Team EG is pleased to announce that IdrA will be moving back to the U.S. from Korea indefinitely to represent the organization domestically in various upcoming tournaments and team leagues. This move will take place in the beginning of March.
I also want to make it clear that this is NOT the "huge EG announcement" you've probably heard about.
Greg “IdrA” Fields is set to move back to the U.S. in the beginning of March
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Feb. 16, 2011. – Today, Evil Geniuses (EG), one of the world’s leading professional gaming brands, has announced that EG’s StarCraft II player Greg “IdrA” Fields will be moving back to the U.S. from Korea indefinitely to represent the organization domestically in various upcoming tournaments and team leagues.
Fields will temporarily put his goals in Korea on hold to return to the U.S. as the North American StarCraft II scene continues its rapid growth. The amount of valuable experience he gained in Korea over the years will be a huge asset as he furthers his career in North America.
His focus while training in the U.S. will be on several leagues and tournaments, including Major League Gaming’s 2011 circuit. He will also actively participate in online events with EG.
“This is going to be a great year for American eSports, and I've said all along that I'd like nothing more for eSports to boom outside of Korea and for myself to be at the forefront of that,” Fields states. “There are a bunch of big leagues and tournaments coming up outside of Korea and I want to be able to focus on those, as well as being able to play in more team leagues for EG. We're also planning a number of other projects that will be announced soon.”
About Evil Geniuses Founded in 1999, Evil Geniuses (Team EG) is North America’s premier professional gaming team and one of the world’s top electronic-sports brands. With some of the finest gaming talent nationally and internationally, Team EG’s players have won championship trophies in every major tournament circuit in pro gaming. Home to internationally renowned teams and players such as Isaac “Azael” Cummings-Bentley, Greg “IdrA” Fields, Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert, Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen, and Justin “JWong” Wong, EG’s professional gamers focus on such titles as Counter-Strike, Quake, StarCraft II, Super Street Fighter 4, Warcraft III, and World of Warcraft.
한국에서 GSL에서 해외 선수로서는 최고의 성적을 지속적으로 거두었지만 , 오랜 한국 생활과 최근에 잦아진 해외 대회로 인해 팀과 그렉필즈 개인은 해외 대회의 집중과 미국내의 스타크래프트II 대회의 저변 확대를 위해 미국으로 돌아가기로 결정했습니다.
곰티비는 그렉필즈 선수의 결정을 존중하며, 그가 한국에서 했던 프로게이머 활동이 고향으로 돌아가서 좋은 결실을 맺길 바라며 해외 선수들의 지속적인 실력 향상에 기여하여 다음 GSL혹은 내년 GSL에서 더 많은 해외 선수들과 함께 GSL에 참가하길 바랍니다.
<English> Greg Fields has participated in GSL consistently.
He has performed admirably in GSL as a non Korean player. However, due to his long stay in Korea and many foreign tournaments coming up, EG and Greg have decided that Greg should return to US so he can better concentrate on growing non Korean tournaments.
GOMTV respects Greg’s decision and hope his experience in Korea will be used as an asset to him back home. GOMTV also wishes that Greg can contribute greatly to foreign Starcraft scene and will look forward to see him again in future GSL
This is awesome. We'll get a lot more idra content now!
I hate to be the person to bring this up, but I wonder if it has anything to do with the california thing. Something big is on the rise and suddenly one of the best players in the world moves back to the US, shortly after his teammate demuslim states intentions to go to korea.
This is probably to do with InControl's announcement. Hard to believe that idra would give up the chance for 50k, unless there was something better...HMMMMM......
NOOO You haven't won a GSL yet D= I was really hoping you'd win a GSL before you decided to come back D=
Of course that's what I wished, glad you're coming back even if a little disappointed. You were doing progressively better too and you even stated it with the Artosis interview =/ Damn! >.<
On February 16 2011 15:05 RifleCow wrote: This is probably to do with InControl's announcement. Hard to believe that idra would give up the chance for 50k, unless there was something better...HMMMMM......
Edit: I decided that it's sad that one of the biggest foreigner in Korea is going to be leaving. Even though I'm not a big fan of IdrA, I still tried to watch his GSL games to see a foreigner versus Korean match.
You can never be considered the best unless you compete at the highest level against the best players. No matter how successful a foreigner is outside of Korea, if they aren't winning tournaments against MVP/MC/NesTea caliber players they'll always be in the minor leagues.
hmm. i guess it's more likely to make decent money in the us / europe. basically what qxc said. idra prob doesnt see a chance to actully win a gsl any time soon, so mlg and so on are the better choice.
understandable. also, good for esports imo. it's growing and growing...
Fantastic to hear! Can't wait to have you back over here in the states Greg. Welcome back buddy! Question......does this effect his TSL invite, cause he's not gonna be in Korea anymore......hopefully not.
The saddest part of this for me will be the lack of drama in the upcoming GSL seasons. Please at least tell me that Idra will still be playing in the code S ro32 revenge group that was so perfectly set up!
Clide got trolled hard lol.. Idra said he knew before the group drawings and purposely picked Clide and group B so Clide would have to play MVP. Then someone else put Zenio in B and MC in A, so they two people that kind of had a grudge with Idra, so Clide/Zenio will probably win B and have to face MVP/MC who will probably win A. An excellent long troll from Idra. gg wp
I had a feeling this was coming. I'm kind of excited. It will be sad not rooting for him in the GSL, but there is so much happening outside of Korea in this scene it makes sense.
If Idra is coming back to the usa, then that means that some big time league is going to be going on or something here, I really hope this big announcement is worth it. Half the people I know know whats going on but they aren't allowed to say anything ><
No more two guys sitting on a couch, doing an awesome show? I am sad >< However best of luck to IdrA in North America, and I hope he and Artosis can still do the show over skype or something.
On February 16 2011 15:16 Lexvink wrote: No more two guys sitting on a couch, doing an awesome show? I am sad >< However best of luck to IdrA in North America, and I hope he and Artosis can still do the show over skype or something.
i really wish they would announce their league already. incontrol let the cat out of the bag by comparing his announcement to the gsl but instead we have to watch threads/posts get nuked... we all know whats going on... its the gigantic elephant in the middle of the room... we know whats goin on but we cant talk about it officially ;_;
not suprised he is coming back tbh. we wan't liked in korea for his bm, and tbh he wasn't at the calibur where he could win a gsl. though its good that we'll see another great korean in the gsl and widen the variety of players in code s
idra is a good player no doubt. but korea is not a fit for him. he can make more per week doing tournaments in NA then in korea doing maybe 1 a month.
Oh man, at first hearing this on EG's twitter I got disappointed but now I think this definitely is a good thing for the pro scene in the United States, there is money to be made here!
On February 16 2011 15:17 Pudge_172 wrote: NASL.tv
Just for the record, domain WHOIS:
Administrative Contact: Pfister, Russell russell@gosucoaching.com GosuCoaching 15155 Maplewood Lane Fontana, California 92336 United States (909) 266-EDIT
On February 16 2011 15:17 Pudge_172 wrote: NASL.tv
Just for the record, domain WHOIS:
Administrative Contact: Pfister, Russell russell@gosucoaching.com GosuCoaching 15155 Maplewood Lane Fontana, California 92336 United States (909) 266-EDIT
On February 16 2011 15:17 Pudge_172 wrote: NASL.tv
Just for the record, domain WHOIS:
Administrative Contact: Pfister, Russell russell@gosucoaching.com GosuCoaching 15155 Maplewood Lane Fontana, California 92336 United States (909) 266-EDIT
Awesome!!! That either makes it the best troll ever or totally legit.
I hate EG for doing this!! Just utter bullshit!! Idra had a chance to be the best in the world! Now hes just going to be another progamer! I'm signing outta his fan club! T_T
On February 16 2011 15:23 SushilS wrote: I hate EG for doing this!! Just utter bullshit!! Idra had a chance to be the best in the world! Now hes just going to be another progamer! I'm signing outta his fan club! T_T
LOL. No one forced him to come back to the US. It's something he himself has been contemplating.
On February 16 2011 15:06 Kantutan wrote: Hmm, this is going to mess around with the GSL schedule. I wonder how GOM is going to handle this.
>move everybody in code s up a spot, and add the top code a player in.
Not too difficult.
Nope it's not that easy, sorry. There's not enough seeding done to have all the code A players ranked relative to eachother. They'd have to run another mini tournament.
Come on Idra, all of all times why does it have to be now! I mean zenio and clide in his group, theres not a single person on TL who doesn't want to see that. Ah well, it was probably for the best.
See, Idra is to some extent is really just a jackass with aspergers and a talent for SC2. In America, really, the only thing that sets him apart is his ability to roflstomp most of the other players that run into him. There are a LOT of angry nerds out there who take losing even harder than Idra. But in Korea, his attitude and his play style is polarised, in comparison to the polite mannerisms of the Koreans. Even in the GTSL finals, when IM and ST started duking it out and talking smack, it was laughably polite. Idra on the other hand will tell someone to go fuck themselves and he'll mean it. He stood out way more for that, and it's a dynamic of the GSL I'll miss. Yes, I love Jinro, he's awesome, but he's so damn nice and genuine, he's just a giant teddybear, and I find him less fun to watch (maybe I'm just waiting for nerd rage all the time). Idra's the guy we love to hate, and in an American League, his personality won't shine so much.
Although I'm sure many will see this as a good thing.
Dear god. I don't know how to feel about this just yet. I think this will be good for him personally (I think, I don't know the guy). BUT! He will be dislodged from the Starcraft mekka and the possibilities that come with: monthly tournaments, practice partners that compete in CODE S and the korean food!!
I guess he felt that he had a better chance of winning more stuff in US than in Korea. Smart decision by him, but I guess thats the fate of most of the foreigners who go to Korea.
I hope this doesn't signal a shift after which Koreans and North Americans play in different leagues due to both of them being viable. That would be a huge bummer, if the only likely way of the best meeting each other being through online tournaments, then that would suck. Hopefully I'm not being overly dramatic, hopefully there isn't a huge dilution of skill caused by the presence of multiple viable leagues. If only players could teleport around the world, then we could have world-class Starcraft 2 everywhere.
This is pretty big news. Are EG still doing that house in korea? Or whats the dealio! Im going to assume this has something to do with that big announcement Geoff has been hyping up!
Pretty disappointed if he's doing it for the money. I mean ya, we want our players to make a living off playing professionally, but if he feels he has a better shot winning in NA (which he most certainly does) then this is almost like him giving up on playing with the big boys.
All those who say he will have a better chance in the US than in Korea are right. But then again any Korean would have a better chance aswell. This is either a cop-out from Idra going after the easy wins, or is part of something so much bigger. I hoper for the latter. I will lose what little respect I have for him if he just stomps regional tournies with no goal in mind.
On February 16 2011 15:09 suejak wrote: I dunno -- he didn't have many friends or much hope in Korea, it seems like.
He does seem to have the kind of personality that kinda isn't inducive to network building in Japanese and Korean cultures. Though I guess in America people might be more willing to overlook those aspects.
On February 16 2011 15:54 kash2k wrote: This is pretty bad, I understand whole trying to develop eSports thing, but you have to have "stars" represented at GSL.
This gives everyone outside of Korea something to look up to and a "wow" feeling that adds to whole pro-eSport thing.
The pasty skinned masses already have a token star in the GSL, and he is much more likable than IdrA imo. Not to say it isn't a loss to the GSL's foreign fans, but 'pretty bad' isn't really how I'd describe it.
oh well the move is understandable. I am still somewhat dissappointed :/ Who doesnt like to see non-koreans to pwn koreans :D. Smart move by him nonetheless in the end its the $$$ that count and he has now real big opportunity.
The reality is there are "only" 7 GSLs a year and even RO4 pays only 4k or so. That's less than winning an MLG and in addition to MLGs, there'll be numerous smaller tournaments available, and of course likely the league incontrol is hyping about. The current state of zerg makes the prospect of actually placing in top 2 in GSL very unlikely, though the maps may change that. Finally, it appears the lack of practice partners was going to finally be an issue and it seems to me idra hasn't been motivated to practice for quite some time.
On February 16 2011 15:18 Popsycle wrote: THe prize money for MLG is better than GSL and less work, pretty smart move on his part
Umm pretty sure GSL is 50k while MLG is like 13kish so no... where are you getting this info from?
I'm pretty sure Idra has a better chance to win MLG than to win the GSL. Also, even though first prize in the GSL is an astounding amount of money, making the semifinals and losing results in 1/10th the prize pool of 1st place, and making the round of 8 is 1/20th the prize.
Placing 3rd in any of the 5 MLG events this year will net you a quick $2k, and while placing ro8 in one of the GSLs this year is technically more money ($2.5k), I think Idra is probably hedging his bets on dominating the NA competition.
And that doesn't even include unannounced tournaments, dreamhack, or the MLG Champion's tournament which will have a much larger prize pool than the regular tour.
He wouldn't have made this decision if he thought it would financially negligent. Good move overall I'd say.
I thought Idra was getting better each round... I just don't see him improving in LA, most likely regressing. Besides Dimaga, where is the talent in this house? Is Dimaga even going to LA?
Look, theres just more top tier consistent talent in Korea, with new and innovative builds practicing in houses daily. I just can't see the NA scene booming for another 2+ years. One 50k NA weekend tourney once a year *shrug*.
I'm all for a great NA scene, but I don't see their being enough sponsorship to tip the scales to the foreign scene.
Heard it on SOTG. I reckon it's a good thing INControl made an excellent point that Korea isn't necessarily the hub of SC2 like it was for SC:BW. I will be interested to see how the NA tournaments handle the return of the Grack :D
him being in korea gave him a lot of prestige that he wouldn't had in the west... like someone said, it made him an icon... i wonder what effect this move will have on his reputation
that being said, gsl lost a lot of appeal for me now, idra was one of my main draws
now i really hope incontrol's announcement can live up to the hype...
This is both awesome and kind of sad at the same time. It was awesome to see IdrA do so amazingly well in Korea, but also it'll be cool now that he can tear shit up back in the US/Europe.
I think there are just much more stuff happening outside Korea. He got invited to an Italy lan apparently. Then there is The gathering at Norway. Dreamhacks. Assembly, MLGs. Even online tournaments as high as 1-2k in prizes every week.
I don't think he is dodging Korea at all. He is moving where he thinks SC2 will grow the most. Don't worry, if things keep up at the western esports, the Koreans will come to the West. Moon did all over the world in wc3.
I guess he and EG cant be bothered flying over to America once every two months to participate in tournaments or maybe it was an SK situation where Idra wasnt placing high enough to justify paying for his accomodation.
kinda glad of this, was kind of a shame that idra couldn't compete in all these other international tournaments because he was out in korea, its not just about the prizemoney but the exposure as well - if you take first place at tournaments you gain a lot of fans and notoriety which is better in the long run
im hoping this gives idra the motivation he needs atm too, idra seemed really demoralised getting cheesed/playing against abusive builds all the time on korean ladder
Super excited to see what he can do in all the foreign tournaments. Definitely a smart choice on his part as korea just feels so isolated. EU and US tournies are booming and having the arguably best zerg in the foreign scene competing is going to be awesome.
