EPT
Interviews by Mizenhauer; translated by verecunda
Maru: "Honestly, I'm not all that confident at the moment, but I'm practicing as hard as possible."
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/GSL/2025/codes1/maruro12.jpg)
TL.net: You just kicked off your 36th season of Code S. What's it like to be playing in GSL again?
Maru: I'm very happy that GSL is back. Personally, it feels more meaningful than usual since so much time has passed since the previous season and only 12 players qualified this time around.
What was your reaction once you heard that there would be two seasons this summer?
The other players and I were just as surprised as everyone else. We don't have as many seasons as in years past, but two is better than none.
It’s your first time playing offline in 2025. How does it feel to be back in the studio with the fans?
Like I said, it's been a long time since I last played in an offline event so I was really happy to be back in the FreecUP studio. A lot of fans showed up today which makes me feel extra motivated.
What kind of prep did you put into today's matches?
Most of my practice has been on the ladder.
What about the rest of the Korean scene?
I think some other players prefer custom matches, but nearly everyone is grinding the ladder.
There won't be much of a break between the following rounds. Is that going to affect your practice at all?
It won't impact my practice all that much. I'm focusing on my builds instead of planning for specific opponents.
You’ve spent almost half your life playing in GSL. What does it mean to you after all this time?
I started my career playing in GSL so it will always be special to me. I hope we'll get more seasons in the future. It would be sad to see it go.
Regarding the games today-Rogue went for the kind of Roach rush that has given you problems in the past. How were you able to defend so well and turn the game in your this time around?
I knew that I was behind, but I did my best to stay calm throughout. Once things had stabilized I knew I had a chance.
You're moving on to the Round of 8. How do you rate your chances going forward?
Honestly, I'm not all that confident at the moment, but I'm practicing as hard as possible. I believe that if I keep at it I can do well.
Anything you want to say to your foreign Fans?
I'm really grateful for all the support. I know there are a lot of fans overseas who are cheering for me. Their support is a big part of why I keep playing.
Rogue: "Trigger, especially, is very solid when you play him online, but I think the pressure really got to him tonight."
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/GSL/2025/codes1/roguero12.jpg)
TL.net: Congratulations on advancing. It's your first time in the Round of 8 since you won Code S in 2022. How does it feel?
Rogue: I've been back from military service for over a year and I'm feeling pretty confident. I wasn't all that worried about making it to the Round of 8, however. I'm more relieved than ecstatic.
You rank second all time with four Code S titles. Do you think you can get your fifth this season?
I'm not all that confident when it comes to ZvP, but I think my ZvT is really good. If I can get lucky and avoid herO and Classic I think I have a good chance of winning the whole thing.
You've been playing a lot of online events, but this is your first time playing offline in 2025. What's the biggest difference and how does it feel to be back in the studio with the fans?
The biggest difference when it comes to online versus offline has to be the pressure. When you're playing online for lower stakes it's easier to relax, but when you're in the studio there's a lot more tension. I have a lot of experience playing on big stages and I think it gives me a real edge. While my opponents seem nervous, I don't get caught up in the moment.
You mentioned you don't feel great about your ZvP, but you played quite well against Trigger and NightMare. Why do you think that is?
I think it came down to experience more than anything else. Trigger, especially, is very solid when you play him online, but I think the pressure really got to him tonight.
Now that you've advanced, how do you think you'll fare in the Round of 8?
I've been winning nearly every match I've played against ByuN as of late so I'm pretty certain I'll reach the winner's match. I've been having much more trouble against herO, but I like my chances if I end up playing against ByuN or Cure in the final match.
Is there anything you want to say to your foreign fans?
I want to thank everyone for their support and I’ll do my best to show you some entertaining games.
