As they geared up for their lower bracket run at the ESL One Birmingham Major, we had the opportunity to speak with Sébastien “Ceb” Debs about his experience at the tournament so far, teaming up with Timado, and the comfort of playing with familiar heroes.
Sophie: This is the first Dota Major in Birmingham in 5 years. How are you finding it?
Ceb: Initially, the memories from the last time we were here weren’t the best due to the OG team splitting up. However, personally, I actually enjoyed it and I’m happy to be back here once again.
Sophie: And what about the British food?
Ceb: I like it. There’s something about the British vibe that I find appealing. I feel comfortable around the people here.
Sophie: You didn’t have much time to prepare for this Major. How did you go from “we’re not qualifying” to “oh, wait, yes we are”?
Credit: ESL
What was your preparation like?
Ceb: We were aware of the slim chance of being invited as a replacement team due to visa issues. We continued competing in other qualifiers while practicing regularly. When we got the last-minute notice, we had four days of intense preparation, focusing on playing our comfort heroes to gain an advantage in the tournament.
Sophie: There have been almost 30 uncontested heroes picked so far. Does that affect your preparation for different series?
Ceb: Playing comfort heroes narrows down our preparation and allows us to focus more on outplaying our opponents. It’s a matter of player preference and style. Some players prefer sticking to what they know best, while others enjoy being creative and surprising their opponents.
Credit: Sophie McCarthy
Does playing conservatively affect your draft strategy?
Ceb: Playing conservatively can make you predictable, but it also makes it challenging for opponents to counter you. Being creative and unpredictable can give you a strategic advantage, as seen with players like Topson. Each player has their unique approach to the game.
Sophie: How did you feel after defeating Xtreme with a 2-0 scoreline?
How does that impact your team’s mentality going into games?
Ceb: We were not surprised by the victory over Xtreme, as we believe in our potential against any team. We have beaten every team we faced so far in the tournament, and we are looking to capitalize on this momentum.
Sophie: Finally, how has it been playing with Timado and how has he fit into the team?
What has been his impact on the team?
Ceb: Timado has seamlessly integrated into the team. He brings positivity, strong communication skills, and a great understanding of the game. His presence has not only strengthened our lineup but also enhanced team chemistry. We are thrilled to have him on board.
We not only gained a skilled carry player but also a fantastic teammate to share the journey with.
His Spanish background also adds a level of comfort for our teammate Wisper. Overall, the experience has been excellent, and we are grateful to have Timado with us.
