“I wouldn’t come back if there were new players on Chinese scene”. Bach on returning, criticism from Chinese community, and classical musicExclusive

During BetBoom Dacha Dubai tournament, professional Dota 2 journalist Polina Mashina conducted an exclusive interview with Zhang “Bach” Ruida, the legendary offlaner previously known as Faith_bian. The former champion opened up about his extended hiatus from competitive play, detailing how he transformed his lifestyle completely during this period away from the professional circuit.

— You hadn’t been on the pro scene since TI11. What were you doing during this break?

— My wife and I established our home base in Munich, though we spent considerable time exploring different European destinations. During home stays, I focused on culinary skills development, German language acquisition, and beginning piano studies. This transition to ordinary daily living provided a refreshing contrast to the intense competitive environment I’d known for years.

— Was it hard for you to live a normal life without playing Dota?

— Surprisingly, the adjustment proved manageable for me. Fellow professional Sébastien “Ceb” Debs mentioned experiencing boredom during breaks, but I found contentment in this different pace of life.

— Where did you travel?

— We explored numerous European destinations including Italy, Spain, and regions surrounding Munich. Additionally, I traveled with former teammates Zhao “XinQ” Zixing and Wang “Ame” Chunyu to tropical locations like the Maldives and Phuket Island. Barcelona’s distinctive Gaudi architecture captivated me, while Italy’s culinary traditions, particularly their exquisite seafood pasta dishes, became personal favorites.

— Why did you stay in Munich?

— My spouse’s professional commitments anchored us there. However, I returned to China as the year concluded, timing my arrival just before recommitting to professional competition.

— During this time you had the opportunity to work as an analyst. How was it?

— I contributed to broadcast teams at both the Berlin Major and Riyadh Masters, which proved incredibly valuable professionally. Initially, I approached ESL about potential panel participation opportunities at the Berlin Major. Their positive response led to subsequent invitations, allowing me to connect with numerous supportive individuals within the broadcasting community who significantly assisted my development.

The atmosphere differs substantially from active competition. Reduced performance pressure creates a more enjoyable, lighthearted environment. I remain deeply grateful to ESL for providing these career-expanding opportunities.

— Did you have some preparation for it or were you sure that you will easily talk about Dota during the panel?

— Limited preparation occurred beforehand. I played some Dota matches preceding the tournament and reviewed draft strategies before games commenced. The primary preparatory focus involved overcoming apprehension about English language communication.

— Many people say that it’s easier to understand Dota and spot mistakes from the outside. Can you relate?

— I disagree with that perspective. Achieving deep game understanding proves challenging from analyst or caster positions due to information limitations. Certain insights remain exclusive to active competitors. Beyond game analysis, I gained valuable interpersonal communication skills and professional networking abilities.

— Like who?

— Megan “Ephey” Ganz and Jared “Jenkins” Bajina became my closest connections within that environment. They maintained positive regard for me from my competing days. While studying analyst techniques, I reviewed their broadcast segments and developed appreciation for their professional approaches. Tournament encounters allowed them to provide substantial support, with Ephey particularly assisting during English expression difficulties at the Berlin Major.

Jenkins demonstrated exceptional kindness. During the Berlin Major’s conclusion, I experienced mild fever symptoms, and he provided medication enabling me to complete broadcast commitments. Additionally, sharing game development interests created common ground, as he generously shared his development experiences and provided comprehensive assistance.

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— Have you ever thought while watching the game something like “Oh, I would’ve crushed them in this game on Magnus”?

— Not particularly, as that reflects excessive ego in my view. I don’t possess that personality type. Additionally, recognizing my extended competitive absence, I understood my skills weren’t at peak levels during that period.

Occasionally viewing matches sparked comeback interest, while other times it didn’t. Witnessing exciting or intense gameplay moments could reignite competitive drive internally. Conversely, observing team errors and misplays evoked familiar emotional responses, particularly when teams squandered advantageous positions. These mixed reactions created balanced perspective.

— You are one of the few Chinese players who speak English really well. How did that happen? How did you study?

— I never pursued formal English education rigorously. Early school departure preceded extensive English media consumption through films and television programs. Eventually, comprehension developed organically. However, self-expression remains challenging. My wife possesses excellent English proficiency, having previously taught the language, and she assists my practice efforts at home.

— From the outside, it seems like your wife really supports you. But as I saw, the Chinese community criticized her presence at the tournaments. Why are Chinese fans so harsh?

