MLG has interviewed Dallas champion Dignitas' Johan "NaNiwa" Lucchesi after his 26-2 run, and his first ever major international title. NaNiwa plowed through the stacked Open Bracket without dropping a single game, defeating the likes of Pokebunny, TriMaster and ViBE. His unprecedented streak would continue all the way to the Finals, taking out Machine, Agh, Tyler, Drewbie, KiWiKaKi and SeleCT in succession. His only two losses came in the Finals against Kiwi. NaNi gives some insight on his mindset throughout the historic run, how it is to win his first championship, and some words about IdrA.
An excerpt:
MLG: At any point, was there a player who you thought might’ve stopped your run, or a time when you started to doubt you would win?
NaNiwa: I was a bit afraid of Sheth in the Open Bracket , but fortunately he lost to Pokebunny so I had a bit [of an] easier path than I think I could’ve had. But when I saw my group, I thought that every opponent should be very beatable. To be honest, I was a bit scared of Kiwi and Select; Select is always very strong in practice and I knew he would be a big hurdle. And Kiwi I have always had a positive record against, so I knew I would have the mental edge against him. But he played extremely well against Socke, Huk, [and others], so I wasn’t really sure [smiles]. I just treated every Bo3 like my life depended on it, especially in the Open Bracket. In the Championship Bracket I just thought that it would be very sweet to make it to the Winners Bracket side after group play, which I fortunately did [grins].
MLG: Having all of Dignitas to practice with must be a great help; they have such an incredible lineup right now. Speaking of Dignitas, and to touch briefly on a difficult subject; you were dropped from Meet Your Makers and left after differences with Power Gaming and Empire. Now, competing in your first major tournament as part of Dignitas, you’re already a Champion. Has your mindset changed, with the new team? Do you feel pressure to perform?
NaNiwa: To be honest, a major goal of mine has been to take a major title, which I have now achieved. I thought I would be slacking a lot more than I am now, but once I resumed practice after MLG I just really got frustrated and started to practice even more. Also, seeing MC just dominate DreamHack gave me a whole new perspective on things… I really want to take his place [smiles]. I think the biggest part of my mental state that has changed is that I don’t really get nervous in the same way anymore—well, not so far at least. I will also [know] that I do have what it takes to beat anyone as long as I play my best.
MLG: Some have said that you’re the closest match to Idra on the European scene, when it comes to your in-game and tournament behavior. Do you think the comparison is valid?
NaNiwa: The difference is that Idra just doesn’t give a ****, but I actually do. I do not let my anger go out intentionally to make a point or whine about imbalance for fun. Recently I have been a lot better at controlling it. I would like to be compared to no one. I want to create my own new reputation.
Nice interview. I'm more and more impressed with Naniwa lately, obviously his play is amazing but it also seems like he's turned over a new leaf emotionally and mentally which I think will allow him to focus on becoming and even better gamer. Look forward to seeing him compete.
Wow an in-depth interview with NaNiwa. Hope you guys didn't have to hold a gun to his head or anything .
As much as I used to hate this kid for his personality/playstyle, he's starting to impress me on both fronts. Especially playstyle. Honestly right now tournaments for him are his to lose.
NaNiwa: The difference is that Idra just doesn’t give a ****, but I actually do. I do not let my anger go out intentionally to make a point or whine about imbalance for fun. Recently I have been a lot better at controlling it. I would like to be compared to no one. I want to create my own new reputation.
^^ That is a very interesting, and I think good, answer. He does seem to be trying to change his old attitude, and if the result is a MLG victory, then obviously it is something to keep up.
Also, I couldn't help but smile when I read the part where Naniwa wishes you could change your nickname more than twice. Stick to a team .
MLG: Some have said that you’re the closest match to Idra on the European scene, when it comes to your in-game and tournament behavior. Do you think the comparison is valid?
Naniwa: The difference is that Idra just doesn’t give a ****, but I actually do. I do not let my anger go out intentionally to make a point or whine about imbalance for fun. Recently I have been a lot better at controlling it. I would like to be compared to no one. I want to create my own new reputation.
On April 14 2011 05:04 Bear4188 wrote: Nice interview. I'm more and more impressed with Naniwa lately, obviously his play is amazing but it also seems like he's turned over a new leaf emotionally and mentally which I think will allow him to focus on becoming and even better gamer. Look forward to seeing him compete.
