To celebrate the legendary game that is Brood War, the Chinese community PLU is organizing an all-stars event in Shanghai, featuring Korean ex-pros turned Afreeca streamers Bisu, Sea, Movie and ZerO, as well as Chinese favorites Pj, Lx, F91, and Super. edit: the Chinese line-up was modified to Jaystar, Fengzi, VIP and 334. The former line-up was present as special guests for the Chinese BW retrospective that took place after the games.
This event, aptly named "The PLU 2014 Sino-Korean Brood War Carnival", will take place on Sunday, Aug 17 5:00am GMT (GMT+00:00) local time, at the Shanghai Expo Grand Stage.
Our very own TLer endy will attend this event, and will provide live coverage, photos, interviews, and tidbits.
He will continually update this thread and will try his best to answer questions!
Trailer
by PLU and Kongdoo
Chinese trailer from PLU, the organizer:
Korean trailer from Kongdoo
Venue
The venue has been host to several esports events in the past, including the StarCraft II WCS Asia Finals in 2012. It has a thousand-seat capacity. Tickets for the event sold out quickly.
Players
Bisu needs no introduction. He is the most successful Protoss player of all time, with 3 Starleague titles, and a stellar Proleague record. He stayed a while with SKT after the SC2 switch, then retired. His debut on Afreeca generated an insane amount of hype, and he won the largest BW amateur event to date, the Sonic Starleague 9. He announced that he will not participate in new tournaments and will join the army soon. Is this for sure? We will try to find out in tonight's interview!
Sea has been the resident Terran master in the Korean amateur scene ever since he retired from playing StarCraft II for Team Liquid. While he never was as successful as Bisu -- Sea is famous for never passing a Starleague quarterfinals -- he always was a solid asset for MBC Game Hero in Proleague.
ZerO was close to becoming the #1 Zerg towards the end of the pro scene, with deep runs in individual leagues. He will play against the Chinese Protoss JayStar today.
Fengzi is currently China's top player. Kind of like the Chinese Sziky. He was ranked very high on the Fish ladder not so long ago, and if anyone can take games off Korean, it's him!
Pj and Lx were by far the two strongest Chinese Protoss. Both were invited to play for SKT T1 in 2005, and they stayed at the team house before returning to China mainly due to the language barrier. Unlike what was announced earlier, they will attend the event as special guests.
F91 was considered one of the strongest foreign Zerg circa 2008. He was known for his unconventional play that allowed him to abuse IdrA's predictability in the Liquibition Broodsport showmatch organized by TL. He was also the first and only player to win 5 consecutive Liquibitions.
334 is China's best 2v2 player. He won a similar offline event last year, playing with the one whom I shall not say the name.
JayStar is a very skilled Protoss player, but was overshadowed by Pj and Lx until they retired. He's still active and will be playing against ZerO in this event.
Schedule
(All times are local time in Shanghai, China, GMT+8.)
11:30 Doors open and broadcast starts 13:00 Opening ceremony 13:20 - 14:00 Hosts, commentators, and players introduction 14:00 1v1 Mini-tour semifinals Bo3 match 1, JayStar vs ZerO 15:00 1v1 Mini-tour semifinals Bo3 match 2, Bisu vs Fengzi 16:00 2v2 Mini-tour finals, Bo5 17:30 1v1 Mini-tour finals, Bo5 19:00 Awards ceremony 19:10 - 21:30 Random events, fan interaction.
(All times are local time in Shanghai, China, GMT+8.)
Saturday: 4pm - Getting ready
In a few hours, I will join a small private media conference where I will be interviewing Sea, Movie, Bisu, and ZerO. Luckily, a fellow TLer's girlfriend just flew to Shanghai specially for the event and will be my interpreter!
Saturday: 8pm - Press conference over
Two Chinese websites supposed to attend the press conference cancelled at the last minute. To fill the gap, they basically made me interview Bisu, Sea, ZerO and Movie simultaneously. I had only prepared individual interviews ;; Players looked really tired after a whole day of sightseeing, and mostly gave evasive answers. Movie fired a few shots at the Chinese players. When I asked him why they all looked so tired, Movie replied: "I am trying exhaust myself so that tomorrow, Chinese players will stand a chance!"
Saturday: 8.10pm - Chatting with my Korean translator
At the end of the press conference, a representative of Kongdoo, that apparently is YellOw's company gave me his business card. My translator, Se, tells me that she absolutely loves YellOw: "I didn't pay much attention to him when he was a progamer. But now, he his a fantastic entertainer, he's just hilarious!". Here is a recent TV show with English subs featuring the Kong.
Sunday: 1am - Late call from the host
I receive a call from Vincent, who was the host of the press conference. They will not be able to get me a wifi connection at the venue, unlike I was told previously. The good news is that there will be post-game interviews!
