Though he has yet to taste the glory of a major title in Dota 2, Taras “gotthejuice” Linnikov is still very much a rising star on the world stage.
I got a chance to talk to him before the playoffs of BLAST Slam 6 Malta, for a chill interview about his development as a player thus far, his first time flying business class for a tournament, and how he likes BLAST and their production.
Patrick Bonifacio: You were in Na’Vi Junior for three years before moving up to the main roster last year. You were only 17 years old upon joining Na’Vi Junior for the first time, so it’s been quite the journey for you so far.
How has it felt growing into the more experienced player that you are now?
gotthejuice: I don’t really know what to say. I just play a lot of Dota and just try to improve myself. I do think my biggest improvements happened last year.
Tell me how it’s been playing under coach Cy-, knowing that he once helped Gaimin Gladiators become an unstoppable team a few years ago.
gotthejuice: Cy- brings a lot of stability to our drafts and to our gameplay. He emphasizes the early game with us in particular, because we have a lot of problems when it comes to the early game. He’s also really helpful in preparing us for each team that we face in tournaments.
Image credit: Man Lok Fung, BLAST
Patrick: Does he also give you guys advice on conducting yourself outside the game?
gotthejuice: Of course, we talk to him about that so much.
Patrick: So, let’s talk about BLAST. How has it been playing at their events so far? I know you didn’t make it to the LAN in Singapore, but you were there in Chengdu.
Do you like how BLAST runs each tournament?
gotthejuice: I like it, yes. Because when we flew into Chengdu, we took business class. And overall, I really like BLAST’s production. I also liked the hotel in Chengdu.
Image credit: Man Lok Fung, BLAST
Patrick: Did you ever get to fly business class before Chengdu?
gotthejuice: No, it was my first time.
Patrick: It’s great that you got to experience that, then. Na’Vi placed first coming out of the group stage, and now you only have to play two best-of-five matches in order to win the tournament.
Do you like the format, or do you prefer double elimination?
gotthejuice: I’m not really sure, because this is the first time I’m seeing this kind of format. It should be interesting though, I think. I can probably say what I like more after the tournament.
Image credit: Man Lok Fung, BLAST
Patrick: You’re playing really well this tournament, though, and I know everyone’s been talking about how your performances have helped secure top 4 for Na’Vi.
What goes through your mind when you’re on fire like you are now?
gotthejuice: I just clear my mind and play, to be honest. I don’t think too much about it.
Patrick: Just get the job done, right? I can respect that. But between the two teams that are coming from the quarterfinals to face you guys, which one are you looking forward to playing the most?
gotthejuice: I don’t really know what to say about this either, but I think HEROIC is playing really good right now. Like they improve a lot in between matches.