To major RTS fans, Yoan "ToD" Merlo needs no introduction. He is arguably one of the greatest WarCraft 3 players ever, being a two time WCG Grand Finals medalist, a BlizzCon winner, and has multiple Extreme Masters Championships, to boot. ToD retired from the professional WC3 scene at the end of 2008, but found his competitive desire piqued by the release of StarCraft 2. In November 2010, just about a year ago, ToD picked up his mouse once again and ever since has set out on his journey back to the top.
We at FnaticMSI are proud to be the ones supporting and helping him along that path. With his unique set of skills, his history, and most importantly, his desire, we feel confident that ToD will go on to become one of the world's greatest players in StarCraft 2.
FnaticMSI Managing Director Sam Mathews states:
We have admired this lovely frenchy from afar for many years now, as one of the greatest WC3 talents in history and for his dedication and loyalty to some of the best RTS teams of all times like 4kings. In Starcraft hes a rising talent, and one with the experience and skill to have what it takes to win in tournaments. He will be a great asset to our team as a team player with Rain and him being good friends already. He will be going to Korea to train hard and we really believe in him to be one of the best protosses in the world! We have high hopes for Yoan, he is a wonderful person - a true Fnatic, and we look forward to seeing him grow within the Orange and Black.
Speaking about his new team, Yoan "ToD" Merlo proclaims:
I'm really excited to be joining fnatic, I have always thought it is one of the great teams out there and from today I will be teaming up with them. I have had the chance to meet some of the members while I was in the US and I am good friends with TT1, NightenD and Rain mostly, I know Kawaiirice a bit as well. As you might know I will be heading to Korea in October to practice & I believe that will really be useful for my future goals. I am looking forward to working with FnaticMSI and I will try my best to represent them in the best possible way.
Grats Tod. Great choice. :D:D One of the best foreign Human wc3 player I've followed :D Tod has also mentioned on his stream that he will be going to Korea to train.
That Protoss will definitely absorb their Terran/Zerg departures.
wait what
Joking aside :D great pickup! ToD is a beast when he properly trains - this should give him the financial stability to committ the necessary time and energy (send him to Korea!)
I always think it's weird when teams recruit Koreans that want to live abroad (Rain, Tandongho) and then send their foreigners to Korea :s I just don't get where the teams want to be ^^, (Dignitas and Fnatic mostly)
Nice! I wonder whether FnaticMSI can offer ToD that he signed with them, especially considering that ToD left his old team since they weren't supportive enough about his plans of training in Korea. Anyways, FnaticMSI is a very good team and ToD a very good player, so I think both are happy with it. :-)
On September 11 2011 03:09 Choboo wrote: I always think it's weird when teams recruit Koreans that want to live abroad (Rain, Tandongho) and then send their foreigners to Korea :s I just don't get where the teams want to be ^^, (Dignitas and Fnatic mostly)
ToD his decision comes from himself and was made before he joined us. He wants to go to Korea and we fully support him in his decision. It's not like we picked him up because he's going to Korea, just because he's a great player. Same goes with Rain, the chance opened up for us to pick him up. We would have picked him up if he would have stayed in Korea too.
I kinda wished it was Liquid, but hell, Fnatic is a cool team too. Best of luck to ToD and his new team. He was the sole reason I watched W3 at all and I hope he'll continue to beast it up in SC2 like he started doing recently. ToD fighting. In Korea?
On September 11 2011 03:08 Oreo7 wrote: cool, I hope fnatic has the money to support him playing full time in Korea and being patient. Them kicking fenix for lack of results disturbed me.
Good for Fnatic in supporting him! Really sad that Mill's sponsors want to see him play in Europe (only or mostly?). Now their team is looking solid again. Hopefully TT1 goes to Korea as well so I can make his fanclub and he coudnt do anything about it. (Or he could get better or w/e).
On September 11 2011 03:57 leandroqm wrote: "ToD needs no introduction"... yeah he needs! :D I did not know him at all!
Anyway, looks like a good player from what I've just read on the topic.
There is not many player who have a page en Wikipedia. And i say Wikipedia, not Liquipedia. ToD is one of them, like any RTS legend.
