EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/5eBLn.jpg)
As a foreigner in Spain, I was shocked when I heard that Dreamhack was coming to Spain. Even more shocking was that they chose Valencia as opposed to Barcelona. Nevertheless, I succumbed to the nerd chills that accompanied the thought of being able to attend. I had never attended any sort of video game event previous to this event. But alas, it was time to do my share in support of eSports.
I had an incredibly easy time getting to the venue. The guys I sat with had drove 10 hours from Portugal (Shoutout to
sYz, Joao, among others). The other guy I met (hey, Chris!) had traveled a few hours from Barcelona. Meanwhile, I only had to get on the metro for 15 minutes before arriving at the incredibly awesome Veles e Vents building. As I approached the building I could hear live music being played in the distance. It was a pretty cool sensation when I fully realized a videogame tournament could be held in this party location and blend right in.
The view across the port and out towards the beaches was very cool.
Once inside the building I saw some of the bananas that appeared in many promo pics. Let me just say that an unlimited amount of free bananas is awesome.
I arrived pretty early and got a spot at the front of the line, and consequently a seat in the first few rows. And so I was inside the invitational area. I was surprised at how relaxed the atmosphere was. The booths and casting table were not more than a few feet from the crowd. As such, I was able to get some up close and personal pics!
The atmosphere really picked up once the players were introduced. Naturally Lucifron received the warmest welcome as the hometown favorite (check out the video: http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=spiu8p&s=7 ). The first matches between Thorzain and HuK were really exceptional, especially the final 2. You could feel the tension in the air during game 2 when Thorzain had HuK contained and HuK went for a counter with his stalkers. That level of intensity wasn't seen again until the finals.
But WOW was the wait worth it. Thorzain and DRG battled it out, taking games in a back and forth fashion. Antigua Shipyard isn't a very memorable map, but game 4 was incredible. Thorzain just refused to back down. I remember he was down roughly 40 supply for a few minutes while DRG just kept hurling units at him. Then finally Thorzain turned it around and took the supply lead. My friend and I looked at each other simultaneously, knowing, and preparing for a game 5. DRG ended up taking game 5 pretty convincingly, but the final games gave me nerd chills that would have made Artosis proud.
I was definitely rooting for Thorzain, but I certainly wasn't disappointed to see DRG come out victorious. I now know why he and Thorzain are such fan favorites. They were easily the two players most willing to do their share of fan service. DRG just looked so happy to be at the event and Thorzain sat and talked with me for a few minutes before the finals and never once seemed antsy to leave.
Also shout out to TotalBiscuit for just being an overall baller and making himself available to the fans.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mB0CR.jpg)
