In the continuing debate about whether or not the WCS system should employ a region lock of some sort, there's one argument that pro-lockers constantly fall back on: boring, faceless Koreans going overseas to win easy money.
At first glance, the Liquipedia entry for WCS Europe Season 2 seems like the perfect example. MVP.duckdeok, a mid-tier Korean with no results of note, made his way through a qualifier, then through Challenger League and then won the entire tournament. Along the way he almost exclusively faced and eliminated fan favorites and national heroes, usually with all-ins. It was as if critics of the WCS system had gone to a laboratory and created the perfect player to prove themselves right.
duckdeok started his conquest of Europe in the online Ro32 against three beloved national representatives in HasuObs, DIMAGA and Dayshi. The wall of lag initially seemed to be too much of a hurdle for duckdeok to overcome as he lost his initial series to DIMAGA, but he recovered by 4-gating Dayshi twice and winning the rematch against DIMAGA with an immortal all-in and the 2-2-2 immortal/colossus all-in. The forums burned.
Moving to the live Ro16, duckdeok was put in a group with three more beloved and promising foreigners: Stephano, Welmu and LucifroN. Everyone's eyes were on Stephano, the foreigner great who had declared WCS Europe to be his final tournament. duckdeok ushered him toward retirement with an immortal all-in. Next was Lucifron, a player many fans looked to as the next protector of foreigner hope. With well-executed 3-gate pressure and a miracle hold against the Spaniard's SCV pull, duckdeok snuffed that hope out.
In the Ro8, duckdeok cut the NaNiwa-Stephano debate short by eliminating NaNiwa from the tournament alongside his French rival. In the Ro4, he one-upped himself yet again by eliminating one of the most adored players of all time in two games, the Dutchman Grubby. To cap it all off, duckdeok clinched the title by defeating one of the most popular Koreans and one who worked hard to engage the international audience in SK's MC.
At the end of it all, everyone had to at least acknowledge that duckdeok's PvP was pretty good, and that he had played some entertaining games. But there was no doubt that it was not the ending that anyone had hoped for at the start of WCS Europe.
Then, something happened that made everything alright. duckdeok broke down in tears. After years of hard work, suffering the worst the Korean farm system had to offer, he had finally reached the promised land. Stoic at first, he was unable to stop the waterworks after realizing his achievement, and the tears streamed down his face. In one moment, everyone understood. When duckdeok lifted the trophy, they had witnessed the happiest moment in a young man's life.
In the end, duckdeok ended up being the exact opposite of a faceless Korean, or someone who was ruining the WCS system. Given a chance to compete and show himself in Europe he left the most memorable individual impression of the entire WCS year.
Once upon a time a certain Steven Bonnell stated that there were about 500 players on the Korean ladder who could reach #1 Grandmaster on other servers. This was even before the KeSPA switch introduced yet more talented players, turning the Korean scene into a pit of starved hounds and a few lions fighting for every single scrap. A few months ago, duckdeok was in that pit, another dog battling nonexistence.
duckdeok could have been just another name in your TL news feed, next to a handful of other retiring players you didn't know even existed. Nobody would have witnessed his real love for the game and his moment of joy. But he realized his chance at living the European dream of WCS where anyone can make it as long as they work hard. He stands as a prime example of the system working.
Ironically, for what fans purport to be the world's finest competitive game, it was duckdeok's display of raw, pure emotion that won many foreign fans over, not his skill. But skill is what he needs at Blizzcon, more than a compelling story, more than passion, more than anything else. His opponents are the players whose faces are memorable not for emotional moments, but because they have been photographed next to too many trophies. If duckdeok spent his career fighting against adversity, then they are adversity's personifications.
Duckdeok has only earned himself recognition, not permanence. For now he remains a star outside of Korea, but he is still the product of a single moment, and moments are forgotten with time. It is now time to give everyone something new to remember.
I take credit for getting this guy into WCS EU. At first he didn't even know how to register, then he registered incorrectly, then he had no flight tickets, then no hotel to stay in... many a headache were had... lol
On November 03 2013 01:23 Bagration wrote: These articles are amazing. Every player has a storyline, and we need to learn more about them.
