EPTI had bought a visitor ticket beforehand when I heard that NaDa and TLO are competing in SC2 event. I donated that ticket to my brother who lives nearby and wanted to check out the LAN event.
I was somewhat well prepared for the event, in the rush I forgot my marker pen and SC2 hard copy to a bag that I had to leave behind in the last minute. I figured asking for autographs would be my chance to meet the pros and talk to them a little bit.
Anyway, first day was pretty confusing as I didn't really know where the stuff was happening. I almost missed all the groupstage games as I ventured to find the SC2 event studio and found NaDa and Haypr0 duking it out! Unfortunately power cut interrupted the game and I decided to come back later for autographs. There was a lot of people gathering to see especially NaDa, I thought it would be really difficult to get to talk to him and decided to hang out with my friends instead. I watched streams and liquipedia for results mostly. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ltfOV6ySf85ufxsW_J643Q?feat=directlink
I had little bit of trouble with the limited space, as my mousepad couldn't fit horizontally as it usually lies on my desk. Also ergonomy wasn't that great as my keyboard was almost at my shoulder's height. I played some offline games vs. AI to see if my shoulders lock up, after readjusting my chair with pillows and sleeping bag lol. I got this idea by remembering that HuK used to sit on pillow at LAN. :D
Second day I felt really sick after sleeping only four hours two day in a row. Demo competitions were cool as they ”interrupted” everything else in the main area. Some people were always shouting ”Kuaket vittuun!” ”Näytöt kiinni!” as it was common courtesy to shut down all lights and speakers during competition shows. Loose translations would be ”GTFO Quake” ”Shut down monitors!”. It was funny how programmer demoscene and gamers blended in Assembly.
I went to check out SC2 again and Dimaga and Stephano were on the stage at that moment, I was able to see that epic back and forward game (I think it was game 2 in the series?). Anyway, ZvZ didn’t really interest me that much, so I went to eat. Later on, I found TLO and Nazgul from progamer practice area and managed to get an autograph from TLO. I felt happy as I’ve been a fan of TLO ever since the epic Metalopolis game with TLO showcasing Terran abilities in actual game vs. Nazgul. TLO seemed really focused on practicing, so I didn’t want to take more of his time.
Later in the evening DIMAGA and MaNa were playing in the finals and oh boy it was thrilling! I was cheering for DIMAGA, as my favorites (TLO, NaDa) had been defeated earlier. I’ve enjoyed watching him perform since his appearance at IEM, where he won 3rd place. Epic comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 was very entertaining, crowd was going wild. Anyway I figured I might have a chance to meet some players after the prize ceremony was over. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uczrp6mzU6uzjGDYfAim5w?feat=directlink
I found Grubby chatting with his gf and asked him politely to sign an autograph. I remember seeing a video interview about Grubby and I felt respect towards him being down to earth and mannered guy, even if he’s considered somekind of superstar. I was amazed when he asked if I want to get a marker pen autograph instead of ballpoint pen (which I had ninjaed from some stand). I said yes, after thinking if it’s too much to ask. Grubby actually went to wait and borrow a marker pen for my autograph. Huge respect to Grubby, even if I’m not big fan of his game (Protoss T_T) I envy his attitude and manners. After fanwave had gotten their autographs, he came and shook my had and I thanked him. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fSh0R-IqNKMtvxieKKhW1Q?feat=directlink
I also recognized NightEnd, but couldn’t remember his name. I remembered bits and pieces (TSL3, protoss and from Romania). I chatted with him a little bit while and he seemed like a nice guy. I was happy that I was able to find DIMAGA in that crowd as well, he seemed extremely happy and I congratulated him for his win as he signed the poster. I felt that it would have been cool to offer a beer or something, but the area was zero tolerance for alcohol.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7N5-FbyCe2HDCPqn1nhDog?feat=directlinkI felt like I would have wanted to chat with the players longer, but at that moment I didn’t know if it was appropriate. And I would definately wanted to meet NaDa and change words with him. Oh well, maybe on my journey to Korea then.
Rest of the time I was playing SC2/Splinter cell/Unreal Tournament. I couldn’t concentrate well when laddering on my computer as everyone else had loud speakers turned volume to the max. My Sennheiser HD280 pro closed speakers seemed to filter only high frequency noise from background, all the bass boom was annoying as hell. I think my MMR went from platinum to silver lol. And anyone who has played splinter cell, without sounds you feel like a minesweeper. :D
Here's some pictures from the main arena. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/luJN7mSOMfQwO6CUETdATQ?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-Gmfb6wGcbZkc98oNo4V0g?feat=directlink
I enjoyed Assembly a lot, I hope I can attend next year!
