—– Disclaimer —-
English is not my mother tongue, so there may be some mistakes when it comes to grammar. Please don’t be too hard on me if you are reading this. Thanks!
I recently interviewed Clash Tournaments’ CT ZeRo, who is originally from Chile. The original interview is entirely in spanish, so if it’s easier for you, go here: http://irgamers.cl/index/entrevista-ct-zero/
We discussed several topics, ranging from Smash in general, the Smash Bros Invitational, his career and the situation in Chile. We both agreed that it would be good if the interview could also be found in english, so I translated it.
If want to find out what ZeRo had to tell us, then just keep on reading!
Usleon: Hi ZeRo! First of all, I wanted to thank you for your time and for letting me interview you. You’ve become quite the star in the last couple of months. How did you start with Smash?
ZeRo: Hey! Thank you for the chance, it’s a pleasure.
Well, with that question we go back in time to the distant past. When there was still no Facebook or Twitter. You see, I’ve always played Smash, ever since Smash 64 came out and later on with Melee. It was not rare to see me play on my own trying to beat my own records in the events or similar stuff. Back then in 2004 or 2005, my mom told me there would be a Melee tournament in the centre of Santiago de Chile. Some sort of convention. I went there with my controller and everything… But I didn’t dare to enter. I was so nervous! But the will was there after that. Then in 2006 while on a shopping day with my mom in Chillán, I saw a flyer announcing a big Melee tournament. I decided to sign up and play against the people that were attending. While being there I realized… That I wasn’t nearly as good! And right after that, this whole adventure started. Who would have thought that after such a long time, it would become my job, passion and career.
Usleon: And what an adventure. You’re living the dreams of many. Speaking of dreams, you recently received the coveted invitation for the Smash Bros Invitational Tournament at E3. How did you feel when you got it?
ZeRo: It’s something I’ve worked a lot on. I still remember picking up blueberries in order to go to tournaments. Now I’m being payed to go to tournaments. That tell you that with effort and dedication, you can achieve a lot of things.
My reaction was basically… I leaned back on my chair, jumped and bumped with my head on the ceiling… Out of joy! To tell the truth, it’s an honor so big I cannot describe it with other than happy words and the sort.
Usleon: You can be more than proud of your achievements! How did Nintendo contact you? Through E-mail, a call?
ZeRo: I’m sorry to let you know that I’m not allowed to talk about the process. They got in touch with me and I just followed instructions afterwards.
Usleon: It’s ok, understandable. There has to be a little mystery. Regarding the tournament itself. Did you know all the participant? What do you think of the tournament rules?
ZeRo: As a matter of fact, I know them all personally. All of them are really nice people! To be honest, I don’t like the idea of having Free For Alls’, I think it would be more competitive if it were 1 v 1. I understand the reason, though. Above all, I’m grateful for the invitation. I understand that they have to show the game as much as they can and the Finals have rules which are a homage to our competitive community. In the end everything is perfect!
Usleon: I totally support you there. But you have to admit this is a great way to show the world the new Smash Bros. Now that you mention the community and competitive play… Do you think Nintend will finally cooperate with the competitive Smash Community? What kind of cooperation would you like to see?
ZeRo: That’s up to them a 100%. They are more and a more present now and I really like that. I would love to see them get involved in a way similar to that of Riot Games, organizing big leagues, tournaments and maybe even world championships. I would just love to see something like that with Nintendo and Smash Brothers.
Usleon: We smashers all long for more cooperation. Though Nintendo’s been doing it pretty well so far. Let’s hope we can see some of the things you mentioned earlier in the future. Now back to the tournament itself. Have you thought about which character would you like to play?
ZeRo: As of now, I don’t know who I’ll be using. It depends on the game! On top of that, I may not necessarily get to choose the character I want, so the best option is to remain open to any possibility.
Usleon: Sounds sincere. I would not be sure which character to pick myself. Say, people have been making comments about you having high chances of winning the Invitational. What would you do if you win? Do you think you can win the event and how are you preparing for this?