— Two primary factors explain this situation. Most criticism emerged following our TI11 sixth-place finish. Post-tournament rumors suggested she negatively influenced team dynamics, initiating targeted harassment campaigns. These allegations lack factual basis.

Competitive communities frequently target players after disappointing performances. They seek outlets for frustration expression. Another aspect involves personal dislike. Explaining proves difficult. Multiple potential reasons exist, including discomfort with prominent female presence in esports or resentment toward perceived happiness. Her translation work at Riyadh Masters generated additional unfounded rumors and attacks.

— How did you support each other through this criticism? It could be hard to feel the pressure of your community.

— She experiences greater difficulty than I do, having spent extensive time within this community. Familiarity with these patterns enables effective avoidance and disregard. However, her esports inexperience makes coping more challenging.

This year presented particular struggles, as practical solutions remained elusive. We conducted post-TI interviews addressing rumors directly, yet harassment continued unabated. We focus on living authentically while minimizing attention to detractors.

She provides tremendous support. When discussing potential competitive return, she consciously avoided influencing my decision-making process. She supports my choices unconditionally. Regardless of my career decisions, attacks against her persist.

— Do you have something to say for haters?

— Extended exposure to these situations trained me to disregard social media commentary. This represents my primary coping mechanism. Consequently, I never contemplated specific responses to critics.

— You returned to the pro scene under the nickname Bach. It’s in honor of your favorite composer, right?

— Correct. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations deeply resonate with me artistically. His compositional approach combines mathematical precision with emotional complexity simultaneously. Initial confusion about my identity didn’t concern me. I intend maintaining this nickname throughout my remaining competitive career.

— Well, tell me how is the study of Goldberg Variations progressing?

— I attempted studying certain variations, though currently I only perform Aria competently. Variation 1 study remains incomplete currently. Practice discipline proves challenging personally. My instructor recommended completing Bach Inventions first. Presently I’ve mastered two inventions. Future efforts will continue development. This represents lengthy artistic journey.

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— Which other composers do you like?

— Piano studies concentrate exclusively on Bach repertoire currently. However, I appreciate classical orchestral music broadly. I listen to numerous classical masterworks regularly. Nevertheless, Bach remains my primary musical focus.

Regarding other composers, selective appreciation occurs. Recently I’ve enjoyed Dvořák and Mozart compositions. Current music consumption remains limited. Occasionally I explore classical selections randomly for enjoyment.

— Where does this passion for classical music come from?

— Initial inspiration originated from the film “The Pianist”. Subsequent viewing initiated classical music exploration. Goldberg Variations specifically ignited profound artistic passion.

— Dota is similar to piano in how quickly you lose your skills without practice, isn’t it? Is it harder to regain mechanical skill or restore the understanding of the game?

— Initially, competitive return generated significant performance anxiety. Nearly complete competitive absence throughout the previous year created uncertainty. I communicated openly with teammates about potential performance issues. However, gameplay initiation triggered comprehensive knowledge recall.

Unlike piano proficiency, Dota understanding persists cognitively. However, appropriate team mentality proves crucial, as collaborative environments facilitate hero comprehension development.

Our initial qualifier performance surprised me personally, having practiced merely three days following a full year away from competition. First qualifier participation revealed retained mechanical competence and respectable performance levels. Achieving baseline competency proves relatively accessible, though elite performance requires substantial additional development currently.

— In your opinion, what should you improve to be at the high level again?

— Improvement priorities include micro-mechanical execution, habitual patterns, and hero-specific matchup comprehension. These elements constitute granular game knowledge rather than overarching strategic understanding.

Consequently, extensive gameplay experience becomes necessary. Certain knowledge remains unattainable through observation or analysis alone. The parallel with piano performance remains apt. Extended musical absence doesn’t eliminate piece performance capability, though nuanced execution proves exceptionally demanding.

— At what point did you decide to return to the pro-scene?

— Truthfully, this competitive return wasn’t anticipated originally. Initially, XinQ and Ame approached me about collaborative play during November or December. Reservations existed regarding their proposed LGD cooperation, given outstanding salary payments from the organization. Consequently, I declined the opportunity initially.

Year-end travels with XinQ and Ame to Thailand included renewed recruitment attempts. I maintained refusal since they already established team infrastructure.

