Thailand is the next country to finalise their World Cup team. Their committee held trials by having a shortlist involving a select few players to participate in the trials. Eventually they have chosen to send the following members to represent them: NzNr, KerLos, oPuTo, PannyS, Mickie and Teetawatv3. NzNr, KerLos, oPuTo, and Mickie are all returning members from Team Thailand 2016, while PannyS is from Team Bazaar and Teetawatv3 is from 1st eSports.

Happiest team in the world

Team Thailand is no stranger to the World Cup. They participated in the group stages at BlizzCon and were probably best remembered as the happiest team in the event, showing off how much they enjoyed themselves throughout the tournament especially with their face cam antics.

Last year, Team Thailand qualified to BlizzCon via the Asia-Pacific Qualifiers where they topped their group against Japan and Hong Kong with convincing 2-0 victories. Team Thailand then found themselves in a group with France, China, and Singapore and got themselves into a 3 way tiebreaker with the former two teams progressing to the playoffs. Although Team Thailand did not make their way into the playoffs, they won the hearts of viewers with their cheerful disposition. World Cup 2016 also held significant value for Team Thailand; Mickie’s fateful encounter while in the event led him to EnVyUs, while the remaining of Team Thailand, previously known as sWeedTime, have made their way into Overwatch Pacific Championship under the team of FireBall.

What's in store for Team Thailand this year

This year, they are in Group B, facing against France, Denmark, and Argentina. With 4 returning players from the previous World Cup, Team Thailand might have an advantage against Denmark and Argentina. However, if Team France opts to go full rogue with their roster, Team Thailand would need to experience tranquility. Regardless, they do stand a decent chance to head to BlizzCon this year.

We contacted Mickie for a few questions.

How did you feel about last year’s World Cup?

For last year’s Thailand team, we didn’t have any pro player but we managed to qualify for BlizzCon so it was great for me.

How was Team Thailand’s roster selected for this year?

We picked 16 players from top Thailand teams and streamers for tryouts and selected from there.

What are your expectations for Team Thailand for this year’s World Cup?

Our first target is to qualify for BlizzCon again, and we’ll try our best!

Anything else you would like to add?

I won’t say that we are one of the best team in the world, but we’ll be the most happiest team in the world :D

Team Thailand is represented by:

  • Pongphop “Mickie” Rattanasangchod (Flex / Captain)
  • Vatunyoo ”keRLos” Suwannapisit (Support)
  • Sasalak ”NzNr” Wannarak (Flex)
  • Ubon ”oPuTo” Dara (DPS)
  • Pasavit ”PannyS” Inkk Svasti-xuto (Support)
  • Teetawat ”Teetawatv3” Teerayosyotin (Tank)

Special thanks to my co-author, sandshrewz.