If Blizzard were smart they would make a mini-documentary about each player to show, so casual fans who only watch SC2 but don't read about it can also learn the stories.
I really love duckdeok's story. He was the posterboy for everyone's "faceless Korean", but can anyone still say that after he won WCS EU S2?
I mean, yeah people can still complain about regionality and growing local scenes, but his example puts to rest that there is such a thing as a faceless player. And that is why I want him to do well.
On November 03 2013 01:10 neoghaleon55 wrote: I take credit for getting this guy into WCS EU. At first he didn't even know how to register, then he registered incorrectly, then he had no flight tickets, then no hotel to stay in... many a headache were had... lol
So... basically you got him into WCS and therefore should take all his money
Didnt know about that little detail, which indeed changes everything. TL as always does a great job, lets hope Blizzard can follow it up to invole the mainstream audience with those players, otherwise a big chance would be missed.
On November 03 2013 01:23 Bagration wrote: These articles are amazing. Every player has a storyline, and we need to learn more about them.
If Blizzard were smart they would make a mini-documentary about each player to show, so casual fans who only watch SC2 but don't read about it can also learn the stories.
On November 03 2013 01:23 Bagration wrote: These articles are amazing. Every player has a storyline, and we need to learn more about them.
If Blizzard were smart they would make a mini-documentary about each player to show, so casual fans who only watch SC2 but don't read about it can also learn the stories.
They did some pretty good stuff pre-BWC last year
I'd love to see a "get to know a player" video for innovation. If only to see what would it contain.
I still remember the winning moments for Duckdeok, really magical. I didnt liked it that mutch when i beat Nani and Grubby, but after that i was okay with it.
Was really suprised when he took a map of Maru hat S3 finals. Maybe he can upset Innovation, who knows.
The last paragraph brought a tear to my eye. I think that QxC's statement is the best on the WCS system. It doesn't need a region lock, it just needs more opportunity for players to play and win. DuckDeok story is awesome, and it makes me wonder how many "faceless Korean" are not faceless at all.
On November 03 2013 01:10 neoghaleon55 wrote: I take credit for getting this guy into WCS EU. At first he didn't even know how to register, then he registered incorrectly, then he had no flight tickets, then no hotel to stay in... many a headache were had... lol
So... basically you got him into WCS and therefore should take all his money
the article is so good i actually re-read it 4 times
anyways even if many people want duckdeok to win.. there is a very low probability that will happen .. especially when the first person you meet normally all-kills in teamleagues with a really high winrate in all matchups
if the duck is able to pull a miracle and win against innovation then probably the most far he could get is semi finals if ever MC wins over maru .. if not then i dont even think he can even get out of r16
seriously this tournament is just too stacked for him to win .. everyone aside from duckdeok are either multiple championship winners or either championship contenders(could be both) .. he is the only exception in the list
On November 03 2013 03:27 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: I still hate that casters say his name as duckduck, it's duckdeok
Hopely in Blizzcon casters learn to say his nick right.
deok is basically pronounced duck
Well...english is sometimes realy weird. how eo turn in to u? :O
It's not English, it's Korean and Korean works in a weird way
That aside, this article explains the whole reason Duckdeok is my second favourite Korean in WCS EU. The emotion he showed after he beat MC hit me right in the feels and I hope he has a good showing at BlizzCon.
Seeing Duckdeok's show of emotion after taking WCS EU was so real for me. There have been so few times I have felt such a strong connection to a player I hadn't put the effort into following closely. Even if he doesn't win Blizzcon I don't care, I just hope we get to enjoy him for a long time.
On November 03 2013 01:27 lichter wrote: I really love duckdeok's story. He was the posterboy for everyone's "faceless Korean", but can anyone still say that after he won WCS EU S2?
I mean, yeah people can still complain about regionality and growing local scenes, but his example puts to rest that there is such a thing as a faceless player. And that is why I want him to do well.
