This is a blog about possibly the most epic and best week of my life.
The Backstory
When I first started watching CatZ's stream, I thought he was a bm douche and didn't like him at all. He was the second stream I started to watch (HuK was the first). I continued to watch him because I played zerg too, but in all honesty, I was drawn to something. One day I was watching his stream, and saw this (first part has sound removed T_T). After that, all my dislike went away.
So I continued to watch his stream. I became addicted. I became his biggest fanboy, without a doubt (sorry Fragraptor, but it's true). One fine Sunday, he streamed literally all day. After a sick day of him going like 34-2, he asked, "What replays should I upload?" to which I replied, "That game vs. Optikzero was pretty sick, do that one."
"Holy shit, that was forever ago," said my idol, and he freaking modded me. I texted my friends, telling them all that I, Dalguno, was now a mod on CatZ's stream. A freaking pro-gamer's stream mod! CatZ's stream! I was pumped, to say the least.
I did my best to get his attention in any way I could. Saying the Spanish version of we win, ganamos, trying to get a laugh from him. Trying to update him on sound volumes and giving him input whether it was balanced or not, anything I could. Every time he replied, I cried a tears of joy inside.
Basically what I'm saying is, I venerated this guy.
Fast forward 5 months. I'm at MLG with my cousins. The highlight of the whole trip, of course, would be meeting CatZ. I was even thinking about making a shirt for him that said something like "coLCatZ, We Win, Standard", something like that.
So I catch him at the Red Booth, asked him when he played next. Then all awkwardly I say "Oh yeah I'm your mod Dalguno."
"No shit!" he said, "What's up buddy?" Holy crap, he actually is talking to me. I was going to ask him for his autograph, but I wanted to save that so I could talk to him another time. So eventually I see him on a cigarette break, and go ask him for his autograph on my newly purchased MLG poster. He signs it and everything, and doesn't just walk away, but starts actually talking to me. We talk about snowboarding and how he wants to make a trip to where I live for a trip, how we should hang there, about mod olympics (which still hasn't happened yet dood). He says he has to go, but then asks me for my number. At this point, I almost squeak awkwardly. Holy junk, he's actually asking me for my number. Balls, man. I give it to him, and we go our ways.
Later I start thinking, He got my number, but I didn't get his. That'll probably be the last time I get to talk to him. Then that night at a Denny's, I get a call. "Is this Dalguno?"
"Yeah, is this CatZ?"
"Yeah, just wanted to make sure it was you, talk to you later buddy."
Holy junk biscuits, I now have Catz's cell number in my freaking phone.
Where the week begins
Fast forward again. We talk a bit when we both get home, add each other on Skype. Talk and that business, etc. One night he says he's going back to Irvine for the Blizzard Latin American Invitational, and says he's allowed to invite one person to go with, but there's no one he can take. He then invites me to go with him. I'm thinking, yeah right, that's in two days, no way I can do that. But then I got thinking of how freaking huge of an opportunity this is, to spend a week with my idol. So I look at flights. Super expensive, too much for me. My parents are all for it, luckily enough. My dad asks why I don't just drive.
So I did. 700 miles to Cali, no biggie.
This is where the story actually starts.
Get to the hotel, and meet Catz there. The surrealism of everything is now hitting. I'm with freaking Paulo Vizcarra. Freaking Catz, man. Two weeks ago, I was thinking of making him a shirt, now I'm going to be chilling with him for a week.
We take care of initial business, settle in. Then we need to head to Blizz Campus. He calls David Kim, because they're buddies, trying to figure out where it is. Eventually we get there, and David Kim walks out to meet us. I'm meeting David Kim now, I must be dreaming. He takes us on a tour through SC2 campus, where we see tons of cool junk, and eventually introduces us to Dustin Browder. Nerd's dream come true, and I've only been in Cali for a few hours.
We meet the lady in charge of the whole LA scene, and she's with Juan (Major). Cool, I don't really like him. She asks Paulo who I am, he tells her, and she basically says I'm not supposed to be here. Oh balls, I'm thinking, I'm going to have to go home. Ends up not being a big deal.
That night is dinner. We meet up with all the guys from LA, the casters, dKiller, Capoch, Reason, etc. Sick, I'm meeting tons of progamers. I don't understand a single thing they're saying, but it's whatever. Catz and one of the casters (forgot his name, I'm a terrible person) go for a smoke break, and I go with. We talk for a while out there, share some laughs, and head back in. I'm leading us, and the caster says, "It was nice to meet you, man." I'm assuming that he and Paulo had already met, so I turn around and say, "Hey man, you too!" and instantly realize he was talking to Catz. Hahahahaha. Most epic fail and embarrassing thing of my life. We laugh it off though, he's a super chill guy.
