Pro Dota 2 player Erik tOfu Engel of Gaimin Gladiators spoke with Telecomasia.net about his early career, winning the Lima Major 2023, and competing against Team Liquid.
- You used to compete in CS:Source and then played League of Legends professionally until 2013. Then you entered the professional Dota 2 scene in 2020. Why did you take a break and make a drastic eSports discipline change?
- I've been playing all kinds of games on consoles and even Game Boys since I was a kid. My older brother and his friends introduced me to Dota and CS when I was about 8 or 9 years old. So games have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I started playing LoL with my schoolmates when the beta came out, and I played CS:S with my other friends. We could actually compete in CS:S, but the release of CS:GO erased that scene and we stopped playing.
I think it was around the same year that I missed the LoL World Championship, and I finally changed my priorities away from gaming.
At that time, cybersports were much smaller and the salaries were much lower, and when I was young I didn't realize the potential I would have in it. But I always wanted to compete. I played in a football club since I was 3 years old.
I focused more on football again and spent most of my time with my friends. I graduated from high school and started mountain climbing for over a year and worked different jobs. Then I studied until Covid put humanity into "hibernation".
At that time I continued to play and decided to try to get back into the competitive scene. And now I'm making steady progress!
- What does your nickname tOfu mean?
- The only fluffy unicorn.
- What would you be doing if you hadn't decided to play Dota 2 professionally?
- That, my friend, is something only the stars can tell you. I've worked in many different fields and broadened my horizons by traveling, but I'm also an opportunist who likes to go with the flow. Who knows what life would have given me.
- You've played alongside Ace throughout your career. How did you two meet?
- I was researching the leaderboards looking for a team when the regional DPC leagues were announced in 2020 and I ended up with the Hellbear Smashers, my first professional team. It was a last-minute arrangement, so they let me try playing with them. Even though I was a fourth position player, I was willing to change for the sake of entering the competitive scene. So I played the fifth position in that team, and Ace was at the first position. I was excited before the competition, even though I didn't have any experience at that time. After the first day, I asked Ace if he wanted to practice with me.
We've been playing together almost every day since then. To be honest, I didn't really follow his career or Dota 2 in general before that, but I learned a lot from his experience. To this day, I think he's one of the best players in Dota.
- You have two flags on Liquipedia: German and Korean. Can you tell us something about that?
- Well, it's quite simple. My father is German and my mother is Korean, but I was born and raised in Germany.
- The history of Gaming Gladiators started with Team Tickles. Can you tell us how Team Tickles was created?
- I would say it was the result of a patch. DPC registration was coming to an end and Ace and I couldn't find a team, although there were some offers, but we didn't think they were good enough. That's when my buddy Leon Nine Kirilin suggested we talk to Seleri, Dyrachyo, BOOM and Immortal Faith.
They needed an offlane duo, so Ace and I had to switch to offlane. We had no expectations at the time as we were playing in the toughest region, Western Europe. However, the talent of the players combined with a positive attitude and a little bit of luck worked in our favor.
- There is a long-standing debate about how to build relationships between players on a team. How do you organize your work in Gaimin Gladiators? Is playing together a job or just having a good time with your teammates?
- I believe that team play is initially built around passion and fun, but the amount of time and dedication a player puts into it makes it more than just a job.
It's up to each person to decide whether they want to spend their day at the office or make a living at their dream job. I wouldn't say that life is all fun and games, but whatever you do in life, it's always about the people you surround yourself with. Right now, I'm more than happy with what we've created together. We're a family.
- How do you prepare your team for matches? What aspects of the game do you focus on to prepare for your opponents?
- During tournaments, we usually go to the gym together in the morning. We eat breakfast together, we talk a lot about Dota 2, we go for walks together, we play pugs/scrims before the official games, and we spend most of the day together.
When we're at home we all have different routines, but for the most part everyone works on their own to be in the best possible shape for tournaments.
We all trust each other. When we play, we usually watch the opponent's drafts together and prepare for them, as well as watch replays if there is anything unusual that we need to adjust to. However, we don't spend too much time on the opponents, but rather make sure that our game is on point so that we can impose our strategies on the enemy.
- Gaimin Gladiators are dominant in 2023. Have you started to underestimate your opponents? Do you feel that you are out of reach now compared to other teams?
- I don't think we ever underestimated our opponents. Anyway, Quinn always reminds the players to take their opponents seriously, especially when we play the weaker teams. Subconsciously, we may still be taking them lightly, and there may be some surprises and losses. Just because you're the champion doesn't mean you're untouchable, and it doesn't guarantee you'll win every time. Teams catch up quickly, and when a team loses, it usually learns from its defeats. So we have to give it our all in every match to get the win.
- Some teams (such as Team Liquid or BetBoom Team) ignored the winter tier 2 tournaments. Gaimin Gladiators, on the other hand, often played official matches. Tell us, how does participating in so many tournaments affect the team? Do you feel tired from this busy schedule, or are you always in great shape?
