on numerous occasions, even when casting, that he'd rather play than cast. Naniwa might be right but not for the reason you seem to believe.
Naniwa and SaSe to live with SlayerS? SaSe to join(or try out for?) Slayers? I believe dApollo mentioned on Shoutcraft Invitational 2 that "some of the guys going over to Korea were looking to stay in the SlayerS house." if I recall correctly, something along those lines. dApollo is a friend of SaSe and teammate of Naniwa.
SaSe leaving MYM, with no other foreign team seemingly lined up (you'd think it would have been announced by now as he's about to play Code A, lots of exposure etc). Naniwa has in the past mentioned that Slayers is his favourite team on State of the Game.
On August 07 2011 03:35 Roe wrote: I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
Take a look at the bedrooms in the MVP house for example: most pro houses are quite similar.
I could not sleep there for a single night with so many beds in such a small room :/
I use to not like Naniwa just because of sometimes a little bit of bm. (Getting visibly angry after losing to HuK at MLG, and his ideas that WC3 players were better. Hurt me a little) Now I see that he really believes in himself. He wants something and will work for it. That's insipiring. GO NANIWA, hope you win EU invitational
Its amazing that someone can be so inspirational and still come off so impersonal at the same time. Maybe its just a Swede thing. But eithdr way gl to Naniwa ill definetly be rooting for you over there.
On August 07 2011 03:35 Roe wrote: I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
I could not sleep there for a single night with so many beds in such a small room :/
Good luck in Korea nani
lands are not cheap in every single place in the world. You have to sacrifice to achieve things. Seriously, what is the big deal of owning your own room, don't speak like a spoilt brat.
Wow best of luck to Naniwa (and Thorzain too!). I became a Naniwa fan after listening to him on Thorzain's TL Attack episode. If you missed it check it out... Naniwa is hilarious.
On August 07 2011 03:35 Roe wrote: I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
I could not sleep there for a single night with so many beds in such a small room :/
Good luck in Korea nani
lands are not cheap in every single place in the world. You have to sacrifice to achieve things. Seriously, what is the big deal of owning your own room, don't speak like a spoilt brat.
That's the whole reason for someone to admire people who sacrifice something to achieve their goal. The majority is this "spoiled brat" who respects the ones who aren't (I'd consider myself that, too, because I couldn't imagine to live like that).
I've kinda thought that about Naniwa for a while, great to see that he has that mindset. I'm becoming more and more of a fan of him. Can't wait to see how he and his fellow countrymen (and Fenix) do in Code A
Nani will be the best foreigner after he stays in Korea for a bit of time. I seriously think he will pass Huk, and hopefully will surpass MC as the best Protoss in the world.
It's obvious that Korea is the place to be if you want to become the best. It seems like Naniwa is one of the few foreigners who genuinely want to be the best.
On August 07 2011 03:44 PigglyWinks wrote: Naniwa and SaSe to live with SlayerS? SaSe to join(or try out for?) Slayers? I believe dApollo mentioned on Shoutcraft Invitational 2 that "some of the guys going over to Korea were looking to stay in the SlayerS house." if I recall correctly, something along those lines. dApollo is a friend of SaSe and teammate of Naniwa.
SaSe leaving MYM, with no other foreign team seemingly lined up (you'd think it would have been announced by now as he's about to play Code A, lots of exposure etc). Naniwa has in the past mentioned that Slayers is his favourite team on State of the Game.
I believe Huk also mentioned that some of the new foreigners wanted to train with the Slayers team in his Rakaka interview.
On August 07 2011 03:12 RaLakedaimon wrote: I've always criticized his attitude but after reading that apparently I've just been dead wrong about the guy this whole time
Well, people change, sometime for the better. And it is better to know that we had to improve than to believe that we were never in need of change. I think Naniwa will agree with that.
I'm a big Naniwa fan. Not so much because of his play (although it's awesome), but because of how he comports himself. He has the kind of attitude I really admire in a player.
OP misled me at first to think Naniwa is giving up SC2 o.O, glad that it turned out completely the opposite. Best of luck to him in Korea, and hope he's patient about his growth, as I think it would take time to reach the levels he wants to reach. He will probably have to lose some more games first.
On August 07 2011 04:38 Skarmory wrote: I wish he wouldn't blame his losses on silly things like the map. Protoss shouldn't complain about close position shattered temple.
Isn't that kind of human nature though? Everyone complains about the things that were in their way when something bad happens. Just look at how much balance whining still goes on, even though the win rates of each race is basically even.
I don't even listen to that stuff any more, its just the players blowing off steam.
On August 07 2011 04:38 Skarmory wrote: I wish he wouldn't blame his losses on silly things like the map. Protoss shouldn't complain about close position shattered temple.
