VanillaTF2

ShoX — Well, here it is. The last of the Introducing series. I’m pleased and amazed in equal measure that with some help from War (Why does everyone hate him again?) I was able to push this series of articles across the line. I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has given up their time and made the process pretty easy over all. Props go out to Tyrone, PYYYOUR, Byte, Numlocked, Stefan, Mike and Kritzonite.

Welcome to VanillaTF2! How’re you looking forward to i46?

Stefan : Hello and thank you :) I am proud that I’ll be attending this event and am very excited, too! This will be the biggest and may well be the best (?!) TF2 Lan in history, particularly because of the attendance of the NA teams. The latest events were a bit boring to watch in my opinion because there were very few top teams. This time the teams that are coming are incredible with ~10 good teams which should bring some tension to the event. I look forward to it!

So, who will be representing Epsilon at i46?

 Anders “F2” Carstensen
 Tomas “Extremer” Astrauskas
 Tim “GeaR” Glöckler
 Jean-Louis “KnOxXx” Boyer
 Patrick “Shintaz” Panebianco
 Stefan “schocky” Berends

You’ve had a few changes to your team over recent months, bringing in Extremer and Shintaz for Randa and Wltrs. Are these guys filling the gap coming out of a break or is there still some adjusting to do?

Stefan : Yesterday was the first time that we’ve all played together as a team. We played really well against Infused and the new Crack Clan. I am sure Extremer and Shintaz will rock with us!

Some would say that Epsilon, despite being hugely skilled often don’t have the same sort of passion towards TF2 as other teams. Is that fair? Is there a cba attitude from some of your players? As there are rumors of players quitting TF2 after i46.

Stefan : Each of us loves to play Team Fortress 2, but it’s natural for some people to gradually lose motivation when they have little or even no goals left. During the last ETF2L Season, there were unfortunately only three top teams. In my opinion everyone of us wants to practice again with FULL motivation to beat the best of the best, so we can call ourselves the best TF2 team.

The hint from Stefan is that you’re the best team, do you think this situation remains when you consider the two NA teams that are attending the LAN? Or do you think they could cause a problem for you?

 F2: I don’t feel like we have been far ahead of the competition. Finals have always been close games, with us having a small edge most of times. The fact that we have been able to keep that small edge, is what separates us from the other teams. It is impossible to  say whether or not we will have that edge against the American teams too, but I do believe the matches will be close. It is anyone’s game.

What are the plans for Epsilon after i46? Will this be the end of Epsilon TF2?

Stefan : It is still written in the stars…. We will talk about that after the event, but I am sure that it won’t be the end of Epsilon TF2.

Out of all the other top teams that are going, do you feel any of them will under perform and all flat on their face?

Stefan : All teams are preparing for the LAN, so I’m sure that there will be a lot of surprises. We will see.

After being the dominant team in EU TF2, what is it that puts you ahead of everyone else and are you feeling any pressure from being everyone’s favourite to win?

GeaR : I think we are very good at pulling off new surprise strategies ingame. Let’s say we’re in a bad situation like losing too many players in a push and then one of us has an awesome idea to turn the tide. We definitely don’t lack creativity regarding teamplay and pushes and that puts us ahead.

I can only talk for myself here, but I’m certainly feeling the pressure. Not only caused by the comments saying that epsilon is the favorite team to win i46 but also because of me being really pumped to win this lan. I also want the American teams to sit down. I have trained airstrafing 24/7 the last 7 days. I think they have no chance.

What are your own plans after i46? Will you be playing TF2 still or going elsewhere?

Stefan : After the event, I will have to play a little less, because of school. This does not mean that I’ll quit TF2, though. I hope that I can continue to play with Epsilon eSports.

What are your top 5 standings for LAN, Stefan?

Epsilon eSports
Team Infused
Leviathan Gaming
Classic Mixup
TCM-Gaming

Any thanks and shoutouts?

Stefan : A big thank you goes out to the sponsors of Epsilon eSports and of course to the Vanillatf2 crew. Our thanks also to all the community members for supporting the TF2-scene.

Greetings to the Germans who are always with me on mumble (basH, ThUn, Thy, ipz, KLar, flix, kntsfld, …).

Footnote

*washes hands* so there you have it – c’est fini. I’ll be back on Thursday with a non-stop torrent of coverage directly from the bustling metropolis of Telford, UK. See you then!