As MAN vs MAN sponsored by planetkey.de comes to an end, it’s time for us to interview the most successful player in the four events; dignitas/paco. We’ve asked him about his view on MAN vs MAN, ESWC, the upcomming Maniaplanet World Cup, Team Dignitas, Trackmania Turbo and ESL - Hockolicious.
Let's see what he has to say:
Hi my name is Thomas Cole and I've played Trackmania since 2009, and competitively since 2014 after a 2 year stint playing canyon. After my first season in ESL I was approached by Team Dignitas where I later joined in early 2015.
The MAN vs MAN event has been an interesting event for me to play in. I found that these maps for the first two cups were well suited to me and I believed them to be fun, especially the second map pack. I also particularly enjoyed a solo event which had a cash prize, this made the events more competitive which was fun to see.
I definitely prepared more for this cup as the maps that week in my opinion were extremely well made. So I enjoyed playing them, hence why I managed to get the world records that week.
First place in
Man vs Man #2
The 1v1 format is a good format to have in a cup, but I feel that the most entertaining matches come from the more normal 1v1v1v1 format. I also feel that a 2v2 or 3v3 competition would be entertaining too as there's constant action. For players a 1v1 is easier as if the other crashed it becomes more of a safe situation which isn't good for spectators I feel. The 2v2 suggestion I feel would be super entertaining as if one guy of a team crashes, the other had to risk to win the race, which would showcase some high level performances, possibly.
The event was so surreal for me, the atmosphere was really crazy and it was great to finally meet other players that play the game. After I qualified I thought I had a real chance of getting far in the competition, especially after the way I did it. But after my first race at the event I thought I wouldn't stand a chance against anyone, but then I seemed to find something good in my game and actually come 2nd, I really couldn't believe it at all.
Yea I'm pretty sad that ESWC is gone. I hoped to become world champion one day and I don't know if the Maniaplanet World Cup would have the same feel. I honestly hope that this will become something big, but I have my doubts
I am honored that people think of me as the one to beat him, but to be honest I don't know the answer to this question. As u saw in the MAN vs MAN first week final we had an extremely close and high level battle which I then lost. But under a pressurized circumstance I'm unsure of what would happen. I feel if we both played at our best levels it would be very close. I definitely want to be the guy to take the crown from him though.
I am very grateful to be part of this amazing team, also the fact that we all get on so well with each other just adds to the greatness of this team. They have also pushed me to become the player that I am today due to the high level nature if the team I'm in.
For PS4 Trackmania Turbo has for sure been a success in my opinion. As it wasn't exactly meant to be for PC the game hasn't really boosted the player base much or at all. In terms of takin it to the next level I hope that the next MP4.0 update will improve maniaplanet.
Ahh yes the Hockolicious wr. I was very happy when I first set it, thinking it would take a while for someone to beat it. I don't feel safe atm with it as racehans has equaled and Karjen has ran a .92 and failed a .7 run which is on YouTube. Definitely those have the ability to beat it, and when my time is beaten I will for sure try to take it back!
Thanks for the interview!
Rewatch the grand final from event 1, event 2, event 3 and event 4!
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HuntMania¬Jonni〢Furious
2016-09-07 14:14:59
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