G-1 Interviews Roundup: Ohaiyo, YYF, Sylar, 357, iceiceice, ddc, and more!

Lots of good interviews with all sorts of players and managers, from G-1! Check ’em all out below~

LGD.ddc: In order to improve, we must change

DDC flaunts his humor and talks about recent LGD changes, funny interview…

Zenith.iceiceice: 50-50 against iG

Now, obviously Zenith lost against iG, but not without a fight. This interview, in all other ways, is one of epic proportions and laughs…

Orange.Ohaiyo: Every team wants the same thing

Ohaiyo shares his and the team’s goals, the difference between his style and Mushi’s in solo mid…

DK.357/QQQ: We’re training hard

357/QQQ/MMY talks about DK’s recent ups and downs, their training, and what they need to improve on…

LGD.Nic take two: We are the defending champs!

LGD’s manager, in this second interview with G-1, discusses LGD.cn’s recent role changes, LGD.int’s chances, Pajkatt…

iG.YYF: Confidence, teamwork, are our strengths

YYF talks about their recent form, the match against Zenith, and the source of iG’s success…

LGD.Sylar: I feel great

Sylar tells us about his feelings (after winning), and discusses LGD.cn’s recent performances…

G-1 Interviews Roundup: xiao8, Mushi, Faith, RSnake and LGD managers, and more!

Lots of interviews for G-1… check ’em all out at the G-1 portal. Previews and direct links below!

LGD.xiao8 talks about Group A

G-1 Phase 3 is set to begin on March 27, with the LGD derby between their int and cn squads leading off. In anticipation, we interviewed LGD.cn’s Director 8, xiao8, to learn more about how they’ve been doing lately!

Orange.Mushi: We hope to see you all in China!

The groups for Phase 3 of G-1 have begun. Malaysian powerhouse Orange has been grouped with three strong Chinese teams, and it remains to be seen whether Mushi can lead his team out of the surround. Let us see here what Mushi has to share with us all.

iG.Faith: Offline finals will be spectacular!

Powerhouse iG finally makes their appearance at Season 5 of the G-1 Champions League. We got an interview with iG support player Faith, who shared with us some of iG’s training and talked about his thoughts on this season’s G-1. Take a look below!

LGD.Pajkatt: G-1 is a lot of fun

Pajkatt talks about life in China, his role as carry, and more!

RSnake.JET: RattleSnake manager speaks

The manager sheds some light on this new team, composed of old veteran players.

LGD.Nic: LGD manager gives a glimpse into the world of LGD

In this interview with LGD’s Dota manager Nic (Chinese ID: Chaorenwa), he gives us an overview of the Int squad players, what they do in their spare time, how he got where he is today, and more. Read on below to take a step into the world of LGD!

 

iG.ChuaN and iG CEO Efeng question and answer session

iG held an event on t.qq (similar to Twitter) where anyone could ask questions and they would answer. Good questions, good answers. Check it out.

Questions to ChuaN and his answers

Q: How tall are you and YYF?
ChuaN: I am 190cm (roughly 6 ft 2 in), I dunno about YYF

Q: Will your girlfriend think you’re too fat?ChuaN: I am working hard to lose weight!

Q: Can you reveal how speaking rights are divided within the team?
ChuaN: We discuss things together, there isn’t really anything like that

Q: ChuaN-god, it’s been a while since you’ve come to China. After your pro gaming career ends, what are your plans? Will you stay in China? Or go back home?
ChuaN: Right now all I’m thinking about is how to play well, and get good results.

Q: Will there be more interactive events between players and fans?
ChuaN: We often do these on our official YY channel 90007, and we’ll be frequently streaming first person gameplay there as well, we welcome everyone to come visit! (Dotaland guide on how to watch YY streams here)

Q: How did you first step onto the path of becoming a pro player? In many people’s view, esports is the same as casual play… Can you tell us what your training is like? Is it at all similar to what some people think?
ChuaN: I stepped onto this path by playing and fighting for my dreams! Esports has become my professional career, so it isn’t simply play! Every day we undergo specific, targeted, and planned training!

Q: ChuaN-god! I am here in the name of my roommate, who wishes to profess his love to you!
ChuaN: Thank you, I love you guys too!