ZeRo: If I win… I’d be probably smiling a lot and it would be a big honor! I do think I have a chance. But then again, so does everyone else who’s participating. I just hope to perform well that day. As of now, I cannot do anything in order to prepare myself for the tournament, so right now it’s all about having a clear mind and mindset. I do have a lot of experience in Free For Alls with items, though.
Usleon: I believe that you have, just like aMSa, a whole country supporting you! We are all eagerly awaiting the day. Now regarding your career. What made you leave Chile to go to the US?
ZeRo: aMSa <3. Well, competitive Smash Bros. is HUGE in the US. The biggest community in the world. In order to make my career bigger as much as I can, I need to be where the community is the biggest as much as I can. That’s why I’m now the US.
Usleon: Taking that decision while being so young… However, you are being sponsored by Clash Tournaments, which I believe is a great help. Would you care to explain a bit what does the sponsoring consists of and how did you make the contacts?
ZeRo: Since I was a child I focused on becoming a professional gamer. Compete, travel around the world and interact with a lot of people. Clash Tournaments is great. But being here where I am now was no easy task on its own, it has its own story. They pay me a monthly salary, cover some of my expenses, pay for my plane tickets to tournaments, give me equipment and lot of connections and publicity. I would not be where I am now if Clash Tournaments wasn’t there.
Story itself is that, in the end of 2010, I was picking up blueberries in order to go to Chile’s 2nd National Tournament in 2011 I worked from 6 AM to 6 PM and from 6 PM to midnight I practiced with my friend Iori.
I realized then that if I ever wanted to get far with Smash, I needed financial help.I just wanted to focus on training and competing. In 2011, I joined vVv Gaming and they helped me attend my first International: Apex 2012. During that time, Mark Korsak, better known as Chibo, was my manager.
When vVv Gaming stopped supporting Smash Bros. after Apex 2012, Mark decided to go all in with his small company called Clash Tournaments. It started off with Mew2King and me for form the team. It was not easy, there was a lot of effort put into this. Everything I’ve achieved has been because of my own efforts in addition to the help of those who support me. In fact, the are big announcements coming for Clash Tournaments. Stay tuned!
Usleon: I’ll keep on checking Twitter this week. There’ve been a lot of important news and announcements this year for the Smash community! Hey, speaking of always wanting to compete. What started all of it? What made click in you and how do you practice?
ZeRo: I’ve always been a competitive person. First it was cycling, then football (soccer) and later videogames. My room is full of prices and trophies of different things. I once was a national competitor for BMX! Good old times. Still, I always felt like something was missing. When I found out about competitive Smash Bros. and competitive gaming in general, I no longer had that feeling. I then knew that was what I needed and wanted to do.
I train by the books, basically. I study a lot. I’m always watching matches, numbers and frame data of my characters and others. I create strategies and practice on my own and online with others. I basically do a bit of everything. I’m really dedicated.
I dislike leaving things half-done. I give my it all when I do stuff.
Usleon: That kind of attitude is the one a lot of people need. But back to competitive Smash Bros. What made you pick up Meta Knight in Brawl and Fox in Melee? Was it personal preferences or just because the characters are seen a good?
ZeRo: For some reason, every time I like a character, it turns out to be a really good one. I like fast and powerful characters freedom of movement, which demand great domain of their abilities. I like to feel like the better I get, the more option the character has. Ever since I play Melee, I’ve been using Fox and Falco. In Brawl, my friend used Meta knight. I tried him out… and I liked him. That was it
Usleon: Fox and Falco are amongst the flashiest characters in Melee as well as Meta Knight is in Brawl in my opinion. What are your goals for this summer full of Smash in the US? How do get ready for a tournament and what are your goals in the future?
ZeRo: My goals would be to make my Smash career bigger. More streams, more guides, more Youtube videos. And win more tournaments! I really plan on doing a lot regading Smash 4 y Melee. I want to be one of the best in both.
