Interview with Cast: " I don't see any reason for Rave to stick together."

Rave started off as a little known team in April last year and quickly grew to dominate the SEA scene together with MVP.Phoenix towards the end of the year. Rave's performance peaked at the Dota2 Asian Championships in February this year where they put on an amazing performance, taking down IG and almost taking down Big Gods, earning themselves a fifth place finish in a tournament many regard as TI 4.5.

After achieving this stellar result, Rave took a break and returned to the Philippines from Korea. Upon trying to return to Korea, a few of the members on Rave encountered visa issues and were barred from going to Korea. This escalated, leaving half of Rave in the Philippines and another half in Korea for a significant portion of time; they were able to neither practice nor play properly in official games due to internet connection issues. The slew of bad results during this time most probably caused them the TI5 invite, which was given to Team Malaysia (current Fnatic) instead. After the issue was resolved, Rave spent their time preparing for the TI5 qualifiers. They lost in the loser bracket finals of the qualifiers and members of Rave started leaving after that, causing Rave to disband.

Interview was conducted by PineappleCkae via email



Hello Cast, how are things going with you?

Good. Spending quality time with family and friends.

Coming in as the favorite for TI5 SEA qualifier, can you tell us about what happened during the qualifiers?

We were ok on the 1st and 2nd day of the qualifiers. It just so happened that MVP Phoenix was much more prepared than us.

How was the atmosphere of the team after the loss? How did you and your teammates reacted to it?

We were all sad, because we have dedicated our entire year for the TI5.

Was the loss the main reason for the team disbanding? Why did Jeyo and NB leave the team? Was there no possibility for the team to stick together?

Yes. I don't see any reason for us to stick together. There's no KDL in Korea that's why we decided to just go home. Because as you all know, we survive living there through our earnings on the tournament.

In any case, after NB and Jeyo left the team, you and your two remaining teammates could have continued to be under Rave. Why did you decide to leave as well? Wouldn't it be ideal to continue playing in Korea?

I think its better for us to just go back to PH. Its really hard for us to stay in Korea because their mode of living was quite high. We don't have any sponsors. Almost all of our winnings just go to our house rent, food allowance, electricity etc.

Does Rave have any plans to pick up a new Dota 2 team?

Maybe. I saw their post on the page last time that they will form a new team after a few months.

What was the most important thing you have learned in the last 12 months. It doesn't have to be Dota 2 related.

Everything is all about sacrifices.



The disbanded Rave squad

So, what is it like to be back in the Philippines?

Happy, because we are now back on our comfort zone.

Considering that it was problematic the last time you went back to Philippines (Visa and Internet issues), is it really a good decision to go back to the Philippines?

Yes, I think its better for us to just be here. We have a lot of things to do here, our family and friends are just around. Unlike in Korea all we do was to eat, sleep, play Dota. And we only have ourselves to comfort us every time we felt down.

There is a wide pool of talented players in Philippines. Can you tell us a reason on why you settled with Boombacs and Polo?

Boombacs is one of my closest friends that's why I know he's capabilities as a player. And for me Polo has a lot of potential

as a player, he's still young and is very open to be trained.

For how long has this player selection process took place and what criteria determines whether a player is a suitable candidate? How many players have you tried, can you name a few?

I was actually rooting for Boombacs way back when we are having a problem with one of our members. Then I discovered Polo on the AEL.

Tell us more on how you guys ended up being picked up by MSIevoGT. What sort of perks did they offer (bootcamp etc)?

I am friends with one of their marketing staff Julius Mariano, he then approached me if we want to carry their name once again. We are looking for sponsors that time so we decided to agree on their offer. They actually offered a bootcamp but we all decided to just play at home, besided we applied for a nice internet connection on our houses.

Were you already talking to MSIevoGT prior to leaving Korea?

Nope.

I know the team is rather new but how has scrims been? How would you rate yourself in comparison to your former team?

As of now we are not yet practicing. I still let them enjoy their vacation and catching up with their friends and family.

Do you have a specific target you set for yourself before the Dota 2 Majors?

As of now we are not thinking about the Majors. All we can assure you is that we will definitely prepare for that event.

Images taken from Cast's Facebook and Rave's Facebook

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