The GSTL has always been a difficult place for teams not stationed in Korea. The extreme competition, the team house environment, and the attractiveness of NA/EU centered events conspired to make a team league with a Korean center off-limits to all but the most daring. Only a few have found themselves lucky enough to be in a situation where they can commit to the several month long league.
First FXOpen launched an expedition to the land of the GSTL. Then the rag-tag group of F. United. Today we are happy to announce that Liquid, along with Fnatic, will join their ranks as the newest foreign-based teams to throw their hats in with the likes of Incredible Miracle, Prime, and SlayerS.
Starting at the end of this month, Liquid` will have enough players to field a full GSTL team and will participate on their own, free (for the moment) from under the wings of Old Generations. Full format and details here.
Here is what the team, and Mr. Chae, have to say about it.
Comments
GSL Director - Chae Jung Won
Comments on Liquid` in the GSTL
"We are extremely glad that TeamLiquid will be participating in GSTL. GSL and GSTL is always open to every team and players around the world. We welcome all TeamLiquid players, both who have been in Korea and those who are newly flying in and we wish them best of luck in upcoming GSTL. Also I send word of gratitude to TeamLiquid website and management who always work hard for global eSports including GSL and GSTL."
Thoughts From Liquid
It's been a long time since I got to represent TL in a GOM event, I'm anxious to show my best. Normally I feel a lot of pressure in team events, but I have so much faith in our team that I think I will be able to play with a relaxed mind. -Liquid`Jinro
With even more teams competing in the GSTL, I think it wll be a lot of fun.
Give me a chance, and I will do my best. -Liquid`Zenio
With winning the GSTL as our goal, I will do my best.
Liquid fighting! -Liquid`Taeja
I can't wait to play in GSTL. The team league format is by far the most exciting, involving much more strategy and depth than individual leagues. I am positive we will do well, knowing we have so many smart people in our staff that will help us create perfect lineups. -Liquid`TLO
I will do my best whatever it is, and it will be nice for team. -Liquid`HerO
Last time I played in GSL was over a year ago vs GanZi. I've been wanting to enter once again and now the time has come. Being in GSTL we will be able to show how good we are. -Liquid`HayprO
Interview with Liquid`Nazgul
First off, how excited are you to see Liquid` in the premier team league? Does this feel like a long time coming?
Victor GoossensAs a long time BW follower team leagues really are something special. Following Proleague for so long and seeing the format grow to immense popularity, seeing the way players and fans stand behind their teams, it really is something special for me.
As a team owner you naturally gravitate towards having a lot of pride in team accomplishments. Seeing our guys represent Liquid with a win the way they did in the NASTL was an amazing experience, and GSTL blows all of it out of the water. It is the biggest stage a team can ever get to and it's a great pleasure to be participating in it
When you first started the team, did you ever imagine a point where your players would compete in the highest level leagues? Is this a personal dream?
Victor GoossensWhen Liquid first started no such thing as major team leagues existed. Some clans had playoffs and such but that was about it. Proleague started way after Liquid, so that is not what I had in mind when creating the team originally.
The way the non-Korean scene has developed so rapidly really changed everything for us. Before SC2 all our motivations and intentions were completely different from what they are now. My original motivations were just to bring a group of skilled and friendly top gamers together. No grander thoughts, no dreams about team leagues.
With SC2 the scene started with major differences between the Korean and the non-Korean teams. I feel like it is kind of a natural flow for the teams to be mixing with each other in the big team leagues more and more. Although GSTL is the largest, most prestigious (and played in a live setting), IPLTA is also doing a great job at mixing all the top teams together.
I wouldn't really go as far as calling it a personal dream – I'm not much of a dreamer much more of a realist. It's an amazing opportunity and we have come a long way, but it feels right and it makes sense.
Can you describe a little about how this came about? Did you approach GOM about Liquid` participating?
Victor GoossensAfter TaeJa joined we had enough players in Korea to participate. The main hurdle for us would be that our regular tournament schedules wouldn't be impacted by the move. By joining GSTL I want to create opportunities for my players, not take them away.
We sat down with GSL, brought up our issues with potential scheduling conflicts. They took this feedback and gave us the right response in that they will try everything in their power to help out. So we ended up feeling confident that our participation was the best decision for the team and the players.
Do you have any goals for the team's first outing in GSTL? How do you expect they will stack up against more seasoned GSTL rosters?
Victor GoossensAs long as you have a fighting chance the goal should always be to win. It is going to be hard, but with our lineup not a single Korean team should consider us a walkover.
