Interview with Aaro "Hoody" Peltokangas, Pro Player for Giants

Yoann: Hey, hello everyone! Today I'm with Hoody, Valorant pro player for Giants! 

When and how did you get into esports? 

Hoody: Hey! I think it was around 2014 or 2015.

I played a game called Smite, and I really liked it. I played some tournaments there, and that was my first taste in esports, I switched to CSGO later. 

Yoann: You played for G2 last season. What did you learn from this experience? 

Hoody: I learned a lot. I grew in game and outside. The most important things I learned is how to be a more versatile player, and how to play for the team! 

Yoann: That’s nice, how would you describe the 2023 season so far? 

Hoody: We've had a lot of ups and downs. We didn’t get the results we wanted. But it was a nice learning experience. We are growing as a team, we are getting to know each other better. 

Yoann: Great! How would you describe the play style of Giants? 

Hoody: I’d say discipline is the keyword.

Yoann: You are now preparing for LCQ. What are the main things you are trying to improve or fix?

Hoody: We change the roles a little. But other than that, we are focusing on discipline, teamwork, utility and fixing our map pool.

Yoann: Okay, great. How confident are you heading into this tournament, knowing that you have two spots for Champions? 

Hoody: I'm always confident heading into tournaments.

But yeah, that doesn't mean it's easy. It's never easy in Valorant! Having those spots is nice, makes it easier! 

Yoann: Yeah, of course. Let's now move onto the quick questions part. I will ask you ten quick questions and you’ll have to answer as fast as possible. Ready? 

Hoody: Yeah!

Yoann: Phantom or Vandal?

Hoody: Vandal.

Yoann: Who’s your favorite agent? 

Hoody: Skye! 

Yoann: Okay. What's your favorite map?

Hoody: Split! 

Yoann: What was the most challenging match you ever played? 

Hoody: Against Fnatic when it went to triple overtime! 

Yoann: Yeah for sure! What's your favorite skin bundle?

Hoody: It has to be Glitchpop. 

Yoann: Nice. What's your favorite or best memory in Valorant so far?

Hoody: Definitely qualifying for Reykjavik, in Iceland. 

Yoann: Do you know the exact name of Viper’s orb? 

Hoody: Poison cloud? 

Yoann: Yeah, exactly! What's your go-to purchase in pistol rounds? 

Hoody: Classic and light shields! 

Yoann: What's your best or favorite clutch or ace you pulled off in a tournament? 

Hoody: Oh, I guess my ace in overtime against Heretics. (Link to the play) https://youtu.be/Ys-N6ZT8jtE

Yoann: That was nice indeed! Can you quote a voice line from Skye? 

Hoody: « Good on ya! »

Yoann: Awesome! Let's now get back to the standard questions. What are your hobbies or passions aside from gaming?

Hoody: I don’t really have any hobbies, but I like walking outside, and my passion besides gaming probably is mythology. I really like that. 

Yoann: That’s great! What's your preparation routine before an official match? 

Hoody: Just talking with the team, chilling, listening to music and playing some deathmatches. 

Yoann: How do you feel about the Valorant meta after the last patches, with the ammo reduction and everything else?

Hoody: The ammo reduction was nice, but overall, it feels the same as during the regular VCT season.

Yoann: Do you think Deadlock is underrated? 

Hoody: Yeah, I think when done right, you can make her work! 

Yoann: That’s interesting, I hope we’ll see teams trying her out! 

Are you happy about the map pool we currently have? 

Hoody: I'm not a big fan of three-side maps, so I would change Haven for a Breeze rework. That would be nice. 

Yoann: Yeah, Breeze has been out for a long time now. 

What would you change to the game if you were a Valorant developer? 

Hoody: I would change the gunplay. I think it's too forgiving sometimes, the last nerf wasn't enough, I didn't even notice anything. But other than that, I wouldn't change anything. 

Yoann: What makes your team a championship contender for LCQ and Champions? 

Hoody: Our players, the team's energy and discipline! 

Yoann: That’s great! What are your short and long-term ambitions with Giants?

Hoody: Short term would be to qualify for Champions. Long term is just to keep on playing together, to build a stable team. 

Yoann: What would you tell someone willing to become a Valorant pro player? 

Hoody: Honestly, I would say maybe reconsider your choice! It's not as easy as you might think, you have to make a lot of sacrifices.

Yoann: That’s for sure! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Hoody: Thank you for the interview, and see you in the Last Chance Qualifier!

Yoann: Thank you! I wish you the best out there!

Hoody’s socials:

Twitter: @hoodyVAL

Giants’ Twitter: @GiantsGaming