On February 16 2011 15:58 LeFroMaGe wrote: I thought Idra was getting better each round... I just don't see him improving in LA, most likely regressing. Besides Dimaga, where is the talent in this house? Is Dimaga even going to LA?
Look, theres just more top tier consistent talent in Korea, with new and innovative builds practicing in houses daily. I just can't see the NA scene booming for another 2+ years. One 50k NA weekend tourney once a year *shrug*.
I'm all for a great NA scene, but I don't see their being enough sponsorship to tip the scales to the foreign scene.
Financially its a sound move. Much easier to win in the foreigner scene than in Korea, so he'll make much more money in the US.
But I think we are fast approaching a scene where once again foreigners lag behind the Koreans unless the team system that makes the Koreans better appears stateside
this may come off sounding bad (im not, im a huge IdrA fan), but i think hes doing it because he isn't making enough/significant amount of money in korea. i think he knows his chance of winning mlg national finals is alot higher than winning gsl finals espeically due to the fact he has so much more experience and skill from korea which a lot of the NA players don't have atm, so he's using this opportunity to earn more money (bcuz in the end, the proscene of sc is a business) with that said however, i do think he wants esports in foreign countries to boom as well
I'm actually sad about this... idra was the man in Korean, everybody either feared him wanted to beat him up. I know e-sports is growing world wide and that soon GSL-sized tournaments will pop-up outside of Korea *caugh*NASL*caugh* but I still believe GSL is and will be the "shit". Yes, I watched MLG and Dreamhack but in my heart I always felt like they were just a warm-up for the next GSL season (sorry if I insulted anyone with this statement)
I never really was a huge fan of IdrA, but I'm really dissapointed with this decision. GSL was the right place for him as he wanted to compete with the best. If he had dropped down to Code A I could understand it, but he just had his strongest season so far. Sure he will most likely get better results in US and even make more money, even though if you really want money you wouldn't become a progamer.
Also his skill level may drop in US as his competition will be weaker, but in the other hand he will have easier time to find people to practice with so maybe not.
On February 16 2011 15:58 LeFroMaGe wrote: I thought Idra was getting better each round... I just don't see him improving in LA, most likely regressing. Besides Dimaga, where is the talent in this house? Is Dimaga even going to LA?
Look, theres just more top tier consistent talent in Korea, with new and innovative builds practicing in houses daily. I just can't see the NA scene booming for another 2+ years. One 50k NA weekend tourney once a year *shrug*.
I'm all for a great NA scene, but I don't see their being enough sponsorship to tip the scales to the foreign scene.
On February 16 2011 16:17 TheSCII wrote: this may come off sounding bad (im not, im a huge IdrA fan), but i think hes doing it because he isn't making enough/significant amount of money in korea. i think he knows his chance of winning mlg national finals is alot higher than winning gsl finals espeically due to the fact he has so much more experience and skill from korea which a lot of the NA players don't have atm, so he's using this opportunity to earn more money (bcuz in the end, the proscene of sc is a business) with that said however, i do think he wants esports in foreign countries to boom as well
IdrA hwaiting~
That's the clear reason he's doing it. Its the same reason White-Ra stays in Europe.
I think we're going to see most of the foreigners disappear from the GSL though =\
Personally I think IdrA would be crazy to stay in Korea.
I mean he realistically can expect a few grand every couple of months with GSLs. He is also limited in how much he can actively participate in the NA community (whether it be coaching, streaming, appearances on things like SotG etc. etc.).
In NA, he can win a TON more money. Easily. I mean even just competing in craftcups/zotacs/GO4SC2/whatever he can probably make a few grand every month. He can spend more time coaching, promoting the game etc.
Admittedly, he will probably get worse at the game. Good chance he won't be able to compete with the top koreans half a year from now. But who cares? SC2 is a career for him. Why would you avoid making the biggest name for yourself/the most money. It's craziness to stay in Korea.
Hard to respect this choice. Only way to get respect, is to beat the best. Clide and Zenio can say they ran him out of Korea. Might be sound decision financially, but really weak professionally. Dude's got to make a living though, so good luck to him.
I saw this coming as soon as the prize money for MLG was announced. This is a smart decision by Idra, better opportunity to grow esports, higher money making potential, and obviously living at home in the US > foreign Korea. I expect most if not all of TL will be pulling out of Korea soon enough unless they do really well in the GSL like Jinro has.
Oh wow.. I guess it sort of makes sense, considering his current annoyance with playing Z on Korea, unwillingness to switch and the increase of foreign tournaments and other projects, but it'll still suck to have no IdrA in the GSL. Kind of speechless, though it will make things over here more interesting, so at least there's that.
Just giving up that Code S spot? Shame. I guess when you look at the earnings of non-GSL players they are earning more than him or Jinro. Does EG pay for his housing there? I guess they got to recall him back.
I don't know, I think IdrA is skilled but I really doubt he'll be as dominant in the US as some people think he'll be -- I don't think the skill gap is that huge right now.
At the moment I'm fairly disapointed by this... foreigners in Korea have always been rare, and other than Jinro IdrA was the only one in Code S...
Even if we get a huge GSL style event in the US, IdrA wont exactly be special anymore, just another American zerg :p
Unless America gets something just straight up AMAZING, I'd rather IdrA stayed in Korea to increase the foreign presence there. But oh well, it's his choice after all.
Would you like to translate this statement? [Yes] No
"As a member of EG and friend of iNcontroL, I totally don't have inside information that NASL is, indeed, the 'North American Star League.' As such, I'm not moving in part to participate purely in this awesome, hyped league in a way that makes it painfully obvious to everyone. Nope. Not at all."
That sucks, I like to see all the best players in the same place playing against each other. The GSL is way more fun and well produced than any foreign tournament, too. I guess that means NesTea is our only Zerg hope in GSL this season.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Ok with the news that MLG is tying up with IMG and that it is expanding to Europe and South America, this is definitely the right move if there were any doubt about it before.
Artosis. I knew that fake high five would hurt IdrA deeply.
I hope he bops all clowns in the NA tournaments. He should do well. I'm going to miss the potential Jinro vs IdrA "grudge" matches....
Edit: He says more information during the SOTG today 2/15. And I completely agree with him with his current race - it's not worth it to stay in Korea, continue to play the game where you keep getting bashed because your competitors. When you have your base in NA, you're able to do a lot more tournaments as well. When you play the GSL... well it's almost a month long per season so unless you get eliminated, it's hard to participate in anything else.
I actually expected some of the TL members to come back first.
So this came a bit as a suprise, and the funny thing is is that I actually think it's an improvement for Idra.
It's been going trough my head for a while now, that there just isn't that much to do in korea, except practice and hope you place decent in the gsl, and have a small chance to get some money. While here in the EU you have all your friends/family/teammates and there are just tons of tournaments, like every day there is atleast one small tournament.
Look at what some of the EU pro's have earned in january for example.
And yes it sucks that we have one less person in the GSL, but tbh I'm actually way more hyped for MLG to start then the start of the next GSL season, because seeing all these people that we actually know and "care" about going against eachother is just more fun.
And more and more I can see it happening that now and then certain players will go to korea for a short stay and give the GSL a shot, but everyone their "home" will still be USA/EU.
And I guess in some months we will probably see the top koreans flying out the the major eu/us events and we will end up with one global scene instead of this "korea is the place to be, the west is just for the sub-top"
Anyway, I'm really excited about this, and seeing Idra play in more US tournaments.
On February 16 2011 16:36 Highways wrote: Quite disappointing tbh. It looks like he is choosing money over prestige and pride.
Going from playing against IMMVP, IMnestea, oGsMC to vsing machine, TT1 etc..
So there's no prestige and pride in Western eSports? I think that's both incorrect and short-sighted.
Not only are some Western players absolutely amazing, but winning major tournaments here isn't exactly a small feat. Do you think winning Dreamhack, MLG or Assembly is just some easy walk in the park?
Oh, well . . . I guess. It's not like it took someone with the skill to reach Top 4 in GSL two times in a row to win the last MLG national championship or anything. . . . You know, like a Jinro or something. Oh, wait.
lololololol another terribad foreigner bites the dust. tlo went home in disgrace pretending his wrist was hurt rofl what a joke. select says he gonna play in gsl then cant even qualify then has to go back home and make up excuses. now idra realizes he never did jack squat in any gsl tourney and is only falling more behind. can't wait til jinro goes home with his tail behind his chin when his turtle terran style sit in base til 200 food strat gets passed by.
So, leaving the talk of NASL and the ridiculous argument between the "honor" of East and West behind, I still have a few things to note.
1) Colbi, that's a totally awesome banner. IdrA should use it officially for stuff, lol.
2) IdrA continues to show that he's gotten really amazing at interviews. Seeing his evolution as a player and personality has been truly impressive and I'm happy to say that I'd be okay with IdrA as a figurehead in the Western media for eSports going forward.
While I'm not a fan of the move I think it's incredibly smart from his standpoint financially. Moving back he is sure to have weaker competition and more tourneys to enter. I'm pretty choked he just kinda threw in the towel for this season of the GSL but not much you can do.
meh, while it is probably the correct business decision to move back to NA, it does feel like he is giving up. No matter how much prize money is offered in these upcoming NA tournaments, unless they have top korean players coming over to participate, GSL will remain the summit of SC2. The skill level in GSL in comparison to MLG and other NA tournaments just isn't the same =/. Also, there isn't the sense of prestige and greatness in these tournaments because simply put, starcraft just doesn't get the same respect outside of Korea.
A tournament in Korea is a major sporting event, a tournament in NA is just a video game tournament =/.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Do you recommend Liquid members leave as well if they don't achieve anything in GSL March? Which, by your standards, is the finals of Code S.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
On February 16 2011 16:25 War Horse wrote: That's the clear reason he's doing it. Its the same reason White-Ra stays in Europe.
I think we're going to see most of the foreigners disappear from the GSL though =\
And then suddenly no one can keep up with Koreans again. Cause obviously no Non-Korean teams can's keep the same team environment and improvement as Koreans, ESPECIALLY outside Korea.
It is disappointing for us fans/spectators but we have to understand that SC2 is Idra's career. It's his means of earning a living. I respect his decision, I hope it goes well for him. Who's to say Western Esports won't actually surpass Korea? If everything goes according to plan, the west will be morphing into something close to what Korea has now. That means Team Houses, which can only increase the players' level of skill.
Personally, I really wanted Idra to stay and represent the west in korea. Having that elite status of being one of the only Americans to make it far in the GSL, I expected him to atleast finish GSL March before making this decision. But then again, I guess he'd be missing out if he wasn't here for Incontrol's "Big Announcement" *cough*NASL*cough*... He's American after all and a part of an American Team, so it makes sense he'd want to be a part of the boom in Western Esports.. I salute you Idra, GLHF! I hope you dominate the western tournaments..
On February 16 2011 16:36 Highways wrote: Quite disappointing tbh. It looks like he is choosing money over prestige and pride.
Going from playing against IMMVP, IMnestea, oGsMC to vsing machine, TT1 etc..
So there's no prestige and pride in Western eSports? I think that's both incorrect and short-sighted.
Not only are some Western players absolutely amazing, but winning major tournaments here isn't exactly a small feat. Do you think winning Dreamhack, MLG or Assembly is just some easy walk in the park?
Oh, well . . . I guess. It's not like it took someone with the skill to reach Top 4 in GSL two times in a row to win the last MLG national championship or anything. . . . You know, like a Jinro or something. Oh, wait.
Sorry buddy but you kind of just proved his point. The last two MLG winners have been players coming from Korea, and they rolled through their brackets.
Boooo I wanted to see more foreigners in GSL! Hate to say it, but I can't see GSL/IEM ever making it as big as GSL and I don't think this is the right move for Idra
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Rofl...with this type of attitude we can just stop doing any type of competitive sport.
Sport is magical when you see people with passion and nothing else matters. As soon as it turn material things start going down. It is job of people around the "star" to make sure he stays in that "passion" mode for as long as possible.
Option A makes Champions, Option B makes those guys on a bench.
This is a good decision. Idra's done a lot in Korea, and now he can do exactly what he said, and be a huge part of e sport growth in the west.
If it were any other player (apart from Jinro) i'd call this wussing out. But really it's the best decision. If you're someone else who hasn't had the results that Idra or Jinro has had then i think you'd be best suited to staying in Korea and trying to accomplish something in the GSL. Jinro and Idra are the benchmark for foreigners and this is largely due to their GSL performances. Having Idra go back is one thing, but imagine if Jinro goes to US full time in the future to. Here we have 2 most ultimate power foreigners. Do other foreigner have power level to match?!?! Perhaps they must go to Korea and train for inner balance and strength. Only then can they defeat Gorilla and Gracken.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
Well I venture to guess that my info is better than yours. But even so, # of tournaments x Level of competition are the obvious factors missing from your equation.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Do you recommend Liquid members leave as well if they don't achieve anything in GSL March? Which, by your standards, is the finals of Code S.
Nope, because A) living as a team together is a much different dynamic, especially for an international team like liquid (ie. doesn't have a "base" location, better support system), B) Liquid also travels together a lot (more than IdrA did), and C) they have not been there for years already.
People forget how long IdrA spent with BW pro teams before SC2 came along. As an ex-pat, I know the stresses that being away from your own country. Everyone reacts differently of course, I am not IdrA, but everyone reacts.
I am sad to hear this . But if idrA does return to Korea, I'm sure he will automatically get a code A spot and he can just get back into code S that way.
I can understand his move, but everybody is a fool who thinks to win tournamnets without the best koreans will not be that prestigious. BW and maybe Sc2 in the future are the only real E-Sports. The Korean society is the only one where you get respected to be a gamer.
Disappointed, but in a selfish way. One of my favorite aspects of the GSL has been the slowly increasing foreigner presence, and at least in the world of SC, IdrA is larger-than-life.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
Well I venture to guess that my info is better than yours. But even so, # of tournaments x Level of competition are the obvious factors missing from your equation.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Do you recommend Liquid members leave as well if they don't achieve anything in GSL March? Which, by your standards, is the finals of Code S.
Nope, because A) living as a team together is a much different dynamic, especially for an international team like liquid (ie. doesn't have a "base" location, better support system), B) Liquid also travels together a lot (more than IdrA did), and C) they have not been there for years already.
People forget how long IdrA spent with BW pro teams before SC2 came along. As an ex-pat, I know the stresses that being away from your own country. Everyone reacts differently of course, I am not IdrA, but everyone reacts.