Check it
Not everyone is familiar with originally non starcraft-related people. Did not know him either until very recently and that was only because he's french, and french people worship him like he's some kind of god (which annoys me). Go figure.
Anyway, cool that fnatic got a new player. Glad for the team
Fnatic coming back after losing Fenix & Sen, pretty nice.
Dunno if I like it AS much for ToD though, Millenium had a lot of great practice partners! Still, he's a legend, he'll have enough practice, good luck to both!
This guy is like a french SaSe. If he goes to Korea his skill will increase so fast! And with an organization as Fnatic behind him, I'm sure he will be featured in many big events in the future! I'm sure ToD returning to Korea will make him want to compete in big tournaments again, just as he did in WC3!
FnaticMSI was my favourite team, when they had my favourites; Gretorp, Sen and Kawaiirice. They lost Gretorp and Sen, but now with ToD coming to the team, that's great. Still miss my Gretorp and Sen though..
On September 11 2011 04:50 Geordie wrote: so this is who carmac was talking about! great for tod. this is probably fnatic making up for fenix and sen leaving
Dont think so. Carmac wrote this on his twitter:
A "pro" gaming team offered a top player a good salary, but wouldn't show him the contract until he committed to join. #thisisesports too...
ToD left Millenium to go to Korea. From what I know it's that's not the end of roster changes, but we'll see.
Wow this is a great pick up by fnatic. ToD is a great player with a lot of potential, especially since he is going to be going to Korea, any foreigner with that drive wants to win badly and that is good for any organization. Congrats to ToD looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table in a fnatic jersey in the future! ToD fighting!
Congratulations to both Fnatic/ToD, hope he stays there for quite some time and resists the temptation to practice with all the other foreigners coming along.
On September 11 2011 05:32 vrok wrote: Guess they needed someone willing to prize split with TT1.
yeah they def needed someone honest
Yeah, honesty is in high demand when you're deceiving viewers and tournament organizers. Otherwise you might end up looking like some guy that throws games for money.
On September 11 2011 05:32 vrok wrote: Guess they needed someone willing to prize split with TT1.
yeah they def needed someone honest
Yeah, honesty is in high demand when you're deceiving viewers and tournament organizers. Otherwise you might end up looking like some guy that throws games for money.
I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
Fnatic has recently lost Fenix and Sen yet is now getting ToD. They are worse off now, in my opinion. It would have been wiser to recruit a fresh up and coming player, such as Nerchio.
On September 11 2011 06:54 Paladia wrote: Fnatic has recently lost Fenix and Sen yet is now getting ToD. They are worse off now, in my opinion. It would have been wiser to recruit a fresh up and coming player, such as Nerchio.
Regardless, congrats to ToD.
Pretty sure Acer would be the better team for Nerchio.. Many Z practice..
Fnatic has lost alot lately, hope ToD plays well for Fnatic.
I think ToD is the guy who doesn't do much on his own. But if someone pushes him he can put in the hours. I expect him to become a beast in SK and to be Code S in the future.
Some people are good at the game but cannot cope with being away from home. ToD has proven to live in Asia on his own in the past. He won't come back to France before he hasn't won anything. Like Sase he can cope with the SK mentality.
On September 11 2011 07:01 Dexx wrote: I think ToD is the guy who doesn't do much on his own. But if someone pushes him he can put in the hours. I expect him to become a beast in SK and to be Code S in the future.
Some people are good at the game but cannot cope with being away from home. But ToD has proven to live in Asia on his own in the past. He won't come back to France before he hasn't won anything. Like Sasa he can cope with the SK mentality.
Welcome to the future sir, ToD is not SK anymore. This time he is Fnatic
On September 11 2011 07:01 Dexx wrote: I think ToD is the guy who doesn't do much on his own. But if someone pushes him he can put in the hours. I expect him to become a beast in SK and to be Code S in the future.
Some people are good at the game but cannot cope with being away from home. But ToD has proven to live in Asia on his own in the past. He won't come back to France before he hasn't won anything. Like Sasa he can cope with the SK mentality.
