OLPiX Player Interview

OLPiX is one of the new kings of APAC Rocket League, and the 20 year old has certainly defied all odds to rise to the top. After placing 3rd for back to back splits in APAC North, OLPiX and his team DeToNator were all but written off as a contender within the region, with OLPiX’s individual play even coming into question.

But despite these doubts, OLPiX proved a crucial part of DeToNator’s fairy tale run to the LA Major as a part of APAC’s second international RLCS team. Here is his insight into the team, recent events, and hopes for the future:

1. What initially got you into competitive Rocket League?

Initially, the APL competitions in Asia were what got me involved in the competitive scene.

2. How did you feel when RLCS got announced for Asia?

I was very happy and felt like I finally had a stage where I could compete for glory.

3. Going back to the Fall Split, you guys were inches away from making the APAC Qualifier, if not for the game 7 overtime defeat 3-4 to Team GanDerS, how did that feel at the time and did it only make you want it more in Winter?

It was definitely disappointing, but we felt as though we weren’t playing our best and new that we needed to come back stronger for the next events.

4. In Winter you again placed 3rd and received the Qualifier spot only after Nimmt55’s withdrawal, do you think this made you guys even hungrier for the win?

Yes, I believe so, because I thought that I’d the chance had come our way, we would do our very best to succeed.

5. In February you added Nunki as a coach, how has he helped the team succeed?

I feel like we have become even more strategic. His guidance helped me and the team to further understand what we each want to do in game.

6. Throughout the APAC Qualifier, you recorded your highest average saves ever in an event, do you think the situation’s pressure helped you to rise to the occasion?

I think that we still have a lot of work left to do in defence, but my personal performance is the result of us working better together as a team.

7. Can you take us through the chaos of that final game against Tokyo Verdy? How was the nerves as a team, did you feel worried about trailing 3 times, and how did you feel when the game was finished?

To be honest, I think we were more elated than nervous because we didn’t think we would make it to the final. We also had a lot more game 7 experience than any other team in RLCS, so we weren’t worried, and were delighted when we won.

8. Which feels sweeter: finally beating Tokyo Verdy or qualifying for LA?

We are happy about both aspects of the win, but most excited about going to LA because we have the opportunity to play against regions and players that we’ve never fought before.

9. What are you most looking forward to in LA?

I am looking forward to seeing how well we can fight against the best and see players from other regions, especially Torment, who was already competing at the top level when I was just a gold player, so I can’t wait to play against him.

10. Which team is your prediction to win the Winter Major?

I would like to say us, but to be honest I think it’s going to be G2. They are very strong, and I think they will take over this tournament.

11. Finally, what advice would you give to newer players trying to rise up through the ranks?

I would say that Asia is still a developing region with a lot of potential, so don’t give up, keep playing and training hard!