Today is a good day! We are ecstatic to announce the addition of Shin 'HydrA' Dong Won to our SC2 roster, and to our gaming house! As a Proleague veteran, and once considered one of the best Zergs in the entire world, Hydra is excited to bring his legacy and wisdom to the ROOT Gaming family, and he is thrilled to finally show his talent to the NA scene.
ROOTHyrdA says: I wanted to join a foreign team because I feel like I need a new environment and new experiences. When I was looking for foreign teams, ROOT was the most appealing to me. I met CatZ on the KR ladder and we became friends, so when my contract ended, ROOT was an obvious choice for me.
My goals with the team are to prepare for WCS and other events next year, and show the best performance I can in every tournament.
I am very happy about this announcement and I am very excited to meet my foreign fans at events, I will practice hard and try to perform at my best everywhere I go. Please follow me on Twitter, @ROOTHydrA
Captain ROOTCatZ says: As we recently picked up SuperNova, we weren't looking to expand any further in SC2 for a while. but HydrA insisted that ROOT was the team he wanted to join, and play WCS NA under our banner. I first met HydrA a couple of months ago after playing a ladder game against him when I was testing one of my builds. He told me he was a fan, and called me a "build order master", which I get to brag about now. Of course, in the game, I insisted I was the bigger fan boy.
Since then, we became friends, and discussed strategy on Skype. When his contract with CJ was coming to an end, he reached out to us right away, and despite us not being able to offer as much as I think he deserves, he insisted on joining.
I consider ourselves very lucky to now house not only a friend and a great person, but also one of the best zerg players on the planet.
Go back to 2012 and tell yourself that one day, one of the best terran players of that era, supernova and reputed sc1 pro hydra would be on ROOT.. I'm kinda shocked by this to be honest.
As much respect as I have for CatZ as a player and pundit, I have a TON more respect for him as a businessman. Holy crap. ROOT's signings are never not exciting and never not mutually beneficial.
I wonder if this spell great things for the entire ROOT house. Hydra brings a ton of knowledge about how KeSPA runs their training and team houses. I hope they implement some of these into the house.
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
It seems highly illogical and unlikely, but so is everything that has ever succeeded for ROOT. So while I'm doubtful, I will not push it out of the realm of possibility.
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Think it's possible Hydra is un/misinformed of the the details with participating in WCS NA?
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Yeah from what I read, getting a athlete visa for viOLet was a very long and expensive process.
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Think it's possible Hydra is un/misinformed of the the details with participating in WCS NA?
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Think it's possible Hydra is un/misinformed of the the details with participating in WCS NA?
You'd think/hope if this is your livelihood you'd make sure
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Yeah from what I read, getting a athlete visa for viOLet was a very long and expensive process.
Violet was also nearly unprecedented (or was it entirely?), and the paperwork was harder to track down for him, largely because his successes were mainly overseas. I'd imagine those two factors make things somewhat simpler for Hydra (not majorly, but somewhat).
Where would Root be without Catz? As a player he's... okay. But he's helping pull in players like Hydra and doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff or so I hear. Great pickup for them
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Think it's possible Hydra is un/misinformed of the the details with participating in WCS NA?
I have this weird feeling that ROOT would inform him if that were the case.
Oh and after this pick-up I really can't see ROOT not winning the SC2ITL America now. A roster of SuperNova, Hydra, MajOr and any one of CatZ/Minigun/iaguz/Patraeus/Illusion/MaSa/Fenner/etc. is stupidly strong.
this is just the coolest new man, I'm sure CatZ has the plans in order to ensure both SuperNova and Hydra will be able to compete in WCS NA. I agree with what was said earlier too, if these guys stick around it'll only improve the NA scene since they'll (HOPEFULLY PLEASE COME ON) only play on NA ladder.
Wow sick news, I'd love to see Hydra dominate NA! Even better to learn that he is happy with the situation aswell, I was afraid he was gona retire. Fighting!
Wow that's cool that Hydra was willing to take a lower salary to join ROOT. Although it was likely influenced by the fact that the foreign team market is kinda bad, I still think Hydra could do really well on ROOT. Catz can give him builds for days
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
I don't think that is too far-fetched, should be another ~5-6 months until WCS 2015 starts, right?
Still, I imagine there's a lot of paperwork and fees and lawyers involved. Didn't think ROOT would have the resources to pull that off.
Yeah from what I read, getting a athlete visa for viOLet was a very long and expensive process.
