Kev
Part of the journey is the end
Approved by Eien , Acast & Vid
Based off of OU PotW and Gen 6 Mono PotW
Based off of OU PotW and Gen 6 Mono PotW
Welcome to the eight edition of Monotype Player of the Week!
(credits to Seo. for the banner)
During this project, I will be interviewing some of the most influential players in Monotype today whether it be based on their exceptional contribution to the metagame or their outstanding performance in tours. If anyone has suggestions on who should be interviewed next, feel free to PM me your ideas.
This week I decided to change things up and interview an up and coming player after being suggested alternating between top players and those. This week we have one of Monotype's most recognized players, known to be an essential grab in MPL and a tutor for the new Tutoring Project.
Ridley.
Can you tell us a bit about your life outside of Smogon?
- I grew up in southwest Missouri, in the Springfield area, but now I am a freshman at the University of Missouri as a biology major, hoping to become a dermatologist! I spend most of my time that is not spent on PS hanging out with my friends, playing Super Smash Bros, being involved in a few clubs on campus, and of course, doing homework.
What are you most known for?
- I would say that I am most known for my performance in all of the MPLs, having the highest GXE on ladder during Gen 6, and just my involvement in the community in general.
What made you play Pokemon competitively? What got you into Monotype and made you want to stay?
- During my freshman year of high school, some of my friends showed me PS and I was instantly hooked. I began watching some youtubers like shofu and pokeaim, and watching them made me want to play competitively. After playing for a while on PS, I found Frost and Monotype, and I joined a league. I have been playing mono ever since!
What is your favorite Pokemon in general and favorite one to use competitively?
- My favorite Pokemon has always been Gliscor. I've always liked its design, and I love the color of its shiny form. My favorite Pokemon competitively though, would probably be Celesteela. The leech seed + protect set is so hard to kill, and helps out both flying and steel in so many match ups. It is also cool that it can efficiently run an offensive autotomize set as well.
What is your favorite type?
- My favorite type would have to be either water, flying, or steel. All of these types are so diverse and there is so much varience on what you can run. I also really like to use balance cores, and these types have some of the best.
How about your favourite playstyle?
- As I said in the previous answer, my favorite playstyle would be balance/bulky offense. I really using strong offensive mons that have a strong defensive core with them that I can pivot into. Balance has always been a super consistent playstyle for me.
Monotype is now official! Any opinions on the whole thing? Did you think we would ever get there? What kind of improvements or changes would like to see be made with this new status?
- I think it is so awesome that Monotype is now official. We have been advocating for it for so long, and I am so happy that all of our hard work finally paid off! I am not really surprised that we got to this point since we are one of the most popular metagames, but it is super cool to see an OM become official. I honestly don't have any complaints about the current complaints of our tier, everything has been run quite well with the new leadership of Eien and Paleo. If I had to say one thing though, it would be the divide between the "main players" and "side server players." I think that our community would be so much better as a whole if we could merge these two seperate communities.(credits to Seo. for the banner)
During this project, I will be interviewing some of the most influential players in Monotype today whether it be based on their exceptional contribution to the metagame or their outstanding performance in tours. If anyone has suggestions on who should be interviewed next, feel free to PM me your ideas.
This week I decided to change things up and interview an up and coming player after being suggested alternating between top players and those. This week we have one of Monotype's most recognized players, known to be an essential grab in MPL and a tutor for the new Tutoring Project.
Ridley.
Can you tell us a bit about your life outside of Smogon?
- I grew up in southwest Missouri, in the Springfield area, but now I am a freshman at the University of Missouri as a biology major, hoping to become a dermatologist! I spend most of my time that is not spent on PS hanging out with my friends, playing Super Smash Bros, being involved in a few clubs on campus, and of course, doing homework.
What are you most known for?
- I would say that I am most known for my performance in all of the MPLs, having the highest GXE on ladder during Gen 6, and just my involvement in the community in general.
What made you play Pokemon competitively? What got you into Monotype and made you want to stay?