We have beaten Korean teams such as TSL and FXO, and narrowly lost to others like Prime. I'm well aware that the GSTL lineups may potentially be even more stacked, but we have also gained a great player in TaeJa to balance that out a little.
We are not expecting to win the whole thing, but to say we're aiming for anything less than first would mean that we think there are opponents we can't beat. There aren't. On a good day we can beat every team out there.
Only Startale and Liquid have two players in the round of eight. Teams would be silly to count us out beforehand, and I don't think they will.
Unlike some teams, Liquid` doesn't have everyone in a single house. Will players be working together to think of strategies for specific teams and players?
Victor GoossensAbsolutely. The players and management share a channel on Skype where things like this are always discussed extensively. The strength of good management comes from listening to those who provide helpful input. In our case this means that our players are always heard on their opinions, whether right or wrong, before decisions are made. GSTL will be no different the players will come prepared with a good understanding of everyone's skill sets and preferences, in order to make the most optimal decisions.
We're even in talks with GSL of possibly having contact with the players through Skype during our GSTL matches. We'll see what that leads to and whether it is possible without any major inconveniences.
Will you be making any of the decisions for players/strategies during the match? Who will be acting as manager in the studio?
Victor GoossensPossibly so, yes. It is mostly undecided right now
Some of the team are currently living at the oGs house. Will Liquid's participation in GSL affect that relationship? Will the players continue to live and practice there?
Victor GoossensoGs is very supportive of us joining GSTL, and they feel it is a great opportunity for us. It allows both teams to get more exposure and experience, it is good for the players because now more of them get a shot at proving themselves.
Our players will still be at the oGs house for living and practicing together. We have no issues competing alongside each other, and hopefully we will meet in the finals.
Do you plan on going to Korea to attend any matches live?
Victor GoossensIf I can schedule a trip to Korea that encompasses a few other business things, I'll combine the two and attend the GSTL matches.
Having enough members available to field a full team is a new development. Are there plans for Liquid to participate in future GSTL seasons or are you taking a wait-and-see approach?
Victor GoossensIt's really a wait-and-see approach. Participating in the GSTL is a result of our players having being in Korea. GSTL plays a part in this decision, but there are many other factors that play a role in these decisions.
So with this in mind we are joining this season because we have enough people right now. We have no guarantees for how our future situation will look like, and how many people we will have in Korea at all times.
For the players not currently living in Korea, can we hope for them to make an appearance if circumstances work out for them to travel there?
Victor GoossensBoth Sheth and Ret occasionally express a desire to go to Korea for training, so I could definitely see something being possible in the future. These things are so much about planning and timing that it is hard to say something right now.
KeSPA announced today that Proleague will soon have SC2, how soon can we expect the team to dominate the likes of CJ and SKT? Or do you want to give them a chance before showing them the strength of the horse?
Victor GoossensHaha, well those guys have a lot to figure out among themselves before I can speculate about that. Let's first see the set up of their leagues.
There is no doubt that if the BW teams all switch they will rise to an incredible skill level, and I would be honored if we could compete with them at that point.
Anything you would like to say to fans in closing? Sponsors you want to thank?
Victor GoossensThanks to all our fans who have supported us for so long throughout all of this road. Thanks to our sponsors Razer, TwitchTV and The Little App Factory. Thanks to Robin our player manager, for being a constant help with our team leagues, as well as much else. See you all at GSTL!
Exciting news! With the likes of Taeja, Zenio and Hero on the team, Liquid should have the chance to be a tough competitor. Also, it will be fun to watch for upsets from Haypro, TLO and Jinro.
I'm really disappointed with this news actually, oGsLiquid was my favorite team. Together I always felt they made for a strong opponent, but separately I feel they will just be a free win.
oh snap can't wait to see TLO start sniping all those Korean terrans this is just going to be so so cool. One of the things i am a little worried about though is how deep their line up is. Having only 6 players means that as a team they are way more predictable then the teams with upwards of 15 players. At any rate i can't wait to see TL swing with the other big teams.
Cool but if I understand correctly the lineup is: Haypro, Jinro, TLO, Zenio, Hero, Taeja?
That would pretty much mean (if you want to win off course) that they would have to send out Zenio Hero and Taeja first before even thinking of sending out Haypro, Jinro or TLO. The difference is just too big.
holy YES, normally i would be skeptical about foreign teams in the gstl but with taeja and hero team liquid has such a strong line up. Cant wait to see this!
I was wondering about this. I knew Fnatic was joining GSTL but I wasn't sure what else that meant since that meant 11 teams in GSTL. With 12 teams now this makes a lot of sense.
