He has speed. He has strategy. He has dedication.
He won't back down. He won't give up without a fight.
He may be knocked down, but he will stand up again.
He will return strong, stronger than ever.
He will study you. He will look out for flaws in your play.
He will hit even harder than you did.
He is a fighter. He is a champion.
He is... Ashley "Frustration" Cox.
Frustration is a Protoss player hailing from Perth, Western Australia. He's an old school player from way back in 2012, playing in WCS Oceania but unfortunately, not performing up to his expectations. After a long break, he's back in 2014, raking enough points to qualify for the OSC 2014 finals. Frustration is definitely a consistent player, with regular Top 8 finishes in Friday Fun Nights and SEAcraft Weekly. In the coming 2015, he is going to challenge the title of #BestPinSEA. Be warned!
2012's Frustration may have been a nightmare to most of you. Those were probably the darkest times of your interaction with him. However, I want to say that all those will become a thing of the past. The old has gone, and the new has come. 2014 (or rather 2015) Frustration is here to stay, with a much better attitude and a renewed mindset. He is constantly trying to change himself, so do give him your support in helping him become a better person for the community!
When I was considering taking in Frustration, I knew of the problems he gave the community in the past, although I wasn't active on the site. I also know about his "pattern" of playing for a short time and then suddenly "taking a break" again. As much as I want to make the following happen, I am doing my best to work with Frustration to bring out the best conduct he can ever give to the community, and keep his passion for the game. I want to assure the community that 2012 Frustration is gone, and the new Frustration is to be looked forward to. Help me and help Frustration create a better community for 2015! We'll be open to comments about him as long as they are constructive criticism!
Q: Who are you? Tell SC2SEA more about yourself! (inb4 who?)
I'm Ashley Cox, a 20 year old StarCraft 2 player hoping to produce good results and help the Protoss players in SEA. I'm currently working as a casual labourer at the moment, as I broke my knee 7 months ago or so and I'm trying to get back into the cabinet making industry! I'm also a big fan of #clubbing and I love to do that on weekends. Apart from that, I do fishing, camping, and also festivals, and just hanging out with mates.
Q: If you could be any fiction character, who would you be and why?
This might sound gay, but I would probably be Damon of Vampire Diaries as it would just be awesome to be a vampire and he's just awesome haha.
Q: Who is your favourite international player and why?
My favourite international player would be HuK, I used to love all his builds and plays, and he was my foreigner hope back in 2012 when I first started joining the "pro" scene. If I was to choose a Korean, PARTING CHOOO CHOOO yeah I love his builds too so yeah.
Q: Now replace "international" with "SEA", what would be your answer now?
Probably mOOnGLaDe, back when he used to play in 2012. When I met him at WCS or before, he would talk to me and just be nice which a lot of players in the "pro" scene don't actually do so I was happy when I went to WCS. Also, him and Livibee both pretty much looked after me and talked to me all event.
Q: Tell us one thing most people wouldn't know about you. (Both StarCraft and non-StarCraft related)
Well, for StarCraft related, when I know something big is coming up, or I want to practice really hard for something like ACL, I will put 110% into it. I will study my opponents' builds, and practice as much as I can in that time I have. Most of you probably don't think I'm the kind who would dedicate myself to studying my opponents and just play it out and hope for the best. I really have a strong passion for the game and try to be as professional and diligent as possible when it comes to big tournaments. I do have times where I think I burn myself out because I care too much about the game.
For non-StarCraft related, I actually used to play football (AFL) for 11 years until I was 16 and broke my knee, so yeah. I still love my football and wish I could play it now.
Q: Seems like you could be on the Australian team Kappa. Which football club do you support?
I support the West Coast Eagles and always have.
Q: How does it feel like being the best player in WA currently?
Well, honestly I used to feel really good around 2012 after yang pretty much left, but since then I haven't really felt anything. Like, yeah, I do joke about being the "Best In The West" but that's all fun and games. It's kinda cool being the best in WA but there isn't many players in WA so there isn't much competition.
Q: What are your goals for 2015, with the new WCS changes, LotV, and possibly a change in ACL on the horizon?
My goals for 2015 are just to get the best results and hoping for another Top 8, or at least Top 4 at ACL! For WCS, I want to do well, but if I get the seed or something I would probably give it to someone who would actually go to America. Legacy of the Void is looking really, really bad at the moment so I really don't want that to come out any sooner than it is.
Q: Any reasons for not wanting to go to America?
I am more of a "pro" SEA player and have no big reasons on going to the big scene like America or Korea, just because I enjoy playing in Australia and just enjoy the local scene.
Q: I realised I've asked you about the future but not the present. Coming up is the OSC finals. You've already secured yourself a spot in the Top 32, so you will be playing in it. How do you feel going into this?
Kinda scared haha. There are some very, very good players in there from Korea, China and SEA but I think if I play well on the day I could maybe get some upsets!
Q: Will you be studying your opponents and preparing for them like how you've told us, assuming groups will be released a few days / weeks before the matches?
Probably not as much as I would have for ACL, but let's say I get a lot of Aussies or something, I might study them because I know how they sorta play. If I get a few more replays of them I will study them!
Q: That's great. I wish you all the best in the last major SEA tournament for 2014! Any last words?
I would like to thank SYF Gaming for taking me on and giving me a chance. Also, to all the Perth guys who have followed me since my 2012 experiences, and just everyone who supports me and cheers for me!
Look out for more of Frustration in the remaining tournaments of 2014, in the OSC finals, and in future Tt eSports Underdog Challenge as the defender! You'll definitely catch more of him next year too!
Gratz westerner. I have personally seen quite a change in you over the last few years and I hope it continues. You've got a heap of potential and now its time to put it to use! SYF get this boy to all the ACLs and lets see what he got!
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