So Bobhund at Rakaka.se did a really good interview with Naniwa at Dreamhack that I really liked. So I decided to do my best at translating it to english. For your amusement! This is the first time I do something like this, so please tell me if you like it and I will definitely do more of these!
Also, I'm sorry in advance for any typos or confusion!
I: Bobhund from Rakaka.se reporting in, I'm here with Naniwa who unfortunately just went out of the tournament, how does it feel?
N: It doesn't feel too bad, I knew it could happen, I haven't practiced against Zerg for about a month cause I've only been playing against Terrans and Protoss in GSL. It still feels really bad of course, since I know I'm the better player, it just feels like.. I knew these maps would be played here but I went here anyways. I didn't think it would be as big of a problem as it was.
I: Yeah, we can get back to the maps later, I wanted to ask you about why you went here. You could have gone to spring arena, MLG. Why did you chose to come here?
N: Well, Sweden is where I'm from so that was a big factor. It's fun to come to Sweden as often as possible as I live in Korea, it's nice to speak your native language for once. And Asus wanted us to go here rather then to MLG, so it was either going to MLG alone, or come here with SaSe. And that felt like the better option. As well as being able to relax a bit here in Sweden before GSL.
I: You've said that you don't really care about what the fans say, except for the Swedish fans, why are the Swedish fans so much more important to you?
N: It feels like the international fans are more of fair weather fans, if you do well, you're the best and everyone loves you, but as soon as you do bad you get a hate-thread with 600 comments, that's what HuK got, and still he's one of the most loved players, which is just absurd. But from what I've seen on Rakaka and so on, I've always been supported by the Swedish fans. It's always nice to have a website you can go to and read without just reading a ton of shit.
I: Yeah I agree. You've been at a lot of Dreamhacks, and you say you love the Swedish fans. Would it be bigger for you to win a Swedish tournament rather then any other tournament. Or doesn't it really matter to you?
N: Oh yeah, that's one of my dreams I guess. I would much, much rather win a Dreamhack than an MLG for example. It would feel incredible to be able to stand at the top with the trophy in Sweden, with all the Swedish fans cheering, it would be incredible, but unfortunately that haven't happened yet.
I: As I said, you were just eliminated from the tournament, you talked a bit about the maps. What kind of maps did Dreamhack chose and how has it affected you?
N: Both me, SaSe and a lot of other progamers had a lot of complaints about the maps before we got here, we contacted “Hugge” who is the head admin here but we never got any assistance about it. He just said that's how it is and that it was nothing he was gonna change about it. And finally we were told that he was gonna modify the maps with supply depos and “space sharks” to solve the problems. So I guess that's when we realized the admins weren't very competent, but it was too late at the time.
I: Yeah SaSe said something similar when I talked to him at IPL. You said it was nice to be back in Sweden, has there been a lot of fans, interviews etc? Do you feel like a real star when you're here?
N: I wouldn't say I feel like a star. But there has been a lot more people now then before, of course. And that's always fun, but I never played to become famous, it's always just been a bonus. I get annoyed in USA with fans swarming you, but here it's fun. I think that's cause I'm not used to how people act in USA, they are a lot more “forward” and they always speak their mind. But it's mostly nice.
I: We can talk about something fun, GSL. You're trough to ro8 now, and you're gonna play MVP. I was thinking we could go back to the start of this GSL, when you were placed in the same group as MVP, Puzzle and Ryung. How did it feel before the tournament started? What did you think about your chances to advance?
N: To be honest with you I only practiced to win one map. I had lost code A three times, I just didn't want to embarrass myself. So if I just win one map I can at least say I gave it my best in the hardest league there is. But it seems like that attitude, not caring as much, removed all nervousness and made it possible for me to play as normal. So this resulted in me making good decisions, and at the end I felt at home in the GSL so I kept playing well.
I: Yeah, you beat Puzzle 2-1 and Ryung 2-0 and advanced. A lot of gifs were made after this, the double fist pump etc, and you looked really happy, and everyone at home was of course really happy for you! So if you went in expecting to win one map, and then advanced from the group, how did this feel after your victory? Did it feel unreal or...
N: Yeah absolutely, I got back to the ST house and I felt nothing, I didn't even think I had won, I didn't understand what had happened. But as I got in the house Bomber and the other guys high fived me so, it seems like I won! I didn't really realize it until I read TL, it did indeed feel unreal. It was just like when I won MLG, I just remember going home, feeling nothing. And then I read about it and I saw that I had won, which made me feel that I actually won.