- After we've been able to get good results in several tournaments in a row, everything has kind of fallen into place. After a season like this, we appreciate our weekends a lot more and use the time between tournaments to rest. At the beginning of the season, especially after Quinn joined, we just wanted to play and compete. We needed time to get used to each other. I'd say we're in a pretty good place now.
- Dyrachyo seems to be in a lot of media lately. What do you think about it? How do you try to promote your personal media and the popularity of the team?
- It's up to each person. It's up to Dyrachyo if he wants that much attention, but I'm happy for him. He's a champion and he has that kind of personality. I think he's good at being in the spotlight. Even though the games take up most of our time, we have to realize that playing at this level makes us public figures. For the record, building our personal brand is an essential part of our business.
I've started working on my own social media presence. I'm excited about anyone who follows me!
- Could you believe that before the beginning of 2023, your team would become a two-time major champion and the winner of season 19 of DreamLeague? What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the year?
- The one and only goal has always been and will always be to win TI, but that's something every player tries to achieve. We didn't expect quick success after the lineup change. Especially after we also parted ways with our coach, who had the most influence on draft picks and strategies.
We changed our roles on the team, and naturally things will fall into place over time. Even just winning one major was a surreal experience for us.
Flying to tournaments with my friends and competing in front of people will always be the most memorable, but actually lifting a trophy is something I've always dreamed of. I used to get goosebumps watching the tournament at home and seeing the teams on stage after winning the final match.
- Your winning streak started with the BetBoom Xmas Show online tournament. How did beating Team Spirit in a tough Grand Final affect your future success? Was it a starting point on your way to bigger trophies?
- We didn't really have high expectations for this tournament because we had just put together a new line-up after TI.
However, it definitely gave us confidence, not only in our game, but more importantly in the ideas we started with.
When you believe in what you're doing and that it actually makes money, it creates an incredible state of mind.
- Let's move on to The Lima Major 2023. First place in the group, perfect playoffs and a well-deserved title. What did you feel when you lifted the trophy?
- Overwhelming joy. The desire to compete and play disappears in an instant and turns into happiness that you share with every teammate, it's an incredible feeling that you can't get any other way.
I was so happy! And everyone expects you to be happy too, you can't help it (laughs).
- The main tournament favorite (Team Liquid) lost Boxi just before the decisive games. Did that affect the taste of victory?
- I remember being upset about it. Personally, I wanted to play Liquid more than anyone else. We felt unstoppable at the time, and they were the only team I wanted to play against. Besides, Liquid are my friends.
We knew we would win whether they had Boxi or not, but it definitely made the championship a little less eventful. A week later, however, we had a rematch at DPC, which we also won.
- In between the majors, you participated in the 19th season of the DreamLeague. Gaimin Gladiators made it to the playoffs in the new patch 7.33. How did you manage to find working heroes and strategies so quickly? Did you expect such drastic changes in the game?
- It was probably the biggest patch in the history of Dota 2, and the fact that it happened right before the final stage of the tournament was strange. With only a few pubs and not having played a single competitive game, we still lost our first series 0-2 in the upper bracket.
Everything seemed wrong. The timing, the characters, and just our view of what it was like before the perfect Dota 2 was ruined. However, we were too wrapped up in our own thoughts, and this defeat prompted us to have an important team talk.
We tried to stick to our principles even though the map had changed, and we adjusted a few characters that had changed because of the patch, and in the end it worked in our favor. I wouldn't say we played particularly well.
- In every tournament you faced Team Liquid in the finals, and you always beat them. You only lost 0-2 in DreamLeague and were relegated to the lower bracket, but you got your revenge in the finals and beat them. Why do you think it's hard for them to play against you? How do you and your team feel about playing them?
- Liquid is a very good team and without a doubt one of the best teams in the world. I personally enjoy playing against them. We've learned a lot from our matches, and we've always progressed alongside them. They really work as a team and play fast, coordinated, honest Dota.
That means they rarely play dirty, but they win thanks to their skill and fine-tuned tactics. But they still have trouble competing with us.
- What do you think about the format of the DreamLeague tournaments? Are you satisfied with the number of games and groups? How do you like the online format? Does the DreamLeague look more interesting than the majors?
- My opinion about the DreamLeague has changed. Flying to an international event in Europe to basically play a qualifier? I'm not sure how most teams feel about this, since my team only plays at home since we're in Europe.
Anyway, what I overlooked is that even though this format seems very long with consecutive group stages, it is very useful for international competition. Different regions are showing off their play styles, and different meta picks will improve in this patch.
Even if we lose a few games, which is only natural in an international competition, it will get us to the 2nd group stage and we can start all over again. The tournament leads to continuous improvement with higher prize money than the majors. It's great for the community.
Bet on cybersports with 1xBet- Let's talk about the Berlin Major. How does it feel to play in front of your fans in your own country?
- Honestly, with a lot of friends and family at the tournament, I was more distracted than at other tournaments, keeping in touch with them, making sure they're doing well, enjoying the atmosphere, etc.
First of all, I have to play Dota 2 and focus on each day and series, but everyone was understanding and gave me the space and peace of mind I needed.
