Nisha: “I wasn’t very surprised when <33> said he wanted to leave” - Exclusive Interview
DLTV.org had the chance to sit down with Nisha to conduct an exclusive interview, where he talked about 33, playing pubs, and winning TI.
*This interview was conducted before the beginning of BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024*
Q: What are your thoughts about 33 leaving?
“I wasn't very surprised when he said he wanted to leave the team. We had some problems before TI. I think he just wanted to play with people he knows: Saksa and Nightfall. He's happy to play in that lineup and we're not too upset, it's fine.”
Q: How did you manage to win TI? Were you expecting it?
“I didn't expect to win, but we had good results in training before TI. We were aiming for at least Top 4, it was a fixed minimum for us. The playoffs went great, it was a surprise for us.
Q: What do you think of your former captain Puppey? Can he still play?
“Yeah, he's been playing since 2011 at least. He's a legendary player. With NAVI he made it to the Top 4 of PGL Wallachia, so yeah. If he can make the roster work, he's still a good player.”
Q: You're considered one of the best Mid players, but there's no information about your leaderboard ranking on any resource. Can you tell us how you practice?
“I watch a lot of Dota. Streams, replays, and debriefs. I play Overthrow, and warm up in ranked before tournaments.”
Q: Do you just enjoy Dota?
“I can't call it enjoyment *chuckles*, we play a lot of scrims, sometimes I start matchmaking.”
Q: Why is your nickname on Steam “мусор”? ("Garbage" in Russian)
“I was just watching a Kiyotaka stream a couple years ago and he was typing that to everyone. I liked it so I put on that nickname.”
Q: Who are the best Mid players besides yourself?
“I would say Malr1ne, then Quinn and Topson, but he finished his career unfortunately.”
Q: Throughout two seasons, you always finished second place. What emotions did you feel after the championship at TI?
“Losing 9 finals in a row was very sad.”
Q: At one of the tournaments, at 0-2 in the finals,the camera showed a close-up of you. Your eyes were…
“I wasn't crying at that moment, but I felt terrible. Winning TI proved that we deserved to win. We finally got revenge on the people who hurt us *sighs*. Now we just want to win again.”
Q: You've been playing Dota for a long time, was Team Liquid's lineup at TI 13 the best lineup you've ever played with?
“Yeah, I guess so. I have tons of good memories from Team Secret. Every roster was fun and exciting to play in. Winning TI is just an incredible accomplishment, so yeah, Team Liquid's roster at TI 13 is my best roster ever.”
Q: Have you ever thought about changing roles?
“No, when I was younger I used to play Carry and Offlane, but now I’m not motivated enough to train for that.”
Q: How many more years do you feel you'll be playing for?
“At least two more years.”
Q: Do you want to become a coach after you “retire”?
“Yes, of course, coaching is very interesting. I love Dota, but it's a bit of a drag to play it. *laughs*”
Unfortunately, Team Liquid had an unsuccessful debut at BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024. However, they are currently participating in DreamLeague Season 24, where they took down the Gaimin Gladiators 2-0 in their opening match.