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On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer.  Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. Your situation is very different. You have not seen the same success as other foreign players. The current climate of the Starcraft II is different than a couple years go too. Even if next year you could compete with the best KESPA players, the prize pools are greatly reduced. And I would say the competition is even more fierce now with KESPA joining than when Stephano played during WoL, early HotS. Instead of progamer, you could possibly attend university. The income you would get from that degree's job is probably well above what you are making now. Even retiring from Starcraft II and finding a job right now would probably bring in more money for you, I suspect. Instead, if you continue with progaming, and not only are you losing out on the benefits of going to university or income of a stable job, but your mental/physical health is deteriorating. The Korean Starcraft II seems to be struggling as it is. Recently, quite a few Korean players became free agents. Not only are some of them superior players, but they speak the native language. And KESPA players do not really recruit foreigners. All the Non-KESPA teams seem to be disbanding, struggling in Korea, except Axiom. Now I know I am talking about money, money, money. But I think it is really important you get a stable income situation to cover your BASICS. It is not as if progaming is a rich lifestyle for the majority. It is very demanding for little pay. Would you agree? Anyway, I hope you take time to read this and see if any of these points agree with you.
I have to agree with this guy. Get an education. No one can take that away from you once you have it. Games come and go and its extremely difficult to make a long term career out of it (yes there are some rare exceptions).
Most people who play starcraft are intelligent people and such people are capable of studying and ending up with a great career, but also prone to obsession with games and such.
My advice, go cold turkey for awhile. Sell your computer. Start school. Get good at a sport. Hang out with people your age who are not in your current social 'circle'. Travel the country if you are able. Get out and experience life. Games will always be there but your youth will not.
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Interesting read. Best of luck, sD.SortOf 
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Hey SortOf -- your heartfelt blog post has I think struck many. When I watched you play in the past I was really impressed with your talent and I think you have a good shot if you get things sorted out again. Your dream to play and live in Korea is admirable, but also difficult. There are very few opportunities for those who aren't the best of the best in a scene that is in a state of difficult transition right now -- one that tosses even legends like Mvp, Nestea, and MKP to the sidelines. There are a lot more opportunities in the European scene, especially for a Swede, a country with an enviable locally focused gaming scene. If your dream is to live in Korea, your best bet may be to live and practise there -- in a team house or even on your own -- and return to Europe to compete in tournaments. It's not easy to do this, and you need the support of a team, but other foreign players have been able to make this work for them. Although it's telling how few there are.
Whatever you do in the sc2 scene, you can't make it on your own. There is a lively and friendly sc2 scene in Europe. Whenever I watch GSL and Proleague, it strikes me how many foreigners are out there in the audience watching too. Whereever you go, there is a sc2 community there, even if you don't speak Korean. Don't be afraid to reach out for their support. You don't have to walk alone.
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i always thought u were a huge donk, but nonetheless still loved u. ^___^ good luck Rickard i hope u find it all and start fuckin shit up <3
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On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer. Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. Your situation is very different. You have not seen the same success as other foreign players. The current climate of the Starcraft II is different than a couple years go too. Even if next year you could compete with the best KESPA players, the prize pools are greatly reduced. And I would say the competition is even more fierce now with KESPA joining than when Stephano played during WoL, early HotS. Instead of progamer, you could possibly attend university. The income you would get from that degree's job is probably well above what you are making now. Even retiring from Starcraft II and finding a job right now would probably bring in more money for you, I suspect. Instead, if you continue with progaming, and not only are you losing out on the benefits of going to university or income of a stable job, but your mental/physical health is deteriorating. The Korean Starcraft II seems to be struggling as it is. Recently, quite a few Korean players became free agents. Not only are some of them superior players, but they speak the native language. And KESPA players do not really recruit foreigners. All the Non-KESPA teams seem to be disbanding, struggling in Korea, except Axiom. Now I know I am talking about money, money, money. But I think it is really important you get a stable income situation to cover your BASICS. It is not as if progaming is a rich lifestyle for the majority. It is very demanding for little pay. Would you agree? Anyway, I hope you take time to read this and see if any of these points agree with you.
That's wonderful advice. In fact, there's probably no better one that could be given. Listen to this guy. Analysis is also correct with regard to sc2's timestamp.
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good read. best of luck to you buddy. Do what makes you happy.
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Hey Rick,
I'm not a good writer as well but I hope you'll read this because i do care really much about your thoughts.
