A word with DSCL Finalist Sjaak

pieter

The DSCL Open is down to just eight players, but do we really know who they are? For instance, who is this Sjaak that performed so incredibly well at Dreamhack Summer? Read on and discover a little bit more about the person who was able to beat HuK, Hyun and Golden.

Let’s start off with your Dreamhack experience!

What was your mindset going to the event and did you have any expectations beforehand?

My expectations for the event were not too high. My goal was to pass the second group stage, but I expected it to be really dependent on my opponents. I didn’t really know what to expect from the tournament, so I just went there with the mindset of getting as far as possible. I told myself I wouldn’t be sad if I’d lose early on.

So after beating players such as Hyun, Huk and Golden. Did your expectations change?

Hmm, not really I would say, I knew I shouldn’t expect too much afterwards because I had such a fun tournament already and it would be a shame if I would still be sad after losing whilst I had a great run.

Great answer!

Haha thanks.

Sjaak @ Dreamhack Summer 2014 – Source: ECVisualise Facebook



So in the first weekend of July the DSCL Finals event starts. You’re one of the final 8 players. How was your journey through the qualifiers and group stages? Was it easier than expected, or did you have a hard time?

Hmmm, the qualifiers went pretty well, I lost to revenge in the finals but I managed to qualify in one run. My first group stage was with Daz, HaNfy and JackO, where I thought HaNfy would be tough to beat. But I managed to pull off a quick win and finish it against my teammate Daz, which is always a bit of a pity. The second group stage I wasn’t sure what to expect. Ignite played less good than I had expected. Also studying him really paid off, since he did the strategies I expected. Afterwards I had a free win vs Golden, but even if I had lost to him I was confident to beat Ignite in a rematch.

You will have to face Grubby in your first match. Have you played him in the past? And more importantly, do you think you can beat him?

I haven’t really played him in a tournament, but we’ve met on ladder, which always results in some tense games. Grubby is able to get really good results if he prepares well, but I think I can do so too. Overall I think I have a good shot at beating him.

I’m looking forward to it!

So am I 😀

Are there any players you definitely want to play? Any grudge matches?

Not really, I feel like I want to beat anyone to become the champion.

So before we end this small interview, would you like to give any shout outs?

Shoutouts to my team ECVisualize, Jimmy, PbNoRe, HalveTamme, Nervo, Zeze and of course my sponsors HyperX, Philips, Esportsclothing and Thermaltake!

Great! Thanks a lot for the interview and good luck!