Yoann: Hey, hello everyone! Today I'm with Hoody, Valorant pro player for Giants!
When and how did you get into esports?
Hoody: Hey! I think it was around 2014 or 2015.
I played a game called Smite, and I really liked it. I played some tournaments there, and that was my first taste in esports, I switched to CSGO later.
Yoann: You played for G2 last season. What did you learn from this experience?
Hoody: I learned a lot. I grew in game and outside. The most important things I learned is how to be a more versatile player, and how to play for the team!
Yoann: That’s nice, how would you describe the 2023 season so far?
Hoody: We've had a lot of ups and downs. We didn’t get the results we wanted. But it was a nice learning experience. We are growing as a team, we are getting to know each other better.
Yoann: Great! How would you describe the play style of Giants?
Hoody: I’d say discipline is the key word.
Yoann: You are now preparing for LCQ. What are the main things you are trying to improve or fix?
Hoody: We change the roles a little. But other than that, we are focusing on discipline, teamwork, utility and fixing our map pool.
Yoann: Okay, great. How confident are you heading into this tournament, knowing that you have two spots for Champions?
Hoody: I'm always confident heading into tournaments.
But yeah, that doesn't mean it's easy. It's never easy in Valorant! Having those spots is nice, makes it easier!
Yoann: Yeah, of course. Let's now move onto the quick questions part. I will ask you ten quick questions and you’ll have to answer as fast as possible. Ready?
Hoody: Yeah!
Yoann: Phantom or Vandal?
Hoody: Vandal.
Yoann: Who’s your favorite agent?
Hoody: Skye!
Yoann: Okay. What's your favorite map?
Hoody: Split!
Yoann: What was the most challenging match you ever played?
Hoody: Against Fnatic when it went to triple overtime!
Yoann: Yeah for sure! What's your favorite skin bundle?
Hoody: It has to be Glitchpop.
Yoann: Nice. What's your favorite or best memory in Valorant so far?
Hoody: Definitely qualifying for Reykjavik, in Iceland.
Yoann: Do you know the exact name of Viper’s orb?
Hoody: Poison cloud?
Yoann: Yeah, exactly! What's your go to purchase in pistol rounds?
Hoody: Classic and light shields!
Yoann: What's your best or favorite clutch or ace you pulled off in a tournament?
Hoody: Oh, I guess my ace in overtime against Heretics. (Link to the play) https://youtu.be/Ys-N6ZT8jtE
Yoann: That was nice indeed! Can you quote a voice line from Skye?
Hoody: « Good on ya! »
Yoann: Awesome! Let's now get back to the standard questions. What are your hobbies or passions aside from gaming?
Hoody: I don’t really have any hobbies, but I like walking outside, and my passion besides gaming probably is mythology. I really like that.
Yoann: That’s great! What's your preparation routine before an official match?
Hoody: Just talking with the team, chilling, listening to music and playing some deathmatches.
Yoann: How do you feel about the Valorant meta after the last patches, with the ammo reduction and everything else?
Hoody: The ammo reduction was nice, but overall, it feels the same as during the regular VCT season.
Yoann: Do you think Deadlock is underrated?
Hoody: Yeah, I think when done right, you can make her work!
Yoann: That’s interesting, I hope we’ll see teams trying her out!
Are you happy about the map pool we currently have?
Hoody: I'm not a big fan of three side maps, so I would change Haven for a Breeze rework. That would be nice.
Yoann: Yeah, Breeze has been out for a long time now.
What would you change to the game if you were a Valorant developer?
Hoody: I would change the gunplay. I think it's too forgiving sometimes, the last nerf wasn't enough, I didn't even notice anything. But other than that, I wouldn't change anything.
Yoann: What makes your team a championship contender for LCQ and Champions?
Hoody: Our players, the team's energy and discipline!
Yoann: That’s great! What are your short and long-term ambitions with Giants?
Hoody: Short term would be to qualify for Champions. Long term is just to keep on playing together, to build a stable team.
Yoann: What would you tell someone willing to become a Valorant pro player?
Hoody: Honestly, I would say maybe reconsider your choice! It's not as easy as you might think, you have to make a lot of sacrifices.
Yoann: That’s for sure! Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Hoody: Thank you for the interview, and see you in the Last Chance Qualifier!
Yoann: Thank you! I wish you the best out there!
