[Interview] Code A Qualifiers 2013 GSL Season 1 D1

SK Telecom T1_s2



Source: This Is Game

You were the first one to get through the qualifiers. How do you feel?

There was no guarantee that I would make it up but I just played like I always do and I think that's why I was able to advance easily.

Aside from the one game loss in the first match, you advanced undefeated.

During that match, I used a strategy that I rarely ever use. But then my opponent also ended up using the same build order. I wasn't prepared for the situation that arose so I ended up giving up a game.

Was it difficult since you had to play against all three races?

The groups weren't released beforehand so it was difficult getting things on track. So I practiced mainly through image training and I think that's why I didn't get flustered regardless of whatever race I was put up against.

Any match that you specifically remember?

I lost in my first game so I couldn't help but think to myself that I was on the verge of getting eliminated. I got kind of nervous during that match but then I started playing again and I realized that it was still doable. The game I lost in the first match is what I remember the most.

How do you feel about the fact that you'll have to play at MokDong and not YongSan?

I am viewing this as a new start. I had no idea that I was going to get the chance to play in a GSL booth but since I've been given this chance, I am feeling the newness of it all.

The HotS transition will occur in one month. Personally, what do you think about it?

When I was transitioning from BW to SC2, I lacked in preparation. I can't help but feel like this transition won't be any different (laughs). I think it's just going to come naturally just like all the other players. Honestly, I think because of Proleague, it's going to be difficult to prepare for HotS.

Recently, PartinG joined the team. How is the team's atmosphere?

He's a very active and lively person (laughs). He's a funny guy but he is disciplined and knows when not to cross lines. He helped me out with my ZvP today before I came to the gaming center and thanks to him, I didn't feel nervous. I am really grateful to PartinG. Since I sewed on the first button, I hope all the other players can make it up as well.

Any player that you specifically want to face in the GSL?

I really like Life as a player so I really want to face him at least once. I'm also an aggressive player so regardless of the results, I'm sure it'll be a fun game.

SK Telecom T1 Trainee_LabyRinth



Source: This Is Game

Your first ever qualifiers and you advanced. How do you feel?

I think I got so nervous that I caught a cold. This was my fifth attempt and even though I didn't perform badly in the past qualifiers, I got really nervous today.

How do you think you did against some really tough opponents today?

I had a lot of matches where I was on the verge of losing but I was able to see the end result of two months of hard work so I am satisfied.

Wasn't it difficult preparing for all three races?

I had zero preparations done for Whirlwind. I was just going to play as my hands directed me to but my opponent Zerg gave me the game easily so I was able to advance because I got lucky.

How come you weren't able to prepare for Whirlwind?

I'm currently functioning as a trainee for SK Telecom but since Proleague doesn't require you to play on Whirlwind it was difficult for me to find practice partners so I lacked preparation.

A lot of people probably still don't know you since you're a trainee. Could you introduce yourself?

I was born on January 16th, in 1995. I'm supposed to be in my third year of high school but I entered school a little early so I actually am graduating next week. I've been a trainee for SK Telecom for about a month now.

How did you join SK Telecom?

I have wanted to be a pro gamer ever since a year ago. But I realized that practicing on my own was making me lazy and loose. So I was looking for a team and fortunately, SK Telecom was looking for trainees. Everything luckily fell into place.

So how are things working out?

I knew that it was going to be difficult since they had a very strict systematic practice schedule but as it turns out, it was even more difficult than I had anticipated (laughs).

You will have to play your Code A games from a booth. How nervous do you think you're going to get?

Since I got this nervous just for the qualifiers, I think it's going to be even worse when I get in a booth. There is a good chance that I may just end up losing without even being able to reveal my true skills but I want to ride this momentum and go as high as I possibly can.

What are your goals as a pro gamer?

Rather than say that I want become a certain kind of player, I just want to put on a good performance for the audience. My role model is FanTaSy. I feel like I am learning so much from him because of his endless effort.

This season is probably very important since GSL is going to transition to HotS. What are your goals for this season?

If it's possible, I want to go all the way to Code S. If I can't accomplish that, then I at least want to secure my spot for Code A next season. I want to avoid that nervous feeling I get during qualifiers so I want to avoid the qualifiers at all cost.

Anyone you specifically would like to face on the GSL stage?

For now, I want to avoid all the good players (laughs). I want to face players of my skill level and gradually get better rather than face a really strong opponent right off the bat.

