Here at Azubu, we are extremely pleased with the signing of Starcraft 2 professional player Kim "viOLet" Dong Hwan. This is our first step into the Starcraft 2 world and we could not think of a better individual to take it with than Kim. The progress Starcraft 2 has made over the past 2 years has truly excited us, and in our search for a Starcraft II player with the highest potential, we are extremely fortunate in having discovered viOLet. viOLet is an incredibly passionate player and individual who's consistency, dedication, and love of the game and people around him have truly impressed us, and we have no doubts his future will be very bright as both a player and a person.
Andrew Tomlinson, CEO and Founder of CyberSportsNetwork:
As Violet's manager, roommate, and close friend, I am extremely happy about this opportunity presented to him by Azubu. What he has been able to accomplish over the past year, not only in his success in numerous tournaments around the world, but also in his embracement of the American culture, English language, and efforts to connect with the foriegn community, is a testament to his dedication and desire to turn what many would call a game into his personal livelihood. In a time when many refused to believe success in Starcraft 2 could be achieved outside of Korea, Violet's determination enabled him to grasp that elusive success, while playing hours on end shut inside his room at my house in Texas. We made it work,and for that I could not be more excited or proud. While this sponsorship will exist as a milestone in Violet's career as a professional Starcraft 2 player, the ultimate goal remains in our sight. It is time to focus on the future, and with the support of Azubu, his friends, and his fans, Violet's highest ambition has never been more within his reach, his ambition to be considered the best Starcraft 2 player in the world.
Kim "viOLet" Donghwan, Professional Starcraft 2 player:
Hello everyone, I am try to improve my English writing skill so forgive me a bit if mistakes. I was so tired for hiding that amazing news about Azubu! Now I can tell everybody I am AZUBU.viOLet!! Feel better :D Azubu is for me very important meaning. Its new for me, new for Azubu, new for in my life, this makes me stronger I have responsibility with my new sponsor Azubu. Im so happy and exciting in to the future, now im ready to go tournament, it is my turn. I want thank everyone that follows me, you are more than fans you are my friends that come along with me on journey. I am thankful that you supported me this far, so continue to cheer for me! Also thank you my manager Andrew, who give me second chance at being pro gamer after IPL3. He is not manager, but my family and brother. I want to say thank you very much to new sponsor Azubu for sponsor me! Please cheering me and my sponsor Azubu guys <3 thank you very much.
Be sure to send cheerfuls and wish him luck on Twitter @AZUBUviOLet and be sure to keep up with Cadred.org with the latest updates regarding his career, seeing as I've covered his career since day 1 and provide any updates that may occur. Refer to the article below for relevant links (at the bottom) if you want to familiarize yourself with viOLet.
It's safe to say that I can speak for most of us by wishing him the best possible luck in his future career. His first tournament will be August 14th, Gamescom, in Cologne, Germany.
About Azubu:
Azubu is a professional Game Media Company based in Berlin, Germany. Azubu serves as a valuable source of game knowledge, walk-thrus, and tips for all gamers across all platforms. Azubu, the main sponsor of the OGN League of Legends in Korea, is gradually expanding its business to include social networking, broadcasting, and publishing industries. More of Azubu's projects, such as Z-Talk and Azubu credit, will be available to gamers around the world with the goal of assisting gamers in making the most of their gaming experience.
Wow! I'm so happy for you viOLet! Azubu seems like a very big sponsor so I'm sure you'll do great things in many great places! Great pick up, Azubu! Oh, and thanks Andrew for taking such good care of viOLet!
Must point out the one thing that always annoys me in things like this, the fact that Azubu esports rep called him "Kim". I would have figured someone with the family name Kwon would realize that Kim is viOLet's family name. O_o Ah well!
Always liked Violet, was sad when he didn't continue with Empire, but from what I see from this thread this is an even better sponsorship, given how big things Azubu is doing with OGN and eSports.
Good luck Violet, hope we see you in even more events!
OH yes, the song from the video is awesome, nice to hear some good old R'n'R to counter the stream of trance / dubstep in traditional esport videos.
On August 02 2012 05:43 Klonere wrote: Wow, these are the guys behind the OGN LoL league, probably the best LoL team in Korea and used to back OGS as well.
Big sponsorship, couldn't happen to a better guy!
I think he said OGN league not ogs but I am not 100% sure!
On August 02 2012 05:54 Hall0wed wrote: Sounds pretty awesome, congrats to both parties.
