RNG.343: 'I was originally supposed to try out with Keen Gaming'

posted by Brasozial,
Adam Erwann 'Adam' Shah, also known as 343, is a veteran of the Dota 2 scene. He has played in every major region so far, and now he is part of Royal Never Give Up. We had the chance to catch up with him. Adam has been part of the professional scene for more than five years. During this time he has played for teams all over the world, with the most notable being Fnatic and compLexity Gaming.

Now he is the new position-five support for Royal Never Give Up, the Chinese organization mostly known for their success in League of Legends.

You've played in each of the major regions so far: which do you think is the best, and why?


Adam: That's a tough one. I like EU and Southeast Asia most because of the pubs, but China and NA have their pros too.


Royal Never Give Up is one of the biggest organizations in China, and have finally founded a Dota 2 team. How did they approach you? Was it clear back then that Monet would be part of the team?


Adam: I was originally supposed to try out for Keen Gaming, but it didn't end up happening.

I happened to be in contact with Soon Chuan 'ah fu' Tue at that time, he asked if I wanted to go over and try out, and I said yes.


How did the drama surrounding Monet affect you and the other players?


Adam: I don't think it affected anyone. Maybe they'd talk about it here and there, but in the end we were a new team trying to make things work and everyone was really focused on that.


The competition in China is really tough right now. However, you've made it to the Minor. Which teams are the strongest opponents you have in China?


Adam: We haven't played LGD yet, but I think when in top form they're definitely the strongest, currently. To be honest, it feels like we've only been playing Team Serenity.


Are teams in China trying harder now, since TI9 is to be held in Shanghai? Could we see a year of Chinese domination?


Adam: I think, since it's the start of the season, that a lot of the teams are trying to settle their rosters and mesh with their teammates. The real battle hasn't begun yet. I think there'll be teams that stand out for sure.


What do you think of the new DPC system?


Adam: It's still too early to say. It feels slow, but that's because it was super hectic last year. I like the fact that teams aren't pressured to attend every event because it could cost them points.


What do your preparations for the Minor look like? Do you think winning the Minor and then going to the Major will give you an advantage, since you’re able to play way more Dota 2 than the other teams at the Major?

How do you see your chances of winning the event in Stockholm first?


Adam: I think we have a pretty decent chance. I feel like everyone attending is pretty inconsistent as a team, bar Team Liquid maybe. I don't think it's a huge advantage, a lot of teams will have eyes on you.


Who is your biggest opponent in the Minor? Liquid, perhaps?

Do you think they will struggle like in the qualifiers, or will they return to their old form?


Adam: Probably Liquid, I'd never count them out.


What are your aims for this season with Royal Never Give Up?


Adam: I want us to qualify for as many LAN events as possible, and to keep on improving.



What do you think about his new team? Is Royal Never Give Up a big threat to the established teams in and outside of China?



Photo credit: ESL - Adela Sznajder

  • Brasozial

    Brasozial

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