I did an interview previously for the Flash Wolves before writing my article on LoL Esports. I felt that maybe there might be people who would be interested in reading the full interview. There are a couple of questions which might not be related or interesting to most fans, but I hope that you guys will be satisfied and have a deeper understanding of the team.
Note: This interview was done before the group stage draw.
Interview with Fluidwind, Coach of Flash Wolves
Q: Lets begin with the start of the year. At the IEM World Championships in Poland, Flash Wolves finished 3rd/4th, the highest a Taiwanese team had ever placed in a major international tournament in the past 3 seasons. What were the expectations for the Flash Wolves when competing against the top teams from around the world?
A: We predicted that we would be as good as the top teams from the West. However, it would be difficult to get wins over the teams from China or Korea.
Q: Flash Wolves managed to beat C9 and Sk Gaming, you guys were also the only team to win a game over TSM. What did you guys do to achieve that? Where there any major weaknesses from the Top NA/EU teams?
A: We watched all their broadcasted games, and attempted to craft the best strategy to compete with them. In my opinion, the top NA and EU team are pretty solid and do not have any discernable weaknesses.
Q: During IEM Katowice, did you guys scrim with the NA/EU teams and the GE Tigers? How were the scrim results?
A: We scrimmed with TSM once but we lost. We did not have the chance to play against GE Tigers as well. Our main practice partners were World Elite, and we went 2-2 against them.
Q: Did the Flash Wolves learn anything from IEM Katowice?
A: We found out that Sk Gaming is really good in laning phase,so we tried really hard to not fall behind in the early game. When we returned to Taiwan, we studied their playstyle and tried to emulate it, abusing the advantages in the early laning phase.
Q: In the 2015 LMS Spring season, Flash Wolves finished 1st in the regular season but lost in the Finals of the playoffs against AHQ. What made AHQ so strong after their bad regular season performance?
A: We don’t have a clue to be honest. If we knew, we would have went to MSI.
Q: In the Summer Playoffs, Flash Wolves lost to Hongkong Esports in the finals 3-1. However, in just 3 weeks, you guys managed to beat them in the Regional Gauntlet. How did FW improve so much in such a short span of time?
A: It was more of a tactical change. We adjusted the way we handled our picks and bans. In the past, we were tunneling on pick a better scaling team comp. We thought that at if we wwere at equal footing, we could easily win the game by outscaling. Howver, it is really hard to keep the game even against good teams.
Q: After qualifying for Worlds, what are the teams goals for this tournament?
A: We are looking to make at least the semi finals.
Q: How does Flash Wolves prepare for worlds? Does the team bootcamp in Korea/China like the Western teams?
A: We will remain in Taiwan and scrim the LPL/LCK teams. Teams that bootcamp in Korea can also scrim against us.
Q: Do you think LMS teams are stronger than the NA & EU teams? Does LMS deserve 3 slots for Worlds like NA & EU?
A: I think the LMS and NA/EU are at the same level. Performance wise, the LMS definitely deserves 3 slots. However, because of our smaller player base and viewership, maybe not.
Q: Have you guys scrimmed often with Korean and Chinese teams in the past? Is there anything you picked up?
A: Yes of course. We practice against Snake and EDG often. In scrims, we will test out new champions to figure out the meta and work on our rotations.
Q: Having the chance to practice against teams from different regions, what do you think are the strengths of the LMS teams that will standout?
A: After scrimming with LCK and LPL teams all year, I feel that LMS’s strengths are our strategic play and understanding of the meta.
Q: On an unrelated note, earlier this year, Flash Wolves was supposed to sign SofM from Full Louis. However, there were some visa issues. Why did Flash Wolves want to sign a GPL Player?
A: SofM is an extremely talented player, and needs a proper stage to showcase his talents. We also felt that he fits our team well. Unfortunate that he could not join us, and we wish him all the best!
Â
Short questions for FW Maple
Q: You will now be able to play against the best mid laners in the world. Who are you most excited to face? Why?
A: Definitely Faker, no one has yet proven to be a better player than him.
Q: Which teams are you most excited to face at Worlds?
A: Only SKT.
Q: Can you rank the top 4 mid laners in the LMS?
A: Myself, Westdoor, Morning and Toyz.
Q: Who do you think will be the mid laners to look for in the upcoming S5WC?
A: I think it will be Faker and Pawn.
Â
Short questions for FW Karsa
Q: In LMS 2015 Summer season, Flash Wolves were the best early game team, getting First Blood in 68% of the game, and getting the highest average number of Dragons per game (3.1). What is your secret in getting so many first bloods and dragons?
A: Nothing really, the opponents were really bad.
Q: In LMS 2015 Summer season, Flash Wolves were the best early game team, getting First Blood in 68% of the game, and getting the highest average number of Dragons per game (3.1). What is your secret in getting so many first bloods and dragons?
A: Nothing really, the opponents were really bad.
Q: Any junglers you look up to?
A: QG Swift, he is the only player who can play the jungle role like a carry.
Â
This concludes the interview with the Flash Wolves. They are currently in Group A with CLG, KOO Tigers and paiN Gaming, and will be looking to stage an upset to qualify for the quarter finals.
If you like this interview or would like to keep up to date with the latest LMS & GPL news, follow me on Twitter!
Â
