In today’s rapidly changing field of eSports we run into many types of players. Today we will be interviewing two players who need no introduction when it comes to DOTA 2. One of which is currently the best player in Sri Lanka and the other his teammate as well as a rising prodigy.
We were able to catch up with these high class players out of their busy grind and schedules to ask them a few questions and see what their thoughts were on the current situation and their personal experiences and how they have grown since the inception of their careers as professional players.
As a lead in to what both these cyber athletes have achieved this is just a small list of accomplishments both individually and as a well polished team.
Sri Lanka Cyber Games 2012,2013,2015,2016 Winners
SLT e-Sports Championship 2015,2016,2017 Winners
Gamer.LK Clans DOTA League 2013,2014,2016,2017 Winners
RLG DOTA 2 Championship 2016 Winners
Kings of LAN 2016 Winners
Armageddon DOTA 2 Grand Slam Asia Qualifiers 2013 Winners
Conquer New Worlds DOTA 2 Championship 2016 Winners
They are none other than our very own Mirsab ‘Paradox’ Hassan and Munthasir ‘ToadBoss’ Shiraz.
We asked them a few questions regarding their growth and what their future plans will be!
1.How do you feel being one of the top ranks in the SEA server in Sri lanka currently?
(Mirsab)
Feels good, but I’m not where I want to be rank-wise so it’s a bit frustrating too.
(Muntha)
Even though I have successfully achieved a decent rank in the SEA server, I still feel like I have a long way to go. There is just so much more to the game that I’ve yet to understand and incorporate in both tournaments and MMR
2.What are your thoughts on going professional?
(Mirsab)
It is my end goal and dream.
(Muntha)
Would love nothing better, but due to various constraints right now it is merely a far-away dream.
3.To what do you owe your success?
(Mirsab)
A lot of grinding and self criticism. The realization that I shouldn’t be blaming losses on the mistakes of my matchmaking teammates improved my game drastically. A lot of my success is also thanks to Viren. He saw my potential from the beginning and regularly gave me tips/advice on how to get better.
(Muntha)
Definitely my brother, Haneef ‘FroGBosS’ Shiraz, who was really my only mentor since Dota. As of recently however, Mirsab ‘Paradox’ Hassan and Viren ‘Hawkie” Dias have greatly contributed in my improvement.
4.What do you think was key to getting to the rank you have currently achieved that allowed you to rise above the ranks lower than yourself?
(Mirsab)
As I said before, self criticism does a lot to improve your rank. The key for me was not giving away the lead I built from having a good laning stage by dying unnecessarily.
(Muntha)
A few months ago, I was struggling to hit 5k and I remember asking Mirsab what I should do differently. His advice was to consciously avoid dying too much during a game regardless of my role, especially as a support, avoiding unnecessary deaths will go a long way. But this is what I feel. Besides that, the more obvious reasons were focusing on objectives rather than simply fighting all the time, picking the right heroes, boosting team morale and learning from better players either by watching them play the heroes you play or by directly asking them on how to improve and then acting upon it
5.What Hero/Role would you say has rewarded you the most?
(Mirsab)
Depends on your definition of rewarded. If we are talking purely about MMR, Mid has definitely given me the most MMR and is my favorite role. If we’re talking about being rewarded by improving at the game, each role has taught me a lot.
(Muntha)
Definitely Position 2, Mid has being my all-time favorite role. Playing mid decently was the sole reason I increased from around 3.8k to 4.5k some time back. It still is the role that helps me win most of my games in the divine 5 bracket, although it is a bit shaky as of now, But this will hopefully change soon.
Definitely position 2!
6.What are some of the key differences between the players in the top ranks and the ones who are in lower ranks
(Mirsab)
Last hitting, creep equilibrium control, map awareness, proper item builds and hero knowledge(which heroes are good against each other).
(Muntha)
Focusing on objectives, picking right, avoiding unnecessary deaths, and really just understanding hero potential and capability in game. Oh and building the right items. Quite crucial
7.Who are your role models?
(Mirsab)
RTZ is someone I admire and followed throughout his rise to the pro scene. However, if we’re talking about the person who inspired me the most it has to be Viren. He always pushed me to get higher MMR because he knew I could do better. Yeah I would not be at this rank if it wasn’t for him.
(Muntha)
I’m not quite sure if I have a role model as such, or maybe I just have a different definition of role model, but quite certainly I think Mirsab has impacted me a lot by how he plays, and hopefully one day my skill level will rival his. Sooner than later xD
8.How supportive is your family when it came to your gaming career and gaming in general?
(Mirsab)
Not at all. They do let me go to tournaments and stuff though, so its not that bad.
(Muntha)
They have really no problem with me gaming as long as it doesn’t affect the other things in life especially education. For the time being they cannot bring themselves to believe in a gaming career, but hopefully in the future this will change.
9.What advice do you have for every new aspiring DOTA 2 player who wants to achieve what you have achieved?
(Mirsab)
Work hard, don’t try to take the easy way out. If this is your dream and goal, you have to put the time in and you have to love the game. Don’t blame your teammates. Always find ways to blame yourself.
(Muntha)
Always remain humble, keep learning for there is just so much that can be learned. The learning curve is high and it takes time to understand the game, So I guess just persevere and persist! Motivate yourself by watching professional games.
10.What can we expect from you in the future?
(Mirsab)
TI9?? Kappa. Seriously though, top 100 in SEA atleast and competing close to pro level.
(Muntha)
Hoping that I can reach top 500 in SEA within the next 6 months or so, if not longer but that is really the objective for now.
“Work Hard in Silence Let Success Make The Noise”
It is those who put the time and effort along with dedication into what they love that achieve heights which haven’t been scaled yet. We wish both Mirsab ‘Paradox’ Hassan as well as Munthasir ‘ToadBoss’ Shiraz the best of luck on their ascent to the top.
Please let us know what you think in the forum below