Sunday: 2pm - Here at last
The venue is packed, and the lightning is incredible; this is by far the most well prepared I attended in China, including non-esports events. I spotted F91 in the crowd. Looking at the number and the quality of the hype videos, we can tell they have been working on this for months. Organizers said they had no spending limit, and that all they wanted was to make this event unforgettable. Games are about to start, see you in the LR thread!
Sunday: 4pm - Too easy
Jaystar and Fengzi were completely outclassed by ZerO and Bisu. At least Fengzi prevented the cannon rush in game 2 thanks to his drone micro. Fengzi drone > Bisu probe.
Event wrap-up
I was very impressed by the production quality. As most of us I was a bit disappointed by the games, not only there were a few, but they were all PvZ, and the Chinese players were obliterated by the Koreans. Not that I expected Fengzi to defeat Bisu, but I thought that 334 and VIP, who are China's best 2v2 specialists would have put up a decent fight against Movie and Sea.
We should keep in mind that the purpose of this event was to commemorate Brood War's legacy, with a strong focus on the Chinese scene. The three commentators have been casting both Chinese and Korean events for years and have superstar status, hence the three separate intro videos. After the games, a Chinese BW retrospective was held. The event gathered a lot of fans with over 20,000 viewers if we add up the Chinese and the Korean streams. According to one of PLU's staff, it took them several months of preparation. Mad props to PLU for organizing an event of this scale!
Interviews
by endy
Note: The players' wording is certainly not accurate due to the live translation focusing on factual information. I hated the layout of the room [see gallery below] as it created a distance between me and the players, but I still want to thank PLU for the opportunity that was given to me and for organizing this awesome event. Special thanks to Alone and Vincent from PLU, Sehui my interpreter, and BisuDagger from whom I stole a few questions.
Hello! First of all, thank you for taking the time to interview with Teamliquid. I did not really expect to interview the four of you at once but let's do this ^^
So...what about China? You just arrived but you all seem a bit tired already. [note: that's an understatement, they all looked like they had just awakened when I entered the conference room] Movie : We arrived yesterday, I'm a little bit tired but I'm enjoying the trip. I'm trying to exhaust myself so I will be closer to Chinese players' level. Sea: I am really surprised by the city, I would definitely like to come back later on my own. Bisu: This is not my first time here. ZerO: This is my first time in China, I am surprised by how China improved, it seems to have developed a lot! It almost feels like Korea!
I've heard from the organizers that they have taken you out, and that they have no spending limit. Did you have a chance to order the most expensive steak on the menu?
Bisu: [laughs] No, I went for Chinese dishes and I enjoyed it. I actually really like Chinese food.
Bisu, did you watch the StarCraft II Proleague finals last week, and what was your reaction after SKT's defeat against KT?
Bisu: Yes I watched all of it, I felt sorry that my team lost. I think they were lacking tactics and leadership [note: I think he meant lacking a real ace player]
Who should be SKT's ace player? SKT has a super stacked line-up.
Bisu: Rain. [note: without hesitation]
Have you heard rumors about FanTaSy retiring?
Bisu: That's actually the first time I hear about such a rumor. I can guarantee you FanTaSy is still practicing really hard.
Sea, Chinese fans gave you the nickname you 大头海, which means "Big Head Sea". Do you have any idea why they gave you this nickname?
Sea: I think I actually have a big head kekeke, but I am simply pleased to see that there are a lot of Chinese fans cheering for me.
Sea, you haven't been dominating as much as before, how confident are you with the upcoming SSL10? [note: the day after that, Sonic announced that SSL10 would be delayed to at least October ]
Sea: After I retired, I just wanted to become a BJ and not practice hard like I did as a programer, so I haven't actually prepared.
Now that you are no longer on a team, where do you guys live? On Afreeca streams, all we can see is pretty much a the room you're in ^^
Zero: I live with my parents. Bisu: I also live with my parents. Surprisingly I can focus more on the game, because before I had a lot of distractions at the team house that I don't have now. Sea: I also live with my parents. This was my main reason for retiring, I wanted to spend time with my family. Movie: After I retired, I spent a lot of time with my family. Now I live on my own, and I am currently studying English and Chinese. I am getting a bit tired of broadcasting. I'm starting to think about other things than Starcraft.
Looks like a plan for Movie. what about you Bisu, Sea and ZerO?
Sea: I will be joining the military next year. Bisu: I already retired a year ago and I haven't had proper rest yet. I will have some rest, travel a bit, then join the military. Zero: When I was progamer, I was so busy, I couldn't think of my future at all, I would exclusively focus on the game. Now I am trying to catch up and meet people as much as possible. I try to
Movie, you did pretty during the SSL9, placing third, are you preparing for the 10th edition?