To be honest, I don't really care that he's faceless. There's just as much faceless foreigners as there are faceless Koreans. What makes Duckdeok so impressive is that he went from zero to hero. Starting in challenger league and endiing up winning the tournament against everyone's expectations is quite an achievement. I don't care that he probably won't be able to replicate that feat, but he's done something noone else in WCS has done so far.
During the award ceremony you could see that he enjoyed being there in Cologne. You could see that he enjoyed playing Starcraft 2, that he didn't just do it to rake in some cash. If I recall correctly he even paid for his plane ticket himself.
Duckdeok's storyline actually goes back a lot farther- to MvPFinale and loveripwerra. For all of those who know loverip's story (look it up if you don't), duckdeok is an inspiration and a hero, as well as an incredibly skilled player.
I really hope he becomes a mainstay in the scene, <3 his emotion and obvious passion for the game, definitely the thing that won him over for me. Great article!
On November 03 2013 08:01 aRyuujin wrote: Duckdeok's storyline actually goes back a lot farther- to MvPFinale and loveripwerra. For all of those who know loverip's story (look it up if you don't), duckdeok is an inspiration and a hero, as well as an incredibly skilled player.
I'm proud to be among those supporting his run
I'm really happy about everyone who knows about this. I tried to hint at it but in the end it would have taken away too much attention from his story in WCS to be stated clearly. It's part of why I was cheering for finale even during his unknown days
On November 03 2013 01:27 lichter wrote: I really love duckdeok's story. He was the posterboy for everyone's "faceless Korean", but can anyone still say that after he won WCS EU S2?
I mean, yeah people can still complain about regionality and growing local scenes, but his example puts to rest that there is such a thing as a faceless player. And that is why I want him to do well.
Starting in challenger league and endiing up winning the tournament against everyone's expectations is quite an achievement. I don't care that he probably won't be able to replicate that feat, but he's done something noone else in WCS has done so far.
So far, these pieces have been so wonderfully written and the stories so well framed that no champion at Blizzcon could possibly seem undeserving - and that's an achievement. Bravo.
On November 03 2013 01:27 lichter wrote: I really love duckdeok's story. He was the posterboy for everyone's "faceless Korean", but can anyone still say that after he won WCS EU S2?
I mean, yeah people can still complain about regionality and growing local scenes, but his example puts to rest that there is such a thing as a faceless player. And that is why I want him to do well.
Starting in challenger league and endiing up winning the tournament against everyone's expectations is quite an achievement. I don't care that he probably won't be able to replicate that feat, but he's done something noone else in WCS has done so far.
On November 03 2013 01:27 lichter wrote: I really love duckdeok's story. He was the posterboy for everyone's "faceless Korean", but can anyone still say that after he won WCS EU S2?
I mean, yeah people can still complain about regionality and growing local scenes, but his example puts to rest that there is such a thing as a faceless player. And that is why I want him to do well.
Starting in challenger league and endiing up winning the tournament against everyone's expectations is quite an achievement. I don't care that he probably won't be able to replicate that feat, but he's done something noone else in WCS has done so far.
Oh Dear.
I don't really know if that is fair to say. Dear was certainly more well known than Duckdeok from the former's performance in Proleague. Sure, Duckdeok was in GSL and GSTL before that but he was not one of the big names in MVP like Dear was for STX Soul.
Wow now I'm a huge fan of this guy, I didn't know he broke down in tears
On November 03 2013 08:01 aRyuujin wrote: Duckdeok's storyline actually goes back a lot farther- to MvPFinale and loveripwerra. For all of those who know loverip's story (look it up if you don't), duckdeok is an inspiration and a hero, as well as an incredibly skilled player.
I happened to be up watching EU finals and I didn't know or care who he was until that magical moment.
I love it when progamers cry, it makes me cry. Everytime I watch that Tears of Duckdeok video it hits me right in the feels; it's one of my all-time favorite moments in SC2.
Also, it should make everyone realize that it wasn't just him coming over to EU to try and make some cash. Winning a championship was his DREAM, he worked his ass off for years without a single moment where he was a winner and you could see it in that smile, this was the proudest and happiest moment of his life.
