Journey of the Pianist, Ferrari_430

Luo "Ferrari_430" Fei Chi is arguably one of the most prominent solo mid players to have ever graced the world of Dota 2. Going down in the history books and cementing himself as the most feared mid solo players of all time due to his Invoker or Templar Assassin, Ferrai_430, has travelled down a long road to reach his prominence. 178.com take us through 430's life journey and his rise to stardom.

Dota helped me enter E-Sports

In the year of 2010, Chinese dota scene has entered a glorious era. In that year, Ehome became the king of the world, while domestically they were evenly matched by LGD and NV.cn. It was an exciting age for both Chinese players and viewers. Lamn, Hao, Kabu and so on, many dota “Gods” of today emerged during this era. Amongst them, there was a timid boy. At that time no one could foresee that this very boy would eventually become one of the best solo mid in the world.

That timid boy is none other than Ferrari_430. Born in 1990, like his peers 430 also loves gaming while growing up. However one difference is, while many others have just heard of the name “E-Sports”, 430 has set eyes on it for a long time. "I’ve started playing CS since I was 9, I played it for a long time. I thought about competing at the time, however information was limited back then, I had no idea where to apply or how to participate in these events. All I knew was that you had to be 18 to play in WCG." Ferrari told the reporters,"CS was definitely my favourite game, until I met Dota."

Apart from CS, 430 also enjoyed playing SC and WC3. Though he did not spend much time on those games, he was always easily the best amongst his friends. His talent in gaming was undeniable. Only in 2008, 430 was first introduced to Dota by his school mates and it did not take long for him to become a pubstar.

Eventually, 430 was no longer content with just being a pubstar, dominating other pub players. In 2010, he joined Team Mr comprised of friends, thereby officially starting his journey into the professional world.

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- Ferrari_430

I have always dreamed to become a professional player, Dota helped me achieving that dream.

The Pianist

When we talk about 430, we must talk about his nickname: Pianist.

In 2011, 430 was playing for Team Deity. During a match in IPDC he was determined to pick a hero that was very much ignored at the time: Invoker. However his stunning performance caught everyone by surprise. His teammates gave him high praise after the match, “When he was playing Invoker it looked like he was playing the piano!” Ever since then, Pianist became his nickname.

“Invoker was definitely an under-rated dark horse in that patch. However I’ve always believed that this hero has great potential. Also personally I enjoy playing heroes of higher difficulty, it was one of my most played heroes in scrims and pub games. Honestly, there aren’t many tricks to play a good invoker, you just need to practise. Only with a lot of experience on this hero you would know what spell to invoke in every situation.”

Though 430 is widely known for his invoker play, he didn’t start his dota career as a position 2 player. “When I was playing pubs I’ve always played carry or mid. Then when I first entered the competitive scene I played mid briefly, but soon transitioned to position 4. Apart from position 5, I’ve played every other role in dota.”

For a professional player, it is generally not a good idea to be frequently changing positions. In consideration of his personal experiences and team’s situation, 430 eventually decided to become a mid-player.

“All-round King” of China

Upon entering the Dota 2 era, the meta game has never stopped evolving. With every new patch, 430 has showed us that there is no hero he can’t play. During The International Dota 2 Championship 2012, traditional heroes such as Templar Assassin and Queen of Pain dictated the meta game. During the finals against Na’Vi, 430’s TA was the very key of their success.

End of 2012, aggressive heroes were the trend. 430 then played SF and Storm Spirit. With his excellent performances, iG continued to dominate the scene, winning many championships. Together 430 and his teammates created the iG era.

In 2013, tri-core was popular. 430 showed us he was just as scary on Outworld Devourer, Dragon Knight or Razor. Even now he is still showcasing his capability of mastering all heroes. Suddenly there is one more hero that we all fear in 430’s hands; Ember spirit. No matter what patch it is, what hero is popular, 430 has always stood up to our expectations and showed up why he is one of the best mid of today.

"Well I’ve been playing competitively for four years now, during these time I’ve played many heroes. Adapting to new patch isn’t too much trouble for me."

Even though he doesn’t mention it, everyone around knows that the reason to 430’s success is his hard work and determination. Even outside of training and competing, he spends most of his time on Dota. Even now, he is the only famous professional player to consistently stay on top 10 MMR in China.

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Gaming (competitively) isn’t all about constantly playing or training though, you also need to spend time theory crafting, not much different from studying actually. It is not the best idea to forcibly memorize everything; understanding is the key.

New look for new iG

Early 2014, the “earthquake” has frequented the Chinese dota scene once again. iG, with their disappointing performances in 2013 could not escape the reshuffle. Chuan returned, Luo joined the team as well, the new iG has adapted to a new playstyle. Luo’s arrival has made iG more versatile, while Chuan makes iG more aggressive.

"Our advantage is that many of us have a fairly large hero pool, we can be versatile and unpredictable. However as a new team, we still need time to gel, so that we can work well as a team."

“Introvert” with big dreams

In a dota match, 430 is always the focal point of our attention. In life however 430 is more of an introvert. Outside of training and competition, 430 plays pub games in his free time, for him it is the best entertainment.

When he is tired of the game, he would still rather stay home. “My hobbies: manga, anime, listening to music or reading a novel.” He is slightly embarrassed, “My teammates exercise often, but I’m too lazy. I’m not a big fan of sports, so I spend my time in front of a computer screen.”

Well it is this very timid, introvert boy, who has brought iG and Chinese dota scene countless achievements and glory. Even though he is one of the best mid player in the world, he still values team work above all else.

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Dota is a team game, regardless of how good you are individually. There isn’t a best player, there is only the best team. And my goal is to be at the top of the world again with my teammates.

Interview

You have been playing very well competitively for a long time. What is the secret behind it?

Think while playing games. Playing itself would only make you a good pub player. Watching replays and theory crafting is the only way to stay in good form in competitive scene.

Whether it is Invoker, TA, SS, Qop Magnus or Ember spirit, you have consistently been amazing on almost any mid hero. How do you do that?

I enjoy playing these mid heroes in pubs to begin with.

In the competitive scene, who would you like to play against the most, and who would you rather not?

Faith. Because his last hitting is really average. However he would make all these strange noises to distract me, hehe.

In competition you’re always the centre of attention, in life however you’re rather low-key. What are you like in life?

I’m very quiet with strangers, but lively with friends. Oh and I’m super lazy.

Outside of training and competing, what else do you do?

Play pubs, or movie, music, books these indoor activities.

Any other hobbies?

Staying in front of computer. Gaming is my main hobby.

In Dota, you’re famous for many heroes. Invoker, TA, SS etc. Which one is your favourite.

Invoker. He has so many skills. It simply feels great playing an invoker. You can make fancy plays with different skill combinations.

As one of the best mid in the world, what’s your advice for our readers on how to become a good mid player?

Play mid in pubs. Watch replays. Focus on the matches where you lost, think about how you could’ve done differently to change the outcome. That is the only way to improve.

During your dota career, what are the most proud and most regrettable moments?

I was most proud of winning TI2, for obvious reasons. Most regrettable moment was definitely losing to DK in WPC-Ace finals. Losing with a 3-0 lead is indeed regrettable.

What’s your goal this year?

Try to do the best we can in The International 2014.

Credits to kodo12 for providing with the translation.

Source: 178.com