In this Behind the Screen article, we talked with new our team member Abd “Korlic” Cheikhali, a Healer / Holy Paladin on our World of Warcraft team. Korlic brought this team together, but doesn’t claim the Team Captain title because they “make decisions as a team and play to each other’s strengths.” Korlic and his team finished 1st in the recent Method Mayhem NA 5v5 Tournament and 2nd in the Method Mayhem NA 3v3 Tournament.

Korlic discusses what it’s like celebrating Ramadan during quarantine and how he met each of his teammates. Find out how Korlic chose his username, what he can’t live without, and more about his offline life below.

What are some things you like about being home right now?

Honestly, being able to sleep through the day during Ramadan is great because then I don’t have to be hungry during that time. I can wake up later in the day and eat after sundown.

What is your favorite class to play in World of Warcraft and why?

Holy Paladin because it allows me to make a lot of aggressive plays as a healer.

How did you choose your username/gamertag?

Before I made this my account, my dad and I would play together. I used to main a druid and its name was Korlic, so I just went by that.

When and how did you start playing video games?

I never really played video games until I started to play Call of Duty with my friends. I started playing that game with them, and then I branched out to WoW shortly after.

What is it about WoW that excites you or makes it unique from / more fun than other games?

I like its style of play. There is a lot to the game that new people don’t know about it when they first view it. No game has the same play style that WoW has to offer.

Who do you look up to the most and why?

This is a hard question to answer because there are a few people I have looked up to in WoW. Back when I wasn’t Rank 1, I looked up to players like Rubcub, Gorecki, and Kubzy.

What are you most proud of?

My ability to dedicate to what I want to achieve.

Do you watch traditional sports? If so, what is your favorite team?

Yes, I watch soccer, and my favorite team is Borussia Dortmund.

What is the most interesting thing you have done in the past year?

Definitely my latest tournament success. I hope to forward that success to the AWC, [Arena World Championship].

How well do you know your teammates?

I’ve known Nick for practically my entire time playing this game. We’ve been playing and progressing together since Warlords of Draenor, so it’s been about 6 years by now. I actually met Burn from RBG’s when he was playing with Bailamos, and he crushed me in a seething shore. I immediately knew to pick him up for my RBG team. That friendship branched out, and I have been really close with him since then. I recently met Jahmilli, as he was always an ongoing major tournament player, and he wanted to be the final addition to our roster. He is one of the most experienced veterans in WoW.

In your opinion, what is the best raid boss in WoW?

The Lich King.

Do you have any inside jokes with your team? If so, can you describe one?

Who the better Warlock is between Burn, Jahmilli, and Nick.

What do you like to do in your free time besides play video games (activities/hobbies)?

Chilling with my friends is always a good time, and I like to play a lot of pickup games of any sport when there is nothing to do.

What video game world would you like to live in?

Call of Duty Warzone.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

The Blacklist is my favorite TV show.

Who is your favorite singer or band?

Lil Durk is my favorite rapper. I listen to a lot of rap, but I also don’t mind other types of music.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Anywhere in Europe because there is a lot to explore!

If you could instantly become an expert at something, what would it be?

Cooking.

Aside from WOW, what are your top 3 favorite video games to play and why?

League of Legends is one because I like to play that with my friends for fun. It is generally an enjoyable game to play. I like playing Call of Duty as well because it definitely throws back memories to when I played with my friends in school. I’ve also been enjoying VALORANT so far. I don’t play a lot of different games, but I’ve had a ton of fun on VALORANT since it is new.  

What is your favorite meal or snack?

Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

What is something you cannot live without?

Fast food.

What’s something many people fear that doesn’t scare you at all?

The ability to fail is what people usually fear when they pursue something, but that has never affected me.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Everything gets better. No matter how low you reach in life, things will always get better if you keep working and grinding towards your goals.

If you could give advice to players looking to improve at WoW or video games in general, what would your advice be?

Keep playing. Don’t get egotistical, and always focus to make yourself the best player you can be. Watching a lot of streams of top players helps as well, (especially when you’re trying to learn a new class in WoW), but watching pros helps even in different games.