This pretty much sums up how I feel about Naniwa right now. The fact that he cares about the game but is still keeping his temper in check is huge for him gaining fans and growing the sport. Like DJ Wheat said (I think on his twitter?) make fans or enemies since both are good for the sport. We've already got enough controversial figures that make people mad, so why not have a reformed good guy on the scene?
About him and Idra, I think it's pretty agreeable the way he puts it, although Idra seems to be more just a very frank and straightfoward person (arguably to the point of arrogance), but even that fits under "raging just to whine about imbalance and etc." while it seems believable that Naniwa simply can get angry easily. Understandable, SC is very stressful I'd imagine. You practice for hours and hours and the time you spend proving yourself is only a very small fraction of that time.
Very good interview. I have the feeling that he's just so much driven by his emotions in each way. And that is freaking good! To become the best you need to be upset and raging, simple you need to care
Amazing interview. Hopefully naniwa keeps his momentum up. I was really sad whenever naama didn't do anything with his huge win on dreamhack last year.
Naniwa almost seems like a totally different person compared to like say 8 months ago. Im very happy considering I always thought he was a great player but his attitude was holding him back. So far he seems to have overcome this.
Nice interview Slasher. The guy really tries his hardest to show he deserves to be up there. Hope he starts getting more invites to big tournaments, he's really a top Euro player, top in the world as well.
Great interview, I would love to see him be able to participate in Korea. With how well he has been performing and with the Sweden tournament thats going on now, I think he has a great chance to make his dream come true.
He believes that the games balanced right now, of course - he plays protoss. Not taking away from hs accomplishment of the interview, just commentating.
On April 14 2011 07:32 shabinka wrote: He believes that the games balanced right now, of course - he plays protoss. Not taking away from hs accomplishment of the interview, just commentating.
Can't you guys ever stop nagging? This truly is the bane of the SC2 community.
On April 14 2011 07:32 shabinka wrote: He believes that the games balanced right now, of course - he plays protoss. Not taking away from hs accomplishment of the interview, just commentating.
Well, you probably shouldn't. All this balance whining is really detracting from the community.
I'm really happy for Naniwa, and I hope he is able to continue to keep his composure/maturity level. I'm glad he at least cares to say he cares. I feel like many people in the SC2 (and gaming community in general) forget that many of these players started out as – and in many cases still are – just kids.
Fantastic interview. Naniwa never fails to deliver, I really like the fact that he sometimes just put things so bluntly. Being really honest in his answers.
I realy hope he can keep up the manners even when things are not going so well for him. And i wish they would invite him to the swedish gaming house already! >.< BAD TLO!
This was a really good interview, he seems to have made a pretty big change in his mental game for the better. I remember during the beta him always raging during games.
Good luck in the future to him, this attitude will help him go far
Brilliant interview. I can forsee that beating Naniwa at any event he turns up for in the future is going to be a very difficult task for any future opponents.
........o god plzz dont fail now nani stay at dignitas for at least more then 1 year and this guy might be a real badass. Or he will just disapoint again like in wc3.....
On April 14 2011 05:04 Bear4188 wrote: Nice interview. I'm more and more impressed with Naniwa lately, obviously his play is amazing but it also seems like he's turned over a new leaf emotionally and mentally which I think will allow him to focus on becoming and even better gamer. Look forward to seeing him compete.
I certainly hope it stays turned. I vividly see Naniwa in his forum troll form whenever he's involved in anything. I would love to see him continue his journey to the -- for lack of a better term -- Light Side.
On April 14 2011 06:58 Zlasher wrote: Nice interview Slasher. The guy really tries his hardest to show he deserves to be up there. Hope he starts getting more invites to big tournaments, he's really a top Euro player, top in the world as well.
Just wanted to note that overall this is not my interview, only a few select questions.
On April 14 2011 05:04 Bear4188 wrote: Nice interview. I'm more and more impressed with Naniwa lately, obviously his play is amazing but it also seems like he's turned over a new leaf emotionally and mentally which I think will allow him to focus on becoming and even better gamer. Look forward to seeing him compete.
I really hope this is the case... as it does seem to be, but at the same time it's not hard to sound good in a single interview. I am not doubting him, but I am just approaching it cautiously. Good interview!
