I had the opportunity to talk to the General Manager for the Chinese world cup team Li ''ChiXiaoTu'' Qiong or ''TuTu'' for short. She answered my questions regarding the Chinese squad, the Overwatch League and lastly about herself. For those unaware, TuTu used to be a Chinese commentator for Overwatch in China and has hosted several tournaments in the east including OWPS, APAC and APEX. She now works for Blizzard Entertainment in the Overwatch League next to her job this year as GM for the Chinese world cup team.
How were you feeling going into the world cup for team China?
TuTu: Our first opponent was Team Finland. They performed outstandingly in the Group Stage – they almost beat South Korea! They also have a lot of OWL players. When we found out we were going to play Finland, everybody thought “damn we are gonna lose”. Nonetheless, we spent a long time doing research on them and preparing counterstrategies. We tried to put ourselves in the best position possible to put up a good match. Before the actual match, nobody thought we could 3-0 Team Finland.
Does the 2nd place feel like a loss or more of an achievement in the end?
TuTu: It was a bit of both. On the one hand, we created Team China’s best record at the Overwatch World Cup. On the other hand, we felt we could have done better at the grand final. We could have avoided some mistakes. Besides Sky, who briefly played for Shanghai Dragons, Team China is entirely made up of Contenders players, and Leave who returned from PUBG not long ago. Using basketball analogy, we are almost like a CBA team making it into the final and challenging the best NBA team in the finals, with a player who just spent half a year playing soccer. I think Team China will be even stronger next year. Our players will acquire a lot of experience in the OWL. I’m looking forward to next year’s Overwatch World Cup.
Do you have a standout performer? players and/or staff?
TuTu: everyone!
How did it feel to have so many fans at the WC finals whilst being so far from home?
TuTu: We were really touched. We have the most enthusiastic fans in the world. They were together with us through our highs and lows. We love our fans very much.
Did the team feel like they had to redeem the Chinese Overwatch scene, to prove themselves on the world stage? if not, was their any other form of pressure on the team?
TuTu: Between last year and this year’s world cup, the competitive Overwatch scene in China was at a trough. But we and our fans all know that we are better than this. We really needed a big victory to prove to the world that we can play great Overwatch.
How do you see the future for the Chinese scene compared to EU/NA/KR?
TuTu: We have a bright future. We have a lot of fans, gamers and new players. We will see many young talents in the future.
What are you personally looking forward to most in the next season of the Overwatch League?
TuTu: There are four Chinese OWL teams in Season 2. I really wish all of them can make it to the playoffs. I would also like to see more Chinese players in the Overwatch League.
How do you expect the Chinese teams will do next season and what are your thoughts on the rumored mixed rosters for the Chinese teams?
TuTu: The four teams all have their own styles and approaches, but they are definitely trying their best to win. We would all like to see more Chinese players joining Chinese OWL teams. It’s going to take some time, but we can take it slow.
How do you think Chinese player talent will do in the 2019 season compared to the 2018 season?
TuTu: They will certainly do better. It is every player’s dream to be in the OWL, and once you are in, you will continue to work hard and show the best version of yourself to the world.
What are your feelings towards the 2018 OWWC for China and do you have a favorite moment?
TuTu: My favorite moment is our match against Team Denmark in the group stage. It was our most difficult match besides the finals against South Korea, because Denmark was really strong. At one point in time we were in a desperate situation. On stage, Shy and Krystal said: “it’s the last round, do you guys have the guts to run a mirror comp? We’ll fight it fair and square, yeah?” And the team said: “OK, we’ll go mirror comp! Let’s fight it!” And they ended up taking the match. At that moment, I saw immeasurable hope and potential in our players.
Was their a team you would have liked to face this world cup and why?
TuTu: South Korea. We want to play them again. We have some regrets.
Will we see you back next year for the 2019 World Cup representing team China?
TuTu: Of course! I love Team China.
Big thanks to TuTu for taking the time to answer my questions and make this interview possible. My appreciation also goes out to Joy, a friend of TuTu's who helped her with the translation to English!
This Interview was a follow up to an article posted here earlier called ''The game that will define a region''.
Follow TuTu for for everything Overwatch China related:
https://twitter.com/ChiXiaoTu_OW
Thanks Joy for your help with translating:
https://twitter.com/jeuphorica
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