I: So to continue on the unreal stuff, the next group play. That's when you beat Genius and Virus 2-0. When you went into this second group play did you have any more confidence?
N: Not really, I felt that out of the 16 that was left, I was the worst player. That's what I thought at least. And I wasn't surprised when I was picked first either. I thought to myself, alright Genius got second last GSL he's an amazing player, he has been in code S for two years now and it's not surprising that he picked me. When I was gonna play, all I had in my mind was which build to use while trying to stay calm, as well asking the Startale guys for some tips, I came up with a few ideas how I was going to play. And everything went exactly as I planned, it felt amazing!
I: SaSe came running into your booth after the game after the win. How important is SaSe to you? Both when it comes to practice and on a personal level, how important is it to have someone to talk Swedish to, over in Korea?
N: It's very, very important. I used to live on my own in the MVP house, and I was almost never at the house, I went out and met other friends as often as possible, like five times a week. So I barely got any practice. When you're that alone you can't really practice well either. I guess you could say me and SaSe have become best friends, we both think it's great to hang out with each other and it never gets boring. SaSe is perfect to me when it comes to practice as well, he practices a ton, and I'm more of a slacker. But when I see him play I get motivated to practice.
I: That's great to hear. Let's talk about ro8 and MVP, who haven't been all too impressive this season, he got second in both his groups for example. What do you think about your chances?
N: I have this rule, that I don't predict games before I play. But to be realistic I think I have an OK chance at beating him. I don't think he's that much better then Ryung or Virus. What I've seen from him in TvP this season he haven't been unbeatable. I will just do what I always do, prepare as much as possible. If I win, I win.
I: We all hope that you'll beat Jinros ro4 record and get to the finals! Do you have anything you'd like to say, shoutouts etc?
N: Thanks to Asus for flying us out here. And well... Thanks to SaSe for being funny, so that I'm not bored when I'm out of the tournament, I'm just sorry to all the Swedish fans that I still can't get far in a Dreamhack tournament. I just really hope Dreamhack starts listening to the players, or else the players will eventually pick other tournaments over Dreamhack.
I: I'm sure all of E-sport Sweden wishes you the best of luck in GSL, bye!
Ah Nani, went from the dude who beat the at the time best zerg in the world to being crushed by Zerg and not having a clue how to beat them. So strange to see.
N: I wouldn't say I feel like a star. But there has been a lot more people now then before, of course. And that's always fun, but I never played to become famous, it's always just been a bonus. I get annoyed in USA with fans swarming you, but here it's fun. I think that's cause I'm not used to how people act in USA, they are a lot more “forward” and they always speak their mind. But it's mostly nice.
Yeah I've seen him at MLG Anaheim and he was a dick when he lost lol. But then I've seen TLO wasn't better so I guess they were pretty emo.
I: You've said that you don't really care about what the fans say, except for the Swedish fans, why are the Swedish fans so much more important to you?
N: It feels like the international fans are more of fair weather fans, if you do well, you're the best and everyone loves you, but as soon as you do bad you get a hate-thread with 600 comments, that's what HuK got, and still he's one of the most loved players, which is just absurd. But from what I've seen on Rakaka and so on, I've always been supported by the Swedish fans. It's always nice to have a website you can go to and read without just reading a ton of shit.
Okay this really clarified a lot for me. Thank you for the interview.
I haven't had this effect myself, as I've always really liked Nani, but I see it and I understand his feelings.
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
There is a little bit of Lost in Translation here. NaNiwa is not really saying that Americans are especially rude or something, he's just saying that you are more forward, not afraid to approach him and ask for autographs and such. Swedes can be kind of shy generally speaking, so we wont approach someone in the same way or as often.
Yeah I've seen him at MLG Anaheim and he was a dick when he lost lol. But then I've seen TLO wasn't better so I guess they were pretty emo.
and I guess you are a prick. What do you expect, they just lost an important game, do you think they'll run around all smiles?
There's no need for name calling.
