Di_PL
[10] Knight
Interview Time! is back after a short break. Since we are after recent MLG and CEO events, as well as two weeks before Evo, this week's guest had to be someone big. You have already read the title and you know whom have I interviewed.
Rob The Destroyer has been around for over 10 years and has always been considered one of the best US players.
Di: First of all, congratulations on your victory at CEO. Were you confident after your loss against Kayane one week before, at MLG?
RTD: Thanks and thanks for taking the time to interview me. It was difficult for me to say what would happen this time because I've had a dominating track record against Kayane over the years but she recently switched to an overpowered character and beat me. So I had no idea how things would play out. But just in case, I've picked up a pocket Viola as a back up. Had Kayane reset the bracket in the finals, my Viola would've made a debut at CEO 2012.
Di: What's the history behind your famous hat?
RTD: It all started in 2001 when I randomly bought my first cowboy hat while strolling around at Underground Atlanta. I wanted to stand out and have something that I could be identified with when venturing through my alternate life style as RTD in the tournament scene.
I had won a few tournaments with it and then I started believing in it. It was simple - when I had it, I won, and when I didn't, I lost. That was until I played casuals with Kayane in 2003 after the world tournament. She beat me Xianghua vs. Xianghua. At that time, I've bestowed my hat upon her believing that she was the heir of the Soul Calibur throne. She was 12 at the time. I've continued to compete in tournaments and buy other hats, but it has never been the same. I've won a few tournaments here and there but my dominance was gone. Fast forwarding to a few weeks ago… At MLG Anaheim, I bought a new cowboy during a cold and windy evening at the bottom of a pier at Sunset beach. As soon as a tried it on, I knew there was something there. Next thing you know, I've won my first SCV major while defending my country.
The mystery of the hat is still evolving and the history has yet to be written.
Di: "If" SCV got a new patch with a buff for Leixa, would you get back to playing her?
RTD: No, I've invested so much time into Mitsu that I can't turn back. Since SCV is more balanced now, it's best to pick a character that you like and master them. Keev and Omega are perfects examples of this. They've been playing Nightmare for over a decade and now they are getting returns on their investment. Before SCV, mastering a character was negated by over powered characters. Now, because of the balance patches, it is possible to play who you like and remain competitive. There are always tiers, but the gap between them is negligible.
Di: Are you satisfied with SOULCALIBUR V?
RTD: Very much so. It has been the best one yet. At the same time, SCV is a very offensive game, which makes it very entertaining to watch, but very difficult for defensive players.
Also, SCV came out during the era of sponsorships and esports prize pools. This has made SC more competitive than ever, so much that we've caped out at final round with over 250 SCV entrants.
Di: How did you become a vVv Gaming member and what do you get for representing this team? (if it's not a secret)
RTD: I was asked to join vVv Gaming after my 2nd place finish at MLG in Ohio. They basically support me throughout events, get my name out there and pay for my travel. In return, I work with them to get their name out there using social media outlets and just basically try to place so that I can give them exposure during events.
RTD: Online has become so good for SC that I plan on training by hitting up top players and playing them online.. I intend on setting up sessions with locals once a week or so and I'm going to play the computer on very hard to learn match ups.
Di: Last but not least: will you beat Keev or Omega?
RTD: I like Keev but I'm tired of him coming to the U.S. with an empty collection plate and leaving with it full. I was set back because of the patch, but now I've become one with Mitsu. I don't know if he is coming to Evo, but I'm sure that he'll be at the next MLG with an empty collection plate and I will rise to the challenge.
And Omega is just a legend. Putting the word 'beat' and 'Omega' in the same sentence is like desecrating a God.
Rob The Destroyer has been around for over 10 years and has always been considered one of the best US players.
Di: First of all, congratulations on your victory at CEO. Were you confident after your loss against Kayane one week before, at MLG?
RTD: Thanks and thanks for taking the time to interview me. It was difficult for me to say what would happen this time because I've had a dominating track record against Kayane over the years but she recently switched to an overpowered character and beat me. So I had no idea how things would play out. But just in case, I've picked up a pocket Viola as a back up. Had Kayane reset the bracket in the finals, my Viola would've made a debut at CEO 2012.
"want me to jump into your pocket, my dear?"
Di: What's the history behind your famous hat?
RTD: It all started in 2001 when I randomly bought my first cowboy hat while strolling around at Underground Atlanta. I wanted to stand out and have something that I could be identified with when venturing through my alternate life style as RTD in the tournament scene.
I had won a few tournaments with it and then I started believing in it. It was simple - when I had it, I won, and when I didn't, I lost. That was until I played casuals with Kayane in 2003 after the world tournament. She beat me Xianghua vs. Xianghua. At that time, I've bestowed my hat upon her believing that she was the heir of the Soul Calibur throne. She was 12 at the time. I've continued to compete in tournaments and buy other hats, but it has never been the same. I've won a few tournaments here and there but my dominance was gone. Fast forwarding to a few weeks ago… At MLG Anaheim, I bought a new cowboy during a cold and windy evening at the bottom of a pier at Sunset beach. As soon as a tried it on, I knew there was something there. Next thing you know, I've won my first SCV major while defending my country.
The mystery of the hat is still evolving and the history has yet to be written.
different people, different hats.
Di: "If" SCV got a new patch with a buff for Leixa, would you get back to playing her?
RTD: No, I've invested so much time into Mitsu that I can't turn back. Since SCV is more balanced now, it's best to pick a character that you like and master them. Keev and Omega are perfects examples of this. They've been playing Nightmare for over a decade and now they are getting returns on their investment. Before SCV, mastering a character was negated by over powered characters. Now, because of the balance patches, it is possible to play who you like and remain competitive. There are always tiers, but the gap between them is negligible.
Di: Are you satisfied with SOULCALIBUR V?
RTD: Very much so. It has been the best one yet. At the same time, SCV is a very offensive game, which makes it very entertaining to watch, but very difficult for defensive players.
Also, SCV came out during the era of sponsorships and esports prize pools. This has made SC more competitive than ever, so much that we've caped out at final round with over 250 SCV entrants.
Di: How did you become a vVv Gaming member and what do you get for representing this team? (if it's not a secret)
RTD: I was asked to join vVv Gaming after my 2nd place finish at MLG in Ohio. They basically support me throughout events, get my name out there and pay for my travel. In return, I work with them to get their name out there using social media outlets and just basically try to place so that I can give them exposure during events.
vision. Valor. victory.
Di: How are you going to train for Evo? I believe you are among the strongest candidates for this year's title.RTD: Online has become so good for SC that I plan on training by hitting up top players and playing them online.. I intend on setting up sessions with locals once a week or so and I'm going to play the computer on very hard to learn match ups.
Kayane vs. RTD at CEO 2012.
Di: Last but not least: will you beat Keev or Omega?
RTD: I like Keev but I'm tired of him coming to the U.S. with an empty collection plate and leaving with it full. I was set back because of the patch, but now I've become one with Mitsu. I don't know if he is coming to Evo, but I'm sure that he'll be at the next MLG with an empty collection plate and I will rise to the challenge.
And Omega is just a legend. Putting the word 'beat' and 'Omega' in the same sentence is like desecrating a God.
