![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/SilverskY/ElephantintheRoom.jpg)
Graphics by SilverskY
This is not an article that will make me popular. This is not an article that will start negative but end with eloquent, poignant hope. But we have been skirting around this topic ever since Beta now, so I’ll just f**king say it:
The competition in SC2 thus far has been a farce.
The three GSL winners,
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
We see the clear Brood War Advantage© in action here. Their mechanics are honed and their instincts unerringly accurate. If we are to believe Tasteless and Artosis, these ex-Brood War pros were all “sick good” at that game, and imported it over to SC2. They certainly were, compared to non-Koreans. But if we look at the actual numbers behind their Brood War careers, it immediately becomes obvious that they were nobodies in their own scene.
Their records (source TLPD) from their Brood War days:
FruitDealer - 13-20 (39.39%) Mar 2006 - Feb 2008
NesTea - 11-21 (34.38%) July 2007 - May 2009
MC - 1-9 (10.00%) July 2008 - May 2010
These guys weren’t average. They weren’t almost average. They were bad.
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TLFE/Kratos1.jpg)
“But intrigue, that’s such a small sampl-”
TesteR, Code S, beta monster - 45-69 (39.47%) Nov 2003 - Jan 2010
Bomber, ST ace, as well as #1 SC2 TLPD ELO - 1-2 (33.33%) Aug 2007 - June 2010
SangHo, Code S - 43-63 (40.57%) Mar 2006 - Mar 2010
TheWinD, Code S - 49-70 (41.18%) Oct 2000 - Aug 2007
SuperNoVa, Code S – 13-22 (37.14%) Mar 2007 to Nov 2010
These guys were Brood War progamers for a long time and never shone.
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
MMA, SlayerS ace - 2-3 (40.00%) Sept 2008 - May 2009
Mvp, IM ace, GSLWC winner - 30-46 (39.47%) Apr 2008 - Aug 2010
TheStC - 8-12 (40.00%) Mar 2007 - Apr 2008
MarineKing (Code S, two-time GSL finalist) Sept 2009 - June 2010
LosirA (Code S, ro8) Apr 2009 - June 2010,
Clide (Code S) Mar 2007- Dec 2008
With the exception of
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
In any case, every player listed so far proved nothing in Brood War and are now tearing up SC2 one year later. Only two ex-BW pros have the distinction of being above average in their past careers:
RainBOw, Code S, GSL silver and bronze - 116-114 (50.43%)
Ace, stomped white dudes at IEM – 2-0 (100%)
"I don't know if it's okay to say this, but in the end pros play to make money."
-
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/GSL/FruitChequeTearyEyed.jpg)
Low level players in Brood War make little or nothing on proteams. They help more successful players practice, and otherwise spend their time desperately clawing their way up in-house rankings for a shot at Proleague. There is no respect or fame, only the daily grind to maybe get better, maybe move up to A-team, and maybe maybe play a televised game.
When GSL first came out and announced its 100,000,000 won prize, many of these struggling progamers found themselves making a business decision.
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
This is the first time I've mentioned it, but I come from a very poor family. The 100,000,000 won prize GSL came out with had a big influence on my switch. I wanted to win, and I wanted to make money. I wanted to help my family out with my winnings.
With the establishment of SC2 proteams in Korea, high tier progamers are actually making a salary now. The TSL team house announced an annual salary of $31k for Fruitdealer, and $27k for Tester. Combined with prize winnings and fame, this isn't shabby at all. It's an improvement from their BW life nobody can blame them for taking. But:
Money is the same reason S-class and even A-class Brood War pros don't switch.
Celebrity Brood War players enjoy lucrative contracts with their sponsors, often telecom mega-corporations with money to spend. For example, STX's A-class powerhouses
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
At the top, the earnings are downright disgusting.
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
Our own
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
KT Rolster’s
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
Why do these specific players do so well?
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/SilverskY/CodeS.jpg)
A Woongjin Stars coach states:
The gamer that possesses everything a coach wants is JD. Not only he has an amazing record, his mindset and attitude and everything else is flawless. For example, when a coach asks a gamer to practice over 100 games to win a game, many gamers complain. However. JD takes such a demand for granted - a natural way to improve himself. That's the difference of mindset.
Compare this to
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
I couldn’t get used to the practice atmosphere at Startale. I guess I was really used to practice during my time at Woongjin. I don’t mean that Startale’s style of practicing is bad. I just prefer a more defined, even strict, practice system but at Startale, it was pretty much on your own and everyone did what they wanted to do.
Yeah, he's saying that Startale's style of practicing is bad.
It seems to be a matter of effort - not only is
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
In fact, the standards have already lowered for some big names: In his TSL interview,
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
Our team practices far longer than the other teams and we were very confident in our skills. Players were assigned a map and we would play 30-40 games a day on the maps. All members of the team also analyzed each of the opponent’s team members style and favorite strategies.
