Jonas SabeRLightT Volek is a perennially jovial Dota 2 player, which makes it fun to chat with him.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with us!
How are you and the other members of Shopify Rebellion coping with the early exit?
Were all very disappointed with the result.
We tried quite hard for this TI I know I did.
Our hopes were high for TI12, but unfortunately, it didnt go so well.
In the final game against TSM, things just didnt click.
You’ve been the best North American team throughout the season.
What happened at TI?
Did TSM catch you off guard?
Now were the third best NA team (laughs).
TSM played really well against us.
Their understanding of the meta is on point.
The International brings a lot of pressure with it, and teams are tested on how strong they are.
We were kind of fragile and crumbled under the pressure of TI.
It wasnt about any one specific player, but the entire team crumbling.
What went wrong in the group stage?
The first team we played wasThunder Awaken, who surprised us by how good they were.
We did not expect them to be a solid team, and dropped one game against them.
Same scenario againstBetBoom Team.
We should have won 2-0 against Tunder Awaken andAzure Ray[but both series ended up being 1-1].
Was the group stage format a factor in the early exit?
I wouldnt blame the format; we just didnt play well enough at TI12.
It would have been nice if we had won [that game], but thats life.
I was surprised by the release of the patch a week before.
Not only us, but many other teams were bootcamping for a while before that.
I would boss up, be more confident and help my team win.
Do you feel like you have fully integrated into the Shopify Rebellion roster?
There are still a few differences that me and the others have.
But throughout the year, I tried to immerse myself in the team and follow the ideas they had.
Overall, it has been a great experience to play for Shopify Rebellion.
I have enjoyed my time in NA, both with TSM and Shopify Rebellion.
The DPC Leagues are no more, so I wont be required to stay in NA for a month.
It depends on what the replacement is.
I imagine the ESL League we had this year will be there next year as well.
I believe in Team Liquid andTeam Spirit both those teams are really strong.
What are your plans during the off season?
After TI, I will go home.
