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MLG Anaheim: A Retrospective in Words and Photos
Hi Guys -
I took a bunch of photos this weekend while attending MLG Anaheim and I wanted to share them with the community, especially those who weren't able to be there in person, so that you can get a sense of the epicness of the event.
First off, a little about me: I'm a masters zerg player who lives and breathes SC2. I've traveled for other games and communities in the past (WC3, Virtua Fighter 5, SF4, UT2004) but never have I been more excited than MLG Anaheim, as this was to be my first SC2 event.
Armed only with a camera and a pounding heart, I began my adventure...
[NOTE: SPOILERS ahead.]
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Htoas.jpg)
Anaheim Convention Center. From it's mild-mannered exterior, no one could guess the madness it held within it.
In The Beginning There Was Darkness...and Dr. Pepper
So first off, it was really dark inside. It felt a bit like a giant club filled with nerds, what with the neon lights, merch girls, and general noise level. Upon entering, you were immediately assaulted by the Dr. Pepper booth. God bless that beverage and the lovely women who worked the booth -- I can't explain to you how much DP was consumed over the weekend by everyone.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/xJdO0.jpg)
The Dr. Pepper booth. Are you thirsty? Grab a Dr. Pepper. Are you not that thirsty? Doesn't matter, go grab a Dr. Pepper. This was the thought process of MLG Anaheim attendees.
The energy was definitely electric, especially when pros went head to head on either the main stage or the featured stage. It was such a pleasure to be in the midst of a thousand people cheering for Boxer or White-Ra, an experience unlike anything else.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JPd1A.jpg)
A shot of the crowd. Insane SC2 fans stretching as far the eye could see.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/T3omk.jpg)
The crowd completing losing their shit when White-Ra beat Drewbie. MLG Anaheim LOVES White-Ra. Sheer adoration.
The other thing to take note was how hard SC2, and its fans, dominated MLG Anaheim. The noise level, the numbers, the energy -- Halo 3 and the rest of the FPS rabble could not touch it. It was so awesome when something would happen on the main stage and the crowd would go bonkers -- I'd watch the Halo players and fans, their heads on a swivel, and wonder what was going through their heads.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/3hDu1.jpg)
Some Halo 3 gamers. Sick Coors Light hat, brah.
A message was definitely delivered in Anaheim and that message is "SC2 is MLG's game of the future." Couldn't have been prouder of the community and the players at this event.
The Competition - Put 'Em In A Body Bag!
The games, sweet jesus, the games! As a Zerg player, I focused mainly on following my favorites from featured game to featured game: Ret, DRG, IdrA, Sheth, HayprO. I loved watching their posture, their hand speed, their rallies and hotkeys, their timings, and their overall approach to play. I can genuinely say I learned something this weekend by being in their proximity. Despite my heavy zerg bias, I also enjoyed a number of ridiculously epic TvTs and PvTs.
Let's jump into a few pics of the competitors, shall we?
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ymqPg.jpg)
Cruncher vs. iNcontroL. People were, as usual, unduly harsh on Cruncher throughout the weekend. It was kinda sad but he competed admirably.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/vJsMv.jpg)
Team FXO hanging out in between matches (Choya, OptikZero, SLoG)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fBTCw.jpg)
MoOnan vs. Socke / SLush vs. SeleCT - Featured Stage
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qyT28.jpg)
KiWiKaKi and CatZ chilling.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/eDrHD.jpg)
Sheth at the Featured Stage.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/FnPuI.jpg)
TLO about to use positional nuking.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/CW1te.jpg)
MoOnan vs. SeleCt
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1EVQa.jpg)
Sheth vs. iNcontroL at the Featured Stage
Sorry for the lack of Main Stage pics -- I was pretty far back and the shots just came out blurry. Needless to say, the games were incredibly epic and although TvT isn't really my cup of tea (sorry about that joke), I was nonetheless blown away by the skill, multitasking and overall ability of the Korean Terrans. Definitely a well earned victory for MVP.
Nerd Chills - My Pics with the Pros
It was a strange feeling walking around the convention center and seeing people who you idolize (at least in a gaming sense). When I arrived Friday afternoon I saw SeleCT and Naniwa chilling outside and my mind said "Oh, there's SeleCT and Nani." I kept walking and then I paused a moment. Suddenly I repeated "There's SeleCT and Nani! OMG!" and then proceeded to squeal, inwardly, like a young girl. Am I proud of this? Not really but I'm trying to emphasize how cool it is to see your SC2 heroes cruising around "in real life". There was definitely a moment where I realized this is why I would return to a live SC2 event -- besides the insane competition, it's awesome to be able to interact with gosus and semi-gosus.