Should be some good games by both new teams so it should be interesting to watch.
I expect to see an overwhelming response in the amount of GSTL tickets bought for this upcoming season.
At first, I was sad to see oGsTL reform back into their two constituents. I was hoping to see the team, as a whole, dominate this upcoming season with the arrival of TaeJa. Reading the player responses though, now I'm so stoked to watch all of Liquid's matches. TaeJa and HerO sound like they're ready to all-kill. Jinro, please please let this be the return of the Gorilla Terran. This sounds like a huge opportunity for Liquid to get some internal practice going, and it's going to be awesome to see how good everyone becomes, from this.
Well, I hope some reinforcements are on the horizon. TL has a great team, but beyond all-kills by hero/taeja it's hard to see where the points are coming from in competition that stiff. In any case, good luck.
CONGRATS!!! That is SO exciting!! I can't wait to see our favourite lads taking on the big teams and hopefully making a big splash I might have to buy a GOM pass just for this xD (hint hint, start selling gom passes on the website)
This is rad. I would love to see Nazgul there on the sidelines, talking with the boys on who will go out for the next match. That would be friggin' epic.
The player who tought that building more bases is cool, and the one that show me that using loads of random units is fun. Will be awesome to see Jinro and TLO lead another invasion!
Shame Sheth and Ret aren't in the lineup, but this is one of the biggest announcements in SC2 history. A foreign(ish) team competing in GSTL is big news.
On May 03 2012 17:06 Adellund wrote: a shame Tyler does not really plan to go to Korea again.... he would be a nice addition to the lineup
edit: "he does not plan to go to korea anytime soon"
Are you serious? o_O Have you looked here at all? The only way NonY could help with his current form is as a coach. Honestly I think that Tyler's greatest accomplishment in 2011 was when he jumped from the seat to help HuK wean Dreahmack. I don't think he can improve that much.
This is great news, Liquid leading the way for foreign StarCraft teams I'm very excited to see them compete in the GSTL, especially the return of TLO to Korea.
It's been a while since that epic match vs Ensnare on Xel'Naga.
Anyways, I hope this will work out. Six players is a rather small roster. If two guys get sick at the same time, Liquid will not be able to play in GSTL anymore. Let's see if Ret and Sheth will go back to Korea and help out in that regard.
On the post-Dreamhack show by 2GD recently, TLO hinted at not living in the oGs house, including Jinro, possibly all Liquid players in Korea. Liquid's own team house in Korea coming up?
On May 03 2012 20:42 LunaSea wrote: Yay one freewin for other teams. Why even bother to send TLO to Korea ?
"Your f*cking wrong, but I respect your opinion" --Day[9]
GO TL+Fnatic!
lol =D
Not but seriously, I like TLO he seems to be a cool guy but he hasn't got the results nor the skill to go to korea. In Korea he would be an average B teamer. I'm not even sure that at his skill level, playing in Korea would actually make him improve that much (compared to Eu ladder).
It's the same for Jinro and Haypro but they are actually already in Korea so ... When you look at team Liquid you see Taeja, Hero, Zenio, Ret and Sheth but the other player just don't show good results anymore.
On May 03 2012 20:42 LunaSea wrote: Yay one freewin for other teams. Why even bother to send TLO to Korea ?
"Your f*cking wrong, but I respect your opinion" --Day[9]
GO TL+Fnatic!
lol =D
Not but seriously, I like TLO he seems to be a cool guy but he hasn't got the results nor the skill to go to korea. In Korea he would be an average B teamer. I'm not even sure that at his skill level, playing in Korea would actually make him improve that much (compared to Eu ladder).
On May 03 2012 20:42 LunaSea wrote: Yay one freewin for other teams. Why even bother to send TLO to Korea ?
"Your f*cking wrong, but I respect your opinion" --Day[9]
GO TL+Fnatic!
lol =D
Not but seriously, I like TLO he seems to be a cool guy but he hasn't got the results nor the skill to go to korea. In Korea he would be an average B teamer. I'm not even sure that at his skill level, playing in Korea would actually make him improve that much (compared to Eu ladder).
He did 3-kill prime in IPL...
Ouaou. Three lucky games against MKP, Creator and a Nonamer at an event that didn't matter. That proves so much. Why not talk about the fact that he only won 3 series in the open Bracket against nonamers ?
So freaking awesome to see Liquid joining up. I am really excited about the next GSTL. Although I'm glad top see Liquid and Fnatic joining in, I really think it'll be Startale's time to shine.
Will you be making any of the decisions for players/strategies during the match? Who will be acting as manager in the studio?
