[Interviews] 2014 GSL Season 2 Code A Qualifiers

KT Rolster Flash



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers after seven years?

I am glad that the results were good since I approached the qualifiers with the mindset that I had when I was a rookie.

Last season, you were disappointingly eliminated from Code A. It must have been a big shock for you as well.

I was feeling uneasy because practice was not going well. Still, I went with the thought that maybe something could happen but I ended up getting eliminated. But thanks to that, I was able to work even harder.

Since you had such an impact back in your SC1 days, many people take a big interest in you whenever you lose.

I don’t really pay attention to that. I just work hard so that I can become a better player than before, and that hasn’t changed even now. Recently, I’ve fallen into a kind of dilemma, but I have a feeling that I’ll be able to do well again if I can overcome it.

You lost in the semi-finals to Samsung’s Armani. What were you feeling?

I had a feeling that I would be able to win if we ended up meeting again. It was difficult because I wasn’t able to decipher his play style but I had more than enough confidence to win if we met again.

You’re doing well in Proleague but you have never gotten past the Ro16 for individual leagues.

There have been a lot of reasons for that, but it is true that I haven’t been able to get past the Ro16 for individual leagues in Korea. I want to do really well this time around make it through.

On KT Rolster, teammate Zest’s momentum is the scariest right now.

I am glad to see how far he made it through in just one run. He always said the qualifiers were the most difficult, and I am now also feeling that.

Your results for Proleague Round 2 are not as good as your results were for Round 1. Are you confident for the playoffs for round two?

On a regular basis, I prefer to play in all-kill formats. I have confidence because I tend to ride momentum for that kind of format.

How do you feel about the recent balance patch?

I don’t really know since I haven’t completely adapted to it yet. But I have a feeling things will get similar once time passes. It’s going to be difficult if I meet Protoss players since they have so many early game options and have so many transitions they can do.

Anything else you would like to say?

I will work hard so that I can advance to Code S no matter what. Several days ago, we had a new homepage opening for KT Rolster. I hope a lot of people will visit there.

SK Telecom T1 FanTaSy



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?

I came with the mindset that I had to make it through no matter what, but the games were more difficult than I imagined they’d be. It’s been a while since I’ve participated in the qualifiers and I really don’t want to come back to one anymore.

It really has been a long time since you played in the qualifiers. How was it?

It’s been a while since I had been eliminated from a qualifier because of my own fault. I was shocked because of it so I am relieved that I was able to get through this time. I think the end result was a reflection of how hard I prepared.

You’ve also been performing well for Proleague recently. How has that been like?

I’ve finally been able to stack up some wins on my Proleague record, I’ve found confidence, and things have started to become more relaxed for me.

Do you feel that you’ve been influenced by the recent Terran patch?

It’s not like the patch didn’t help me at all, but I was in the process of adapting to everything even before it took place. I’m sure I would have gotten through the qualifiers even if the patch hadn’t taken place.

This season’s goals?

First off, I have confidence in the dual tournament format, so I’m going to slowly ascend my way to the top step by step rather than just aim for a high place right off the bat. The ultimate goal is to win the championship.

Recently, a lot of Protoss players have been commenting about the most recent patch.

Honestly, I think it’s because Protoss players were winning very easily, but now things have started to become a little difficult for them. Personally, I would prefer Blizzard to not release patches so often. On some level, it is possible to overcome anything as long as the player puts in the amount of effort necessary.

Do you want to face TRUE again for the GSL?

I don’t want to face TRUE for Code A. I want to face him for Code S. I always lose whenever I face TRUE, but if I do end up meeting him again, I’m going to view him as the strongest Zerg opponent ever and prepare hard.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank the fans for cheering me on even though it’s been a while since I participated in a qualifier. I also recently decided to start up my facebook page again. I plan on interacting with my fans a lot of from now on. Lastly, I hope my teammates who are playing in the afternoon sessions will get through as well.

Acer INnoVation



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers? It’s been a while.

I thought that I would get through rather easily, but I lost my match against ByuL hyung, and then I won my final match with a 2-1 score so it was more difficult than I had anticipated.

You weren’t satisfied with your performance?

I do well for practice, but I couldn’t bring out my skills after coming down to the studio.