And I must say I almost hated this guy, he was immature, constantly BM, he did the most silly 1 base builds every single game, etc. (I am talking here about beta/early release)
I mean this wasn't some random idra bm that got made fun of afterwards, this guy was actually seriously BM.
But now I actually start to kinda like the guy, especially after seeing this interview. I knew for quite a while now that he has become a really good player, and I think a lot of people expected him to do well at MLG, and he proved that he is good by not only doing well but winning the thing.
But I always had this sort of thing in my head, where I got reminded of his past, but it seems like he is putting in some serious effort to work on that, and it seems like his mentality has gotten a lot better.
And one thing that is shining trough in most of his interviews is that he really has a ton of motivation and "drive" to go where he wants to, and that is something to admire.
It basicly seems like he managed to put all that "rage" and/or frustration into practicing more and motivating himself instead of just going around bm'ing.
I just hope he keeps going this way, not only in terms of performance but in terms of his atttitude, and I hope people can leave his past behind them in the future.
Altough he has done quite a few misteps, it shouldn't haunt him for the rest of his sc2 career imo.
And the last thing: I really hope he gets the chance to go to korea, not only for himself, but also for us, since tbh I am really curious how well he would manage to do there.
On April 14 2011 06:49 tdt wrote: IdrA needs to learn this: "A single negative thought is what gets you hit in the face." - Ray Mancini.
All pro athletes are drilled by psychologists these days to have none and that's all IdrA has.
Nani is obviously more successful with new attitude and sportsmanship.
Every damn post you make is about IdrA. You are reading a Naniwa interview and have the balls to give a tips for IdrA to manage his temper... please let him be.
I became fan listening to naniwa during his interview at dreamhack, he seems humble and his skill is top notch right now.
On April 14 2011 17:40 Space Invader wrote: you probably didn't have to put 'naniwa' in the title thread, makes it impossible to view tl.net without getting spoiled. oh well
u cant expect the biggest sc2 site in the world to keep stuff spoiler-free even tho its been done for a long time. mbe the next couple of days etc so ppl can watch vods, but not this long lol
I'm Swedish and I would love for naniwa to do well but totally reforming your opinion of a guy based on one mediocre interview and a 26-2 score like a lot of you have is a bit hasty given his incredible BM history. Would be interesting to hear his background etc. people don't just act out like he has for no reason at all, there must be some reason(s).
Edit: OH and I love how he says that Idra doesn't give a fuckin when his application video to the NASL wasn't even rotated probably, total baller imo.
On April 14 2011 20:17 kalleralle wrote: I'm Swedish and I would love for naniwa to do well but totally reforming your opinion of a guy based on one mediocre interview and a 26-2 score like a lot of you have is a bit hasty given his incredible BM history. Would be interesting to hear his background etc. people don't just act out like he has for no reason at all, there must be some reason(s).
Edit: OH and I love how he says that Idra doesn't give a fuckin when his application video to the NASL wasn't even rotated probably, total baller imo.
While Protoss imbalance is debatable, Protoss is definitely not weak. Naniwa really has zero ground to whine about imbalance right now, so I would wait before people declare he has changed.
On April 14 2011 23:46 cascades wrote: While Protoss imbalance is debatable, Protoss is definitely not weak. Naniwa really has zero ground to whine about imbalance right now, so I would wait before people declare he has changed.
How did you get him whining about anything in that interview? The only whining I've read so far are in this thread by people who are butthurt about how he used to act 5 years ago in a game they probably never played.
On April 14 2011 20:17 kalleralle wrote: I'm Swedish and I would love for naniwa to do well but totally reforming your opinion of a guy based on one mediocre interview and a 26-2 score like a lot of you have is a bit hasty given his incredible BM history. Would be interesting to hear his background etc. people don't just act out like he has for no reason at all, there must be some reason(s).
I'm sure a quick 5 minute search would lead you to those reasons, pal. I'm not going to keep brining up his personal business but I assure you it's all over this site.
Impressive streak, but the childish antics seen in IEM, ESL, and now the NASL is getting ridiculous. telling an opponent you can't play because you need to sleep, then you immediately start laddering? Show some class dude.
On April 15 2011 00:32 War Horse wrote: Impressive streak, but the childish antics seen in IEM, ESL, and now the NASL is getting ridiculous. telling an opponent you can't play because you need to sleep, then you immediately start laddering? Show some class dude.