True, but I hope they think placing outside of the top 2 is worth it, otherwise there is little motivation to compete. There's also the Code S salary.
I expect that Ret will return if he doesn't make S; he's expressed as much. Possibly Haypro as well. Huk seems extremely dedicated and could stay longer, but it would be hard without results in the tournament you're putting all your effort towards.
On February 16 2011 17:05 Cobbbler wrote: But what will Tasteless and Artosis do?! Their little nerd is leaving the nest =( It's so sad.
I agree that Artosis is going to be a sad nerd boy. I think that is one of the reasons why Idra was so nervous in the announcement video. The guy was talking soooooooo fast (and I mean faster than normal)!
Do you all think that Tastless is returning soon too, in order to help run the NASL (or whatever InControl ends-up announcing next week)?
Excellent move. You've said it before that it sucks you can't play in all the small tournaments. I think it will be really fun sseing you play there as well as learning from it, being different a thing than the GSL. Another thing is with the practice partners you don't really have in Korea. I'm sure you will be able to get many now and that will also help your game, because you've been mostly laddering for practice in Korea. I feel some of the specific things or the playground feeling you get from custom games, and focusing on testing out certain builds or tactics will be great.
Also you've been away for a very long time and you have become older. I think you will benefit a lot from being around people, assuming you will go live with say, Geoff or something. From some of the interviews it did seem you are alone a lot in Korea, you've got Dan and Nick but that only goes so far, as you've mentioned they are really busy with the GSL nowadays. Living with people, having fun, doing fun things, watching movies, talking, eating together, visiting your parents. I really feel you will grown as a person from that. I'm making assumptions but I do feel they are valid. I'm interested to see how you will change in that regards the comming months.
Best of luck Greg. Fully support it even though you are one of the best foreigners representing in Korea at the moment. All the stuff above outweighs that because it's good for you and it's a good moment in your life.
Fighting!
Edit, Forgot to prove read and because I just woke up, I left out tons of words in sentences 0o
On February 16 2011 15:58 T.O.P. wrote: He gave up on beating the Koreans. No respect.
This. After talking about the "respect" thing right from BW days, now he completely glosses over that for the sake of $$. Makes sense alrite but 0/5 from me, for whatevs its worth.-_-
IdrA returning to the US is so cool, i can think of soooo many tournaments where it would have been so awesome to see IdrA play and it not happening because of latency/time zone issues, with the new MLG announcements and all these other tournaments, I think the US and Europe are really the places to be right now for competitive starcraft.
This is a brilliant move by IdrA. Clearly he's in on something we won't know in another 5 days 4 hours, or Feb 21, 2011 2:00 PM.
You call that orange gunk "natural cheese" btw? Being european, I thought "natural cheese and beer that doesnt taste like tap water" was a pretty hilarious thing to come from an american. Your barbecue is good though!
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
I highly doubt there will be a NA tournament that can even match GSL. Player's earnings were posted recently and non-GSL players were earning more than Jinro or Idra and they do it by noob stomping a bunch of smaller $1k tournaments. Or more medium sized tournaments.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
I highly doubt there will be a NA tournament that can even match GSL. Player's earnings were posted recently and non-GSL players were earning more than Jinro or Idra and they do it by noob stomping a bunch of smaller $1k tournaments. Or more medium sized tournaments.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Beautifully put.
shame? are you kidding me? the price for the 1st wont be any bigger than in the gsl. the players in the gsl will be the best in the future too. nobody in the west will be as good as mvp for example. but its a nice illusion....
all the west vs asia bullshit. korea will be always dominant. face it
I highly doubt there will be a NA tournament that can even match GSL. Player's earnings were posted recently and non-GSL players were earning more than Jinro or Idra and they do it by noob stomping a bunch of smaller $1k tournaments. Or more medium sized tournaments.
good luck to him, but i'm very disappointed this move from a purely spectator pov. 1 less foreigner in gsl code s, no eg house for further foreigner growth in korea, no more korean ladder stream.
true, he's gonna stomp in the us most likely and earn good dough, but that'll be more of the same, eu/na already got many amazing players, was kinda fond of us pale faces slowly creeping our way in the korean land of esports
On February 16 2011 17:51 miDnight_SC wrote: Smart move, he can rule the western tournament. I only got one question Will he move back to his parents house or he will get a place of his own?
GSL may be the most prestigious and high level tournament currently but I'm not convinced it's a viable long term business. A solid business would grow slowly into more tournaments, sponsorships, and larger prize pools as spectator interest in the sport gains traction. Instead we're in a situation where competition has been squelched and prize pools are artificially inflated by Blizzard's marketing budget. GOM is tasked with converting the market advantage they have - IP rights and Blizzard's money - into a self sustaining model before their runway ends. The same factors make GOM the only game in town so it's GSL or bust and GSL is also top heavy with it's prize pool. It all makes it very hard to be a professional SC2 player in Korea - 90% of them live below the poverty line and according to GOM even idra only pulled in around 10k in direct winnings last year - including tournaments outside of the GSL. I feel the whole scene in Korea right now is living on borrowed time. I love the GSL and I hope to hell GOM can turn it self sustaining but I feel right now they have not yet captured the hearts and minds of Korean spectators.
Contrast. In North America and Europe a great interest in SC2 as an esport is emerging. There are far more spectators, much more competition (between tournaments and organisations). There are no artificial factors. The market is developing in tandem with supply/demand and it's growing strong with prize pools, more, and bigger tournaments developing as it becomes viable business. Far more tournaments and money spread around instead of consolidated in one organisation means there's more opportunities for players, sponsors, organisers, casters, etc to make a living.
Right now, as a player you just have to choose between that market stability and pushing yourself to the limit by facing the best of the best.
Also, far be it for me to consider some far off future in which idra wishes to transition his career from player to other aspects of esports business.. but if that's the case the west is looking far more stable from where I'm sitting. All these vectors pointing at North America! Can't wait to hear the big news being teased :>
On February 16 2011 17:51 miDnight_SC wrote: Smart move, he can rule the western tournament. I only got one question Will he move back to his parents house or he will get a place of his own?
EG team house would be the best assumption. They already have one anyways.
Definitely a smart move from Idra. Why do foreginers have to always follow Koreans in gaming, and move there to compete with the best? This will be a good beginning to start build of American e-sports. My only concern is that the Korean scene will grow faster than the rest of the world and gain an advantage that way. That is the only thing Idra will risk when leaving Korea.
hes probably confident he can take America and Europe by storm and make enough money in the long run that he will earn more especially if these announcments from incontrol are big tourneys every few months or even an american solo league!!!
Idra, along with Jinro represented 2 foreigners amongst what I consider the top 5 players in Korea. Sad to see such a marquee player leave, but I am defintiely all for the growth of esports in the west. As Huk being #1 in the Korea ladder, Boxer giving props to TLO, or Ret about to tear up Code S, it seems like the playing field is quite a bit more even than in years past, and will likely shift over to the west very soon.
Heck, a TLAF-EG team is enough to compete with the best of any team in Korea.
I wonder what this'll mean for foreigner participation/interest in GSL and frankly for the tourney as a whole.
It's only one player now of course, but with EG not going, foreigners not doing that well, and the grass starting to look greener elsewhere.. Seems to me either it'll become more of the isolated highest ideal place or the other pros in there (with the resources) may consider shopping outside more as well. Or a mix of course, though door number two sounds pretty good to me.
on1 hand, this kinda makes me sad, not seeing him in GSL, those matches have made for the most excited ones for me (being somewhat of an idra fan). ALTHO this will probebly mean we will see him ALOT more in the future in online tournaments and other stuff, so i hope that will be JUST as good.
All in All goodluck back in the states Idra, ill be looking forward to seeing your play, still.
The attempts to rationalize this as anything other than a personal decision by IdrA are really weak. ^^ Now I'm waiting to see Liquid leave as well, since IdrA was obviously the most determined, disciplined, experienced and because of that successful foreign progamer there, and then GSL will fall apart.
I am a fan of Idra, and not just because I am a zerg player. I consider GSL to be the best of the best, and I would have loved to see him succeed there and win a tournament.
That said, I do think that he is suffering from being, imho, the clearly #2 best zerg in the world (NesTea being the best, Idra being second, and then some others are behind those two), and him thinking zerg being underpowered, I don't think he saw a lot of chances for success.
Especially considering the new map pool, that isn't on the ladder, and requires good practice partners. IM did in my opinion show in the team league the importance of good teamwork, with the way they played on the new maps.
His chances of winning good money from SC2 is clearly higher in the US. Not only because he will be, by far, the best player in the US (my opinion, again), but because the scene is expanding, more and more is happening, while the GSL structure is kind of set at least for a year it seems.
I am sad that he chose to come back, and it will mean I have less interest in the GSL - but I will still watch it and learn from the best of the best (who I consider them to be).
And of course, I'd wish him the best of luck.
... if this was decided some time ago, I do think it's bad manner not to inform gomtv earlier. Not because of clide / zenio, but because they should have been given a chance to get another code S player and another code A player into their tournaments. But maybe the timing wasn't set in stone, so he thought he might have a chance to play in GSL march before leaving.
Either way ... sad news to me. I guess ... JulyZerg with his epicness will be my new favourite
Idra pretty much summed it up perfectly in this video, there really is alot of things going on in the west that makes the GSL seem much less exciting to participate in when actually trying to make a living off of gaming.
On February 16 2011 15:14 Pervect wrote: Clide got trolled hard lol.. Idra said he knew before the group drawings and purposely picked Clide and group B so Clide would have to play MVP. Then someone else put Zenio in B and MC in A, so they two people that kind of had a grudge with Idra, so Clide/Zenio will probably win B and have to face MVP/MC who will probably win A. An excellent long troll from Idra. gg wp
If it is true that he knew that he would not participate in the GSL already during the ceremony, then that is disappointing. I couldn't care less about his anger tantrums or bold statements, he is has his way and is an interesting figure in the e-sports scene. But to intentionally sabotage another persons chance in a tournament like GSL, out of spite, is fucking pathetic. This is a perfect example bad manner in my opinion, and something I would expect of a child.
I'm sure Idra will earn more in NA. But at the same time, many NA progamers will get less because of Idra. So it's a good move for him but shouldn't say ' help e-sports in NA'.
Not really an idra fan but I usually cheered for him in GSl if only because he speaks english and interats with the non korean community. So I guess im sad as now he will be one amongst many..
Well i'm a bit sad for IdrA because he never got that close of winning a GSL but in the western scene we can pretty much state that he is now the top player!
only the liquid boys can have more chances of winning something in the western scene!
ahahaha.... this made me laugh as well. on a serious note, i'm gonna miss seeing him in the GSL but I can't say i don't understand his choice. there's sooo many touneys in the western scene with descent prizepools and way better odds for him.
+ he has a team to play with here. let's face it. He didn't seem to have that many friends in Korea :D
I think the real reason are the new maps introduced in GSL. He doesn't have as many options concerning practice partners as the other players. Laddering won't be a good practice place as GOM will introduce more and more custom maps. Also EG doesn't have enough players in Korea to star in the GSTL. So maybe it was the right decision to bring the gracken home.
On February 16 2011 17:27 Loanshark wrote: He probably won't even be able to win in foreigner leagues.
What? i can only remember IdrA going to three foreign lans and he won a MLG, went out early in another and got 2nd in IEM Gamescon in cologne.. he will probably improve his play if he goes to a team house!
Yeah, Greg back to the west, without awkward internet connections cutting of his point every time in state of the game =)
And finally, the big EGiNcontroL announcement is leaked =) and, in my opinion, Daniel Negreanu would be a very valid producer .... if I had money, I would be enough of a gambler to bet 1k$ on the NASL/Negreanu Producer or Co-Producer/ thats the real reason for IdrA comming back theory!!
I think IdrA made a reasonable decision. The West is less competition than the GSL, perhaps, and maybe less money, as well, but let's face it: if you're in this for the excitement of being in a scene, the US and Europe have more tournaments year round than Korea does. With the GSL, you got your one chance every two months or so and then it's just practice time until the next Code S event. With the US and Europe, there are so many smaller tournaments you can join while waiting for the big ones and you get to travel around and party with other American/European players, so it's constant activity.
From a personal standpoint, IdrA might well feel isolated in Korea, as well, and a move back to the US will hopefully solve that problem. His participation in many foreigner events, even small ones like show matches and djWheat's King of Tin, indicates that he wants to engage with the foreigner community. He can't do that very well in Korea, and so he's coming back. Along with the opportunity to be with friends and family again, the motivation seems simple enough. Indeed, compared to the BW days when not playing in Korea basically meant inactivity for most of the year, the SC 2 scene in the West looks far more viable than it ever was.
This implies that IdrA will play in more tournaments having the chance of earn a bigger income. Not to mention the publicity the Team EG will have with their SC2 top player showing his face and skills in gaming events.
I am sad and happy at the same time, glad to see IdrA return to participate in more tournaments, but sad that he didnt win a GSL which I think he deserves.
Kudos for the descission none the less, it must have been a hard one to make
pretty lame :/ idra is like my favorite person to watch in gsl for all the drama and hype.
i cant really see a reason to move away from the biggest sc2 league when you are serious about sc2... even if there is a "big thing" starting in the US, do people really think it will outshine Korea?
I'm a bit sad because its one less foreigner in the GSL, but its probably a really smart move from IdrA and I'm happy that the foreigner scene is growing like that.
I hope the admins don't mind me linking to offsite content, but I've written an article about this here. I think it's a really Big Thing this, although it's just one guy moving back home the fact it's coupled with the nasl rumours, MLG uber prize pool etc. it could be a bit of landmark moment. I'm certainly a bit excited!
On February 16 2011 20:27 jfourz wrote: pretty lame :/ idra is like my favorite person to watch in gsl for all the drama and hype.
i cant really see a reason to move away from the biggest sc2 league when you are serious about sc2... even if there is a "big thing" starting in the US, do people really think it will outshine Korea?
He said he thought so in the interview with Artosis as well as SOTG and i don't doubt him. Take a look at who is getting their hand inside sc2 in the west. MLG just tied up with IMG which is owned by a billionaire and IMG handles most of the pro athletes and entertainers that is recognisable. Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Tiger Woods. All of these are managed by IMG if i'm not wrong.I might be wrong on some of the names but certainly the point stands.
And if EU and US really goes deep into this, of course it will be prestigious. They have had long long long history of developing prestige and injecting money into sport. UEFA champions league, NBA, NFL. The most prestigious and richest sport leagues in the world.
Sure Korea is the capital of esports for a while now, but the Korean SC2 scene does not look particularly hot. It is just sustained by one or two giant corporation. Even BW has a lot of issues and uncertainties with lawsuits and sponsors. Things are not going that well in the grassroot level. Whereas in US and EU, things are looking VERY well in the grassroot level. From day9 to husky, from weekly tournaments to lans. All parts of the community contributes. His assesment that the centre is gonna shift seems accurate.
