This week we got the chance to chat with pro Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate player Biohazard. The Kano main lives in Toronto and travels around the globe to play MK11. He’s also a big threat in the Open Series.
Learn more about Biohazard’s playstyle, FGC background, and how you can improve your competitive performance.
Note: This interview has been edited for concision and clarity.
How did you get into competitive gaming?
I got into competitive gaming with my brother (Honeybee). I got into Injustice: Gods Among Us, and before that I was always interested in fighting games like Street Fighter IV and Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. My brother didn’t really play any fighting games besides Smash.
We entered a local offline tournament in Toronto and we got bodied. (Laughs). We came back and kept getting better.
When did it get serious?
I would say definitely when we decided to go to our first U.S. events. When I started to make some top eights I realized I was good enough to travel and compete and get some results.
What’s your favorite Mortal Kombat game?
I’ve only played X and 11. I enjoy both. I probably prefer 11 because X can be stressful.
Did you always play Kano?
With X, I mained Ferra/Torr and I wanted to venture out and try new characters. I picked up Kano as a secondary and he fit a lot of what I was looking for. In 11, Ferra/Torr didn’t return and I was happy to see Kano back and I decided I absolutely was going to play him when I heard he was going to be a Rushdown/Grappler.
How would you describe your Kano playstyle? Aggressive?
Very. Kano is a rushdown, high pressure, in your face character. Sometimes I’m way too aggressive and impatient with Kano and that can get me in hot water.
Did Kano define your playstyle or vice versa?
I’ve played this type of character archetype before. On Injustice One and Two I played Bane. Ferra/Torr was a grappling rushdown character too. I know a lot of people don’t put that high on a tier list. At the end of the day I know my archetype and I try to play to my strengths.
What’s something you know now that you wished you knew when you first started?
Probably just being more experimental with the cast, to flesh out matchups and not play bad matchups.
I went to Scotland and I lost to Tekken Master’s Shinnok. Shinnok was able to destroy Ferra/Torr he could put you in a situation where if he touched you twice you would die. It was a bad time.
I said ‘What am I doing’ I need to have other pocket characters to help with bad matchups.
What do you feel like you need to improve upon?
I always feel like I can work on improving my patience. I get into situations with a life lead and I throw the game away with risky play for no reason.
I know others notice I could tighten up my defense and the main reason is because of how the flawless block system works. It’s a fine line of should I flawless block or should I defend.
I know the flawless block mechanic is important to my playstyle and a lot of it is figuring out how to utilize the system. But also defend and block. At the end of the day I don’t want to get hit by a massive combo, so trying to minimize those situations is key.
How do you feel about tier lists?
I do value tier lists and what they have to offer. That being said, it’s important to explore the game and what tools a character can bring to the table.
Grapplers are not high on the list but they offer something different in terms of different mind games, and they’re aggressive.
Think about what you’re looking for in a character and what they can bring into how you play the game.
How important is it for players to lose?
It’s important to gain experience from losses. Everyone’s going to lose. Try to figure out what’s making you lose, and then treat it as a learning experience and don’t focus on the fact that you’re losing.
Join the Open Series for a chance to challenge Biohazard and other notable MK11 players.