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South Africa4316 Posts
That's right people, the GomTV Intel/Avaratec Classic (which I will be referring to as the GSL from now on) is finally back after the great success of the first season. With over $100,000 at stake, and large cash prizes available for everyone up to the top eight, GomTV has done what it does best by combining great initiative with a love for the game to bring us a wonderful new season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOMT84mA9fU
Those who didn't follow last season might be wondering why I am so excited about a new season, so I'll give you my reasons. Firstly, it's a new, young starleague that shows to be organized and controlled as well as the MSL and the OSL. Secondly, the GSL does not have as strict a qualifying policy, so there's no longer groups of eight of which only one person can go through. If you have your eye on a young player, or would like to see some of the older guys making a comeback, then the GSL is the place to be. Players like  by.great (now known as Hades), HuskaL,  Shuttle and Violet all made a name for themselves in the previous GSL, while YellOw showed that the old players can still take down some of the top players.
A final, and perhaps the most important, reason why I like the GSL is GomTV's dedication to the foreign community. Time and time again they've shown that they are willing to invest in the foreign community, and with the GSL they've gone the extra mile by getting the Storm Observer himself to live and cast in Korea. Nowhere else can you get to see the greatest SC players in the world fighting it out with Tasteless in the commentary box. Added to this we'll now have our very own ![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/images/usericons/tlnet_staff.gif) lilsusie in the box with Tasteless, helping out with some Korean translations. Susie has asked me to make it very clear that she won't be commentating, but simply helping with the prematch talks and translations, but it's definitely something to look out for.
The maps this season are a combination the most interesting new maps and that maps that have been tested. Games one and two in the Bo3 will be played on Colosseum and Andromeda, while the third game will be played on one of the four new proleague maps: Destination, Chupung Ryeong, Medusa, and the Sword in the Moon. You've all seen Destination and Medusa, so let's look at the other two maps:
Chupung Ryeong is a very exciting new map, consisting of multiple vertical routes. What makes the map so interesting is the length of these routes, allowing for an almost Monty Hall-esque form of to-and-fro play. Also interesting is the difficulty in taking a third base. The idea of the maps seems to be that it's easier to attack than to defend, allowing for many counter-attacks and a very fast-paced form of play.
Sword in the Moon is another map based on dangerous bases and aggressive play. Similar to Othello in its base positions and themes, the map promises to keep games interesting and strategic. The biggest improvement, for me, over Othello is the middle of the map. The middle is now a strategic position that can be held on to, but it doesn't dominate the map. This is different from Othello where the middle was always a liability.
+ Show Spoiler [Old Maps] +
+ Show Spoiler [Bracket A] +
The format is, perhaps slightly confusing at first, but easy once you get it. There are 32 groups, each group has one seeded player in it with the 32 seeds determined by KeSPA rankings. The players in each group play it out in a Bo3 elimination tournament until the winner of each group plays against the group seed. For example, in Group 1, the first match is between Hobbang and M18M. The winner plays against Bul_T, while at the same time Special plays against Study. The winners of these matches play against eachother, and the winner of this match plays against Flash to progress to the next group.
+ Show Spoiler [Bracket B] +
In the beautiful brackets made by pachi the matches that will be broadcast from the Ro256 are highlighted. The highlight key is:
Pink - Day 1 Broadcast, Sun 21/09 18:00 KST
Red - Day 2 Broadcast, Tue 23/09 18:00 KST
Yellow - Day 3 Broadcast, Sun 28/09 18:00 KST
Green - Day 4 Broadcast, Thu 02/10 13:00 KST
Using the highlight key, we can thus see that on the first day the matches will be:
A final reason to watch the GSL Season 2 is the inclusion of two new teams. This season, the only teams still not participating are MBCGame HERO, OnGameNet SPARKYZ, and eSTRO. That means that both SKT, and ACE will be participating this season, so you get to see your favourite players like Best and Boxer duking it out, as well as the new ACE recruits like Reach and Anytime.
So, I hope you're all excited for the second season of the GomTV Intel/Avaratec Classic! They put a lot of effort into bringing English Starcraft to the community, and we can repay them by showing them our full support. Of all the Starleagues last season, I personally enjoyed the GSL the most, and before the GSL that I enjoyed the GSI tremendously. So show your support for Tasteless and the rest of the Gom crew, and follow this fabulous Starleague. With 180 players at the start, some brand new names (including Idra), some old boys, and some giants of Starcraft, there's no telling what could happen.
The first match is on Sunday at 18:00 KST and will be broadcast live from the GomTV website, so don't miss it!
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wohoooo jaedong repeat!!
GomTV owns.
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Stop being a wussy Susie and go do some comments on live TV! 
This tourrnament is great I love the format and the fact that these people put so much effort in bring it to us is awesome, add Tasteless in the mix and you got a winner in your hands. TL is slowly taking over the leagues, I can feel it, first is Tasteless, then Susie...then what? Cow?
