MLG's Alicia Romano has conducted, with the help of translator Milkis, an exclusive post-anaheim interview with SlayerS BoxeR and MMA. We hear about everyone's beloved Blue Flame Hellions, eSports in America, and MMA's emotions on having to defeat his mentor to reach Code S.
MLG: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. We’ve all read the TeamLiquid interview where MMA explains his relationship to Boxer, and what it’s meant to him. How did you both feel going into this tournament, when you knew it was likely that you’d play each other?
MMA: I entered this tournament wanting to show the fans entertaining matches. The games weren’t more impactful than the games at Columbus so I’m a bit disappointed on that part.
And for BoxeR-hyung, if I was to meet him, I wanted to meet him in a high place!
BoxeR: First, I was really thankful that I met him at a higher stage. I thought that I would meet him eventually if I beat one player after one player as Korean players often run into each other at the higher stages. I believe was able to play an entertaining match, as there was a lot of attention on it [because] MMA was the Champion of the previous tournament.
Also, although I do hope that he becomes [the kind of] student that becomes more outstanding than his teacher, I think I went into the game with the idea that I always wanted him at my side, to teach him many more things.
MLG: You were by far the crowd favorite in Anaheim, BoxeR. Were you aware of the size of your American fanbase? Can we expect to see you return for another MLG?
BoxeR: I was once again moved by the American fans through this MLG. Because of that I felt happiness, and I approached the event thinking, “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go.
MLG: You were by far the crowd favorite in Anaheim, BoxeR. Were you aware of the size of your American fanbase? Can we expect to see you return for another MLG?
BoxeR: I was once again moved by the American fans through this MLG. Because of that I felt happiness, and I approached the event thinking, “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go.
Aw yeah!!! Can't wait to see Boxer in more foreign tournaments!
BoxeR: I was once again moved by the American fans through this MLG. Because of that I felt happiness, and I approached the event thinking, “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go.
Thanks for the interview. Sorry, but I must also point out that the game 3 (Boxer vs MMA) vod is incomplete and runs improperly (it's been this way for weeks and it feels ignored).
I love that when Boxer lost to MMA, he immediately is talking strategy for beating MVP, instead of being sad (I'm sure he was sad but he prioritized helping MMA).
On August 19 2011 02:00 Ansinjunger wrote: I love that when Boxer lost to MMA, he immediately is talking strategy for beating MVP, instead of being sad (I'm sure he was sad but he prioritized helping MMA).
On August 19 2011 02:00 Ansinjunger wrote: I love that when Boxer lost to MMA, he immediately is talking strategy for beating MVP, instead of being sad (I'm sure he was sad but he prioritized helping MMA).
So true. The ultimate mentor.
This was the one point of the interview that stuck in my head, too. So much respect for Boxer <3
Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
On August 19 2011 02:54 DomiNater wrote: Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
Then what do you want them to say? "i came here to steal all your money cause foreigners ain't close to our skills and this is like stealing candy from a baby." Is that then better?
On August 19 2011 02:54 DomiNater wrote: Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
Then what do you want them to say? "i came here to steal all your money cause foreigners ain't close to our skills and this is like stealing candy from a baby." Is that then better?
MLG: You were by far the crowd favorite in Anaheim, BoxeR. Were you aware of the size of your American fanbase? Can we expect to see you return for another MLG?
BoxeR: I was once again moved by the American fans through this MLG. Because of that I felt happiness, and I approached the event thinking, “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go.
On August 19 2011 02:54 DomiNater wrote: Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
What exactly do you want them to say? I'm getting sick of this "Koreans are boring robots with no personalities whatever" stereotyping on TL.
On August 19 2011 02:54 DomiNater wrote: Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
What exactly do you want them to say? I'm getting sick of this "Koreans are boring robots with no personalities whatever" stereotyping on TL.
Especially because they were expressing their emotions during these matches. What MMA said was in no way generic or lacked of emotion. He was saying how deep his feelings for Boxer are and I felt really moved reading it.
I'm specifically talking about the matches line. They always say close to the same thing. That's why I asked if it was something lost in translation or if they are all saying close to the exact same thing.
"I hope to bring exciting matches" "I hope I can play an entertaing game for my fans" It just seems like they are reading off a script when talking about their games.
Wasn't trying to stereotype, but I honestly feel/hope that it's lost in translation and that is the best way for the translators to put it in English for us.
Then what do you want them to say? "i came here to steal all your money cause foreigners ain't close to our skills and this is like stealing candy from a baby." Is that then better?
On August 19 2011 02:54 DomiNater wrote: Is it possible for the Koreans to come up with something less generic then "I wanted to give the fans/crowd entertaining matches" ? It's extremely boring hearing the same words come out of every Koreans mouth....