Subsequent discussions with Fy and Ori, both dependable competitors, prompted reconsideration. I wasn’t decisively committed to returning initially. Decision-making proved exceptionally challenging, representing genuine fifty-fifty consideration. Eventually, momentum developed organically and I followed accordingly.

— Didn’t Ame and XinQ have a slot for you in Xtreme? Or you just wanted to try something new?

— Following XinQ’s victory at ESL Kuala Lumpur, he committed to partnering with Ame. However, his existing synergy with Xxs demonstrated exceptional collaborative chemistry, making disruption inadvisable.

— Do you think that one day you will play with them again?

— Possibly. Future collaborations remain uncertain. Life’s unpredictability prevents definitive predictions.

— Did you ask y’ about creating a new team? Because you’ve spent your entire career together.

— Initially we invited him to join our roster alongside XinQ and Ame. However, he declined participation without xiao8 involvement. Consequently, he didn’t join our organization.

— Now you will be playing against each other. Does it make the preparation for the match easier or harder for you?

— I believe preparation remains unaffected fundamentally. Strategic evolution continues progressing regardless. Perhaps minor habitual patterns provide slight advantages. Regardless, competing against former teammates provides enjoyable experiences.

— Is it something like a special rivalry for you?

— No. Actually competing against friends generates sadness inherently. Victory necessitates their defeat, creating emotional complexity.

— There are a lot of the old players who came back this year, and it seems like the generation of players in China is changing more slowly than in other regions. What are your thoughts on that?

— Yes, this represents unfortunate reality. I wouldn’t have returned competitively if emerging players were forming competent teams. No definitive explanation exists currently. New Dota 2 competitor emergence appears limited within China currently. Potential explanations include time constraints or mobile gaming preferences. Multiple contributing factors likely exist. However, the outcome remains clear: insufficient newcomer presence exists.

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— Have you ever thought about creating a Dota school for youngsters to raise the new generation of players in China?

— Yes, I’ve considered this concept superficially. Substantial time and energy investments would be required, so I’m not pursuing it currently. Future attempts might occur if circumstances appear favorable.

I believe all Chinese teams will strive for peak performance, given the region’s current competitive challenges. We possess merely one qualification slot currently. This represents disappointing competitive landscape. Numerous veteran returns this year provide hope for regional revitalization and demonstrating Dota’s enduring appeal.

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The experience of returning to professional Dota 2 has been particularly challenging due to persistent online harassment targeting both the player and his spouse. Despite attempts to address rumors through post-TI interviews and clarification efforts, the community continues generating new mocking content and spreading false narratives. This creates an ongoing difficult situation where the only viable approach involves focusing on personal life while consciously ignoring negative attention.

Critical support from his wife proved essential during the decision-making process about returning to competitive play. She maintained neutrality regarding his career choices while providing unconditional support for his decisions. Importantly, the online attacks would have continued regardless of his competitive status decision, highlighting the irrational nature of such community behavior.

— What message would you convey to those spreading negativity online?

— Having faced this environment extensively, I’ve developed disciplined avoidance of social media platforms as my primary defense mechanism. Consequently, I’ve never contemplated crafting specific responses to detractors.

— Your return features the nickname Bach, honoring the classical composer. What significance does this identity hold?

— Absolutely. My appreciation for Bach stems particularly from the Goldberg Variations, which stands as my preferred musical composition. I admire how Bach constructs music with mathematical precision—simultaneously straightforward and intricate. Initial reactions included confusion about the identity reference, but recognition concerns don’t influence my competitive persona. I intend to maintain this nickname throughout my remaining professional career.

— How is your Goldberg Variations study progressing currently?

— I’ve attempted learning several sections, though currently I can only perform Aria, the opening movement. Variation 1 remains incomplete in my practice regimen. My teacher recommended completing Bach’s Inventions first as foundational training. Presently, I’ve mastered two of these preparatory pieces and plan continued effort in the coming months. Musical mastery represents an extended developmental process requiring consistent dedication.

— Which additional composers capture your musical interest?

— For piano practice, I’m concentrating exclusively on Bach’s compositions. However, my classical music appreciation extends to orchestral works. I regularly listen to numerous classical masterpieces while maintaining primary focus on Bach’s oeuvre.

Regarding other composers, my approach involves selective appreciation—exploring various works situationally. Recently I’ve enjoyed Dvořák and Mozart, though my current music consumption is limited. Occasionally I’ll explore classical selections through curated discovery sessions.

— What origins sparked your classical music enthusiasm?