With the NASL find and how great watching MLG was last season, I'm actually extremely excited about this. I know people have Korea as the only "real" place to play Starcraft, but I don't think it needs to be that way. Korea's dominance is due to infrastructure and if Western players want to compete, we need to focus on tournaments that are in the same country as our players. Seems reasonable to me. GL IdrA!
Such an awkward timing to leave, with idra being in an easy group and gsl within days.
Not that money isn't important, but e-spots shouldn't be all about it. I mean, unless the difference in payoffs is huge between US and Korea, a player should focus on staying at where the skill and prestige are higher.
People got more excited when idra won against MVP in a ladder game than when he won MLG, for instance.
I think this would be the worst decision he could make right now.
The truth is, it is all about skill, and by quitting GSL he will undoubtedly lose skill and with it popularity and potential earnings.
Idra needs to disperse illusions and keep playing in code S and training in Korea. When MLG day comes just come to the US, own and leave. I mean, really, how can you compare EG players I've never even heard of to MVP, MC, Nestea etc. etc.that he gets to play against in Korea? This marks the decline of Idra. And I liked him, because he was a zerg at heart, like me
I feel bad for Artosis, now he's there alone again (I know Tasteless is there, but I feel like he has other friends). Glhf to Idra, it'll be cool to have him back here I guess.
I think people do not see the big picture here. I was a huge Idra fan when he competed in the GSL (sorry Jinro). But if rumours about NASL are true, then it will take people like Idra to get it off the ground.
In a way, it's nice that GSL had more foreigners than before, but it would be even better if there were several high caliber leagues with comparable skill levels. And I don't think there are many people in NA atm that could draw crowds and play entertaining games like Idra.
On February 16 2011 20:51 Reasonable wrote: I think this would be the worst decision he could make right now.
The truth is, it is all about skill, and by quitting GSL he will undoubtedly lose skill and with it popularity and potential earnings.
Idra needs to disperse illusions and keep playing in code S and training in Korea. When MLG day comes just come to the US, own and leave. I mean, really, how can you compare EG players I've never even heard of to MVP, MC, Nestea etc. etc.that he gets to play against in Korea? This marks the decline of Idra. And I liked him, because he was a zerg at heart, like me
Yea, the decision is a little odd. However, let us see what the announcements are. I don't think Idra will regret this decision, he seems to have reasons for this, maybe he is a little homesick too.
True, it's kinda sad that he's leaving the biggest SC2 league in the world, but maybe this'll turn out to be a brave and brilliant move, which will contribute to NA ( and hopefully European) leagues growing to match or even eclipse the popularity of the GSL.
Also, I can see how it would be better for his social life and help to keep his spirits up - he seems kinda down in interviews sometimes. I lived in Japan for a year, and I had a great time and made friends out there, but I look back now and realise that I was kinda isolated because I didn't speak the language fluently, and it made me become so distant from all my old friends.
I wish IdrA the best of luck, and I'm really excited about the future of esports in NA and Europe.
On February 16 2011 20:31 Lynskey wrote: I hope the admins don't mind me linking to offsite content, but I've written an article about this here. I think it's a really Big Thing this, although it's just one guy moving back home the fact it's coupled with the nasl rumours, MLG uber prize pool etc. it could be a bit of landmark moment. I'm certainly a bit excited!
I get that there's a lot of "this is a good idea for IdrA". But I think he should have at least gave the GSL one more go and give it his best shot. I can't help but feel like the reasons hes saying hes coming back are a mask for the frustrations he has been dealing with playing in the GSL and living in Korea.
I agree with his decision, but I disagree with his timing. Give it a month and told people in advance and then left rather than this abrupt decision. Or what seems like one, I'm sure hes been thinking about this for a while.
Well as long as Liquid stays there I'll be satisfied.
Who gives a shit about Korea if you have a legitimately good alternative. From what I've gathered over the years, it seems obvious that the culture is way different, weird things matter, people are shy and closed, the language is hard as fuck. Meaning you're stuck with hanging out with the same old 3 white people all the time, because there's so little potential in developing friendships in such an environment.
So basically, the only thing Korea had is their 1000X stronger esports. Now that US and Europe are getting close (when it comes to prize money), and surpassing Korea (when it comes to number of different events) it seems like a no-brainer to return to your homeland, your friends, your life basically.
Good luck IdrA.
P.S. In 5 years from now, I expect Korean E-Sports to be compared to what Japan's MMA was in Pride days - the place to be at the time, but latter went into oblivion.
I think that he has been thinking about this for a while but I don't believe the reasons he stated for leaving. I think he feels it will be easier to dominate in the west and he's probably right, the GSL probably seems like too much effort for not enough reward, he constantly has to compete with really high level players, I'm not saying that there aren't high level players in NA or EU, there are, but there are just less of them. The disappointing part of this move is that he is one of the only foreigners that has lived there and knows what it takes to compete against the best players in the world which I think are mostly from Korea. He might win all the western events (highly unlikely) but I still wouldn't say he is the best until he dominates GSL. In any case, what he stated is I guess a noble cause or something. Yay esports!
The most probable reason for leaving: Clide/Zenio have used their Yakuza (I don't know what the Korean Mafia is called) and threatened to cut off his index fingers so he is leaving Korea.
i dont understand why he doesnt participate in GSL March , but maybe the new maps not being on the ladder is another point,, I hate quiters but good luck , it will be nice to see Idra get crushed by the European Terran infestation..
I think there are some hidden motives being kept from us. Whatever those are though, they're not our business. If Idra feels the desire to come home, then so be it. I remember hearing Idra talking about how foreigners aren't being completely swept by the Koreans yet like they did in BW. While that may be true, I think this move marks the beginning of the end. I have yet to see any foreigners play to the level that players such as MVP, Nestea, etc. do. As more top foreigners leave Korea, I think the skill gap will continue to grow apart until one day, we have the separation we have in BW today; people like Flash just worlds ahead of any foreigner.
Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
On February 16 2011 17:33 Mulletarian wrote: This is a brilliant move by IdrA. Clearly he's in on something we won't know in another 5 days 4 hours, or Feb 21, 2011 2:00 PM.
You call that orange gunk "natural cheese" btw? Being european, I thought "natural cheese and beer that doesnt taste like tap water" was a pretty hilarious thing to come from an american. Your barbecue is good though!
Have you ever had Beer from a microbrew in the USA before? You Europeans can be so ignornat sometimes!
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
I think IdrA leaving Korea actually reduces the credibility of GSL as the premiere league, especially if more big things are coming up in the near future in North America. If the Koreans start coming over to compete in such things for the money, guess where the premiere league will be then?
Welcome back, IdrA! i think it is awesome that he comes home, he is truly the best nonkorean zerg out there, IMO. so its nice that he comes home to own it up in NA aswell
Well, if the money is similar in America, then he might as well come back. There isn't the cultural gap and he has a much better chance of dominating the foreigner scene than he does with the Korean one.
I kinda saw it comming. He has seen in a interview that he does not play more than 2 hours a day. So I think it's great that he moves back and start with his life again... He may get more motivation, and now he knows how the Koreans practise, so he can just continue doing that from the US
On February 16 2011 21:26 niteReloaded wrote: Who gives a shit about Korea if you have a legitimately good alternative. From what I've gathered over the years, it seems obvious that the culture is way different, weird things matter, people are shy and closed, the language is hard as fuck. Meaning you're stuck with hanging out with the same old 3 white people all the time, because there's so little potential in developing friendships in such an environment.
When you're a white guy in those cultures then you're allowed much more slack when it comes to the 'weird things', and after just a couple years you have enough language skill to communicate enough to get 'proper' friends.
Of course, IdrA seems to have exactly the kind of personality that would make it extremely difficult to get friends there. But don't go bashing the Koreans for that, they're quite a bit more open than the Japanese.
Bad move for EG. Getting so much exposure and their only presence in Korea being Idra. It has to be Idra just being tired of Korea, and wanting to move back. I'm positive EG couldn't have wanted this at this time.
On February 16 2011 22:47 zs3000 wrote: Bad move for EG. Getting so much exposure and their only presence in Korea being Idra. It has to be Idra just being tired of Korea, and wanting to move back. I'm positive EG couldn't have wanted this at this time.
If that was true, then he wouldn't be leaving. Clearly there's a something bigger going on here.
omg what of his code S status..it was nice to see Idra doing really well in the GSL and being a real force to be reckoned with. his matches were entertaining and he is a great player with personality which i feel many korean gamers lack!
from a fans point of view i enjoyed watching Idra play at the top level but i suppose him playing closer to home will do nicely too!!
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
edit: don't misunderstand me i completely agree with what he's doing. It's his life not ours. He needs to do what he needs to in order to make a living.
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
Teamliquid is actually the only foreigner hope at this point.
edit: meant to edit my first post, sorry for the double post
It's been time to go home idrA.. :-) Who would like to live in Korea forever. But as mention a lot of times, the main reasons are probably the higher chances to win tournaments in the West (not only because of the fact sc2 has a bigger raise there atm, but also because the players overall might not be as good as in Korea).
I can totally understand that decision. I mean,in Korea there is only the GSL.If you qualify,good,if you win,good but if not,there is NO other Tournament where he can participate in and that a whole month.
I bet when hes back he will roflstomp the US ladder. ^^
Idra does this only because he wants to move back and the biggest reason is because he knows he will do better outside GSL. Moneywise that is, and its a very smart decision by him. As much as you love Korea and GSL, it is the "maintournamanet" its where every foreigner does wanna be. But its not potentially giving the money nor the training you want in some cases.
So Idra, I love you decision. Im looking forward to seeing you roll over all these boring a-class players that we have so many of outside Korea.
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
Excuse me, but whotf cares about skill? Money makes the world go round, those guys earn their freakin' money by playing that game. We are talking about monetary income. Noone will tell you "I give a shit about anyones skill but my own, less skilled opponents and comparable prizemoney means more money in the pocket, which is good. Playing Ex-Kaspa slaves for a shameful 1500 bucks in Code A is bullshit."
But that's what it comes down to. And on the long run the most skill will always be, where the most money can be made. Thats a fact. Greg didn't travel to Korea once because of the food beeing so fucking good, but because of the prizemoney thats so damn freakin' high down there.
Pros love the game, thats for sure, but in the end, they are pros for a reason, and thats not "to be the best competitor", but "to win the shit out of that events".
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
Excuse me, but whotf cares about skill? Money makes the world go round, those guys earn their freakin' money by playing that game. We are talking about monetary income. Noone will tell you "I give a shit about anyones skill but my own, less skilled opponents and comparable prizemoney means more money in the pocket, which is good. Playing Ex-Kaspa slaves for a shameful 1500 bucks in Code A is bullshit."
But that's what it comes down to. And on the long run the most skill will always be, where the most money can be made. Thats a fact. Greg didn't travvel to Korea once because if the food beeing so fucking good, but because of the prizemoney thats so damn freakin' high down there.
Pros love the game, thats for sure, but in the end, they are pros for a reason, and thats not "to be the best competitor", but "to win the shit out of that events".
Passion alone doesn't pay bills.
You clearly missed my edit. I understand it's for the money. Do what you gotta do to make some dough right?
edit: I wanted to expand on my thoughts more. Skill doesn't go to money, money goes to skill. The better you are, the more money sponsors will award you with. Korea is where you prove yourself to be the best of the best. If you don't care about skill, then you're just another average gamer/human. Michael Jordan made more bank than any other player in the NBA, why? He's the best of the best. Companies sucked up to him in order to get his face on their water bottles. If you're not the best, you're not gonna make as much money.
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
Excuse me, but whotf cares about skill? Money makes the world go round, those guys earn their freakin' money by playing that game. We are talking about monetary income. Noone will tell you "I give a shit about anyones skill but my own, less skilled opponents and comparable prizemoney means more money in the pocket, which is good. Playing Ex-Kaspa slaves for a shameful 1500 bucks in Code A is bullshit."
But that's what it comes down to. And on the long run the most skill will always be, where the most money can be made. Thats a fact. Greg didn't travvel to Korea once because if the food beeing so fucking good, but because of the prizemoney thats so damn freakin' high down there.
Pros love the game, thats for sure, but in the end, they are pros for a reason, and thats not "to be the best competitor", but "to win the shit out of that events".
Passion alone doesn't pay bills.
Thats ok, but you cant tell you are the best. Then you are a normal man who earns money. Funny to call those bw pros slaves. Evil Evil Kespa lol.
ok i can understood that IrdA what to go back to US for whatever reason! but he still is in Korea and he gets 1330$ just for show up and play 3 games in studio and he don't want to! IT IS STUPID!!!!!
After watching some of Idra's stream I am not surprised he decided to move back. He was getting cheesed almost every game by the well-refined cheese of Korea because people knew that if they played him straight up, they would lose. Additionally, its tough to live in a place where you cannot speak the language. I remember one interview after a GSL where Idra was like "Ret was the only one who practiced with me" That sucks. If i were him i would be very lonely and feel that i was not living up to my full potential because i had very few practice partners and lived alone while everyone else is in a practice house. I think it is a good move for western e-sports as well as for Idra's life. I am expecting either a mass exodus from Korea by foreigners or make it a place to go train because the money sucks there unless you get a top 4 finish in code S. Idra is going to dominate everyone in the West which is great for me since he is my favorite pro-gamer
Excuse me, but whotf cares about skill? Money makes the world go round, those guys earn their freakin' money by playing that game. We are talking about monetary income. Noone will tell you "I give a shit about anyones skill but my own, less skilled opponents and comparable prizemoney means more money in the pocket, which is good. Playing Ex-Kaspa slaves for a shameful 1500 bucks in Code A is bullshit."
But that's what it comes down to. And on the long run the most skill will always be, where the most money can be made. Thats a fact. Greg didn't travel to Korea once because of the food beeing so fucking good, but because of the prizemoney thats so damn freakin' high down there.
Pros love the game, thats for sure, but in the end, they are pros for a reason, and thats not "to be the best competitor", but "to win the shit out of that events".
Passion alone doesn't pay bills.
For the most agree with you, but I think the fun-part of playing starcraft for a living should not be underestimated. I think a lot of people do this mainly because they think it's more fun than anything else they could do to earn their money. But what will all the pro-gamers do when they are 30+ years old? Still playing computer 10 hours+ a day? Imho that would be kind of sad and as far as I am concerned it would not fullfill my life. Starcraft is a complex game that requires a lot of skill, but aren't you getting bored when you play more than maybe 4 hours a day? The maps are always same looking and the opportunities are principially limited (same units etc.). I would like to ask some of the pro-gamers when they'd consider fun to actually stop and define playing starcraft as "work". IdrA however not only wants to move to the West to win tournaments but also to make e-Sport grow and later on, if he can get a job in managing tournaments and stuff like that this would be awesome. I think with his experience from Korea he really could bring e-Sports to the next level in the West.