Very rarely in my life do I get to bust out the "Korean HWAIIIITING Power Fist" (KHPF) so at Anaheim, I definitely took advantage of this as you'll see below.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/N9Px6.jpg)
SeleCT, the first pro pic I took. It kicked the weekend off right. He was gracious and super chill. <3 SeleCT
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/RnCa4.jpg)
FnatiCRain. After taking this picture, I was immediately ambushed by marines and an SCV line. JK Rain.  Again, a totally gracious and humble dude. He performed so well this weekend.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2GoMK.jpg)
coLCatZ. I saw CatZ interacting with fans quite a bit throughout the weekend. Great to see such appreciation and love for the people who support you. CatZ fighting!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/0qtY8.jpg)
Liquid`HayprO and Liquid`Ret. Possibly my favorite pic of the weekend. I am a Zerg player and so this pic has a special value for me. Watching these two tear it up this weekend was such a pleasure. Team Liquid!!! <33333
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/3BXRh.jpg)
Liquid`Sheth. The newest member of Liquid, Sheth was constantly barraged by fan requests. He was so patient and kind with everyone, taking each request with a smile and a few words. Just a class act, beastly player and all around hero.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qgbCC.jpg)
SlayerS_Alicia. Unfortunately I didn't get to see him play but I was able to talk with him a little bit (in broken English). He was telling me how good he thought Ganzi was with his timings. Even though we only spoke for about five minutes, it left a lasting memory. Alicia gained another fan at MLG.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/TFSsC.jpg)
QxGiNkA. Super nice guy! I saw him and Team EG walking from hotel row to the convention center. When I posed for a picture with Team EG, he was like "What, no love for Quantic?"  I immediately took the opportunity to grab a pic with him. Chill dude and great player.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Fv6P1.jpg)
Team EG (Demuslim, StrifeCro, LZGamer, AxSlav) These guys were incredibly gracious and even recommended multiple shots in different lighting conditions just to make sure I got a good pic. It was fun to listen to their discussions of EG politics, match ups, and just life in general.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/BbXcf.jpg)
White-Ra! Ah, the crown jewel. I had been waiting to get a shot with him the entire weekend but he was always swarmed or on his way to a match. Finally on Sunday morning I caught him walking by himself and he affably agreed to a picture. He was a hero in Anaheim, taking so much time out for fans, always with a smile, always with gratitude and humility in his eyes. White-Ra is simply a boss and this is a pic that made my weekend.
In Closing...
So that just about wraps it up. I hope you enjoyed this lil' retrospective -- my sincere hope is that it brought you a little closer to what was, for me, an incredible event. If you are on the fence about attending a live SC2 event, get off that fence. Go. Just go. It will change the way you view SC2.
Thank you to MLG for putting on such a great event and a huge thanks to all of the gracious and ridiculously skilled players who made my weekend what it was.
Thanks for the memories and I'll see you again soon.
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Really jealous. Looks like you had a blast at MLG.
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PS - If mods think this should be a blog, feel free to move. I just thought with all the pics and such, it might be worthy of a general board topic.
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sweet pics and a nice writeup.
where was the rest of the EG team when you were taking pics with them?
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Great read, Very jelly of everyone being there. Dont know if I would have the nerve to go up to the pros. Maybe White-Ra. God it would be awesome to have a pic with white-ra like yours
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Awesome pics! Wish I could come to MLG and meet the pros. /jealous of Alicia pic
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Awesome photos, might I add sweet shirt in the EG and Inka pics 
Btw do you know how old Inka is? for some reason I thought he was older
Edit: woot 100th post!
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Ares[Effort]
DEMACIA6550 Posts
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Great job! You and white-ra look like you could be brothers, especially if White-Ra's hair line keeps thinning out more
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White Ra looks so Boss in that picture.Thanks for sharing those pictures it looks like such a great time.
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Can't believe CrunCher was treated badly even though he was willing to change his attitude.. that's just disgusting, pretty disappointed in the community.
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This is definitely something that watching from the stream can never capture. I'm on the east coast so Anaheim was way out of the way for me, but I'm already planning for Raleigh, and this definitely just tripled my excitement level.
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This post allows me to live vicariously through you. Thanks <3
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Really cool pictures but I gotta ask... What is up with your shirt in the pictures with EG, Alicia, and Inka? It is a bold fashion choice.
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On August 02 2011 03:45 Nem0 wrote:Awesome photos, might I add sweet shirt in the EG and Inka pics Btw do you know how old Inka is? for some reason I thought he was older Edit: woot 100th post!