Movie: Actually since I retired I've never prepared for any game; I just felt so comfortable playing without any pressure. That is one of the reason I can now obtain good results [laughs]. I will try to reach the finals next time!
Are you still close to your former teammates?
Movie: The three of us are very close [+Bisu and Sea]. But I am also trying to stay in touch with as many players as possible. Sea: I meet MBC Game players weekly. Bisu: I am still meeting SKT players often. I recently traveled to mountains with soO. Zero: I am still close with everyone at Woongjin. I like to have drinks with Soulkey.
What was the most memorable moment of your career?
ZerO: Each of my wins provided me an intense satisfaction. Bisu: Two years ago in when I beat Flash in the PL finals. I will never forget it. Sea: After the team won the Proleague in 2007 [note: Sea didn't mention it, but he won the Grand Finals ace match against GoRush], we had a team trip, all together, it was awesome. Movie: The first time I faced ZerO in a Starleague [note: clean 2-0 victory in the Ro8, riding the Royal Road] [laughs]
What about Brood War outside of Korea? What do you know about the foreign scene? [note: since this was an offline event in China, they all seemed to believe there were similar large events held in other parts of the world. If only...]
Movie: I don't know much about foreign tournaments, I would like to join one if there's any. [Movie made an easy $25k in the last tournament he was invited to in China] Sea: When I see people still playing Brood War, I am surprised. Yeah, I am just really surprised people play it outside of Korea. Thank you all for still loving this game! Bisu: I would love to join a tournament abroad, like in USA. Zero: I only know about the tournament Movie won in China. If there is any chance, I would like to participate in a foreign tour as well.
Alright, time for some fun questions. Can anyone of you cook?
Zero: I lived alone for 5 months after I retired. I cooked a bit but only basic stuffs. I am not confident at all in my cooking skills. Bisu: I lived for so long at the team house, and now I am living with my parents. I only cook when my parents are away, and I cook very well! Sea: I never cooked in my whole life! I always get take-away! [laughs] Movie: My mum does all the cooking. I saw her cook, so I actually know the theory behind cooking, but I wouldn't guarantee anything about the taste! [laughs]
Any favorite pop-star?
Movie: No one in particular, it's always changing. Sea: I am a bit old, so I like JYJ [note: a boy band] [laughs] Bisu: I like Super Junior, I don't like girls group. I only like Super Junior because they sing well. Zero: It's always changing because I don't watch that often. I just like good choreographs. When I went out the other day, I saw AOA, and they were really pretty.
Thank you for the interview, any last word for the fans?
Zero: I want to thank you for still loving this game, and I wish there is more events like this one. Bisu: Last time I attended an event in China, it was cancelled because of a typhoon. [note: 2011 Proleague Grand Finals in Shanghai]. I will try to compensate by showing good games tomorrow. Sea: I still think that Starcraft is an amazing game and I still enjoy it. I hope you guys will love Starcraft forever. Movie: It's been two years since I retired, and I am still invited to tournaments and I am grateful for that. I am happy I chose this game because its fans are truly dedicated.
On August 17 2014 02:49 endy wrote: So the bad news is that the host told me they were not able to secure a wifi connection for me tomorrow so I may not be able to update this thread as often as I wished. However, they confirmed that they have arranged post-games interviews so feel free to post questions here.
Don't worry about it, just enjoy the show and share your experiences afterwards.
We'll have the stream and other info sources, so please don't run around looking for a signal, thus potentially missing important happenings
I had one of the organizers on the phone late last night. He told me that the line up that was announced is not correct, and that Pj, Lx, Super, and F91 are too rusty to play against Koreans. Pj will be there as a guest. Instead, Fengzi will play against Bisu in the first 1v1. Jaystar will play against ZerO in the second set. Winners will play a best of 5.
Out of everybody that attempted speaking Chinese, Movie seems to have the best experience with the language, it flowed pretty smoothly. Sea was literally spelling out the words one character at a time xD.
these kind of events are always so cool to watch. Too bad that theres not too many bw games tho! just four player 1v1 tournament wth :/
It's a celebration event for Chinese fans. Commentators here today have been commentating BW for over 10 years, they're the Chinese Kim Carry, Lee Seung Won and Um Jae Kyung. Each had their own intro and hype video.
It's still so mind blowing that something like this ever happened with such huge investment and for no profit, no ads even with plenty of room for it. But it's not just money drained, there's so many people involved, such high quality work just as a tribute to a game, the players, the fans, the casters. With all due respect to professional esports, this was on another level. In a certain sense, this was Broodwar at its best and whether this was meant to be a final goodbye or not, it is something so influential that the spirit will hopefully carry on in the community for years to come. At least that's how I see it.