I definitely sympathize with Idra's want to return the the US. There is much more security and less stress involved, undoubtedly. Also, better chances to bring in top prize money....
BUT I really don't think Idra coming back to the US is going to make that big of a difference to Western E sports. Things over here are, indeed, taking off (as Idra said) and esports is getting bigger and bigger. However, it is important to note that this has been going on without IdrA being here and would most likely continue to do so without him leaving Korea. I think that IdrA living in Korea and competing in the GSL actually does more for western esports than him coming here and winning tournaments. It is exciting and encouraging for the Western community to see IdrA competing against top Korean players (many of the top players in the world) and being successful. He is much more of a spectacle over there--a bolt of lightning zapping foreign interest into the GSL--than he could be playing in a bunch of American and European tournaments broadcasted at odd hours on laggy streams. We need him as our American representative in Korea--our American ambassador to the GSL!
Don't abandon your post! America needs your representation!
Kind of disappointed. Idra basically moved back because of the easy competition and the huge prize pool the usa has given us. It make sense, but many of his fans will also be disappointed that he will not be competing in the the GSL anymore.
Ok, it's official. What ever EG is cooking up, it is going to be HUGE.
As much as I don't like IdrA and his BM style, he isn't a retard. He is very methodical and his play style reflects this. In order for him to leave a solid spot in Code S (sure he wasn't going to win, but a constant Top 8 is VERY impressive) for the prospect of something here in the west, really makes me giddy.
Good luck IdrA, even though nothing good comes out of your mouth in-game, you are a solid player and I am looking forward to what you guys at EG have in store for us.
I think people underestimate the difficulties of living in Korea, especially as a foreign progamer. He's been there for almost 3 years now (I think) and he played 12 hours / day for most of that time. He had no time to seriously study Korean (which I understand to be rather different than English). He has only been able to discuss starcraft with a select few people given the language barrier. It's a tough life, both from a gaming and social perspective.
Regardless of your opinion of his antics, Idra has undeniably been an icon in foreign E-sports. Much of this is overlooked due to the debates raging around said antics, but if there is anyone who has earned the right to do what he wants without being called a quitter, it is Idra. His dedication to E-sports and starcraft simply cannot be disputed.
Hopefully this is not permanent. Idra is one of the few foreigners with a legitimate shot at a GSL title. I wonder if he'll only stay here for the MLG circuit events and then head back to Incheon during the MLG "offseason".
Stop saying that this is somewhat of a bad move. IdrA obviously knows something we simply don't. And this has most likely to do with a new league starting in NA (my assumption). I think when he gives up a Code S spot, it must be something really big and I'm totally excited about this. I'd support IdrA wherever he plays, good luck to him
This is the bottom line and the reason he's coming back to the States. He's going to be able to play in a LOT more tournaments in 2011 and get a LOT more exposure for himself and EG and their sponsors. He's also going to win a LOT more $$$.
On February 16 2011 16:46 canadianhockee wrote: lololololol another terribad foreigner bites the dust. tlo went home in disgrace pretending his wrist was hurt rofl what a joke. select says he gonna play in gsl then cant even qualify then has to go back home and make up excuses. now idra realizes he never did jack squat in any gsl tourney and is only falling more behind. can't wait til jinro goes home with his tail behind his chin when his turtle terran style sit in base til 200 food strat gets passed by.
User was banned for this post.
sry but i hope that get u a permban ...
IDra is one of the 3 best zergs in the world and its a HUGE loss for the GSL
and Jinro for me is one of the 3-5 best terrans so he will succeed and he did 2 times top4 with even playing better then MKP last gsl so ... what are u talking about ...
i hope some of the A code foreigns go S code but yet i cant see anyone on the lvl of IDRA expect Jinro
ps: tlo was bad ? he qualify every GSL as no other foreign did and i think very less korean pros did ...
It's a sound financial decision. Good for him. The dude has been living abroad in a foreign country, totally different from western culture, for like 3 years, so he's earned the right to cash in imo.
Regardless of the "big announcement", the competition in NA will always be inferior to the Koreans. Logistically, it's just impossible for a continent as big as NA to produce talent as good as the Koreans without the infrastructure and money. Unless this "big announcement" is going to inject the NA SC2 scene with millions and millions of dollars, its always going to be this way.
On February 16 2011 19:21 theuser wrote: I think the real reason are the new maps introduced in GSL. He doesn't have as many options concerning practice partners as the other players. Laddering won't be a good practice place as GOM will introduce more and more custom maps. Also EG doesn't have enough players in Korea to star in the GSTL. So maybe it was the right decision to bring the gracken home.
No matter how you rationalize it, there is this gut feeling he could have at least stayed for the March GSL. But if it's about practicing and the maps, then his decision and the timing makes a lot of sense and would seem much less of a cop out.
I was looking forward to his love triangle fight with Clide and Zenio but I can't say he and Jinro are the only players I cheer for on the GSL.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Rofl...with this type of attitude we can just stop doing any type of competitive sport.
Sport is magical when you see people with passion and nothing else matters. As soon as it turn material things start going down. It is job of people around the "star" to make sure he stays in that "passion" mode for as long as possible.
Option A makes Champions, Option B makes those guys on a bench.
On February 16 2011 21:52 Flying_Cake wrote: Ok seriously, there has to be a good reason why he isn't playing the GSL. After all he has done to get there, hes gonna leave just before the big tournament?
Yeah, becuase he is eventually gonna take part in an even bigger one. Perhaps there is something like that coming up on nasl.tv, something as a big-ass new league that maybe announced by geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson on 21st of february.
Wouldn't be suprised if Jinro was about to book a flight as we are talking here =)
Highly doubt any league is going to surpass the GSL. In money yes there is a possibility, in skill no. This move marks the beginning of the end for foreigners IMO. Without top foreigners in Korea training with the best of the best, the skill gap between the Koreans and the rest of the world is just going to get bigger and bigger.
edit: don't misunderstand me i completely agree with what he's doing. It's his life not ours. He needs to do what he needs to in order to make a living.
Wow its really annoying to see the "omg now he'll just be crushing noobs in NA, he'll never be the best!". Guys, how about we use our best players to grow OUR scene instead of helping Korea remain atop the e-sports throne? I'd much rather see a strong NA scene then Idra in Korea trying to win a GSL.
Then again I don't stay up till 3am every night and watch 16yr olds half way across the world play sc2. Maybe I just don't understand?
Well, Idra should have won against Jinro... Blizzard fixed all the stuff too late sadly. Unbelievable close spawn locations on Metalo and gay maps like Jungle Basin and Shakuras just made him lose. We have proof that Idra can beat the best player in the world MVP and how? By annihilating him on a disadvantaged map. He went to Korea to do one thing: win money but first and foremost improve his skill and we can certainly say he achieved that. He will now go back to the US competing in tournaments with similar and maybe greater prize pools than the GSL but having less skill level in them overall. Is this a great decision? Yes. All the top players will be travelling to the GSL for what? having less chacne to win the same amount of money offered in US/ EUROPE. Idra isnt scared of playing koreans or Jinro, its just that its not logical to do it anymore for the reasons stated above. Thats my opinion hope i didndt offend ne1 ><
Might I just add though, that the increasing growth of eSports in the west is FOR SURE going to motivate more rising stars to come up and compete.
The whole "Koreans are better at Starcraft" is not something that comes from birth, it's because of people valuing eSports in Korea and taking it seriously. This is why they train so hard, and why they are better.
With eSports beginning to get more popular in the west, we may begin to see more people like Grrr..., not a Korean but simply someone who trains hard because he took eSports to heart. Since there will be larger prizes for tournaments in the West, people will train harder and the skill gap between Koreans and everyone else is likely to increase since they have better reasons to take gaming/training seriously. Right now, who knows there could be someone out there who's just waiting to break into the SC scene and make it big, but just couldn't afford to fly to Korea. Now they have that opportunity with more tourneys coming up in the west.
I for one, am hella excited since Idra's return to the US is going to help increase the competitiveness in the west.
Well, I'm disappointed that IdrA is leaving, especially before the GSL March. If he'd stayed even one more GSL then there is a good chance that 1 or 2 other foreigners would qualify for Code S.
Oh well. In the long run IdrA coming back to America can only help the emergence of E-sports in this part of the world.
GL Idra!, tobad that u aint going to play in GSL, i was cheering for u and Jinro in code S! I hope u get back to Korea someday and show them whos the MAN(zerg)!
IdrA just wants to increase his chances of winning..
JK!
I think it would be a good move for him, he's the perfect dude to be the forerunner. Although, I think it would be hard to leave S. Korea, it seems so fun! But, I suppose IdrA is going home.
I am so excited to see IdrA coming back, now i won't have to stay up til like 4 A.M. just to watch him play in the GSL anymore! yay for regular sleep schedules on EST!!
The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
On February 17 2011 02:12 Rokusha wrote: The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
I don't see how that tracks tbh. If the world's best players all moved to korea in order to compete, then that would be what creates a skill gap, wouldn't it? Having a large enough prize pool to encourage a player to move out of korea to compete would certainly encourage more local talent to dedicate that much more time in order to win as well.
this is pretty cool. I cant wait to see IdrA play more NA players, as I want to see how much of a gap there actually is (if any at all, as there are some amazing players out in NA) between Korea and NA.
Im sure this will be very fun plus, its nice to know that the foreigners will less likely have to knock each other out in GSL this time
I don't mind the decision to come back to the States, it could work out very well for him, but WHY did you pick now to leave? I find the timing just awful as it is right before the GSL (less than a week). There aren't any major tournaments going on that conflict with the GSL schedule: MLG starts April 1st and TSL is online, anyway.
Idra has got top8 in consecutive seasons, and he has always liked his chances to reach the finals and win it all. Leaving at this time doesn't make much sense to me.
Can't help but feeling those guys who have risked so much to make the foreigner scene in Korea happen are getting more than a bit burned by this, tho...
Remembering Idra always complaining how NA doesn't have any good Zergs, it's going to be interesting to see how his ZvZ develops.
All in all, I don't think this is a good move, Korea will always be ahead of foreign scene in terms of skill and quantity of extremely good players.
And I don't want to be a party breaker, but if you look at the last GSL, Code A had such an awful players, the matches were barely watchable. I watched only a few of Code A matches, and maybe 70% of Code S.
And now we will have a NA scene, probably with some larger tournament/league, with lower overall skill of players and fewer excellent players. Between Korean league and NA, one I know which one I will be watching, what with my limited time for SC2 matches and all
This actually makes me a bit sad. For me he is the guy who really made it, who stuck it out through all the shitty times and finally was on top and hopefully where enjoying it. Best of luck in the US IdrA. This will seriously change my eager to stay up late night to watch the GSLs.
On February 17 2011 02:12 Rokusha wrote: The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
I don't see how that tracks tbh. If the world's best players all moved to korea in order to compete, then that would be what creates a skill gap, wouldn't it? Having a large enough prize pool to encourage a player to move out of korea to compete would certainly encourage more local talent to dedicate that much more time in order to win as well.
I kind of see your point of view but what I meant was that, Koreans are just going to get better and better with the way they their training methods are that have been in place for a while now. Even if western teams emulate them anytime soon by setting up teamhouse where players live, eat, breathe starcraft 24hrs a day, they are not going to be able to catch up to the Koreans themselves since Koreans had a big headstart. That's why TL trains with OGS. It will get to the point where Koreans will be far ahead of everyone else and dominate every tournament out there GSL and non-GSL. And discourage local talent who risk giving up years to play a game saturated with players who are far ahead of everyone.
Edit: of course this is all opinion and speculation at this point. I hope I am wrong though and can't wait for the NASL
Dear IdrA(and I'm not sure if you'll ever see this but anyways)
Strangely, I was both sad, and happy at the same time. A huge huge plus for you is, being closer to home and possibly family and friends, which will give you even more support and hopefully mental relaxation when you need it.
I'm a little nervous with regards to eSports taking off more here in the West, you probably know far more than I do, but I'm under the perception that Korea still maintains its "gaming culture" far more so than here in the West. By "gaming culture" I mean, TV channels that broadcast starcraft shows, a cultural thing that's just all about starcraft, in Korea. If that is starting to die down in Korea, then perhaps this move is possibly the best thing for you to do. Strike while the iron is hot. You've hit the peak, and thus quickly get out before it begins its descent.
I really hope too, that with these other events that the regular audience would have more access to watching your games, via replays, commentaries, and things that are hopefully free of charge(with adverts of course by the sponsors).
I enjoyed watching the GSL, and paid for it as well, but at the same time, I am starting to cheer for players who are Western. I have been disappointed in players such as SlayersBoxer, who seem to have a big name, but seem to just lose and lose.
Good luck IdrA and hope to see more of your upcoming games.
On February 17 2011 02:12 Rokusha wrote: The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
I don't see how that tracks tbh. If the world's best players all moved to korea in order to compete, then that would be what creates a skill gap, wouldn't it? Having a large enough prize pool to encourage a player to move out of korea to compete would certainly encourage more local talent to dedicate that much more time in order to win as well.
I kind of see your point of view but what I meant was that, Koreans are just going to get better and better with the way they their training methods are that have been in place for a while now. Even if western teams emulate them anytime soon by setting up teamhouse where players live, eat, breathe starcraft 24hrs a day, they are not going to be able to catch up to the Koreans themselves since Koreans had a big headstart. That's why TL trains with OGS. It will get to the point where Koreans will be far ahead of everyone else and dominate every tournament out there GSL and non-GSL. And discourage local talent who risk giving up years to play a game saturated with players who are far ahead of everyone.
Edit: of course this is all opinion and speculation at this point. I hope I am wrong though and can't wait for the NASL
If it's anything like Brood War, the players on top won't be on top forever. When was the last time you heard about iloveoov winning a starleague? And who is the top player there right now? Flash, who was like 15 and still, from our perspective, pretty new to Brood War, when he won his first starleague. It seems that people are able to catch up in these situations.
You are right that this is all speculative, though.
On February 16 2011 16:46 canadianhockee wrote: lololololol another terribad foreigner bites the dust. tlo went home in disgrace pretending his wrist was hurt rofl what a joke. select says he gonna play in gsl then cant even qualify then has to go back home and make up excuses. now idra realizes he never did jack squat in any gsl tourney and is only falling more behind. can't wait til jinro goes home with his tail behind his chin when his turtle terran style sit in base til 200 food strat gets passed by.
User was banned for this post.
sry but i hope that get u a permban ...
IDra is one of the 3 best zergs in the world and its a HUGE loss for the GSL
and Jinro for me is one of the 3-5 best terrans so he will succeed and he did 2 times top4 with even playing better then MKP last gsl so ... what are u talking about ...
i hope some of the A code foreigns go S code but yet i cant see anyone on the lvl of IDRA expect Jinro
ps: tlo was bad ? he qualify every GSL as no other foreign did and i think very less korean pros did ...
gl idra in us and try to flame less on ladder xD
He was playing better than MKP but he lost to mkp that makes sense.
