Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2, released just a few months ago, did not grace the Sunday finals stage at Evolution 2017. Nonetheless, you can bet the crowd was just as hype for the top 8 regardless. All of the top 8 were Japanese players, and it wasn’t easy to predict the winner, either.
Ultimately, the one who emerged victorious was Omito and his Johnny. Crowned as the World Champion in Guilty Gear, I took a quick opportunity to speak to the winning warrior. I ask Omito whether he was worried about any characters or players, what his favorite thing about Johnny is, and which American Guilty Gear players he respects.
The conversation took place with a translator provided by Arc System Works. Thanks to ASW for making it possible.
Luke “Woocash” Siuty: You just won Evolution 2017 in Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2! How do you feel?
Omito: I’m very happy that I won! But the opponent for the finals, I played him a couple of times before, and I’ve been doing very well against him, so I had a lot of confidence in winning this match.
Woocash: Walk us through a little with your Tomo matches.
Omito: I didn’t change anything. I didn’t adapt. I just did what I always do, and if he was going to adapt and change something, I was going to change it up, and go with whatever he sends to me. But for me, I just played like I always play.
Woocash: Against whom were you preparing the most?
Omito: As for players, I didn’t really plan for anything. In Osaka, there aren’t that many players, so I did a lot of Training Mode to prepare for characters I don’t usually face. That’s how I prepared, but I didn’t really do anything special.
Woocash: Which character do you like fighting against the least?
Omito: There isn’t one.
Woocash: Is that because you’re equally prepared for everyone, or…?
Omito: I kind of learn as I go, so even during the match, if it’s someone I don’t usually fight against, I learn really fast and adapt. I don’t really have to worry about certain characters.
Woocash: What was the toughest challenge at Evo?
Omito: Jack-O’ and Raven are the two characters I don’t usually face. I was a little worried about those because I just don’t have enough practice against those, but it wasn’t too bad.
Woocash: purepure? [Japanese Jack-O’ player]
Omito: Yes. purepure and Zadi.
Woocash: What advice do you have to other Johnny players?
Omito: Participate in tournaments, and when you’re going to play, you have to be hungry for that win. If you’re not, you’re not going to win.
Woocash: Do you watch a lot of American players as well? Who are some that you respect?
Omito: Yeah, I do watch a lot of American players as well, and the ones that I’m always looking for are: LordKnight, KidViper, Kizzie Kay, and Hotashi.
Woocash: Is there anything in particular you feel Americans are stronger at?
Omito: Japanese players tend to focus on making combos and set play, while US players lean more to gimmicks, so that’s the difference in how they play.
Woocash: What’s your favorite thing about Johnny?
Omito: Everything.
Don’t forget to also read our interview with Daisuke Ishiwatari and Toshimichi Mori!