Next day, games begin. Few games pass, time for lunch, provided in the cafeteria/stream watching room. Catz and I grab our food and sit down. We're eating for a bit, and what do you know, Day9 and JP sit down at the same table. I'm starting to get used to this stuff, believe it or not. I don't have the balls to talk to either, so I just listen to Catz talk to them. Day is as cool and the exact same as you'd think. JP is chill as well.
Next day, another cool story bro. I'm sitting in the stream room, watching the game, when I hear a voice talking. "That sounds a lot like IdrA, but it's not. This is the LA invitational." I hear the voice again. "That's freaking Idra!" I turn around, lo and behold, it is. I awkwardly spurt out, "Did you see what they had the maps as initially?" Oh crap, I just said something to Idra. Prepare for death. "Yeah, those were ridiculous" he says, laughing. Holy crap, I just talked to Idra! Turns out the NA Invitational started the next day, thus his being there. He turned out to be super manner in person, a pretty cool guy.
Anyway, Catz ended up losing to Killer in one of the most epic ZvZ's of all time, and the next day it was time to go. He and I talked a lot, and I want to tell you my opinion of him. He's the coolest guy I've ever met. I don't mean to get cheesy, but I consider him a brother. He's so super chill, so easy to talk to, I was super nervous about everything but he made me feel so welcome and comfortable that those feelings went away instantly. He's funny, entertaining, chill, a total bro. The week ended, and I was sad to go home.
The best week of my life to date, love you bro, and thanks.
You have no idea how fucking jealous I am!!! I fucking love catz.
I have to admit I used to be one of Destiny's "hookers" but now I'm forever CatZ <3 He is just so skilled and awesome, and he streams sooo much. He will always respond if you ask him a good question. When I first started watching him, I thought him singing along to all his music was really annoying but it finally grew on me, and now I find myself singing out all my tunes now haha.
On October 01 2011 14:38 Dalguno wrote: This is a blog about possibly the best and most epic week of my life.
He and I talked a lot (we slept in the same bed ^^), and I want to tell you my opinion of him. He's the coolest guy I've ever met. I don't mean to get cheesy [...]. He's so super chill, so easy to talk to, I was super nervous about everything but he made me feel so welcome and comfortable that those feelings went away instantly. He's funny, entertaining, chill, a total bro. The week ended, and I was sad to go home.
On October 01 2011 14:38 Dalguno wrote: This is a blog about possibly the best and most epic week of my life.
He and I talked a lot (we slept in the same bed ^^), and I want to tell you my opinion of him. He's the coolest guy I've ever met. I don't mean to get cheesy [...]. He's so super chill, so easy to talk to, I was super nervous about everything but he made me feel so welcome and comfortable that those feelings went away instantly. He's funny, entertaining, chill, a total bro. The week ended, and I was sad to go home.
The best [...] date, love you bro, and thanks.
ｈａｈａｈａ
After further reminiscing over these memories, I came to the conclusion that it was in fact the best week.
Hahaha ' I just talked to IdrA '. I actually think most of the progamers are really chill and cool guys... I've never really met an arrogant person as yeah, they are not full of themselves etc. IdrA is a really fun guy in real life as well. Always enjoy talking to him.
This is really not meant to offense anyone, but am i the only one thinking that this blog post sounds a little bit homosexual? Really no pun intended, interesting post ^^
On October 02 2011 04:02 TheDna wrote: This is really not meant to offense anyone, but am i the only one thinking that this blog post sounds a little bit homosexual? Really no pun intended, interesting post ^^
There is nothing stronger than the love between two bros.
This is a really cool story. I'm glad it got spotlighted, probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. The 700 mile roadtrip to CA reminds me of day9's trips to bw events back in the day.
Been watching CatZ stream for the past weeks as well, and I really like it. Must say I'm a bit envious! This growing sc2-scene is something i guess most of us are excited about watching grow, and you got to experience it first hand, congrats!
I know exactly what you meant when you talked about this nervousness while meeting an idol. About one year ago I passed an english exam at my university with 89/100 points without learning and I actually was the 11th best from 300-400 contestants, so I'm pretty confident in my english skills. But when Moonglade talked to me at the TL meeting at Gamescom Cologne I forgot everything I ever knew and stuttered my way through a painful conversation where I mentioned every topic that might not be his favorite e.g. his personal problems for what he left FXO.... him being 2 heads smaller than me (I think I even used the word midget....OMFG I'm awful.) and of course I also tried to convince him that I passed this test just to make him think that I can talk to him xD I luckily/sadly left the evening very early because I was sleeping in a hotel illegally and later they asked for a key to enter the building :/
Dude, you met the whole SC2 crews, Day9, JP, Idra, Catz (in close person too). I'm so jealous >_> well I've only met Day9, Idra (saw him IRL but never had the chance to ask him autograph or anything). :< Glad for you bro
Aww, this is exactly why I love CatZ. Thanks for sharing this with everyone Dalguno. Sounds like an amazing week, really happy for you Grats with getting spotlighted!