30-40 games is about the workload of an average Brood War pro, and this (along with ![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
Do you want to know why S-class Brood War pros have to practice so much? Just think about what they are practicing for: matchup-specific "snipers" on other teams that have build orders (based on analysis from coaching staff) specifically to counter them all the time, a myriad of cheesy builds from inferior players intended to make the game as much of a dice roll as possible, or other high level pros. Imagine, facing another progamer who spends all his practice time in his best matchup on the one map you are expected to play on, analyzing all your games and replays – and you don’t even know what race he’s going to be playing. In
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
Former bonjwa
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
I think he has the ideal mindset as a progamer that I've been thinking about. There aren't many players who set strategic moves, and in the case of Flash, I think he's looking about 10 games ahead. He's different from players who receive quite a shock after losing one match... I like that part about Flash and I think his focus and adaptability is extremely good.
The Legends
I know there's been a conspicuous omission of a few special ex-Brood War players. We have to treat them separately because:
a. I can't bear listing their names alongside some of the ones earlier on, and
b. It's important to see just how poorly they were doing at the twilight of their careers.
Here are their career stats, which for someone as old-school as BoxeR goes back to 2000.
Here are their stats starting from the beginning of last year (2010):
Perhaps motivation flagged after they won too many tournaments, or maybe the prize money was too distracting. Perhaps they were simply out-skilled by those who had built their games upon the templates these three established. Excuses aside,
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
Even still, these three guys certainly had no salary problems.
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![(Wiki)](/images/forum/wiki_icon.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
For them, SC2 is a new frontier to explore. It is their chance to once again play in front of their fans - a reason
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
What’s your point?
I am saying that there are 300 current pros and semi-pros that have the potential to come in and dominate SC2 at any moment, with a latency of a few months from the day they switch. Among this group there are a notable few that CRUSH any other players in terms of raw talent and/or work ethic and/or ability to learn. This knowledge cheapens any form of competition I see right now, no matter how much I try to enjoy the games.
"But intrigue, BW stats are not everything! This information is all irrelevant!"
I'll save my arguing energy for responding to your comments. A friend of mine wanted to take this part:
Hot_Bid writes:
I know what you're going to say. "It's a different game." I agree with you, somewhat. Look at the WarCraft 3 guys that are doing so well in the international scene, or at the Brood War careers of the guys winning the GSLs. There hasn't been a huge correlation between Brood War ability and SC2 ability among top tier SC2 pros right now.
You see IM.Mvp and think he's the best Terran. But he's the only legitimate A-team pro (and a mediocre one at that) to transfer over. Nobody else has. Imagine there are hundreds of guys like him, with the same raw ability and mindset. They could be worse, or better, or exactly the same. Now imagine there are two, maybe three, that are just flat out better than Mvp at speed, precision, multitasking, and raw ability. Not just "a little better" but way better. But that's not what separates them from him. Flash and Jaedong, when motivated, have a mindset and work ethic that is unmatched by any other RTS professional. Their ability to focus and practice is not just "way better" than what Mvp is capable of, but orders of magnitudes better. Think the difference between Kobe and "average starter" on an NBA team.
Maybe Leta or Sea or Best or Zero won't come into SC2 and be ultra-successful if they switch. But Jaedong and Flash? They are outliers. They do not conform to the normal rules, and everyone who has followed Brood War knows that if they switch, it's not a question of if they will dominate and win, but when.
The "different game" argument applies to 99.9% of progamers, but not for special players like Jaedong and Flash. The game doesn't matter. Whether it's BW or SC2 or checkers or minesweeper, certain players are so good they will always be at the top.
I know what you're going to say. "It's a different game." I agree with you, somewhat. Look at the WarCraft 3 guys that are doing so well in the international scene, or at the Brood War careers of the guys winning the GSLs. There hasn't been a huge correlation between Brood War ability and SC2 ability among top tier SC2 pros right now.
You see IM.Mvp and think he's the best Terran. But he's the only legitimate A-team pro (and a mediocre one at that) to transfer over. Nobody else has. Imagine there are hundreds of guys like him, with the same raw ability and mindset. They could be worse, or better, or exactly the same. Now imagine there are two, maybe three, that are just flat out better than Mvp at speed, precision, multitasking, and raw ability. Not just "a little better" but way better. But that's not what separates them from him. Flash and Jaedong, when motivated, have a mindset and work ethic that is unmatched by any other RTS professional. Their ability to focus and practice is not just "way better" than what Mvp is capable of, but orders of magnitudes better. Think the difference between Kobe and "average starter" on an NBA team.
Maybe Leta or Sea or Best or Zero won't come into SC2 and be ultra-successful if they switch. But Jaedong and Flash? They are outliers. They do not conform to the normal rules, and everyone who has followed Brood War knows that if they switch, it's not a question of if they will dominate and win, but when.
The "different game" argument applies to 99.9% of progamers, but not for special players like Jaedong and Flash. The game doesn't matter. Whether it's BW or SC2 or checkers or minesweeper, certain players are so good they will always be at the top.
Was
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
Sorting by ELO, the only non-ex-Brood War players in the top 10 are
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
My prediction: there will be another influx of
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
Last year at MLG DC, I asked
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
Kids! Even Elly the ESPORTS Elephant says:
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/ellyESPORTS.png)
by HawaiianPig
Notes: Players are obviously not 100% defined by their career stats; there are ups and downs and extenuating circumstances.
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
Fact of the matter is that altogether these players have literally dozens and dozens of failed qualifications and prelims between them. Given enough time, perhaps their Brood War careers would have taken off. Generously speaking, I believe this to be very unlikely. Keep this in mind when considering these career stats.
The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the official position of TeamLiquid.net or its (other) staff.