Tales From the Hearth: A Quick Interview with Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith
As Hearthstone and Esports enthusiasts started to pour into the Meralco Theater, ESports by Inquirer.NET had the chance of conducting a very quick interview with Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith, which is considered to be one of the best Hearthstone casters in the world.
PapaSmithy casted the matches of the Hearthstone SEA Finals along with Erik “DoA” Lonnquist and TJ “Azumoqt” Sanders, both of which are also considered to be top-caliber casters in Hearthstone.
He talks about his experiences, his opinions on the Philippine Hearthstone scene and on the event thus far!
PapaSmithy, DoA and Azumoqt hanging out in the casters’ area.
Earl “Rave28” Guevarra: What do you think about the Philippines? Did you like it?
Even though he has just came to the country a few days ago and that I did not have much time to look around, I can see that the people here are lovely, the venue is great and the accommodations are awesome. I have also made a lot of Filipino friends and they are all nice!
I have been in Abu Dhabi for quite a long time and I know that there is a large Filipino contingent there. They are all great!
Rave28: How about the level of the players here in the country? What can you say about it?
As for the level of the players, it is quite hard to compare it due to the fact that firstly, there’s no ping issues (sure, you can lag out of the game and it can happen), but overall, it is a fact that people can play with basically anyone in the world
Overall, I think that the skill level of the players is comparable with those of China, Korea and even those from North America (given the fact that they are scrimming against those same players!)
Did you like the event? How was the production value?
For the production value, all I could say is that it is amazing: While League has all those stadiums such as the World Cup stadium in Korea, Hearthstone has this laid-back and homey feeling. The fact that we are able to have a theater for this one just contributes more to that feeling!
I think that everything has been well-thought for this event; it has a homey feeling!
The main stage at the Meralco Theater.
So yeah, I think that everything has been run in a pretty smooth way so far.
With these answers, the interview was concluded as the first match of the day between Chalk and WaningMoon started quickly.
Basically, he says that the Filipinos were nice people, that the Philippines can stand on its own against Asia’s best and that the production value of the event was pretty great!
Until next time!
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