Interview conducted by KarY on an older version of Esports Heaven

Jiajun “Sylar” Liu has been a staple name in the Chinese Dota 2 scene since early WarCraft III DotA days. He has held the unique distinction of being considered as one of the finest carry players to ever grace the game alongside the likes of Zhilei “BurNIng” Xu and Yao “Zhou” Chen. He’s one of the few remaining players of the good ol’ days who is adamant on clinching the Aegis of the Champions; a trophy that has long eluded him despite getting very close to it …. twice!

As a player, he has played an integral role in teams like LGD and Vici Gaming. This time around, he’ll be attending The International 8 at Vancouver, Canada alongside his team VGJ. Thunder that comprises a healthy mix of old and new players.

We had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the man himself as he takes us through his journey in the past year ever since he joined VGJ. Thunder.

 Hello Sylar. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. How are you doing?

I am doing good. The new vacation is coming.

You're perhaps the most experience player in the Chinese Scene besidese ddc. Together, you took the gold at Galaxy Battles and ended as runner ups at The Bucharest Major, GESC Indonesia, and StarLadder. How does it feel to have made it this far with VGJ.Thunder? To whom do you attribute this success?

It’s been a long time since we achieved something. We used to practice hard and everyone had a spirit of initiative that helped us in achieving certain goals and reaching where we are currently right now.

rOtk is presently your coach. What does he bring to the table and how has he helped nurture your team?

Being a coach, rOtk is tasked with providing his suggestions to the team on game strategy. He also helps us to think outside the box. More importantly, he analyzes other strong teams so as to learn from them and in process helps us in doing the same. He has helped the team immensely in terms of understanding. Thanks to him, we understand each other better.

After StarLadder, your team fell off the grid in terms of participation. What transpired?

As a matter of fact, we faced some problems when we went to PGL after Chinese New Year. However, we didn’t realize them and got rid of those problems. As time passed by, the problems got worse and worse

Before joining VGJ.Thunder, you had successful stints with LGD and Vici Gaming that were star studded as compared to your current team. Can you mention the difference between playinig besides star players and playing with lesser known players?

Technically, I don’t think they have any particular difference in terms of in-game skills. However, newer players may be humbler and more modest and that’s very important.

In your opinion, where do you think you need to improve as a team?

We have a lot that needs to be improved on. We need to be more attentive towards our game and get a better handle on it. I am positive that we will make good progress as time goes by. One step at a time.

The International 8 is fast approaching and VGJ. Thunder has qualified to the main event as Optic Gaming failed to procure a top four finish at the recently concluded Super Major. How is the team preparing?

We had planned on going through the qualifiers as our team didn’t get enough credits for a series of competitions which we were unable to qualify for. As we came to know about the results after Super Major, we were kind of relieved. We have to work hard and give it our best shot – that’s all I can say.

Valve releases a patch every two weeks. How does it affect the team’s performance? Are you in favour of such bi-weekly changes or do you think it needs to change?

I think the patch frequency is great now. It helps me keep being interested in the game. However, I hope Valve doesn’t release a new patch just before a big competition like Major or The International since it’s a pretty daunting task to figure out gameplay changes just before a big tournament. Simply put, we don’t have enough time to experiment with the changes.

Valve also announced the new DPC season. As a player, in which ways do you think it'll benefit the pro scene?

I think if the new DPC season works out, there will be more strong teams. Some teams are holding their players in their team and don’t allow the players who want to be together to play together. I’ll say that it’s a step in the right direction.

Give us your view on Valve abolishing the direct invite system to Majors and Minors.

I think Valve has taken a great step by abolishing the direct invite system. It provides more opportunities for new teams. We have so many good teams now in China. Usually in the past, after Valve invited the teams directly, only one team could win the qualifier. It was really challenging for new teams in China to shine and prove themselves.

Name two things that you like the most in the new DPC season. Also, name two things that you disliked.

Currently, it’s too early to say anything bad about the new season but relaxing the direct invite system and putting restrictions on multi-owned teams participating at The International is a pretty awesome change.

Kindly tell us what Valve could have improved on when they announced the new DPC season.

I think there could be some change in regards with time, especially during the Chinese New Year. It’s meaningless for Chinese teams because it’s the most important festival for all Chinese people. If we have to take part in competitions, players would be distracted.

 According to you, name the teams that you think are strong across all regions. Who is more likely to win TI8 this year?

Virtus Pro and LGD Gaming are two of the strongest teams in my opinion. Can’t really comment on who is most likely to win.

Which heroes would you like to see be picked in the meta at TI8, and why?

Fur! I like that hero a lot.

Thank you for the interview. is there anything you'd like to say to your fans around the world?

Thank you for having me. I appreciate everyone’s support and I will practice hard to get good results.