Fantasy vs Jangbi Jinair Strarleague Finals Game 5. This is perhaps the most intense, emotion-filled Brood War game of all time. YellOw’s curse, the Legend of the Fall, a Terran’s bid to be the true successor to BoxeR and iloveoov, and the 3-year Protoss championship drought, all converged in this game to create a game for the ages. Even watching it now, I still cannot believe it happened. However, to understand exactly how this game was born, we must look back at the history of each player and the OSL.
The day was November 1, 2008, and the stage was the Incruit OSL Finals. On that day, Fantasy had a chance to follow the path of Boxer and walk the Royal Road, the Road only the elite players were able to walk. Even with a hidden base in that fifth game, however, he could not walk that road. That day belonged to Stork, who fulfilled the Legend of the Fall and broke Yellow’s curse on himself and put it on Fantasy at the same time. That curse on Fantasy only compounded when he lost to Jaedong in the Batoo OSL Finals after being up 2-0. It looked as if Fantasy, the Terran that was supposed to be the next in line in the great SKT Terran line of Boxer and iloveoov, was tainted by the curse of Yellow that this house created.
Which line would he belong to?
Fast forward to January 29, 2011 and the Bacchus OSL Finals. Moments before, he had demolished Stork, the one who stopped him 2 years ago, on the same stage in Gwangju that Flash did back in March 2008. Finally, after 2 years of struggle being tied to Yellow instead of Boxer, he held that championship trophy up high, and gave it a big kiss. He had broken Yellow’s curse on him at last. The OSL Badge and Trophy are testaments to that fact.
The day he dispelled Yellow's Curse from himself.
Fantasy, however, was not yet done. Now that he had broken Yellow’s curse, he next had to walk the path of Boxer. For this, he had to achieve a feat that Boxer did a decade ago: Win two OSLs in a row. Even before the OSL began, he was determined. Even embracing the nickname of “Crown Prince,” he entered this OSL with renewed passion and zeal. And it showed.
The face of passion and zeal.
He absolutely dominated his group, including a win over his teammate n.Die_soO. He team killed Hyuk…again. Then he reigned supreme over Hydra, clanmate and friend. Each step of the way he showed just how far he had come in his journey as Boxer and Iloveoov’s successor. His play exuded iloveoov’s confidence: confidence in his play and his skill. His games against Hyuk demonstrated his hallmark plays and style. But most of all, in his games against Hydra, he overcame his weaknesses and embraced the Boxer of old. He went through trial by fire to be refined as the Crown Prince.
Killing teammates: a useful talent toi have.
Only one now stood in his way: The Legend of the Fall. It’s the same Legend that humbled Boxer time and time again. Thanks to the Legend, the Golden Mouse forever eluded Boxer’s grasp. For Fantasy to step up and truly shine as the Emperor’s heir, he would have to do what the Emperor couldn’t do: put this Legend to rest once and for all. He banished the curse of Yellow from him on that stage in Gwangju. 8 months later, it would be time for him to banish the Legend of GARIMTO, Reach, and Anytime forever and kiss that trophy again.
He was done. He was out for good. After trying so hard to win 2 MSL Finals in a row and losing, he no longer had the will to carry on. For the next year and a half, Jangbi fell into what is perhaps the deepest slump a progamer could fall into. 35% win rate against Terran, his trademark matchup, in 2010, falling again and again from OSL and MSL, and no longer the force in Proleague he once was in 2008 and 2009. There was no reason to expect him to be any different in 2011.
Jangbi had no such smiles in 2010.
Yet 2011 was different. After Winner’s League, in the booth there was the Jangbi who looked like he came out on the other side of a long, dark tunnel. This Jangbi had a force not seen on his face since 2008. This Jangbi… was winning. Not just winning, but dominating his opponents in style. Jangbi, too, was forged and molded by the 18-month long slump to come out a better player than ever before. As if by fate, the OSL was starting up at just the right time. This OSL was going to be different from before. In June, he went into the preliminaries with confidence, not apprehension.