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
What exactly do you want them to say? I'm getting sick of this "Koreans are boring robots with no personalities whatever" stereotyping on TL.
Hi. Did you not read my entire post?
I feel like something is lost in translation where the Koreans are actually saying something different than that, but it's the best way to translate to English. Anyone else feel this way?
Man, from the picture of Boxer in the header, to the closing words of the interview... I'm so tense with excitement right now. Can't wait for Raleigh. HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
On August 19 2011 01:16 Slasher wrote: BoxeR: “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go.
Thats some mad props coming from Boxer here guys.. GJ MLG and good job us!
On August 19 2011 05:30 DomiNater wrote: I'm specifically talking about the matches line. They always say close to the same thing. That's why I asked if it was something lost in translation or if they are all saying close to the exact same thing.
"I hope to bring exciting matches" "I hope I can play an entertaing game for my fans" It just seems like they are reading off a script when talking about their games.
Wasn't trying to stereotype, but I honestly feel/hope that it's lost in translation and that is the best way for the translators to put it in English for us.
Actually, having spent a lot of time with all of the Korean Pro's--they genuinely mean that. They really want to provide great and entertaining matches for the fans to watch and cheer for. It's perhaps hard to appreciate their perspective, but if you've heard the chanting of Boxer or MMA or MVP or Huk or White-ra at the MLG mainstage... imagine what a rush, and how good it must feel to have that directed at you.
It's not just manner, or "scripted." That's really how Boxer, MMA, MVP, DRG, Ganzi, Alicia, MC, and every other Korean player that I've met feels. But it's not just Korean pro's. It's really all pro's. Look at Huk's recent tweets, he's apologizing to his fans. Idra does the same thing from time to time. And I've seen White-ra do it too.
This is one of many things that makes the SC pro's stand out. I, for one, love it and appreciate it.
To our heroes, it's not just about winning. It's about entertaining us. Starcraft is such an amazing game for this--there's so much complexity to it, that's so easy to understand.
On August 19 2011 09:01 OPL3SA2 wrote: “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go."
Boxer, then why did you withdraw from NASL citing "no reason given"
On August 19 2011 09:01 OPL3SA2 wrote: “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go."
Boxer, then why did you withdraw from NASL citing "no reason given"
On August 19 2011 09:01 OPL3SA2 wrote: “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go."
Boxer, then why did you withdraw from NASL citing "no reason given"
lol go watch the NASL offline event. make sure you pay attention to the fans. notice how fucking stupidly quiet they are almost the entire event. he isn't talking to everyone in NA, he's doing an MLG interview. MLG fans go batshit crazy over practically nothing all the time, and it's awesome. that's why he asks if it was really possible to enjoy the tournament as much as the fans seemed to. it's something that i really haven't seen from any LAN event in any country, even other ones in the US. it takes rabid fan girls from BW to really hold a candle.
MMA: I think it’ll be difficult to describe that emotion with words. It was really important, both for me and BoxeR-hyung. I didn’t feel good even though I had won. But after the game had ended, I had tears in my eyes as BoxeR-hyung put the emotions of the loss aside and took me backstage and started telling about my opponent MVP’s style and the strategies MVP had used against him. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was in his place. So I went into the final match even more determined and resolved than normal.
On August 19 2011 05:30 DomiNater wrote: I'm specifically talking about the matches line. They always say close to the same thing. That's why I asked if it was something lost in translation or if they are all saying close to the exact same thing.
"I hope to bring exciting matches" "I hope I can play an entertaing game for my fans" It just seems like they are reading off a script when talking about their games.
Wasn't trying to stereotype, but I honestly feel/hope that it's lost in translation and that is the best way for the translators to put it in English for us.
Actually, having spent a lot of time with all of the Korean Pro's--they genuinely mean that. They really want to provide great and entertaining matches for the fans to watch and cheer for. It's perhaps hard to appreciate their perspective, but if you've heard the chanting of Boxer or MMA or MVP or Huk or White-ra at the MLG mainstage... imagine what a rush, and how good it must feel to have that directed at you.
It's not just manner, or "scripted." That's really how Boxer, MMA, MVP, DRG, Ganzi, Alicia, MC, and every other Korean player that I've met feels. But it's not just Korean pro's. It's really all pro's. Look at Huk's recent tweets, he's apologizing to his fans. Idra does the same thing from time to time. And I've seen White-ra do it too.
This is one of many things that makes the SC pro's stand out. I, for one, love it and appreciate it.
To our heroes, it's not just about winning. It's about entertaining us. Starcraft is such an amazing game for this--there's so much complexity to it, that's so easy to understand.
