LoH enlightening us all

Rumoured to not usually consent to interviews, DTS player and Russian legend, LightOfHeaven, provided prodota.ru with an interview, which has been translated by the GosuCrew for your enjoyment.



General Questions

Despite having done an interview in China due to various contract agreements, we've been told that you don't do interviews often. Why is that?

-"An interview is an interaction with someone whose questions are based around a newswriter's standard, and I did not like that. This did not create a pleasant enviroment in which to communicate."

What is your opinion on other top players, such as Kuroky and Loda, doing a number of interviews and having blogs?

-"It seems to me as if this is their favoured method in which to communicate with the community. Perhaps they enjoy the attention and recognition they get from their fans' responses. From personal experience, most people in the world are like this."

Your popularity among the DotA fan base is quite extensive, with fans from Russia, Kazakhstan and China. What is your reaction to people asking for photos?

-"I'm not for it as it takes up my own time and I don't really benefit from it in materialistic terms."

How about autographs, do you reject those?

-"No. Sometimes, when you give your autograph, there is a funny tingling feeling inside that feels great."

DotA Questions

You've obviously had an extremely successful DotA career, winning ASUS several times. Is this what you have strived for, or is there some underlying cause behind your game play?

-"I play DotA to improve the mental and physical capabilities of my body."

They are a great deal of strong teams in and around Russian and Ukraine, but it's never boasted the best team in the world. Do you this CIS would be able to form a super team?

-"No I do not think so, as Russian and Ukrainian players have many more interests that they end up following. As for the Slavic players, they need time to find money for food.

In Asia, Europe and America, there are teenagers who can play DotA 12 hours and absolutely nothing can stop them. However, teams such as NA'VI, who have been performing excelllently, always strengthen our hope."

Using Na'Vi as an example, if they do not secure any major sponsors, nor the sufficient support, is it unrealistic for them to reach and compete in the world's DotA stage?

-"Well, for example, to play in the OSPL-Cup, money is needed to pay for the flight, accomodation, and food. It takes time to earn this money as well as train. For example, a team such as Fnatic had easy access to money, which allowed them to stay in China for 30 days to compete and then several weeks after that in order to party and sight see, where as that was never an option for us. Generally, people who have that sort of money, don't play DotA as they have other things to do."

Lets imagine that you have been given the opportunity via the means of a relaible sponsor to assemble your dream team. Who would you choose, what would you expect from your team and in general, what is needed to have a strong team?

-"If you remove the factor of having fun while playing, communicating with your team and also from players I know, it would be: Misery, Loda, PGG, Vigoss, Kuroky or Fear. However, in general, if you take five normal lads, who work well with each other, whilst communicating and playing like a well oiled machine, trust me, they can destroy the whole universe."

After being placed 4th in the ProDota Challenge, what is your opinion on the tournament?

-"The results were satisfactory when compared with our results from previous online tournaments. I disagreed with the fact that players were allowed to play in multiple teams. But in general, I liked the organization of the championship and the flexibility and understanding the admins possessed when they were dealing with a violation."

Online play is enjoyable, but lets talk about the most important event in the world of DotA. Particularly ESWC. Who do you think will make the Russian team selections as the main team? Who is DTS.Chatrix's greatest rival?

-"Our biggest rivals would have to be Uncle Vova(DyaDya Vova) and company."

You have said that the strongest team in the world is in Asia. Why do you think so, and who do you think will be the favourites in the upcoming ESWC?

-"I think so because if you look at the 3 most prestigious tournaments which took place recently, ESWC, Alienware and SMM - it all becomes very clear. Anyways, I was able to observe and play with the Asians and Europeans, and lets just say from a spectators perspective, the Asian "enjoy" playing more. As for favourites, I'm not quite sure as I have limited knowledge regarding the Asian scene, but CH has really impressed me."

To end on a casual note, who are your favourite heroes?

-"Storm Spirit, Invoker and Goblin Techies"

Perhaps his recent form has inspired the Russian player to provide the community with an interview, one which the fans are surely greatful for. Regardless, with ESWC coming up, the DTS player has a long and daunting road ahead of him.