Is a good song by Green Day. We all love you Idra, GL on home soil, even though I think you were doing good in GSL and should probably have stayed and kept trying.
Kinda sad, after spending so many years over there it must be shameful to come back with nothing to show for. I know he made some good money over there, but not a single one out there plays purely for the money. His biggest successes were outside of Korea, so of course to monetize his training (props to his discipline btw) it is just natural to look into the foreigner events. I really hope it doesn't pull him down, he got really mad skillz over there and had tons of great experiences and that the lack of trophies and prizes isn't the only thing on his mind.
This looks pretty bad in terms of e-sports in Korea, if one of the top Code-S players doesn't see the potential for success in Korea, why would other foreigners want to go to compete in code A?
Overall it is probably a good move for IdrA. Sure Korea still has GSL being the top tournament, but honestly it would be rough playing in it. Practicing for a month then if you lose one round, you get to sit around for 4 weeks until you can try to play again. Where as right now in NA, there is a decent sized tournament every weekend plus show matches / team leagues...he could potentially be on big streams 4 or 5 days a week. Plus now IdrA can be back with more people in the US. Which would be good for him training wise and also just to be back with friends / family.
Good move IdrA, best of luck to ya man. Hope to see a lot more of you now rather then the few GSL matches a month.
As a viewer I am saddened and wish he kept at it while he had code S status. As a personal decission I fully understand it. Good luck going forward idra.
In my mind this cements Liquid's status as THE foreign team in sc2.
On February 17 2011 02:12 Rokusha wrote: The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
You're contradicting yourself. If huge tournaments start else where other than Korea, competition is going to grow. If the Koreans decide to come to the US to compete, good! That's only going to push foreigners and non-foreigners to get better and beat each other. Just because a handful of pro-players won't be going to Korea to compete in the GSL, doesn't mean that a magic gap between Western and Eastern players is going to show up. If anything, this gap is going to get smaller with new competitions booming in new areas.
On February 17 2011 02:32 Odoakar wrote: Remembering Idra always complaining how NA doesn't have any good Zergs, it's going to be interesting to see how his ZvZ develops.
All in all, I don't think this is a good move, Korea will always be ahead of foreign scene in terms of skill and quantity of extremely good players.
And I don't want to be a party breaker, but if you look at the last GSL, Code A had such an awful players, the matches were barely watchable. I watched only a few of Code A matches, and maybe 70% of Code S.
And now we will have a NA scene, probably with some larger tournament/league, with lower overall skill of players and fewer excellent players. Between Korean league and NA, one I know which one I will be watching, what with my limited time for SC2 matches and all
It's this thought process which will keep Korea ahead. Starcraft2's pro scene is not strictly confined to Koreans, get over it. More and more foreign pro's are coming about, proving they can hang with the Koreans. A push to the pro scene in the western areas is only going to make the skill cap rise for foreigners. Don't forget that plenty of those "terrible Code A" players you couldn't bear to watch, were Korean. If you want to see other countries be able to compete with Korea, this is the kind of move that needs to happen.
On February 17 2011 02:32 Odoakar wrote: Remembering Idra always complaining how NA doesn't have any good Zergs, it's going to be interesting to see how his ZvZ develops.
All in all, I don't think this is a good move, Korea will always be ahead of foreign scene in terms of skill and quantity of extremely good players.
And I don't want to be a party breaker, but if you look at the last GSL, Code A had such an awful players, the matches were barely watchable. I watched only a few of Code A matches, and maybe 70% of Code S.
And now we will have a NA scene, probably with some larger tournament/league, with lower overall skill of players and fewer excellent players. Between Korean league and NA, one I know which one I will be watching, what with my limited time for SC2 matches and all
It's this thought process which will keep Korea ahead. Starcraft2's pro scene is not strictly confined to Koreans, get over it. More and more foreign pro's are coming about, proving they can hang with the Koreans. A push to the pro scene in the western areas is only going to make the skill cap rise for foreigners. Don't forget that plenty of those "terrible Code A" players you couldn't bear to watch, were Korean. If you want to see other countries be able to compete with Korea, this is the kind of move that needs to happen.
To be the best, you have to compete with the best. Without the opportunity to compete with the top code s players, foreigners are not going to get the push they need to rise to the next level. Yes esports will boom in the west, but not within the same skill range as the east has.
On February 16 2011 16:41 Manifesto7 wrote: Let's see.
Option A) Stay in Korea with a ridiculously difficult tournament which you have to place in the top 2 to be really worth it. Be away from your friends / family / language / culture (already has been two years or more by now anyway). Be hindered in your ability to participate in far more numerous and less competitive tournaments.
Option B) Go back to your country of birth. Rejoin teammates. Have the freedom to fly around the world on the sponsor's dime. Have a much higher chance of winning. Give your sponsor better promotion. Keep reasonable hours. Enjoy eating natural cheese and drink beer that doesn't look like tap water.
He would be crazy to stay in Korea, especially when he isn't supported by a team or house there. The upcoming scene in the US will put the GSL to shame anyway.
Rofl...with this type of attitude we can just stop doing any type of competitive sport.
Sport is magical when you see people with passion and nothing else matters. As soon as it turn material things start going down. It is job of people around the "star" to make sure he stays in that "passion" mode for as long as possible.
Option A makes Champions, Option B makes those guys on a bench.
amen. you don't see epic games that last a lifetime between players of VAST skill difference, but games that include two ridiculously skilled players fighting with all they've got... that is a champion.
idra.... another draco? i wonder if he will win any big tournaments... WCG, TSL, etc etc... he hasn't won one yet right?
i surely don't understand the timing, one week and half to start GSL March, I don't even know how GOM TV did release him at this point, when all they can do now is forfeit his matches, its their loss its the spectators of GSL loss because the group B is a joke now.
I don't even know what Idra had to lose to atleast battle out the RO32 and see what happens. I don't believe he will be attending any big tournament in that timeline.
On February 17 2011 05:41 CrazyCow wrote: Tasteless and Artosis threatened him until he agreed to leave Korea. They didn't want Clide to get knocked out of GSL by IdrA again.
He'll still get knocked out. Zenio and Byun are better than him.
Did anyone else think that idra moved back because he knows the "big" announcement his teammate is going to give out? If it's some big tourney with a large prize pool it makes even more sense for him to leave. Just a thought.
Well I havn't been overly impressed with MLG or other US/European tournaments in general... GSL just delivers top quality matches because of the obvious skillgap and the prizepool.
If the skilllevel rises to something near what we see in the GSL as Idra predicts perhaps it will be more entertaining... but right now I just can't understand why Idra want to give up competing against the best players in the world and settle for worse. Did he lose his ambition or the belief/hope in winning the best tournament in starcraft 2? I don't really buy the arguments about wanting to be there when it grows... sounds like something lies beneath.
Anyway best of luck to you Idra, GSL won't be nearly as entertaining without you!
I'm sad that the Gracken is leaving Korea but I'm sure that he knows what's best for him. One less reason to watch GSL though (they'll miss him more than he'll miss them).
Here's to hoping that everything goes well with his career (and e-sports as a whole).
The one positive side effect is that this opens up a free code s slot. Perhaps gom will give idra's spot directly to the winner of code A, so they don't need to mess with up/down matches. That would certainly make the code a finals more meaningful than most online tournaments...right now the code a finals don't mean much because the prize differential is comparatively small, and both finalists get to choose their up/down target irregardless of who wins.
On February 17 2011 05:41 CrazyCow wrote: Tasteless and Artosis threatened him until he agreed to leave Korea. They didn't want Clide to get knocked out of GSL by IdrA again.
He'll still get knocked out. Zenio and Byun are better than him.
Zenio and Byun are probably the bottom two of the whole Code S. Clide and idrA would've probably advanced
On February 17 2011 05:41 CrazyCow wrote: Tasteless and Artosis threatened him until he agreed to leave Korea. They didn't want Clide to get knocked out of GSL by IdrA again.
He'll still get knocked out. Zenio and Byun are better than him.
Zenio and Byun are probably the bottom two of the whole Code S. Clide and idrA would've probably advanced
North American Star League....guess I'll have to wait 4 days and 21 hours to see if it's true. If so, this definitely explains why IdrA is back in the USA. In the meantime, is IdrA still going to participate in the March GSL or is he going to be here full-time before then?
This actually makes a lot of sense to me. He'll be winning a lot more tournaments first of all. EG will pay for his plane ticket to compete to foreign countries. He'll be with friends, family, teammates, and he'll have practice partners. And he is easily the most recognizable foreign sc player. If esports really IS booming in the west then Idra can readily take advantage of it. He can herald in a new era of esports, maybe even getting a ton of sponsorship while he's at it. Very clever plan I think.
Though it'll be sad for me not being able to watch him on GSL. I've watched other SC2 tourneys, they're just not the same quality with GSL. Hopefully the upcoming announcement would be worth it.
On February 16 2011 16:36 Highways wrote: Quite disappointing tbh. It looks like he is choosing money over prestige and pride.
Going from playing against IMMVP, IMnestea, oGsMC to vsing machine, TT1 etc..
So there's no prestige and pride in Western eSports? I think that's both incorrect and short-sighted.
Not only are some Western players absolutely amazing, but winning major tournaments here isn't exactly a small feat. Do you think winning Dreamhack, MLG or Assembly is just some easy walk in the park?
Oh, well . . . I guess. It's not like it took someone with the skill to reach Top 4 in GSL two times in a row to win the last MLG national championship or anything. . . . You know, like a Jinro or something. Oh, wait.
Sorry buddy but you kind of just proved his point. The last two MLG winners have been players coming from Korea, and they rolled through their brackets.
How did I prove that point at all? I just said that there are good players that developed here that then went over and did good things in Korea. The point was that there are players of comparable skill here and a lot of Western events require that same skill level. You're deliberately misinterpreting me.
Also, I have to say, I only truly remembered the bracket choices that were made while listening to part of the newest SotG today. When I heard it I just got a shit-eating grin on my face and started laughing.
Hats off to you, IdrA, you clever bastard, you. In the most inexorable of fashions you make me into a bigger and bigger fan of yours (and, I must admit, good sir, that I wasn't very fond of you around beta time if I'm to be terribly honest).
So does anyone know what will happen to his GSL group? will it just be freewins for the others in his group?
also, sad to see idra leave .
I was looking forward to his games, but hope that his achievement in the new booming western eSports industry will make it worth it. MLG is now associated with IMG, after all. This could mean tons of cash for him
On February 17 2011 02:12 Rokusha wrote: The thing is, as others have said, I feel the skill gap between Koreans and Westerners are going to increase if no one wants to go to the GSL to compete with the best. And furthermore, when these "Western" and "European" tournaments do kick off with larger prize pools and prestige, what do you think the Koreans are going to do? Sit back and just play GSL? Heck no! If they can fit it in, they will play in these supposedly booming competitions in the Western scene and dominate even more.
You're contradicting yourself. If huge tournaments start else where other than Korea, competition is going to grow. If the Koreans decide to come to the US to compete, good! That's only going to push foreigners and non-foreigners to get better and beat each other. Just because a handful of pro-players won't be going to Korea to compete in the GSL, doesn't mean that a magic gap between Western and Eastern players is going to show up. If anything, this gap is going to get smaller with new competitions booming in new areas.
I see your point, but my opinion is, Top koreans are already better than the top foreigners at the game due to practice houses and training for many 12hrs+ a day for many months. When competition does grow outside of Korea and top koreans come to compete, (now this part is speculation) I am afraid that it will be too late for foreigners to compete well enough unless they have trained with the best players for a while like the liquid players are doing now or unless you are extremely talented.
In summary, practicing with better players is going to make you better faster. Skill in Korea is higher so Korean players are going to improve at a faster rate. I think joint team houses are needed with korean teams like OGS-TL so that foreigners can stay on a similar skill level. But since that isn't going to happen for a while anymore, there will always be that skill gap between koreans and foreigners and thus koreans will be dominant in SC2 as they are in BW
I'm sure Idra's leaving because he's got access to a bigger information set. Even just now the cash prospects are probably better in the US anyway, but if NASL happens, then the guy's just gonna rake in cash for a few monthes at least - especially with HuK out in Korea, there's not that many North Americans who could challenge him heads-on.
On February 17 2011 08:38 MyLovelyLurker wrote: I'm sure Idra's leaving because he's got access to a bigger information set. Even just now the cash prospects are probably better in the US anyway, but if NASL happens, then the guy's just gonna rake in cash for a few monthes at least - especially with HuK out in Korea, there's not that many North Americans who could challenge him heads-on.
To be honest HuK is not at all the only foreigner who can challenge Idra, while he is a strong player I think alot of people think he is better than he is because he won the first MLG.
There are many people in NA right now who can easily compete on the same level as Idra.
Nice to see him get to go home, especially if the money is in any way close to the GSL. Having traveled a fair amount it really sinks in how hard it is to move to a different country from where you grew up and all of the things you sacrifice or have to change to leave home. You lose or change your family, language, food, cultural standards, friends, entertainment, housing options, and so many other things.
I wonder if he's going to start college now too. Seems like a really good opportunity for him to continue to play at a high level and focus on the long term of his life.
The teamliquid guys are in a diff situation because they all live together, and the TL guys in Korea aren't American. The NASL seems like really good news for Tyler though. Good opportunity for him.
Edit: John from GSL said he will just be considered the loser of all of his GSL matches.
There will be more, easier money in the US+Europe soon I'm sure with the whole NASL and stuff. I wouldn't be surprised to see all the Liquid guys come back as well, other than Jinro, if they don't do disgustingly well in code S
On February 17 2011 08:22 Apollonius wrote: So does anyone know what will happen to his GSL group? will it just be freewins for the others in his group?
Yes.
Clide and the winner of Zenio vs Byun will get free wins.
If I was as good as Greg I would also move back to the west. Living in Korea you do have GSL, the highest skill tournament so far. But thats only 1 tournament, and you do have to put all eggs in one basket and win to make it profitable. I would rather do like WhiteRa and own up a lot of western leagues. Not only that, but nearly everyone on Gregs team live in the States (dunno about DeMuslim), and now he can train with them properly.
On February 17 2011 09:17 ZlaSHeR wrote: There will be more, easier money in the US+Europe soon I'm sure with the whole NASL and stuff. I wouldn't be surprised to see all the Liquid guys come back as well, other than Jinro, if they don't do disgustingly well in code S
I also wouldn't be surprised to see more of the Korean guys going to the overseas tournaments if the money gets good.
On February 17 2011 08:22 Apollonius wrote: So does anyone know what will happen to his GSL group? will it just be freewins for the others in his group?
