An Interview with India's fastest gamer

Our E-Sports journalist caught up with one of the two Indian representatives for India in the ESWC and had a quick chat with him. He recently got knocked out in the 2nd round of ESWC after putting on a valiant display.

Suromitro : This being your 2nd ESWC, was the experience better than the previous one?

Naveen : Experience was great. Difficult to tell which one was better because last time it was Disneyland where player’s hotels were excellent and this time the venue is excellent. And met some new players this time.

Suromitro : What do you think about the Indian TrackMania scene?

Naveen : Even after 2 consecutive ESWC Qualifier in India Trackmania scene has not grown much. Only 7 players came to this year’s qualifier. This is because Organizers keep NFS also in same tournament. When you have 2 racing games in same tournament people will obviously select that game which game is easier. And organizers will keep that game that which attracts more players.

Suromitro : Who’s your favorite Trackmania player?

Naveen : Frostbeule from Sweden & Pezi from Austria

Suromitro : Toughest competitor you have faced?

Naveen : It was Sanjit in WCG 2009 and now Of course it was Rohan Karir.

Suromitro : Do you see a future in Indian e-sports in general and especially for Trackmania?

Naveen : Trackmania has a bright future in Indian esports. But we get to play only one LAN tournament of Trackmania in a year that is ESWC. So it all depends on the organizers.

Suromitro : TM2 in WCG, was it good or bad?

Naveen : I have played TM2. TMNF is far better than this game. I wanted TMNF to feature in WCG.

Suromitro : What are the things you have learned by attending previous two editions of the ESWC?

Naveen : Things which I learned are a bit technical. But one thing I have learned is always try to give your fastest time, don’t think much about consistency.

Suromitro : Trackmania or NFS?

Naveen : Trackmania

Suromitro : Do you think if you were a part of say the french TMN scene, your timings would be far better?

Naveen : If you play and practice with someone who is better than you, you just become like them. So yes my timings would have been better.

Suromitro : Some advice on all the aspiring Trackmania players in India?

Naveen : Start playing technical tracks like ESWC ESL TMT TMM maps. And make your own team and participate in online tournaments.

Thank you for your time, enjoy the rest of your Paris trip and thank you for keeping the Indian flag waving high in Paris.