Blitzkrieg Masters Amsterdam 2018 - Interview with Bot123 (ex Endpoint)

One of the more interesting team names of the bunch, Bot123 definitely takes the cake when it comes to being a team of storylines and talent. The split which tore the original EndPoint lineup apart, a great roster which combusted internally, partially reformed as saint6 and iconz crossed paths once more, to be joined by j_money, f1ashyy and Max-Strafe. Within moments, they rose to a top level team, worthy of qualifying for the largest Battalion 1944 event of the year. The following is an interview with one of their players: Job  iconz  Witte, the 24 year old veteran. 

1.) How are you preparing yourselves for the upcoming event, the first ever Battalion 1944 Major?

Right now, we are not really preparing yet. Since Saint has 1 or 2 exams left, we're waiting until those are over. After that, we will practice around 4 nights per week. The rest of us play together with a mixer for the time being. We've all played competitive games before and know what it takes to practice properly.

2.) For how long has your team been waiting for an opportunity to play Battalion 1944 at this level?

We all love to play the game, the reason we play is not money. That being said, a prestigious tournament like the major gets us hyped up more than online tournaments. All of us are really looking forward to this tournament because it is the biggest LAN so far for Battalion 1944.

3.) What are your goals heading into the event? What placing are you aiming at?

We realise we are a newly formed team. That doesn't take away our expectations though! I am confident we can win the major. Our individual skill is very high! I would say a top 3 finish would be our goal.

4.) What was your experience in the online qualifiers? Where there any negatives and positives you’d like to point out?

To be fair there were a few flaws. I feel like the admins made multiple mistakes so far. People playing in multiple teams in the same qualifier, cheating accusations and crashing servers without proper solutions presented. Those are just out of the top of my head. I did really like the format. There are 5 qualifying weekends with 2 teams who get a spot; this way everyone gets a chance to qualify.

5.) From the online qualifiers, what is your team’s judgement on the level of competition at this time in the title’s lifespan? How much room for improvement is there?

There is still a lot of improvement possible. Since we are a new team it is noticeable that our teamwork needs work. That is the big point for us personally. Teams who have been together for longer- think of Demise, Method and Endpoint (old PENTA)- have a better foundation. Competition wise it is going to be hard. There are multiple teams who can win the title. 

6.) If not yourselves, what teams form the top competition for the first place spot?

I believe Method, Demise, CRG, Endpoint and us will fight for the title.

7.) Do you plan to keep competing in Battalion 1944 after the Major is finalized?

I do. I love the game. I come from CoD2 so the transition was easy, but I can't go back to CoD2 now. The level of competition in Battalion 1944 is nothing compared to what I have been used to. I do believe there are people who are in doubt about what to do after this major. There needs to be a future to look forward to, otherwise, people will not have the motivation to continue.

8.) How do you view the updates which have recently hit the title? Have they all been general improvements?

YES. Big improvements. Personally, I love to play sniper, and the sniper has had several changes now. I do like how the zoom amount is back to how it used to be. There are small things that still need tuning, but overall the game has made huge steps towards the right direction.

9.) What would you change, if you could, in Battalion 1944 mechanics, maps and weapons?

I would change damage for the SMGs (Thompson and mp40) regarding headshots. I believe a headshot should be a kill from close range. It feels odd getting a headshot in a 1v1 fight but not killing the opponent at times.

10.) Any advice for those Battalion 1944 rosters which are struggling to reach the level of competition needed for the event?

Stay together. Stop switching rosters after every bad result. It won't help teams create chemistry and teamwork. Teams need to learn from their mistakes and work on it instead of "fixing" it by changing a player. If you want to reach the level of the top teams as a person alone, I'd say practice a lot. Play pugs and get your game sense up. A lot of skill comes from knowing when to aim somewhere and how to position. Aiming is only a small part of the package.

Due to a player's academics, it seems that preparations are still to start for the event as a team. However, when they do, expect them to be a top threat to the rest of the competition due to the individual talent on this roster, but just like iconz said; "Aiming is only a small part of the package."