It might be well beyond cliched by now, but somehow 2016 has proven itself to be a terribly crazy year. As this annus horribilis finally draws to a close, there’s still a few tournaments to enjoy. World Cyber Arena 2016 might be considered to be the penultimate tournament of the year, and funnily enough, it’s one of the few truly global premier tournaments we’ve had ever since the 2016 WCS announcement. Through six qualifiers and one wildcard spot, we’re now down to ten players (E/N: 8, as of Nerchio and Scarlett's forfeits). They will travel to Yinchuan, China, to fight over a $40,000 prize pool over three days.
What makes the event especially interesting is that it’s one of the first tournaments to showcase the recent big changes made to the game. Every single expansion has shaken the foundations of the game in a profound manner, and every single time, after the dust has settled, new players have emerged, even if only for a little while. With 2016 proving to be an especially volatile year, predicting who’s going to succeed in Yinchuan will be a herculean task. It might be tempting to just take a step back and see how it all plays out. If there’s ever a chance for one of the emerging names to shine, this is it. And let’s not forget, with players across the globe in attendance, this will be one of the rare cases to see Koreans take on the rest of the world.
The tournament is split into a dual group format with round robin Bo3, with the top 2 from each group progressing to a single elimination playoff bracket. If past experience is anything to go by, there’s a very real chance of spectacular upsets and frightening surprises. Whatever the outcome, the eyes of the world will be upon them.
The ByuN of 2016 has focused all his efforts on just one simple thing: a mission impossible. After a dominating victory in the second season of GSL, the One Man Army was able to plow through BlizzCon, and in a nail-biting finals, to overcome a fierce Dark. A stunning performance in a star league, and the most important trophy of the year; what more could one want? ByuN has not been resting, however, and has returned to his roots, the online cups where he learned his versatility. While notably absent from HomeStory Cup XIV, and taking some key losses against Zerg players in the VSL Teamleague, ByuN will be ravenous for the last two premier titles of the year. By all accounts he’s already in the running for the best player of the year, but a win here would be crucial in gaining an edge over Dark, undoubtedly the best performing Zerg player of the year. To be brutally honest, this is ByuN’s tournament to lose.
One of the most successful and recognizable faces of the Chinese scene, iAsonu has been on the cusp of an international breakout time and time again. There’s just something impassable in the Ro16 that he’s yet to overcome on the international stage. Even so, he’s inarguably one of the best players in his country. He’s now going up against seasoned veterans of the tournament circuit like himself, and he needs to perform at top level to have a chance at the trophy. So far international success has been elusive in 2016, but perhaps now’s the time.
PtitDrogo seems to be teetering on the edge once again. He took down favorites Neeb and Patience at HomeStory Cup XIV (indeed becoming the sole foreigner to take a win over a Korean during the tournament), and given his late notice of a BlizzCon spot following Polt's forfeit, his eventual performance and victory over Snute there was pretty impressive too. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the better players in the European scene, but the only question has been showcasing his burgeoning talent on the international scene on a consistent basis. His only notable result for 2016 was winning DreamHack Leipzig back in January, yet he still managed to scrape together enough WCS points to take Polt’s place at the WCS Playoffs. He’s yet another regular face in the European online cups, but compared to Nerchio, he just doesn’t have the consistency to be placed in the highest echelons of the scene. For the Frenchman, advancing from the group stage should be viewed as a minimum objective.
It’s been a relatively unremarkable year for Kelazhur on the global scene. On the other hand, he’s been one of the scariest opponents to face in the American scene, taking the Copa America title against Cham, while being narrowly defeated by Scarlett at the Kings of the North tournament. His win rate for the year is an impressive 75%, but most of his offline matches have been smaller local tournaments, featuring mostly players from the Americas. So far Kelazhur’s success has been confined to the North and South American continents, but he’s still a rising international star. He may not be ready to take on the biggest stars just yet, but he’s gaining confidence and experience to bring his skills to the international scene. Players like MajOr and Neeb were at some point in a similar position, and Kelazhur might be looking to follow in Neeb’s footsteps.
A veteran of the scene, and known as one of the top ZvZ players in China, TooDming tends to bring with him a very solid style of play. He’s strong at times, but usually unable to reach exceptional heights. Even so, on his home turf he might find the strength he needs to measure up against the others in his group. He was a regular on the WCS Circuit, but ultimately failed to qualify for BlizzCon. His tournament successes in 2016 have been mostly been contained within China, sharing the trait with most other Chinese players. While his results on the international scene have been middling, if he’s to gain an edge over his opponents, it’ll be due to his age and experience. We’ve usually come to expect that younger upstarts eventually overshadow the older players, but every once in a while a veteran will show how it’s done. With the end of 2016 looming on the horizon, and 2017 still unknown, what better time than now?
Predictions
Unless something goes terribly wrong, ByuN should be nailed on for first place in this group; no one should have the power to dent him without some significant cheese going down. Second place is harder to predict, but I'll give it to Drogo.
Unlike the more famous other Korean of the tournament, Patience’s year has been one of ups and downs. He’s been a player of incredible potential for a while now, but he’s just been unable to claw his way to a title. That is, until he entered HomeStory Cup XIV. Losing to Neeb twice during the group stages of BlizzCon only meant that he bounced back stronger, taking down the dreaded former KT Rolster Trio on his way to victory in Krefeld. While his record wasn’t quite perfect, it was still hugely impressive, even more so because Patience lacks the flair of some of the other superstars of the scene. He’s been gaining momentum all throughout 2016, and if he’s able keep it up, he has a real shot at another premier trophy, which seem to be in short supply these days. His advantage stems from the natural world: objects in motion tend to stay in motion.