On April 15 2011 00:32 War Horse wrote: Impressive streak, but the childish antics seen in IEM, ESL, and now the NASL is getting ridiculous. telling an opponent you can't play because you need to sleep, then you immediately start laddering? Show some class dude.
Uh, what did he do in the NASL?
I read that his match today will be a walkover for strelok. Similar reasons to why he was booted from IEM. Late reschedules and things like that. He got back from Dreamhack, told Strelok he needed sleep and didn't want to play. Strelok was upset but seemed he'd agree to reschedule later. Naniwa then immediately started laddering. Shows no respect for the tournament, the organizers, or the players at all.
On April 15 2011 00:32 War Horse wrote: Impressive streak, but the childish antics seen in IEM, ESL, and now the NASL is getting ridiculous. telling an opponent you can't play because you need to sleep, then you immediately start laddering? Show some class dude.
Uh, what did he do in the NASL?
I read that his match today will be a walkover for strelok. Similar reasons to why he was booted from IEM. Late reschedules and things like that. He got back from Dreamhack, told Strelok he needed sleep and didn't want to play. Strelok was upset but seemed he'd agree to reschedule later. Naniwa then immediately started laddering. Shows no respect for the tournament, the organizers, or the players at all.
This. So much for maturing. Professional gamers should act as such. If he needed to sleep after DH (not even sure why he went, he didn't play) then that's fine. But he lied to the tournament organizers. He's lucky he only got the W/O.
I'm not getting into a war about this but you should really hear both sides of a story before you judge a situation or event. Also everything you read on the internet is not true.
One of my practise partners stole an opening from naniwa: Quick second gate, 2 stalkers outta the gateway, 2 outta warpgate; pressure with 4 stalkers, 1 zealot, 1 sentry at around 6:00. Crushes my 2 rax pressure expand.
I'm happy he's looking to build consistency and maturity.
On April 15 2011 02:04 dignitasNewmaN wrote: I'm not getting into a war about this but you should really hear both sides of a story before you judge a situation or event. Also everything you read on the internet is not true.
So are you going to give that other side of the story or just talk about it like it only exists out in the mystical AEther?
I actually disliked naniwa alot because of his bm etc, but I recently found out that naniwa has had it quite rough which explains his anger, he got kicked out of school and also kicked out of his parents house. I also read somewere where he said that he took out his anger on his opponents, which he had kept inside due to all the problems in his real life.
It does'nt justify his behaviour but it does give you a different perspective.
On April 15 2011 03:48 morx wrote: I actually disliked naniwa alot because of his bm etc, but I recently found out that naniwa has had it quite rough which explains his anger, he got kicked out of school and also kicked out of his parents house. I also read somewere where he said that he took out his anger on his opponents, which he had kept inside due to all the problems in his real life.
It does'nt justify his behaviour but it does give you a different perspective.
And exactly why did he get kicked out of school? I am guessing it wasn't because he was only scoring A's... What I'm making out of what you told is he is simply an aggressive person which is getting him into a lot of trouble
On April 14 2011 23:46 cascades wrote: While Protoss imbalance is debatable, Protoss is definitely not weak. Naniwa really has zero ground to whine about imbalance right now, so I would wait before people declare he has changed.
How did you get him whining about anything in that interview? The only whining I've read so far are in this thread by people who are butthurt about how he used to act 5 years ago in a game they probably never played.
On April 14 2011 20:17 kalleralle wrote: I'm Swedish and I would love for naniwa to do well but totally reforming your opinion of a guy based on one mediocre interview and a 26-2 score like a lot of you have is a bit hasty given his incredible BM history. Would be interesting to hear his background etc. people don't just act out like he has for no reason at all, there must be some reason(s).
I'm sure a quick 5 minute search would lead you to those reasons, pal. I'm not going to keep brining up his personal business but I assure you it's all over this site.
