UPDATE 27.10.2013: According to GosuGamers sources, the move to Astana Dragons is not yet finalized and the team will play under their old tag for the time being.
Due to contract issues between the two organizations, the roster of GF-Gaming will continue to play under its original tag for the time being. Whether or not the transfer to Astana Dragons will be finalized is not yet known. Expect more details soon.
Original article 26.10.2013:
The EU LCS Qualifier is just around the corner, and with that coming near, one of the teams that are aiming to compete with Europe's finest is the Astana Dragons. While the team name sounds new, its members are not. Recently acquiring the entire H2k roster who were under GF-Gaming under a week or so, this team has had its fair share of accomplishments, including:
Gamescom, 2nd place
DreamHack Bucharest, 1st place
PGA Cybersport, 1st place
IEM Brazil, 2nd place
IEM Worlds, 5th/6th place
GosuGamers managed to have an interview with the team's manager, Tomislav "Flyy" Mihailov, regarding the new sponsorship, as well as the upcoming qualifiers.
The team has already changed sponsorships twice this month. (first to GF-Gaming, now Astana Dragons). Any particular reason for that?
The H2k Investor had to back out of eSports and the guys had to choose between offers quite fast so they can attend and prepare for the upcoming DreamHack and LCS qualifier.
Astana was late with their offer but their offer was one that you can't reject. The two organizations met and agreed on conditions of us moving to Astana Dragons, so there is no case for any drama between the teams.
Now, with the team going through these changes, did it effect the team's preparation for the qualifiers?
No, not really. Four of the players have been bootcamping together already for a week preparing, with Jankos to join them soon. I would say the only preparation problem is that the upcoming events will be on different patches so it's a mixed preparation :)
Yeah. 3.14 is definitely a huge patch. Because of that, will the team put more focus on training in that patch, or will they prepare more for the events happening sooner?
The main focus is the LCS qualification, so we will be focussing on the patch that tournament is played on. On all the other events, the goal is to gain some more LAN expirience as a team.
Speaking about the patch, what does the team think about it? Will it play to their advantage?
It's too early to say, I don't think anyone yet can say if they feel comfortable on it or not. It changes a lot of what you're used to see in tournament games, and there's still a lot to be balanced on it.
Well, the LCS qualifiers are coming up soon. Which team do you think will be your biggest threat?
Every single team in the LCS qualifier can be a threat, especially with the first part of the tournament being Bo1 group and being played online. All the teams are capable of winning in a Bo1. But in my eyes the toughest are CW (Copanhagen Wolves) in the online phase and NiP (Ninjas in Pyjamas) in the LAN phase.
We have seen CW just win the IEM Cologne amateur tournament, so it does make them formidable, but what other factors do you think makes this team the toughest to beat?
They are newly formed and haven't had the chance to face much problems yet. Also, most of their players are ones that have been on the scene for ages already and they have the experience to be good in LAN environment.
Is this the same case for NiP?
NiP is basically an improved LemonDogs lineup, and considering how far Lemondogs went last season, you shouldn't dare to underestimate them in any case. They have proven that even when in shaky form, when it really matters they perform!
In that case, do the Dragons have any "special strategies" or cheesy tactics prepared in case they face up against these teams?
Who knows :} We might have something up our sleeves but we will see :)
Well said :) Final question. Now that you have settled down with the Astana Dragons, what are your plans for the team?
Going to DreamHack this week, then its EPS Poland Finals and LCS Online Qualifier which will hopefully lead to the LCS LAN Qualifier and LCS Season 4 itself ;)
Awesome. Thank you for taking the time answering these questions :) Good luck in the upcoming events!