Confident indeed.
BUT, there was a twist. In the prelim finals, he lost to SoO… badly. Normally, this would mean that Jangbi was done for, but thanks to Hogil’s retirement months before, Jangbi had a 2nd chance. He had to go through the wildcard gauntlet and grab that empty spot Hogil left behind. Jangbi of old would’ve just folded up right here and called it a day. However, that was not the Jangbi on that day in June. Blowing through the wildcard tournament, Jangbi clawed his way into the Dual Tournament.
Hogil's spot Jangbi took.
Dual Tournament was a breeze for the new Jangbi, but for the rest of the Protoss race, it was hell. Bisu couldn’t even participate in it due to losing in the prelims. The rest of Protoss in the Dual Tournament, namely Shuttle, free, Kal, Paralyze, and Tempest, fell out with a whimper. Even in the OSL, Stork, the other Protoss in the OSL, fell out with 3 losses, and even the new Jangbi found himself in a 0-2 hole. No Protoss winner this OSL, either, everyone thought.
In June, this picture looked so silly.
In this darkest of nights, Jangbi shone a light of hope. After forcing a tiebreaker, he beat both Calm and Baby to win the tiebreaker and advance to the next round. Up against Flash, Jangbi shone brighter and triumphed over God. Up against SoO, the player who beat him in the prelim finals, Jangbi exacted sweet, sweet revenge. Each step of the way, Jangbi reflected the image of Reach, the Hero who fulfilled the Legend nearly a decade ago. Reach, too, was one of only two Protosses in 2002 SKY OSL. His teammate, Garimto, like Stork, had also been eliminated from the group stages 0-3. Reach also had to go through tiebreakers to advance. He beat Yellow in the semifinals. Finally, he beat Boxer in the Finals in a shocking upset. His OSL win is what everyone thinks of when referring to the Legend of the Fall.
Jangbi's reflection in the mirror.
Jangbi was there 9 years ago. He watched his Hero accept the OSL trophy and cry on stage with his headphones on. His turn would come. He had the chance to do what his Hero did. He had the chance to banish Yellow’s curse from him, fulfill the Legend of the Fall, and prove that Protoss can still win in this day and age. Only Fantasy, the descendant of Boxer, stood in his way. Just like his Hero destroyed Boxer, he could destroy Fantasy along with is hopes and dreams. He had the chance to hold that trophy high, the badge on his chest, and kiss it.
Would there be a badge on that chest?
Starleague
The OSL was in trouble. The match-fixing scandal, the Kespa-Blizzard fight, and an onslaught of new games contributed to the decline of Brood War in Korea. MBCGame and the MSL were already on their way to nonexistence. Even the most prestigious tournament in the world, the OSL, could not escape the harsh realities of the scene of the day. MyStarleague was just one of many ways that Ongamenet tried to bring fresh blood into the scene and renew it, but nothing worked.
Nope, didn't work.
Sponsors were not lining up out the door, either. Fearing the volatility and the instability of the Brood War scene, many pulled out, and teams folded. They fear them to this day. It was apparent, it seemed, that BW will fade away into distant memories, carried only by those who played and watched it while it lasted.
One of those who pulled out.
In this time filled with despair, a businesswoman named Cho Hyun Min sought to sponsor an OSL once more. Having sponsored Korean Air OSL Seasons 1 and 2, Cho became one of the pillars of support for Korean Esports. Calling it the Jinair Starleague, the catchphrase of Jinair was “the start of a new challenge.” It was apt at that time and place. The OSL, having a rich history that no other tournament could match, had to revise, retool, and step up to the new challenge, environment, and circumstance that it faced. Through this OSL, Ongamenet and the players had to prove that despite all the hits that Brood War took from without and within, it still had the magic that originally made it so big in the first place.
The face of a pillar of E-sports.
