EPT![[image loading]](http://image.fighterforum.com/showImage.asp?realFile=FFNEWS20060822124122001.JPG)
In July another ‘blue-eyed warrior’ set foot into the Korean soil. He is Polish, 20 years of age and his name is Krzysztof Nalepka.
After Guillaume Patry’s success, Korea has become the Mecca for a Starcraft Progamer. Soon many foreign gamers have attempted to emulate the same, but always succumbed to the incredibly high level of competition and skill-level. After 2005 it could be said that the era of foreign faces on the progaming scene were over.
For Krzysztof Korea would be a fresh chellenge. He has no regrets or worries. He has already vowed to leave an everlasting image. Starting with his declaration ‘I have no plans to return to Poland’ this interview kicked off.
-From sportsman to gamer.
Krzysztof Nalepka grew up in a small, lowly-populated town in Poland. As a result he became involved in local sports than computers. Once he played for a football club and even boasts an international level skiing ability.
However when he was introduced to Starcraft, Krzysztof’s life was turned around. In the year 2000 the internet was introduced to his small town and he became immersed in Starcraft along with all his friends. He slowly distanced himself from the world of sport.
Eventually he was good enough to advance to the finals of Poland’s WCG 2004 preliminaries. The result was runner-up. Although in the grand finals he was knocked out in the group stages it would be a huge stepping stone for Krzysztof, showing him a completely new world. Gradually he even converted his parents into arduous supports of his gaming career.
-The voyage to Korea was a natural decision.
“If you want to become a progamer, Korea is the obvious choice, it is the Mecca of gaming.” For foreign gamers, Korea is “the land of dreams” for them to be able to earn a living playing the game they love is unheard of. However importantly, the level of competition would be that much more fierce in the Korean leagues. Therefore he choice to come to Korea.
Obviously it was not an easy decision. He had to part with his dear family and friends and leave his education behind. Nor was there a guarantee of success in Korea. He left Poland with an uncertain future. “I know what I love, I want to do very well. The place I can do what I want in the best way I can is right here in Korea. I have no regrets.”
-The seven most nervous games of his life.
In order to be a progamer in Korea, you have to be a part of a team. It is necessary in order to compete at the top level of play and improve with a greater amount of practice. Krzysztof was no different and through online connections he met gaming coach Byun Sung Chul. ([Z-zone]Byun)
Having expressed his wishes to join, Krzysztof played several test games online. For him it would prove to be the most nervous few hours of his life. He knew how important these games would be in deciding his future.
The result was 3 wins and 4 losses. His potential was recognized and soon enough he became a proud member of OnGameNet SPARKYZ. “I can remember every single one of those seven games from start to finish. I was that nervous.”
-Finally a progamer but there is a long way to go.
“I was so happy, and moved.” Krzysztof qualified to become a progamer now that he was a part of SPARKYZ. The dreams of only a month ago had now become a reality. The day he was told he had been accepted as a progamer by Lee Myung Geun, the manager of SPARKYZ, he was so happy he could not contain his joy.
However he knows there is still a long way to go. This is merely a small stepping stone
towards his goals. His main goal is to become one of the biggest names in the Korean
progaming scene. He wants to leave an everlasting legacy in Korea, much like Guillame
Patry had.
"I will not waste this opportunity. I want to make people remember that there was a Polish gamer who could compete with Korea’s best."
In Poland gaming was simply a hobby but he knows well that now it is his profession. He is also aware of the gap in skill between the Koreans and foreigners so he will pour all his efforts to bridge that gap. He has not had a moment to rest since his arrival in July.
"I have no plans to return to my home country, unlike others before me. As long as Starcraft remains popular I will live the life of a progamer." Krzysztof has now just set his foot into a new world. However his ambitions and vows are no different from a Korean. Let’s hope for yet another foreign face to set the stages alight.
![[image loading]](http://image.fighterforum.com/showImage.asp?realFile=FFNEWS20060822124251001.JPG)
Assorted replies by Korean users in the interview topic:
"Hmm I like his mindset, although maybe he's a little too old to start?"
"His name is a bitch to learn. I think we should call him 'Chris'"
"Wait a minute 3 wins 4 losses? That's not bad. Sparkyz has found themselves a nice Protoss alongside Zeus."
"Unfortunately he's Protoss. Poor guy's going to struggle."
"So what's happened to LX? or PJ?"
"I've heard there was another foreigner aside from Draco?"
"So you've finally made it Nal_Draco. Fighting!"
"He looks like (Arjen) Robben."
