Electronic: «I continuously want to improve and become better»

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Alexey "OveDdrive" Biryukov interviewed Denis "electronic" Sharipov. The  NAVI player spoke about his motivation, his move to  Natus Vincere, and about the current situation in the world with coronavirus.

— How long do you plan on competing? Do age limitations exist?

To be honest, I haven't thought about it. It depends on how I play, my health, what will happen in life. Basically, you can stay at the top till you're 35,  f0rest is a great example of that. If in traditional sports, people can compete at a high level even at 40, why should age be a problem for esports? The only question is motivation.

—  How do you maintain your motivation to play at the top level all the time?

Why would I need to find any motivation? It's internal, I continuously want to improve and become better. Of course, I don't play the game as much as s1mple, but when it comes to team training there has never been a situation when I didn't want to train or I couldn't be bothered. If there is a choice between playing ten scrims or six scrims and four FPL matches, I'd obviously pick the former. When you train with your team, you know that your teammates want to develop and become better, whereas in FPL you frequently come across players who simply waste your time.

— What was your reaction to the addition of  Booombl4?

We had three players on our shortlist in qikert,  somedieyoung and  Boombl4.  qikert was the highest priority, but we couldn't agree on a transfer. We started discussing whether we should pick up either Vitya (somedieyoung) or Kirill (Boombl4).  B1ad3 watched a lot of demos from these players, and, as a team, we mutually agreed that it would be best to sign Kirill.

— Did you add  GuardiaN with long-term prospects or just for a handful of tournaments? Why didn't it work out?

We had planned for the long-term, but, unfortunately, due to issues with his Russian, it didn't work out. When you try to recall how to communicate something quickly, you lose focus on the game. He was too pensive and wasn't always focused on his crosshair, and this possibly led to him frequently missing shots. He said that he understood everyone just fine and there weren't any issues, but I felt differently.

— What were your thoughts on the addition of  Perfecto?

I had no reservations about it. As for some of the other candidates that we didn't end up signing, I did. 

— When you played at IEM Katowice 2020, at what point did you realize that you could win IEM Katowice?

If I'm honest, after we beat  FaZe in the groups, I came up to s1mple and told him that we were definitely making it to the final.

— What was your most memorable victory and your most bitter loss?

My favorite victory was in Cologne, the atmosphere was outstanding. I think Katowice could contest for the title, had there been viewers. As for the most disappointing showings, it's BLAST Pro Series Moscow and StarLadder in Belek.

— Do you have a dream outside of esports?

I'd like for my daughter to live a happy life. As for work, I have no clue about what it is that I could do outside of esports. If I play until about the age of 30, I'll continue my path in esports as a CEO, coach or some other role in the industry.

— What are your thoughts on the coronavirus outbreak?

I'm concerned. I have elderly people in my surroundings and this causes me to worry. I think that Russia needs to implement stricter countermeasures to combat the spread of coronavirus. I am astounded by the number of people that still go out for a walk, who party and have a great time; these actions can have repercussions. I try to follow the quarantine rules, and the only thing I can do is buy some groceries. I'll repeat myself in saying that the quarantine was not implemented purposefully and that people should follow it. I don't think I need to describe the purpose of it.