First I want you and all the others to know why I care. (Long Offtopic, but i dont want to just leave it out)
+ Show Spoiler +It all started 2010, when i came into sc2 (My first pc game and overall FPS). I played football, was outside very much and then like you did more and more games with bots. I was 15 and suddenly all changed when I realized there is something like competitive gaming. Skipped football trainings, instead did hours of training custom games against lokal friends. Well, back in the time i also had some idols. There werent that many streamers and I diddnt like the mainstream ones because ofc I wanted to learn a lot and needed the interaction with the streamers. So I found Spanishiwa (One of the most balanced-tempered and calm player; http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/Spanishiwa; retired T_T) and Fenner (Very kind and pleasant; http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/Fenner; active streamer). Those 2 helped me alot to get to the level I am now but not close as much as you did! I really enjoyed to watch hours of your ladder sessions chatting around with Awigge, Brandy, Runa, Aiden, Yeppe, and so on.. You also were the first one of all pros who accepted me that well. You gave me mod in your channel and deeper insight of how you play so well. Thats why i know your mechanics are unbeliveable and you know the meta so deep i think i can never reach that level no matter how long i spend. Then all of the sudden other gamers accepted me as well like Starnan<3, Miniraser, SSanaEE, Tileä, and way more.. Not like you, I never knew what I wanted to become. I struggeled through school and wasted A LOT of time. I always had problems with ladder anxiety, getting blocked in my mind, not able to motivate myself to play. It was far gone that my friends, sports, school or my ex-girlfrind were able to complete/fill me so I felt balanced and consistent. There is nothing that forces me to my limits so hard like competitive sc gaming. I did not give up all other things, don't get me wrong, i still spend time with friends, go out and so non-e-sports but just as a compensation for SC, not vice versa! You are the one who showed me how to motivate myself on a long term basic with videos like this Schwarzenegger one or those sc motivationals.. I hate losing, its the only reason I tought so often i can't do it and i woun't succeed.
Regarding your current position:
If you really want to be the one and only best player there is like in every aspect in life no other way then focus on it 100%. Getting all other things in the background as you say, health, school, maybe friends and family.
Selfish seen I would like it so so much to see you stream again daily and beeing on the winning path again, but as a now longtime fan I would say its better if you take a step back out of it. Become healthy, play few sc games to keep your current shape and try to get in a normal rythm again. While that try to keep it completely open if you want to continue to play starcraft or not. When you are there you can still decide. If you think you can get in your old routines again, then try it slowly and with patience.
Enough with that. I know you still know best what to do and you never liked advise when I tried to give you some.. It always was this way ^-^_v but man, I still am a great fan of yours, so grab your size matters cup and watch the movie "Into the Wild".
(Serioulsy do it)
Well, thats me rambling a lot there, but i hope you can at least understand how i feel about this.
I wish you the very best as always and i will contact you soon again. Hopefully you read this, an answer would make me really warm and fuzzy inside you know what i mean.. 
<3
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Just writing a better post...
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On August 02 2014 05:33 ElMeanYo wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer. Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. Your situation is very different. You have not seen the same success as other foreign players. The current climate of the Starcraft II is different than a couple years go too. Even if next year you could compete with the best KESPA players, the prize pools are greatly reduced. And I would say the competition is even more fierce now with KESPA joining than when Stephano played during WoL, early HotS. Instead of progamer, you could possibly attend university. The income you would get from that degree's job is probably well above what you are making now. Even retiring from Starcraft II and finding a job right now would probably bring in more money for you, I suspect. Instead, if you continue with progaming, and not only are you losing out on the benefits of going to university or income of a stable job, but your mental/physical health is deteriorating. The Korean Starcraft II seems to be struggling as it is. Recently, quite a few Korean players became free agents. Not only are some of them superior players, but they speak the native language. And KESPA players do not really recruit foreigners. All the Non-KESPA teams seem to be disbanding, struggling in Korea, except Axiom. Now I know I am talking about money, money, money. But I think it is really important you get a stable income situation to cover your BASICS. It is not as if progaming is a rich lifestyle for the majority. It is very demanding for little pay. Would you agree? Anyway, I hope you take time to read this and see if any of these points agree with you. I have to agree with this guy. Get an education. No one can take that away from you once you have it. Games come and go and its extremely difficult to make a long term career out of it (yes there are some rare exceptions). Most people who play starcraft are intelligent people and such people are capable of studying and ending up with a great career, but also prone to obsession with games and such. My advice, go cold turkey for awhile. Sell your computer. Start school. Get good at a sport. Hang out with people your age who are not in your current social 'circle'. Travel the country if you are able. Get out and experience life. Games will always be there but your youth will not.
I have nothing to add to this advice. I was never playing professional, right at the start of SC2, after the Beta, I played high-diamond, when back then that was the highest ladder and I played for a team which later became very good in Germany, with ex-WC3-Pro Series players and so on. Then I broke my hand for a girl, punching against a wall at New Years Eve. After that I stopped playing like that, started going more out, hang out with my friends and girlfriend etc.
Now I'm close to the end of my voluntary year in Peru, going back to Germany with University already accepted me. But still watching SC2, playing then and there. I'm 21, too, and there is still plenty of time doing all kind of stuff. Make a Couchsurfing.com Account and travel through Sweden, some days ago I just met the best Swedish guy I've ever met, and he was so cool AND 61 years old. So - there is plenty of time!!