Inka looks really young in that pic for some reason -- he's not that young in real life (I don't think). In person, I would guess he is in his early to mid 20s.
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Thanks for posting this stuff!!! Makes me want to get out to an event sometime.
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On August 02 2011 03:58 Cellardoor wrote:
Really cool pictures but I gotta ask... What is up with your shirt in the pictures with EG, Alicia, and Inka? It is a bold fashion choice.
Haha, I had a feeling that shirt would get some comments. My gf got it for me at an estate sale here in San Diego. It was this older man's shirt and he loved it apparently. He passed away and wanted it to have a good home...so she brought it to me. I love it personally but I understand it makes some people uncomfortable.
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illsick
United States1770 Posts
nice pictures
Your captions of the cruncher picture...
why do people give him such a hard time? that's 2x in a row that he's placed top 20 (with koreans there) coming from the open bracket.
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Select so handsome
nice pics all around
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United States97276 Posts
OMG I am so envious! You are so lucky!! I hope I can attend an MLG at some point and meet some awesome people. Alicia T_T!!
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Thank you for the awesome photos!
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Wow some really great pics and comments.
It must feel great to take pics with all those players.
Alica looks so short :D
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On August 02 2011 03:53 daxile wrote:
Can't believe CrunCher was treated badly even though he was willing to change his attitude.. that's just disgusting, pretty disappointed in the community.
You and me both 
Awesome pictures, great that you had a blast
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On August 02 2011 03:56 Muffinman53 wrote:
This post allows me to live vicariously through you. Thanks <3
My thoughts also.
Thanks for the pics and fun captions!
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Some sick pictures man, Rain looks like he's high or something though hahah
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Awesome pics! thanks for sharing.
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I too was at MLG, great great event. Biggest problem ever:lack of seats. I know Sundance did have more seats this time, than in Columbus, but the fact is, more people were standing than sitting for the majority of MLG. This has definitely got to change! Also, extremely disliked how there was only 1 stream at the event, they should've had 2 streams up. Also I wished they could've spared a big TV just for results, I found it fairly difficult to keep up with a lot of the results of all the games. Another improvement would be actually showing the casters on stage, similar to NASL. It could've sorta been set up sort of like late night talk shows, in which the interview couch is angled slightly at the desk (the commentating desk). I also felt that having to wait 2hours just to register into the convention center was pretty ridiculously stupid, and felt that the "gold member" thing was sort of a nickel and diming tactic. Just charge us more straight up, don't make another tier called "gold".
On the positive, amazing games, liked how their were 2 screens set up showing where the matches were being played, and when.
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Dude, that shirt you had on when you posed with the EG people...so baller
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Inka is no longer a member of EG?
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Great write up and pictures man! You make me wish I was there even more.
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I actually wish I was DeMuslim. So much style, so good at terran.
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Great pictures! I'm jelly.
I would love a picture with White-Ra :D
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On August 02 2011 03:42 anathematize wrote:
sweet pics and a nice writeup.
where was the rest of the EG team when you were taking pics with them?
I noticed that there were usually two factions of EG at MLG:
1. IdrA, iNcontroL and Machine
2. Demuslim, Axslave, StrifeCro and LZ
Note I'm not trying to create any drama or anything -- they just seemed to hang out in different groups. The other members of EG were already inside the event at the time that pic was taken.
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On August 02 2011 04:12 roflpie wrote:
Inka is no longer a member of EG?
No sir, he is now a member of Quantic Gaming.
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Cool stuff man, the halo talk is a little ignorant but who cares i guess lol.
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..i'm so fucking JELLY.
glad you had fun!
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Is that MMA sitting behind MoOnan and SLush as they play?
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On August 02 2011 04:28 bobzx wrote:
Cool stuff man, the halo talk is a little ignorant but who cares i guess lol.
I actually like Halo man -- just giving the overall vibe of the place. As a spectator of both events, there was no question which one had more people there to see it, more energy, etc.
The ribbing I gave the Halo community was good-natured...mostly. I was mainly just proud of the SC community.
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On August 02 2011 04:30 KSMB wrote:
Is that MMA sitting behind MoOnan and SLush as they play?
Nope, that's just an MLG staff member. All the SlayerS dudes were in full blue jump suit gear, head to toe. MMA was also rocking a crazy hipster haircut with a deep shave on one side. I liked it.
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Wow the picture with you and WhiteRa :D
loves the smiles!!! WhiteRa is the boss!
