Debanjan “DeathMaker” Das has a storied history in the Indian Esports scene. The boy from Silchar, Assam grew into an esports phenomenon overnight with his performance under the Signify banner at DreamHack Mumbai Invitational 2018.
After that, DeathMaker never looked back, becoming the best CS:GO player in the Indian region before switching to Valorant in late 2020. His tryst with Valorant at GodLike Esports saw him come close to the top. But, the 23-year-old and GodLike always fell short of being clubbed in the same tier as Velocity Gaming and Global Esports, the two Grand Finalists at the recently concluded Valorant Conquerors Championship.
DeathMaker also holds the world record in Valorant, having managed 49 kills in a Valorant official between GodSquad and Velocity Gaming. The record is yet to be broken, with Nicholas “NaturE” Garrison equaling the same during the match between Gen.G and Team Solo Mid.
In fact, Chinese player ZmjjKK did hit 56 in a game between LIZHI and Underdog. However, since the game took place before Valorant’s official launch in China, the record does not count.
Now, DeathMaker has been acquired by Velocity for what is reportedly the largest buyout in the history of the FPS Esports scene in the Indian subcontinent. We had an opportunity to have a candid session with the 23-year-old, who is set to embark on a new journey in his Valorant career.
You were very vocal about sticking to CS:GO as Valorant was launched. What made you change your mind?
DeathMaker: At that time, I was doing well in the Asian circuit. But, then a lot of organizations withdrew. I was also in talks with Asking Questions but the talks fell through. With the Asian csgo scene all but non-existent, I decided to switch to Valorant. I was confident of getting better after seeing how dominant I was with minimal practice in the game during the time I was competing in csgo.
How did you end up being a duelist within Valorant? What was the process that led to this decision? Are you looking to expand your agent pool?
DeathMaker: So, when Valorant was launched, players that used to play the role of an entry or second entry in csgo naturally took up the duelist role. I was asked to play duelists, especially Jett when I was standing in for Global Esports. I realized I had a penchant for it and took up the duelist role when I decided to shift to Valorant permanently and join GodLike.
Let’s talk about Jett and her utility kit. There is a feeling that Jett is still overpowered despite the earlier nerf. What is your opinion on the agent?
DeathMaker: I feel Jett has a distinct advantage, especially for Primary AWPers as it allows them to peek with a reduced fear of being punished. Jett is an agent that almost has two lives due to her utility kit. But, to me, the recent nerf was enough. Jett cannot dash through the Cypher traps, has had the duration of her smokes reduced and the cost of her utility kit increased. Jett is still overpowered to an extent but I feel the agent is more so a necessary evil than something that needs to be nerfed into oblivion.
Who is your favorite player in the Valorant scene? Someone you would love to go up against someday?
DeathMaker: I like how Yassine “Subroza” Taoufik plays. As for going up against someone, I would love to face Tyson “TenZ” Ngo to find out just how much I need to improve on my Jett and my overall skills.
Riot Games gave South Asia one slot in the APAC LCQ for Valorant Champions. China on the other hand, has received two slots despite the region not even witnessing the official launch of the game. What are your views on that?
DeathMaker: Well, China has always been the King of Asia in terms of FPS Esports. So, the decision does make sense from Riot Games’ point of view. However, they have paid attention to the Indian and South Asian region from the start. Given the huge numbers that the region produces, I hope Riot improves upon this in the near future.
What do you feel differentiates the Indian teams from that of fellow Asian regions such as Korea, Japan, and the South-East Asian region?
DeathMaker: The most important aspect is discipline. Other Asian regions are more dedicated not just to things inside the game in Valorant but also towards aspects outside the game as well, which is necessary when you are representing an organization. Little things such as the level of competition, the level of teams they scrim against, and even the ping have an effect. However, discipline is the major differentiator. Indian teams and players have started improving on this aspect and I hope we close the gap soon.
Not many people know this but you set a record of getting 49 kills in a Valorant official, something that is yet to broken. Gen.G’s Nature recently equaled the record. How do you feel about setting a record that stands to this day? How does it work as a motivator?
DeathMaker: That was a crazy match. I remember to this day because that was one of the major factors in my decision to switch to Valorant. I thought that when I could do this without practicing or dedicating myself fully to the game, I could achieve greater heights after my switch. To see the record stand to this day is an exhilarating feeling and I am determined to keep my name there, possibly even improve upon it.
Moving on to the next step in your career, why did you choose to leave GodLike for Velocity?
DeathMaker: GodLike was officially my first organization in Valorant. They were very hospitable and it felt like a family there. However, the trophies were missing. We managed to establish our place in the top four as far as the region is concerned. But, we always fell short of besting the likes of Velocity and Global Esports. Finally, when the opportunity presented itself, I weighed the pros and cons and it seemed like a decision that would allow me to take the next step in my Valorant career. I just couldn’t say no to Velocity.
What is the one difference your fans can expect between the DeathMaker in GodLike and the one in Velocity?
DeathMaker: I wouldn’t say much other than the DeathMaker at Velocity will win.
Let’s talk about the Valorant Champions Tour Stage 3 Masters. Who do you think is going to win in Berlin?
DeathMaker: Sentinels are the team to beat right now. They conquered Iceland and look primed to win the Berlin Masters.
Anything you’d like to say to Velocity fans, GodLike fans, and Indian Valorant fans in general?
DeathMaker: I would like to thank the GodLike fans and the entire organization for accepting me so open-heartedly. To Velocity fans, I took a small break but now I am back and I am determined to prove myself all over again. I hope I can deliver the wins, the trophies, and the success you guys have become so accustomed to. As for the Indian Valorant fans, I would just like to say that the entire transfer process was handled legally and that I did not force things in any way. Just as I respect both the organizations and my fans, I hope the community respects my choice.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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