Nazgul, Strelok and HasuObs completes the European line-up

Are you excited about the event?

Nazgul: Yeah it will be great to see where everybody is at, something we have clearly been missing since Blizzard decided to split the servers. We have all become separated communities despite sports needing an international playing field to succeed.

Strelok: I am both excited and scared at once. I haven't played any top Asian players yet and I'm really looking forward to it - I am scared that lag will ruin all the pleasure from those games.

HasuObs: Of course I am excited, I think this is the first big clash of Europe vs Asia. I am sure we will have really entertaining matches!


From what you've seen, what do you think of Asian SC2?

Nazgul: I have seen replays of some of their tournaments and wasn't very impressed with the depth of skill but the good players on Asia are very good. Especially the Asian Zergs seem to be playing at a higher level than the rest of the world, and then based on his recent results Tester as well. I haven't seen enough replays to put too much value to my opinion in this though.

Strelok: From the Asian team I only know Sen. He was a great player in SC1 and as far as I know he is a great player in SC2 as well. Hopefully he won't be my opponent (laughs). I also watched VODs of Loner. I liked his TvP a lot. In general from what I see from Asian replays and VODs is that they are way better in macro and micro but way way less creative. Especially protoss players.

HasuObs: To be honest I didnt see much of the Asian players. The only game I observed was Demuslim vs some Chinese Zerg, but they suffered a lot of connection problems. However, I am sure that the Asian players are extremly strong.

What is the reason for the Zerg dominance on the Asia server in your opinion?

Nazgul: I honestly don't like to think about balance too much. When I lose a game every time I can make a list of all the mistakes I made. When I win a game I can do the same for my opponent. When this is the case how can you seriously discuss balance? I have no comment on why the Asian Zergs are so good from what I can tell the race is played by a bunch of talented ex-progamers.

Of course there are obvious balance issues that everyone agrees with such as the possible overpowered Void Ray. Either they are overpowered or Blizzard knows something that Terrans don't. Considering the strength of Void Rays seems so obvious to spot you would almost think that Blizzard thinks Terrans are doing something wrong else they would have added it in the last patch. So I suggest everyone keeps looking for a solution.


What do you think about the level of the European SC2 compared to the rest of the world at the moment?

Nazgul: It seems we're slightly ahead of the US, they really don't seem to have much depth beyond a few players whereas the list of European top players is pretty long. Slightly behind Asia.

Strelok: It's hard to tell since I almost haven't played on the Asian server. Compared to American ladder- I find European ladder harder. But on the other side, I also know many people who think the opposite.

HasuObs: It's really hard to compare the skill-levels at the moment. I personally didn't play vs US or Asian players so far, so it's really hard to judge, but I saw some replays of US players and I think they are a bit weaker than the Europeans. We have to wait a bit longer till we know what continent is the leading one in Starcraft II.


How does it feel to be a part of the European team for the Asia vs Europe StarLeague event?

Nazgul: It's better than not being a part of it.

Strelok: I am a representatve of the European StarCraft II community, it really means something for me!

HasuObs: It feels really good to be nominated. I am looking forward to those matches and will do my best for team Europe.


How do you think that the fact it's a continent and not a nation or a clan fighting will affect the team spirit?

Nazgul: I surely hope that doesn't affect anything I always just try to win any official game I have no playing around no bullshit. My motivation isn't spiked by playing for a nation or a continent, although the higher esteem a tournament has in a community that's something that will influence the players. The more important something is the harder they will practice.

Strelok: I think that everyone will be motivated more. Everyone from the European team have played a bunch of national wars already, but events like this one are way more rare.

HasuObs: The European Team feels quite familiar to me, since there a lot of players from mousesports, I also think that everyone in the European team will try to help each other.


How are you going to prepare your matches, any partners you practice more with than others?

Nazgul: I haven't seen my matchup yet but most of my PvT preparation comes from playing Jinro and a lot of PvZ/PvP with TheLittleOne.

Strelok: In general, I do have sparing partners of each race, mainly inside my team. And also I like to talk about strategies with other terrans, such as DeMusliM, Brat_OK and Gretorp. I'm happy with that kind of practice, it gives good results, so i'll continue doing same for this event.

HasuObs: I think I will practise a lot with my teammates from mousesports, but also with some players apart my team. (like naniwa, demuslim etc.)


What are you predictions for the event? Who will win and why?

Nazgul: It's hard to make predictions without seeing the matchups. I'm sure we'll see a bunch of great games.

Strelok: I think Europe will win with great advantage! like probably 6-2 or something, don't ask me why, just a feeling and probably a thought of wish.

HasuObs: First of all, I really hope that we don't have to suffer any connection problems, especially when playing vs Chinese players. I am sure that the overall score will be close, but I hope that Europe can take the lead – why? Well, because I trust in our team!


Do you have any shoutouts?

Nazgul: I hope everyone has a blast watching this event!

Strelok: I want to ask all Europeans to come online the time we play, watch the stream and help us win!

HasuObs: Thanks to the organisators of this event, thanks to mousesports and our sponsors. A huge shoutout to all fans who are supporting us! Thanks


Related news
» Click here to read the interview with White-Ra
» Click here to read the interview with Eric, Ace and Loner for team Asia
» Click here to read the interview with Sen for team Asia
» Click here to read the interview with NaNiwa and TheLittleOne
» Click here to read the interview with ZpuX and HayprO including the tournament information