Nationality: Russian
Former teams: dignitas, EG, TR, Ks.int, Nirvana.int
Role: Semi-carry, Carry, Solo
Signature heroes: Priestess of the Moon, Lion, Windrunner
Azen is undoubtedly one of Europe's finest carry players, and certainly one of the most refined players in his class. He has a natural ability to carry with any hero; whether it be a strong laning hero or late game win condition, Azen can utilize it to its fullest potential, and maximize its window of effectiveness as only a top class player can. He is perhaps Europe's strongest laning carry -- a carry that doesn't weaken his team's laning stage if he solos, but rather strengthens it instead. His handling of semi-carries such as PotM and Lion represents the pinnacle of the European action-carry style, and his calm and confident play style make him an absolute pleasure to watch.
Azen has come a long way since his pub league star days, having played for teams all across Europe and even America, and is now one of the most experienced players on the pro scene. As he is now our very own carry player, we hope to see him grace our replay section with his brand of refined and technical DotA for years to come.
Accomplishments:
Nationality: Swedish
Former teams: LOST, Nirvana.int
Role: Solo, Semi-carry, Utility
Signature heroes: Invoker, Beastmaster, Shadowfiend
One of Europe's brightest and most dynamic rising stars; Pajkatt's incredible natural talent manifests as an prodigious ability to play DotA's most difficult heroes at the very highest level, and without breaking a sweat. While his skills are myriad, his most noteworthy attribute is his natural soloing prowess -- not only with the classic solo heroes such as Shadowfiend and Beastmaster, but also with hypermodern solos such as Dazzle and Invoker. As a player who seems to perpetually be improving, Pajkatt's play exudes boundless energy and ambition, and the joy in which he seems to tackle difficult and esoteric roles for his team should be an inspiration to all players looking to walk the path he and players such as Babyknight, Lanm, and Yaphets have walked.
Now that Piecat has become GosuGamer's solo lane specialist and rising star, we look forward to watching his ascension to the pinnacle of competitive DotA, and we eagerly await what we anticipate will be a very special year for him.
Accomplishments:
Nationality: German
Former teams: World Eaters, mouz, Ks.int, MYM, Nirvana.int
Role: Utility, Carry, Semi-carry, Gank
Signature heroes: Tinker, Morphling, Windrunner
KuroKy has been a fixture of the GosuGamers replay section for years, and his inspirational performances dating back to the tender days of WE and Mouz (and when GG.net replays averaged 10 comments apiece) have contributed greatly to the to the current popularity of DotA and GosuGamers. Many essays' worth of words have been written about this singular talent, and so there is very little we feel we can add. KuroKy was once one of DotA's most game-breaking solo/carry players and has since become one of DotA's most unique and intelligent utility players. While he retains his natural knack for carrying and ganking, and the occasional crowd-pleasing flourish, he has used his experience to become one of DotA's most versatile and effective players.
KuroKy is truly a trendsetter and innovator in DotA, and more than anyone in that has existed in the history of GosuGamers, he is "autodl." We hope that with the backing of GosuGamers.net and its community his influence in 2011 will reach further than it ever has before.
Accomplishments:
Nationality: Swedish
Former teams: fnatic, mouz, Ks.int, DDT, LOST
Role: Support, Gank, Utility
Signature heroes: Crystal Maiden, Vengeful Spirit, Visage
As every player on NWO is exceptionally versatile, it is only fitting that their primary support player is Europe's most versatile support. Mirakel is European DotA's foremost support/gank player, and one of the very first of his kind. A player whose skills are criminally wasted in a babysitting lane, Mirakel has been playing ganking/roaming/annoying supports his entire career. He has made a name for himself not only on the strength of his lane control and warding knowledge, as many other supports have, but also on the strength of his natural ganking skills and versatility. It is no coincidence Mirakel has played for some of the most dynamic and exciting teams in the history of DotA; some of those teams might never have existed without his unique talents.
Mirakel is one of Europe's only true "4th position" players, and as the metagame shifts and demand for these types of support players grows, we at GosuGamers are truly giddy at the fact that we have one of the "OG"s of the support/gank tradition.
Accomplishments:
Nationality: Estonian
Former teams: XsK, VP, Ks.int, Nirvana.int
Role: Utility, Gank, Support
Signature heroes: Earthshaker, Chen/Enchantress, Leshrac
Puppey is, as has been described countless times, the iconic and inimitable captain of Ks.int, Nirvana.int, and NWO. With a player such as Puppey, it can be very difficult to write anything meaningful, as the breadth and depth of his accomplishments and contributions is such that a two-paragraph summary is entirely insufficient. He has been innovating for as long as anyone can possibly remember -- truly one of DotA's most curious and creative minds, and a purist in every sense of the world. As a player, he handles every hero with aplomb, and excels with the kinds of high-pressure and difficult heroes from which most would shy away. As a drafter and captain, he is a living legend; the equal of any in the world, and superior to the vast, vast majority.