Violet was also nearly unprecedented (or was it entirely?), and the paperwork was harder to track down for him, largely because his successes were mainly overseas. I'd imagine those two factors make things somewhat simpler for Hydra (not majorly, but somewhat).
Violet had to get a visa after fucking up. It's pretty incredible he actually did get it in the end. :o
On September 25 2014 04:25 Yorkie wrote: Wow that's cool that Hydra was willing to take a lower salary to join ROOT. Although it was likely influenced by the fact that the foreign team market is kinda bad, I still think Hydra could do really well on ROOT. Catz can give him builds for days
Hydra still should have knocked Classic out of GSL S2 except he loves to throw for days.
Catz Rulezzz everywhere these days i saw his strats won important games in GSL , RedbullBG so nice he find fellow zerg player to add to Root roster now only Add korean protoss and Root rulezz i am so happy for Root!!!!!
Catz is literally the best in the business when it comes to picking up good players without spending a butt load of money. ROOT's lineup just keeps getting sicker and sicker, and they don't have a million sponsors like EG did when they were at the top of foreign SC2. EG just "bought" the players they thought were the best by throwing money at them, where Catz somehow finds a way to get these amazing players even though he probably doesn't have nearly as much money at his disposal (speaking purely from speculation here - I don't pretend to know how much money Catz/ROOT actually has).
Iaguz, Major, Illusion, and Masa - possibly 4 of the best foreign Terrans, and then Supernova - an amazing Korean Terran.
Chad mother fucking Minigun Jones - the sickest Protoss to ever live.
Petraeus - really good foreign Zerg, and now Hydra - incredible Korean Zerg
Not to mention, Catz is an amazingly talented player himself! Keep up the good work, Paulo! #ROOT4ROOT
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
Maybe he will be permanently in Mexico instead. Should work as well for WCS AM and I imagine it's a lot easier to pull off :O
Also - I'm really more and more impressed by ROOT. Definitely coolest NA SC2 team ATM (sorry EG) - just acquired t-shirt.
On September 25 2014 03:18 Shellshock wrote: good luck
I was going to report you for low content posting since that's what I got warned for by some random whoever, but apparently you're immune.
No it wasn't. >.> Anyway, this is shellshock. He posts as much as he wants.
Actually it was, as I have a PM to prove it, and Shellshock being Shellshock was kind of the whole point. I was literally asked to put some effort into posting why joining ROOT would be a joke move. :D
On September 25 2014 03:18 Shellshock wrote: good luck
I was going to report you for low content posting since that's what I got warned for by some random whoever, but apparently you're immune.
No it wasn't. >.> Anyway, this is shellshock. He posts as much as he wants.
Actually it was, as I have a PM to prove it, and Shellshock being Shellshock was kind of the whole point.
Your post had a negative slant to it rather than pure surprise. No less, you should take this issue to Website Feedback or PM another moderator if you feel you weren't treated fairly. Don't derail this thread with moderation issues.
On September 25 2014 03:18 Shellshock wrote: good luck
I was going to report you for low content posting since that's what I got warned for by some random whoever, but apparently you're immune.
No it wasn't. >.> Anyway, this is shellshock. He posts as much as he wants.
Actually it was, as I have a PM to prove it, and Shellshock being Shellshock was kind of the whole point.
Your post had a negative slant to it rather than pure surprise. No less, you should take this issue to Website Feedback or PM another moderator if you feel you weren't treated fairly. Don't derail this thread with moderation issues.
Dude, it was made in jest. I can't help that The_Templar is unable to conceive facts and needs everything explained to him.
I like how they even admit they can't really pay him as much as he (probably) was receiving back in CJ but he still wanted to join. Rare to see people that overlook the whole dollar bill bullshit and do what they think is right for them in the long run.
On September 25 2014 03:18 Shellshock wrote: good luck
I was going to report you for low content posting since that's what I got warned for by some random whoever, but apparently you're immune.
No it wasn't. >.> Anyway, this is shellshock. He posts as much as he wants.
Actually it was, as I have a PM to prove it, and Shellshock being Shellshock was kind of the whole point.
Your post had a negative slant to it rather than pure surprise. No less, you should take this issue to Website Feedback or PM another moderator if you feel you weren't treated fairly. Don't derail this thread with moderation issues.
Dude, it was made in jest. I can't help that The_Templar is unable to conceive facts and needs everything explained to him.
