Jon ”Orange” Westberg is set to compete at the Legendary Series Katowice after defeating Aleksandr ”Kolento” Malsh in a real thriller of a BO5.
Down to only one health against Kolento’s Hunter, Orange could turn the game and force the win.
– When he surrendered it was the best feeling ever, that was the most important game of my career, Orange tells Aftonbladet Esport.

Next week, the Legendary Series Katowice tournament will take place in Spodek Arena, Katowice. And a Swedish player is now qualified, since Team Darkstar’s Jon ”Orange” Westberg claimed the spot ahead of Aleksandr ”Kolento” Malsh in a belter of a BO5.
– There were two players I didn’t want to face. One was Cong ”Strifecro” Shu and the other was Kolento. Those two are among the players I respect the most so I was very nervous, he’s an incredibly talented opponent.

”Most important game of my career”

And the game went down to the wire as Orange claimed wins with his Hunter and Rogue, and Kolento in turn won two games with Rogue and Mage in the Conquest format.
The last game saw Kolentos face Hunter against Oranges Druid, and the game looked like it was slipping out of the Swede’s hand when he went down to one health after being saved by a Cenarius the previous round.
– I was really nervous during the last couple of rounds and was sure that I wouldn’t win. I think I counted five draws that WOULDN’T have killed me. So much could have killed me, like a Wolf Rider, a Glaivezooka and so on.
– When he only placed an Explosive Trap and I saw my Ancient of Lore I knew that as long as he didn’t topdeck Leeroy I’d win. And when he surrendered it was the best feeling ever, that was the most important game of my career, I was incredibly happy.

Did you celebrate after the win?

– I was going to but the game was finished at 6PM (The game was played and recorded on friday, then streamed on sunday, editor’s note) and since it was so tight my nerves were shot. I tried to calm down which resulted in me falling asleep at 7PM. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

”Not counting on beating RDU 3-0 again”

Now Westberg will play the tournament of his career as he travels to Katowice and Spodek Arena next week. In the first round he’ll face Dima ”RDU” Radu, a player he recently beat 3-0.
– It’s definitely one of the hardest opponents of the ones remaining, but I feel pretty confident. I’ve beaten him before and I can do it again. But we’ve talked and he says he’ll be way more prepared this time so I’m not counting on beating him 3-0 again, but I think and hope that I’ll win.

What’s a result you’ll be happy with during the tournament?

– I want to make it to the finals, at least, and face Jason ”Amaz” Chan. I like my chances against him. He’s of course a great player but I’m not much for feeling like an underdog. The only players who make me feel like that are Cong ”StrifeCro” Shu and Sebastian ”Xixo” Bentert.
– With the people left in the tournament and how I’ve been playing lately my aim is no lower than that. But I won’t be sad if I don’t make it to the finals. I’m so proud that I’ve made it this far.

The prize pool is 30 000 dollars, and if Orange wins he’ll leave Katowice with 13 000 dollars.
– It’s definitely the biggest event of my career so far.