- During my freshman year of high school, some of my friends showed me PS and I was instantly hooked. I began watching some youtubers like shofu and pokeaim, and watching them made me want to play competitively. After playing for a while on PS, I found Frost and Monotype, and I joined a league. I have been playing mono ever since!
What is your favorite Pokemon in general and favorite one to use competitively?
- My favorite Pokemon has always been Gliscor. I've always liked its design, and I love the color of its shiny form. My favorite Pokemon competitively though, would probably be Celesteela. The leech seed + protect set is so hard to kill, and helps out both flying and steel in so many match ups. It is also cool that it can efficiently run an offensive autotomize set as well.
What is your favorite type?
- My favorite type would have to be either water, flying, or steel. All of these types are so diverse and there is so much varience on what you can run. I also really like to use balance cores, and these types have some of the best.
How about your favourite playstyle?
- As I said in the previous answer, my favorite playstyle would be balance/bulky offense. I really using strong offensive mons that have a strong defensive core with them that I can pivot into. Balance has always been a super consistent playstyle for me.
Monotype is now official! Any opinions on the whole thing? Did you think we would ever get there? What kind of improvements or changes would like to see be made with this new status?
What are your thoughts on the current SM Monotype metagame? Are there things you think deserve a suspect, to be banned or unbanned? How does it fair compared to ORAS?
- I am a fan of the current SM Monotype metagame. I am really happy with the community's decision to ban STag as it was quite uncompetitive. I think that the meta is pretty balanced right now, but if I was to suspect something, it would probably be Mega-Diance. It's sheer power allows it to break through so many teams, even resists, which I think could possibly warrent a suspect for it. In regards to the ORAS meta, I think that SM is slightly worse, but I still really enjoy it.
Do you have any advice for people new to Monotype or people who are trying to improve?
- My advice for someone who is trying to get better is just to play. It is really good to get involved in a group of some kind, like a league, so that you can play with high caliber players and bounce team building ideas off each other. Also, there are so many different resources available in the Monotype room that are extremely helpful for new players.
What do you think about the creation of the newest team tour, Mono Snake?
- I am super excited for Mono Snake! It is cool to have a tour that showcases OMs as well as the standard meta. I am also really excited to see how the snake style draft will turn out. I really just love team tours, so I am super hyped to play in it!
As a tutor for Monotype’s new Tutoring Project, what do you think about this initiative? How has it been going for you so far?
- The Tutoring Project is another thing that I have been wanting for a long time, and I am so excited that we were able to bring it back! For me, I love to watch newer players improve, and as a pretty versed player myself, I felt obligated to give back to the community and try to help these newer players get better. I have been tutoring Zgx, and I feel like it is going really well! I have seen him improve a lot already.
Are there any players that have impressed you or that you think will be able to make a mark in the community?
- The side server players as a whole have really improved this gen. A few of the ones that have caught my eye are Bit, Chaitanya, Trich, Vodoom, Waszap, Wincon, Zugu as well as all of the others who qualified for MLT. Also, my guy PCM has really been SHINING this gen and is proving he is one of the best out there.
- I am a fan of the current SM Monotype metagame. I am really happy with the community's decision to ban STag as it was quite uncompetitive. I think that the meta is pretty balanced right now, but if I was to suspect something, it would probably be Mega-Diance. It's sheer power allows it to break through so many teams, even resists, which I think could possibly warrent a suspect for it. In regards to the ORAS meta, I think that SM is slightly worse, but I still really enjoy it.
Do you have any advice for people new to Monotype or people who are trying to improve?
- My advice for someone who is trying to get better is just to play. It is really good to get involved in a group of some kind, like a league, so that you can play with high caliber players and bounce team building ideas off each other. Also, there are so many different resources available in the Monotype room that are extremely helpful for new players.
What do you think about the creation of the newest team tour, Mono Snake?
- I am super excited for Mono Snake! It is cool to have a tour that showcases OMs as well as the standard meta. I am also really excited to see how the snake style draft will turn out. I really just love team tours, so I am super hyped to play in it!