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Awesome man, GL in your future, I hope you make it back to Korea and get in a team house bro! Also what was your ID's back in BW days? Pretty impressive you hit A- .... GL !! Keep doin what you love!!
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You can do it SortOf! Wish you the best of luck.
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Never give up, good luck!
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United States2095 Posts
GL Sort of. I hope you get it all working out well. If you ever need people to talk to about anything I'm always up to chat. Again GL!
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On August 02 2014 09:05 darkness wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer. Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. Your situation is very different. You have not seen the same success as other foreign players. The current climate of the Starcraft II is different than a couple years go too. Even if next year you could compete with the best KESPA players, the prize pools are greatly reduced. And I would say the competition is even more fierce now with KESPA joining than when Stephano played during WoL, early HotS. Instead of progamer, you could possibly attend university. The income you would get from that degree's job is probably well above what you are making now. Even retiring from Starcraft II and finding a job right now would probably bring in more money for you, I suspect. Instead, if you continue with progaming, and not only are you losing out on the benefits of going to university or income of a stable job, but your mental/physical health is deteriorating. The Korean Starcraft II seems to be struggling as it is. Recently, quite a few Korean players became free agents. Not only are some of them superior players, but they speak the native language. And KESPA players do not really recruit foreigners. All the Non-KESPA teams seem to be disbanding, struggling in Korea, except Axiom. Now I know I am talking about money, money, money. But I think it is really important you get a stable income situation to cover your BASICS. It is not as if progaming is a rich lifestyle for the majority. It is very demanding for little pay. Would you agree? Anyway, I hope you take time to read this and see if any of these points agree with you. That's wonderful advice. In fact, there's probably no better one that could be given. Listen to this guy. Analysis is also correct with regard to sc2's timestamp.
Quitting progaming is always a wonderful advice if you base your happiness only on having a stable job and money. But some people prioritize other things first.
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On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer. Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. Your situation is very different. You have not seen the same success as other foreign players. The current climate of the Starcraft II is different than a couple years go too. Even if next year you could compete with the best KESPA players, the prize pools are greatly reduced. And I would say the competition is even more fierce now with KESPA joining than when Stephano played during WoL, early HotS. Instead of progamer, you could possibly attend university. The income you would get from that degree's job is probably well above what you are making now. Even retiring from Starcraft II and finding a job right now would probably bring in more money for you, I suspect. Instead, if you continue with progaming, and not only are you losing out on the benefits of going to university or income of a stable job, but your mental/physical health is deteriorating. The Korean Starcraft II seems to be struggling as it is. Recently, quite a few Korean players became free agents. Not only are some of them superior players, but they speak the native language. And KESPA players do not really recruit foreigners. All the Non-KESPA teams seem to be disbanding, struggling in Korea, except Axiom. Now I know I am talking about money, money, money. But I think it is really important you get a stable income situation to cover your BASICS. It is not as if progaming is a rich lifestyle for the majority. It is very demanding for little pay. Would you agree? Anyway, I hope you take time to read this and see if any of these points agree with you.
This is solid advice and should be considered. SortOf's blog entry is oozing with passion and drive for the game he loves. Therefore, I would say perhaps go to Korea one last time. This time go all out 100%, give everything you have. Not even 1% wasted. Give yourself a time limit and if you do not achieve goal by a set period of time then quit immediately.
Getting to A- on iCCup and just the fact you are a professional starcraft player means you are smart and are capable of success in life as long as you have passion. I would say give yourself 1 more try with a set goal and give everything you have. If you do not reach that goal by a certain time limit then listen to Prolet and get an education asap. Do not waste any more time.
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United States33699 Posts
really admire your dedication to getting better at SC2
I hope things work out for you, and may your FOURTH Korean trip be the charm
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On August 02 2014 03:31 Prolet wrote:Hi SortOf, I read your post and it moved me to give you advice on what I would do, if I were you. According to Liquipedia, I see you are 21 years old. In my opinion, that's getting kind of old to be a progamer. Sometimes the progaming life really works out, and sometimes it really does not. Stephano, for example, made incredible money and retired at the best time. He made vastly more money than he could have otherwise, at that point in his life. Not just because he was a great player, but because there were far more tournaments with BIGGER prize pools at that time too. And the competitive environment was different. The GAME was different. This example is ideal. Only a few players have achieved this or even half of it. [bla bla bla..] .
Lol wtf? 21 isn't too old to be a programer at all (for someone who has already reached that level). 90% of the current progamers are probably over 21, so it sounds like you don't have a clue tbh.
@ the OP, there is nothing wrong with taking a couple more years off and maybe going to university when you're 23/24 or so.
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admirable wish, hope what you've wished for becomes true and you do get a shot at going to korea with a well-established team house.
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GL SortOf
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EPT
