EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/pachi/2020/2020_Banner.png)
Welcome to the second 20Q20A! SeleCT chose his team mate, SjoW, to be the next person to be interviewed - so here he is! SjoW is one of the strongest Terrans in Europe. He has posted numbers strong tournament results, in particular he made the Top 4 of the most recent TL Open. He has been signed as a player for Dignitas who flew him out to participate in MLG Raleigh where he finished 5th overall.
Let's get to know SjoW a little bit better:
1. What is your background, as a gamer?
I started playing Nintendo 8bit when I was 7 and I loved it. My love for games developed into a love for computer games, mainly Starcraft.
I remember how I could play for hours against the computer on Starcraft and never get tired of it. Later I started playing Warcraft 3.
That's where I started playing competitively when I realized you could make money through gaming. I played it semi professional for 3 years and quit 2007.
2. Which European country do you think is the strongest in SC2?
I would say Sweden, Germany and Ukraine are top3 atm.
There haven't been any major inter-national league so hard to say who is number 1.
3. How did you decide on playing Terran as a race?
I actually played Protoss at first, but I couldn't handle roaches (they were 1 supply back then) and I didn't use forcefield properly so I couldn't win vs Zerg back then.
I decided to switch to Terran mainly because of that but also because it suited my wc3 harass style more.
4. Tell us an interesting story about the Swedish SC2 scene
At the Inferno Online League #1 I was playing Morrow in the final. And right before the match he said: "Do you think you would deserve the win if you are victorious, because it would suck if you don't think you deserve it".
I replied "Yes, of course" and I was thinking who is this guy. He followed that up with another question: "you wont become better if you just cheese all the time". I replied: "I know."
He thought I was a cheeser and only managed to get to finals by cheese. But I proved him wrong by beating him 3-1 in straight up games.
Now I know that he wasn't intentionally being rude, and is a nice guy but with a different mindset.
I think its partly why he's such a great player. For example he's not satisfied with some games where he didn't play at his full potential, even if he won the game.
That's a mindset I'm trying to achieve since the only way to truly become the best.
5. What's your opinion about the 3 Warpgate/Voidray build in PvT?
Its pretty hard to handle if you don't scout it. That's why you should scout all usual proxy spots.
I like to send in a scouting Hellion into the Protoss base early instead of scanning, since it's cheaper. You will 100% find out what the Protoss is doing once you get into the base, compared to scanning where its not guaranteed you will see what the Protoss is doing especially if he's hiding his key buildings well.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/20Q20A/sjow1.jpg)
Picture credit: Team Dignitas
6. What do you think of the two new maps?
I'm very happy about new maps, the game needs changes once in awhile.
I haven't got a idea how good the new maps really is but they look much better than kulas and desert oasis at least.
7. What do you think the future holds for SC2?
Its gonna be huge! Just wait and see.
8. How do you feel about the new patch
I think most things were really good except that the Barracks now requires Supply Depot which is so bad since it completely destroys all potential rushes Terran can do, not that I like to cheese but I think it ruins the game a little.
9. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?
If I could pick any dead person I would eat with Bob Marley. Any living person I would pick the Dalai Lama.
10. Compared to other top SC2 gamers, you tend to scout significantly less than them. What is it about your style that allows you to get away with this?
I don't send out the early scout because I don't think it gets you any important information other than cheese. And even if you see cheese you wont change your build that much and it will still be equally hard to counter.
Because I don't scout I generally do safe builds that can handle any kind of early aggression. Sometimes I mixed it up though, if I see trends in a player's game. I do more risky builds if I think there's a high chance I can get away with it.
The lack of scouting isn't to compensate for my low apm. My low apm is something I'm trying to work on though I would like to average 120 without spam - then I'll be satisfied. I feel like I can't multitask optimally right now, but then again no one can yet.
11. What do you think about the ESL's efforts in the Nordic region?
Its really great, there are a lot of gamers in the Nordic region but it isn't accepted here yet so there's hardly any community or sponsorship here.
12. What's the worst injury you've ever had?
I damaged my shoulder at the gym.
13. What is your most memorable moment as a gamer?
My first wc3 LAN in Stockholm. Lots of people I met on the internet and the elite of Sweden attended
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/20Q20A/sjow2.jpg)
Picture credit: MLG
14. Do you have any other hobbies other than SC2?
I like MMA, Soccer, American Football - I don't do it in real life though.
15. (Select's question) When are you joining me in Korea!
GSL 3? ^^
16. What personal item could you not part with?
Cellphone
17. In a tournament which players do you look out for?
The players I think are good
18. Who would you like to be interviewed next, and what question would you like to ask them!
I would like to throw the ball to morrow, since he's an interesting person and also my number 1 nemesis in Sweden.
My question is: Do you think you really gonna play Zerg in the big tourneys in 2 weeks?
19. If you could live in any country other than Sweden, what would it be?
hmm, Canada or USA because I can play Starcraft 2 there and I speak a little English
20. What was your experience at MLG like?
Tournament wise I wasn't happy with the result. But other than that it was a great experience, probably my biggest esports event so far.
Massive thanks to SjoW for taking the time to answer our questions! You heard the man, our next interview will be with Morrow! If you would like to ask him a question feel free to leave it in this thread and it might just be included!
Plexa