Q: You went from being a solo mid player to successfully transforming into a 4 position support, very different roles both mentally and attitude-wise. How did you adapt?ChuaN: Thinking back on that moment standing on stage as champions, all the sacrifice is worth it! The team and togetherness above all else!

Q: Are you optimistic about Dota 2 in China?
ChuaN: I am very much optimistic about Dota 2 in China!

Q: How long is your daily training, does the club arrange other activities for relaxation?
ChuaN: The club arranges physical exercise; I am really good at basketball! ;P

Q: How much longer do you plan on playing Dota, ChuaN-god?
ChuaN: I will play until I cannot play anymore!

Q: Which competitions will iG.Dota take part in in the coming year?
ChuaN: All big competitions we will participate in! And we’ll do our best to achieve good results, we hope that everyone supports us!

Q: iG add oil
ChuaN: Thank you for the support!

Q: iG is my spiritual belonging, I believe in iG… How does an esports club have this much magic?
ChuaN: It is the result of a collective effort and nurturing! ๐Ÿ™‚

Questions to iG CEO Efeng and his answers

Q: Will there be iG-branded merchandise? Stuff like gaming peripherals, perhaps?
Efeng: Yes! This year, even!

Q: Out of iG’s players, who do you think will get married first?
Efeng: My guess is either YYF or Zhou.

Q: Can I get a blessing from you in my quest for the goddess in my life?
Efeng: Sure, as long as your goddess isn’t my wife, I officially bless your quest.

Q: What do esports players do after they retire?
Efeng: The cream of the crop can continue on as leaders, coaches, or managers after they retire. Others can transition into club support staff, media people, or work at gaming companies, or become a commentator. Lots of possibilities ๐Ÿ™‚

Q: Efeng, what are your views on those players who are still very young, and also need to continue their studies?
Efeng: I feel that these things aren’t necessarily in conflict with one another. Games can be their hobby from youth, it’s the same basic principle as those kids that take up things like art, sports, etc. And if they display true talent in some way, then they can consider a career in it. ๐Ÿ™‚

Q: Hello sir, can you say whether you’re satisfied with the atmosphere of our esports scene? Compared to foreign esports, what are some weaknesses of Chinese esports?
Efeng: Still lacking in mainstream recognition and understanding.

Q: When will the iG website get an overhaul? It’s lacking compared to many foreign clubs’ sites. Looking forward to official iG forums, so we iG fans have somewhere to go. What do you think?
Efeng: It’s all in the works! There’ll be an all-new look soon!

Q: I would like to ask, what is average pay and compensation like in the industry, what are the benefits?
Efeng: Staff are comparable to typical gaming companies. For players, it depends on the club and the players’ ability. The better the results, the more popular the player, the more they get paid… similar to professional sports.

Q: As a university student, how can I best contribute to esports?
Efeng: Study hard, graduate, then join the esports industry!

Q: Any considerations for creating sub-teams, for example regional or provincial feeder teams?
Efeng: Yes, in the future we will have all sorts of developmental squads.

Q: As management of the club, what are the most important things for the club’s success? Where does most of your funding come from? Thank you.
Efeng: I think that the most important things are stability and the ability to execute well. Funding mostly comes from sponsors, sales, events, and promotional activities.

Q: Have you thought about creating an international squad?
Efeng: If Chinese players are the best in something, then what’s the point in creating an international team?

Q: What are your thoughts on flexibility of roles and the ability to transition between roles in esports?
Efeng: I feel that the limits are much fewer, and it is much easier to transition between roles in the esports industry, as long as one is willing and able to work hard. Those who can be successful players can also be successful esports staff. ๐Ÿ™‚

Q: How do you compare Chinese esports skill level with foreign?
Efeng: Chinese esports is very strong!

Q: For esports to sucessfully become an Olympic event, what do you think is the biggest bottlenet? What are primary cash flows for various parts of the club? Thank you.
Efeng: I think the biggest bottleneck is popular support and recognition… As for funding for, players have their salary, bonuses, sponsorship and events, the club has sponsors and sales, and staff have their salaries.

 

 

G-1 Phase 3 Preview, interview with Chains.Johnny

More G-1 updates! Click through to the G-1 links, content inside provided by Dotaland via friends at 17173.

