We got hold of Michał "Nisha" Jankowski for an interview before BLAST Slam I began. Despite a recent root canal, Team Liquid's star mid-laner, Nisha, took some time to chat with us.
In this interview, he talks about his move to Team Liquid and how his time with Puppey, Zai, Matumbaman, and the others [people in his life] helped him achieve his dream of winning TI.
What made you leave Secret and join Team Liquid?
We were together for four years, but I wanted to try something new. I wanted to play for a different team and experience different styles of play and approach towards the game. So, I joined Team Liquid, and I’d say things are going okay.
How much of an impact has Puppey had on your career?
I didn't really know what it was like to be a pro player until I joined Team Secret. Joining the team was a huge turning point for me. I learned so much from not only Puppey but also Zai, Matumbaman, and everyone else around me. These people are the real reason I was able to win TI.
Which role do you prefer the most – safe-lane or mid-lane?
At this point, I prefer mid-lane, but the case would have been different two years ago. However, now when I play safe-lane in pubs, it’s boring, just too boring. There’s literally nothing happening in the safe-lane role.
Which role is more difficult to play?
Every role has different challenges but I’m going to be biased here and say that mid-lane is more difficult.
What's one crucial thing players need to notice about playing the mid-lane?
Everything is crucial. Hard work, discipline and positive mental attitude. One should avoid getting tilted because playing in the mid-lane now isn’t the same as before. You have to communicate and be nice to the support players rather than thinking about playing or winning the game alone.
What are your thoughts on the recent patch update?
I like the fact that there are small patches but I don’t think there’s enough of them. I also believe that these patch updates don’t hit the right targets. For example, recently Wraith King got nerfed but Dragon Knight, a hero who was first picked for like a month, was left untouched. I guess they’re trying to balance heroes that aren’t as popular in pro games, but I’d be happy with more frequent patches and some buffs for my favourite heroes.
What kind of changes would you like to see in the next patch?
I would like to change a few things about the map. The map is getting a bit boring and I’d like to see more vision during the nighttime [because it’s too dark for me].
What is your opinion about BLAST Slam’s tournament format?
Four best-of-ones on the first day? I like it! We’ll see how it goes because anything can happen in Bo1’s and then nobody is sure how things will look like in the next [gauntlet] stage. All I know is that if we get first then we get to skip a lot and play directly in the semi-finals. That’s what we are aiming for.
How did you react to 33’s departure, especially after winning a TI?
It was expected because we talked about it one month before the tournament. I was not surprised and was okay with it. If he wants to leave, he can do it and whatever happens, happens. It is what it is.
What led to the decision to recruit Saberlight?
We checked out a bunch of offlane players, and Saberlight just seemed like the right fit. He’s a good player who can handle the heat, and we’ve played with him before, so it was a no-brainer to bring him on board.
How is Saberlight’s playstyle different from 33’s as an offlaner?
His hero pool and playstyle differ from 33's. He's a bit more tempo-oriented and has a unique perspective. His goofy personality is a great addition to the team's dynamic.
What’s your aim going forward – personally and professionally?
We have been on the road for three months straight, so we’re really just trying to win as much as possible. Based on that, I’d say there’s only professional growth for now and that’s the aim.
We hope you're ready for a BLAST! Stay tuned to our website for more interviews, features and the latest updates from the tournament.
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