[Interview] 2012 GSTL Season 1 Finals

You have won GSTL in Las Vegas, how do you feel?

The reality of it hasn’t hit yet. I am grateful to MarineKing for performing so well. Also, I am very happy that Prime was the team to win the first team tournament to be held overseas.

When did you decide that the victory was yours?

Frankly, a bit of a mishap did happen to MKP but after the verdict, I knew that MKP would clean up for us.
Today is a day to be very joyous but in one corner of my mind, I feel uncomfortable because of the misfortune that happened today.
MKP was in an unfavourable position when the game disconnected and on such a major stage, careful consideration was needed. Meanwhile, if it really were a case where MKP had no chance of coming back, we were ready to admit STParting’s victory. We checked the replay with this mindset. Checking the replay, it seemed that an overwhelming victory in favour of Parting could not be determined and MKP stood a chance.
I ask GomTV to release the replay so that there is no misunderstanding. If Startale or the fans think that Parting deserved a win, I will resign as team Prime’s coach.

If you were to pick this season’s winning factor?

I’ve already said in a previous interview, but if our team didn’t win, it would have been for my lack of talent. I believed in my players that much and they all worked so hard under hard conditions. Coming to Las Vegas meant that the players had trouble overcoming jet lag but all the players did their best til the end which is why we won today.

MKP was sent out earlier than expected

As BboongBboong lost in set 3, I decided use a Terran. Parting was catching momentum so he needed to be stopped. I could have potentially sent out GhostKing or Marineking but in the end decided that MKP stood the best chance of winning so after a discussion with the two players, MKP was decided to play.

With this season’s victory, you have achieved what you could not last season finishing in second place. Now, Prime only needs to be recognised as one of the greats.

Our team was established during the best days so I think we are indeed one of the greats. We did fall a bit behind the other teams during the beta even while posting some results with select key players such as MKP but we could never set up that image as one of the most powerful teams.
However, I never once thought our team was weak. Our players knew that our team was strong so they played with pride. We were finally able to show our true selves this season.

If you had to pick an MVP for this season’s victory?

Every single member of our team worked to hold this victory in our hands. The biggest factor was MKP. Despite being young, he’s playing a huge role in our team and is very mature. His goals and aspirations as a gamer are also grand. Prime has a lot more to show and with MKP’s MLG wins and today’s GSTL victory, I think it has begun.

If there’s anything you want to improve for next season to defend your title

While Prime did win this season, there’s a lot to work on. Every player has to work hard to realise their own dreams. Also, we need to build up our Protoss line up around Creator. We have ClassicPrime but he is not enough both skill and results wise. If we bolster our Protoss line up, we will do great next season too.

Anything to add

First and foremost, I want to thank the fans who are supporting Prime and eSports even overseas. I am grateful to my players who believed in me and followed me. I cannot take credit for any of this. It was my players who made this possible. We will use this victory as a stepping stone for greater things in the future.
I want to thank TteSports and OCZ who made it possible for us to come to Las Vegas. Also, I want to thank the GomTV staff and the fans who came to cheer us on.

Your game against Parting resulted in a regame verdict because of a disconnect

In the game in question, I was ahead until the midgame but because of carelessness, I was about to be overtaken. As I was fighting my heart out trying to come back, the disconnect occurred. This was the first time I’ve experienced this as a progamer so I was dismayed and bewildered.
Even after the regame verdict, I couldn’t bring myself together. I think I began the regame with a numb mind. Afterwards, I gathered myself and finally played properly.

Your game against bomber was a nail-biter ending in a base trade

After my regame against Parting, my head was filled with a million thoughts. It was a really hard time and that’s why I was so lost. I think that’s why the game was so hard.
In that moment of being driven into a corner and seeing Bomber do his mule ceremony, I made up my mind. The only way I could make it up to the fans was to try my very best. So, I made sure to concentrate and work towards my team’s victory, and this resulted in our win.

With this season’s victory, you have claimed all most-win titles

During my progaming career, I have gone through both peaks and slumps. During the hard times, I worried to myself if I would ever be as good as I once was but nowadays, I believe that I can be.
Always taking second place, my image as a second place player was becoming set and I myself felt like I hit a wall and could never take first place. But lately, even I feel that my momentum is strong and the other players seem to acknowledge this. With this, I am posting results in various tournaments. With today’s victory, I am convinced I can become the greatest player in Starcraft 2.

Mike Morhaime picked you as his favourite player

There are so many people who like me. I even feel like I am undeserving of so much love and support. However, I just want to say there’s more that I want to show my fans. I will put everything on the line so that I can live up to the expectations of my fans.

Your escape from the Kong line is imminent

GSL, wait for me! I will take this season’s victor’s trophy. I am more confident than in any other season. I can feel the victory.

You will compete in the round of 8 in IPL4 straight away tomorrow

I grew as a player even as I played today. It now feels weird to be losing. I can win against anyone.

If you were to pick rivals for IPL4?

If I beat Nestea and Polt, I will win no matter what

Anything to add?

The people in my mind right now are Prime members. It’s because I have been Prime for the longest. I want my team to celebrate and enjoy the fact that our team won.
I also want to thank the coach who led our team. He is the person I rely on the most in my progaming career and he is massive help. I need his help in the future too.
Working off this victory, I would like teammates to try even harder so that our team becomes the best and worthy of the name Prime.