First known as uFF, then as Dynamo Gaming, then mantisFPS, briefly Team Yetti, then Element Mystic, and finally mantisFPS again, this Korean squad has had no shortage of names. Despite these changes in the team’s name, however, one thing has remained constant -- they are a force to be reckoned with.
After a failure to make it to the 2017 Six Invitational through the Closed Qualifiers, the team continued to strengthen despite the lack of the Pro League. Their efforts paid off when Asia-Pacific (APAC) was inducted into the Pro League in Season 6, and they found immediate success when they made it to the Global Pro League Finals in São Paulo. Unfortunately, their lack of experience at this level of play was exposed as they lost 10-2 to PENTA Sports (now G2 Esports).
Since then, they have had a tougher time. While their domestic dominance remained unchallenged, they were defeated in the Six Invitational Qualifiers LAN by both Mindfreak (now Fnatic) and Team CryptiK (now Aerowolf). Following that, they were sent packing in a surprise loss to ViewSonic.DarkSided at the Season 7 APAC Finals.
Since then, though, they successfully made it through the 2018 Six Major Paris APAC Qualifiers LAN to go to Paris. While they could only secure a lonesome win against Immortals, that victory is not to be underestimated. Their upturn continued through Season 8 when they became the only team in the entire world to not drop a single point -- a feat not even G2 Esports achieved -- and it was only marred by a 1-2 loss to New Life in the seeding playoffs.
Unfortunately that loss could have severe repercussions for mantisFPS at the Season 8 APAC LAN event. They first face the unknown quantity of Xavier Esports, and if successful will likely come up against Fnatic -- the team widely considered to be the best in APAC -- or the strong Japanese side of Sengoku Gaming Extasy.
We had a chat with team captain, Park “OniChan” Hyun about his team’s performance this season, and their expectations from the Tokyo event.
(The interview responses have been lightly edited for grammar.)
Three of you guys -- EnvyTaylor, you (OniChan), and SweetBlack -- have been together since the uFF days. How close is the bond between you guys now?
You guys recently left Element Mystic. Is there more you can share about what they didn’t offer, and what you are looking for in a new organisation?
Could you elaborate on these internal issues?
(This question was answered by Inyeong "SummerRain" Kim, the coach.)
Korea has a very strong and healthy esports scene, but you don’t see many competitive players in Rainbow Six. ReadyUpGaming and Tyrant were both disqualified this season. Why is this the case, and how can the Korean scene improve and grow?
Element Mystic after winning the Six Major Paris APAC Qualifiers LAN in July
You went to the Six Major Paris in August, and defeated the then-first placed LATAM team of Immortals, however, you were unable to make it out of the groups. Would you say you achieved your goals, and if not, how would you rate your overall performance?
What are the biggest differences you feel exist between APAC and other regions that our region needs to improve upon?
You are the only team in the entire world to not have dropped a point in the regular Pro League, and the only undefeated one aside from G2 Esports. How does it feel to have achieved that?
Despite going undefeated, you lost to New Life 2-1 in the playoffs seeding match, meaning that you are 2nd seed for the Tokyo LAN. Given your previous dominance, this comes as a surprise. What would you say changed?
Who would you say are your biggest rivals in the whole of APAC?
Is there anything you would like to share with your fans, and to the international audience that will read this?
The mantisFPS roster is:
Park “OniChan” Hyun (Captain)
Kim “EnvyTaylor” Sung-su
Lee “Neilyo” Inyup
Han “SweetBlack” Chan-yong
Kwon “h3dy” Yugeun
Kim "SummerRain" Inyeong (Coach)
Catch all the APAC LAN action from Tokyo, Japan, on the 13th and 14th of October from 9:45 AM GMT+9 onwards at twitch.tv/Rainbow6.