I decided to interview some players from ESEA-I teams asking about their thoughts on the LAN, the new weapons and map changes for the upcoming season. The first person in the series is CB, the captain of MmM.
First, introduce yourself and explain how you first started playing tf2.
I'm CB, captain of Muscle Milk and Moolians. I started playing tf2 in the summer of 08. A friend told me I had to try the game out. Once I learned that a team could play together I was hooked. I'm a competitive person that really likes working with a team so that immediately drew me to the game. I really just worked my way up through the ranks starting at the low levels of play.
We would love to be able to go to the LAN in March. Tf2 needs to grow and we want to help that happen. Unfortunately, as it stands right now we just don't have the money to send our players. Our former sponsor (i7) disbanded about a month ago and it left us in a very unfortunate situation. We have players all over the country as well as in Canada. They are students and just don't have the money right now. I have been busy contacting every top level North American and European sponsor I can to try to get some help. I guess now we just have to wait and see if any of them are willing to help.
Assuming that they go to the LAN...
Going into the LAN, what team do you think you’ll have the most trouble with?
For what reason?
I think our biggest competition as well as every top team in this game is Complexity. When they are in practice and all on the same page they may be the best tf2 team in the world.
What team are you least worried about?
We never underestimate any team, especially one of the top 4 in NA TF2. If I had to pick a team I would say Pandemic just because they have the least experience compared to EG and coL, but in saying that I think they have great talent and may surprise the competition.
With all the prize money in the LAN, do you think you’ll practice more in preparation for it or do you think you have a good practice schedule already?
We are a team that likes to put in a good deal of preparation. Our team heavily relies on teamwork rather than DM. We are going to be practicing a lot if we are able to go.
What map is your strongest going into the LAN, and which do you feel you have the most room to improve on?
Our strongest map is probably cp_gravelpit. We put a lot of work into this season and pulled off two very important wins that allowed us to sit where we are now in the standings. Our weakest is cp_granary. We are currently working out the kinks and are hopefully getting better as we practice it.
With the longevity of most teams in TF2 being around a month, do you see your team competing in the next season of CEVO and ESEA?
Yes. Our team truly enjoys playing together. We have a good time when we’re playing. You should be seeing us in CEVO and ESEA next season.
What are your thoughts on the banning of the soldier weapons? Are there any that you feel should or shouldn’t be banned?
I don’t think that any of them should be banned next season. I do however think that the equalizer should be nerfed a bit. To me, it's a little overpowered at the moment.
Is there a particular map in this season of ESEA that’d you’d like to see return next season (Yukon, Freight, Follower, Viaduct, Turbine, etc)?
Viaduct!
Any that you’d like to never see again?
I enjoyed all the maps this season.
What are your thoughts on CEVO’s recent map rotation announcement (maps like Obscure, Gullywash, Indulge)? Do you think leagues should try and stick to the norm more (more badlands, gravel pit and granary) or do you appreciate the expansion of maps, regardless of how known they are?
I appreciate the fact that we are trying to expand the amount of maps being played. However, I think that the newer maps should be left for preseason until they are approved by the community for the following season.
After the formation of this team, many doubted your teams’ capability. They felt you had too many mid/high players and definitely didn't see you making playoffs. Did you have confidence in your team from the beginning that you'd make it this far? And how did you go about forming this team?
I had the upmost confidence in my team from the beginning. I knew that it would take a lot of hard work and practice to be able to compete at the top level of NA TF2 and that’s exactly what we did. We put in the time and it showed as the season progressed. When forming the team, we went through some changes but I am very happy with the way it turned out.
One of the debates that occurred at the beginning of this ESEA season involved teams moving up from Open to Invite. Your team skipped the whole process, do you feel that in the future teams that teams proven to be the best in Open should automatically move up, or should teams that feature veterans be allowed to take the spot?
Well, a large majority of our team won ESEA open two seasons ago.(Area 51) I think that it all depends on the situation. I mean if you have a few invite teams that break up to form one superteam, then obviously they shouldn’t be put in open. However, I do think that for the majority of the teams, working your way up is the best way to do this. It really shows your true colors and lasting ability as a team.
At a LAN, ping difference is nullified and everyone is playing on equal ground. What class do you feel will be stronger with minimal ping, and do you feel you’ll need to change up any strategies or focus more on a certain class now, being at a LAN?
I think that the most affected class will be demoman. It is already the strongest class in the game, and with an equal playing field this will really be seen. I think our strategies will be very similar with maybe a few changes.
Playing at a LAN is a unique experience. Everyone is watching and teammates are right next to one another. How do you prepare yourself for the kind of pressure you’ll face?
I think that any team playing in invite has to deal with a ton of pressure. Every match you play is extremely intense and I think that this has prepared us somewhat for a LAN type situation. As far as being there, obviously it’s going to be different but it should be exciting at the same time.
Any shoutouts?
Shoutout to everyone on my team for putting together a great season. Also, gotta give one to EmG , go win open boys!
The next interview should be out within a day or two.
-Kermit
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