Sure hope so.
Edit: Savior hwaiting~!
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Aotearoa39261 Posts
On September 19 2008 21:35 HotZhot wrote:Stop being a wussy Susie and go do some comments on live TV! This tourrnament is great I love the format and the fact that these people put so much effort in bring it to us is awesome, add Tasteless in the mix and you got a winner in your hands. TL is slowly taking over the leagues WORLD, I can feel it, first is Tasteless, then Susie...then what? Cow? Sure hope so. Edit: Savior hwaiting~! muhahahhaha
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So wait - is this season still not sanctioned by KeSPA?
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On September 19 2008 21:50 DownMaxX wrote:
So wait - is this season still not sanctioned by KeSPA?
.
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South Africa4316 Posts
On September 19 2008 22:03 ctang wrote:Show nested quote +On September 19 2008 21:50 DownMaxX wrote:
So wait - is this season still not sanctioned by KeSPA? .
As far as I know, it's still not. I will ask Susie tomorrow though, once she wakes up.
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Having Susie for pregame translation will be great. Tasteless did a good job for not having a clue what was going on though :p
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Greatest news of the year (until TSL 2 is announced  ). Season 1 was awesome in every aspect. It is nice to see GSL be a little more advertised.
And I promise I will post GSL games in Yakii's Small VOD thread to make it even easier (and spoiler-free) to watch.
I can't wait for Tasteless's jokes and puns. And good luck to Lilsusie. I am sure you will do a great job.
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United States12607 Posts
YES! SK Telecom T1 in the Gom Classic!!!
Do Jaewook = instant watch
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What's also great is that every match is played in a bo3, so only the best players move on to the next rounds!
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Bracket A, Group 4, GL Idra.
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IdrA YES!!
NaDa YES!!
SEri YES!!
TASTELESS YES!!
GOMTV YES!!
YES!! :D
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Spenguin
Australia3316 Posts
IDRA
BOXER
REACH
SAVIOR!!!
What could be sexier?
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- idra?
lol j/k, practice hard, you got a relatively easy group there so don't squander it.
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Thanks so much susi, tasteless and GomTV!
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HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF FUCK
this is awesome/
Idra fighting!
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I could definately see IdrA making it out of his group, seeing as there are no other T's, and the players in it are all relatively unheard of, except rumble.
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This is going to be epic. The tough part it finding the time to watch all of these games.
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Hong Kong20321 Posts
IDRA FIGHTINGGGGGGGGG LOOK AT ALL THE SUPPORT ON TL U BETTER PLAY WELL K
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IDRA!! you better get far enough to play boxer!
or at least a televised match! GL!
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artosis + tasteless would be orgasmic imo;)
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Awesome news about lilsusie! Simply awesome!
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So excited for this. If it came down to Idra vs. Boxer who would TL cheer for?
PandaBearGuy fighting~
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On September 20 2008 01:53 Terranator wrote:
So excited for this. If it came down to Idra vs. Boxer who would TL cheer for?
Boxer!
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Oh cripes. This is fap worthy.
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On September 20 2008 01:53 Terranator wrote:
So excited for this. If it came down to Idra vs. Boxer who would TL cheer for?
PandaBearGuy fighting~
You needed to ask this? Boxer is the obvious answer.
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Woot. Very much looking forward to this. Tasteless + lilsusie translation + lots of players I wanna see = epic win. ^^
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This is going to be amazing, so many awesome players!
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Sword in the Moon looks good, looking forward to this. Cheering for Hwasin~
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South Africa4316 Posts
On September 20 2008 04:03 Descent wrote:
Sword in the Moon looks good, looking forward to this. Cheering for Hwasin~
The neutral buildings behind the mains in Sword of the Moon makes routing absolutely atrocious. You can't even maynard miners properly. That said, it's going to be great watching pros play it.
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Would be so cool to see one of IdrA's games broadcasted live. God, I'm so excited. This is gonna be so awesome!
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<3 GSL.
This is going to be the shit.
I'm soooo excited it's not even funny.
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3 Lions
United States3705 Posts
OMG pro gamers pen-spin lol
but based on the video, i think i'm better than them...
SKT participating is gonna be awesome, last season without Bisu and Best and Midas felt like it was missing something
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is awesome32278 Posts
Yessssssssssssssss
I love how nonames can leave a mark in this tournament. Glad to see so new blood spilling :D
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United States11637 Posts
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What timing for Idra to move to CJ
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I'm really excited, finally we get to hear Tasteless again. I also hope IdrA makes a name for himself over there.
On September 20 2008 04:47 3 Lions wrote:
OMG pro gamers pen-spin lol
but based on the video, i think i'm better than them...