Welcome to the future sir, ToD is not SK anymore. This time he is Fnatic
On September 11 2011 07:01 Dexx wrote: I think ToD is the guy who doesn't do much on his own. But if someone pushes him he can put in the hours. I expect him to become a beast in SK and to be Code S in the future.
Some people are good at the game but cannot cope with being away from home. But ToD has proven to live in Asia on his own in the past. He won't come back to France before he hasn't won anything. Like Sasa he can cope with the SK mentality.
Welcome to the future sir, ToD is not SK anymore. This time he is Fnatic
On September 11 2011 03:33 Numy wrote: Awesome news. Was saddened by Tod not having a team but now he has fnatic! Hope things work out. That guy is awesome ;P
He had no team for ~ 3 days ^^ :o
Maybe he'll win something with good training on SC2!
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
To be honest, even though i love every protoss, Alicia isn't that good. His macro is really really sloppy, he often floats +1k on many occasions.
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
Define "better", please. I said I consider them some of the most talented and I do. Alicia looked brilliant for a few months but I don't think he's ever going to shine. JYP and Puzzle both look promising but are not quite there yet. And MC is MC... His achievements are quite impressive but personally I have never been thrilled by his play. It has always been too risky.. too cheesy and all-inish. I still think that he will be back at the top in half a year or so.
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
Define "better", please. I said I consider them some of the most talented and I do. Alicia looked brilliant for a few months but I don't think he's ever going to shine. JYP and Puzzle both look promising but are not quite there yet. And MC is MC... His achievements are quite impressive but personally I have never been thrilled by his play. It has always been too risky.. too cheesy and all-inish. I still think that he will be back at the top in half a year or so.
On September 11 2011 06:54 Paladia wrote: Fnatic has recently lost Fenix and Sen yet is now getting ToD. They are worse off now, in my opinion. It would have been wiser to recruit a fresh up and coming player, such as Nerchio.
Regardless, congrats to ToD.
Tod is going to be way better than Nerchio in 6 months. Like it won't even be close after he's been in Korea...
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
Define "better", please. I said I consider them some of the most talented and I do. Alicia looked brilliant for a few months but I don't think he's ever going to shine. JYP and Puzzle both look promising but are not quite there yet. And MC is MC... His achievements are quite impressive but personally I have never been thrilled by his play. It has always been too risky.. too cheesy and all-inish. I still think that he will be back at the top in half a year or so.
I chuckled a little when I remembered you're the head of the Idra fanclub.
Anyways I agree, to a ceartain extent. Naniwa and Sase are much better than Alicia. And I also remember ToD beating him at mlg, twice. But how can you guys forget the beast, ST_Ace?
On September 11 2011 06:54 xtfftc wrote: I honestly believe that two of most talented Protoss players in Korea at the moment are foreigners: Naniwa and Sase. With Tod that'd be three. And although Grubby is not at the very top level at the moment, no one should doubt his potential to be there. Having all four of them in Korea at the same time is a very welcome news. And they know each other from the War3 days, which should make things even better.
you really think Naniwa, Sase, and Tod are all better than MC, Huk, JYP, Puzzle, Alicia?
Define "better", please. I said I consider them some of the most talented and I do. Alicia looked brilliant for a few months but I don't think he's ever going to shine. JYP and Puzzle both look promising but are not quite there yet. And MC is MC... His achievements are quite impressive but personally I have never been thrilled by his play. It has always been too risky.. too cheesy and all-inish. I still think that he will be back at the top in half a year or so.
I smirked a little when I remembered you're the head of the Idra fanclub.
You know, I'd always thought the head of the IdrA fanclub was Whole, but it turns out you're right ...
On September 11 2011 10:20 Apollo_Shards wrote: Anyways I agree, to a ceartain extent. Naniwa and Sase are much better than Alicia. And I also remember ToD beating him at mlg, twice. But how can you guys forget the beast, ST_Ace?
For an ex-SC:BW progamer he isn't doing particularly well.