It's just a culture difference. Naniwa comes from Sweden where people are very reserved and sometimes even too respectful Whereas American's (from my experience) are quite a bombastic people. Different strokes for different folks is all =)
Yeah I've seen him at MLG Anaheim and he was a dick when he lost lol. But then I've seen TLO wasn't better so I guess they were pretty emo.
and I guess you are a prick. What do you expect, they just lost an important game, do you think they'll run around all smiles?
Maybe you should reread and make sure you understand what was said before you call someone a prick for it. You guys just said the same thing: that people aren't in great moods when they lose, no matter who they are.
I sincerely hope that "huggie" really did say space sharks would be added to fix any problems with the map...it would make my day for its ridiculousness.
Naniwa, I like rooting for you and all, but please realize not all of your fans are fair-weather fans. We'll root for you whether you win or lose, and even when you say you don't care about us. But many of us aren't as vocal about your loses as the haters are, so it may appear their are a lot of fair-weather fans but just realize that's not the case.
On April 23 2012 07:34 ronpaul012 wrote: Naniwa, I like rooting for you and all, but please realize not all of your fans are fair-weather fans. We'll root for you whether you win or lose, and even when you say you don't care about us. But many of us aren't as vocal about your loses as the haters are, so it may appear their are a lot of fair-weather fans but just realize that's not the case.
I tend to think that there are some young people on here who 1) Like to troll and do it whenever any popular player loses 2) are just hateful people who insult anyone who they don't love, and since haters are typically louder with their opinions it comes off like they form a good portion of the crowd. It's quite sad watching people flame young players like Huk/Naniwa etc.
Was a great interview, I guess NaNiwa might have some trouble expressing himself in english, coz he sounds a lot more reasonable, smart and thoughtful in swedish
Nice interview, also kinda made me happy to see national pride on display. Wonder if he's pleased with the finals results.
One thing I really wouldn't mind seeing more of is a national indentity thing going on, we have "West vs East" and NA/Euro/Korea somewhat, but for example I'll always cheer for Demuslim as he's a Brit and pretty much all we've got (helps that he's an awesome guy). Couldn't help but smile when Nani said he went to DH as its his home, over MLG.
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
American and using the word "arse"? I call bs xDDD
I like how he puts down American fans and then notices he fucked up in the interview... then goes back and says it's because of cultural differences.
LOL JK
err.. what else would it be.. genetics? :D People from the US are a LOT louder and "in your face" than swedes. It's just the way it is. In Sweden you don't talk to people you don't know, period. Doesn't matter if it's a celebrity or a junkie, you leave people the f alone.
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
There is a little bit of Lost in Translation here. NaNiwa is not really saying that Americans are especially rude or something, he's just saying that you are more forward, not afraid to approach him and ask for autographs and such. Swedes can be kind of shy generally speaking, so we wont approach someone in the same way or as often.
He may be referring to bandwagon fans that go nuts and expect a championship after a 2 game winning streak, and act as if the sky is falling and everyone on the team should be fired after a 2 game losing streak.
I'd imagine a lot of sports fans in the US are like that. It's like that up here in Canada. You should hear all the Leafs fans' ankles breaking from jumping on and off the Blue Jays bandwagon constantly
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
American and using the word "arse"? I call bs xDDD
I like how he puts down American fans and then notices he fucked up in the interview... then goes back and says it's because of cultural differences.
LOL JK
Thats not how he said it though, he said in a very respectful manner and didn't really imply that Americans are rude or anything. rather, as mentioned earlier in thread, pointing out that American fans are more straight forward than Swedish fans. No American should take offense of this because it was certainly not said in a negative way.
I'd imagine a lot of sports fans in the US are like that. It's like that up here in Canada. You should hear all the Leafs fans' ankles breaking from jumping on and off the Blue Jays bandwagon constantly
Hey come on, I love the Jays through their 3rd/4th place finishes Maybe that's just the hipster in me though. I don't know, I think people are slightly less outgoing in Canada, despite the fact it's not too too different.. maybe Nani would be fine with a tournament hosted here? O:
Nice interview though, as always with Nani. Thank you very much for the translation.
On April 23 2012 07:45 Presidenten wrote: Was a great interview, I guess NaNiwa might have some trouble expressing himself in english, coz he sounds a lot more reasonable, smart and thoughtful in swedish
Indeed he does. I had actually never heard him speak Swedish before, and his accent kiinda surprised me. Which is odd really, as I hadn't ever thought about which part of the country he was from before, but somehow it did.