A TLers dream to spend the week with your fav programer, im very happy for you. I think that this story gives hopethat something crazy like this can happen to anyone. Was a great story and thank for for sharing it with us!!! : )
I'm starting up a dead pool for progamers. Needless to say my money is on Catz being brutally murdered by a psychotic fans. Joking aside it's pretty cool that players are getting the attention that was originally only reserved for the korean elite.
That's really cool, good for you Dalguno I'm going to DreamHack Winter this November, can't wait Was there last time (DH summer 2011) and there were LOADS of progamers, but was too shy to talk >.<
Man, I wanna go over there, but I don't wanna dick-ride, you know. Would that be dick-riding, you think? To go over there?... Alright, what if I just go over there and give him a pound, and be like, 'What up, CatZ?,' like not really on his sack or nothin'. Yeah.
<3 you 2 catz! Can't wait to see you at MLG! I still feel bad that I couldn't go over your house when you invited me over earlier on in the year. Maybe it is time to make our moment <3 <3
On October 02 2011 12:17 FragRaptor wrote: <3 you 2 catz! Can't wait to see you at MLG! I still feel bad that I couldn't go over your house when you invited me over earlier on in the year. Maybe it is time to make our moment <3 <3
no homo amirite XD you guys have fun at MLG Orlando, wish I could be there.
Great story man, sounds like an awesome week, im totally jealous. Thanks for sharing! I've been watching CatZ since he started streaming and loved his videos on a coaching site.
this whole thread sounds like one guy having a HUGE man crush on another and its kinda weird...oh wait he said no homo!?!? nevermind it isnt so bad now
but seriously...catz was the first stream i ever watched...watching his stream is really informative and has helped my gameplay a lot. i really enjoy watching him because he doesnt do 1 build every game. he is very creative and reactive which is how this game should be played imo.
but this is a pretty cute story dude (no homo) grats on being friends with the US best zerg
Epic dude. Really epic to be able to hang with your idle like that. Really happy for you that you got that experience. If that happened to me, my catz being idra, i would have felt very similar. GGS!
Dang you're so lucky man! Catz is such a cool progamer, I would do anything (yes anything) to be able to hang with him. I really like the "no homo" video at the end lol.
Haha Catz takes more Smoke breaks then I take "pleasure breaks".
On a more serious note I dont really know col.catz until I played Dota 2 with him and hes a pretty chill guy. First game I played against him and me and him both trash talked each other which made me happy. Dota / Dota2 trash talk is part of the game not this sissy "OMG U DIDNT SAY GG thats BAD MANNERS" (no offense Starcraft community). So it was refreshing to see Catz embracing the community. We then teamed up for 4-5 games and he was both knowledgeable and fun to play with.
Catz was the first person I ever watched when I came onto TL and, assuming he's online, I watch him at least once a day. It's hard to comprehend how jealous I am right now, although I don't think I'd be able to be relaxed at all if I was with Catz alone - never mind Day9, JP & Idra.
Dude that is a totaly awesome story. You got to be one lucky dude to get that oportunity all thanks to CatZ eh... What a baller nerd man much respect for that guy.
Dude that's something to cherish! Be proud and use this as a reason to push yourself to be a better player and you'll see yourself grow by leaps and bounds!
I've mentioned this already in my ridiculously short posting history, but the one competition I attended was MLG D.C. Met CatZ there (I may enjoy a cigarette from time to time myself). My take on the guy was exactly as this blog describes him; it's great to hear about him being so nice to others too.
Yeah, he had no problems with another smoking stranger waltzing up, saying 'hi', and getting kind of fanboy-ish. In fact, he was enjoying a chance to talk about the tournament.
'You should have seen my game this morning, I did a 6-pool on so-and-so' "Really? Did you win?" 'No, but it was awesome. When the replays are out you should check that out'
And I did, I found the game. I can't remember who it was against now... (sorry, bro). It was definitely any given nerd's dream to have a fun chat like that with a pro though!
I wish CatZ a lot of luck and I continue to haunt his stream when I can so he gets some more ad revenue
We take care of initial business, settle in. Then we need to head to Blizz Campus. He calls David Kim, because they're buddies, trying to figure out where it is. Eventually we get there, and David Kim walks out to meet us. I'm meeting David Kim now, I must be dreaming. He takes us on a tour through SC2 campus, where we see tons of cool junk, and eventually introduces us to Dustin Browder. Nerd's dream come true, and I've only been in Cali for a few hours.
