"Definitely not the underdogs" beastcoast talks about form before TI11

William Davis Published 12/10/2022

Our interview with the South American quintet of beastcoast reveals the team’s expectations heading into The International 2022.

With top-two finishes at all three tours and fifth place at both majors, South American team beastcoast seems destined for a deep run at TI11. But for all that success, the squad is still overshadowed by powerhouse regions like Western Europe and China. The fourth-place DPC-ranked team will enter the battle for $13.5 million on October 15, but the players and staff are still generous enough to share information with the fans.

WIN.gg had the opportunity to interview beastcoast’s players and staff before the start of The International 2022. The team revealed its thoughts on representing South America and rejecting its underdog status.

An interview with beastcoast days before TI11

WIN.gg: Beastcoast has stuck together for years while other rosters go through constant changes. How much does that play into your success?

Vitoria Otero, Dota 2 team manager: We believe that this helps a lot. Dota 2 is a team game. The more you understand about the players on your team, the better it is to know what to do and how some players will react to some in-game situations. We also grew a lot together and have a great bond.

In addition to you, Hokori and Thunder Awaken will represent South America at The International. How do you prepare differently against these teams?

Otero: We prepare the same way as we would to other teams, we have to focus on our game more than worry about what the other teams will do. We obviously study the other teams and prepare to be ready for what they will be doing but we don’t think it’s any different from preparing for teams from other regions.

Which region is South America better than?

Otero: All regions are different in their own way, it’s hard to say one is better than the other.

The International has almost always had an underdog winner. While beastcoast is expected to perform well, the team isn’t as big of a target as LGD or Spirit. Do you think these things will give you an advantage?

Otero: I think nowadays we are definitely not seen as the underdogs, and more teams know us. The benefit of being the underdog is that teams will not expect them to do well or won’t take them as seriously as other opponents. We don’t think that’s our case anymore, we don’t have this kind of advantage.

For Héctor “K1” Rodríguez: During patch 7.21 at The International 2019, you frequently played Lifestealer and would Infest ancient creeps to instantly farm them. You were the only player doing this technique at the event. Right after TI9, Valve removed the gold and experience from killing a creep with Infest. How does it feel to know that you changed a rule in Dota 2?

K1: This has made Lifestealer a dead hero in my opinion. Before it was as if he had a Midas for free, and with that, he would flash farm way better. It was a huge nerf on his farm efficiency. Considering how Lifestealer’s stats are low, I don’t think it’s a great hero at the moment.

For Jean “Chris Luck” Salazar: You’ve changed your name from Chris Brown to Chris Luck and also c.smile. What’s the reason behind these name changes, and what should fans call you?

Chris Luck: Honestly I changed because I felt like changing it. And they can call me Chris Luck, c.smile, however, they prefer.

For Adrián “Wisper” Dobles: Offlaners often produce the most memorable moments at The International. Do you feel pressure to pick flashy heroes like Enigma and Legion Commander at TI?

Wisper: To be honest, no, not really. I can play whatever works for the team.

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