GDN: How did you decide on Abel as your main character in Super Street Fighter IV? Are there any others you use, whether it’s just for fun or as a ’counter-pick’ in matches you might not want to select Abel for?

Juicebox: First of all, I “mesh” with Abel. What I mean by that is after trying all of the characters out and gaining basic proficiency with them, Abel’s style coincided the most with mine. At least, that’s how I feel. Second, I honestly believe that Abel’s mixups are the most dangerous in the game, rivaled only by Akuma. As I mentioned, I have basic proficiency with every character, simply because it is an expedient way to learn matchups. But my favorite characters to play as besides Abel are Cody and Juri.

Although I had myself pegged as a character specialist, meaning I would never counter-pick no matter what, I used Juri at SCR, and almost used her against Mike Ross, but decided against it. Juri has similar weaknesses to Abel (slow walk speed, vulnerable to throws), but her strengths are on a different wavelength. I thoroughly enjoy playing as her, partly because of her alluring and psychotic nature, but also because it allows me to play two vastly different styles in one match; relentless grappling or methodical zoning. Expect to see more of her in the future.

GDN: You recently entered into a sponsorship deal with Borderland Gaming. What’s it like being a sponsored player? What are the benefits, and what do they expect from you in return? Can you tell us anything about the process of becoming sponsored?

Juicebox: Being sponsored is just like any other job. You expect things from your employer and they expect things from you. I get to go to lots of tournaments, but I also need to promote the brand. This can be done in numerous ways, but the simplest is getting consistent tournament results. When it comes to getting sponsored initially, it’s much the same as any opportunity you come across in life; sometimes you find it, and sometimes it finds you. There’s really not much more to it than that.

GDN: BLG picked up a few other players recently as well. What is your relation with them? Do you compete in team events together, or have any other special activities?

Juicebox: Vangief and Filipino Champ will be my teammates for any 3v3 event that we are all attending. Beyond that, I plan to spend lots of time with them going over our problematic matchups when I move to NorCal. We will also contribute weekly content to blgaming.com.

GDN: You have said you’re moving to the California area soon, primarily to have access to better competition to train against. You’re making a huge change in your life to accommodate your dream; what made you do it?

Juicebox: When something is important to you, you go after it. Getting sponsored was a reality check. There are people that honestly believe I have reached that high of a level of competition in SF4. I don’t think I have, but if I rest on my laurels I won’t be able to know definitively either way. I want to know how good I can be, and if I have to change my life around that goal then I will.

Next: Tips to improve your fighting game skills, and conclusion.