When I got on stage, I started looking around the crowd to see all the wonderful people I know, and it was really encouraging to see those smiles and cheers of approval.
The support I received was overwhelming and now I'm confident that playing in my hometown is a real joy.
- Did you feel any pressure because of the high expectations from previous wins?
- Pressure? What is pressure and who puts it on you? Does it make it harder for us when we think we have to win and it is expected of us? I don't think so. Our organization? They support us every step of the way and never make us doubt ourselves.
Will the fans get mad if we lose? (laughs) No, honestly, I'm not even sure if people recognize me as a player, and mentally I'm still playing as an underdog. Of course I know that all the attention is on us, but I don't think it affects anyone on the team negatively.
- What was the hardest team to prepare for and play against at the ESL One Berlin Major 2023? And why?
- The most difficult team to play against was 9Pandas. Unlike most teams, they focus on hard lanes and counterattacks. It forced us to adapt to their style of play and adjust our early game to their aggression.
- How does the organization react to news of wins? Are there rewards or incentives for winning international tournaments? Have your living conditions improved or your earnings increased?
- I'm sure that everyone in the organization and the people close to them experience more emotions than we do when they see us in the finals (laughs). We get a lot of hugs, congratulations and champagne showers (laughs), but that's only part of it.
Our salaries increase according to the results of the international competitions. I have not changed my lifestyle much. If my family needs something, I help them, but I personally save most of my money.
Although I do treat myself occasionally when I go out or travel. Life is short, don't blink or you'll miss it =)
- It's an amazing situation - you've won two majors, but you're still not guaranteed a spot in The International. Do you like the current DPC points system? Is there anything you would like to see changed?
- It's hard to say. I think everyone would agree that the Western Europe region is the most competitive region, but do they deserve more spots? Other regions can get a free pass while the best teams in Europe are struggling to get into TI.
On the other hand, we want to increase international competitiveness. I don't know what needs to be done, but two big wins should 100% guarantee you a spot.
It doesn't make sense to fight for a spot at TI when we have proven to be the best team in the world twice. Maybe a DPC should give less points and a major should give more points, or even let a major champion qualify directly for TI.
But who am I to say that anything should be changed.
- It's been announced that the next The International will be held in Seattle. How did you feel when you heard that?
- Personally, I don't have any particular love for Seattle, like maybe other players who have been on the pro scene longer. I actually had a conflict in the U.S. and I'm currently in the complicated process of getting a visa, although I don't want to go into details.
Also... Last year's championship in Singapore was my first, and it was a very memorable tournament. It's all very meaningful to everyone and it's the reason why we all keep competing.
It's just an entry point for everyone in the community, and the time, money, and ambition put into it goes to a whole new level.
- Gaimin Gladiators will definitely play Riyadh Masters 2023 in the summer and prepare for The International in the fall. Aren't you afraid of getting tired with such a busy schedule?
- We have things to play and strive for and we've already had discussions about burnout within the team. Looking ahead, the schedule seems ridiculously packed, but overall it's up to us how much time and preparation we actually put into it and how everyone individually feels outside of the game.
I think we pushed ourselves too hard in the last run, the Major-DreamLeague-Major, and combined with becoming champions, we didn't want to back down, but we learned a lot during that time and are now much more aware and understanding of each other's needs.
- Now everyone knows you as a winner of the Major. How would you describe yourself in real life?
- I'm usually calm and focused, but I can be very outgoing when I'm with friends. Sometimes I'm lazy, but I get the job done. At events you can come up to me and say hi. I'm nice, honestly :). I like new experiences and traveling.
- Do you have any hobbies besides Dota 2?
- I like to spend time with my friends. We listen to music, usually house or techno or something electronic. I like a good rave, but I can get into any kind of music.
I like to ride my bike or do some sports. I like football and volleyball, but I rarely play lately. I also watch anime. And I like to eat: try different cuisines or cook my own food.
- What's your favorite anime?
- My favorite anime this season is Hell's Paradise.
- You got into cybersports quite late in life. How do you manage to stay focused on the game?
- I don't want to exaggerate, but I was probably interested in video games and cyber sports at a much earlier age than most other professionals.
I made a conscious decision to make Dota 2 a top priority in my life, and I know for a fact that the path I have taken is beyond most people's comprehension.
I am honored to make this dream a reality, and I know it won't last forever. I am ready to wake up every day and dedicate myself to this goal.
However, sometimes I need to be around my friends to remind myself of the situation I am in. I can't always keep my motivation at such a high level, but I'm not alone in this journey.
- How long do you plan to stay on the professional stage?
- Honestly, it's hard to say. I have some vague ideas, but I don't want to think too much about an uncertain future. If Dota 2 stays relevant and I don't end up on the sidelines, I'll be here.
I'll give you a hint and say that no one has ever won three The Internationals.
- What would you like to say to the readers of Telecomasia.net and the Dota 2 community?
- Thank you for reading. I really appreciate everyone who supports and follows our games as well as my personal story.
I'll try to share more about myself and hope to see you guys around! Goodbye :)
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