Interview: SlayerS_Taeja

By TeamLiquid

• ASUS ROG Liquipedia

It's easy to get lost in the sea of skilled Korean Terran players if you can't find a unique way to distinguish yourself. MMA won championships, Keen performed ceremonies, MarineKing split marines, etc. SlayerS_Taeja found his claim to fame in the ESV Korean Weeklies, a tournament meant for Code A and B players to test their skills, which Taeja turned into his weekly allowance cup. Not only did Taeja win many of the weekly tournaments, but he also claimed the biggest prize of all at ESV Grand Prix: an all expenses paid ticket to ASUS ROG Assembly Winter 2012. We caught up with the mercurial Terran player a few days before the tournament.

To begin, could you introduce yourself briefly?

Hi, I'm Starcraft II pro-gamer Yoon Yeong Seo. I'm 17 years old, and my goal to become the Terran king ^^.

How did you come to be a pro-gamer?

I was better than my friends at Starcraft since I was in elementary school, so my dream then was to become a pro-gamer. After I entered middle school and started studying more, I gave up on it briefly. When I was in 10th grade, Starcraft II came out and I started playing for fun. My Korean teacher suggested that I give the GSL Open Season One qualifiers a shot, and it ended up rekindling my dream of becoming a pro-gamer.

How did you join SlayerS from there?

SlayerS was holding try-outs for the clan, and a few players from the clan try-outs were also be able to try out for the pro-team as well. So that's how I ended up on the team.

You're known to the foreign community as the winner of many ESV (formerly ICCUP) Weekly tournaments. How did you start playing in those tournaments?

When I was at the SlayerS house, [then] head coach Cella suggested that the guys at the house try playing in the tournament, I think Min played that time, too. My schedule didn't fit that first tournament, so I had to forfeit after making the semi-finals.

You played in around ten consecutive weekly tournaments after that. Why did you compete so regularly?

I have time on Saturdays, and I wanted to become more known among foreigners. Of course, there's the prize money as well.

You're the most decorated player in the history of that tournament. Did you expect to do so well?

I didn't expect to do so well at all. A lot of good players participated, so I didn't expect to win.

How do you feel now that you've earned a spot in a foreign tournament through the ESV Weekly?

I feel really great because it's an opportunity I earned through my own effort. I always wanted to compete in a foreign tournament, but unfortunately I haven't had any past opportunities T_T.

You've been criticized for being unable to perform as well on an important stage like Code S, compared to how well you play in online tournaments. What do you think about that?

I think I was a little unprepared in the past. Also, I think I'm bad at best of ones. Code S changed to best of three this season, so I want to return there as quickly as possible.

ASUS ROG will be your first foreign tournament. Are you nervous, or worried about anything in particular?

Hmm, I'm worried about getting tired out by the long plane trip.

It's tough for Korean progamers to get opportunities to compete abroad. What do Korean pros think of foreign tournaments?

Players who've never been abroad really want to go, but the players who travel a lot have a lot of trouble maintaining their condition.

What kind of results do you think you'll achieve at ASUS ROG?

As far as it's my first tournament, the result doesn't really matter. I just want to do my best and impress the viewers.

You're facing elfi, Adelscott, and Jinro in your group. Do you know much about these players?

I don't know much about the two Protoss players, but I know Jinro quite well.

Are there any players that you're worried about on the whole?

I'm worried about Korean Protoss players. Players like Liquid`HerO and EG.JYP.

Anyone among the foreigners? Is there anyone notable?

Among the foreign players, Stephano is the one that's most noticeable. I think he's one of best Zerg players there is.

This is something that the foreign community is always talking about, but what do you think of the Korea-World skill gap?

I think top class foreign players are about the same as top class Korean players. However, below that level, Korean players are better.

You mentioned that you're worried about facing Korean Protoss players. Is it because TvP is difficult as of late?

Yes, I'm really noticing the OPness of Protoss lately. Once they start accumulating 3/3 colossi, there's nothing Terran can do, and no chance to win a fight.

You're most well known for your TvZ ability. What do you think of the most recent patch?

Snipe was nerfed this patch, but I'm not the type of player that uses ghosts that often in TvZ anyway. Even so, I still feel like I've lost something...

You and Ganzi are the only two SlayerS players competing abroad this weekend. With Ganzi going to MLG, is there a friendly competition between you two to see who will do better?

No, I'm not competing with Ganzi. I actually think I have much to learn from him.

We might see you back in Code S soon. How confident are you in your current skill level?

My skill is still lacking, but I've never been more confident!

What are your goals for 2012?

My goal this year is to win a championship, in Korea and abroad. To do that, I have to improve my skill. I will work hard and become #1.

Any last comments to your fans? English is okay...

My English is bad T_T.

Thank you to my fans, for cheering me on. I'll keep working harder and climb to the top! Thank you!