Anything else you would like to say?

I got so nervous during the qualifiers that I actually had to take my hands off the keyboard. But that would be when coach Park would tell me not to get nervous so I was able to win today because of him. I want to let the coach know that I am very grateful for how much he helped today.

MVP_Lure



Source: This Is Game

Tell us how you feel about advancing to Code A.

I rested for about two seasons but I really struggled a lot. It was really difficult cause I kept getting eliminated from the qualifiers but I am so glad that I was able to advance like this.

Why do you think you weren't able to advance all this time?

My true skills wouldn't come out because I kept getting nervous during my matches. But since I am working hard to get rid of my nerves weakness, I am hoping to show really good performances.

Did you get nervous for the qualifiers?

Up until the previous season, I would get really nervous. But for some reason, I didn't get nervous this time. I think I've disciplined myself for qualifiers.

How was today's qualifiers?

The maps for the qualifiers kept on changing so practicing was difficult. Up until the finals I just kept on playing PvPs so the PvZ finals was a challenge.

The opponent you remember the most from today's matches?

The match against Sirius was the most memorable. I got flustered because an elimination race happened but Sirius didn't go hunting for my probes so I was able to win.

How was it playing against KeSPA players?

I had a bad experience during the previous qualifiers when I lost to Terminator. So I got nervous when I had to play. Today was the first time I played against Dear and he was really good. I tried a cannon rush cause I wanted to secure my victory but it ended up failing so I took a loss.

Are you confident for this season of Code A?

I don't really know yet. For now, securing my spot for Code A is an absolute must. I just hope that I can bring out my true skills without getting nervous.

Are you worried about the HotS transition next season?

I haven't played HotS yet so I don't really know. But the players I've spoken to all said that HotS is not that much different from WoL so I don't think I have anything to worry about.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank our sponsors Razer, Lotte Chilsung, and partners MYM and Wayi Spiders. I also want to thank my head coach for accompanying me to the qualifiers, and my family for always believing in me.

LG-IM_Seed



Source: This Is Game

Tell us how you feel about returning to Code A.

I told myself that falling to the qualifiers would be good experience for me. Although I had that kind of mentality at first, as time went on I started getting gloomy. I rested for a while after I got eliminated but about a month ago, I started practicing really hard. And then since I started practicing really hard all of a sudden, my wrists and fingers started having problems so I actually had to let go sometimes. Thankfully everything healed and I was able to get through the qualifiers.

You've been performing poorly ever since you won a GSL.

When I got eliminated from the Ro16, the casters stated that I got eliminated at the speed of light. I didn't understand what they meant by that back then but now that I've had time to think about it, they were right. A GSL winner being eliminated in the Ro16 pretty much is equivalent to the speed of light. I realized that my momentum had decreased significantly because I kept on taking loss after loss. As time went on, I saw that I was being viewed as hilariously sad so I was determined to work harder. I want to thank the fans for always speaking their minds and motivating me.

How was today's qualifiers?

Nothing was exceptionally difficult but I got more nervous than I thought I would get so I struggled. I used to never get nervous but after I won a championship, I find myself getting nervous even for qualifiers. I played against three players today and I played really safely for all my games. I think that's why I was able to win.

This season of Code A is more important than any other season's.

I am going to do my absolute best to get up to Code S. This season is the final WoL season but I've been going back and forth between WoL and HotS so I think I'm going to be able to do better than all the other players when the time comes for the transition. Which is why I think I can even think about aiming for the championship as long as I can get into Code S for the next season.

How is the team's atmosphere these days?

I think the atmosphere's changed since MC arrived at the team house. I feel like our momentum shifted with the arrival of a fabulous Protoss player. I think I was able to advance because the President shared with me some of his momentum. Just as I thought, the power of the President is amazing.

It was reported that you're not in the best condition right now.

My body is weak right now so I can't take on tons of work at once. I fell ill because I had to a lot of work for a while but it did help me realize that I need to exercise and keep myself healthy. Maintaining a healthy body is imperative for a pro gamer. I want to thank this moment to advise all pro gamers to take care of their wrists, waists, necks, and etc.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank the head coach, his wife, my LG-IM teammates, and my family for constantly believing in me and cheering me on. I also want to thank all our sponsors.

Team 8_TRUE



Source: This Is Game

Tell us how you feel about advancing to Code A.

