Kippo interview

2013-10-11 18:23 by Hooraytio

Read on for some insight into Kippos thoughts about Quakeworld...

I took a moment to talk to Tom “Kippo” Grönholm from Fraggers United. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on QuakeWorld, EQL and other QW related things.


Hooraytio: Ok, let's skip all the basic stuff people can find in the wiki and tell me what keeps you in qw still?

Kippo: Improving. I like the challenge. There's always something that you can do better. No matter if it's 1on1 or 4on4. QW's physics and speed of the game is just purely in own class when comparing
to other games. Everyones own opinion when coming to different games, but I like it this way.


Hooraytio: So in what aspect have you improved the most since a few years back and in what area can you still see a large potential for improvement?

Kippo: Nerves. doing some crazy things from time to time under pressure. Usually it means that I commit myself too much and then there's no way to escape. I've lost many games because of that.
I think i have a better picture now what's going on. When I need to do something, and generally changing my tactics on the fly when it's needed. Before I just let it slip too easily. Reading the game is quite more important than just pure aiming.


Hooraytio: I myself like the feeling that I belong to a group, my team and the qw community. Is that something that you feel too? You have spent quite alot of seasons in FU for example.

Kippo: I've had many great moments with FU. We are one of the oldest teams still running along with tVS in Finland, and one of the oldest still around worldwide. I'm proud of being part of something that started back in 1997.

Anza let me do kind of everything on these days, so I have totally free hands to recruit new players etc. Probably feeling of that I try to run something remarkable for me, made me stay together with FU this long. Of course when Culkey joined up it was even more clear that I will stay with FU as long I will be playing this game.


Hooraytio: Speaking of FU, versus which clans did you have your greatest rivalries and which is your current rival clan?

Kippo: Your team, Chosen. Always great and tight games and something to wait for. Can't really explain, but there are something special with these two teams. If we can win over Chosen, it's usually a good indicator for us to know that we are in a good shape.


Hooraytio: What do you think of the current status of QW in general and EQL in particular?

Kippo: It's great that we still have one of the original "majors" running from season to season. More teams especially for Div1 and probably one more division would be great. Without EQL there is no QW. It's our last chance to keep this small scene alive, even though it is sadly dying slowly.


Hooraytio: What do you think of FUs chances this season, provided that you manage to wake up your mates?

Kippo: We are quite dead at the moment. Don't know why, but timetables just doesn't fit at all at the moment. If we can field our strongest lineups for specific maps, I think we can do serious damage in our division. We will play our games, no matter who are playing. FU wants to compete and that way show support for the scene. Every team in EQL is important, every player, we make this game. If we get more activity and get some pracs going on, I think we still can win.


Hooraytio: Are there some players in particular that are important for FUs success nowadays? Are there others that you wish still were playing?

Kippo: There are no superstars, except Anza, in our team who can turn the games in our favour that easily. But I think Culkey and myself making the backbone of FU's teamplay since usually we two play in every official match. He is one of my best friends in real life. It's funny to talk about the games we've played and discuss what went wrong and why. tVS tried to buy Culkey out few years ago because of his sg% but luckily FU has lifetime contract with him. ;)

I really miss bamsen. He was the soul of FU's team play back in the days. Great player, pure Div0 material when in shape. He is still in FU, but inactive.


Hooraytio: In your opinion what are the collective strengths and weaknesses of FU?

Kippo: Inactivity is our biggest weakness. Secondary, we rarely have all four players with a microphone and that often leads to someone getting killed because they dont get the correct information on the fly. We have good inside jokes within the teams so I think that good spirit runs us forward usually. Of course practice makes you better.


Hooraytio: I've noticed over the years that you are quite keen on picking DM2 in both duel and 4on4, why is that?

Kippo: I don't know why, but FU has always been strong on DM2. No matter who is playing, we are always expecting ok results from that map.

I found DM2 very interesting back in the days. Challenged people there and only focused in one map. It was pure mindfucking for myself winning once over Fifi after twenty rounds and then thinking Wow I'm really good. Kept posting demos to Challenge-TV when winning and shit. Someway
now I think I tried to gain some kind of reputation from other players with the way I did it with the demos and everything. I think they've forgive me by now. Hopefully.

But yes, I like the map after all and I know if I have a good day, I can win everyone there.


Hooraytio: We have both seen players come and go by now, is there anyone who you are more impressed of, how he has evolved? And if you could recruit a player of your choice to FU, who would it be?

Kippo: There are two names. Rikoll and Carapace. Their dedication towards the game and how they improved within short time compared to others when making their way to Div0, if you remember that they both were absent a few years.

I pick Milton. I think he is the best all around player in the history of QuakeWorld. I've been lucky to get some 1on1 lessons with him on voice and everything, and there are no "friendwords" now. Things he do in the game, reactions, how smart he always plays. Definitely a player on own level.


Hooraytio: Who do you think will win div1 this season?

Kippo: It's tVS or SD. Cmfs can get close but after all it will be between the two giants.


Hooraytio: Is there anything you want to add? :)

Kippo: Don't hate. Love more. We are small scene. Be proud that you are still here and playing.
Thanks to Culkey and Niomic. Without their friendships and advices I think it's not sure that I would be writing this interview now.


/Hooraytio

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