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Interview With Splyce SMITE Support - Aror
Max 'Aror' Jackson is a Professional SMITE player who currently plays for Splyce. He is heavily regarded as one of the best Support players in the world. He and Splyce have already secured their spot to play in Atlanta and I chat with him on how he currently feels with Worlds on the horizon.
You started your SMITE career back in 2014 under the team name ‘Fat Chunks’ – did you think at that time you would ever be playing at the level that you do now?
Aror: No, I never really expected to even see SMITE grow as big as it has gotten and have a great competitive scene. It’s really cool to see how the SPL and the game have evolved over the years of playing.
You’ve played for some solid teams like Eager and COG, and now Splyce since earlier this year – what has it been like so far being with this great and well-known organization?
Aror: Splyce is a great org and it is awesome to be playing under them. The year started out rough, but they have stuck by us and watched us get better and better every split.
You, among NRG, Team Dignitas, and eUnited have secured your spot at Worlds coming in November – how does it feel knowing you’ve proven yourself as one of the top teams in the world before Worlds even begin?
Aror: It's awesome that we have done well in the regular split but I want to do well on LAN with this team and I am super confident that we will.
Obviously you and Splyce had a great season – how would you personally describe you and the guys played this year? Are there certain things you still feel you need to fine tune?
Aror: We had an interesting season for sure going from 1 - 9 in spring then going 5-5 in summer, missing out on the LAN by 1 game vs SSG, not even an entire set to going to 8-2 in fall. I feel like we all have improved and learned so much from the start of season 5. So many changes for everyone to learn. SMITE this season has been the most different in a long time and I don't think that it’s a bad thing. We definitely have more to improve on and I feel like that it’s true for every team so we are going to keep practicing hard in preparation for Worlds.
With Worlds approaching, what has the training and practiced schedule looked like? Have the hours increased or remained about the same?
Aror: With Worlds coming up we have started to scrim more usually 2 blocks a day, which means two sets of 2-4 hour scrims sessions per block.
What would you say has been your personal “high” and “low” during your SMITE career?
Aror: I've had so many lows and highs in my smite career that it’s hard to just pick one for either of them. Highs I've had - making Worlds both this season and in season 3. Lows - not making Worlds in season 4, replacing Best in mid and so many more things that can come to my mind for both it’s like a roller coaster ride.
Moswal joined up with you guys in August – how do you feel it’s been going so far in regards to “molding” him into the team and making sure everyone is on the same page?
Aror: Moswal had a hard time adjusting when he first joined the team, but he has really done a good job adjusting now for only being on the team for a short time. After week 2 of the SPL we all got onto the same page.
You are regarded as one of the top Support players in the world – would you agree with this statement? Are there some other Support players that you have a high respect for?
Aror: I would agree with this statement. I feel confident in how I play. Some supports that I have a lot of respect for is PBM and a lot of the EU supports - its cool to see how they approach the game and think about it as well.
For any of your fans out there who someday hope to achieve the same level of play as you, do you have any tips or suggestions on the best path they can take to increase their chances?
Aror: For anyone trying to do anything that they love is never give up and lose yourself in what you love and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
If you could pick the team to play against in the Finals, who would you pick and why?
Aror: It would be awesome to play against any EU team in the finals - NA vs EU is always super hype.
As a final, easy question – do you and your brother (Professional LoL player, Lourlo) ever get into fights about who’s the better gamer, or are you both pretty supportive of each other?
Aror: My brother and I are super supportive of each other, but it doesn't mean that we are also super competitive with each other at the same time.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us! Is there anyone you’d like to give a shoutout to?
Aror: I want to give a shoutout to all my teammates and Splyce!
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