Proleague ended so late yesterday that it actually said 1:00am when I looked at the time. I was so tired that I just went to bed. I only prepared on Arkanoid for Proleague so I was worried that I was going to show a bad performance for the qualifiers. But I saw the large number of fans who came to see us play even though it wasn't even Proleague, and I even got a beverage from one of them so I told myself that I had to avoid getting pathetically eliminated.

How were the qualifiers? Were they different from OSL and MSL qualifiers?

This wasn't that different. I was lacking in my ZvZ preparations so I struggled a bit for game one of the semifinals but I was able to advance without that much difficulty.

You were on a losing streak so you were performing rather poorly.

I've been experiencing misfortune ever since last year. But I was able to end this misfortune and go on a 3-1 record this year (laughs). I just wish all my past failures would just get erased.

How confident are you for your first ever Code A matches?

I was planning on giving up on WoL and just focusing on HotS. So I decreased my practice time for WoL but since I got through the qualifiers like this, looks like I am going to have to start preparing extensively again.

This season's goals?

First off, securing my spot for Code A by getting through the first round is my first goal. Rather than say that I want to go and establish a good placement, I just want to go for the learning experience.

How do you plan on preparing for next season of HotS?

For now, I still have to focus on WoL. When the time comes and I have to transition to HotS, I'm going to believe in my coaches and follow them thoroughly.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank the fans for coming to cheer me on even though this wasn't even Proleague. Since the coach always works so hard to help me out with build orders and play styles, I want to use today's victory to reimburse him for all his effort. I hope all the other Team 8 Zergs will be able to increase their skills with the help of the coach and do well from here on out. Lately these days, BaBy has been struggling a whole lot. He's such a good player but after seeing him feel so down I couldn't help but remember my past days from when I was on a losing streak. I really hope he can regain his strength and start doing well again.

CJ Entus_Trus



Source: This Is Game

How do you feel about getting into your first ever GSL?

I was really nervous for the finals but now that I've made it to Code A I am even more nervous. I am so happy right now.

Why do you think you got eliminated in the first round of the past two qualifiers?

My skills were lacking because I was an amateur. But for this qualifiers, I was able to advance through as a trainee for a team.

What has changed the most since joining a team?

Practice time has increased significantly. When I was an amateur I only practice about four hours but these days I've been practicing ten hours a day. It is difficult but I'm utilizing my time to the fullest since I have an upcoming tournament.

You took down FXO's Lucky in the finals.

I expected to meet Lucky in the finals. But thankfully the games went as I wanted them to so I think that's why I was able to win easily.

What have you learned after practicing with pro gamers?

I am learning a lot of things from the side. If I feel down because I got eliminated from a tournament then my hyungs give me really good advice. Thanks to them, I was able to make this kind of result today.

Are you confident for your first ever Code A matches?

I think I'm going to be really scared. I can't help but feel like I'm going to be really nervous since it'll be my first televised match.

This season's goals?

I haven't thought about it yet. I didn't think I was going to get through the qualifiers so my goal was to get to Code A.

EG,Revival_RC



Source: This Is Game

Ever since your switch to EG, you got through your first qualifiers.

I think I handled my transfer really well so I am relieved and I got through the qualifiers today so I think I'm off to a good start for the year 2013. I feel really good.

A lot of things have changed since your transfer to EG. Seems like you lost a lot of weight as well.

Thanks to Proleague, I stacked up a ton of valuable experiences and I also don't get nervous anymore during televised matches. I mean, I still do get nervous but I think it has decreased significantly. I feel that my performances have gotten better. I've been performing kind of poorly recently but those losses have helped me to realize what I need to do to get better.

Which opponent was the most difficult for you today?

The semi finals and onward got difficult. My matches against Classic and JyJ both followed a pattern of loss/win/win. But I didn't get nervous even though I was the first to lose. But I did get nervous during the third games because I started realizing that I was about to win.

How long has it been since you stepped foot on the GSL stage?

I think it's been about a year and a half. I am actually worried right now because I do get nervous on the GSL stage. So far, I've never been able to get past the first round of Code A. I really want to break this jinx this season.

If you had to honestly evaluate your skills?

Compared to all the other players, I am not the best. But I think I'm somewhere in the middle. But as far I'm concerned, I'm in my prime state right now.

Does it have to do with Zergs getting really strong recently?