ToD is not the best right now, but I've seen his games and they are really good. TBH I think we will see him as a top protoss soon. BTW anybody share opinion that foreigners have better tosses than koreans? Maybe we are not providing results now, but they are very talented.
On September 11 2011 22:08 entrust wrote: ToD is not the best right now, but I've seen his games and they are really good. TBH I think we will see him as a top protoss soon. BTW anybody share opinion that foreigners have better tosses than koreans? Maybe we are not providing results now, but they are very talented.
It isn't the foreigner Protoss which are better than the Korean Protoss, it's the foreign competition is so much less than the Korean competition.
On September 11 2011 22:08 entrust wrote: ToD is not the best right now, but I've seen his games and they are really good. TBH I think we will see him as a top protoss soon. BTW anybody share opinion that foreigners have better tosses than koreans? Maybe we are not providing results now, but they are very talented.
It isn't the foreigner Protoss which are better than the Korean Protoss, it's the foreign competition is so much less than the Korean competition.
Really hoping this means we will see him at more MLG's. Last time he took down a baller Protoss like Alicia not once but twice I think with time he can do a whole lot more and maybe even a small training stint in Korea will improve his skill level many a time.
Hopefully he dedicates himself as hard as SaSe has. Currently I don't think he can compete with koreans but if he really puts in the time he might become a good player.
On September 12 2011 03:52 DwD wrote: Hopefully he dedicates himself as hard as SaSe has. Currently I don't think he can compete with koreans but if he really puts in the time he might become a good player.
he was better than almost every korean in warcraft 3 bar maybe five. and even those he was on par with. he was also far more accomplished than sase. i would have more faith in him. he lived in china and in korea for warcraft 3 for several years.
edit: besides, his team history is probably the most ridiculous i have ever seen for a foreigner. the guy is royalty. SK, 4K (when they were e-Sport Team of the Year), Mouz, Fnatic. The only thing missing from that list is MYM.
On September 11 2011 22:08 entrust wrote: ToD is not the best right now, but I've seen his games and they are really good. TBH I think we will see him as a top protoss soon. BTW anybody share opinion that foreigners have better tosses than koreans? Maybe we are not providing results now, but they are very talented.
Its kinda silly to say stuff like that. Let them compete in the GSL or at least the MLG to show their talent.
ToD is a beast with a top notch competitive mentality, he literally lived alone in Korea when everyone else has left or given up already, good to see him picked up by a big team. Not to mention he stuck with a tough race like Human through the whole time.
I was obsessed with ToD's human vs undead play when WC3 was still my game of choice. I copied his MK first build where you just harass with teleports while you mass siege engines.
i liked tod since he played wc3, especially when he joined 4k ( not so much when he kicked me out of orc brothers -.-) but i really hope he does well! tod fighting!
On September 12 2011 04:48 Primadog wrote: Congrats ToD and FnaticMSI. Strong pick-up to finally stop the bleeding. Now you just need a (oceanic) Zerg!
On September 12 2011 18:25 TheAntZ wrote: I think a lot of people underrate this guy, this is a huge pickup for fnatic
people underestimate this post
I don't think anyone can deny his skill. Look at his MLG performance.
He beat Alicia in PvP yes, but he didn't make it through the open bracket and if I remember it wasn't a big name player who knocked him into the losers bracket.
On September 12 2011 18:25 TheAntZ wrote: I think a lot of people underrate this guy, this is a huge pickup for fnatic
people underestimate this post
I don't think anyone can deny his skill. Look at his MLG performance.
He beat Alicia in PvP yes, but he didn't make it through the open bracket and if I remember it wasn't a big name player who knocked him into the losers bracket.
It was Choya, so ofc he's not a big player like MC but choya is a top KOR protoss
On September 12 2011 18:25 TheAntZ wrote: I think a lot of people underrate this guy, this is a huge pickup for fnatic
people underestimate this post
I don't think anyone can deny his skill. Look at his MLG performance.
He beat Alicia in PvP yes, but he didn't make it through the open bracket and if I remember it wasn't a big name player who knocked him into the losers bracket.
EPT![[image loading]](http://fnatic.com/filestorage/imagedb/full/8049.jpg)
Thanks! 
