Danish giants and melayu lucahinternational super-houses, mTw clearly have what it takes to win ESWC for the first time. After having won the ESWC Masters and KODE5 earlier this year, they look stronger than ever, they are the team to beat at this tournament. As of late it has been a battle between fnatic, MYM and mTw for the top 3 will mTw be able to hold their position as current favorites?
We spoke to none other than Danny "zonic" S?rensen to see how confident they are ahead of the Finals.
The ESWC finals are here, one of the most glamorous events of the year to win. How have you prepared for the event?
Well we had a long, well deserved, vacation after ESWC Masters, and we started playing again the 1st of August, On Wednesday we will meet at my place to bootcamp for the ESWC Grand Final. I’m sure we will be 100% prepared.
Who would you most like to play in the tournament and why?
MYM without a doubt, they are the team to beat, and we are really looking forward to try and win this time. We have some special tactics for that match this time, so we are ready this time! MYM has been beating us ever since I can remember; I actually don't think we have won a single match against them, so this is the perfect time for us.
As winners of ESWC Masters, do you think this puts you in a very good position for the Grand Finals?
Yeah I believe it does, our goal is top3 as it is for every tournament, and if we finish 2nd in San José we will be disappointed, but it's almost impossible to keep winning tournament over and over, but not saying that we won't give it one hell of a try.
What changes do you think have to be made for the team to ensure success at the Grand Finals?
I don't think we need changes, I mean we did well in Paris, so why change? - The one thing is for sure, we need to play our own game, and hopefully find the KODE5 spirit when the tournament is live! - We use to have a few bad matches in the beginning of a tournament, no matter how much we are prepared, I think it is the nerves, but hopefully we can get past that and go for the win!
What effect will playing at KODE5 have on the team a week before the ESWC Finals?
Nothing special, we won't play with our new tactics etc at the Kode5 tournament, since we obviously feel the ESWC Grand Final is more important to us. But we are a team who wants to win, so we are going for the first spot at every tournament we attend, and the Kode5 tournament is no exception. So no, I don't feel it has an impact on us
After having a great interview with US team x3o, it seems that the US CS1.6 scene is coming back in full swing. What do you think about this and do you think x3o have the capabilities that the infamous 3D and coL teams had back in the day?
I got to admit that since coL and 3D left the CS 1.6 scene I haven't followed the American scene that well. But I think the American's got some great players with a lot of talent, but I still believe they have a long road ahead of them if they want to be on the same level as Europe.
By now every top team should know how you play every map and being able to remove maps (ESWC rules) is only going to make it easier to prepare anti-strats versus you, what have you done to stop that from happening and when/if it will, how will you counter that?
Make some new tactics after each major tournament, we know that people counter us, and we also know that when we make every call in game, but we need to keep our own game, but also have in mind they might know what we are doing, but if you forget your own game, and simply just run your game after what your opponent are doing / or might do, you will end up as the loser.
You and ave played the ENC 2008 finals, has this effected your preparations in any way?
No not at all, we haven't played that much with the national team, but we play with them if we can't practice with our team. However ave and I really wants to win this tournament, and bring back a great trophy for Denmark.
Who do you think will finish in the top 3 and do you think this year's Grand Finals will be a close tournament?
Yeah I think it will be the toughest tournament since KODE5 after MYM said they were coming. Top3 is us fnatic or MYM - But a lot of things can happen, we have like 5-6 teams who can beat each other if they hit their day, so tough call.
The mTw roster looks attending the ESWC 2008 Grand Final consists of:
Alexander "ave" Holdt
The ESWC 2008 Finals commence tomorrow! Full event coverage brought to you live from our crew on site can be found here and if you wish to check out any of the interviews we released over the past week just follow the links below.
HLTV.org ESWC Interviews
fnatic
MYM
Made in Brazil
roccat
Team x3o