Yes.
Clide and the winner of Zenio vs Byun will get free wins.
And then get free losses to the Winners of Group A (MVP/MC/July)
On February 17 2011 08:38 MyLovelyLurker wrote: I'm sure Idra's leaving because he's got access to a bigger information set. Even just now the cash prospects are probably better in the US anyway, but if NASL happens, then the guy's just gonna rake in cash for a few monthes at least - especially with HuK out in Korea, there's not that many North Americans who could challenge him heads-on.
To be honest HuK is not at all the only foreigner who can challenge Idra, while he is a strong player I think alot of people think he is better than he is because he won the first MLG.
There are many people in NA right now who can easily compete on the same level as Idra.
can you name some of these players in NA who can "easily" compete with Idra? Cause I cant think of any myself.
On February 17 2011 08:38 MyLovelyLurker wrote: I'm sure Idra's leaving because he's got access to a bigger information set. Even just now the cash prospects are probably better in the US anyway, but if NASL happens, then the guy's just gonna rake in cash for a few monthes at least - especially with HuK out in Korea, there's not that many North Americans who could challenge him heads-on.
To be honest HuK is not at all the only foreigner who can challenge Idra, while he is a strong player I think alot of people think he is better than he is because he won the first MLG.
There are many people in NA right now who can easily compete on the same level as Idra.
can you name some of these players in NA who can "easily" compete with Idra? Cause I cant think of any myself.
The difference in context between "easily compete on the same level as Idra" and "can 'easily' compete with Idra" is incredibly important.
Many who can play at such a high level? Yes, there are quite a few who are up at that skill tier.
Many who can easily compete against IdrA? No, that's ridiculous. At such a high level you just can't use "easily compete" since it's an oxymoron.
So, minus your disingenuous interpretation, I'd have to agree with the other gentleman.
I look forward to what is to come and respect his decision, but I do wish he would hold off until the end of his GSL5 run, or that GSL would hold another mini-tournament of sorts for somebody to take his place. Having byes and whatnot seems like it'll throw a wrench in things a little.
I'll miss watching him play. I can't blame anyone for trying to make better money, but these small, frequent, and low stakes tournaments make it a lot less exciting as a spectator. That's why I usually just watch the Korean events, and why I think this will not help draw the audience needed to make SC2 something in the west.
On February 17 2011 05:41 CrazyCow wrote: Tasteless and Artosis threatened him until he agreed to leave Korea. They didn't want Clide to get knocked out of GSL by IdrA again.
He'll still get knocked out. Zenio and Byun are better than him.
Zenio and Byun are probably the bottom two of the whole Code S. Clide and idrA would've probably advanced
so many dropped hints in that video to the creation of the 'north american starcraft 2 league' which is about to go up on NASL.tv (unconfirmed). If his team is pulling out of korea they are definitely gearing up for an assault on the NASL.
so i guess we will see a lot more of idra from now on, and maybe he can win something.
On February 17 2011 05:41 CrazyCow wrote: Tasteless and Artosis threatened him until he agreed to leave Korea. They didn't want Clide to get knocked out of GSL by IdrA again.
He'll still get knocked out. Zenio and Byun are better than him.
Zenio and Byun are probably the bottom two of the whole Code S. Clide and idrA would've probably advanced
Zenio worse than SanZenith?
C'mon man.
I forgot about him
You also forgot about Banbanszenith, Poltprime, FOXLyn, ogsHyperdub, Thebestfou, Choyafou and probably others I can't remember off the top of my head.
The link in the OP links to the Brood War TLPD, which claims that Idra's main race is Terran (therefore, it cannot apply to Idra in SC2). Just a heads up.
I think its great overall that he is coming back and focusing on his gaming here with tourneys. Starcraft 2 is just going to continue to blow up in popularity. I just hope scheduling will allow for Jinro to come back and defend his MLG tittle!
This is crazy news! Artosis and Tasteless will soon be alone in Korea if this North American league kicks off. This is great news for Root though since they have a very strong North American focus and really do have so many solid players who can do well in large tournaments.
Plans like this really make things interesting. Some teams have been considering sending players out to Korea, and I remember FXO was talking about the house in Malaysia, but now it may be a waste if the tournament in North America really is big enough. We will have to wait and see... but I am very excited!
i kind of want korea to still be the main focus, i think its a bit sad if people start chasing this big tourney in america for more money and convenience. i like that you have to go to korea to play the best.
TL seems more willing to fly people all over the world to different events, I am sure Jinro, Huk, Ret, will be coming in for the Major tourneys considering GSL is weekdays and MLG/Dreamhack etc etc are friday/sta/sun.
Well this is just weird. 1 week prior to the biggest/best tournament kicks off (that would be the GSL), idra leaves for lesser/smaller tournaments. I don't get it - doesn't idra want a chance to win GSL code S? Maybe leave a month later as GSL champion?
And isn't Grubby part of EG? So now Grubby is the only EG rep in Korea. Probably no loss to Grubby, as I doubt he and idra would get along.
If prize pools that large are going to become a common theme in the non-Korean scene then it is a smart decision from Idra. He is certainly among the best outside Korea and after all the guy is a professional, winning a big tourny or two with that sort of money on offer is potentially life changing.
I think the highlight of his return is we now get to play and practice against Idra on the ladder. Although, he really won't be able to match up against top tier players as easily as he did on Korea. Unless its a practice match versus some EG people....or Tyler...
Having Idra back in the US can only help spread the skill instead of condensing it all to korea. I am glad he decided to move back, and I hope his presence in the USA helps raise the skill of sc2 in the western world. Also, I hope we see him in all the "little" tournaments that are streamed on a regular basis!
For me from europe is the same if Idra is in Korea or USA. But somehow i`m happier this way. Though i lost some interest in GSL with Idra returning, maybe Huk and Ret if they move in code S will cheer my attention on GSL again.
Anyhow i love to see NA and Europe growing day by day in Esports. The first real confrontation between the 3 continents will be at TSL3. Best from all over the world. The winner will be some non korean, you`ll see. There is a lot of potential in EU-NA, a lot of good players.
Anyhow, MLG, dreamhack any many other will be more exciting now with Idra back. Gl dude
On February 17 2011 08:38 MyLovelyLurker wrote: I'm sure Idra's leaving because he's got access to a bigger information set. Even just now the cash prospects are probably better in the US anyway, but if NASL happens, then the guy's just gonna rake in cash for a few monthes at least - especially with HuK out in Korea, there's not that many North Americans who could challenge him heads-on.
To be honest HuK is not at all the only foreigner who can challenge Idra, while he is a strong player I think alot of people think he is better than he is because he won the first MLG.
There are many people in NA right now who can easily compete on the same level as Idra.
can you name some of these players in NA who can "easily" compete with Idra? Cause I cant think of any myself.
The difference in context between "easily compete on the same level as Idra" and "can 'easily' compete with Idra" is incredibly important.
Many who can play at such a high level? Yes, there are quite a few who are up at that skill tier.
Many who can easily compete against IdrA? No, that's ridiculous. At such a high level you just can't use "easily compete" since it's an oxymoron.
So, minus your disingenuous interpretation, I'd have to agree with the other gentleman.
You can't really determine skill on the proscene without results to back it up.
Besides Jinro it is pretty hard to find any other western player that can claim to be around the same level.
he was sick of artosis bugging him to agree that protoss is OP! lol jkjk. he left because Zerg is UP and why play GSL if u cant win! lol jkjk. im serious, im just playing around. gogo fighting Idra. welcome back home, enjoy all the ice and toilet paper. come back home, speak some english, and hit im going to get masters rank 1 to hopefully play you. it'd be an honor, gl hf ggl dd.
best case scenario would be Idra kicking ass in US tourneys, practicing a ton with his teammates, then returning to korea to take down gsl (after a patch lol)
On February 17 2011 22:05 Hageving wrote: hope it's not because he gave up on winning a GSL
That's probably it though, after Idra moved away from the CJ house he had to start paying his own bills and food which in turn takes money. Lots of it. So not placing at least in the ro8 every GSL it's gonna get hard to keep yourself under a roof.
I wish him good luck in all the EU/US tournaments from now on. He did very well in GSL's, he kept on improving on every single GSL after the first. That is an achievement by itself.
By the way, will he continue to ladder in Korean servers?
On February 17 2011 22:05 Hageving wrote: hope it's not because he gave up on winning a GSL
That's probably it though, after Idra moved away from the CJ house he had to start paying his own bills and food which in turn takes money. Lots of it. So not placing at least in the ro8 every GSL it's gonna get hard to keep yourself under a roof.
he actually stated b4 that eg pays for his housing and stuff in korea
This is both bittersweet and exciting. Gonna miss seing Idra in the GSL but it's gonna be fun to see if his presence can elevate the US server (and possibly EU).
The biggest hurdle I see right now for non korean sc2 is that the ladders are so much worse. EU/US players need to start copying builds and developing standards of games based on trial and error rather than off beat wierd stuff.
On February 18 2011 03:22 StarBrift wrote: This is both bittersweet and exciting. Gonna miss seing Idra in the GSL but it's gonna be fun to see if his presence can elevate the US server (and possibly EU).
The biggest hurdle I see right now for non korean sc2 is that the ladders are so much worse. EU/US players need to start copying builds and developing standards of games based on trial and error rather than off beat wierd stuff.
Furthermore, US and EU players would need to start living in team houses. I don't see this happening any time soon.
On February 18 2011 03:22 StarBrift wrote: This is both bittersweet and exciting. Gonna miss seing Idra in the GSL but it's gonna be fun to see if his presence can elevate the US server (and possibly EU).
The biggest hurdle I see right now for non korean sc2 is that the ladders are so much worse. EU/US players need to start copying builds and developing standards of games based on trial and error rather than off beat wierd stuff.
Furthermore, US and EU players would need to start living in team houses. I don't see this happening any time soon.
This is the problem more than anything else. Korean pro teams have a much more effective training system. At this point, korean teams (with the addition of team liquid) will continue to improve more rapidly than the west because their team houses being such a better training environment.
On February 18 2011 03:22 StarBrift wrote: This is both bittersweet and exciting. Gonna miss seing Idra in the GSL but it's gonna be fun to see if his presence can elevate the US server (and possibly EU).
The biggest hurdle I see right now for non korean sc2 is that the ladders are so much worse. EU/US players need to start copying builds and developing standards of games based on trial and error rather than off beat wierd stuff.
Furthermore, US and EU players would need to start living in team houses. I don't see this happening any time soon.
This is the problem more than anything else. Korean pro teams have a much more effective training system. At this point, korean teams (with the addition of team liquid) will continue to improve more rapidly than the west because their team houses being such a better training environment.
I think that if American teams set up American houses, it could be massively advantageous, and I think that it may be the next big step. After this of course. This is huge ^_^.
On February 17 2011 00:59 TopOgi wrote: Well, Idra should have won against Jinro... Blizzard fixed all the stuff too late sadly. Unbelievable close spawn locations on Metalo and gay maps like Jungle Basin and Shakuras just made him lose. We have proof that Idra can beat the best player in the world MVP and how? By annihilating him on a disadvantaged map. He went to Korea to do one thing: win money but first and foremost improve his skill and we can certainly say he achieved that. He will now go back to the US competing in tournaments with similar and maybe greater prize pools than the GSL but having less skill level in them overall. Is this a great decision? Yes. All the top players will be travelling to the GSL for what? having less chacne to win the same amount of money offered in US/ EUROPE. Idra isnt scared of playing koreans or Jinro, its just that its not logical to do it anymore for the reasons stated above. Thats my opinion hope i didndt offend ne1 ><
Yeah cause Shakuras TvZ is disadvantaged for the Zerg. lmao
I just really hope that the scenes will unite at a point. I really don't care where the scene is situated, as long as the skill is going the same rate for everyone, and that we see a lot of tournaments with the best from the east and west. There is no doubt that the very top koreans are miles ahead of most westerners.. only a few can play close to balanced games with the top koreans. All the korean teams benefit from playing with these players, so I really hope the western scene can focus on spreading skill, and really work as a team to elevate hard work and serious gaming. I think we have to realise that the base skill drops very fast after a few names have been added inot account. With only a few being at the very top level, spreding the skill needs to be adressed hard core imo. If not, the koreans will be to far ahead. This period of working up the scene will be crucial. I think the GLSTL has shown how fast the level is growing is Korea.. and it needs to be used as a resource in some way. Do not get me wrong..I love what is being done in the west now, but i think we have to see some really nice deals with airlines in order to send people back and fourth
As soon as e-sports gets big in other countries you will have Korean players playing the US/non Korean tournaments as well (you cant compare SC2 to BW here, it will be more like Warcraft 3). So I guess it's more about being stuck in Korea with the other EG guys not coming rather than increasing price moneys.
I wonder how much of this is EG wanting him back and how much he actually wants to go back. I thought I remembered him talking about people not being in Korean being unable to keep up. It seems odd that he had the sole choice to come back.
On February 18 2011 08:13 HyPeRcAiNe wrote: I don't get why people are so happy about this? I for one am really gunna miss Idra in GSL. He was like, THE GUY I rooted for.
Just aint gunna be the same without him :\
Well I do agree that with him leaving (and possibly the liquid guys to follow if North America and Europe become better options for them) the GSL will be less and less exciting to watch, but at the same time having many big names playing in large North America tournaments means esports may really take off from here on out... which would obviously be huge. I think that would be much more amazing than simply seeing him play in the GSL.
I suppose this means more of his replays will be released as he is now eligible for non-korean tournaments. So great for me and any other zergs out there.
It is interesting that he does this just after GSL introduces the new maps. Maybe he did it because there is little left for him to whine about? Sorry not being a troll or anything...but I wonder if the American tournaments are going to use the new GSL maps? I would guess not.
So why give up on the GSL when he is playing so well, just before he can play on the new maps? I mean, I would be so damn thrilled to be a zerg trying out those maps for the first time.
On February 18 2011 09:52 Starcraftmazter wrote: It is interesting that he does this just after GSL introduces the new maps. Maybe he did it because there is little left for him to whine about? Sorry not being a troll or anything...but I wonder if the American tournaments are going to use the new GSL maps? I would guess not.
So why give up on the GSL when he is playing so well, just before he can play on the new maps? I mean, I would be so damn thrilled to be a zerg trying out those maps for the first time.
On February 18 2011 07:01 ExoD wrote: he got owned in GSL so he decided to leave korea lol.
User was warned for this post
As much as I felt this is rude and insensitive, I do believe he is right about this. It's like if you are attending Harvard, then all of a sudden you drop out and go to some no-name community college instead.
Of course, you may argue that the no-name community college may one day become a top school, but that's a bit far-stretched right now.
On February 18 2011 07:01 ExoD wrote: he got owned in GSL so he decided to leave korea lol.