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On August 02 2011 04:32 IPA wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 04:28 bobzx wrote:
Cool stuff man, the halo talk is a little ignorant but who cares i guess lol. I actually like Halo man -- just giving the overall vibe of the place. As a spectator of both events, there was no question which one had more people there to see it, more energy, etc. The ribbing I gave the Halo community was good-natured...mostly. I was mainly just proud of the SC community.
Oh no doubt man I am as well. Just alot of people think the halo community like hates starcraft when most of them actually love it and really aren't mad or upset about what's happening. It's Halo:Reach by the way lol.
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I am truly jealous and now I am even more upset that I missed MLG Dallas due to work Oh well next year... maybe I can come in as a scrub, lose two rounds and then enjoy the show.
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alicia is such an underrated toss player from the great team of slayers!
i do hope to see him in the finals one day. i'll be rooting for him!
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Balling pictures man!!!
Thanks alot for sharing
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Thanks for sharing , it's cool to see another perspective apart from the stream. Didn't know what some of those players looked like so thanks again!
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So glad everyone is enjoying! TL gives me so much (information, ideas, drama) that it feels good to give back at least a little bit. <3 Thanks for the kind words.
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On August 02 2011 03:53 daxile wrote:
Can't believe CrunCher was treated badly even though he was willing to change his attitude.. that's just disgusting, pretty disappointed in the community.
He's gotten through the Open Bracket twice in a row... That says quite a bit IMO. I don't really like him all that much, but when other players like Jinro and Alicia fail to get through the Open, you gotta give Cruncher respect when he manages to cruise through it.
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Ahhh more pictures thank you IPA! You let us that couldn't be there get a little taste of the experience. Lucky you getting to meet so many awesome players.
On August 02 2011 03:24 IPA wrote:
Does anyone else see what I see? If I had any photoshop skill I'd get on that right now.
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Oh man! Great photos. Must be awesome to hang out with some of your SC heros!
Need more Day9, though ^^
On August 02 2011 05:52 dudeman001 wrote:Ahhh more pictures thank you IPA! You let us that couldn't be there get a little taste of the experience. Lucky you getting to meet so many awesome players. Does anyone else see what I see? If I had any photoshop skill I'd get on that right now.
Wow! I see that!! IPA's face could totally be shoped on White-Ra's face!! ^^
"IPA. IPA is everywhere!"
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Nice pictures, would love to go to such an event some day. All these pro's walking around, pretty awesome^^
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This is just awesome man, showing people that couldnt attend how amazing it truly is too go to events like this. Also very nice pics did you have a friend with you that took them?
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Great picz. Seems like you had a ball!
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Picture with White-ra.
LFIE IS COMPLETE.
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Nice jeans, are those raws? Looks like you had a great time :D
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On August 02 2011 06:03 thirnaz wrote:
This is just awesome man, showing people that couldnt attend how amazing it truly is too go to events like this. Also very nice pics did you have a friend with you that took them?
Yeah I brought two non-SC playing friends (I'm pretty much the only hardcore gamer in my group of friends) and they had a blast. They took pics for me. They really enjoyed the spectacle of the whole thing -- they were especially into the Boxer vs Rain match up with BCs, 80 food vikings, ravens, etc. I think they understand why I'm such a fanatic about this game now.
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thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!
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thank you IPA for sharing this pictures, loving the pictures
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Awesome picture, so jelly, MLG is for sure on the to do list for next year
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Thanks for sharing with us, truly awesome event and you seemed to enjoy it.
One comment though... that peacock shirt... haha :D
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On August 02 2011 06:59 wolfe wrote:
Thanks for sharing with us, truly awesome event and you seemed to enjoy it.
One comment though... that peacock shirt... haha :D
I love it! :p
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Heartwarming read.
Beautiful :' )
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thanks for the great pics!
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Thank you for posting this! Would love to go to an MLG sometime
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Seeing this makes me think how much I want to go to an MLG event. Not gonna happen though, no moneys for that.
Awesome pictures nonetheless, you look like a gentleman
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Here's a few extra pics that didn't make the original post because they were just kinda random:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Y2auo.jpg)
White Ra signing autographs.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/rwbhC.jpg)
vileHawk vs. Mill.ToD
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/5ICGi.jpg)
Tyler and Cruncher on the Featured Stage
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Oof2u.jpg)
QXC's sign. Lulz.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/bnPbK.jpg)
IMMVP on the Featured Stage. The Final Boss owning.
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The shot of the Console gamers is nearly as awesome as that shot of the crowd, SC2 fighting!
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On August 02 2011 06:07 KimJongChill wrote:
Nice jeans, are those raws? Looks like you had a great time :D
Just Levis skinnies.
