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The finals for Australian Contenders kicks off this weekend and there’s certainly no love lost between ORDER and Sydney Drop Bears, the two favorites to take the title.
We spoke to Sam “Quatz” Dennis and Jordy “Jordation” Frish about their time in the Australian Contenders series, the undefeated run with the Drop Bears, and, of course, their taste for revenge after being dropped last season. Here’s what the current back-to-back champions had to say.
How did you both get into competitive Overwatch?
Quatz: I got scouted on the ranked ladder by Termo who was in 4legs at the time and it just started from there.
Jordation: I started playing Overwatch after quitting CS:GO. I played for about four months before getting GM and joining a team.
Could you see yourself going pro in any other games?
Quatz: Nope, I suck.
Jordation: I could see myself going pro in other games. I would just need to enjoy it first—that’s the only real criteria.
How important has your path to pro and the Contenders competition been?
Quatz: Not too important due to my age, so at the moment, it’s more of a fun hobby. It will become important when I leave school.
Jordation: Yeah, a bit, probably entirely reliant on Contenders.
You’ve both had quite a successful tenure in the Australian Contenders series. What are your goals for the future?
Quatz: Go to NA and frag.
Jordation: NA Contenders then Overwatch League, hopefully.
Speaking about that success, you were on the undefeated Sydney Drop Bears last season and are back-to-back Contenders champs. How does it feel to achieve something few players have before?
Quatz: It feels pretty good being the two-time—can’t wait to be the three-time.
Jordation: It was a great feeling being the back-to-back champs, and even greater doing it in front of the crowd at the Melbourne Esports Open.
Was it then a shock to be dropped from the team? What would it mean to take the crown this season?
Quatz: Yes, even though my attitude dropped, I learned that I was being dropped from Unter (ORDER teammate) instead of my coach. Winning would be a slap in the face to a few certain people.
Jordation: It was a shock when my manager/coach on Drop Bears didn’t tell me any information. I also ended up finding out from my now teammate Unter. It would be great to take the win off Drop Bears.
Australia loves an underdog story. Do you think you’re the underdog or do you believe you have the upper hand, knowing how the team worked on the inside last season?
Quatz: Everyone thinks the Drop Bears are an unbeatable team, but keep in mind it was almost a completely different roster for the past two Contenders.
Jordation: I think both teams have a lot of people thinking they’ll come out on top of this LAN. Still, I slightly feel like the underdog as far as the media is concerned. [There’s] not much knowledge carried over due to meta and roster changes.
Let’s say it’s all said and done, and you take the crown. What’s next? Will you be back to defend for a fourth title or do you think you will explore overseas options?
Quatz: I’ll probably stay in Australia and finish school.
Jordation: Hopefully, I will have more opportunities to trial for overseas teams after this season—need a good showing at LAN, though.
Who would you rather be facing in the finals? Do you want an easier game or do you have your eyes on revenge?
Quatz: Drop Bears, please.
Jordation: I would much rather take the win as a revenge match over the Drop Bears. Having a dominant series over them would be a great feeling.
Don’t miss out on all the Overwatch Contenders action this weekend. The playoffs will begin at 9pm CT on Jan. 19. You can catch all of the action live on Twitch.