That could be because you lack experience with qualifiers environments. What do you think?

That’s possible, but I think it’s more because my condition and my focus were not on top.

There seems to be a lot of talk going around that your poor performance as of late is because you transferred over to an overseas team. What do you think?

I think they’re right on some level. When I was on a KeSPA team, I had to practice a ton and think about nothing except the game, but since I have so much freedom now that I’m on an overseas team, there really is something there. That’s why I’ve been practicing really hard lately.

This season’s goals?

It has been such a long time since I’ve taken part in a qualifier, so I am approaching this with the mindset that I’m starting anew. I will do my absolute best with regard to any match that comes my way.

Anything else you would like to say?

I feel that my fans are worried about me since they don’t see me as much anymore. But now I am going to work hard so that I can grab a championship again.

Samsung Galaxy KHAN Stork



Source: inven eSports

You were able to get through the qualifiers again. How do you feel?

For this qualifiers, I had even less confidence than the last one. Yes, it felt nice to know that two players could advance from a single group, but there have been a lot of talks about balance recently, and I too was someone who was undergoing the problems of that. Things were so uneasy that I even lost a game to an amateur Terran player. But since I was able to advance despite all that, I feel good.

It must have been difficult for you since the patch occurred right around the time you were starting to become alive again.

During that short period, a patch occurred twice. Before the patch took place, I was a star GM player. I even maintained that position for a while. But after the first patch, I fell to somewhere around top 50, and now I’m somewhere around top 100 thanks to this second patch. Thanks to that, I was very saddened to the point where I would only practice to keep up with my appointed practice times. I even caught a severe cold so the situation was not easy.

Last season, you disappointingly were eliminated during the wild card round of Code A.

After I got eliminated from the Wild Cards, I went back to the team house and watched as that endless amount of tiebreakers took place. I was so jealous. I wanted to make it through no matter what but I got eliminated early so it was disappointing.

You will have your third showing for Code A soon. How likely is it that you will make it to Code S?

I really want to do well (laughs). I really hope I get some luck when it comes to the group drawings as well. My group for last season was just too difficult (laughs). And right now, thanks to this balance patch, all other race matchups are very difficult. In fact, I would prefer to face a lot of Protosses in my group.

What is the most difficult aspect of Protoss?

I’ve spoken a lot with David Kim. In fact, he would contact me first. But we have not been able to talk all that much regarding this most recent nerf patch (laughs). If you look at ladder right now, there are almost no Protosses that are at the top. I just feel like he focuses a little too much on what the players say through the media. Also, I think he saw that there was a problem because a lot of Protoss players were at the top for tournaments, and I think he felt that tournaments wouldn’t be fun unless there were Terran players there. I know I shouldn’t think things like this, but I can’t help but think that maybe this patch was specifically designed to push certain races down while pushing certain races up. In all honesty, we players need a lot of time to test things out, but it’s a real pity that these patches occur so rapidly. Also, since these patches occur while a season is progressing, from the players’ perspective, it puts us into disarray.

Samsung Galaxy KHAN performed poorly for Proleague Round 2.

I felt sorry to my team that I went on a losing streak during a time when it really mattered. However, because of today’s results regarding the qualifiers, I think it wasn’t because my skills dropped, but rather it was because I wasn’t able to adapt to the new balance patch. I also think I performed poorly because I felt a little too relaxed.

Anything else you would like to say?

In our current state, I think Protoss is struggling a lot. I really hope they leave us alone from here on out. I wish that Blizzard would not become influenced by what the players say through the media, and just give us some time to figure things out. If they want to fix stuff, then they should just fix bugs. Everything else needs to be overcome through the players’ efforts.

Seed



Source: inven eSports

Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?

Of course I feel good. These days when I practice, I don’t do so well. Without a doubt, Protoss has become a lot more difficult. I was really hoping to not face any Terrans today on my way here. Because I prayed so earnestly, the heavens granted me my wish and put me in a group with no Terrans. Thanks to that, I was able to advance through.

Any difficulties behind the fact that you have to practice alone?