As can be seen on his former teams list, Puppey is one of the most experienced players on the pro scene. While his unflinchingly iconoclastic style has made him a large target for criticism over the years, his leadership, experience, and undeniable brilliance make him a player we are absolutely overjoyed to have.
Accomplishments:
Okay, so first off, congrats on being GosuGamer's very first DotA team. To what extent have you and your teammates used GG.net and how does it feel to be playing under our name?
Well certainly being GosuGamers's official team will make you and your teammates something of a home team on our website, and perhaps watching your successes will become a much more personal experience for our readers. What do you expect to achieve in the year 2011 for the readers at GosuGamers.net?
What do you think will be the biggest obstacle to becoming a top international team? You are already a top European team -- how big of a step up is it to become a top team in the world?
You guys are well-known for you unpredictable and unorthodox style. Could you give us some insight into how that happens? Do you make a point to be especially innovative with your strategies, or is it mostly due to the playstyles of your players?
Well, you guys seem to favour rather aggressive strategies over more stable ones. When teams like EHOME draft against LGD, for example, they still rely heavily on late game win conditions. Do you guys choose this style because of some benefit it provides, or is it more a matter of preference?
Players and viewers often speak of a "Chinese/Asian style" and "European style" as if different continents lean toward different playstyles. As poster boys for what many consider to be the pinnacle of the European style, what is your take on this perception, and why does it exist?
What has been the most difficult test for your team thus far?
Why was it you failed to defeat Nirvana.cn when you succeeded so triumphantly against LGD?
Is there a team you admire most or wish to emulate most?
What do you think your team need to improve on the most in 2011? What would you like to improve on personally?
What teams do you see as your greatest rivals as you pursue your 2011 goal of becoming the top team in Europe? Additionally, which international teams will you be keeping your eyes on the most as the large Asian LANs approach?
Okay, let's talk about you and your teammates. Could you give us some insight into the talents of each player, and what roles they play in the team dynamic?
Tell us a bit about yourself then. We've seen you grow as a player in so many ways, and some of us are confused now about what roles you prefer and excel at, and if you have a specific niche you fill for NWO.
How do you think your game has changed since the old WE and Mouz days?
Since you would understand this phenomenon best, could you explain what it means to sacrifice your star moments for your team? What kind of in-game decisions does this involve, and what are examples of something you used to do that you no longer do, in order to be a better team player?
In regards to your teammate Puppey: he seems to be a very polarizing figure, and one not many understand. What is it about him that you and your teammates appreciate the most? Merlini once called him the best player he'd ever played with. Help us understand what makes him special, and your partnership with him over the years.
Icefrog has been slowly encouraging ganking in his 2010 releases. Do you think the KS.int style can make a comeback in this day and age, or have teams and drafts become too refined since? Give us some insight into what the difference is between playing in early 2009 and now in early 2011.
Alright, well we are absolutely bristling with exciting at having you guys onboard. Any shoutouts? Words for your fans and the readers of GosuGamers, whom you'll be representing in 2011 and onward?
“Thanks. I can only speak for myself, personally, I visit GG.net daily, as it always covers news around the world and has a great replay data base. As GG.net is a community site, we will be actually representing a site which has a big community for the first time, it's interesting and I'm definitely looking forward to it.”
Well certainly being GosuGamers's official team will make you and your teammates something of a home team on our website, and perhaps watching your successes will become a much more personal experience for our readers. What do you expect to achieve in the year 2011 for the readers at GosuGamers.net?
“We will try to finish at least in the top 3 in every upcoming tournament. Our first goal will be to be recognized as EU's best team, and I think we can reach that goal with hard work and alot of effort, but the other teams will fight for this position as well, so it will be a good fight. If things go well, we will aim to go more international/worldwide, and try our chance there.”
What do you think will be the biggest obstacle to becoming a top international team? You are already a top European team -- how big of a step up is it to become a top team in the world?
“Time, passion and hard work are set to be equal. It's a slow process which will consume alot of energy, and only the strongest will come out on top of it.”
You guys are well-known for you unpredictable and unorthodox style. Could you give us some insight into how that happens? Do you make a point to be especially innovative with your strategies, or is it mostly due to the playstyles of your players?
“Well, Puppey and I try to create new strats to surprise our opponents for a match. Mostly we think about different styles, patches and heroes etc. For example, against LGD, I watched their last 20 replays to predict their picks and style, and I actually had a 100% accurate prediction on their bans, and 80% on their picks, and I guessed their lanes again 100% right.
