ThijsNL: "The most difficult change for me was the conquest format"

Photo: Frederike Schmitt / DreamHack

We caught up with Thijs "ThijsNL" Molendijk from Nihilum on DreamHack Bucharest soil and we talk at length about his move from MYM to Nihilum, Blackrock Mountain and partnering with Rdu for Amaz's tag-team tournament.

ThijsNL is one of the most decorated players in Hearthstone. The Dutchman made his name winning multiple ZOTAC cups in the early days of Hearthstone but since then has moved to bigger venues. Currently a member of Nihilum, he's one of the only two players to make it to two DreamHack grand finals, winning a gold in Bucharest 2014 and silver at DreamHack Winter 2014.

Despite multiple successes, the end of last year was a rocky one for ThijsNL. Unhappy with his current situation at MYM, he was looking for a way out and for another home. As we stir the conversation into this topic, Thijs nevertheless expresses gratitude towards his former team, saying they were the necessary first step in his progaming career.

Now with Nihilum, ThijsNL seems to have moved to greener pastures, sharing a team with king of summer Dima "Rdu" Radu and former poker-player Adrian "Lifecoach" Koy. According to Thijs, there's much more to learn from the latter than just Hearthstone.

We learn a lot [from Lifecoach] not just from his experience in the game but also in his life, at least I am. I am learning how he manages to combine things, how his lifestyle is and how he's always able to take it on a high note.”

In spite of his late 2014 dominance, ThijsNL's results have plateaued recently. Although still in great shape, the youngster is still looking for his first 2015 championship. When we ask if it's the new cards coming out that don't agree with him, Thijs says it's actually the change from last hero standing to conquest, as he's still trying to find a line-up that works.

I was one of the best last hero standing players, I always came up with one of the better strategies. Now, it's so dependent on your opponent sometimes. As for Blackrock Mountain, it's too early to say. I'm always excited about new cards at leaast.”

Check out the full interview below and find full DreamHack Bucharest coverage here.