The Hearthstone Americas Championship Qualifier Tournament is fast approaching, and qualified card-slingers will soon be dueling for the chance to head to the Hearthstone World Championship at BlizzCon 2014, where they’ll compete for glory and a $250,000 prize pool.
The players that will be competing in the Championship Qualifier have earned their spots in a variety of ways, such as winning invitational tournaments, conquering community tournaments, or exhibiting excellence in ranked play.
Each one of these worthy competitors has victory on their minds, but each of them also brings their own unique spark to the journey as well! Join us as we get to know the people behind the decks: Their stories, their favorite decks, how they convince Ragnaros to hit their intended target, and more!
STRIFECRO
Nature will rise against you . . . especially in the hands of StrifeCro! This master of all of things Druid made a name for himself early on in Hearthstone’s competitive scene by building some very predatory decks. Regardless of the weapon, StrifeCro’s a versatile duelist who enjoys playing hordes of creatures to trample his opposition!
What is your favorite deck to play?
Control Mage
What’s your favorite/craziest play you’ve ever made in Hearthstone?
One time I was playing Handlock vs. Miracle Rogue and he had a Gadgetzan Auctioneer out but was in fatigue. We were both very close to dying and I knew he had the full Leeroy combo. I played Sen'jin Shieldmasta, he couldn't suicide his Gadgetzan on it, and it bought me enough life to survive.
What’s your process for testing decks? When does a deck officially become a success?
I usually play the deck extensively in ladder and it becomes a success after I feel good about it.
If you could design a card, what would it be?
I would create a Mage spell with two mana cost that freezes a character and draws a card. I feel that the Mage lacks a way to freeze single targets to stagger area of effect spells effectively, and Control Mage could use some better tools.
Are there any players you’re looking forward to or nervous about playing against?
None.
If you could make Polymorph turn a minion into something other than a sheep, what would it be?
Angry Chicken.
How does one go about making a deal with Ragnaros?
I would personally just praise him and let him know that I worship him.
What are you passionate about outside of Hearthstone and other video games?
I am passionate about game design. I'm going to school for game design, and I'm around halfway done with my degree.
Catch StrifeCro talking Hearthstone and more on Twitter.