I'm actually a naniwa fan, but your facts are incorrect at least about it being so long ago
Fairly BM for no reason regarding Tyler's victory over Jinro at the PAX East tournament. Like I said, I like the guy... I like how well thought out his games are... I like his multi-faceted play and mixtures of standard and cheese and his unparalleled ability to recover from failed cheese into a normal game. I've been a naniwa fan ever since I saw a NA player named Boyardee beat the hell out of minigun and bad manner him on stream. Rumors floated around that it was a naniwa smurf account. Even if thats not him it was funny as hell when I watched it
Somewhat unrelated, but why haven't the MLG games been added to the TLPD SC2 international database? I would like to see Naniwa's ELO after his performance. ;P
Edit: If it's because you guys are super busy, that's totally fine, I really appreciate the work that goes into maintaining the TLPD.
On April 15 2011 03:48 morx wrote: I actually disliked naniwa alot because of his bm etc, but I recently found out that naniwa has had it quite rough which explains his anger, he got kicked out of school and also kicked out of his parents house. I also read somewere where he said that he took out his anger on his opponents, which he had kept inside due to all the problems in his real life.
It does'nt justify his behaviour but it does give you a different perspective.
And exactly why did he get kicked out of school? I am guessing it wasn't because he was only scoring A's... What I'm making out of what you told is he is simply an aggressive person which is getting him into a lot of trouble
There is many reasons you can be kicked out from your school, not just from fighting or being aggressive. I was kicked out from my school last year because I did not meet the requirements for attendance. It's possible something similar happend to Naniwa if he played much to become a progamer.
Glad to see him at least declaring an effort. I'll remain skeptical until I actually see those changes stick, though. His recent NASL stint didn't do a lot towards convincing me otherwise.
What a composed person (notice I didn't say "player"). I have to say he seems very clear headed and like he takes this game/win seriously but still understands his place. I wish him the best of luck. With a tournament showing like that, I'm eager to see how TSL goes for him and wonder if he will be able to throw down with the best of them (to quote Fenix in Brood War) in the grand daddy of them all - GSL.
You gotta wonder what they're putting in the swedish water that's turning out so many insanely good players.
On April 14 2011 05:08 On_Slaught wrote: NaNiwa: The difference is that Idra just doesn’t give a ****, but I actually do. I do not let my anger go out intentionally to make a point or whine about imbalance for fun. Recently I have been a lot better at controlling it. I would like to be compared to no one. I want to create my own new reputation.
^^ That is a very interesting, and I think good, answer. He does seem to be trying to change his old attitude, and if the result is a MLG victory, then obviously it is something to keep up.
Also, I couldn't help but smile when I read the part where Naniwa wishes you could change your nickname more than twice. Stick to a team .
I think it might be because his nick on EU is just "nani", which isn't all the glorious. He'd probably want Dignitas`Naniwa, Naniwa, or something like that.
I was impressed about his MLG, but not impressed about his NASL effort. The fact that he said he was too tired to play the NASL then was later found playing on ladder during the time he was supposed to be on NASL is a bit suspicious and almost insulting; however, with any story I am sure there are two sides to be told (not just NASLs) so perhaps he has valid reasons and circumstances that just havent been shared with the community- hopefully everything will be cleared up shortly
His performance at MLG was very impressive but I have a hard time believing that his attitude has changed with the NASL issue. It is disrespectful to not show up and have a player wait for you only to find out that he was laddering. You could hear the anger in Strelok's voice and he had every right to be.
On April 15 2011 23:54 CptnObvious wrote: His performance at MLG was very impressive but I have a hard time believing that his attitude has changed with the NASL issue. It is disrespectful to not show up and have a player wait for you only to find out that he was laddering. You could hear the anger in Strelok's voice and he had every right to be.
His attitude has change, anyone that have been following for any extended period of time can tell you that.
That said, of course he's not a saint all of a sudden. No person have that complete turnover that fast. The point is that he's obviously putting an effort into changing and so far it's been fairly successful.
On April 15 2011 23:54 CptnObvious wrote: His performance at MLG was very impressive but I have a hard time believing that his attitude has changed with the NASL issue. It is disrespectful to not show up and have a player wait for you only to find out that he was laddering. You could hear the anger in Strelok's voice and he had every right to be.
His attitude has change, anyone that have been following for any extended period of time can tell you that.
That said, of course he's not a saint all of a sudden. No person have that complete turnover that fast. The point is that he's obviously putting an effort into changing and so far it's been fairly successful.
I hope you are right. The NASL thing is just a big red flag on maturity but I hope I am wrong. I want to see a foreign protoss dethrone MC ^_^!
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