After Ballistix won the GCWC, the entire audience erupted...in polite applause.
The 3-0 victory over MVP Miracle was more dominant than anyone expected. Ballistix were playing out of their minds, securing wins at a record pace. During game two on Sky Temple, Ballistix had both Temples dealing core damage before the 14-minute mark.
Absolutely insane.
I followed Ballistix into their player room, hoping to ask some questions. Mind you, this meant trying to interview a Korean team in China as an English writer. With the help of a Korean-to-Chinese translator, I was able to get my Chinese answers translated into English by another translator. As such, the team huddled together to answer each question, and either Noblesse or sCsC answered for the group.
This ammount of translation will always lose some of the interview's nuances, but I went over it numerous times with both translators to make sure the answers were accurate.
What does your team do differently that no one else does?
We are still close friends even if we lose. Our friendship is never affected by deaths in game or when someone misplays. We aren't afraid to lose and that relieves so much pressure.
How does it feel to be called the best team in the world twice now?
We never thought we would even win the Korean Championship, let alone international competition. Now, we are thrilled to secure two back-to-back world championships. It's proof of our friendship.
Whether it's EU, NA, or any team, it's all the same. When you are behind in the beginning, you can't worry.
Do you agree that you are the best in the world?
Everyone laughs
Not really. We think that Fnatic, Zero, and MVP Black are also very good at the game. We actually think they have the same skill as us. In our eyes, these teams all share an equal chance of winning so me must be extra vigilant.
How do you handle the pressure of “being the best". Is it ever too hard?
We don't think it's hard at all-- it is purely a positive emotion. If there is any pressure, it may come from other teams watching our games more than other teams and preparing for us.
Do you think MVP Black would have stood a better chance in the grand finals?
We think that MVP Black and Miracle are both very good. They are, more or less, at the same level, it seems. However, when we play against MVP Black, we are much more worried. It is hard to explain. MVP Black were the champs before and I think that comes into play when you face them. They play with so much confidence-- like they know they can win.
What is the hardest part of being a pro gamer?
It is never the game. We love games and we love Heroes. That is why we became a professional team. It's total love of the game.
The hardest part about being a pro gamer is when you lose a game. That is the pinnacle point of pain and the primary obstacle you must overcome. If you learn to accept a loss as part of the process, it becomes much easier.
Can you explain the E.T.C blind powerslide into a the bush? Was it a guess or did you know?
It was a very intuitive play. Earlier, Tassadar gave vision and Illidan was spotted. We knew he was around. So Noblesse on E.T.C made a prediction. We didn't know they were in there. It was just by accident but it opens the possibility of a good strategy moving forward to make smart guesses.
The real strength of the move was the rest of us following up immediately. We had to trust Noblesse.
How do you think NA and EU teams can improve?
[Long pause. Thinking. They all look to sCsC. He finally speaks.]
Whether it's EU, NA, or any team, it's all the same. When you are behind in the beginning, you can't worry. Don’t panic, don’t rush, and you can come back. You have to play the game step-by-step. Small incremental steps is always how you win. Teams need to be patient and never rush their comeback.
What to do you feel about hero balance currently?
It's good to nerf Heroes, but much better to buff Heroes. We think the most important thing now is to strengthen the weak heroes. All the strong heroes are at a good place and are fun to play. It's the weak heroes that just need a chance.
Any thing to say to your Western fans?
If we ever for some reason disband, we hope that all of the fans will remember every one of us as individual players and a team. We promise to keep playing Heroes as hard as we can.
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