Actually, I searched your posts for warnings you had received and the very bad post you made on the front page of this thread didn't show up for some reason. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Supernova, Hydra, Major. Thats a good line up. Illusion, minigun, masa and Petraeus are not pushovers either. With liquid, accer, myinsanity, millennium and now root, ATC is looking really fun in 2015.
I don't think people think about how restrictive the Kespa environment could be, especially as a young man.
It's totally understandable for people to seek these new experiences, I hope this means we might see a bit of streaming action too. As regards any potential athlete's visa, I can't imagine that being with Kespa for so long will be detrimental to that.
It makes perfect sense tbh. If you're in the top percent in skill, why not branch out to foreign teams. There are so many examples of Koreigners who are doing well.
Good catch by Catz. Maybe hydra will learn some peruvian jungle tactics.
On September 25 2014 03:14 R1CH wrote: Interesting. How is he going to be able to play in WCS NA after the 2015 changes?
If they're moving him into the house, I'd imagine they're already working on the necessary paperwork.
Living in the US for 3 months at a time on a visa waiver or visitor visa doesn't let you play in WCS AM though (not to mention you're not supposed to be "working" on such a visit). Can Catz really secure an athlete visa for him?
Isn't Catz friends with the guys who helped Violet and Polt get the same visa? Maybe they will help him as they have more experience with that.
On September 25 2014 06:52 T.O.P. wrote: How bad must CJ's offer have been for him to accept ROOT's offer?
Not necessarily that bad
'I wanted to join a foreign team because I feel like I need a new environment and new experiences. When I was looking for foreign teams, ROOT was the most appealing to me. I met CatZ on the KR ladder and we became friends, so when my contract ended, ROOT was an obvious choice for me.'
It isn't just about the $Money$. A Job, yes, it is a job more of less for progammers, involves much more than just your salary. Is money a factor, yes, but so is the environment, your co-workers, opportunity, etc.
so hydra moves to usa and has visa ? did the part that he is in your teamhouse mean he has an official visa ?
otherwise how can he play usa wcs
On September 25 2014 06:52 T.O.P. wrote: How bad must CJ's offer have been for him to accept ROOT's offer?
flame/whine posters like you will never understand this guys wanna play in foreign tournametns get the hype the fans the atmosphare before they go military or whatever ... did you even read their interviews before you start posting this bs ?
look rain, fantasy parting etc everyone wants it now ... its like you have a choice, play wcs in korea and play in the house like sterile play/train/live or make the "oh jaeh" move with all fans shouting your names every week on another tournament in foreign scene who goes way more out then some asians most of the times
you will perhaps not understand it but money isnt everything, as he was perhaps like "meh should i retire ... well lets do THIS before" and this is THIS
Now that I think about it more, why wouldn't Hydra do this? You're being sponsored to go to a new place and live there for a while. He will learn english quickly and learn about American culture. So it's not purely a matter of "who is giving me more money"
On September 25 2014 07:20 Drake wrote: so hydra moves to usa and has visa ? did the part that he is in your teamhouse mean he has an official visa ?
otherwise how can he play usa wcs
Residency?
Wouldn't work. You can't live in the US for long periods of time without a visa. And you absolutely can't work without the appropriate visa. It may be easier for Hydra to get an athlete visa than Violet (because Violet had overstay issues on his previous visas), especially with Polt having also gotten one the "right" way.
To be honest, I sometimes wonder more about CatZ's visa if he's living/working in the US.
Progaming and immigration/visa law seem to be slowly getting figured out though. Hopefully CatZ can get it all hammered out and Hydra gets the experiences he wants to have.
Still i think there must be other options than the Athlete Visa for him to reside in the US.
Getting the green card is not easy for Koreans but definitely doable if they can find another legit reason to make him reside in the US, might be hard or tricky but i hope they have another plan than the Athlete visa because this one seem still VERY hard to get for progamers.
On September 25 2014 08:13 felisconcolori wrote: To be honest, I sometimes wonder more about CatZ's visa if he's living/working in the US.
Probably why he is so confident about getting him a regular visa, he surely knows more about US visas than the vast majority of others managers :D
On September 25 2014 08:28 Marou wrote: Still i think there must be other options than the Athlete Visa for him to reside in the US.
Getting the green card is not easy for Koreans but definitely doable if they can find another legit reason to make him reside in the US, might be hard or tricky but i hope they have another plan than the Athlete visa because this one seem still VERY hard to get for progamers.
I'm not really sure what I think of this, but I am happy Hydra joined ROOT if he will join any Foreign team......gogo Hydra !! Weird to see him in a foreign team though....
