HotS Coach nabby: "Not just about the win, but about the lessons learned"

Our Heroes of the Storm team converged on Katowice, Poland today, looking for their third Western Clash victory. The team was tasked with taking on North America's HeroesHearth in the first round.

Game 1 on Towers of Doom was won in rather decisive fashion, with Coach Joseph "nabby" Magdaong flexing his game knowledge to craft a winning draft. Considered the tournament favorite, many expected Team Dignitas to cruise to a 2-0 win. However, the outcome of Game 2 threw the team for a curveball. HeroesHearth impressed and the ending was one for the ages.

"For the viewer, Game 2 was exciting to watch. With that said, Tyrael doesn't need a new trait", Coach nabby joked. "That's a good meme."

"It's always hard when you're the first match of the day. You're going to go through struggles with technical difficulties and Team Dignitas historically is a slow starter. Obviously those things did hamper our ability to perform at our highest level."

Game 2 left the audience in shock, but nabby kept the team composed and focused on game's takeaways.

"What I'm always trying to push with them is not necessarily to win. Obviously there is that pressure to succeed because we are a strong team and we are the expected favorites. Instead, the pressure I always put on them is, if we were to drop a map, or even when we win, what are our takeaways? It’s not simply just about walking away with the win or the loss, but about what lessons were learned."

Nabby's approach paid off as the team looked ahead to Game 3, which eventually went in Team Dignitas' favor.

The coach noted that while losing one map was unfortunate, in the spectrum of the whole tournament, he was just happy to have qualified for the next round.

Team Dignitas Heroes of the Storm Coach -- Joseph "Nabby" Magdaong

"We're happy that we were able to clinch out the win. Personally speaking, I think it's cool to see such a competitive tournament from the get-go from both regions. I think that's what makes this whole Western Clash so exciting."

On Saturday, Team Dignitas will take on Team Twelve, another North American team that stirred up trouble for Europe's Method.

"I’m very surprised about the Method vs Team Twelve result. I’ve personally prepped my information and research assuming Method would come out on top. It’s very surprising, to say the least, that Team Twelve advanced over Method. I have more work cut out for myself."

Despite the unexpected results, Nabby and team are feeling positive as they look ahead.

"I think it’s great going into a series where there are some exciting elements to make it unpredictable. That being said, we’re preparing the way we usually do – just play our game and allow our talent and hard work to shine though."