After an inspiring run through the GSL Code S bracket, NaNiwa sits down with Seltzer of CyberSportsNetwork to discuss the practice and enviornment at StarTale house that has enabled him to reach a new level on understanding for the game.
He touches on the evolution of his friendship with teammate SaSe and their dual navigation of the tumultuous player-contracting landscape. He believes boths are now assets to the StarTale GSTL bench and shares hows they support one another and the team, as well as their feelings of connectedness to each other and StarTale as a whole.
Also discussed are his feelings towards Thorzain's title of 'King of the North," his ever-growing fanbase dubbed "Fan-iwas" by Artosis, and the partnetship forged between Vile and Quantic that could bring Illusion to Korea.
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
First time in the new GSL format, so I guess it counts.
Shame startale has some sick sick protoss players who are probably considered ahead of naniwa. Really puts a dent in his chances to play gstl atm imo. Good to see that it looks like naniwa is growing as a person and a player!
Keep training hard and even more results will come!
Nice interview, I'd be eager to see more of those Also, I'm beginning to like NaNiWa more & more and I really hope (more) success comes to him in the near future!
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
Jinro lost in a few base trades(MKP favored Bio TvT) and those games were not completely one sided. Jinro stomped in the GSL before hitting MKP. I agree that NaNiwa's run was more impressive but don't take anything away from Jinro's run. He earned his Ro4 and it still hasn't been done since, regardless of format.
Man has NaNiwa really come a long way. It's incredible to see what kind of progress Korea has had on his mentality. I really really hope he can get far in the next GSL again. He seems to deserve it
To just want to keep going, after all the work he has put in... that is why this guy is so awesome. Even with all his BS, this guy is a fucking hero... I wouldn't trade Naniwa for anyone! Keep it up!
Great Interview, NaNi has always been my favourite protoss. There's never been a dull moment with him in the scene, been fun to watch his career develop!
"We [NaNiwa and SaSe] were basically looking for a team, and I told every team that came to me that my requirement was that he was also, coming with me. I didn't want to go anywhere without him. So I won't leave him behind "
On May 15 2012 13:49 Empirimancer wrote: Stephano an advanced version of Idra! So says Naniwa.
Good interview.
He is completely right. I've been saying this for a while now, with Stephano's current play he will get nowhere in the GSL. If you are a Stephano fan you don't have to believe me, just wait.
Going to bed thinking about the game, dreamin about it, then waking up and playing 3 games before you eat. Serious, focused training too. This is how Koreans LIVE, and he was loving it! Awesome. I hope Naniwa gets really into this, seems to have a great attitude and real natural talent- very inspiring.
On May 15 2012 15:01 brokenLoL wrote: No offense but I think Johan and Kim are gay. Nothing wrong with that but isn't gay marriage banned (or at least frowned upon) in Korea?
As far as I know they've both openly joked about it but have stated that they are straight, and even if same sex marriage is banned that doesn't mean you can't reside there...
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
with the new format and the increase of good players i think its quite unprecedented
That was a really fantastic interview with Naniwa, much more open and chatty than he normally is. He really dishes quite a bit of information, like discussion on his pairing with Sase and how it plays into his looking around for another team. How they practise in the GSTL and that he might be in a place to do something for his team this season. A really great interview.
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
naniwa's run wasn't very impressive either if want look at the games. He took out 2 very tvp players and won 2 pvp. And as u know any top protoss can beat any other top protoss in pvp on any given day
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
naniwa's run wasn't very impressive either if want look at the games. He took out 2 very tvp players and won 2 pvp. And as u know any top protoss can beat any other top protoss in pvp on any given day
Nah Genius and Puzzle couldn't beat Naniwa on those given days are you suggesting Genius and Puzzle aren't top protoss players?
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
naniwa's run wasn't very impressive either if want look at the games. He took out 2 very tvp players and won 2 pvp. And as u know any top protoss can beat any other top protoss in pvp on any given day
Nah Genius and Puzzle couldn't beat Naniwa on those given days are you suggesting Genius and Puzzle aren't top protoss players?
Rachel looks at progamers like cute little fuzzy bears.
Awesome interview. Naniwa is so honest. I thought it was really sad that before GSL he tweeted a lot about how much practice he has done and that he can't wait for the games vs MVP and the next days he gets rolled by MVP in a rape fashion.
this was the first time i've seen Naniwa in an interview and i read he gives some of the most uninteresting responses, but I didn't think this was the case with this one. fairly insightful, and entertaining interview.
On May 15 2012 17:07 ceaRshaf wrote: I thought it was really sad that before GSL he tweeted a lot about how much practice he has done and that he can't wait for the games vs MVP and the next days he gets rolled by MVP in a rape fashion.
It's probably the best thing that could have happened to him. He's got a lesson from the master himself, next time he'll prepare differently.
On May 15 2012 18:24 JacobShock wrote: awesome interview =D
Don't mean to be rude, but did Rachel get a breast enlargment? Or maybe I've never really noticed them before now.