I am initially the type of player who likes to think about things alone practice alone. So there really isn’t that much difficulty there. But these days, my arm hurts and my back hurts. I don’t think practicing alone is a bad thing, just as long as I can maintain my health well. Currently, I am getting help from my American friend regarding aspects overseas teams and their offers.

In order to secure a new team, it looks like your performance for this season will be important.

That is correct. This season’s results will be important. I also heard that streaming often helps out when it comes to joining an overseas team. So I’ve been doing a lot of that. But I took a break from streaming during my preparations for the qualifiers.

You keep getting eliminated from Code A. Have you thought about why?

Something just keeps not going well. Even though I keep advancing through qualifiers, I can’t seem to properly grab wins for Code A. Rather than say it’s lack of skill, I just don’t think things go well for me during televised games.

We are curious as to what your thoughts are regarding the balance patch.

It’s pretty serious. Protoss has the advance for PvZ, but PvT is way too difficult. It’s even worse than back in the days where Terrans would only do 1/1/1. Widow mines hurt too much, and it’s too difficult to handle them since they synergize so well with medivacs. I think Terrans are seeing a lot of effects from this widow mine and ghost buff.

It’s too difficult to handle widow mines?

In the past, Zergs had difficulties with handling widow mines. Now it’s Protoss. Terrans just keep dropping everywhere with their MMM + widow mine composition. Eventually, as long as they can keep this kind of drop play style up, they will find some way to win.

Anything else you would like to say?

I’m looking for a team right now but it’s not easy. If there is a team out there that would like to sign me then please contact me. These days, I just practice alone at home, but it’s really frustrating my family so I feel sorry to them. Lastly, I want to thank my opponents on ladder who helped me with practice.

Axiom Impact



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?

When I saw my group, I didn’t think it was going to be difficult, but things were much more difficult than I thought they’d be.

This is your first time participating in the GSL since your transfer to Axiom. How do you feel?

I think this was the result of my being able to adapt to a free spirited team style.

So now are your skills slowly coming forth with this transfer to Axiom?

I am still lacking a lot, but I will work hard so that I can advance to Code S, and work hard so that I don’t regret anything with regards to joining Axiom.

This season’s goals?

First off, the foremost goal is to advance to Code S, and then I will aim for high goals afterwards.

What is the lifestyle like with joining a team like Axiom?

It’s disappointing that the GSTL disappeared, but there is the European team league, Acer TeamStory Cup, and I will work really hard for the GSL.

Anything else you would like to say?

There is a bit of an age difference with all my teammate hyungs, but we are all having fun and having a great time together. I am going to work hard so that I can establish Code S level results from here on out.

KT Rolster TY



Source: inven eSports

Your first time advancing into a GSL after transitioning to HotS. How do you feel?

I should have been in the GSL a while ago. Getting through the qualifiers took too long. But since I was able to advance like this, I will make it to a high place and find this season to be a meaningful one.

You have not found much success within individual leagues. Have you thought about why?

I thought to myself that I was really lacking in the basics. So this time, I focused mostly on the basics for my practices. Thanks to that, I was able to advance.

You were eliminated from the qualifiers last season, but you excelled for Proleague.

I felt disappointed in myself. I’m sure I would have been able to do well had I made it into the GSL for last season but I think I got conceited. I think I did poorly because I did not put much priority on to individual leagues. Because I didn’t want to repeat that mistake this time around, I prepared a lot for the qualifiers.

Was there anything you specially prepared for this qualifiers?

I didn’t get to practice a lot, but I worked really hard on ladder and envisioned various builds.

Were there any difficult matches today?

They were all difficult. It’s been a while since I had to play a TvZ so my hands didn’t move as freely, and my opponents all had very solid plays. So everything was overall difficult.

Anything else you would like to say?

The KT Rolster official homepage was renewed. I hope a lot of people will visit that site.

ChoyaPrime



Source: inven eSports

You’ve returned to the GSL after 9 seasons. How do you feel?

I feel really good. I had to take down former teammate Hurricane, but I don’t even feel sorry about it. Since I had to feed him and shelter him for two years, I can’t help but feel that he should be okay with losing to me at least once in his lifetime (laughs).

You were sent out three times so far for Proleague but they have all been losses.

