I know I haven't been very active in the community ever since I left Korea; ever since BW days really. But this past event gave me back the tiny spark that I thought I had lost.
What I love (and have always loved) about large events such as IPL are the people. I've always contributed what I could for the community; the interviews, the translations, the "casting", the t-shirt sales, the TL meetups - because I love the people involved. More so than the game itself, I do what I do for those who play, watch, cheer and support eSports. Despite the haters, the anti-fans, the namecalling and negative comments, I do it for those who DO appreciate what I can bring to the table.
Having said that, I just want to share with you my pictures from IPL4, and thank IGN for giving me this amazing opportunity and for keeping me in the loop, so to say. IPL4 was a great time for me to catch up with old friends I've known since BW days (casters and management from GOM, reporters/press from Korea, nerdlings such as Idra, Machine, Dimaga, White-Ra, etc... and TL members R1CH, Hotbid, Heyoka, Smix... ) and to make new acquaintances (up and coming players, IGN staff members, etc...)
I can officially say I'm excited for IPL5... Maybe I'm warming up to SC2 afterall... >.<
Warning: Picture heavy!!
+ Show Spoiler +
BW Love with White-Ra and Idra <3
Tall people are tall. I believe they are both 6'7 or 8... and me at a measly 5'3. Wait, in this picture I'm on my toes so I think I might be closer to 5'6....
Me and Smix before heading out on our first day on the job!
Moar BW love with Dimaga So nice to see people I've continuously met with since 2007...
MKP was a joy to hang around with. Broke my heart when he lost
Another picture with an old, old friend! I didn't get to spend nearly enough time hanging out with him as I wanted but we'll meet again, Kevin! If only we can go back to the summer of 2009
Sexy blue shirts RAWR. With Jinro, Zephr, Nazgul and R1CH.
Wolf and HD did great jobs casting on Stream 2, even when things were not going as smoothly as expected, they stepped it up and kept on rolling with the punches
With megumixbear! This girl is amazing; I need her love and passion for SC2 to rub off on me.
The amazing Ms. Scarlett wowing the boys in the open bracket area.
Bryce and me
Bromance <3 Stephano and Bling
Me and Smix, downstairs in the hotel lobby after a long day of work
On day 3, I was allowed to join LiveU (BEAST CREW!!) with the beautiful Lani. No one ever asks us to dress this way, but I was in Vegas and wanted to feel pretty... so I did.
Beast crew chillin' out for about 40 mins before heading back to the event.
So Ryung has this hat with wings on it, and everyone kept on stealing it from him because it's so cute. Stephano apparently took it from him and he was raging At the after party, people kept on wearing it and not giving it back to him. Heh.
Me and Dragon!!
Ladiesssss
Thanks to our official IPL4 photographer! Go check out more pictures at his flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aperturelife/with/7071725925/
Fighting!!