You obviously don't understand how bad the positions are. Both sides of the matchup close positions shouldn't be in tourneys.
This is the determination and attitude that is so rare in the foreign scene. I really admire it and hope he improves and does well in korea! I know he has what it takes.
Nani is one of the few players i think can make it and wtfpwn koreans. Problem is that if Naniwa goes and wont post good results the foreign scene is fucked
This is the kind of attitude that is needed to win big tournaments. That is why i have a LOT of respect for Nani and Huk and the same reason i lost ALL my respect for sheth even though he is probably the nicest progamer out there.
On August 07 2011 03:35 Roe wrote: I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
I could not sleep there for a single night with so many beds in such a small room :/
Good luck in Korea nani
lands are not cheap in every single place in the world. You have to sacrifice to achieve things. Seriously, what is the big deal of owning your own room, don't speak like a spoilt brat.
Holy jesus... why all the hostility? He was voicing his opinion. I would never in my life live with someone other than my wife either. Especially not in such a small room with 5 other guys at the minimum. If you don't like your own living conditions that's too bad for you, live with it, move, or stop bitching about everyone who's got it better (Which is like, 90% of north america)
Thats the kind of mentality that you NEED to be a sc2 great, and I think it is lacking in many players.
I know when i have a serious project or revision to do, I sit down and every hour I am not working on it I feel guilty and have to be able to justify the free time on the basis of having worked hard enough that day. I would really hope that sc2 pros feel the same, practicing under 3-4 hours a day just isn't enough in my book.
On August 07 2011 03:35 Roe wrote: I think naniwa's got what it takes to bring his dedication to reality and hope him all the best. btw what was the concern about environment and lack of privacy in SKorea?
I could not sleep there for a single night with so many beds in such a small room :/
Good luck in Korea nani
lands are not cheap in every single place in the world. You have to sacrifice to achieve things. Seriously, what is the big deal of owning your own room, don't speak like a spoilt brat.
Holy jesus... why all the hostility? He was voicing his opinion. I would never in my life live with someone other than my wife either. Especially not in such a small room with 5 other guys at the minimum. If you don't like your own living conditions that's too bad for you, live with it, move, or stop bitching about everyone who's got it better (Which is like, 90% of north america)
MVP house seems to be an extreme example, as in other Korean houses, about 4-5 players appear to share a room. Do note that the guys only use those beds to sleep at night and pretty much nothing else.
i remeber the big thread when naniwa was kicked out of the EPS and everyone was hating on him. im so happy to see him rise and i hope i see him rise even higher. i always felt like this guy takes it way more serious than others.
i look forward to him playing in GSL and try to catch the matches he plays. i really wish naniwa the best and to be honest i think he can win GSL if he plays in korea for a longer period of time. i just hope his mental state allows him to overcome bad times
Naniwa is so dedicated, I hope he gets into a good partnership with a top Korea pro-team so he can really grow as a player in Korea. I know he'll be practicing with WeMadeFox, but they're a small team in comparison to others, if he got picked up by Prime, Startale, or even IM (Who's coach has expressed interest in dedicated Foreign players with lots of potential) as a honorary member like something TL-OGS has, I think he'd quickly become a ridiculously good player.
Really, for a lot of players, you can tell that going to Korea and training is just too much of an investment for them, and for good reason. But Naniwa is willing to do it, and he could become one of the best as a result, I'm really looking forward to him in August!
God I love Naniwa. His attitude is just inspirational not just for sc2 but for life. I think he could do whatever he wanted to do and be the best at it because he has that drive that not a lot of people have. It's amazing and it's what makes him great.
Also the people that think that Naniwa has a bad attitude, it's not a bad attitude to the other players, he is just mad at himself that he didn't win. It's quite admirable
Hmm where is naniwa staying? with a team? it says him and thorzain are not staying at the same place, so im assuming at least one of them will not be staying at the gom house.
On August 07 2011 05:52 Bibbit wrote: "I would give up everything, even start a world war, for these ghetto boys and girls I'm 'Crafting 'round the world for." - Naniwa (no thats not true)
<3 Naniwa, I know he can do it!
Love the Lupe Fiasco quote even though you changed rapping to crafting lol
On August 07 2011 05:52 Bibbit wrote: "I would give up everything, even start a world war, for these ghetto boys and girls I'm 'Crafting 'round the world for." - Naniwa (no thats not true)
On August 07 2011 05:26 landmarktiger wrote: This is the kind of attitude that is needed to win big tournaments. That is why i have a LOT of respect for Nani and Huk and the same reason i lost ALL my respect for sheth even though he is probably the nicest progamer out there.