After puppey and I figured out the aura strat it became easier to "abuse" it against them, as we knew exactly how they played. We put the correct lanes, and it was just a matter of time till we won. It's just about analyzing, predicting and being decisive.”
Well, you guys seem to favour rather aggressive strategies over more stable ones. When teams like EHOME draft against LGD, for example, they still rely heavily on late game win conditions. Do you guys choose this style because of some benefit it provides, or is it more a matter of preference?
“Agressive or defensive, as long as it brings results, we will go for anything. If the enemy expects us the least, we will attack them; if they are prepared to fight, we will play passively and carefully.”
Players and viewers often speak of a "Chinese/Asian style" and "European style" as if different continents lean toward different playstyles. As poster boys for what many consider to be the pinnacle of the European style, what is your take on this perception, and why does it exist?
“Well, I think it's a psychological thing. People like to identify themselves with somebody, or at least something, and European style being "more agressive", or so they say, makes them proud. Europeans can hardly identify themselves with Asians, it's simply harder to imagine. Anyway, long story short, Europeans tend to play with much more mistakes, that's why it appears to be more agressive.
In reality, the quality of the average game is lower, hence the "agressiveness". If the quality of a game rises, people play more carefully, make less mistakes etc., so the game will seem slower. Although it's a better game, it's hard to appreciate it, as the normal viewer doesn't really care about that.
Personally, I enjoy watching both, but I wouldn't watch too many mid quality replays. In the end I do prefer slow paced but high quality games, but honestly I'm not a fan watching replays *smiles*, I just do it for analyzing a team I play against, or sometimes I'll watch a livestream of 2 good teams playing.”
What has been the most difficult test for your team thus far?
“Hm, the RGC matches. The path to the grandfinals. Our goal was to win, but we failed the test. Mooseman and the DL shoutcasters, NiceTry and Shine, were in Berlin and met me after the games. I was really disappointed that we failed to win his tourney. I hope I will get the chance to win more tourneys this year.”
Why was it you failed to defeat Nirvana.cn when you succeeded so triumphantly against LGD?
“They wanted to win much more than we did. I could literally feel it, and they continued their spree to win WDC. Sometimes you just become more lazy as than you should as a competition progresses, and after the games you realize that you could have done much much more. But I still don't know if it would have been enough; NWO was a fresh team back then, and we were still figuring out how to pick and distribute the roles. I won't really blame anyone but myself, as I felt I could have played much better individually. But I will take revenge for NWO.”
Is there a team you admire most or wish to emulate most?
“Hmm, my favourite team disbanded long time ago. I used to admire XcN, as no other team really impressed me like they did. First of all, their dominance in asia was quite impressive. Second of all, the way they dominated: their strats were totally out of the box - they introduced alot of new heroes and strats, their teamwork was unmatched, and their roster - 5 friends playing dota and becoming the best team in Asia, if not the world. Quite amazing if you ask me.”
What do you think your team need to improve on the most in 2011? What would you like to improve on personally?
“Hm, our team has alot of room of improvement, but I can't go into it, as I'd reveal information which I shouldn't. Personally, I also have alot of room for improvement. I will try to aim for better reactions, lasthitting and thinking in the game.”
What teams do you see as your greatest rivals as you pursue your 2011 goal of becoming the top team in Europe? Additionally, which international teams will you be keeping your eyes on the most as the large Asian LANs approach?
“Most teams reshuffled their rosters, so I can't give an accurate list. We will treat any team equally - they are all our enemies.”
Okay, let's talk about you and your teammates. Could you give us some insight into the talents of each player, and what roles they play in the team dynamic?
“Puppey - very good friend, smart, trustworthy. I've played with him for a long time now, and we have been through alot of ups and downs. There are times where we talk about strategies 2-4 hours everyday, so we actually always have something to talk about. I simply enjoy playing with him in a team, and I couldn't ask for a better teammate. I could write a wall of text about him, so I will just leave it as it is right now. Maybe on another day I will do it. *smiles*
Miracle - funny, reliable, precise. That makes the Ks.int trio I guess. I've been playing with Miracle for a very long time as well, and I'm very happy that we are finally playing together again. I feel that we three make a good basis of a team already. Mira is a very experienced DotA player and plays a crucial support/ganker role in our team; he is also a funny guy and feeds his chicken at 9:30pm everyday.
Azen - weirdo, pro, speech man. Azen is a very funny guy, and I really enjoy having him around. I don't think I have to go into his skills. His solo play is excellent and his decision making can turn out to be a game winner. He mostly plays the carry role in the team. I played 500 inhouse league games with him to teach him how to carry with Medusa, so I think he is ready to rock now (although I never play Dusa, but you get the point *laughs). He lives in israel and digs for gold as much as he can.
