Under BoxeR’s tutelage on SlayerS, MMA quickly became one of the best Terran players of StarCraft 2. After SlayerS disbanded, MMA was one of the first premier-class Koreans to join a foreign team, spending three successful years with Team Acer.

On Acer, MMA continued to display his remarkable talent for consistency, repeatedly placing highly in WCS Europe (winning it twice) and in international events. In 2014, he capped off a strong year with a surprising run to the finals at BlizzCon. In 2015, MMA reached the semis of both GSL Season 1 and IEM Gamescom, before capping his incredible career with a victory at his last ever tournament, HomeStory Cup XII.

Following that victory, theScore eSports was able to talk with MMA about his long, successful career.

You ended your career on a high note by winning $10,000 USD at HomeStory Cup XII. How did you feel going into this tournament? Did you think you could take it based on the competition?

Since it was the last tournament before I went to serve in the army, I really wanted to win. If I practice for too long, my second finger and my elbows start to hurt, but I massaged my arms and continued practicing. I think of the win as a reward for all my hard work and pain. I also thought that if I didn’t play against Protoss I could win. Protoss is too strong!

How was your experience playing on a foreign team for the last 3 years compared to playing on a Korean team?

A foreign team and a Korean team are definitely different. On a Korean team, as we all know, we are under a gaming house system, so there is a lot of sharing and focusing on the game. On a foreign team however, you are allowed more freedom so there’s a chance that you will lose your passion for the game or be tempted to focus on other things (outside of the game).

What inspired you to pick Terran as your choice of race? You yourself have inspired a generation of Terrans.

I was inspired by the Marine. The Marine used a stimpack and wow! I couldn’t believe it! The passion that they will even use their own life for victory! Even the firebats were the same. Terran fights while sacrificing themselves. Isn’t it super cool?

Are there are any young players or rookies in Korea or outside of it that you would like to see succeed?

Terran: Ryung, DeMusliM, HeRoMaRinE

Zerg: TRUE, Snute, Scarlett

Protoss: Harstem

I consider Snute and Scarlett as already successful players but I hope they will continue to be successful. Also, I really like Snute and Scarlett as players, they are very good skill wise and have good personalities.

Ryung and TRUE are two younger brothers of mine that I really care for so I hope they do well! Really!!

DeMusliM and HeRoMaRinE are two players that I watch and they are good but... I hope they can do a little better!

Harsterm is just crazy, I wish he could do crazy good!

Is there any advice you would give to an aspiring pro gamer?

Think. Nonstop, even when you are about to sleep. If you work hard you can become a good player but being a prominent player is difficult. Become a player that is well respected.

What will you miss most about being a progamer?

Every moment will be missed.

Over the past seven years as a progamer, what was your favorite tournament memory from your career?

MLG, IPL, Iron Squid, GSL, Blizzard Cup, GSTL, IEM, DreamHack, WCS, HSC... every event is memorable but if I had to choose, the win at GSL Oct. and Blizzard Cup!

What have you learned from your pro gaming career that can transfer to your next stage of your life?

When I was a pro gamer I had to become “an idiot that only knows about the game.” For me to win I had to focus on just one thing and it was still hard to achieve success. To prepare for just one game I would practice for hundreds of hours and only then could I achieve victory. I’m trying to say that without struggle there is no success. I think that I learned that while being a pro gamer. I think that will help me out a lot after my retirement.

Of all the places you have been, which tournament destination has been your favorite and why?

Although every place was nice and fun, If I had to choose it would be MLG, IPL, Iron Squid, WCS Blizzcon. They took really good care of the players.

Of the StarCraft 2 franchise, which expansion did you like the most and why?

Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void, I like all three of them because I have won at least once in each expansion!

What expectations do you have for Legacy of the Void? Do you think we will see a wave of new players, changes to meta and more?​

Personally, I hope that a lot of the younger and new players get into the scene. There’s a lot of players retiring but not a lot of new players entering the scene.

Will we see you return to StarCraft 2 or eSports in general upon completion of your military term?

After I finish my military service, I want to play StarCraft 2 as long as my fingers allow it. If that’s not possible, I want to work in eSports.

(Prior to the announcement of VortiX returning, we asked MMA the following question): There has been speculation about the return of a player who is most likely a foreigner. Who do you think this is?

Maybe IdrA?? But, IdrA got a big shock from me so I don’t think he’ll want to play StarCraft 2 again.

Do you have any final words for your fans?

Hello fans! My military service is quickly approaching. Every day I can feel the time winding down. Some of you are concerned because you have heard of cases where people have gone into service and have been hurt, but please do not worry! I will train hard and come back stronger than Marine/Marauder! I calculated my time and I will finish my service on Oct. 24 2017. I will return at that time. I love all of you!!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Translations provided by Paul Hyung Jin Park.

Christian Paas-Lang is saying a tearful goodbye to the true son of BoxeR. Navneet Randhawa is MMA-ing with her arms. Follow Christian and Navneet on Twitter.​