I don't think Zerg is really strong even as of right now. It's really hard to beat Protosses. ZvT is okay but ZvPs have gotten much more difficult.

You have a high chance of meeting someone who got sent down to Code A from Code S for the first round.

I don't get nervous as easily anymore so I don't care who my opponent is. I'm not worried since I overcame my nerves issue and I'm also not looking down on my opponents. I just want to put up a performance that I won't regret.

This season's goals?

Getting to Code S is my goal. I'm not sure how guaranteed that's going to be. I think I'm luck's going to have to follow me a little.

You have a 4-6 record in Proleague. Seems like EG-TL has been losing a lot these days.

I'm losing a lot these days. I think I need to be more aggressive. I plan on changing the team's atmosphere so that we can have a fresh start for round three. I think we're going to be able to get to a much higher place. It's true that I'm lacking practice partners but I also need to raise my efficiency.

Anything else you would like to say?

I am grateful to the head coach and the coach for telling me a lot of great things. I also want to thank my teammates. I also have a fan cafe right now. It's been existent for a while now but I hope a lot of people will find it. Lastly, I want to thank my fans for always cheering me on.

Samsung KHAN_Shine



Source: This Is Game

Your first ever GSL appearance,

I didn't really feel any pressure when I participated in qualifiers for BW. But SC2 qualifiers are so difficult to get through. I feel like I've gone back to my rookie years since getting through was this difficult. I feel so great.

You were performing poorly for a while, why do you think this was so?

During the time, I was holding on to BW. I focused more on BW during the SC2 transition and I had no interest in SC2. Then I saw RorO hyung participate in WCS and saw Stork hyung play in MLG so I established a new mind set. I saw all the other players playing SC2 and I decided that it was time for me to allow the transition to SC2 to occur.

How were the qualifiers today?

The ZvZ against SonGDuri was the most difficult. I was really nervous cause I started off the match with a loss in game one. I played against FXO's Weekend, but he used a lot of strategies that I wasn't used to so I struggled a lot. Thankfully the games went really well so I was able to get up to Code A like this.

Was it disappointing that you weren't able to participate in any individual tournaments for a while?

When there are individual tournaments available, I actually would perform better for Proleague and individual tournaments. But there were no individual tournaments available and I was performing poorly for Proleague so I was having a tough time. I am very relieved that I was able to get through the qualifiers like this and finally grabbed a stepping stone. I think I've been given an opportunity to perform well in Proleague along with my victory in the qualifiers.

This season's goals?

My maximum goal is to grab a HotS championship. When the transition to SC2 ended I was the worst play on my team but I was able to catch up almost immediately. I am confident that I can also do well for HotS if I view it like a fresh start.

Anything else you would like to say?

I made my family members and coaching staff worry a lot. But I am going to show a dominant Shine with my really great recent form. Right now I feel like I've gone back to my rookie years. I think it's because RorO hyung also went ahead of me for SC2 as well. I want to thank my great rival, RorO hyung.

Team 8_HS



Source: This Is Game

How do you feel about getting into Code A for the first time?

I still haven't felt it yet. I'm still dazed. Honestly, I didn't expect to make it through today at all.

You don't have any televised matches experiences yet. So GSL will be your debut?

I am already nervous just thinking about it. I have no idea what's going to happen. I'll know once I get on stage.

How long have you been playing SC2?

I started my trainee career the minute the transition occurred. So I've played SC2 since then. When I joined my team, i was a BW trainee.

How much do you think you've improved recently?

Up until a few days ago I was masters, but I achieved GM afterwards. I wasn't having any luck getting into GM but now that I've gotten in, I think I've improved.

You defeated Monster in the semis and took down BeSt in the finals.

The match against Monster was more difficult. The match against BeSt was a mirror match and I won in the build order battles. I felt like Monster was going to play the game comfortable since I am a rookie. Which is why I was able to win game one with an immortal all in because he didn't scout. I lost game two but I pressured him well early on for game three so I was able to win.

What kind of style do you use?

My style's generally all ins. But that doesn't mean that all I do are all ins.

What kind of player do you want to become?

I want to become a player Argo. He is so good during practice. I want to have his level of skills.

What are your goals for this season?

I want to start off small. Getting one victory will be my goal. I want to get to the second round of Code A and avoid playing in the qualifiers again.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank coach Kim for sticking by my side and keeping my mentality in check. I get nervous on a regular basis but his advice really helped me out..

