EPT
Writer: XXTN
Translator: James
Graphics: Meru
Editor: lichter
The Ro8 of WCS AM was recently decided after the conclusion of the Group of Death, and the brackets could not have gone any better. With no mirror matchups in the quarter finals, the ultimate season of the year is destined to be an interesting conclusion to another incredible year of games. With 6 Koreans through to the playoffs, this could be the last time we see such domination with stricter region locking planned for 2015. HuK and Scarlett remain as the two local heroes fighting to become the first foreigner WCS champion.
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/lichter/WCSAM/2014/season3/2014s3ro8.jpg)
The titleholders of Seasons 1 and 2 proved superior to their more seasoned opponents, showing the vast difference between weekenders and preparation based leagues. We were able to speak with them to discuss their success and their plans for this season and their thoughts on 2015.
Pigbaby on the Cut
How did you come up with the ID of Pigbaby?
In Broodwar days, I had a friend who went with the ID of Dogbaby so we just decided to go with Dogbaby and Pigbaby.
You just defeated Jaedong and Taeja to reach the WCS Ro8, are you feeling right now?
I’m so happy that I was able to make it to the Ro8
So you defeated Taeja again in today’s rematch, what’s your secret?
I didn’t specifically prepare for Taeja. I think it’s a matter of style differences. I just played as I would normally do against Terran and I’m happy that I was able to win.
You will be facing Bomber next in a rematch of last season’s finals. Any thoughts about that matchup?
I have the experience of being in the finals last season, and if I can beat him once, who says I can’t do it again? Last time, it was a huge mountain to climb and I expect the same this time.
With today’s results, you are one step closer to qualifying for Blizzcon. If you make it, who would you like to face the most?
My Blizzcon chances aren’t written in stone yet so it’s too early to say at this point.
It’s hard to qualify for Blizzcon based solely on Premier League performances, so do you plan on traveling to more international tournaments in 2015?
At this moment, I’m still looking to join a foreign team so I want to attend more foreign tournaments next year. In 2015, I want to guarantee a spot at Blizzcon early enough so I don’t have to worry about it like I am right now.
To wrap up with a silly question, would you rather fight one bear-sized hamster or 100 hamster-sized bears?
I would rather fight 100 hamster-sized bears because I can just step on them.
HyuN on being #1
You just advance in first place from the group of death, how are you feeling right now?
I imagined the group of death would be tough, and turns out I was right. I am very relieved and happy that I was able to make it out in first place.
You’ll be going up against HuK in the next round, any thoughts on that matchup?
I have played HuK several times before and all I have are happy memories. Still, I will prepare well despite our past results and I hope we can show some good games.
As the current #1 seed for Blizzcon, do you feel any pressure to win it all?
No pressure at all, but my main goal for the rest of the season is to maintain that #1 position. And when I get to Blizzcon, I’m going to make sure I show to the fans and players that this is why I am number one and this is why I am HyuN.
You mentioned you want to maintain your number one spot, so does that mean you will be traveling to as many WCS events as possible?
I have the advantage of living in Europe so if there’s a tournament near where I live, there’s no reason not to go. But, I also don’t want to attend too many and tire myself out.
You’ve traveled to a lot of foreign tournaments this year and you almost always place very highly. How do you consistently maintain such good form?
I’ve always thought I was that one player who could go to any tournament and do well, but recently, I’ve had some early exits and I can only blame myself. Today, I did well and I want to maintain that form till at least the end of this month.
So you can’t just go Stephano-style and win without much practice?
No, I am very different from Stephano and I think it’s easy to lose form without proper practice. I practice at every chance I get. Unlike other progamers, I don’t play any games other than Starcraft because I do have mandatory military service which means I don’t have time to distract myself.
Have you given any thought to the proposed WCS changes in 2015, and will that affect your living situation?
Right now, I still have Blizzcon ahead of me so I am purely focused on that. I will start planning for next year, be it WCS EU or GSL, after Blizzcon. This will most likely be my last WCS America.
Ending with the same question I asked Pigbaby: would you rather fight one bear-sized hamster or 100 hamster-sized bears?
Whichever one is more delicious because I like to eat.