Must point out the one thing that always annoys me in things like this, the fact that Azubu esports rep called him "Kim". I would have figured someone with the family name Kwon would realize that Kim is viOLet's family name. O_o Ah well!
He's referring to viOLet by his last name on purpose, I believe. It's a formality thing, seen more often with western names.
Maybe more players to be announced in a hidden message there? Expanding into SC2, maybe more? Lots of free Koreans on the market (oGs players for example)
On August 02 2012 06:12 Pandemona wrote: Maybe more players to be announced in a hidden message there? Expanding into SC2, maybe more? Lots of free Koreans on the market (oGs players for example)
On August 02 2012 06:12 Pandemona wrote: Maybe more players to be announced in a hidden message there? Expanding into SC2, maybe more? Lots of free Koreans on the market (oGs players for example)
GZ Violet, i hope some friends join you soon
Azubu was behind E-Sports Holdings which owned OGs, so I don't think they would re-acquire a team they disbanded
wow thats pretty sick, didnt even know that azubu is based in my hometown But how do they get all the money to support two LoL teams, sponsor the biggest LoL tournament and now even go into SC2? That is pretty sick! Hope only the best for Violet!
Nice ! Always happy to see Violet happy, this guy is trully deserving of being where he is. :D He's like our korean whitera in a way.
And it's great to have new big compagny names into the scene. I was a bit afraid when I saw sponsors going to LoL but not doing anything for sc2. Nice to see Azubu doing both. =)
On August 02 2012 06:34 GoSuChicken wrote: wow thats pretty sick, didnt even know that azubu is based in my hometown But how do they get all the money to support two LoL teams, sponsor the biggest LoL tournament and now even go into SC2? That is pretty sick! Hope only the best for Violet!
As long as you can keep Violet in America he seems pretty happy.
On August 02 2012 06:41 toopham wrote: This surely is not the same Violet from BW right?
BW Violet is still at the hospital I think sadly
He's getting better, and has even talked with fans here on TL. http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=353264 Also, congrats to viOLet, Azubu's basically the best sponsor he could've got, especially considering their success with the OGN LoL league.
Cool! Congratulations violet! Where will he live? Still playing alone, or some team house?
From the above link, azubu seems like a news/community place for online games? A bit like teamliquid, but for a lot of games? Should we go and sign up on their page or something?
This could be the next big thing. I really think if the entirety of TL were to join Azubu we could have a page on the site that pretty much says when TL based tourneys are and things of that nature. That would be very cool .
His English is actually pretty damn good, really happy for him! Edit: As some people have said they are looking to pick up Naniwa and Top possibly as well, wonder if it is true or not.
hope violet uses this to work hard on getting better, i love watching his style of play and if he gets better it would be that much better to watch him :D
This shows that the skill level of a player is not the only thing that the sponsors are looking for. the ability of violet to adapt to western culture and communicate with the foreign fans are something that can excite the sponsors. After all one of the main reason of sponsoring players is hoping they can promote and spread their brand to wider crowd
calling that AZUBU will pick up NaNiwa and TOP too, they're just too good to be sitting teamless and a big name like Azubu who just said that they're interested in sc2 is the perfect group of people to snatch up said players
This is a great decision I think from both Violet and Azuba. It's a good way for them to enter into the SC2 scene, and gives Violet probably more possibilities in travel!
On August 02 2012 12:33 Archile wrote: calling that AZUBU will pick up NaNiwa and TOP too, they're just too good to be sitting teamless and a big name like Azubu who just said that they're interested in sc2 is the perfect group of people to snatch up said players
On August 02 2012 12:33 Archile wrote: calling that AZUBU will pick up NaNiwa and TOP too, they're just too good to be sitting teamless and a big name like Azubu who just said that they're interested in sc2 is the perfect group of people to snatch up said players
On August 02 2012 12:33 Archile wrote: calling that AZUBU will pick up NaNiwa and TOP too, they're just too good to be sitting teamless and a big name like Azubu who just said that they're interested in sc2 is the perfect group of people to snatch up said players
in your dreams, man.
Due to this post from reddit, which talks about a post from /v/ (websiteception), it's not super unlikely.
this is awesome, Violet has become my favourite korean player in the past few months and it just astounds me how well he plays while learning a new language at the same time ._. gl to you and azubu!
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.cadred.org/Images/Articles/6bb7c517735a79cb89f424a98ce5bed4.jpg)
Good luck with the new sponsor Violet!
It's a formality thing, seen more often with western names.
