Congratulations on your first place finish. Could you explain the key points in your victory over Nilknarf

Thank you; I think there were many different factors that contributed to this tough victory. Throughout the tournament, knowing there were many humans, I always took into consideration that my opponents would be able to watch my games, and thus know what I was doing. I saved the "better" strategies I had prepared for Nilknarf, because I knew he would be the most difficult opponent. Besides that mental warfare, I think some good decision-making and choosing the correct priorities allowed me to win in the end.

With most of the top USA players all playing Human, did you find it easier to prepare for this event, especially with Nilknarf - arguably the best Human in the USA - being your teammate? Also, is there a different approach you take when playing against him at tournaments, compared to the others?

I should have read this question before my last answer! But, to answer the first question, it was easier and more difficult – I’m not sure which was more, though. It was certainly easier to focus on one specific matchup, but also a lot harder to find something different to do versus each person. The fact that Nilknarf was my clanmate wasn't really a bonus, as we avoid practicing each other before major events. I went different heroes and slightly different creep orders versus Nilknarf, that I hadn't used earlier in the tournament.

You lost to ShrieK during group play. Did this loss provide extra motivation to win? Were you worried at all while playing him in the upper bracket finals?

Actually, although I did not purposely decide to lose, I was not truly aiming to win versus ShrieK at all costs, in the group stage. To win the trip, I would have to beat anybody anyway, so I’d rather hide my strategies when I knew I was qualified for double elimination. Perhaps I might have been worried playing him in the finals if I had lost the first game, but when I did the "real" strategies, I didn't have much of a problem winning.

Who was your toughest opponent throughout the whole tournament? Why?

Definitely Nilknarf, because he is a player that is constantly keeping everything in mind – some players you can divert their attention while doing damage somewhere else, but Frank keeps an eye on everything, and forces YOU to pay attention to all facets of the game.

The WCG Finals in Seattle will be your first big international tournament. How do you feel about representing the USA against the biggest names in wc3, and how do you think you'll do?

I’m actually very excited, because I have not only never come in first in a major tournament up until this point, but been in such an Olympic-style international competition. I don’t know how far I'll go, because I have some very good foreign players in my group, but then, I didn’t really expect to win this tournament either.

Shoutouts to Clan mTw for being an excellent organization, as well as www.pokerroom.com for their generous sponsorship, to Nihor for everything and the sometimes forced motivation, Stan and Alf for their practice, Moska for being a cool Brazilian, and anybody else who truly thought I would win, or wanted me to win. Thanks everybody!