In my match against Soulkey, I got way too nervous. That was a performance that just made no sense whatsoever. But none the less, the supervisor and the coach gave me encouragement. Honestly, I had a lot of confidence for PvZ. I was aiming for a PvZ in my matches against both CJ and Samsung, but I ended up getting matched up against herO and Reality instead so I ended up losing. So thanks to that, I am now working on improving my PvP and PvT skills.

Were you excited for today’s qualifiers?

I knew that I was going to make it through. I have a high ranking on ladder, and I have maintained a star GM status. I’ve fallen a little ever since the Terran buff patch, but I prepared well for PvTs too so I had confidence.

It was impressive how you returned to being a player from being a supervisor.

I struggled a lot back when I was a supervisor, but I don’t really pay attention to what people around me say. I wanted to do my absolute best with what I felt like doing before I have to go off to the army so I decided to return. I was a supervisor for almost three years, but I think I shone more when I was a player. So I am going to fire it up one last time.

How was that final match against Hurricane?

Game one was an easy victory for me. It was just battles after the macro game. As it turned out, Hurricane decided to play safe. I lost game two because our build orders got crossed over, and I finished off game three with a proxy gate play. I had confidence in my micro, and as expected, my micro was better than Hurricane’s.

It must feel like you’ve come back home.

I’ve erased all my past memories. If I keep thinking about them then I just get stressed. I am approaching my playing career with the mindset of a new start, and I plan to do the same for this GSL.

When can we expect you to take a win for Proleague?

When we were set up against KT, I was still ranked very high on ladder. But I got scared and I hadn’t found confidence in myself yet so I requested to be pushed back for the next time. Round three will be my legitimate start for me. I am going to work hard so that I will be recognized as the third punch for Prime right behind Creator and MarineKing.

Do you think you will be able to head straight to Code S?

Honestly, I am hoping to be placed into the same group with Soulkey. If I can secure a three Zerg group, then I am certain that I can advance to Code S. It’s going to be better for me the more Zergs there are.

There has been a lot of talk going around regarding balance. Anything you would like to say on the matter?

A professional is someone who can do the best he can with whatever situation he is put into. And it is true that Protoss was really strong before this. But in such a short time, both a Protoss nerf and a Terran buff occurred at the same time. Right now, I view PvT as impossible for Protoss to win. These days when I ladder, I can rarely beat a Terran. I know people are telling Protosses to experiment with stuff, but I honestly have no idea what I’m supposed to be experimenting. As Rain stated in his interview, spider mines from BW were much better to deal with. I can’t even react the way I do for practice for televised matches. And even if you do block a doom drop that consists of widow mines, you haven’t really blocked it in the end.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank my fOu teammates for helping me get back into the game. I also want to thank the Prime coaching staff and the players for accepting me. I hope that all my Prime teammates who were eliminated today will stay strong. I pondered as to what to do next for about two months once I made the decision to disband fOu, and I want to thank my parents who helped me out despite all that. I will work even harder from here on out.

Jin Air Green Wings Rogue



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about advancing to Code A again?

I thought my group was going to be easy, but it was harder than I thought it would be. So I actually feel even gladder.

What was the hardest moment for you during today’s qualifiers?

The finals match against Samsung’s TurN was the most difficult. This was my first time meeting him in a tournament, and it was so cumbersome to face him since he had such an aggressive style.

What is the team atmosphere like currently since Jin Air is in first place?

The current atmosphere is really good. We’re all feeling really good right now so I think we can grab the victory.

Do you think you’ll be sent out for the Proleague finals and perform?

Personally, I have more than enough confidence to secure an all-kill. I’ve already prepared everything.

Which team would you like to face in the finals?

I am hoping that KT Rolster will make it through. I know that they’re a strong team to play against, but it’s easy for me to prepare for them. They have a very strong lineup of players, but I think it my preparations for them will be comfortable.

This season’s goals?

The goal is of course to win the championship. Personally, I want to face SKT’s Dark again. My loss to him during last season’s Code A was so disappointing.

Recently, there have been a lot of talk regarding the balance for TvP. What's the balance like for Zergs?

These days, a lot of Zerg players have really developed themselves. I feel that we’ve arrived at a point where balance doesn’t really matter and that all matchups are similar.

Anything else you would like to say?

