33 on his creep pick on the second map against Pipsqueak+4 at PGL Wallachia Season 9: “I just couldn’t find the dragon.”
1w Team NetA offlaner “33” Shapira explained in an interview at PGL Wallachia Season 9 why he chose the Ancient Wanderer’s abilities for Doom on the second map of the match against Pipsqueak+4, and also suggested several options for the starting buy.
On expectations for tournaments when the team plays with a substitute
We’ve had plenty of practice keeping expectations low lately, so that’s not a problem. We just do our best; each player focuses on themselves and tries to improve regardless of whether there’s a substitute or not.
[Question: “Did you tell Shad to feel at ease while you create a comfortable environment for him?”]
Something like that. We’ve already played with him at PGL, so we know how to work with him. He’s pretty laid-back. We’re just playing.
On the reason for taking down the Ancient Wanderer instead of the Ancient Black Dragon in Doom vs. Pipsqueak+4
I just couldn’t find the dragon. Normally you need the dragon, but at some point I stopped looking for it, figuring the purple creep could handle the job just as well. It boosted the potential for single kills. Once I jumped on Undying, and with any other creep I wouldn’t have died so quickly. The result is a lot of damage; it’s a good nuke for farming. Of course, it’s not a dragon, but it gets the job done.
On the starting build
If you don’t get punished, the best option is a Wand. Two Faerie or a Faerie with a Branch. But that’s a bit greedy: if you show up on the lane with a Wand while your opponent has 4 Gauntlets, they’ll outplay you when it comes to finishing off creeps. A good middle-ground option is a few Gauntlets and a Ring. That way, the Soul Ring will be cheaper. If you want to be as strong as possible, you should get 3 Gauntlets and buy a Branch, or 4 Gauntlets.
[Question: “It seems to me that Tango will be needed on many lanes.”]
The courier will bring the Tango—no big deal.
After defeating Pipsqueak+4 2–0, 1w Team advanced to the playoffs of PGL Wallachia Season 9. In the group stage, Team 33 lost to Team Nemesis and Natus Vincere but defeated Hokori, Conventus Stellarum, and P+4.
Photo: Valve.