Luckily, they got that chance. This OSL Finals, where all the storylines in Brood War history collided, could be the start of a new beginning for Brood War and for Ongamenet. The fans were excited like never before. The stage was aptly set in the War Memorial of Korea. On that day, all eyes would be focused on that stage where Fantasy and Jangbi would do battle. On that day, everyone would celebrate the legendary game that is Brood War. On that day, fate of the OSL would be decided.
The finals for the ages.
Park Wan Gyu kicked it off by performing his magic on the stage that he begged OGN for. Then the two players entered amidst the roaring cheer of the crowd. Stepping onto the stage, they only heard the crowd get louder. Even when stepping into the soundproof booths and putting the headphones on, they could feel the energy outside. They both knew there could only be one winner. For 4 games, the crowd cheered, the casters screamed their butts off, and Fantasy and Jangbi traded blows. Then, only one game remained in the way of one of them becoming champion, legend, and immortal. In this game we would know whether the Legend would be fulfilled or put to rest. Either Fantasy would be Boxer’s true heir, or Jangbi would break the bonds of Yellow on himself and lead Protoss to victory.
If this is the last time, then might as well party like it is!
Now, that game has been subtitled. Look upon it now, and be in awe and shock once more as we relive that day, that game, that moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMrNZUSAqX8
This took longer than I expected, but finally it's done. This is my first time subbing anything, so pardon me if I made a mistake anywhere.
Special thanks to: Kiett for inspiring me to take on this project and finish it. TLNYers for watching the finals with me live. Watching this with you guys made it even more special. Teamliquid for being such an awesome place worth posting 2000 times in. You guys are awesome.
Amazing write-up for an amazing moment in BW history. The subs for the final game make watching it again have an even greater impact. LEGEND OF THE FALL
Topic needs adjustment mentioning subbed video or mentioning it at start of post ("There is surprise at end" something like that). Needs to be highlighted at least.
From his fomos interview during his slump: Jangbi, “I will find my ‘Huh-nuh-nim’ image again so please wait for me” The game that foretold his comeback: + Show Spoiler +
Thank god that he didnt retire while he was in slump.
On March 23 2012 03:59 corumjhaelen wrote: Excellent post, but most overrated serie of all time -_- I'll have to check the subtitled vod though^^
Overrated or not, the fact is he came back from astronomical odds both in game 5 and throughout the whole tournament(advacing only because he was given chance through WILDCARD). I agree that series skill wise werent the best but the story surrounding it, made the show exceptional.
Wow really cool write up, this OSL final was so good and really resparked so much interest in BW it's hard to believe it took six months for them to find a sponsor for the next one~ OSL forever
Holy epic read. Thanks a lot. This has been the only osl final i have ever watched (im a newbie ), but it was more than enough to make me fall in love with bw deeply. Bw forever!
Feels like the wins over fantasy in finals bring the protoss tears of joy, still remembering the epic stork vs. fantasy game with unscouted hidden base. EPIC.
Great write up. I remember seeing the ending video back when it was live, but with the translations and being able to understand everything it becomes more alive and meaningful. The game also shows how much I wish I could understand the koreans lol.
Still painful to see fantasy lose the way he did, floating 1.5k/1k. He really was flustered.
I absolutely just praise the amount of enthusiasm that the Korean commentator was able to radiate. Coupled with the ability of delivering top level analysis is one of the primary reason why I take in pride of this recreation.
ive been following BW for 4 years and i just didn't get that excited about the finals. it starts first and foremost with the games. i didn't think the quality of games were finals-worthy. i know a lot of people talk about how epic game 5 was but i thought it was brutal play by fantasy instead of great play from both players. also that map was just terrible.
it's weird because i love jangbi and protoss is by far my favorite race. the games just didn't excite me. i'd much rather watch jaedong v flash for the umpteenth time because the quality of play is virtually guaranteed
On March 23 2012 10:05 KamMoye wrote: ive been following BW for 4 years and i just didn't get that excited about the finals. it starts first and foremost with the games. i didn't think the quality of games were finals-worthy. i know a lot of people talk about how epic game 5 was but i thought it was brutal play by fantasy instead of great play from both players. also that map was just terrible.
it's weird because i love jangbi and protoss is by far my favorite race. the games just didn't excite me. i'd much rather watch jaedong v flash for the umpteenth time because the quality of play is virtually guaranteed
Every Flash vs Jaedong encounter have been sub par to the actual hype. The only good game they have played against each other is the Power Outage one and the one on Rush Hour. Every other games are brutally one-sided.