Especially after the Werra incident, where I'm sure he started to doubt whether he had the innate talent to be a progamer or whether he was being manipulated: sometimes it's nice to see a Cinderalla story unfolding before your eyes.
Never really rated his skill, but he's shown to be a truly capable player qualifying for 2 season finals and a championship. A good story to go along, he should hopefully receive more support as he deserves it.
I wasn't able to really watch any of that finals and missed a week or so of the aftermath, but seeing the video of that closing ceremony has me all misty-eyed. I wasn't rooting for him before, but man, you have to love a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve like that and cares that much.
I though Deok had been part of the team house where that nasty scandal took place? More reason to be so happy to see him succeed. Wanted Nani to do well in WCS EU but if there was anyone with a lovely story in sc2 it is Deok.
On November 04 2013 13:27 Sabu113 wrote: I though Deok had been part of the team house where that nasty scandal took place? More reason to be so happy to see him succeed. Wanted Nani to do well in WCS EU but if there was anyone with a lovely story in sc2 it is Deok.
1 - the first time he played in GSTL against Bomber on Terminus RE..
2 - the time when he all-inned Dimaga twice
3 - the WCS EU S2 finals already mentioned in the OP
yup = that's duckdeok in short..
There was that little B-Teamer guy on MVP that never achieved anything in an individual league.. His play was the opener of the day (not quite sure, but I think it was) against non-other than Bomber himself..
I said then - man Bomber gonna own this guy.. And it was right the next few days after Khaydarin amulet was removed.. I seriously thought that Templars will almost never be used after the removal of that thing.. Like - maybe invest some of them home if you have extra gas or anything.. But did he prove me wrong that day.. I had the "satisfaction" to say the least to see Templars being viable even after the removal thing..
Finale was soo good at "estimating" when his Templars would reach enough energy so he would have at least 1 storm with it as the bio progresses.. I was totally amazed from that game..
Then something happened, and like - never saw Finale again in a competitive game (or I stopped watching GSTL or something).. For like 2 years didn't even hear his name.. Felt like - ahh, another bite the dust I guess, was overhyped for a bit.., now everyone else knows that Templar/Archon is still viable and good in PvT and they just do it better than him..
Then 2 years after he "knocked" on the EU door.. I was totally dissapointed TBH, thought that it's not him being good anymore, but his EU counterparts being unable to stop him.. I mean - that's like at least partially right, Dimaga totally threw off the game on Star-Station (the first - bigger Star-Station map).. And I was dissapointed.. Not cause duckdeok won, but more like cause Dimaga totally threw that game, and even more cause I really am a Dimaga fan..
That was the beginning of the whole thing I guess.. He got his chance and he won it.. Then everything else happened just like described in the OP - and as time progressed he even won the hearts of many, including even me (well, not more than JD that is.. )..
Hope that he at least shows some good plays.. and GGs
=============================================================== And the more I think the more I get the feeling that final 16 @ Blizzcon should've started with group play of 4x4.. Not because of the sake of more games (2 more per group precisely), but for the sake of giving a chance to those with a fairly unlucky draw to say the least..
Great article! Thank you, these introduction articles for Blizzcon are excellent, especially since I haven't been following WCS or the scene as closely as I have in years past. Looking forward to attending the event and reinvigorating my Starcraft passion!
Wow this guy is so likeable. This is so unexpected, I didn't expect the article about duckdeok being the best one among the 16 articles on the Blizzcon contestants.
This article is very well written and Duckdeok is a nice guy and definitely easy to root for compared to other koreans. But this article also showed me that he always kills the person I root for =______________=" Damn you Duckdeok...
On November 03 2013 01:10 neoghaleon55 wrote: I take credit for getting this guy into WCS EU. At first he didn't even know how to register, then he registered incorrectly, then he had no flight tickets, then no hotel to stay in... many a headache were had... lol
Is there a possibility that you elaborate on this? Sounds like an interesting (and amusing, in perspective) story with a very happy ending.