PGG: we have greater prospects

posted by Mantis., 1 year ago

Tell us about yourself Vova. What are you doing now apart from studies?

I have not completed my university studies with specialization in Programming. DotA took all my time. Now I end up spending my spare time with friends or reading books. The latest thing that I am reading is related to the psychology criteria on how to communicate properly in a team and bring about positive changes. Although I don't agree with everything from that book. Besides I like watching the series “Breaking Bad”.

What do you imagine your life will be like in 10 years?

After 10 years, I imagine myself as the king of the planet. I will plan an explosion of the universe. Do not even ask why! Honestly speaking, it is hard to say. I have had some thoughts on this subject but I do not want to share them as yet. However, if my gaming career provides me with a sufficient financial plan, then I’ll continue playing.

Tell us about your childhood. How you grew up, what were your interests/hobbies?

Like everyone else, I went to school and used to hang out with friends. What was I doing? Before being introduced to computer gaming I had many hobbies. For example, I was the checkers champion of Moscow two times in a row in 7th/8th grade. In my free time, I often went to the football pitch but nowadays I hardly remember when the last time that I played football was.

How was high school?

You won’t believe it, but I was a brilliant student before I started playing DotA. Russian was the easiest subject at school because I have great literacy from when I was born. There was once a funny situation in high school; I used to skip Russian lessons but I was the only one who obtained an “A” in the exam. The teacher suspected me of cheating, but because I was the only one with an "A" so they had no choice, but to give me the mark.

What do your parents think about your career in eSports? Are they supportive?

I don't like to talk about this topic. My parents surely know what I am doing for living because they saw my cups, cache checks, contracts, etc. In general I am free to choose what to do next because I'm not 15 anymore and I don't need someone to watch after me.



What is the craziest thing that you've done?

The craziest thing I have done is under the influence of alcohol, so do not judge me harshly. I remember when we went to China to attend World DotA Championship in November, 2010. I got on flight almost immediately after I had my appendix surgery. Also my birthday coincided during one of the days of the competition that is when I decided to carry one of the Danish players in my arms and suddenly my stomach began bleeding because of that. When I raised my t-shirt, it appeared that there was a hole. Of course it scared everyone but it was fun.

Why did you opt for Dota2?

I honestly don’t know why I chose Dota2 over other games. I have managed to play all other games but it was DotA that attracted me towards itself. I think other games lack the constant scope of action. Unlike Counter Strike, where almost everything is repeated in so many rounds, DotA promises to bring forth something new every time without repeating it. In my opinion, CS is like checkers, DotA is like chess.

What does your nickname mean?

It is quite simple. Back in the day, I used to spend a lot of time waiting for players to join the server. I would always write ‘plzgogame’ and that is how PGG came into existence.

What is your opinion on the situation with Darer? Are you in contact with anyone from Darer?

I've had a chance to play with all of them except Artstyle. DotA-family in Russia is a big bowl and all players were mixing a lot for the past 6 years. So we all know each other. Currently I can say that there are about 10 players left in Russia - M5 and Darer guys. So there was no surprise that we disbanded. The main thing is that much money are involved in cyber sports and I want to see some stability.

Do you communicate with someone from Darer? Is there any principled struggle between you?

I communicate properly with everyone except Sergei ‘God’ Bragin. I think they're our main opponents only at WCG, but in general, when you play versus any team, you try to win, and Darer is no exception in this. And we do not have any special hatred or negativity towards them.

Objectively, who is stronger: you or Darer?

I think we have greater prospects, and perhaps we sometimes lose, but in the future we will definitely be stronger. What I see in the Darer games is the same tactic over the past two months, in my opinion, all of their wins are thanks to their experience and skill of individual players, but this is not enough to become world champions.



What about the instability of your performances? How is it justified?
Team roster is not finalized yet and players are not used to each other yet so our current game is not an indicator. After every loss we examine the key points and mistakes, but primarily we need time for legendary "teamplay" to emerge.

Tell us about the present situation with the roster.

So far, we have assembled at our boot camp and will be going to Kiev soon. Achieving a stable roster that eliminates the possibility of kicking someone is complicated and time consuming. You can tell who is who only after you have lived together for sometime or went to a couple of tournaments.

I saw the unflattering reviews about Inmate and Silent? What do you think about the guys?

To say something negative about them is the easiest thing to do because there are no major achievements or victories behind them. If to judge objectively, then they DO have a lot of disadvantages, but for now I believe in everything - in myself, in the boys and in our future.

Are you ready to fight for the players in case of failures? Or is it easier to change one player for another?

It all depends on how the player is at fault. If it is an in-game mistake, then the most important thing is to convey to guy that he should work on himself, to avoid such blunders in the future. If a player goes crazy and becomes a fame-hunter and he is not keeping up with his regular duties, well, nobody is irreplaceable. Plus, in the Moscow Five we have a manager who keeps a track of everything that is happening and solves all conflicts between the players.


Hobbies outside of eSports.

Spending time with friends.

Favourite food and drink.

Everything. I prefer quality alcohol.

Favourite movie.

Brother.

Favourite band.

2517.

Favourite game.

Dedicated to Dota2.

Favourite character (movie/cartoon/book).

Nobody, but he says that he is a king of our planet.

The most valuable feature in a person.

Intelligence.

Life credo.

If you are not electrican -don't do his work.
Note: He means to say, "Don’t do things, which you cannot do."