EPT![[image loading]](https://i.imgur.com/JH81CLR.jpg)
Q&A with Classic brought to you by AlphaX and Salad
Questions and editing by TheOneAboveU
Translation by DoubleDBChoi
Classic has made his eagerly anticipated return and we took a bit of time arranging this short Q&A as he prepares for his first GSL match back against Zest on Monday!
1. When you initially announced that you would be going to the military, you said that you would be considering whether to return as a progamer towards the end of your service. What made you decide to return to StarCraft 2?
A: Because I had been a StarCraft professional for over a decade, I couldn’t just hang it up easily. I occasionally watched StarCraft 2 while serving in the military and it looked fun and watching players winning championships induced me to accomplish the same feat again, which ultimately led to my decision to come back.
2. Comparing StarCraft 2 between when you left for the military and your return, what has – if anything – changed the most from your perspective?
A: It’s a shame that the events are being carried out without attendees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the magnitudes of the events have dwindled as well. However, I believe it’s going to be a lot of fun due to the presence of team leagues or analogous team-based events.
3. What has your approach been in the time you had to practice: Try builds you are still familiar with from back then, or have you been trying to emulate top players like Trap, who've held the Protoss flag high while you were gone? And perhaps more importantly: Has it been a fun experience getting back to a reasonably high level or was it more of a frustrating climb to you?
A: Initially, I tried things out my way but due to the nerf on chargelots, I couldn’t achieve the winning percentage (that I anticipated) when I am playing my previous play style. Therefore, I referred to Trap's and Zoun's plays while attempting to create my own builds that fit my style. However, it was a trying time filled with frustration because I wasn’t winning much, partly because of my absence from the game for a year and half. Nonetheless, it’s been fun these days as I have started to improve my skills and MMR points.
4. When you announced your return and asked teams to come to you with offers, what factor made you go with Alpha X?
A: I received offers from multiple teams. I contemplated a lot about it and out of those, Alpha X was very enthusiastic during the negotiation process and gave me the impression that it’s a solid organization that cares a lot about their players. Furthermore, an old friend and colleague, whom I was close with and who's been making a splash recently in Zoun is in the team as well, so I thought to myself that along with his help, if I could just do my job, then the results would naturally follow. I believe that this is a win-win scenario for all of us, which ultimately led to my decision to be part of Alpha X.
5. You've been reunited with former SKT1 team mate Zoun who was only a rookie then! What do you think of his return and rise in StarCraft 2 over the past year or so?
A: I’ve believed that he’s had the talent, but it was regrettable that he couldn’t show that in competitive events. But within the past year, he’s been making a splash and I believe he will continue to do so in the future.
6. You made it into GSL during your first qualifiers after your comeback – congratulations! What does it mean to you personally to qualify on your first attempt and how did it feel to once again compete on a high level with something at stake?
A: I was worried whether I can pass through the qualifiers due to my absence for a year and half and if I hadn’t made it through, I would’ve been a bit frustrated. It’s a relief that I was able to get through and because I haven’t regained my best shape yet, going up against top tier players isn’t that comfortable. Nevertheless, as long as I continue putting the work in, I believe I definitely have a shot against such players. Thus, I’ll keep grinding and try to present impressive performances in the near future.
Special thanks to Salad for supporting Classic and making this possible!