On March 23 2012 10:05 KamMoye wrote: ive been following BW for 4 years and i just didn't get that excited about the finals. it starts first and foremost with the games. i didn't think the quality of games were finals-worthy. i know a lot of people talk about how epic game 5 was but i thought it was brutal play by fantasy instead of great play from both players. also that map was just terrible.
it's weird because i love jangbi and protoss is by far my favorite race. the games just didn't excite me. i'd much rather watch jaedong v flash for the umpteenth time because the quality of play is virtually guaranteed
Every Flash vs Jaedong encounter have been sub par to the actual hype. The only good game they have played against each other is the Power Outage one and the one on Rush Hour. Every other games are brutally one-sided.
WCG 2010 Jaedong v Flash had a lot of back and forth .... Totally recommended that you guys go watch that finals again . In my opinion the hype and the quality of games played in Jin Air was good and knowing that this maybe another legend of the fall only made the fight special . I think every osl is special, GGplay come back against Iris was so damn good, Jangbi clever abuse of 12 nexus for the second time was interesting and his carrier and unorthodox use of triple shuttle to harassed was really interesting .
THIANKS A LOT FOR THIS! THIS should be spotlighted! I remember this just like yesterday! Protoss power showing abusive terran who's boss of the universe! I really cried this game! Thank you! Will you subtitle the other 4? Please?
Also lol at the scout comment: "Scout is a unit that should not come out in the fall it should not come out in all 365 days. Scouts should is a no-no. Schouts should not come out until they are updated. Im sorry for the designer of scout, but you cant make something like that next time"
Thanks everyone for reading! Through this project I learned just how hard subbing was, and now I appreciate those who subbed before on TL a lot more.
As for the subbed video not apparent in the title or the beginning of the writing, I think the video can only be fully appreciated after reading and learning about the entire back story behind it.
This is awesome (second series of BW I ever watched) but what is Yellow's Curse? I know he never won a Starleague, is this what they were referring to?
That last set of Jangbi vs Fantasy reminded me of what I love about broodwar. The passion of the commentators, the success stories that happen, the underdogs taking charge and winning it all. Honestly, I wish that I saw this series live because the result of the last final was just so damn good.
On March 26 2012 13:37 Introvert wrote: This is awesome (second series of BW I ever watched) but what is Yellow's Curse? I know he never won a Starleague, is this what they were referring to?
Yes. Yellow never won any major league and he only gets 2nd place everytime he reaches the finals. It's a shame though, because he wins a lot of special events and minor tournaments (non-OSL/MSL) against the same guys.
EVERYONE. WATCH THE FINAL 5 MINUTES OF THAT SUBBED VIDEO.
It is nothing short of incredible. Those few minutes summed up the reason why I visit TL so much, and why I love BW so much - it is because of the incredible passion that goes into this game, and the unbelievable rises and falls of amazing people.
On March 26 2012 17:04 Keone wrote: EVERYONE. WATCH THE FINAL 5 MINUTES OF THAT SUBBED VIDEO.
It is nothing short of incredible. Those few minutes summed up the reason why I visit TL so much, and why I love BW so much - it is because of the incredible passion that goes into this game, and the unbelievable rises and falls of amazing people.
<3 BW
I'll admit, I didn't watch till the end, but that's just because of my crappy internet.
The last few minutes is what makes me believe that bw will go on. Long live BW.