User was warned for this post
As much as I felt this is rude and insensitive, I do believe he is right about this. It's like if you are attending Harvard, then all of a sudden you drop out and go to some no-name community college instead.
Of course, you may argue that the no-name community college may one day become a top school, but that's a bit far-stretched right now.
That would make sense if he kept doing shittier every season, but Idra has been consistently placing better in the GSL. Ro32, Ro16, Ro8 so far in that order if I'm not mistaken. If he was getting owned, he wouldn't have made it to the Ro8 which is already a feat in itself.
Why isn't anybody concerned that he leaves just before the next GSL? I think that is a pretty bad attitude towards a tournament series that is so professionally run. The groups were drawn and everything was set up and than he just leaves suddenly (just because of the $$??) and GOM has to give def-wins in his group. That`s not good for e-sports.
On February 18 2011 13:20 00Visor wrote: Why isn't anybody concerned that he leaves just before the next GSL? I think that is a pretty bad attitude towards a tournament series that is so professionally run. The groups were drawn and everything was set up and than he just leaves suddenly (just because of the $$??) and GOM has to give def-wins in his group. That`s not good for e-sports.
IdrA said in SotG that Gom already knew that he was going to leave even before the group drawn, and then even asked him to go and do the group drawn just for the sake of it. The thing is, is not like he left in the middle of the tournament, the GSL is almost always happenning, so any period where you can leave without making any harm is very short.
On February 18 2011 07:01 ExoD wrote: he got owned in GSL so he decided to leave korea lol.
User was warned for this post
As much as I felt this is rude and insensitive, I do believe he is right about this. It's like if you are attending Harvard, then all of a sudden you drop out and go to some no-name community college instead.
Of course, you may argue that the no-name community college may one day become a top school, but that's a bit far-stretched right now.
That would make sense if he kept doing shittier every season, but Idra has been consistently placing better in the GSL. Ro32, Ro16, Ro8 so far in that order if I'm not mistaken. If he was getting owned, he wouldn't have made it to the Ro8 which is already a feat in itself.
But he still get owned. Ro8 is not that great, either. It's like which is better, getting 30% on a test or 40%.
On February 18 2011 13:20 00Visor wrote: Why isn't anybody concerned that he leaves just before the next GSL? I think that is a pretty bad attitude towards a tournament series that is so professionally run. The groups were drawn and everything was set up and than he just leaves suddenly (just because of the $$??) and GOM has to give def-wins in his group. That`s not good for e-sports.
IdrA said in SotG that Gom already knew that he was going to leave even before the group drawn, and then even asked him to go and do the group drawn just for the sake of it. The thing is, is not like he left in the middle of the tournament, the GSL is almost always happenning, so any period where you can leave without making any harm is very short.
Well, it was still to late then I think. They gave out a wildcard for NEXLiveForever, why not for Idra?
On February 18 2011 14:54 originalpredator wrote: Round of 8 means he is in the top 8 players (arguably) in the entire world. You compare this to getting an F on a test?
That's like saying Lebron James is getting "owned" because he isn't Michael Jordan. What kind of retarded logic is that?
rofl
I think I wouldn't even try to argue with someone like that =P
I kinda feel like IdrA is deciding to participate in western tourneys instead of the GSL because they're lower skill, and he wants to take some first places like last time he played MLG.
Team EG is pleased to announce that IdrA will be moving back to the U.S. from Korea indefinitely to represent the organization domestically in various upcoming tournaments and team leagues. This move will take place in the beginning of March.
I also want to make it clear that this is NOT the "huge EG announcement" you've probably heard about.
Greg “IdrA” Fields is set to move back to the U.S. in the beginning of March
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Feb. 16, 2011. – Today, Evil Geniuses (EG), one of the world’s leading professional gaming brands, has announced that EG’s StarCraft II player Greg “IdrA” Fields will be moving back to the U.S. from Korea indefinitely to represent the organization domestically in various upcoming tournaments and team leagues.
Fields will temporarily put his goals in Korea on hold to return to the U.S. as the North American StarCraft II scene continues its rapid growth. The amount of valuable experience he gained in Korea over the years will be a huge asset as he furthers his career in North America.
His focus while training in the U.S. will be on several leagues and tournaments, including Major League Gaming’s 2011 circuit. He will also actively participate in online events with EG.
“This is going to be a great year for American eSports, and I've said all along that I'd like nothing more for eSports to boom outside of Korea and for myself to be at the forefront of that,” Fields states. “There are a bunch of big leagues and tournaments coming up outside of Korea and I want to be able to focus on those, as well as being able to play in more team leagues for EG. We're also planning a number of other projects that will be announced soon.”
About Evil Geniuses Founded in 1999, Evil Geniuses (Team EG) is North America’s premier professional gaming team and one of the world’s top electronic-sports brands. With some of the finest gaming talent nationally and internationally, Team EG’s players have won championship trophies in every major tournament circuit in pro gaming. Home to internationally renowned teams and players such as Isaac “Azael” Cummings-Bentley, Greg “IdrA” Fields, Jordan “n0thing” Gilbert, Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen, and Justin “JWong” Wong, EG’s professional gamers focus on such titles as Counter-Strike, Quake, StarCraft II, Super Street Fighter 4, Warcraft III, and World of Warcraft.
한국에서 GSL에서 해외 선수로서는 최고의 성적을 지속적으로 거두었지만 , 오랜 한국 생활과 최근에 잦아진 해외 대회로 인해 팀과 그렉필즈 개인은 해외 대회의 집중과 미국내의 스타크래프트II 대회의 저변 확대를 위해 미국으로 돌아가기로 결정했습니다.
곰티비는 그렉필즈 선수의 결정을 존중하며, 그가 한국에서 했던 프로게이머 활동이 고향으로 돌아가서 좋은 결실을 맺길 바라며 해외 선수들의 지속적인 실력 향상에 기여하여 다음 GSL혹은 내년 GSL에서 더 많은 해외 선수들과 함께 GSL에 참가하길 바랍니다.
<English> Greg Fields has participated in GSL consistently.
He has performed admirably in GSL as a non Korean player. However, due to his long stay in Korea and many foreign tournaments coming up, EG and Greg have decided that Greg should return to US so he can better concentrate on growing non Korean tournaments.
GOMTV respects Greg’s decision and hope his experience in Korea will be used as an asset to him back home. GOMTV also wishes that Greg can contribute greatly to foreign Starcraft scene and will look forward to see him again in future GSL
Bummer. I personally think that a foreigner winning the GSL would do more for western SC2 then anything else, I guess Jinro is the last hope now for awhile
On February 18 2011 04:25 oRacLeGosu wrote: I just really hope that the scenes will unite at a point. I really don't care where the scene is situated, as long as the skill is going the same rate for everyone, and that we see a lot of tournaments with the best from the east and west. There is no doubt that the very top koreans are miles ahead of most westerners.. only a few can play close to balanced games with the top koreans. All the korean teams benefit from playing with these players, so I really hope the western scene can focus on spreading skill, and really work as a team to elevate hard work and serious gaming. I think we have to realise that the base skill drops very fast after a few names have been added inot account. With only a few being at the very top level, spreding the skill needs to be adressed hard core imo. If not, the koreans will be to far ahead. This period of working up the scene will be crucial. I think the GLSTL has shown how fast the level is growing is Korea.. and it needs to be used as a resource in some way. Do not get me wrong..I love what is being done in the west now, but i think we have to see some really nice deals with airlines in order to send people back and fourth
I think the scenes should unite and do pay per views live on Sat nights from Vegas.... Make it the next UFC / poker boom....yeah baby.
Hehe..might be an idea for th biggest stuff at least! Totally agree on the unificaton.
For all you guy's talking about him looking for lower skilled compo's:you really have to look at this from a pro standpoint, and be rational.. In Korea there really isn't enought tourney's with money to win, and the ones that have money are really, really, really hard to win In the US he might actually defend EG sending the teeam to Korea for touney's(ofc..he markets them well already, but form an eco pov). At the same time, I am sad to see this for the skill developing of our best players in the west atm, even though I think this will only be benefitial long term..he moves in the context of teamleague developing in the US..so it's not like this is just taken out of thin air. They have to kidnap a few koreans by paying big buck's, and put them on western teams.
Another thing that scares me a bit is the training mentality of the westerners; they like to say that the koreans work to hard without benefit, and that they get enough out of training when they want to.. I'm sorry guy's..but the koreans just really have hard work ethics, and as long as you want to work hard, it can't hurt, and pays off. We can not have some chicken shit work ethic with pizza and coke, and crappy laddering all day over here..we need healthy food, preferably some work out, and a healthy work enviroment over-all..we need to be BETTER than the koreans. We need to remove the stereotypical unhealthy guy as the gosu imo. This is the way to acceptance publically large scale in all respects, and will recruit more, and get more sponsores.
This may might help the US/NA scene indeed, and I find no fault with man that feels he can make some more money with less effort and/or more comfortable surroundings. We ALL want that. Utility maximization, and such. But on a worldwide scale, this will continue to reinforce the belief that the best Americans are still no match for Koreans, or the best foreigners of the EU. SC2 eSports is still in its infant stages, but look at the GSLs. Korea dominates. No huge surprise, and that's all fine and good. But still...
I feel like North Americans playing against a bunch of North Americans will not provide much upward pressure towards improvement comparable to the extent which Koreans seem to push each other and foreigners. If you want to be the best, you've got to beat the best (or at least compete with them). Instead, Idra has chosen to beat the rest, even though he was a solid Code S player. But why not? He can stay in his own country, compete in many tournaments, add some hardware to his mantle, and live easy. And you know what, if the NASL produces interesting games/storylines/etc., then I guess everybody wins, right? I'm just worried that NA won't be able to hang with Koreans and other nations, much like in Brood War. So I guess the logical idea is to make your own league and scene and forget about trying to compete in Korea.
If I were in Idra's position, and I felt that NA scene was going to be as big as so many people seem to think it would be, hell, I would do the same thing.
As a weak rebuttal to the point about Americans only playing Americans, i get the impression that we could very well see some top Koreans playing in American tournaments in the future. I really hope that's the case because i want to believe that the US scene will raise its level - fingers crossed the increased money and the like works as a strong enough incentive. So if an oGsMC or MVP or whoever decides to travel to an MLG and stir things up i'll be the happiest person ever.
I feel that hes actauly just coming to united states to win the MLG money, he prolly feels like he has no chance in GSL =/ my guess? what do you guys think?
He's been pretty open in the recent past about zerg being UP, and with some of the other big dogs looking strong for next season, it doesn't surprise me that he wants the MLG money.
He's been pretty open in the recent past about zerg being UP, and with some of the other big dogs looking strong for next season, it doesn't surprise me that he wants the MLG money.
On February 20 2011 10:26 Bio0rMech wrote: I feel that hes actauly just coming to united states to win the MLG money, he prolly feels like he has no chance in GSL =/ my guess? what do you guys think?
Yeah, he only got closer and close to final 4 in gsl. Last season he was ro8. Yeah he sucks, you should give him lessons kekekekeke.
He had a good chance of winning future gsl's, its just i guess he wants to promote esports in NA, and get paid at the same time beating worse players.He even said Koreans abuse stuff that no one else does lol, so thats how intense it is over there.
Glad to see a good player promoting and growing his craft (no pun intended) in NA. I love Esports and I'm excited to see it get bigger in NA. GSL is great, tons of high level competition, but it's not very accessible.
On February 21 2011 15:25 ZenViper wrote: Better to go to USA where you can actually win a game.
And by win a game, you mean continue winning, right? Seeing as how he made it to Ro8 in GSLJan, 3-0 his Ro16 group against NaDa/Clide/Genius and was just stopped by the Gorilla Terran. Go Grack~
this situation kind of reminds me of footballers like beckham going over to the US to play in the MLS. it creates fanfare, there is an opportunity to grow a sport in a country where it is not hugely popular, and there is the ability to make a ton of money against lesser competition. hopefully the scene in the US will grow, but i have a feeling this is going to turn into one of those situations where truly competitive people will want to go and play with the highest level of competition, no matter the stakes. just my two cents.
I don't understand why would he not play the last GSL. Group was pretty easy (relatively), and it pays like 2k$ more if you reach ro16? Besides playing in GSL should be awesome regardless :o If moving happens in beginning of march, why not play the first 2 weeks of GSL, likely he'd drop in ro16 anyway against groupA guys
OMFG. Clide had the audacity to say that IdrA might've left cuz Clide was "rude" to him. LOL (that has nothing to do with IdrA coming back and Clide is just an asshole, right?... RIGHT?!)
BS aside, tho, it's good news!!! With NASL and tons of other tournaments, IdrA will be able to dominate and it's always nice to have him closer to us!!! =) Maybe his coaching will become a little cheaper... maybe he'll even be able to coach in person WOOOT WOOOT!!!
Anyway, Welcome Back, IdrA! I feel like you could've won this GSL and THEN came back, but it's alright! I know you'll be back to Korea one day to rape face of those who stand in your way!!!
Relating to his stream comments and in my opinion he's moving back to US mostly because he can't bear Korea anymore, I think its culture doesn't suit him.
On February 21 2011 15:25 ZenViper wrote: Better to go to USA where you can actually win a game.
Round of 8 is for chobos...twice even.
It's actually quite sad that he left TSL as honestly it's him and Jinro I was even watching SC2 for in the first place. I'm not a huge fan of the game to begin with so this is a blow to my watchability.
Clearly this isn't the same for a lot of people but we can kid ourselves about the NA e-sports scene all we want but the fact is that there really isn't one comparable to the GSL now or in the near future.
On February 23 2011 08:50 Wicelo wrote: Relating to his stream comments and in my opinion he's moving back to US mostly because he can't bear Korea anymore, I think its culture doesn't suit him.
I havent watched his stream but what specifically is it that he doesnt enjoy with Korea and the Korean scene ?
On February 23 2011 08:50 Wicelo wrote: Relating to his stream comments and in my opinion he's moving back to US mostly because he can't bear Korea anymore, I think its culture doesn't suit him.
I havent watched his stream but what specifically is it that he doesnt enjoy with Korea and the Korean scene ?
During one of his stream he said something like "sorry about these shitty games but they're korean, exept some top players they just learn a very agressive build and do it over and over, they're like robots they don't know how to think"
he said this after being cheesed numerous time in a row and idk but I just think he can't bear their culture.
I stopped watching GSL after GSL jan. because I don't think the service they provided was worth the money. So yes, I am happy that Idra is coming back, he was the main reason for me to watch GSL anyway, it will not be the same without him. Looking forward to the big tourneys.
EPT![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/jS8lE.jpg)
IdrA will be moving back to the U.S. from Korea indefinitely to represent the organization domestically in various upcoming tournaments and team leagues. This move will take place in the beginning of March.
I hope you enjoy playing more once you're back in the states. 
I love watching the non Koreans play the koreans.