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Looks awesome, but I think we all know that the real purpose of this post is to brag about the sick Whitera pic...
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[QUOTE]On August 02 2011 03:24 IPA wrote:
MLG Anaheim: A Retrospective in Words and Photos
Hi Guys -
...all that stuffz
[QUOTE]
I'm so jellous!!!! OMG so cool, you got to meet all the pros and alicia!!!? xD man i gotta go to these things
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Alicia and White-Ra!!!!
Made me jelly :<
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Excellent pictures. Helps show another side of mlg that the streamers couldn't see.
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On August 02 2011 13:49 FuRong wrote:
Looks awesome, but I think we all know that the real purpose of this post is to brag about the sick Whitera pic...
I'm not gonna lie, that was a big part of it.
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that floral shirt is sick, no sarcasm.
what brand is it?
nice whitera pic btw
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WOW Awesome pics! Thanks a bundle for sharing, super jealous of your pictures as well.
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On August 02 2011 14:14 Gatsbi wrote:
that floral shirt is sick, no sarcasm.
what brand is it?
nice whitera pic btw
My gf got it for me from an estate sale in San Diego. It was this old man's shirt that he loved; he passed on and she picked it up from his estate. I had to cut the sleeves and do some other stuff but I really love it man, holds a special place in my heart. Glad you like too. :>
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On August 02 2011 14:27 IPA wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 14:14 Gatsbi wrote:
that floral shirt is sick, no sarcasm.
what brand is it?
nice whitera pic btw My gf got it for me from an estate sale in San Diego. It was this old man's shirt that he loved; he passed on and she picked it up from his estate. I had to cut the sleeves and do some other stuff but I really love it man, holds a special place in my heart. Glad you like too. :>
Wow.. in San Diego? It's like the antifashion capital of the world, I live here and I feel like no one cares what they wear.
Good find
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On August 02 2011 14:50 Gatsbi wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 14:27 IPA wrote:On August 02 2011 14:14 Gatsbi wrote:
that floral shirt is sick, no sarcasm.
what brand is it?
nice whitera pic btw My gf got it for me from an estate sale in San Diego. It was this old man's shirt that he loved; he passed on and she picked it up from his estate. I had to cut the sleeves and do some other stuff but I really love it man, holds a special place in my heart. Glad you like too. :> Wow.. in San Diego? It's like the antifashion capital of the world, I live here and I feel like no one cares what they wear. Good find
What part? I live in North Park and it's a pretty fashion-forward, cultured place. Other parts of SD...not so much..
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Ugh. Making me all jealous.
I wanna go to a MLG in the future, but it's not easy when you don't have money for travel expenses :C
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you are so lucky to attend! MLG please come to Vancouver.
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should change the title so everyone can post their photos. I'll post lots of photos when I get back home :D
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It was so awesome, just seating was like ohhh..
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oh whoa....wish I was there to meet the pro myself.
One thing that I like esport is how close the progamer can be with the fans
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On August 02 2011 14:53 IPA wrote:Show nested quote +On August 02 2011 14:50 Gatsbi wrote:On August 02 2011 14:27 IPA wrote:On August 02 2011 14:14 Gatsbi wrote:
that floral shirt is sick, no sarcasm.
what brand is it?
nice whitera pic btw My gf got it for me from an estate sale in San Diego. It was this old man's shirt that he loved; he passed on and she picked it up from his estate. I had to cut the sleeves and do some other stuff but I really love it man, holds a special place in my heart. Glad you like too. :> Wow.. in San Diego? It's like the antifashion capital of the world, I live here and I feel like no one cares what they wear. Good find What part? I live in North Park and it's a pretty fashion-forward, cultured place. Other parts of SD...not so much..
North Park is a great area, agreed. I live in La Jolla, where you think it'd be okay with the money people have, but there's sooo many generic Polo+Shorts+Flip Flops crap it makes me sick. Some of the older, rich men dress pretty well though haha, around downtown La Jolla area.
The rest of SD.... yeah I don't even need to talk about it lol.
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Canada339 Posts
Awesome pics IPA. Does your handle reflect your tastes in beer?
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On August 03 2011 02:11 bruteMax wrote:Awesome pics IPA. Does your handle reflect your tastes in beer?
You know it. I live in San Diego, aka IPA heaven. Had a Green Flash Imperial IPA last night -- it's my personal favorite and calling card.
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Good stuff! Really like all the comments to the pictures, makes them so much more interesting to watch.
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Dominican Republic913 Posts
nice pictures, its me or alicia looks like firebathero in that pic
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Nice write-up/perspective. good job
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EPT
