Mikoto: “I was invited to a top EU team for this season, but I declined.” – DLTV Exclusive Interview

*This interview was conducted before the beginning of BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024*

DLTV.org had the chance to sit down with Mikoto to conduct an exclusive interview, where he talked about his time under Talon Esports, his desire to play in Europe, the current state of Indonesian and SEA Dota, and him turning down an invitation from one of the best teams in the world. 

Q: You have been playing for SEA teams throughout your entire career. Do you have plans on playing in other regions in the future? If so, which region would you like to play for?

“I would love to play in another region, especially Eastern or Western Europe.”

Q: Why have you only played in SEA? 

“To be honest, I thought about it last TI, and even before TI. But I felt like I wasn't playing well enough. I felt like I didn't deserve it. Some teams invited me, but I just didn't feel like I was good enough. Maybe this year, if I do well for a whole season, I'll get into a European organization. CIS teams often only take CIS players. I'd like to play with some CIS players, but I don't think they'll agree.”

Q: Did you know that the Russian community thinks you are the best player of the past and current Talon lineup?

“Wow, no, that's really good to hear. I’m very flattered.”

Q: What do you think is the problem of the SEA region right now? Why haven’t SEA teams achieved good results for a long time?

“There is no “fresh blood” at all in SEA now, mobile games are much more popular in our region. There's nowhere to get players, I think that's the main problem.”

Q: Can you reveal if you had any invitations to European teams?

"Yes, I was invited to a top EU team for this season, but I declined." 

Q: From your experience, who are the three hardest Mid players to beat in lane?

“From recent tournaments I'd say Nisha, Quinn and Malr1ne. They've been the best this season.”

Q: What do you think about the current Indonesian Dota scene? Other than Whitemon, Fbz, and Jhocam, which Indonesian players do you think have the potential to play in the Tier 1 scene?

“About the players, I think Xepher and MamangDaya are playing pretty well. I hope they can make it to international tournaments, that would be awesome.”

Q: Can you tell us what happened to the old Talon roster? Four players moved to Aurora, while you were the only one who went inactive. Did you not want to continue playing with them?

“I was having some problems in my life at the time, I just didn't want to play. I needed a break, so I left that lineup.”

Unfortunately, Talon Esports were eliminated in the early stages of BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024. However, you can still catch Mikoto and his squad playing in DreamLeague Season 24.