I dont know how to put it without being completely improper, but yes, she seems enhanced in that area. Anyway, the best female (or simply the best) interviewer in the scene right now, doesnt hurt she's nice to look at!
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
naniwa's run wasn't very impressive either if want look at the games. He took out 2 very tvp players and won 2 pvp. And as u know any top protoss can beat any other top protoss in pvp on any given day
That's just bullshit. The Koreans play PvP on another level it has never been the matchup that made it possible for foreigners to get easy wins against Korean players.
if you whern't a fan of naniwa before, after watching this it's impossible to not be. He cares so much, and tries so hard, he devotes EVERYTHING into this, he's true passion.
it's also amazing how much he's matured as a player in the last 6 months, it seems sase is the best thing that ever happened to him.
interesting seeing naniwa criticize stephano for predictability, when mvp annihilated him SOLELY because he was a predictable player himself. not saying he's a hypocrite, maybe that's something he's become aware of and worked on.
Hardly criticizing, and also ofc Mvp had his number, and showed again vs PartinG that he got a killer instinct almost unmatched, but stop judging players or styles after 1 series,.. Tough enough to watch Khaldor do this week in and week out, regardless of player in question.
this was a really nice interview and i think it's very good for his image. i wasn't always a "faniwa" [really ?] but he proved he is a hard worked and very goal oriented player ! grats to him !
On May 15 2012 23:29 crocodile wrote: interesting seeing naniwa criticize stephano for predictability, when mvp annihilated him SOLELY because he was a predictable player himself. not saying he's a hypocrite, maybe that's something he's become aware of and worked on.
I'm sure he has been aware of that a long time, remember MLG Providence finals against Leenock?
On May 15 2012 23:27 Bodzilla wrote: if you whern't a fan of naniwa before, after watching this it's impossible to not be. He cares so much, and tries so hard, he devotes EVERYTHING into this, he's true passion.
it's also amazing how much he's matured as a player in the last 6 months, it seems sase is the best thing that ever happened to him.
fun interview, i think lots of people sometimes miss understand him, one thing forsure is no one wants to win more than Nani, hes going to lots of fun to watch in the next couple of seasons hopefully!
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
I know there is some truth to this and I'm a Naniwa fan but I just have to say I often feel bad when people downplay some accomplishments simply because they happened long ago and things have changed since then. Remember that Jinro of that time was really the Jinro of that time and as such he was the product of that same era without the advantage of knowing how we "do things better" nowadays. He was the product of that time and so that time gap did not only affect his opponents. Sure, compared to nowadays the general skill level might be lower but nevertheless that was the environment where Jinro of that time practiced and bested so many of his Korean contemporaries.
I guess on one hand I agree that the competition has become more fierce, player amounts higher, margins smaller and I am in awe of Naniwa but on the other hand I truly think at the time Jinro was really "on fire" and did something spectacular. Twice.
Hardly criticizing, and also ofc Mvp had his number, and showed again vs PartinG that he got a killer instinct almost unmatched, but stop judging players or styles after 1 series,.. Tough enough to watch Khaldor do this week in and week out, regardless of player in question.
You might want to look up the definition of the word 'criticism.' I'm not judging him after one series and you can't know that I am, so why make yourself sound stupid?
On May 15 2012 12:54 MagicalGirl wrote: I love Naniwa and this interview is great, but "unprecedented run through GSL Code S" is kind of false isn't it? Jinro has made Ro4, right?
Jinro's run was a lot less impressive to me, not to take anything away from him, but it was at a time when foreigners were able to take games off quite convincingly and Jinro played pretty cheesy and not against super good opponents. Like I think it was against Marineking in Ro4 after that when Jinro got absolutely obliterated, it was like watching a low masters play grandmasters player, and it was a thor one base all-in or some proxy stuff mostly every game that he won.
Naniwa's run is VERY impressive. Much more impressive than the games from Jinro imo.
I know there is some truth to this and I'm a Naniwa fan but I just have to say I often feel bad when people downplay some accomplishments simply because they happened long ago and things have changed since then. Remember that Jinro of that time was really the Jinro of that time and as such he was the product of that same era without the advantage of knowing how we "do things better" nowadays. He was the product of that time and so that time gap did not only affect his opponents. Sure, compared to nowadays the general skill level might be lower but nevertheless that was the environment where Jinro of that time practiced and bested so many of his Korean contemporaries.
I guess on one hand I agree that the competition has become more fierce, player amounts higher, margins smaller and I am in awe of Naniwa but on the other hand I truly think at the time Jinro was really "on fire" and did something spectacular. Twice.
I completely agree, it's pointless to try to take away from accomplishments because they happened in the past not just in Sc2.
EPT![[image loading]](http://quanticgaming.com/uploads/article_images/razerbanner1.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/B6hhd.jpg)
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![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/8F5gK.jpg)
Also, I'm beginning to like NaNiWa more & more and I really hope (more) success comes to him in the near future!
are you suggesting Genius and Puzzle aren't top protoss players?