G-1 Phase 3 Preview: Champions, Challengers, and Chains

After a well-fought Phase 2 that saw some major upsets, we’re on the eve of the Phase 3 of Season 5 G-1 Champions League, 2013. With this marks the first appearance of the so-called ‘Big Three’ of China, in the form of iG, DK, and LGD.cn, accompanied by the lone non-Chinese top four finisher of last G-1, Orange. With only four spots available for Asian teams at the LAN finals, competition promises to be fierce, upsets possible, in G-1 as newcomers and the old kings of Dota alike fight it out for the right to compete offline for the largest Chinese Dota 2 prizepool to date. Season 5 of the G-1 Champions League continues with Phase 3.

ChainsStack.Johnny G-1 Interview: I want to go to China

The underdog in both of their encouters so far, Chains Stack has posted two upsets in the qualifiers for G-1 Champions League Season 5, first defeating For.Love by 2-1, then last night completing an impressive 2-0 victory over RisingStars to claim the group B spot to the next phase. After their latest success, G-1 got ChainsStack’s mid player Johnny for an interview, let’s take a look.

 

More G-1 Interviews: RSnake.Icy and TongFu.Mu

RSnake.Icy Interview: No reason to stop here

Icy of new team RattleSnake, featuring the veteran likes of LaNm, luo, Kabu, and Neo alongside him, gives an interview talking about G-1, the team, and his insight into playing Gyrocopter… Come read and learn, on the eve of RattleSnake’s Group A showdown against MUFC.

TongFu.Mu Interview: We want to beat Zenith

Unfortunately, shortly after this interview, TongFu lost their first round game 2-0 and crashed out, without getting the chance to fight Zenith as Mu wanted. Nonetheless, Mu gives some good answers here and it’s worth a read.

G-1 Champions League Season 5 qualifiers continue on. Catch the livestream and latest updates at the official G-1 portal!

 

G-1 Interview with VG.CTY: Working together with ZSMJ

As VG prepares to make their mark on Season 5 of the G-1 Champions League, 17173, the force behind the tournament, got an interview with their carry player. CTY talks about his favorite heroes, VG’s recent training, and how the addition of legendary carry ZSMJ to VG in a second team plays into his own work as a carry. Click through below to hit the full interview, on the official G-1 portal site.

VG.CTY Pre-G-1 Interview: Working together with ZSMJ

 

G-1 Champions League Season 5 Interviews: KingJ, LaNm

Check out pre G-1 interviews with KingJ and LaNm, from 17173, organizers of the G-1 Champions League!

KingJ interview: Carry For.Love

After having been out of the spotlight for what seems like a long time, well-known player KingJ has returned to our view after joining For.Love. In upcoming G-1 Champions League matches, he’ll be playing with his new team, let’s all take a look at what he’s been up to lately!

LaNm interview: We’ve prepared

We got LaNm, of former EHOME fame, current RattleSnake player, to talk a bit about his new team, his thoughts on G-1 League Season 5, and more.

G-1 Champions League Season 5 qualifiers continue tonight. Catch the livestream and latest updates at the official G-1 portal!

Heads up: iG.YYF to be on Live on Three tonight

http://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/1a83ai/live_interview_with_igyyf_tonight_on_live_on/

In case you missed it — according to this reddit thread, fan favorite iG.YYF will be on Lo3 with Slasher, etc, for an interview. The interview responses will be translated live by Dota Chinese localization team lead HippoVic. Check the reddit thread for all details, stream links, etc!

 

Interview with new team RisingStars’ manager Cc (bonus, ZSMJ new team info inside)

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201301/148798.html

Dotaland note: Last week, new team RisingStars announced their formation. This interview is pretty insightful into the process that went into building the new team RisingStars, and their manager Cc also reveals that former NA member Li has joined ZSMJ. This means that ZSMJ’s new roster is complete: ZSMJ, chisbug, show, ran, Li.

Anyway, give this interview a read, the rest of it is about new team RisingStars Gaming, and new teams are always worth learning a bit about!

Note that ZSMJ’s team does not have an announced name yet, and RisingStars is a different new team, this is their interview and in this interview they revealed the last confirmed member of ZSMJ’s new team, hence why it is all in one post!

Not long ago, former Noah’s Ark and DT^Club players AIR, SUPER, XDD, PrettyHaw, and Injuly came together to form new team RisingStars Gaming. Now, SGamer brings an interview with Rstars’ manager Cc, who talked with us about the new team.

