EPTI found an interview of Stephano right after his elimination on group stage of Blizzard Cup on the Millenium website. I thought that some of you might be interested. I translate it from French, but I'm obviously not a pro translator so don't be too harsh on me and just help me to edit mistakes if I made some.
Enjoy
(The interviewer is called LtRico from Millenium.tv)
"After a very good start, 2-0, things became a little more difficult for you. [jokingly] Do we have to put the blame on MC ?
[jokingly] He is absolutely guilty. He beat me and lost against an opponent he should have beat, so yeah, all is his fault.
Have you been surprised by MVP who made the exact hard counter to your strategy of choice ?
Actually I was, yes, because everyone told me MVP plays very very safe. Even if he makes bold builds, he plays always in a very thoughtful way. To make the build he made against me without scanning nor scooting any time to know if I was making roaches or banelings, was very very hazardous. But, well, he did it, he beat me up. He must have thought there were 100% chance I was making my build of choice, and he thought well. It's well done, it's... Bravo !
DRG won group A. Who do you think is favourite for the rest of the tournament ?
I think MC is able to go very far, MC and... well, the three are very very very strong, especially MVP to be honest
Was the Blizzard Cup the hardest cup you ever played in, with the hardest opponents ?
In only one day, definitely.
Do you think best-of-one instead of best-of-three was a pity ?
It was, indeed. There were no mistake possible, not at all. I couldn't test my opponent. For instance, I never played against MVP before, I did not know and do not know how he plays aside from a few replays. I didn't know how he'll play against my playstyle. In a bo1 I did not have the chance to adjust my strategy to his. In contrast, he saw a lot of my replays, played against players who're playing like me... So, yes, it was a pity.
So, you're in Korea : did you learn to eat with chopsticks ?
Not yet ! But I'm working on it and i think I'll be able very soon !
What about the gaming house [Stephano is staying at the oGs gaming house] ? Do players train 24 hours a day as expected ? Do you enjoy your stay ?
Since I arrived one week ago, everyone is training for the Blizzard Cup. As MC and Hero were in the house with me, it was every man for himself. For obvious reasons, it was hard for us to train together as we were in the same group. I'll see how it's going to evolve for the next days as Hero and I are out. I think we'll train a lot more. The atmosphere is pleasant at least in the house... well, it's game, game, game, typing sounds on keyboards and click sounds on mice, but, well, meals together and stuff like that are nice.
You made a very big impression by starting with a master account on the ladder [Chinese player Dignitas Dream's one] and being promote Grand Master in two days. I think you're top 20 or top 30 now...
I was eleventh yesterday.
What do you think about Korean ladder ? Is there a big difference between Korean and European ladder ? You said few weeks ago that you could not improve any more by playing on the European ladder, do you think Korean one will help you to get to the next level ?
I think so. Playing in Korea helps me a lot, even if it is not yet evident that I'm progressing. I'm here since only five days, but I can feel that my level is improving fast on particular items.
Korean and European ladders are very different. There is no challenge at all for me on European ladder, you play always against easy to beat players, there are not enough good players. On Korean ladder, you can face very big names one after the other. MMA, MC, Nestea, MVP... to improve, players like that help a lot !
Which one impressed you the more ?
MakaPrime. Well, someone who played under is name, but I don't know who, a terran on Shakuras Plateau. The game was insane and he played so well...
I think you played against MKP. Does this first taste of Korea gives you the will to play in GSL ?
Oh no, not at all ! With bo1...
… they'll play in bo3 next season...
My bad. But still, I think GSL will never be for me anyway.
Some will cry hearing that, some will troll you hard, anyway GG for your season and the fact you're here today at Blizzard Cup. We wish you the best of luck for the future."
I'm surprised he wasn't able to study more of MVP's games as he is a pretty popular guy.