Victor Goossens Possibly so, yes. It is mostly undecided right now
We're even in talks with GSL of possibly having contact with the players through Skype during our GSTL matches. We'll see what that leads to and whether it is possible without any major inconveniences.
Omg I'd love to see some mass effect's illusive man meme if nazgul makes decisions in each match.
We're even in talks with GSL of possibly having contact with the players through Skype during our GSTL matches. We'll see what that leads to and whether it is possible without any major inconveniences.
Omg I'd love to see some mass effect's illusive man meme if nazgul makes decisions in each match.
Hehe, this is exactly what i was picturing when i found out.
The power of the horse!!! Good luck guys! I won't jinx the good luck of HerO by mentioning how good he's doing right now (cough, Royal Road, cough) but hopefully the team recreates what Hero and Taeja have done in the GSL. If you guys rise to that level then you're on your way to some great matches.
On May 03 2012 20:42 LunaSea wrote: Yay one freewin for other teams. Why even bother to send TLO to Korea ?
"Your f*cking wrong, but I respect your opinion" --Day[9]
GO TL+Fnatic!
lol =D
Not but seriously, I like TLO he seems to be a cool guy but he hasn't got the results nor the skill to go to korea. In Korea he would be an average B teamer. I'm not even sure that at his skill level, playing in Korea would actually make him improve that much (compared to Eu ladder).
He did 3-kill prime in IPL...
Ouaou. Three lucky games against MKP, Creator and a Nonamer at an event that didn't matter. That proves so much. Why not talk about the fact that he only won 3 series in the open Bracket against nonamers ?
TLO just hasn't been the same after that surgery that made him leave Korea in the first place.
On May 03 2012 20:42 LunaSea wrote: Yay one freewin for other teams. Why even bother to send TLO to Korea ?
"Your f*cking wrong, but I respect your opinion" --Day[9]
GO TL+Fnatic!
lol =D
Not but seriously, I like TLO he seems to be a cool guy but he hasn't got the results nor the skill to go to korea. In Korea he would be an average B teamer. I'm not even sure that at his skill level, playing in Korea would actually make him improve that much (compared to Eu ladder).
He did 3-kill prime in IPL...
Ouaou. Three lucky games against MKP, Creator and a Nonamer at an event that didn't matter. That proves so much. Why not talk about the fact that he only won 3 series in the open Bracket against nonamers ?
TLO just hasn't been the same after that surgery that made him leave Korea in the first place.
Yeah, I kinda agree. =S I just hope that he didn't develop "Korea-phobia".
Mr. Chae better prepare those big sacks for all the moneyz from additional GSTL subs. ^_^ Huge move by Liquid and their roster is fully capable of competing and even winning the GSTL.
Liquid fighting!!!!! i hope the foreigners of liquid will do well, obviously taeja and hero are beasts, so i am more curious about jinro and tlos performance.
This is great news. But I wish that Liquid had more talented players like Hero and Taeja instead of lower-tier players like Haypro. I'm looking forward to some nice matches.
This will be fun. So they are all going to korea? Because some of them might have some catching up to do if they really wanna compete on that level. Or as every caster in the world would say "They got their work cut of for them."
Awesome News!!! Can't wait to see my favorite men in blue show GSTL what the TL should stand for! It may be a tough road for them, but they all are capable of competing at his level.
You guys need some new uniforms before this, I think. The already pretty ghetto looking shirts will look even worse when faced off against Korean teams with all dat swag.
On May 04 2012 00:39 Sliver wrote: You guys need some new uniforms before this, I think. The already pretty ghetto looking shirts will look even worse when faced off against Korean teams with all dat swag.
I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
On May 04 2012 01:05 hanlonbro wrote: I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
On May 04 2012 01:33 niwhsa wrote: So Liquid has 6 member in the GSTL but the prelim is a best of 9? How does that work or am I misunderstanding something?
Think about it. In a bo9, you can lose at most 5 times. so you need 5 players.
On May 04 2012 01:33 niwhsa wrote: So Liquid has 6 member in the GSTL but the prelim is a best of 9? How does that work or am I misunderstanding something?
Think about it. In a bo9, you can lose at most 5 times. so you need 5 players.
I get it now, Thanks! I feel really dumb now. Gonna go crawl under a rock...
On May 03 2012 23:28 Chenz wrote: Team Liquid is really the only international team that would have a decent chance in GSTL, I'm really happy to see them give it a shot.
Best of luck!
While I agree they have the best shot, I don't think they're the ONLY team. Mouz and Empire could compete I think and could probably preform almost just as well in round one.
