From going out at DreamLeague Season 19 without a single series victory a couple of weeks ago, 9 Pandas have delivered the biggest surprise at ESL One Berlin Major by reaching top 3.
Their achievement is even more impressive given the fact that they had to call a friend at the last minute to stand in for their captain, Alexey "Solo" Berezin. Luckily, Vladimir "RodjER" Nikogosian was able to answer 9 Pandas’ call, and more so, he came extremely motivated as he is a free agent looking for a team for the next Dota Pro Circuit Tour.
We got to talk to RodjER and learn how 9Pandas turned the no victory run from DreamLeague S19 into a smashing performance on the Major stage.
I'd like to start by asking what changed that drastically with the team that from not winning a full series two weeks ago at DreamLeague Season 19, you've now been able to reach the top 3? Are you standing in the magical factor in 9 Pandas success in Berlin?
The new patch is the magical factor. I guess we are one of the teams here to adapt faster and better to this patch.
Are you happy with the fact that Chen is back in the meta, Enchantress is a hot pick too.
Yeah, both Chen and Echnatress are my signature heroes so I am definitely happy to play them against any team here at the Major. Overall, this patch suits me so well, I feel like it's my meta.
Everyone expected a big patch, we were so bored playing the same meta and on the same map over and over again.
I feel like the previous patch lasted so long, it drived us insane, and I am extremely happy to see all these changes. Honestly, I was tired to play even pubs before this patch, but now it feels like we have a fresh game on our hands.
So, now when you're waking up in the morning do you feel like playing pubs again?
Oh yes, but I have to say that the new MMR system is rigged. It's like "no comment." I had to do my calibration matches and I regret it so much. I didn't lose any game by the way, I had 10 game win streak, but I lost so much MMR. I also lost my passion to grind it back.
I hear you. I saw Black^ for instance, playing in the Archon bracket.
Yeah, exactly, that is insane, it shouldn't happen.
Tell me how you like the changes with so much activity on the side lanes from a position 5 perspective.
I like it a lot. Despite the experience change, and the fact it's now harder for a pos 5 to find the XP for that level 6, I love it. Supports can now carry games if they know what they are doing. It's easier as a support to show yourself off in the game, to have an impact in the game.
You are at the Major as stand-in for Solo, do you guys talk to him, is he helping you in any capacity from home?
Yes, of course, he is the father of this team. He helps a lot, we stay with him on calls, watch replays together, prepare the next drafts, and so on. It's a bummer he can't be here, but I hope we can make it even further in the playoffs.
Knowing that all the preparation made for this Major was out of the window when Solo couldn't come, did you guys expect to do so well?
No, definitely not. I didn't see our group until landing in Berlin, so my first question when I met the guys here was "Who is in our group?" and Ramzess said, "don't look, it's better if you don't look".
We survived the group of death and went even further from there, it's a bit incredible. But I'll say it again: it's about the new patch and how fast we've been able to adapt to it.
Now, that you played against so many of the teams at the Major and that you are top 4, are you confident that you can go all the way to the grand finals?
From here on, I think the drafts and how the drafting stage goes will decide a lot in this tournament for everyone.
You played in the DPC leagues with DarkSiders, Ramzes left that team before Tour 2 and he is now with 9 Pandas, you are standing in for 9 Pandas at this Major so, what's next for you, are you returning to DarkSiders after this?
No, I left the team as well. I'm a free agent and very open to having talks with the teams that might want me.
Then I wish best of luck here at the Major and go all the way up to the grand finals, and make a case for why people should start offering you for the final Tour of the DPC season. Thanks again for coming to do this interview and hopefully, at the next Major we get to see you with your own team.
Thank you for having me.
