"There can only be one true p1mp"

fragster: First of all: Is it true that you shaved off your hair?

Cyrus 'proZaC' Malekani: Yeah, it's true (smiles).

But why? This hair made you so unique.

proZaC: It's just much easier this way. Don't worry, the age of the 'fro will reign once again in some near future.

You are living in Japan for a while now. What are the differences compared to Sweden?

proZaC: Well, there are many differences, but the biggest one are the people. They're so Japanese over here. I think you have to experience it yourself to understand it.

How long will you stay in Japan?

proZaC: I'm not totally sure, but I hope until March 2011.

It's been a while since you have been part of a Quake event. What happened during the last years?

proZaC: Woah, so many things ... I studied game development and got hired by Avalanche Studios to work on Just Cause 2. Then the financial crisis happened and that put a serious monkey wrench in the wheels of the game development industry (in Sweden anyway) and I became a kindergarten teacher instead, which was the best job I've ever had. After this the timing and opportunity was perfect to go to study in Japan. So here I am!

What are your plans then? A comeback in the eSport/Quake scene maybe?

proZaC: I don't know for sure yet, but I have a lot of fun playing quake again and watching all the good matches in the recent tournaments just makes me pumped - so maybe yes?

So did you watch the matches of the IEM European Finals last weekend?

proZaC: Yes and I get the impression that everybody is so good.

Better than you at the moment?

proZaC: For sure. Their games are amazing. They play the maps so good and they don't give any space for the opponent to breathe. On a good day with a lot of luck I could maybe beat one of them.

The ESL just added Quake Live TDM to their NationsCup series and there is the possibility that the finals of this tournament will be played on a LAN. Isn't it frustrating that you won´t be able to participate in this tournament?

proZaC: I don´t know this until you told me and yes, it´s frustrating, because I would like to play TDM damnit!

To frustrate you a little bit more: There will be over 120.000 Euro prize money, distributed to six different games.

proZaC: *slap*

Why did you decide to participate at the IEM Asian Championship?

proZaC: Well, after not playing Quake for such a long time I started to miss it, my fingers literally started itching to do it. I borrowed my friends laptop from time to time and started playing.
Shortly it gets around and I got into contact with some cool and helpful people and – boom – here I am.

How much time did you spend for Quake Live practice during the past few weeks?

proZaC: Well, as much as I've been able to aside from studying. I can say that I've never prepared this much before any duel tournament before.

I guess you have mainly played against Asian players like Naonobu 'uNleashed' Tahara and similar players. Do they have any
differences in their game style compared to European or other Quake players?

proZaC: They're all very good and talented. But they're like raw diamonds that have to be sharpened. Europe also has a bigger scene so that the overall skill is a lot higher.

Do you teach them how to play?

proZaC: Well, we're playing together and I hope that through this they learn something. But I'm not holding lectures – if that's what you mean. (grins)

Once czm said in an interview, back in 2005, that you are a very good TDM player, but you are doing wrong your duel games through some kind of apathy. Was he right and how did you fix that – if you were able to?

proZaC: Wow, Paul said that about me? He actually mentioned me in 2005? Link me!
But yeah, he has got a point; apathy, I guess that's a good word for it. I just didn't care enough – didn't put in the effort to really become a flawless duel player.
The whole idea of chasing a guy just because it's a one on one and when he can always defend to his advantage was a huge turn-off for me. However, you just have to own the items and to defeat him in the fights – than it's all good. Maybe I can now remedy my past mistakes.

What are your goals for the IEM stop in Taiwan?

proZaC: I'd like to reach the Top 2.

So you are apparently serious about this event and want to qualify for the Global Finals. But who will be the toughest opponent beside Jibo at the tournament?

proZaC: I don't really know. I have no idea how good the Koreans or Chinese are. But Unleashed is a very good player. If he can keep his nerves and play a smart game, he has the chance to back it up.

Would it be a huge disappointment if you don't manage to reach the Top 2?

proZaC: Yes and no I guess. I have no idea what I will be up against. But I'm so excited about it and my mind is set on the Top 2. Therefore I can´t accept anything else – what gives me a tremendous motivation. I also went to the shrine today and I got an "Omikuji", which is like a paper-scroll that you draw out of a big basket and it tells you about your luck. There are different degrees of "good luck" you can get. And I got the best that is possible! So god is on my side – at least some of the 8.000 shinto ones I persume – so what could possibly go wrong? (smiles)

Well, do you still remember of the esreality uncut video where Carmac came up with the "practice versus talent" question? To rehash this point: What would've happened if you actually practiced 1on1?

proZaC: Good question. I guess I'd be pretty good in dueling. (smirks)

Carmac is already spraying on twitter that the p1mp is returning. Do you still deserve those laurels?

proZaC: I guess time will show. But you know as well as me that there can only be one true p1mp. (smiles)

Can we expect another interview with a famous cs player if you qualify for the Global Finals?

proZaC: Yeah sure, I'm up for anything. (smiles)

... or another Britney Spears performance?

proZaC: People have been asking, craving for some new shananigan. I've been talking to Carmac, let´s just say there might be something. At least, I'll try to spread as much joy and fun over the tournament as I can (laughs).

Thank you for the interview and for sharing your time, good luck in Taiwan.