On August 18 2014 04:47 HyralGambit wrote: Kongdoo has uploaded that sick intro trailer on its YouTube page. Is this not the greatest thing you've seen?
Heh that is wonderful, I feel goose bumps
Jaedong and Flash in 2015?
Wonderful pictures, endy, look forward to the interviews
Looks like a plan for Movie. what about you Bisu, Sea and ZerO?
Sea: I will be joining the military next year. Bisu: I already retired a year ago and I haven't had proper rest yet. I will have some rest, travel a bit, then join the military. Zero: When I was progamer, I was so busy, I couldn't think of my future at all, I would exclusively focus on the game. Now I am trying to catch up and meet people as much as possible. I try to
Is Bisu going to enlist soon? it sounds like he wants more time off. No military plans yet for ZerO, eh?
Doesn't look like they said much about the future of the BW market, for pro's and the such
Zero: I am still close with everyone at Woongjin. I like to have drinks with Soulkey.
Hard for me to see ZerO drinking, still seems like a kid though I know that's not the case lol
yeah I never thought I'd ever say something like that about a man, but ZerO irl is just so cute and mannered. I just wanted to hug him lol. I'd definitey buy a teddy bear ZerO for my kids.
Looks like a plan for Movie. what about you Bisu, Sea and ZerO?
Sea: I will be joining the military next year. Bisu: I already retired a year ago and I haven't had proper rest yet. I will have some rest, travel a bit, then join the military. Zero: When I was progamer, I was so busy, I couldn't think of my future at all, I would exclusively focus on the game. Now I am trying to catch up and meet people as much as possible. I try to
Is Bisu going to enlist soon? it sounds like he wants more time off. No military plans yet for ZerO, eh?
Doesn't look like they said much about the future of the BW market, for pro's and the such
ZerO didn't mention it. As for Bisu, I don't know, I think I read somewhere that he postponed his enlistment by a few months, but it doesn't mean he cannot postpone it again.
I know they've been quite evasive and it was hard to obtain details. That was a bit frustrating.
On August 20 2014 05:12 BigFan wrote: Great video. Where's the nuclear launch detected part? :S Thanks for the updates and interview Endy! Also:
Zero: I am still close with everyone at Woongjin. I like to have drinks with Soulkey.
Hard for me to see ZerO drinking, still seems like a kid though I know that's not the case lol
yeah I never thought I'd ever say something like that about a man, but ZerO irl is just so cute and mannered. I just wanted to hug him lol. I'd definitely buy a teddy bear ZerO for my kids.
haha ya, I can tell from the pictures. I think I would want to hug him if I saw him as well XD Teddy bear ZerO? That would be something
They 'sold' five hundred tickets, and two hundred people asked for refunds (read the other thread if you don't know what this means), which totaled to be roughly 100,000 RMB, and they promise to use this money for future (online) BW events.
On August 20 2014 20:53 Cambium wrote: Some details on economics:
They 'sold' five hundred tickets, and two hundred people asked for refunds (read the other thread if you don't know what this means), which totaled to be roughly 100,000 RMB, and they promise to use this money for future (online) BW events.
Total cost to host the event was 700,000 RMB.
Holy smokes, that's over $100,000 USD, I wonder who provided PLU all this funding.
They had no sponsorship ads during the Chinese stream, and I can't imagine too much from HungryApps for the Korean streaming rights
On August 21 2014 12:09 Xiphos wrote: You guys should know that this was also titled as "StarzParty in China". YellOw and folks must have financed the event as well.
I know Kongdoo was involved, but I don't know exactly how. I asked the organizers and they told me PLU paid for everything. Let me ask again.
On August 20 2014 20:53 Cambium wrote: Some details on economics:
They 'sold' five hundred tickets, and two hundred people asked for refunds (read the other thread if you don't know what this means), which totaled to be roughly 100,000 RMB, and they promise to use this money for future (online) BW events.
Total cost to host the event was 700,000 RMB.
Thanks for the details. As prech said, that's quite a lot of money so I also wonder how they managed to get that much funding.
On August 21 2014 12:09 Xiphos wrote: You guys should know that this was also titled as "StarzParty in China". YellOw and folks must have financed the event as well.
I know Kongdoo was involved, but I don't know exactly how. I asked the organizers and they told me PLU paid for everything. Let me ask again.
I haven't received a reply from the organizers yet, but it looks like Kongdoo is managing or act as an agent for Bisu/Sea/ZerO/Sea and other players, according to http://kongdoo.com/gamer-management/ It doesn't mean Kongdoo helped with the cost of the event, but at least it makes sense that they were also in Shanghai.