Another week has passed. Our Aspire Team is steadily coming up, establishing practice times. Some people already showing signs of improvement, the last person interviewed (PoSeR) went 8-0 on the ladder the next day after practice. Awesome? Awesome! Alas, as promised, that we would bring you weekly interviews with our members, today is the day again, when we pick up one Aspire member and interrogate them to the fullest. Today, we will talk with Adam "vVv SonTran" Son Tran.

Adam is 22 years old, comes from Sewell, New Jersey. He picked Terran as his race of choice, joining vVv as an enthusiastic, hard-working person. He also streams regulary, so make sure you do pay him some visit, you can find his stream right here, to show him the love he deserves. Without further addo, let's talk to him for a bit.

Interview with Adam "vVv SonTran" Son Tran

Hey Adam, how are you?

"I am feeling good and feeling fine! I feel like I am ready to conquer the world! (ahem) I am doing well."

Introduction is in order. So, can you please briefly introduce yourself?

"My name is Adam Son Tran, and I am known as SonTran on Starcraft and I happily play for team "vVv Gaming". I am a friendly, loose type of person and I love to have fun as much as possible."

Thank you very much. Let's browse your history for a bit. How did you get into gaming? What other games did you play before StarCraft 2?

"I got into gaming when I was just a kid. My first gaming console I ever had was a Super Nintendo and the first game I ever played was "Megaman X". I almost had every single console and I can tell you a list of the games I play, but it'll be too long. And when I had my first computer, the first game I played was the Original Starcraft, and Starcraft: Brood War in 1998 (8 years old)."

Of course, getting to the game in the center of attention - StarCraft 2. How did you get into this popular RTS?

"Like I said, I always playing Starcraft: Brood War and when they announced it with Dustin Browder narrating the changes, I was stoked! I pre-ordered the game from my local GameStop, and on the first day, I bought the game! I drove home with joy and I started playing the campaign but I never tried the online multiplayer because I wasn't into that. So I took the big step and tried out the game and I was really impressed, but I stunk so bad! So I searched up some videos, asked for tips, and soon enough I got better and better."

You picked up Terran as your race. Any particular reason for this choice? Mechanics, gameplay? Something else?

"I picked up Terran since Starcraft 1 because of the connection with the human race. We all depend on ranged weapons and explosives, so I feel a connection in how we should engage the enemy, or which type of weapons we have in the arsenal. My favorite units are the Ghosts and Siege Tanks. Mechanics and gameplay wise is that I love how the Terran race has all of these variations! It's like going into a Super Store, so much to choose from and so many options! And also, not only because they are variable, I also chose Terran because of Lim Yo-Hwan (SlayerS_BoxER)."

What do you believe is your biggest weakness in StarCraft 2?

"My biggest weakness in Starcraft 2 is that..I feel a bit "intimidated" when playing against someone. There are times in which I get scared to do drops in their main bases and take out some tech structures because i feel that if I were to do a drop, they would either deny it right away, or send a huge force and take out mine waiting at home. Also my macro tends to slip at times when I'm heavily concentrating on how to engage the enemy. My worst matchup is TvZ because the Zerg is just so mobile that I become afraid to actually move out."

And, on the opposite scale of the spectrum, what do you think is your biggest strength when it comes to StarCraft 2?

"I have excellent micro, and I know which units to build to counter the army of my opponents. Also I love to do some "guerilla warfare" by hiding some units in spots. So when my enemy attacks, I can have a huge arc and destroy the army. My decision making is fairly good when playing against certain matchups and my favorite matchup to play in is TvT. If I am not being pressured and I'm calm, my opponents are going to see a world full of hurt heading towards them."

You've been part of vVv Gaming for a while. What would you tell everyone about your experience with us?

"It's an awesome feeling being part of this team. It's like a second family! I love how when people from the team tune into my stream and we all have laughs, serious conversations on improving myself, etc., and it's really heartwarming. If you haven't tried to join vVv, I suggest you do. We all love and tolerate each other too damn much!"

What were your thoughts and feelings, when you were invited to vVv's Aspire team? Tell me about it.

"I felt completely honored when I was added to Aspire. I feel that this is my chance to prove to everyone on how I really want to improve myself and go for pro at MLGs, IPLs, Dreamhacks, HSCs, and possibly the GSL! (Hey! like what Day[9] said "If you want to do something with E-Sports, just do it!")"

There are always sacrifices needed, if you want to truly commit to something. Here at Aspire, we ask for a dedication well beyond the casual players. How do you feel about that?

"I feel that this is needed for any team you join. Dedication shows how much you want to become this certain person you have in your mind. if you don't have the dedication then where are you going then? I'm always willing to give my 120% (and more) to my support, hard work, and dedication here to the Aspire team and my fellow teammates."

What are your expectations from the team? Have we disappointed you in any way so far?

"My expectations from the team is that we will become this strong force of nature and we will become better than what we already are. So far, there has not been any dissappointment. Practices are always fun and educational, we have a good time in the Mumble chat. I just love it!"

Tell me, where do you see yourself in a year from now on, as a player and a person?

(laughs) "I hope to see myself winning a GSL! But all in seriousness, I see myself as a player that people can look up to. All of my friends and family are giving me a lot of support and fandom that I actually need at the moment and it just warms my heart that they know that I can go far in becoming a player. I just hope I don't let anyone down but so far they see me as a hero."

What other activities besides StarCraft 2 do you engage in? Other passions, hobbies you may have?

"I work at a sweatshop in my father's company (JOKE!). Besides Starcraft 2, I like to play other games and hang out with my friends playing some Airsoft. Airsoft is fun until you get shot where you don't have protection (for example, your pant's leg goes up and you get shot in the shin T_T)."

We are going to wrap this little interview up. Your chance for last shoutouts, mentions. StarCraft 2 players do have fans, so, you know, something for them? (grins)

"I would like to thank my family (mom, dad, sister, grandma, etc.) for all of the support. I also want to thank my fans and team vVv for the support and knowledge as well. And... (laughs really loud) I would like to thank everypony for showing me the discovery of friendship and kicking butt in Ponycraft!" (I am a brony btw, and I have fans from the Brony Community)"