Agreed, when you look at the difference between say someone like naniwa and someone like Sheth its like night and day.
Sheth is not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to become the best , i was really excited for him when he first went to korea and won his first match. And then not only does he move back early he is given a second chance to get into the up and down matches through the wildcard tourney to take Rains spot, and he doesnt even try, he just concedes. He couldnt even handle going back there for another week and a half. In my mind he just comes off as weak willed, and he doesnt have what it takes to truley succeed.
I wish him the best of luck in liquid, but compared to huk and naniwa , sheth has been a dissapointment too me, there is no room for the lazy (mentally) in e-sports you gotta be dedicated and make sacrifices (it was only 2 weeks anyways no one was saying he had to live there forrever) but to accept a code a spot with no intention of going into code s or no intention of even trying it out seems crazy, he should have given his spot to someone who deserved it like QXC who would have been fully commited for the time he is in korea (until the end of the summer)
I don't want to go too far offtopic but... if sheth is lazy and still posts good results and is happy with his life... meh? I'm not a "fan" but there's no need suddenly call him lazy and a slacker and such when he and ret already put in countless hours.
Naniwa really gained a fan with that interview. Didn't know too much about him before this. It's a shame that Thorzain isn't staying long though... I would have loved to see how good he'd get doing what Naniwa is planning to do.
On August 07 2011 06:11 Sabu113 wrote: Nani is a winner.
I don't want to go too far offtopic but... if sheth is lazy and still posts good results and is happy with his life... meh? I'm not a "fan" but there's no need suddenly call him lazy and a slacker and such when he and ret already put in countless hours.
I wasnt saying anything about ret, i mean ret spent months in korea and decided it wasnt for him in the end, spending a week and a half doesnt really give you a great assesment + im pretty sure ret would have hung in there for an extra 2 weeks for his team if the situations were reversed (i have no doubt in my mind actually)
I would be perfecty happy for sheth as well if he can be lazy and still post results, im just not a fan anymore. Like even comparing him to some of his former teammates like qxc or tgun who have gone above and beyond and are choosing to continue to stay in korea they are making sacrifices for the sake of improving themselves in their chose proffesion and i respect that.
It just pisses me off that sheth couldnt even go back for 2 weeks to support his team. That pretty much lead to him being on liquid though so best of luck to him on his new team i guess!.
Naniwa is a total fucking baller and I wish him the best. He definitely has the potential to be the best, but its a long road ahead that takes him through the likes of MC, MVP, and of course, the final boss of the world: Nestea. Thats not even including the soon to be SC2 pros from Broodwar who will likely begin dominating sooner than we think.
And it wasn't that long ago that everyone was shitting on him. This is one of the most remarkable 180s I've ever seen from anyone in pro-gaming. His attitude, passion, and pure skill made him one of my favorite players a while back, and this doesn't look to ever change for me. I'll be up late for every single match he's in.
This is awesome to hear.Being a lil naniwa fan already I'm happy to see hes determined.So many fails have went over to korea and not in terms of skill but in terms of mindset. Happy to see he already has a good mindset about it. Reminds me of when Idra went you can tell he was willing to suck hardcore for months without questioning coming.
The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
Stop crying, he just stated his mind.
Nice stuff Nani!
Stop crying, I was just stating my mind.
See what I did there?
Just by checking your qoute you're a naniwa hater. See what I did there?
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
Stop crying, he just stated his mind.
Nice stuff Nani!
Stop crying, I was just stating my mind.
See what I did there?
Just by checking your qoute you're a naniwa hater. See what I did there?
Not really, I'm actually a fan of both Naniwa and KiwiKaKi, having known them since my wc3 days. Just stating an opinion immediately makes someone a fanboy/hater these days.
Edit: And I dont understand the need for a bunch of people to jump out of the woodwork and criticize me. I made a very civil comment about a particular answer in the interview (and not criticizing him as a player) and immediately people are all over me trying to bust my balls. Stop being so defensive over a small opinion. Christ.
This attitude of Naniwa is why he continues to be my favorite player of all time, ever since I was introduced to him during the TSL3/MLG era I have never failed to be amazed by this guy.
His understanding of what it takes to be the best of the best is what drives this guy, going into Anaheim he knew he wasen't going to win because he did not practice or prepare enough, despite this he still got top 8.
Considering this guys already on Huks level without any Korean training i am getting absolute nerd chills thinking (Getting WIGGLY and JIGGLY as I write this) about how skilled he will be come 2-3 months of training in Korea. <3 Nani!
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
On August 07 2011 03:17 DieterEilts wrote: very balla statement that he wants to win a GSL. unfurtunately he hasnt heard of Nestea.