SGamer (SG): Thanks for accepting our interview. Starting off, introduce yourself briefly for everyone.

RisingStars.Cc (Rstars.CC): Hello, hi everyone, I am the former manager of Noah’s Ark, current manager of Rstars, Cc.

SG: On Nov 28, 2012, Noah’s Ark fell into a state of dormancy, yet just before that they are part of a grand opening ceremony event for their sponsoring internet cafe. What caused this drastic downturn in the club’s fortunes?

Rstars.CC: Eh, to put simply it was a decision by the sponsors to postpone the club in favor of focusing on their internet cafe business development. At the time that was all I heard about the decision. As for why this decision was made, I’m sure the sponsors have their own considerations.

SG: What were the club’s members doing after this, then?

Rstars.CC: Before the announcement was released, the club had actually already been on pause for about a week. At the time the team had decided that they would still continue training, after all, both the Dota2 and LoL squads were still relatively new and needed training. And I would try my best to find new sponsors or investments.

SG: How did you find your current sponsors then?

Rstars.CC: Hm, it can be considered a coincidence. After announcing the club going on pause on our official Weibo, our current sponsors contacted us.

SG: Is the current sponsor stable? Any worries of repeating past scenarios?

Rstars.CC: Yeah, on this point we were very clear and direct from the beginning, and the sponsors have given me a great amount of confidence and support. From their words to their actions, it has been shown, so there won’t be any instability in terms of cashflow and management.

SG: Why isn’t the new team roster the same as old NA roster?

Rstars.CC: Mmm, after original NA went on hold, MOFI chose to go home and take a break, while LI went with ZSMJ’s new team. So that’s why they aren’t part of this new club.

SG: Why has the club chosen to not continue an LoL squad, and instead went with Warcraft 3?

Rstars.CC: LoL is because the club has formed at the end of a year, all the competitions have ended, so the plan is to start an LoL squad after the new year (Chinese New Year, that is). And Warcraft3, it has always been something in both our sponsor and my eyes as a familiar beginning, so as long as a scene exists for it, we will support it~

SG: What considerations were made in bringing MISS on as media liasion/commentator?

Rstars.CC: She’s got rich experience in media, exceptional work ability, and is quite well-known. Her professional attitude it also very important.

SG: In the ACE Alliance, will your new team take the place of NA, or will you have to re-apply?

Rstars.CC: We’ve taken NA’s old spot.

SG: Currently how is the team training, how is the training set up?

Rstars.CC: Training takes place from 1PM to 12AM. Right now most teams are on break. We’ve been practicing a lot with Luo’s new team (RattleSnake Gaming), ForLove, and ZSMJ’s new team, because they haven’t gone on break yet.

SG: What’s your win-loss like? iG hasn’t gone on break yet either, right?

Rstars.CC: We win some, lose some. iG probably hasn’t gone on breakย  yet, but they’ve been pretty busy with events lately.

SG: What are your near-term goals?

Rstars.CC: For the Dota2 team, it is to quickly train and work on teamwork, while in Warcraft3 it is to try and win current events. The overall club’s goals are to finish early set up work in a timely fashion, including planning for the upcoming LoL squad, settling management, etc.

SG: During the ACE-League, your team had been nicknamed “never all” in allusion to the fact that your roster kept changing, is there any possibility of changes to your current roster here?

Rstars.CC: Eh, I hope that no one will label us as the continuation or remake of Noah’s Ark or DT^Club. Even though past events may have people linking the two things, but this is an all-new, independent club. In terms of sponsorship and management, in terms of roster and methods, everything is different, it’s all new, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Stability is something that the club must achieve.

SG: Outside of training time, what do you guys do? Many pro players have messy schedules, are there any measures in place to handle that?

Rstars.CC: When there is no team training, we do personal training with watching replays, playing pubs, practicing laning. We’ve also made a rule, if they haven’t gotten out of bed by 1PM there will be a fine, and repeat offenses increase the fine exponentially. So they don’t go to bed too late.

SG: What meaning is there in the team name?

Rstars.CC: A rising star. It was thought up by our sponsor.

SG: In the end, one last sentence to cap off the interview.

Rstars.CC: We hope that everyone gives us their support. We’ve been through a lot, and the players haven’t made it here easily.