As a tutor for Monotype’s new Tutoring Project, what do you think about this initiative? How has it been going for you so far?
- The Tutoring Project is another thing that I have been wanting for a long time, and I am so excited that we were able to bring it back! For me, I love to watch newer players improve, and as a pretty versed player myself, I felt obligated to give back to the community and try to help these newer players get better. I have been tutoring Zgx, and I feel like it is going really well! I have seen him improve a lot already.
Are there any players that have impressed you or that you think will be able to make a mark in the community?
- The side server players as a whole have really improved this gen. A few of the ones that have caught my eye are Bit, Chaitanya, Trich, Vodoom, Waszap, Wincon, Zugu as well as all of the others who qualified for MLT. Also, my guy PCM has really been SHINING this gen and is proving he is one of the best out there.
Who do you think are the top 5 SM monotype players right now?
- Hmm this is a hard one. I would say the top 5 SM mono players are Eien, Paleo, TheThorn, Clearly, and 1 True Lycan. Some honorable mentions would be rnbs, p2, Leru, Bush, PCM, and Lax.
You are known for delivering when it comes to tournaments, can you walk us through how you prepare for each match?
- Whenever it comes to a tournament match, it is definitely important to scout your opponent and see what types they like to bring. After doing this, you need to find some types that will do well vs him, make some teams or use ones you already have, and test them out and see which ones will perform best and be most comfortable for you to use.
Similar to the previous question, any advice on team building?
- Some team building advice I have is to use solid cores that can handle stuff defensively and offensively, you don't want to have a team that just straight up loses to a common threat. Especially for people starting out, it is a whole lot easier to use and be productive while building with top tier types such as Psychic, Fairy, Water, Normal, Flying, Poison, Steel, and Ground.
Who are some of your favorite people that you met on Pokemon Showdown?
- Some of my favorite people that I have met on PS are of course the woa conglomerates, but recently I've also gotten pretty close with the delta boys, so it would be those two groups.
Finally, can you showcase a team that you think represents your style as a player and provide an explanation on how to use it?
- Hmm this is a hard one. I would say the top 5 SM mono players are Eien, Paleo, TheThorn, Clearly, and 1 True Lycan. Some honorable mentions would be rnbs, p2, Leru, Bush, PCM, and Lax.
You are known for delivering when it comes to tournaments, can you walk us through how you prepare for each match?
- Whenever it comes to a tournament match, it is definitely important to scout your opponent and see what types they like to bring. After doing this, you need to find some types that will do well vs him, make some teams or use ones you already have, and test them out and see which ones will perform best and be most comfortable for you to use.
Similar to the previous question, any advice on team building?
- Some team building advice I have is to use solid cores that can handle stuff defensively and offensively, you don't want to have a team that just straight up loses to a common threat. Especially for people starting out, it is a whole lot easier to use and be productive while building with top tier types such as Psychic, Fairy, Water, Normal, Flying, Poison, Steel, and Ground.
Who are some of your favorite people that you met on Pokemon Showdown?
- Some of my favorite people that I have met on PS are of course the woa conglomerates, but recently I've also gotten pretty close with the delta boys, so it would be those two groups.
Finally, can you showcase a team that you think represents your style as a player and provide an explanation on how to use it?
Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Roost
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpD
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Power Whip
Bisharp @ Darkinium Z
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Protect
- Flamethrower
- Leech Seed
- Heavy Slam
Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Rapid Spin
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Roost
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpD
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Power Whip
Bisharp @ Darkinium Z
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Protect
- Flamethrower
- Leech Seed
- Heavy Slam
Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Rapid Spin
- This is a fun steel team that I built recently and I really enjoy using it. The point of the team is to wear down the other team with Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Celesteela, then sweep with Mega-Scizor or Bisharp. I also have and Scarf Excadrill for some speed control. I feel like this team has a good shot to win most match ups other than Fire and Fighting.
This concludes my interview with Ridley. A huge thanks to him for taking time out of his day and replying all my questions with such detailed answers! Feel free to now ask your own questions to our Player of the Week.
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