Pajkatt - lively, energetic, amusing. I picked him up in the streets of Stockholm, and I think it was a pretty good catch. PJ is very skilled DotA player - he actually improves very fast, which is very satisfying to follow. He is also very ambitious, which I like alot about him. Although he is the least experienced in terms of competitive dota, he has already shown great awareness of the game. I have high hopes in PJ; he is already showing very beautiful play and I'm confident he will not disappoint me or any of his fans in the future.”
Tell us a bit about yourself then. We've seen you grow as a player in so many ways, and some of us are confused now about what roles you prefer and excel at, and if you have a specific niche you fill for NWO.
“Hm, I mostly fill the last role needed, which isn't support *laughs*. It will mostly be some sort of gank/semicarry/carry kind of role - I don't really mind. In WE I also played whatever was needed, but mostly solo mid. In mouz I mostly played solo mid, and in Ks.int I played whatever connected with gank. It's pretty much the same I play right now, just more carry-ish.”
How do you think your game has changed since the old WE and Mouz days?
“I used to play more emotionally, but I've learned to consider rational and analytical thinking into my gaming style as well. It helped me develop as a player, and especially as a team player. I won't shine so much like a star in game anymore, but I'm more valuable as a team player now.”
Since you would understand this phenomenon best, could you explain what it means to sacrifice your star moments for your team? What kind of in-game decisions does this involve, and what are examples of something you used to do that you no longer do, in order to be a better team player?
“Star syndrome ... In this team, I have PJ. It's his time to rise, so I will support him to be the next European star, with Azen as the secondary star. It means giving up the solo mid role - I pretty much gave it away. You can build up alot of dominance from solo mid and "make your game" basically, so it will have a good effect for the viewers. There are other minor things, such as kill/death ratio and etc.
If puppey has alot of deaths with shaker and we win, he will be regarded as a God shaker, but if we lose, he will be flamed, just as a comparison. That is, giving up a star role, the community is sometimes a bit too hurtful in their comments. I think it's unneccesary. I didn't stop particual things, but rather I started doing more things in the game, which improved my game flow, be it predicting the enemy's movement or leading my team.”
In regards to your teammate Puppey: he seems to be a very polarizing figure, and one not many understand. What is it about him that you and your teammates appreciate the most? Merlini once called him the best player he'd ever played with. Help us understand what makes him special, and your partnership with him over the years.
“Well, he is a good friend of mine, so it will sound very subjective whatever I will say about him. After Dreamhack 2008, we were both disappointed with the result (3rd place), as we lost in a very close game to SK. We talked about the games (he was just standin for DH), and we had alot of the same views about strategies and ideas, so we thought of building a team together. I took Mira and Levent with me as Twisted and Dray went inactive, and he took Jolie and Vigoss and we created Ks.int.
Our ideas were really crazy, that at first it seemed like shit. The first LAN was coming up, and most people on forums were flaming us, saying things like, " Star-teams always fail, this team sucks etc etc," so we really wanted to show them, but with style. Puppey and I created gank strats, in a version that was dominated by turtle, hood of defiance, and more turtle. We used heroes that were totally forgotten, and it was a big success as we totally stomped the DotA League Masters LAN. we played MYM in the finals and it was a nightmare for them. *smiles*
Anyway, we continued our spree and worked on more strats, but Puppey and I promised to stick to gank style only, as we had so many fans who loved this style. We couldn't disappoint them. and even though results are really important, we just didn't want to switch our style and we tried to win through ganking. We actually still dominated alot, but at that point it felt like Icefrog was simply anti-Ks.int, making Hood, Necrolyte, Undying and Bloodstone, etc. stronger and stronger, so there was no way to gank anymore, and farming dominated too much.
Well, the original question got lost a bit *smiles*, but I've been through alot of events with Puppey, so it's hard for me to give some lines about him. Anyway I simply enjoy playing with him, so I'll leave it as it is.”
Icefrog has been slowly encouraging ganking in his 2010 releases. Do you think the KS.int style can make a comeback in this day and age, or have teams and drafts become too refined since? Give us some insight into what the difference is between playing in early 2009 and now in early 2011.
“Teams, picks and players have improved alot, so it's hard to say. I can't give an accurate an answer. Back then Ks.int used roaming shaker for the first time, now it's a common thing to do.”
Alright, well we are absolutely bristling with exciting at having you guys onboard. Any shoutouts? Words for your fans and the readers of GosuGamers, whom you'll be representing in 2011 and onward?
“Thanks for reading. Shoutouts to dotasource.de, my supporters and everybody who likes to watch us play. NWO in our hearts, Team GG.NET in the present and future. Cheer for us - we won't disappoint you!”