He didn't say he wants to win anytime soon- he plans on improving greatly and hopefully in the next year or so get close to the championship. I really hope he does well and can improve to the point where he is undoubtedly the best foreigner and that he can compete with the koreans.
Very nice interview, I'm really looking forward to see Naniwas progression after a couple of months in Korea. With the mindset he has, I'm sure he won't disappoint!
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
They lived together...
I would like to see the source, cause I pretty well remember him saying that TLO doesnt like him and so he isnt staying at the Swedish practise house.Link to the source. I maybe completely wrong though, and they may have patched things later on.
Even so, openly saying that someone is just riding their fame seems kinda iffy to me. Not gonna post much on this same topic anymore. Cheers.
I think it was a fair comment about TLO. TLO is evolving more and more into a caster. Just try to remember how many tournaments he has casted lately. And i think it is a pretty good transition for him. His carpal tunnel problem is starting to become chronic, and you shouldn't risk your wrist for anything, not even SC2.
On August 07 2011 07:20 legaton wrote: I think it was a fair comment about TLO. TLO is evolving more and more into a caster. Just try to remember how many tournaments he has casted lately. And i think it is a pretty good transition for him. His carpal tunnel problem is starting to become chronic, and you shouldn't risk your wrist for anything, not even SC2.
He already stated, that he wants to back off casting and concentrate on his gaming career...
On August 07 2011 06:49 Piledriver wrote: The TLO diss was unwarranted IMO :/ . There is no need to question a players commitment and dedication to the game unless you know him personally (and going by personal history, TLO and Naniwa are not exactly the best of friends).
They lived together...
I would like to see the source, cause I pretty well remember him saying that TLO doesnt like him and so he isnt staying at the Swedish practise house.Link to the source. I maybe completely wrong though, and they may have patched things later on.
Even so, openly saying that someone is just riding their fame seems kinda iffy to me. Not gonna post much on this same topic anymore. Cheers.
Listen to the TL attack with him again. He was there at the time I think.
Naniwa has the mindset needed to be in Korea. Good luck to him!
This, every foreigner should understand stopping Koreans from joining foreigner's tourneys won't help at all. If you wanna be the best, you gotta take out the best.
Dedication is important.. especially for foreigners. Much respect to Jinro and Huk for staying and practicing so long. Let's hope Naniwa can do the same.
Pretty amazing how this guy has changed; from one of the least motivated sloppy progamers hardly even showing up for his matches and getting kicked off several teams, to a player that will practice harder than practically every other foreigner and will beat himself up to no end for losing a series or dropping out of a tournament. I think/hope he'll achieve his goal (winning a GSL) eventually.
Mad respect for Naniwa, he has gone from the bad boy of e-sports to an example of determination and super hardworking gamer and one of the best there is as well.
Naniwa actually got a very very good point about if you want to be the best, you need to go to Korea. I can imagine after one year in Korea, even w/o any GSL win. Naniwa can just come back to EU and rape everyone else. (Huk is a very good example of this, the only major tourney winner recently that not a Korean)
I can already seeing him improve alot for the next 2 months and start winning EU/NA tourney if he has a chance to go there.
Best of luck Naniwa, I didn't like you in the past, but I am a full supporter of you now. Naniwa go go go!!!!
God damn, he better win his match against Check! Check's a shitload better than anyone will give him credit for. He was a war3 progamer since the very early days of war3 and can put in a pretty astonishing number of practice games, he just evolves his strats slowly. Very solid mechanical player and I doubt Naniwa will have an easy walkover with him.
On August 07 2011 08:30 Drowsy wrote: God damn, he better win his match against Check! Check's a shitload better than anyone will give him credit for. He was a war3 progamer since the very early days of war3 and can put in a pretty astonishing number of practice games, he just evolves his strats slowly. Very solid mechanical player and I doubt Naniwa will have an easy walkover with him.
the awesome thing about nani is that if he loses to check that'll just make him practice like a maniac for the next gsl, he's looking to stay in korea for a long time
This is the reason why I love Naniwa. He is so dedicated, he is earnest about wanting to be the best. Other people like Sheth or TLO love having their fans and are content doing their best for the fans, but Naniwa isn't content with that, he WANTS to win. Naniwa Fighting!
o fuck, that line gave me shivers. This to me is the epitome of Naniwa. It is the reason he is one of, if not my favorite player.
Some people seem to believe that it doesn't take that much to be one of the best at starcraft, and maybe at the current state of the game, it doesn't, but soon people are going to have to be willing to give up everything if they want to be amongst the top 5.
gogo Naniwa!! you're an inspiration! <3<3
Edit: Also why he's gonna be first foreigner champ
EPT
