ST_Ace NRG LAN interview by esports daily

Given your position do travel a lot and what countries have you been to so far? How are you enjoying Australia?

Well to be truthful I have only been to Germany for the IEM5 competition and Australia for this competition. I think Australia is the most beautiful and I like it more! I think Australia is a very good place, I saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and they’re beautiful.

When it comes to competitions like this one how do you prepare yourself before the competition? During the competition how did you prepare for each opponent?

I spend some time practicing, when a competition is around the corner I will practice much more, spending most time during the days watching match replays and practicing my builds. When it comes to the opponents if I feel they are challenging I will watch the match replays for them and try to understand their style, I also like to warm up my fingers so that I am accurate and fast before every match.

Out of all the players today who has been the hardest for you to beat? In your opinion what do you think of their ability?

Some of them were challenging, I was playing my best the whole time, and in the winner’s bracket semi-final I found playing against Yoon to be the toughest. I can see he is a very intelligent player and that he has potential skill. During our match there were a few times he did outplay me but I overcame him because I could see his weakness and attack. I think his ability is very good, if he practices more it will help him.

In the Grand Final how did you feel about your performance? What did you think of your opponent ‘Light’?

I feel I played strongly, it was a long day of competition so there were times I was a little slow to react, but I am used to it and have practiced a lot. I think the buildings and strategies I used were very effective and I am pleased with myself. Light was a strong opponent, but I could still beat him, some of the builds he tried I countered very fast and I was able to deny his entire strategy in some cases. I think he played strong.

In South Korea eSports and StarCraft 2 are very successful, what do you think of the Australian scene? How do you think it can grow?

One of the top players to compete in a world championship is Australian, which tells me there is potential talent here. I think the Australian scene is very young and because of the small size it is being held back. What would always work is if there are TV shows or online-streams that show the big matches and interview the strong players.

If there were more competitions in Australia with this kind of prize money would you return and play again? Did you enjoy playing against the Australian players?

Yes, yes! It was a great experience and even though my skill level is higher than the players at this competition, I think it is important for them to have the chance to play against very strong players so they can learn and improve themselves. The prize money is always welcome, and I would have very little reason to compete if it wasn’t worthwhile, it is also important because it pushes the player’s to compete harder and try to play their best. The Australian players are very friendly and respectful; I really enjoyed showing them how I play and seeing them play.

Even though your trip has only been short what will you tell your South Korean counter-parts about Australia when you fly home?

I have really enjoyed myself, everyone I have met has been nice and friendly, I want to tell everyone in South Korea to visit Australia. It is a beautiful place. I made some friends while I was here, and I look forward to keeping in contact with them. If I could have spent more time here I would have really enjoyed it and I look forward to an opportunity for me to come back again.

Cheers for the interview Jung Woo 'Ace' Seo!

The Australian esports and StarCraft 2 community appreciate the visit from an international star player like Ace, and would like to wish him all the best in his future travels and competitions! We look forward to future visits from himself and other international players!