I will prepare really hard for the Proleague Round 2 finals and work hard so that we can win it no matter what.

MVP_TAiLS



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?

For this qualifier, I took down mostly amateur players. I took down all the amateur players, lost to Stork, then advanced out as second from my group. But still, I feel good (laughs).

You changed regions from EU to KR.

The ping was too high so I faced a lot of difficulties when I played online. There were especially bad days. During Season 1 of last year, the ping was so high that I almost couldn’t play. Thanks to those experiences, the desire to compete in EU just disappeared.

You must be happy about getting through the qualifiers right after returning to the KR region.

Honestly, I think qualifiers are easy. I don’t think I’ll feel accomplished until I’ve arrived at Code S. In fact, I think the qualifiers are harder for EU. There are a lot of players who participate and there’s even a wild card round.

MVP is doing really well in Proleague lately.

It feels good. I wasn’t expecting anything since we did so poorly for Round 1, but we became completely different all of a sudden for Round 2. We are all excited for the playoffs.

Do you think you’ll be able to go to Code S this season?

I just need to get through one round. Since two players will advance out of a four player group, I feel confident. Since I’ve never been to Code S before, I think I’ll be able to establish good results as long as I can just execute well the things I have prepared.

Do you have anything to say regarding the balance patch?

I think I’m fine. Protoss can no longer use build orders where we can grab advantages in the early game, but it’s fine. The blink stalker builds are still very strong. I think build order battles have become very important now in PvTs.

Anything else you would like to say?

I hope that all my teammates can get through the qualifiers. I hope we will work really hard and prepare well so that we can establish good results for Proleague.

IM_ByuL



Source: inven eSports

How do you feel about returning to KR from WCS AM?

I feel glad since I haven’t been to Code A in a while. I wasn’t really worried about the qualifiers.

It looked like you had a rather difficult group?

Rather than say that the whole group was difficult, I think only INnoVation was difficult.

Why did you decide to return from WCS AM?

First off, I wanted to become an asset to my team for Proleague so I returned. And the strongest players are in WCS KR region so I wanted to attempt it.

You haven’t really found success before in Korea. Are you confident for this season?

I have the confidence to make it to Code S without a doubt. My goal is to grab the championship.

It looks like you have been becoming recognized due to your results in Proleague.

I had no idea that I was capable of being the team’s ace before Proleague even took place. But the fans keep saying things like that so I think that’s been a source for my working even harder.

Any specific race you would like to face for Code A?

I don’t care. I am confident in all matchups.

Anything else you would like to say?

For the morning session, Lucky hyung and UngNim were eliminated, so I hope they will remain strong. We failed to make it to the playoffs for Proleague Round 2 but I hope that people will lie in wait for Round 3. Lastly, I always feel grateful to the supervisor.

Tassadar



Source: inven eSports

You’ve returned to the GSL after 10 seasons. How do you feel?

The qualifiers were something I could never get through even if I practiced to death while I was on a Korean team. But right now, I am comfortably practicing as I live at home and I got through the qualifiers. I realized that it’s all about how you feel inside. I told myself to just play my builds just how I prepared them.

So you stated that you practice alone at home. Are there benefits there?

I don’t think are any benefits (laughs). But I feel at ease since it’s my home. When I was in a team house, I was aware of the competition in there, and I felt like a machine. Right now, I feel human.

You haven’t established any results in a while. Did you even consider retirement at one point?

I considered it a lot. I came to today’s qualifiers with a peaceful mindset, but I did come with the mindset that this would be my last run.

How do you think you’ll do once you start playing televised matches again?

I think I’ll be able to go back to my beginner days. Right now, all Proleauge players and all GSL Code S players are all better than me. But I want to go up to Code S at least once. I remember that I was once very frustrated that I was always stuck at the threshold.

Your former supervisor, Choya, just broke through the qualifiers.

I think of Choya as a player with potential.

How do you plan to prepare for the GSL?

Once I know who I’m up against, I will prepare real hard by studying their VODs. Also, I think that mind control is the most important thing when it comes to tournaments. There were a lot of things I realized as I prepared for this season’s qualifiers.

Anything else you would like to say?

Regardless of which team wants me, if they call for me, I will run straight to them (laughs).