EPTHaving followed the NASL through most the season, I was very excited to read they would be hosting it in Ontario, CA. Originally I had not planned on driving down there to partake in the three day 16 player tournament. I did however, look into the distance it would take to drive down there (245 miles, 4 hours approx), so it was in the back of my mind. Saturday came upon me and I had agreed to drive my friend Tyler down to the DMV to take his behind the wheel test. Before the scheduled appointment, I indulged in the second day of NASL Grand Finals viva stream. To my surprise, Tyler logged onto Skype and I reminded him NASL Grand Finals were on. We watched it together, discussing different strategies and our approach on each player's decisions. It had made me eager and rekindled my dream of becoming a pro gamer once again.
Saturday came to a close and as I settled at home, the seed of doubt grew, flourishing the idea of actually driving down for the finals. It would be a total of 8 hours (or more) of driving for a few hours of SC but Day[9], Tasteless, Artosis, July, Boxer, Sheth, Ret and Sen kept me motivated. I woke up at 8 a.m. and was on the road at 9. Wearing a tank top and the countenance of a banana grin, as Tasteless would describe it, I was on my way. I arrived around 1 p.m. and made it just in time for the 3rd and 4th place matches--Sen vs. July. The convention center was spacious but the chairs were full to the brim with fans. I stood at the back, away from everyone, and indulged in the reverence that is Starcraft and the community behind it. During Sen and July's last match for $5,000 and 3rd place, the crowd conveyed ecstatic enthusiasm on every explosion of banelings. It was full of intense moments fueling my passion further. The crowd's roar and cheer over Tasteless and Artosis was worthy of a soccer stadium.
The day continued; in between matches I went to a table inside the hall and reviewed my notes for class, I didn't want to fall behind on my academic meta- game ^_^. I had yearned to meet Day[9] and thank him for enjoying my tribute songs and sharing them on his stream but the crowds made it intimidating. Looking at it now, I should not comply with my old habits of judgment on these situations but there were too many people who shrouded these players for my attempt.
At end of the Finals I hesitated to tarry around, I wanted to find all the players that had motivated and inspired me to continue my passion in Starcraft. By the looks of it, people had the same idea as me. It'd be hard to get in a conversation with these players, let alone greet them (it would have to be brief.) I wanted to hang out with these players and have a real conversation but I let myself believe it wasn't possible. I conceded and headed to my car to eat a sandwich I had prepared. During my meal, the urge to re enter the hall and check if any of the players were protracted retained. I mustered the confidence and headed towards the convention center to purchase a coffee for the long drive back. As I walked through the hall I caught a glimpse through the open doors. As I had imagined, there were spaces occupied with crowds, swarming what could have been a player. Feeling defeated, I purchased my coffee and sauntered my way back to my car. As I sat in the parking lot (to which I compare the SC II map “Desert Oasis” ) sipping my coffee, I caught a glimpse of two figures, one in a blue uniform and the other close at hand.
"Could it be Boxer and his girlfriend?" I thought as they drew near.
My car was parked to the left of the convention center, which was lucky enough to be near the back entrance. As these two figures walked across the parking lot, desolate of cars, I could make out a man in the Slayers uniform and a beautiful woman by his side. "Holy Bonjwa Terran" I exclaimed, this has got to be some sweet gift from the Xel'Naga. I got up and hailed Boxer's name, they briefly looked over with an expression of acknowledgement. I knew Boxer had taken many photos and shook hundreds of hands but I had to thank him for all the inspiration, motivation and entertainment he had brought me. I approached him and presented my hand, we shook as he spoke “Nice to meet you". In the spur of the moment I mustered up what I could convey. "Thank you Boxer, keep playing! I am a big fan!" He walked away, as if it had only been a mirage in the heat of Ontario's weather.
From all the disappointment and defeat I had put upon myself, Boxer descended from what could have been a Science Vessel and irradiated it all from me. I couldn't stop smiling on my drive back.
