Interview with Atlanta Reign Overwatch Player: Dogman
I ask Dogman about his previous Overwatch experiences, his first OWL match, and some advice for the youth.
I ask Dogman about his previous Overwatch experiences, his first OWL match, and some advice for the youth.
Dogman, a.k.a Godman, is a support player for the Overwatch League team Atlanta Reign. Dogman has been around the Overwatch Contenders scene since its conception; having previously played on the Atlanta Reign academy team ATL Academy.
Atlanta Reign is one of the 8 new teams in the Overwatch League and with these new additions more players are able to compete; Dogman being one of the many Overwatch tier 2 talents that have been given an opportunity to shine on the brightest stage Overwatch has to offer.
Dogman, congratulations on joining Atlanta Reign’s roster for the 2019 Overwatch League season! You had a long journey that spans since Overwatch’s conception to reach this goal. What does it mean to you, after all the time and effort you put in, to finally have the opportunity to compete at the highest level?
Dogman: I'm glad I get to compete now. Because it's no joke, the level of competition that is. I'm playing at the highest level of Overwatch in the history of the esport. It feels good to finally be here and to also be competing against the best of all time.
You had your first Overwatch League Season 2 match against Florida Mayhem and your team swept them 4-0! What stood out, playing in the Blizzard Burbank arena and securing your first OWL victory?
Dogman: What probably stood out most was the difference between matches on stage and matches in your own home\scrims. The difference should definitely not be understated. I got comfortable by the last map but it was a really cool and different experience like no other. It feels good to get the first win and all, but there's still Philly we needed to prep for so I've been only focused on that over celebrating.
You are no stranger to playing on the big stage, having competed in Overwatch Contenders since 2017 season zero all the way through to Overwatch Contenders 2018 season. How has the Overwatch path to pro helped you grow?
Dogman: The path to pro has helped me realize my goal. I decided I didn't want to be in the Overwatch League. I wanted to be one of the best. Luckily that goal seems more achievable every day so it's nice to know I'm still growing and improving.
What are your thoughts on the support that is offered to the Overwatch Contenders and Overwatch Open Division scene?
Dogman: I think any sport that has a league is top down management style. The fact that t2 and t3 don't get what deserve is true, however in my eyes that's how it is in the league system. You have to go up from ladder to ladder to make it to the top. Hopefully over time we get more OWL teams with academy teams so more players can be supported.
What Overwatch Contenders player do you believe deserves the opportunity to play in the Overwatch League and why?
Dogman: I believe that both Shax and Davin deserve to play in the OWL. I'm not going to mention underage players because they can't be picked up right now anyways. But both Davin and Shax have really impressed me in try outs and in their official matches. I hope they get their chance someday, they've been working hard.
Speaking of highly skilled players, what were your thoughts on Dafran’s Torbjorn during your match against Florida Mayhem; was this planned or flexing?
Dogman: Everything we do is planned, nothing is left to chance in our team. If you see some weird comps it's probably for a reason.
Is there any Overwatch hero you would like to see more of in season 2 of the Overwatch League?
Dogman: I'd love to see more ana played this season. She really is a super fun hero to play. Zen is still really fun but seeing ana played would be really nice.
What advice would you like to offer to aspiring professional players?
Dogman: The only advice I could give is to ask yourself if its what you truly want. Through all the bad, you need to decide if its what you want to do and sacrifice for. Everyone has given up something to be in OWL, you cant take that for granite.
This is something I ask everyone and I just need to know, what is your favorite snack?
Dogman: Favorite snack is probably almonds right now. Protein and they taste good.
Is there anything you have going on that you would like to share to the public?
Dogman: Right now I'm just playing overwatch and having fun. Support me on all my socials and my teammates. Hopefully we can make this a good year for Atlanta sports.
Follow Dogman's Social Media:
https://twitter.com/DogmanOW
https://twitch.tv/dogman