GosuGamers was able to get a hold on with Litt-Binn 'WinteR' Chan at GMPGL SEA, not long before he started his first live casting stint. Read on to see what he has to say about his trip to the Philippines, this casting gig, and some of his plans for the future.
Hi Winter. Thank you for making time for this interview. How are you?
Still tired. I just got back from Korea yesterday.
Well, we were aware that you'll be here, but the Korea was rather sudden. What happened?
They asked me last Sunday afternoon, and there was only one flight from Malaysia to Korea that I can take to make it to the event because they were playing on Monday afternoon. I had to book a flight and fly on that evening itself.
So how was it?
Korea was fun. I like the food. I like the team (Dignitas), they were fun to play with.
You aren't really new here, as this is your second visit to the Philippines. Is it any different from before?
Its the same. People are very passionate about Dota. The Phillipine scene is very big by itself. Even if you combine Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, I don't think it can be compared to here.
Did your family have any concerns about you going to the Philippiness? I mean I heard from my friends that the there were concerned families regarding the bad reputation of the country and the Super Typhoon.
No, they were aware that the typhoon is more on the Cebu part that here at Manila.
So you are coming here a caster, and this is your first live casting stint. How do you feel about it?
I feel a little nervous about it, but David Parker (GoDz) will carry me. I am just the support. *laughs*. I was chosen by him (poins to GoDz)
(Question to GoDz) So why bring in WinteR as the co-caster?
WinteR is fun to cast with. he is a good guy and I've known him for a long time. I couldn't bring myself and LD from LA because its a very long way away so Winter is obviously a very good alternative.
Do you have expectations or reservations on this job that you are about to do?
No, not really. I'll just try to do my best because its my first live casting stint and it will be important for me to give people a good impression, because I might want to walk on this road more. Its really important for me to do well I really dont have any huge expectations but I just want to do my best.
So you plan on doing this more on the future?
Yeah, probably
Okay, let's talk about the tournament. You have been to many events in your career. Seeing the setup, and knowing a bit of the program - what can you say about GMPGL SEA so far?
The current events seems better compared to a lot that I have been to. Its very great that they come with up with some very interesting ideas. For example, I like the moving player introduction, unlike the TI one where they showed pictures. I like the video more, its much more 'star', I like the idea of the event and the way they conceptualize it.
How different is this one compared to those other events?
I think if you compare to SEA scene, it is much different because of the fans. The amount of people supporting the events is huge. I think its similar to China. Even though the sponsorship and the likes aren't nearly as big, the fans I would say is near China's level, even on par.
Since you are very familiar with the teams, who do you think is the favorite in this tournament?
On paper, Titan is the clear favorite. However, they haven't been playing well lately. They could lose to anybody. Basically, they could lose to themselves if they play bad. If the two Singaporean teams would come with the full roster, Titan would probably have a difficult time.
Going back to your career: So this retirement thing is, you are looking at a shift from a player to a coach/caster?
Yeah, probably. I just dont want to commit because its too much effort to playing on the highest level. You can't just put a little effort and expect to play on the best level.
So Esports has sort of shifted from full time to part time?
Yeah, I'm now working on my dad's accounting firm. Change in priorities, but I still play and watch games on my free time.
That should be good. Do you have any shoutouts?
I want to thank Mineski and BTS for making it possible to come here. I also had to book another ticket because of my change of plans, and i have to thank Charile from Dignitas for fixing it for me.
