We recently got the chance to chat with Daniel "TheMightyUnjust" Taibot, one of the most recognizable and fastest-rising stars of the Mortal Kombat 11 Open Series.

Peek inside the mind of the only player in Competition Center history to win nine tournaments in a row, twice! Discover how TheMightyUnjust got started, tackles matches, and aims to improve. You might learn more than a few tips to level up your game.

How did you get into fighting games?

I have a twin brother (Elcucuy) who got me into MK 9. I was never good at it and I was also really bad at Injustice 1. Then MK X came out and I got decent at that and was alright with Injustice 2. Honestly, my whole plan was just to beat my brother. MK 11 was the first game where I put everything else aside.

When did playing competitively first cross your mind?

Most of my friends were tournament players and I thought ‘oh yeah tournaments are fun.’ ECT (East Coast Throwdown) was so close to me – like a 20 minute drive so I said “I definitely have to go.’ I got 9th and thought ‘I’ve been barely playing. If I take this seriously I could probably do much better.’

Originally I went to see friends in person that I would only see online. Competing is fun, don't get me wrong, but I also wanted to hang out.

So the social side of competing is important to you?

Yes. Having all your friends cheer you on while you’re playing is fun. And after you win you can turn around and see them all.

You were one of the first MK11 Open Series players. How has it evolved over the past year or so?

They were doing it differently. I miss the stages, doing the Monday thing wasn’t bad. If you got to the top four you played the next day, and it kept everyone occupied for a year and a half.

What stands out to you from doing it the past year?

Streaming (the open series) on PlayStation was a pretty big deal. In the beginning, it would stream on Ketchup and Mustards channel but when they put it on Youtube and PlayStation it made it much bigger and got the game out there more.

I’m still mad I didn't get ten wins in a row. I got two nine win streaks, then choked it twice. I guess people were just better than me that day.

You’re of the winningest players in the Open Series, did winning ever start to feel less satisfying?

Never. My friends always bash me when I get mad at the game. I don’t get on to lose. It’s the worst. Unless I lose to a good player, then I can walk it off but if I lose I’m going to be mad.

What makes you so dominant?

I can adapt to certain situations. A lot of players only play a certain amount of characters. I counter pick. I’ll counter pick you if you want to keep playing the same character. People bash me for that. To them I say, ‘You realize I’m playing for money right.’ 

Has playing that many characters ever felt detrimental?

I also did this in Injustice 2. It’s a lot of muscle memory (in MK 11) and this is the easiest game to play multiple characters. Others are harder.

Who are your favorite characters to play?

Probably Joker, he’s the most fun. He has a lot of setups and combo routers that other characters just don’t have. Kabal with the slight gas is also a lot of fun.

What helps you out the most in your playstyle?

If I’m playing someone that’s using Shang Tsung, for example, I think ‘what would I do in this situation,’ and that helps me out so much. I’m at a point now where I can watch someone play a character and be confident that I can do that in my gameplay.

How have your goals changed since becoming a household name in Open Series tournaments?

My goal since the beginning has always been to get top 8. And to make some kind of money from this. 

What’s your biggest hardship?

I tilt too easily. If I get hit or I drop a combo I’ll tilt and it happens over the littlest things. I try my best to work on it but I get mad. That’s the competitor in me not wanting to lose. When I’m streaming I’m calm and collected but If I’m in a tournament I’ll get mad as hell.

Join the MK11 Open Series for a chance to fight players like TheMightyUnjust.