— Initially, this passion emerged after viewing the film “The Pianist.” Subsequent to that cinematic experience, I began developing deeper engagement with classical repertoire. The Goldberg Variations specifically ignited my profound dedication to this musical tradition.

— Dota and piano share skill degradation characteristics without consistent practice. Which proves more challenging to regain—mechanical execution or strategic understanding?

— Initially upon returning to competition, I experienced significant performance anxiety. Having played minimally throughout the previous year, I expressed concerns to teammates about potential skill deterioration. However, upon resuming play, numerous game elements returned naturally.

The retention dynamics differ significantly from piano proficiency. Fundamental game knowledge and improvement methodologies remain mentally accessible. Team dynamics and attitude significantly influence successful reintegration, as collaborative environments facilitate renewed hero comprehension.

Our first qualification match produced self-amazement, considering my year-long hiatus with only three practice days. During that initial competitive return, I discovered preserved button execution capabilities and respectable performance levels. This generated quite remarkable personal satisfaction. Achieving competent performance levels proves relatively accessible, though reaching elite competitive standards requires substantially more dedicated effort.

— What specific areas require improvement to regain top competitive form?

— Improvement focuses on micro-level execution, refined habitual patterns, and hero-specific comprehension. This represents granular development rather than overarching game theory or strategic vision. It involves specific hero interactions within particular matchups.

Substantial gameplay and experiential learning are essential. Certain aspects cannot be acquired through observation or analytical positions. The process parallels piano performance—after extended absence, you can still perform compositions, though nuanced details present substantial execution challenges.

— What circumstances prompted your professional return decision?

— Actually, this competitive comeback wasn’t thoroughly anticipated. Initially, XinQ and Ame approached me about collaborative play during November or December. I expressed reservations due to their proposed LGD partnership, considering outstanding salary issues from that organization.

Later during Thailand travels with XinQ and Ame, they renewed persuasion efforts. I declined because they already established team chemistry. Subsequent discussions with Fy and Ori—reliable, skilled players—shifted my perspective about rejecting opportunities.

I wasn’t positioned at a decisive return threshold. The decision process proved exceptionally difficult, representing genuine equipoise. Eventually, momentum developed organically and I embraced the emerging opportunity.

— Did Ame and XinQ reserve a position for you in Xtreme? Or were you seeking novel competitive experiences?

— Following XinQ’s strategic approaches?

— After XinQ’s ESL Kuala Lumpur victory, he committed to partnering with Ame. His established synergy with Xxs presented compelling chemistry, making disruption inadvisable.

— Do you anticipate future collaborative play with them?

— Possibly. Future collaborations remain uncertain. Competitive careers demonstrate inherent unpredictability.

— Did you consult y’ regarding new team formation? Given your extensive shared competitive history.

— Initially we invited his participation alongside XinQ and Ame. However, he preferred maintaining collaboration with xiao8, declining our offer.

— How does competing against former teammates affect match preparation?

— I don’t believe it significantly impacts preparatory processes. Evolving strategic frameworks have advanced considerably. Perhaps minor habitual patterns provide limited insight regarding their preferred hero selections or specialized strengths. Regardless, these matchups generate considerable enjoyment.

— Does this represent specialized rivalry dynamics?

— Not particularly. Actually, defeating friends produces melancholic undertones. When acquaintances occupy opposing teams, victory necessitates their defeat, creating emotionally complex scenarios.

— Numerous veteran players have returned this season, suggesting slower generational transition in China compared to other regions. What perspectives inform your understanding of this phenomenon?

— Yes, this represents quite concerning development. I wouldn’t have resumed competing if emerging players were forming competitive teams successfully. I lack definitive explanations for this trend. Apparently, insufficient new participants engage with Dota 2 within China. Potential contributing factors include time constraints, mobile gaming preferences, or various other reasons. The outcome remains clear—minimal newcomer presence exists. High-ranking players persist, though they avoid Perfect World servers due to limited opponent availability.

— Have you considered establishing Dota educational programs to cultivate new competitive generations in China?

— I’ve contemplated this concept superficially. Significant temporal and energetic investments would be required. Perhaps future circumstances might present implementation opportunities.

I believe every Chinese organization will strive for strong performance given the region’s current suboptimal condition. We currently receive only one qualification slot, representing quite disappointing reality. This season features numerous returning accomplished players. I’m hopeful we can demonstrate competitive viability and showcase Dota’s enduring appeal.

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