Before a tournament, I study as much as I can, I get ready and practice. It’s a whole process that’s never to be skipped! My goals for the future are getting overall better at everything I do and open up to new possibilities.
Usleon: So nothing about the typical «World Champ» dream?
ZeRo: Hahaha, that’s of course something I’d love. I was really close during Apex 2014, finishing 2nd. Although winning is often not everything. But it is important! I above all prepare myself and hope for the best. Besides, I’m now entering every event there is in all games and it is really hard to perform at my 100% on each of them. But that’s the challenge!
Usleon: We hope to see you with that coveted «1» before your name after some important international. Now speaking of tournaments, who do you think counters you the most? Who do you think you counter?
ZeRo: I hope to get 1st at some point! I’ll work hard for it.
To tell the truth… ADHD and Nairo have always been really difficult opponents for me in Brawl. My record is not on my favor when it comes to ADHD, but it is against Nairo. It is extremely difficult against both. They both play a style which is very complicated for me.
Hmm.. I’m not sure whose counter I may be! I have a really good record against Mew2King on my favor, but I don’t doubt his ability to best me every time we play. Because of that I don’t see me as his counter. He could be anyone’s counter though, hahaha.
Usleon: I remember your set against Nairo at Apex… I bet all chilean smashers were rooting for you! Now changing the topic a bit… What do see Brawl and Melee in the future? How could this be reflected in Chile? What are your opinions on eSports in Chile?
ZeRo: I believe Brawl is going through a hard moment. The game is getting less popular in the US, as it can be seen from its numbers. Melee keeps on growing and growing. I’ve been dedicating my time to Melee a lot more lately.
Chile is by no means dependent on the US, even though they follow their model. But they are still very different communities. I cannot say for sure how it’ll be in the future, it would all change with the new Smash. Chile still lacks a lot in order to play professionally, specially when speaking of size of their communities and support. It’s still possible though, with time and effort, I think.
Usleon: We did have a very good golden era in Chile. I’d love to see a revival of that. And now a bit more personal. Will you go back to Chile at some point, or are you staying in the US?
ZeRo: I plan on staying in the US a long as I can so my career can get bigger and bigger. I will of course go back every now and then to hug my beloved mom and visit my friends!
Usleon: So you are basically staying, hahaha. Would you mind sharing your best Smash related experience in Chile?
ZeRo: It’s the friendships I’ve made during my stay. Lots of them helped me become the player I am now and that would have never happened without the help and support of the players from my country. Special shootouts to Neko, Ivan, Hb2, Yasfer, Rollo, Dragon, Fa… everyone. Roche for the rivalry, the guys from the north (Ariquenoobs) por the motivation. Everyone supported me in a way or another. Even those who dislike me, because they taught me that you won’t be liked by everyone in life and you have to be able to keep moving on. I learn from my surroundings and Chile was an spectacular one for my development as a player. Really grateful for everything.
Usleon: All of them are names which are well known for anyone which is familiar with the scene in Chile. And you have champion attitude there, ZeRo. Now to come to an end, do you wish to dedicate some words for your people in Chile, its community and smashers?
ZeRo: I hope to represent you in the best way possible, always! Thanks a lot for your support. I won’t be here without your support as a community. I’m really, really grateful for all that.
Usleon: We will be all supporting you and hoping you keep putting Chile on the map. ZeRo, thank you very much for your time. The best of wishes for the next months full of Smash! I hope we can see each other again soon.
ZeRo: Thank you very much for the interview and your time, Usleon. It’s been a pleasure.
I hope to do my best, always!
CT ZeRo will be competing at MLG Anaheim in a couple of weeks, amongst other important tournaments. If you wish to know more about ZeRo, don’t forget to follow him on twitter, subscribe to him on Youtube and like his Facebook page!
- Twitter: @CT_ZeRo
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/chilezero
- Youtube: youtube.com/chilezero
- Twitch: Twitch.tv/gonzalo_zero