FnaticRC_aLive



Source: This Is Game

How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers today?

In the previous season, I got eliminated in the very first round of Code A. I didn't really get angry when I got eliminated though. But then I realized that there weren't any games coming up for a while so eventually I started getting angry with myself. I told myself that I had to get through this season's qualifiers no matter what. I was almost about to lose in the third game for the finals but my opponent over committed so I was able to make a comeback. That's why I'm even happier right now.

So the finals against Miya was difficult?

I've faced him online plenty of times before so I didn't think he was that difficult of an opponent. It's just that it's really hard to face Zerg players these days. But I did feel confident after I saw my group. I told myself that I could win just as long as I didn't get nervous.

What have you been doing these past two months?

After I was eliminated from Code A, I started thinking about my career and began to worry because the team wasn't in the best shape. But then I realized that I still haven't accomplished anything yet so it didn't make sense to retire yet. I've been practicing extensively ever since December. And with that, grabbing the qualifiers was my first goal achieved.

Your practice environment must have gotten worse as of late.

I'm practicing at home. But my house is in MunSan so it is difficult. North Korea is closer to me than ShinDoRim. But I practiced mainly through ladder so I'm not having that much trouble. I'm currently talking to other teams about what's going on with Fnatic but nothing's for certain so I'm stil not sure what's going to happen.

Why do you think you haven't been able to return to Code S?

I think I've gotten too comfortable ever since my IPL championship. I keep telling myself not to get lazy but my mind and body won't listen to me. And then eventually other players just caught up. Even on ladder I'm just kind of hanging around the top 100 in ranking. I've realized that this is unacceptable. So I'm practicing extensively now. I want to get to Code S again and step on a finals stage.

How are your current performances?

I'm still doing terrible on ladder. But I don't get nervous for tournaments so I know I'm going to be confident when the times comes.

Anything more you would like to say?

I want to thank my fans and my parents for always cheering for me. I know a lot of people are worried because of the whole Fnatic getting rid of their Korean SC2 divison but I am hoping to give them some good news soon. I hope the fans haven't given up on me because even though I got eliminated from Code A, I climbed my way back up there instantly.

SK Telecom T1_Rain



Source: This Is Game

How do you feel about immediately returning back to the GSL?

I am glad that I got through the qualifiers but I realized that the qualifiers is not a place where I belong. I feel dazed. I feel glad and dazed (laughs).

You shocked everyone by falling to the qualifiers last season.

I didn't receive that much shock. I realized that I wasn't really understanding the game all that well. I was really worried because I wasn't making good results even though I had put in a lot of effort. But I think I've gotten the hang of it and I think I can start making good results again.

Were you feeling any stamina pressure ever since getting back from MLG?

I had to prepare for Proleague as well but the burden wasn't that big. But I did perform badly so I lost.

Recently, PartinG became a fellow teammate.

I found out that I have a lot of things to learn from PartinG. I feel good. I had no one sitting next to me but PartinG sits next to me now so I'm no longer bored and and I have fun. He's also some I can talk to a lot.

What are you learning from PartinG?

There were a lot of things about the game that I didn't know. I think I'm better than him at PvT but PvZ and PvP is definitely all PartinG.

You currently have a 11-8 record in Proleague.

When the team was on a losing streak I started losing as well. I'm the SC2 ace player but I haven't been able to properly fill that role so I feel bad. But I was able to find out why I did badly for the all kill format so I don't think I will repeat the same mistakes.

Do you think you'll be returning to Code S anytime soon?

I was given the nickname SAB and that nickname actually became true. But I'm going to work hard so that I can become SABAS. I am going to approach Code S with the mentality that I am going to win the HotS championship the minute the transition occurs.

How much do you want to return to Code S?

I've been watching the Code S games and they are really fun. So I was really excited for today's qualifiers (laughs). These days, my confidence has risen a lot. When I got to the semi finals of GSL and won the OSL I didn't really know that much about WoL but these days I am learning so much.

Anything else you would like to say?

BeSt hyung, JyJ, and KimDongKyoon disappointingly lost in the qualifiers. It was disappointing but I am hoping that they will keep their chin up and go for the next qualifier and succeed. A lot of people are worried about me these days because of my Proleague results but my confidence has gotten really big so I want to ask that they wait just a little bit for my return.