We meet the lady in charge of the whole LA scene, and she's with Juan (Major). Cool, I don't really like him. She asks Paulo who I am, he tells her, and she basically says I'm not supposed to be here. Oh balls, I'm thinking, I'm going to have to go home. Ends up not being a big deal.
Next day, games begin. Few games pass, time for lunch, provided in the cafeteria/stream watching room. Catz and I grab our food and sit down. We're eating for a bit, and what do you know, Day9 and JP sit down at the same table. I'm starting to get used to this stuff, believe it or not. I don't have the balls to talk to either, so I just listen to Catz talk to them. Day is as cool and the exact same as you'd think. JP is chill as well.
I think I met you at Blizzard when we were smoking cigs after CatZ's match with a protoss, which he won 2-1. I was curious about who you were with the coL shirt and all, this story makes it all worthwhile. CatZ is such a baller.
We take care of initial business, settle in. Then we need to head to Blizz Campus. He calls David Kim, because they're buddies, trying to figure out where it is. Eventually we get there, and David Kim walks out to meet us. I'm meeting David Kim now, I must be dreaming. He takes us on a tour through SC2 campus, where we see tons of cool junk, and eventually introduces us to Dustin Browder. Nerd's dream come true, and I've only been in Cali for a few hours.
We meet the lady in charge of the whole LA scene, and she's with Juan (Major). Cool, I don't really like him. She asks Paulo who I am, he tells her, and she basically says I'm not supposed to be here. Oh balls, I'm thinking, I'm going to have to go home. Ends up not being a big deal.
Next day, games begin. Few games pass, time for lunch, provided in the cafeteria/stream watching room. Catz and I grab our food and sit down. We're eating for a bit, and what do you know, Day9 and JP sit down at the same table. I'm starting to get used to this stuff, believe it or not. I don't have the balls to talk to either, so I just listen to Catz talk to them. Day is as cool and the exact same as you'd think. JP is chill as well.
I think I met you at Blizzard when we were smoking cigs after CatZ's match with a protoss, which he won 2-1. I was curious about who you were with the coL shirt and all, this story makes it all worthwhile. CatZ is such a baller.
Ah sick! Did you ask him for a smoke? I think I remember if that was you :D
Oh my freaking god man that is so awesome. Being involved with the community is such a great feeling! I used to love being mods on iccup and glhf streams. It was so neat! Im jealous you got to do everything you did. Hope it turns into something really cool one day! You never know.
I met Catz and Destiny at a local tournament in Miami, FL a few months back and they were definitely very cool and fun guys to chat with. I would hang out with them again, even though I'm an old fart compared to them (and basically everyone else at the tournament).
As a preface, we can all say as people who like Starcraft that it's an enjoyable sport. And I think it's nice that you finally had your urges satisfied. However, I don't know, when I first read this blog post I thought to myself "Wow, this guy is such the creepy/stalker type who admonishes and puts these players on such a pedestal." I find the way that you somehow befriended your way into things a bit alarming also--for example, waiting for hours on the chat and being Catz's sycophant to gain admin status seemed a bit alarming; I don't know, it's comparable to people who want to smell the used panties' of certain celebrities. I'm sure most won't agree with it, because the side of passion always seems appealing over reason or logic. Perhaps try to lessen some of that needy part inside of you, as I don't know where that could go but down.
On October 13 2011 00:49 ffdestiny wrote: As a preface, we can all say as people who like Starcraft that it's an enjoyable sport. And I think it's nice that you finally had your urges satisfied. However, I don't know, when I first read this blog post I thought to myself "Wow, this guy is such the creepy/stalker type who admonishes and puts these players on such a pedestal." I find the way that you somehow befriended your way into things a bit alarming also--for example, waiting for hours on the chat and being Catz's sycophant to gain admin status seemed a bit alarming; I don't know, it's comparable to people who want to smell the used panties' of certain celebrities. I'm sure most won't agree with it, because the side of passion always seems appealing over reason or logic. Perhaps try to lessen some of that needy part inside of you, as I don't know where that could go but down.
Calling me his sycophant is not true at all. I didn't suck up to him. I didn't insinuate my way into becoming his mod, or connive my way into being his friend, at all. I never thought I would become mod, or ever talk to him. I just enjoyed his stream, more than any others by far. I was just one of the 2,500 other guys watching him. I wasn't "needy" at all. You make me seem like a stalker. It's no different than if I had been watching Kobe Bryant and venerating his play, how great of a player he is, etc.
On October 13 2011 13:30 Dalguno wrote: He's living in Gainesville right now, wherever that is.
Right on .. yeah that's in Central Florida on the coast.
I spent a lot of time in Orlando DJ'ing. in the clubs. I have this strange feeling that I know Catz irl, or he was in my circles of people down there lol.
EPT
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