He's very right regarding hot and cold "fan" reactions. SC2 especially has some very fickle fans who will turn on someone the instant they hit a bump of some kind.
On April 23 2012 10:30 SovSov wrote: he is annoyed by swarming USA fans? i wonder if a lot of players feel this way.
I imagine Naniwa is probably in the minority on that one. I don't know if it's the language barrier, but every interview I see or read about him, he comes off as pretty anti-social. That in and of itself would be enough to not enjoy being swarmed by fans, but it gets multiplied when it's people of different cultures, language, etc. I completely understand it as I'm not exactly the most social person myself.
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
American and using the word "arse"? I call bs xDDD
I like how he puts down American fans and then notices he fucked up in the interview... then goes back and says it's because of cultural differences.
LOL JK
err.. what else would it be.. genetics? :D People from the US are a LOT louder and "in your face" than swedes. It's just the way it is. In Sweden you don't talk to people you don't know, period. Doesn't matter if it's a celebrity or a junkie, you leave people the f alone.
On April 23 2012 07:10 dnld12 wrote: IM from USA and i agree with Naniwa. We're kind of arses sometimes. But i still support Nani :D
American and using the word "arse"? I call bs xDDD
I like how he puts down American fans and then notices he fucked up in the interview... then goes back and says it's because of cultural differences.
LOL JK
err.. what else would it be.. genetics? :D People from the US are a LOT louder and "in your face" than swedes. It's just the way it is. In Sweden you don't talk to people you don't know, period. Doesn't matter if it's a celebrity or a junkie, you leave people the f alone.
Can you kidnap me and let me live in Sweden?
What are you? A goddamn pokemon? :D Just go here if you want.
On April 23 2012 11:42 VoirDire wrote: He looks much more relaxed than in his english interviews. Bobhund is a good interviewer.
I think it's interesting that that a lot of players complain about the DH starcraft admins. Last DH summer naniwa threatened to kill one of them :D
if you're going to make such serious accusations, atleast back it up with some proof/source
Quoting myself from another thread:
On April 10 2012 06:19 VoirDire wrote: Some background information.
I believe Hellspawn is the SC2-admin at Dreamhack which SaSe was referring to. Hellspawn is also one of the editors of rakaka (the site that did the interview) and one of their most prolific bloggers. I think that's why SaSe chuckled
Hellspawn (and rakaka) isn't exactly universally liked by the swedish SC2-scene. Naniwa apparently threatened to kill Hellspawn last dreamhack.
Hellspawn used to post on TL whenever rakaka published an sc2-interview. I wonder why he didn't chose to promote this one :D
On April 23 2012 07:45 Presidenten wrote: Was a great interview, I guess NaNiwa might have some trouble expressing himself in english, coz he sounds a lot more reasonable, smart and thoughtful in swedish
This^ It's like a whole new person, he seems so much more comfortable
Was wondering why the Koreans didn't speak a word of English yesterday, but seeing how Nani endears people, simply by being able to speak more freely in his native tongue, the may very well have been right. Otherwise they'd have been curiosities like MC at the Home story cup, instead of focussing on their play and opinions.
What was up with the maps, with the admins? Redit articles rarely clarify anything, mostly just quips and shouts with very little wool
ty for the translation, he sorta looked (bad) at the start with some of the answers not caring about any of the non Swedish fans, but they were pretty biased questions.
aside from that I think his gaming mind is on par, anything to stay calm is a good thing.
On April 23 2012 12:39 Kira__ wrote: can't believe he wasnt punished for that
because the words and the real intent are worlds apart?
I could happily kill every noob that takes things out of context and turns it into some kind of drama.
I threatened to punch a guy in the pub the other night because he was pissed, didn't know us and wouldnt leave us alone. Had no intent of doing it but it sent a clear message of 'look enough nonsense, we have said we arn't interested are short of time and are in an important conversation, leave us alone' which the words i used just prior clearly didnt have.
Was I out of line? Probably, was he out of line? definatley ... did it make him go away with minimal annoyance? absolutley.
Was he offended? Nope, he apologised later on and we had a chat.
Threats of violence don't have to carry intent, they can however make an emotive point.
I love Nani because he seems one of the more genuine characters out there. Less of the pandering bullshit and more of the here is how it is, and i'm going to tell you how it is.
WCS
. ( 