SKT participating is gonna be awesome, last season without Bisu and Best and Midas felt like it was missing something
Penspinning is fun. sonic rise makes any class pass by quick hehe
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On September 20 2008 04:07 Daigomi wrote:Show nested quote +On September 20 2008 04:03 Descent wrote:
Sword in the Moon looks good, looking forward to this. Cheering for Hwasin~ The neutral buildings behind the mains in Sword of the Moon makes routing absolutely atrocious. You can't even maynard miners properly. That said, it's going to be great watching pros play it.
Oh, you're right, I didn't even think of that. But don't the minerals completely block the route to that ramp, anyways? You're right though, I hope we get some epic games from the GSL.
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United States10328 Posts
question - so in bracket B, it'll be (first person vs second person), (3rd vs 4th) all in rd 2? (and in bracket B it's like play-in?)
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This looks pretty awesome, I didn't watch much of the first season, but this looks like pure awesomeness!
YEAH IDRA FIGHTING!~
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Wow, I'm totally pumped to see Idra in action. Hopefully we'll see some payoff for that CJ trade.
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I really enjoyed the GSL last year, i hope this one is just as awesome! It looks like it will
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3861 Posts
the reason that Idra isnt televised YET is because he has to make it out of the ro256. the televised ones are those who kinda were "seeded" into the ro128. so let's just hope that Idra makes it far and we can see him on TV :D
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On September 19 2008 22:33 G.s)NarutO wrote:
IdrA YES!!
NaDa YES!!
SEri YES!!
TASTELESS YES!!
GOMTV YES!!
YES!! :D
U r a fag!
YES!
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Group 6 wtf?
and wooo! FBH is gonna win
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Well is very intresting and I want to see the Vosds Now!
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On September 19 2008 22:42 Spenguin wrote:
IDRA
BOXER
REACH
SAVIOR!!!
What could be sexier?
Tossgirl. >.>
<.<
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Boxer has a sick group. He`ll have a legit chance of making it out.
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Omg!! IdrA fightiiiiing! I believe!
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HonestTea
5007 Posts
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This is one awesome tournament. Last season was epic with a final that couldn't be better. Great with all the news for this season!
Erm the website URL is http://www.gomtv.net if anyone else was looking for it.
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Canada7170 Posts
Hell yes. This is going to be awesome.
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Sure is going to be terran on sunday.
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(4)Sword of the Moon looks awesome!!!!
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The wait is over and there is happiness in abundance, for the SWARM !!!
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that little tl.net icon next to lilsusie's name just shows what a great community of players and observers we have here
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firebathero vs savior for the finals, who's with me?
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idra if we see you on TV and when you win you have to do something ridiculous after. something that will top everything FBH has done and the retarded things rock does
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NICE!!
Great teaser trailer <3
Can't wait for this!
EDIT: IDRA? TOSSGIRL? RAINBOW? WOOT.
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Cant wait for sword of the moon :D
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Map order : Colosseum - Andromeda - Thumb-down voting
is is means loser choose 3rd set map from the rest 4?
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This is going to be awesome, great to hear lilsusie is helping out. Also expecting more hilarious and memorable tasteless quotes
GO IdrA!!
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On September 20 2008 01:53 Terranator wrote:
So excited for this. If it came down to Idra vs. Boxer who would TL cheer for?
PandaBearGuy fighting~
Lol? Cmon man Boxer HWAITING! If he could be elected Prez of the US and TL could decide it, Boxer would be the president and vice president, plus the Minister of Micro and the Ambassador of Ass.
Seriously this season looks to be really exciting, especially with Idra in his first tournament run since arriving in Korea (well since he got his license anyway). On top of that we have Boxer fighting it out (he should advance with ease). Susie will be great in the box too! I would love to hear what some of the Korean commentators talk about please! Especially what they are talking about inbetween matches.
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Lol Tossgirl for bunker rush!!!
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On September 20 2008 09:43 funkie wrote:Show nested quote +On September 19 2008 22:33 G.s)NarutO wrote:
IdrA YES!!
NaDa YES!!
SEri YES!!
TASTELESS YES!!
GOMTV YES!!
YES!! :D U r a fag! YES!
Dear god, please be more serious -_-
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Hello GOM. Glad to have you back. lilsusie, TossGirl, Tasteless' red hair. Way to start with a bang.
GOM Fighting!
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United States10328 Posts
it seems that they put the "hardest" groups (ignoring the seeded player) at groups 1/8/9/16... which is not really surprising
however, I think fOrGG and Jaedong have the "toughest overall" groups... each has a veteran and two guys who could make a starleague (maybe >.< )
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man the red hair is amazing.
susie should do it too.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Daigomi/Banner__Gom_Classic_v1e.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/210.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/4f093.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/4ColosseumII192.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/2Destination10.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/3Medusa10.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/I_OSL_Group_1/4Andromeda10.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/pachi/gsi/GOM_A.png)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/pachi/gsi/GOM_B.png)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Daigomi/img_pro3.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i33.tinypic.com/34ytv0i.jpg)