Should not be that hard to get a visa these days with Obama in office, he pretty much stated anyone can come in our country, borders down and open. Our government is giving illegals better free health care and housing than working Americans.
Seems like an athletes visa is far easier and cheaper to get than it was 6 years ago. I hope the best for Hydra, one of my fav Zerg players, Grats to Root.
On September 25 2014 08:54 LingBlingBling wrote: Should not be that hard to get a visa these days with Obama in office, he pretty much stated anyone can come in our country, borders down and open. Our government is giving illegals better free health care and housing than working Americans.
Seems like an athletes visa is far easier and cheaper to get than it was 6 years ago. I hope the best for Hydra, one of my fav Zerg players, Grats to Root.
Can you not make political commentary in the Starcraft 2 forum?
On September 25 2014 08:54 LingBlingBling wrote: Should not be that hard to get a visa these days with Obama in office, he pretty much stated anyone can come in our country, borders down and open. Our government is giving illegals better free health care and housing than working Americans.
Seems like an athletes visa is far easier and cheaper to get than it was 6 years ago. I hope the best for Hydra, one of my fav Zerg players, Grats to Root.
They took ouwr jaaaaaawbs!
EDIT: Despite the supposed region lock, it looks like wcs 2015 may be the most diverse (skill-wise) ever - which makes me very happy!
Just a comment to all the ppl who can't understand why he would join ROOT.. I don't know but, maybe the "kespa regime" isn't that much fun? There are ppl in the world who cares about more than money. I can very much understand a korean player living under Kespa would go to a forgein team for some new experiences.
catz is an enigma, his play is utter chaos and he seems like a chill guy but even then I don't see how he's attracting such high class players to root, now all we need is kiwikaki back. I miss kiwikaki, such a fun protoss to watch.
hell if I were a pro player I'd want to play on root, or liquid but root is more realistic lol
On September 25 2014 10:36 unit wrote: catz is an enigma, his play is utter chaos and he seems like a chill guy but even then I don't see how he's attracting such high class players to root, now all we need is kiwikaki back. I miss kiwikaki, such a fun protoss to watch.
hell if I were a pro player I'd want to play on root, or liquid but root is more realistic lol
Ever since Sage retired i've been waiting and hoping for Root to pick up another Korean. Glad that Hydra has a home and hopefully all the logistics around WCS get figured out for them. If teams can find a way to get some more Koreans over to play in WCS AM in any way they can, I'm down with that.
On September 25 2014 11:50 jakethesnake wrote: Ever since Sage retired i've been waiting and hoping for Root to pick up another Korean. Glad that Hydra has a home and hopefully all the logistics around WCS get figured out for them. If teams can find a way to get some more Koreans over to play in WCS AM in any way they can, I'm down with that.
On September 25 2014 11:50 jakethesnake wrote: Ever since Sage retired i've been waiting and hoping for Root to pick up another Korean. Glad that Hydra has a home and hopefully all the logistics around WCS get figured out for them. If teams can find a way to get some more Koreans over to play in WCS AM in any way they can, I'm down with that.
GL Root and Hydra!
SuperNova?
Oh my. How on earth did I forget about SuperNova!? Well, that is embarrassing!
On September 25 2014 14:04 SmoKim wrote: Catz, if you are reading this: Good job, i'm (and others, obviously) are super impressed with this insane pickup =) gogo Root
The think is he is not even recruiting them - he just shines pure awesomness on KR ladder and the players are trying their best to get into the root :D I imagine that if ever soO would leave SKT & KeSPA, he would choose ROOT as well
On September 25 2014 14:04 SmoKim wrote: Catz, if you are reading this: Good job, i'm (and others, obviously) are super impressed with this insane pickup =) gogo Root
hell yes!!! as an american, i always had a special place for root and this addition seems very promising. you guys have gone a long way mr. catz, and it has just been a joy to watch you and your team evolve. its tought out there, so keep it up!! so happy for you guyzzzz!!!!! ROOT 4 ROOT's ROOT 2 GOSU~!!
ROOT has so many players! Damn, lol. But anyways, great pickup!!! ROOT's top lineup is looking super sick, would be cool to see them play in some of the bigger leagues like ATC.
I'm no expert on the details of obtaining American visas but I would think that getting an athlete visa would be easier now that Polt and Violet have set precedent. That may explain the recent KeSPA exodus
EPT
. Just kidding, GL HF and stuff! 
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/SDxORFw.jpg)
