An Interview with India's best StarCraft 2 gamer

Our E-sports journalist, Suromitro Basu caught up with the second Indian ESWC (Electronic sports world cup) participant Nickunj ‘Rog.raZiel’ Bansal and tried to find out about the Indian StarCraft 2 scene.

Firstly, how was the entire experience?

The entire experience was amazing its always fun to meet the top players from all over the world If I could I would go back and do it all over again!

Do you think the group you were placed in, was the hardest out of the 8 groups?

No, I don’t think my group was the hardest, I think each group was hard as all the players from all the countries were good.

Tell us about the StarCraft 2 scene in the country?

As of now there’s not much a Starcraft 2 scene in the country as the game is relatively new with a nice price tag attached, although its still growing and will continue to grow in the coming months.

Can India become another Korea in SC2 terms with proper infrastructure?

India has great potential we have many smart n talented players If only our country would show proper support towards gaming with proper infrastructure and dedication there’s nothing stoping us from taking over the world.

You are the number one SC2 player in the whole country, tell us how Nickunj Bansal became Raziel?

I used to play games with friends for fun when I was young, when warcraft 3 came out I took it a bit more seriously and enjoyed playing it a lot, I’ve been playing it since then and Of course starcraft2 is a great game too and I see a good future in it.

As we all know you play for roccat.rog, how is the whole roccat experience?

Rog.Roccat is a great a team, cheers to my friends from the DOTA squad and my manager they have constantly been supporting me in every way and I hope they continue to do so.

Your favourite SC2 player?

I don’t have any particular favourite, I enjoy watching all the code –s player’s games.

Your most fierce competitor?

There are many.

Does India have the talent to succeed in the game?

India definitely has the talent, what it is lacking is proper support, our community doesn’t support computer gaming like other countries and its hard for people to even dream of making it into a profession.

Are you game for the next few editions of ESWC?

I’m not sure as of now I’m going to concentrate on my studies but I will still game and if I get the opportunity I will surely play ESWC.

Any advice for budding Indian SC2 players who want to make it big?

Practice hard, online ladder is the best way to get recognized at an international level and keep praying !

Thank you for your time Nickunj, it was great talking to you. Sportskeeda and our readers wish you all the best for the future.