DashFight Presents: A Day in the Life of.... 2ez

Aj '2ez'Pieri is a Mortal Kombat player and one of the most energetic voices in the FGC. An avid lover of all thing Mortal Kombat, 2ez has been a top placer in tournaments for years and years. In Mortal Kombat X and 11, he had some solid placements including 4th at Smash Factor and Defend the North, 3rd at East Coast Throwdown 2016, and many other top tournaments. 

We also got to talk to him in 2020 when he competed at the WePlay Dragon Temple tournament where he fell out at the group stage.

2ez is a fierce competitor and so it was fascinating to understand how he thinks before a tournament. Here are some of the things we got to talk about. 

2ez

DF: How does the typical day go for you?

2ez: My life is way too volatile at the moment, and it feels like not one day is the same from the next. It’s been like this for months 

DF: Do you ever get nervous on the day of a tournament? If so, how do you deal with the nerves?

2ez: Not really. Being in the game and competing for so long, I feel like I really don’t get nerves anymore. Usually at big events, like EVO for example, my first match I might be slightly off due to how big of an event is, but I’ll use that first match to really set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

DF: Do you have any pre-tournament rituals, like a special shirt, or some other thing that helps you prepare for the day ahead?

2ez: I usually always buy a new set of boxers for the event that weekend. Gotta stay new and fresh 🙂. I also usually fast the day of the tournament to keep my mind and body sharp

DF: What’s your routine on the night before a big tournament?

2ez: I prioritize getting good sleep, which unfortunately doesn’t always happen. Being mentally prepared and well rested is key to performing well

DF: Do you have a favourite pre-tournament meal? If so, what is it? And if you don’t have one, what would you imagine you’d want as one?

2ez: Water or fluids like Powerade. I try to avoid eating the day of the tournament, and if I do happen to eat, I’ll eat something light like a salad or yogurt

DF: Do you prefer to practice during the day or at night, and what are the benefits of your preferred time slot?

2ez: With my current lifestyle, night time is the most convenient time for me to really practice and grind it out

DF: How do you practice before tournaments, does your practice emphasis change just before an event?

2ez: Always labbing out scenarios. You always want to be prepared for all possible situations in a tournament. Yes it does change drastically. Knowing who and what characters are in your path means you can really dial in to what you need to practice and prepare for

DF: If you lose in tournament, what is your go-to activity to help you get back up?

2ez: VOD REVIEW IS A MUST — Easiest way to improve is being able to see your mistakes and try your best to correct them for the next tournament

DF: What side are you on this debate: Fans should not come up to a player who just lost for a photo or an autograph? Why do you think so?

2ez: Personally I really don’t care, I’m pretty grateful for any support I get at events. Whether after a win or loss, I appreciate the love

DF: What tips would you give anyone on the best way to prepare for a tournament?

2ez: The more tournaments you attend, the greater chance of you being less nervous for the next one, so don’t give up and keep showing out!