Cover-Credits:
While not in the best form, BOOM Esports picked up a massive win against Talon Esports in Tour 3 of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) Southeast Asia (SEA) 2023 Tour 3: Division I to move to two wins after six series. At the same time, it was interesting to note that BOOM was able to survive this tough series with coach Chai "Mushi" Yee Fung playing as the stand-in offlaner. It was Mushi who came for the post-match winner's interview where he shared some insights into his approach for leading the BOOM team. According to him, balance is important; he maintains a friendly atmosphere while being willing to push hard when needed. In light of the team's average performance this year, Mushi also explained the issues that have plagued the team.
Mushi talks about maintaining balance as a coach and BOOM’s issues in DPC 2023
During the post-match interview, Mushi explained how he makes decisions while considering the team's interests, which may require him to wear various hats depending upon the situation.
“I think at first, I would like to have a very family and friendship culture between each other so we will have a strong bond between us, but at the same time, I am not going very easy on every one of them. When they have a lack of discipline, when the need is to slap someone, I will slap them (laughs). Everyone knows this is my personality and whatever I do, I do it for the team, for the betterment of the team. “
It is common for Dota 2 players and gamers, in general, to engage in long hours of gaming during the evening and into the night, but Mushi stated that he gets his team ready by 10 or 10:30 AM to get started for the day.
According to him, the single most annoying aspect about his team is when someone forgets something that they had already practiced and learned for a long time, which impedes their progress. As a result, it becomes necessary to repeat the same activity over and over again.
According to Mushi, BOOM has been struggling with closing games in 2023, which is also not uncommon in the SEA region as it usually has one of the longest series times when compared with other regions.
“I think obviously we had the issue that we could not close the games properly. And now it’s already Tour 3 and for the past few games that we played, we have this kind of problem again. I think mainly it’s because of our communication, our teamfight, and also direction. I think with me stepping in - what can I do? I am an old man, my hand is even shaking when I’m playing (smiles). The kind of thing I can do for the team is about my communication only.”
BOOM has one series remaining in Tour 3 which will be against Team SMG on 2nd June 2023. Unfortunately for the team, even if it wins this last series, it will not be able to qualify for the Major, but it is still crucial to remain in Division I.
