EPTIt is well known fact that SC2 is a playground of Koreans. When a non-Korean progamer got a single set from Korean opponent, non-Korean fans acclaim and rave as if the foreign player won the tournament. Like this, winning against Korean player isn't something that happens just normally.
However, well, this time is different. We have three foreign players for 2016 KeSPA Cup; Neeb, MrineLorD and Nerchio. Especially, people around Nerchio put high expectation on him, because he's one of the best European Zerg,
There's a reason for this phenomenon; In a online tournament that held in few weeks ago, Nechio won 6 named Koreans in a row and achieved 8 consecutive wins. Moreover, Nerchio showed his self-confidence, saying he can have a match with Korean players.
Q. I heard it's your first visit to Korea. I want to hear your feelings and self-introduction.
My nickname is Nerchio, and I have been playing SC2 pro scene for 6 years.
At first, It was just a diversion. However, as my skills improved, I had fun and started my career.
My first impression about Korea is fine; I've visited China 3 times and that's my only experience of Asian countries. Frankly, I do not have any good memories because of food. However, Korea looks like a bit more westernised and that's satisfying. I'm expecting some Korean cuisine too.
Q. Back in times, Stephano and Vortix was considered the best foreign Zerg players. Now people count Scarlett, Nerchio and Snute . Any opinion?
Agree. But I'd like to count Elazer too. He`s a polish Zerg player and he's quite good. Anyway, I can say me and Snute is the best in EU; we have careers and practice a lot. Sometime we suffer slump, but everyone has highs and lows.
Q. Who are your foreign friends among progamers?
Elazer, because he's polish and we both play Zerg. Sometimes we have a discussion about strategy things. However, I'm not on friendly terms with him, nor any other players. Maybe it is because I regard other players as competitors.
Q. Do you see Korean leagues often?
I watch most Zerg plays if possible in order to get Korean players' trend and builds. I`m trying to learn everything I can.
Q. You brought a sensation by beating ByuN, Maru, Creator, MyungSik and Rogue and achieved 8 consecutive wins.
Not even I expected that I'd hit a winning streak that much. At first I thought I could got Byun for one time; but as the winning streak continues, I became confident and lost my fear against Korean players.
Q. You said you couldn't find any Zerg player but you who could win KeSPA Cup. That's quite badass.
I changed my mind after watching Crossfinals (laugh). I knew Solar was good, but didn't know Solar was that good. Well, He was soooo good. If Zerg wins the tournament, It'll be rather Solar than me.
Q. What is the biggest difference between Korean and foreign Zerg?
Koreans definitely have better physical abilities. However I think foreign zerg players are more creative. In early days of LotV, Korean Zerg seemed weak; maybe it was because Korean Terran players were strong. However, Zerg players lost against Terran players all the same time. Since then, I stopped copying them and created my own style. It seems Korean Zerg players overtook meta now.
Q. Tell me your best players per race.
Dark is the best Zerg. Mvp is absolutely the best Terran in WoL. Though Maru is good, but his career does not say so. Since every Korean Protoss is strong, I cannot say a particular name.
Q. You're in Group D with Maru, Patience and Classic. People say it is the group of death; who do you expect most?
Actually, I wanted to face Zerg because I've played ZvZ a lot. It seems hard because there're two Protoss in the group. I've won against Maru but I cannot guarantee victory if I face him again.
Q. Any words?
I had bad results every time when I played in China. That burdens me, because the perception toward foreigners would be strengthen if I fail again. However, I'll change that perception through getting good results.
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