So HerO is going to win a GSL title his first time in Code S and Team Liquid is going to win their first time in GSTL. No team can beat Zenio, HerO and Taeja. Good time to be a Team Liquid fan!
On May 04 2012 01:05 hanlonbro wrote: I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
Sheth was the one that flew back to the States since I think he wasn't a big fan of Korea, it was qxc who all-killed.
Sheth did beat San 2-1 in the first round of Code A.
On May 04 2012 01:05 hanlonbro wrote: I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
Umm, that was qxc...
Maybe it wasn't the GSTL but Sheth all-killed some team in some team league
On May 04 2012 01:05 hanlonbro wrote: I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
Umm, that was qxc...
Maybe it wasn't the GSTL but Sheth all-killed some team in some team league
I'm more surprised that TL is participating in GSTL then fanatic,I tought fanatic was going already to participate in GSTL with them having there entire sc2 line up in their korean gaming house.But anyways Liquid fighting! Year_of_Liquid!
On May 04 2012 01:05 hanlonbro wrote: I am actually sad that Ret, Sheth and Nony will not participate. Those three are sick good, I remember when Sheth all-killed for FXOpen against Incredible Miracle in last year's GSTL.
Umm, that was qxc...
Maybe it wasn't the GSTL but Sheth all-killed some team in some team league
EG?
On May 04 2012 08:31 crfty wrote: What a great time for TL! 2 players in the top 4 GSL, and now they are in the GSTL! Hoorah!
If only I had a keycap or a mousepad to show my fandom. tt
1 in the top 4. 2 in the top 8.
We need some ret and sheth in Korea. They would be pretty good in the GSTL format.
PS: TL should get a f***ing badass jersey. Because an entire team of those blue shirts just doesn't cut it in my opinion. Plus i want one
Fuck yeah! Hope we'll see Jinro play and win, it's been too long since we've seen him in the GOM playing chair. I hope he can take the opportunity to get back to his shape of a year ago.
Great interview, and Fantastic news, so good to see Liquid stepping it up I'm sure they can easily compete with every team good luck to all of them. All kill from each TL member
Just watched some D3 news which were great, but this post is awesome! I am really happy to read this and looking forwards to see the guys perform in Korea *soexcited*
As a subscriber to GOMTV, this will add a dose of anxiety to my nights when the GSTL comes under way. Also a lot more foreigners taking trips to korea! It's a win-win
Wait, I didn't know Haypro and TLO were back in Korea?! How long? Anyone have a link to the article that announced them goign back, or topic, or whatever?
On May 05 2012 04:44 FabledIntegral wrote: Wait, I didn't know Haypro and TLO were back in Korea?! How long? Anyone have a link to the article that announced them goign back, or topic, or whatever?
Haypro has been there for a long time (participated in GSL 2012 qualifiers IIRC), I think TLO is going soon, I feel like an announcment would be made when he actually arrives.
On May 06 2012 20:44 kjkilla123 wrote: Get Huk on the gstl team since he has no team so far for gstl get a partner ship with eg team would be so good for the gstl
On May 06 2012 20:44 kjkilla123 wrote: Get Huk on the gstl team since he has no team so far for gstl get a partner ship with eg team would be so good for the gstl
Huk rather should join liquid again
I await the day his EG contract is finished and Liquid gets him back
Just bought a season pass for TL <3. I hope they do kind of well. The competition seems so hard. I wanted to buy a pass all the time but now its about time to get in for TL with all the other nice teams its gona be legendary :D
Very nice for liquid, but - to be honest - somewhere along the way liquid (the team) lost its family-like feel for me. I haven't seen a liquid player in the crowd, cheering for their teammate, or in the booth, supporting him during the matches, in a long time (talking about Taeja's and Zenio's games in the GSL).
EPT
It's been a long time since I got to represent TL in a GOM event, I'm anxious to show my best. Normally I feel a lot of pressure in team events, but I have so much faith in our team that I think I will be able to play with a relaxed mind. -Liquid`Jinro
With even more teams competing in the GSTL, I think it wll be a lot of fun.
With winning the GSTL as our goal, I will do my best.
I can't wait to play in GSTL. The team league format is by far the most exciting, involving much more strategy and depth than individual leagues. I am positive we will do well, knowing we have so many smart people in our staff that will help us create perfect lineups.
I will do my best whatever it is, and it will be nice for team.
Last time I played in GSL was over a year ago vs GanZi. I've been wanting to enter once again and now the time has come. Being in GSTL we will be able to show how good we are.
