The Esports Championship’s inaugural season kicked off with an electrifying start, marking a milestone in the competitive gaming landscape. The SF6 Qualifier 1 was not just a tournament; it was a battleground where skills, strategy, and sportsmanship were put to the ultimate test.
A Thrilling Competition
Despite the initial lineup of 10 eager competitors, the day took an unexpected turn with 4 participants disqualified for not showing up, setting the stage for an intense showdown among the remaining contenders. The tournament showcased the high stakes and pressure synonymous with esports, where every second counts.
The Champion’s Victory
In a stunning display of dominance, DOOKLYNNN emerged victorious, securing a flawless 3-0 victory over TTTJ in the finals. This win didn’t just earn DOOKLYNNN the $100 first prize but also a coveted spot in the Season Final, a testament to their exceptional skills and determination. TTTJ did not go away empty handed, as they won the $30 Runner-Up prize and also qualified for the Season Final.
Exclusive Interview with DOOKLYNNN
In the aftermath of the tournament, we had the privilege to sit down with DOOKLYNNN, the champion of SF6 Qualifier 1, to delve into their journey, experiences, and feelings about this significant victory.
How does it feel to be the champion of the SF6 Qualifier 1?
Winning is always fun, securing a victory for the first qualifier only makes me want to continue riding the momentum to win more events.
What strategies did you employ to secure your win against TTTJ?
TTTJ is a good friend and rival of mine for many years now, so I have a sound understanding of him as a player. I’ve had enough Blanka experience from playing online against other OCE Blankas, so I knew how to approach the matchup somewhat, so I just applied those layer one matchup strategies and it worked out for me.
How do you prepare for a tournament?
Muscle memory is one of the most principal factors when it comes to playing in a tournament. I get nervous before any match despite having a lot of tournament experience myself. So, I make sure to do drills in practice mode 3-4 days leading up to a tournament to make sure what I need in the moment comes out when I want it to without having to think too much about it. I also play some real games against real people but not too much as I found it can be detrimental to your mindset before the tournament, especially if you have a bad loss against someone/s. I believe the time spent playing in-between actual tournaments is where all the practice should be done and not specifically a week or two before.
What does securing a spot in the Season Final mean to you?
I love competing and just playing fighting games in general, so the more opportunities I get to play fighting games the better it is for me.
Any advice for aspiring gamers looking to compete in esports?
Do not expect too much of yourself in the beginning. Fighting games can be seen as a full-time job when you reach that next level of expertise. An important part of improving is to make sure you are having fun. Fighting games are difficult, but they are so rewarding at the same time. When you finally land that combo in a real match that you’ve been practicing all week in training mode, the feeling is indescribable.
Who or what inspired you to start competing in esports?
I grew up playing fighting games against family and friends but didn’t really understand what was going on or what I was doing. When I reached teens I was gifted Super Street Fighter 4 for my birthday and decided to give it a shot. I went online to watch some gameplay and highlights to try and see how good people can actually become and ran into the infamous EVOmoment#37. Although this spectacle occurred in a different Street Fighter game, it gave me chills and I told myself “hey, I wanna be that guy” and my journey began.
How do you handle the pressure during high-stakes matches?
Breathing. A lot of the times players freeze up and hold their breaths during a critical moment, this is natural as our body is in flight or fight mode. The heart beats rapidly, hands start to shiver from all the adrenaline building up during the match. As we hold our breaths we eventually need to breathe, and it is in this moment players make serious blunders. It is almost instinctive because as we feel we need to gasp for more air we automatically need to also make a decision. And most of the time it’s a slip rather than slide. Learn to control your breathing.
Are there any players you look up to or aspire to compete against?
I don’t have any specific players I look up to, in a way I look up to all players who compete just like I do, and if they are especially great at the game, even more so. I understand how hard fighting games can be and the effort that is required to reach an extraordinary level. I may watch certain players to try and learn from them, then apply what I’ve seen to my own gameplan and create my own art. I enjoy competing against strong players and I hope I can have the opportunity to play some of the best in Street Fighter 6, and maybe even beat them in Street Fighter 6 😉
How do you plan to prepare for the Season Final, and do you have any specific goals?
Leading up to season finals I will most likely mainly be studying my opponent’s replays and figuring out the player matchup. When it comes to the higher echelon of players, character matchups are no longer a big factor compared to the player matchup itself as all high-level players are going to know the ins and outs of most characters. At a high level a seemingly “ dumb” decision can be a game changer and actually be the smartest decision ever. Why is that? – well it’s because I know that you know, and you know that I know that you know. (that they know) 😛
What are your initial thoughts on participating in the Esports Championship (ESC), and how do you see it impacting the esports community?
I think any kind of event like ESC is always good to have, having something is better than nothing after all. There will always be disputes, however, I believe there is always room for improvement and suggestions, and if ESC is willing to listen and compromise with community/s – only success awaits.
DOOKLYNNN’s responses highlighted not just the technical skills required but also the mental preparation, strategic thinking, and passion for gaming that define a champion.
On the Horizon: More Opportunities Await
The journey to the Season Final is far from over, with two more qualifiers on the horizon. These upcoming events are critical for players aiming to secure their spot in the highly anticipated Season Final. For full details on the remaining qualifiers and to keep up with the current rankings, visit our Season One page.
Catch Up on the Action
Missed the live action or want to relive the thrilling moments of the SF6 Qualifier 1? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full live stream replay. Dive into the excitement of the matches and get a closer look at the strategies that led DOOKLYNNN to victory.
Stay connected with us for more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive interviews with the champions of the esports world.