This girl is right. The korean pros tend to really feel the drive to not just win, but play fun and entertaining games for the audience. It really is for the fans.
On August 19 2011 09:01 OPL3SA2 wrote: “Was it really this possible to enjoy a tournament this much?” Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go."
Boxer, then why did you withdraw from NASL citing "no reason given"
it takes rabid fan girls from BW to really hold a candle.
Or, just the rabid fan girls (start from 3:05).
To weigh on the "players just want to play entertaining games", this is 100% how I felt at a LAN and when my games were being shown on a screen. During moments of inactivity/macro time, you can't help but think "God, people are bored out of their minds right now..."
On August 19 2011 05:30 DomiNater wrote: I'm specifically talking about the matches line. They always say close to the same thing. That's why I asked if it was something lost in translation or if they are all saying close to the exact same thing.
"I hope to bring exciting matches" "I hope I can play an entertaing game for my fans" It just seems like they are reading off a script when talking about their games.
Wasn't trying to stereotype, but I honestly feel/hope that it's lost in translation and that is the best way for the translators to put it in English for us.
Actually, having spent a lot of time with all of the Korean Pro's--they genuinely mean that. They really want to provide great and entertaining matches for the fans to watch and cheer for. It's perhaps hard to appreciate their perspective, but if you've heard the chanting of Boxer or MMA or MVP or Huk or White-ra at the MLG mainstage... imagine what a rush, and how good it must feel to have that directed at you.
It's not just manner, or "scripted." That's really how Boxer, MMA, MVP, DRG, Ganzi, Alicia, MC, and every other Korean player that I've met feels. But it's not just Korean pro's. It's really all pro's. Look at Huk's recent tweets, he's apologizing to his fans. Idra does the same thing from time to time. And I've seen White-ra do it too.
This is one of many things that makes the SC pro's stand out. I, for one, love it and appreciate it.
To our heroes, it's not just about winning. It's about entertaining us. Starcraft is such an amazing game for this--there's so much complexity to it, that's so easy to understand.
It's more of a Korean thing. People see a guy like FBH and think he's the most BM Korean in BW, when in reality he's one of the nicest guys you can actually meet. All stereotypes aside. It really comes down to honor and their lifestyle.
As for the entertaining part. At the end of the day, winning comes first and yes they hope their fans get entertained in the process, but it really comes down to results. As generic as it might sound, they hope in the end the audience is entertained.
What BoxeR said in the booth to MMA had several layers, but I'll use one word to describe it: encouragement.
On August 19 2011 08:45 Koshi wrote: Thanks MLG & Milkies.
Thank you for the interview MLG and the translation milkis (grats star?) as this was fun to read their reactions etc The fact that Boxer put aside his loss instantly to help his teammate out with trying to beat Mvp shows so much class as a person. <3333s all around for this
These guys are so humble even though they are some of the best in the world. I can only admire that - I do not think I would be as humble in their shoes.
MLG is quickly shooting ahead of other tournaments when it comes to fans. The last two MLGs have been nothing less than perfection! I'm really happy about the progression MLG have pulled off and lets face it US fans are the best by far.
Hell, US fans can even make a boring, slow sport like baseball seem exciting :D!
On August 19 2011 14:59 Faraday wrote: "Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go"...how can this not give you nerdchills :D
The dude that said that pulled out of NASL citing no reason cited
On August 19 2011 14:59 Faraday wrote: "Call me any time. If it’s a place with fans like these, then I will always go"...how can this not give you nerdchills :D
The dude that said that pulled out of NASL citing no reason cited
I heard the season schedule was too rough for koreans in general. And he can always enter the open tournament at the end and make it to the finals... not like it doesn't have precedent. You don't see any fans during the season either so not quite the same as a live event.
Awesome. After seeing these guys at Anahiem I'm much more interested in following their carrears. There's something about seeing people irl that can't be replaced. Suddenly they aren't these online gods of starcraft. They are people, like me and you, but just really good at something. It makes them so much more interesting to hear from them in interviews and such.
it was pretty amazing to see the SlayerS Clan do so well in anaheim. I remember it so well when Boxer gg'd out of the last match before the finals.. I was tearing up
On August 20 2011 03:18 lizzard_warish wrote: Is boxer coming for the next MLG? I cant quite remember the player pools when I last saw them but I dont think I saw boxer in it? :\
No he isn't nor is MMA. He could be going to the open brackets that I don't know. All I know is they aren't in the championship pools.
On a side note thank you for the interview really made me happy :D
There will never be a better esports ambassador. Boxer is a class act both in and out of the game, hopefully he can continue to play for a long time to come.