Great effort, perfectly filled in the storyline regarding the finals, and gave a great sense of context surrouding everything. The subs were also awesome, wish we could see more of that kind of stuff, adds such an incredible experience.
And yea, echoing everyone else, those last 5 mins, surreal the sense of emotion and investment that you get from those scenes. Seeing your favorite heroes so overcome with emotion, wow.
Heh, I cant be the only one who somewhat shook his head over the usage of the music, at least interwoven with such amazing, touching moments, and then listening to the lyrics.
On March 26 2012 19:49 Wedge wrote: Heh, I cant be the only one who somewhat shook his head over the usage of the music, at least interwoven with such amazing, touching moments, and then listening to the lyrics.
Just when I was ecstatic that the final montage was subbed and starting to get all emotional, Nickelback jumps in with that MAGIC first line.
Even though I'm in Seoul the BW capital of the world, I've remained interested almost solely in SC2...
The dedication of BW fans though will never cease to amaze me. Now that I'm speaking well enough in Korean to make some native friends, I was surprised to hear how few cared for Star2 but played or watch BW.
Thank you so much for writing this and I hope to go to this year's OSL.
That was really epic, thanks for taking the time and writing it in the first place. Makes me really excited for osl, I think I'm gonna watch jangbi vs fantasy again :D
On March 26 2012 17:04 Keone wrote: EVERYONE. WATCH THE FINAL 5 MINUTES OF THAT SUBBED VIDEO.
It is nothing short of incredible. Those few minutes summed up the reason why I visit TL so much, and why I love BW so much - it is because of the incredible passion that goes into this game, and the unbelievable rises and falls of amazing people.
<3 BW
Motherfuck that had me in tears I'm glad I watched it though.
yup. My eyes are watery, just like that day so many months ago.
I can remember myself jumping out of my seat and hopping around for a couple minutes after fantasy finally gg'ed, and the sheer tension mere minutes before that when Jangbi was on the verge of getting contained so hard.
But now that I can understand the commentators, it is so so sweet reliving those moments.
On March 26 2012 20:39 sprinkles wrote: Could someone really nice upload this video to somewhere not-Youtube for us poor Germans where it is blocked due to its musical content (thanks GEMA)?
the kr commentators are excellent. loved their commentary on this match. they tell you what to look out for, the turning points etc. keeps the viewer interested to know how the action will unfold, how a player can/might overcome a disadvantage, or what a player must do to keep the advantage and translate it into a win.
Thank you so much for the write up and subs. Watched game 5 at least 10 times now, but I love your vid the best. My only wish was that all the other epic final games could be subbed with the same love and dedication (looking at you GAME 5 GGPLAY Vs Iris)!
Wow I can't believe it has been 6 months, such an amazing final. I haven't rewatched anything from that since then but with this subbed game 5 VoD I feel like now is as good a time as any. Thank you!
On May 02 2012 19:54 jpak wrote: With BW going out the window soon I think I want to sub one more game and then post it on the SC2 section.
1. Is that a good idea? 2. What game should I sub?
Please note that I am just one guy and it will take a while.
1. Not a good idea posting bw games in the sc2 section will enrage those peaceful folks who advocate e-sports furiously.
2. I have no idea what game to sub but I think some people will suggest games that are really worth it to sub. Although there is not enough bw vods that are sub .
EPT
YellOw’s curse, the Legend of the Fall, a Terran’s bid to be the true successor to 
BoxeR and 
Stork, who fulfilled the Legend of the Fall and broke Yellow’s curse on himself and put it on Fantasy at the same time. That curse on Fantasy only compounded when he lost to Jaedong in the Batoo OSL Finals after being up 2-0. It looked as if Fantasy, the Terran that was supposed to be the next in line in the great SKT Terran line of Boxer and iloveoov, was tainted by the curse of Yellow that this house created.![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/gk4WU.jpg)
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), but it was more than enough to make me fall in love with bw deeply. Bw forever!