An upcoming player in the Chinese scene, Jieshi has established himself as a regular face in the myriad online cups. If his results are anything to go by, he’s still trying to find his footing in the world of StarCraft. His win rate is hovering just a tad over 50 % for the year, but he’s yet to do anything of note. With the balance patch, Jieshi is precisely one of those players who might explode onto the scene from relative obscurity. He’s been around for a few years, but only diehard followers really know him, so perhaps this is the time for his big break. Of course, back in August, the last time he faced international competition on the stage, he was soundly trounced in the groups. Whether he has improved his form, remains to be seen. (E/N: As ever, I'll pimp out this VOD from 2015 as a hilarious demonstration of his skills).
The Chinese Protoss rose to the forefront of the Chinese scene when he fought against Snute in the finals of the NEO Star League International in August. His success was relatively short-lived however, as he fell against ShoWTimE a mere month later at the Copa America International. Since then, he’s been mostly focusing on online cups. Cyan also unfortunately failed to qualify for IEM Gyonggi, though not for lack of trying. He will now be looking to prove that his second place was not just a fluke, but going up against players like Nerchio, Scarlett and Patience, the playing field is stacked against him. Just like Jieshi, however, there’s still the possiblity of an upset looming somewhere in the back of his mind. If NEO Star League was his breakout event, a good run in Yinchuan would make sure that the world takes note.
Predictions
With Nerchio and Scarlett forfeiting their spots from this group (and no re-seeding), this has become a knife fight between two Chinese players for a spot in the semifinals. Once again, our Korean here should have no trouble winning out, but I'll give Jieshi the nod in his battle against Cyan.
I'm probably going to do Russian stream but I still haven't got any details (about cleanfeed or how to get to the game) so I highly doubt if the first day is going to be covered at all. I haven't heard anything about English stream as well. There are also some rumors about group stage being held somewhere in PC bang, but I might be wrong here. Hopefully I'll be able to post some good news here later today.
Scarlett forfeited due to visa issues per liquipedia - well, I'd like to see her in this for sure, but couldn't help a chuckle seeing a NA player get a taste of this for once ...
Both taken from Liquipedia although I should note neither of these links were present a few minutes ago (aka someone was late). But yeah you can watch the tournament there.
I thought there were more ByuN fans on TL, but apparently no one gives a damn about this tournament which is quite sad.
Both taken from Liquipedia although I should note neither of these links were present a few minutes ago (aka someone was late). But yeah you can watch the tournament there.
I thought there were more ByuN fans on TL, but apparently no one gives a damn about this tournament which is quite sad.
Chinese tournaments never get much traction outside of China (mostly due to the lack of English streams) even when the players are guaranteed to get payed.
On December 10 2016 11:45 Charoisaur wrote: Wasn't the prize pool supposed to be much higher?
maybe you are thinking about WESG
No I realize they are separate tournaments but I thought I remember people talking about this tournament having a huge prize pool as well. But after using the search function for 10 minutes and not finding anything regarding that I'm apparently just crazy..
On December 10 2016 11:45 Charoisaur wrote: Wasn't the prize pool supposed to be much higher?
maybe you are thinking about WESG
No I realize they are separate tournaments but I thought I remember people talking about this tournament having a huge prize pool as well. But after using the search function for 10 minutes and not finding anything regarding that I'm apparently just crazy..
I remember something similar. I think think the listed prize pool on liquipedia included the money from the qualifiers, which paid pretty well.
On December 10 2016 11:45 Charoisaur wrote: Wasn't the prize pool supposed to be much higher?
maybe you are thinking about WESG
No I realize they are separate tournaments but I thought I remember people talking about this tournament having a huge prize pool as well. But after using the search function for 10 minutes and not finding anything regarding that I'm apparently just crazy..
I remember something similar. I think think the listed prize pool on liquipedia included the money from the qualifiers, which paid pretty well.
do you know whether they've been paid for that yet?
On December 10 2016 11:45 Charoisaur wrote: Wasn't the prize pool supposed to be much higher?
maybe you are thinking about WESG
No I realize they are separate tournaments but I thought I remember people talking about this tournament having a huge prize pool as well. But after using the search function for 10 minutes and not finding anything regarding that I'm apparently just crazy..
I remember something similar. I think think the listed prize pool on liquipedia included the money from the qualifiers, which paid pretty well.
do you know whether they've been paid for that yet?
No clue. Usually it takes even reputable tournaments some time to pay up. ESL is especially bad for it.
On December 10 2016 11:45 Charoisaur wrote: Wasn't the prize pool supposed to be much higher?
maybe you are thinking about WESG
No I realize they are separate tournaments but I thought I remember people talking about this tournament having a huge prize pool as well. But after using the search function for 10 minutes and not finding anything regarding that I'm apparently just crazy..
I remember something similar. I think think the listed prize pool on liquipedia included the money from the qualifiers, which paid pretty well.
do you know whether they've been paid for that yet?
No clue. Usually it takes even reputable tournaments some time to pay up. ESL is especially bad for it.
On December 10 2016 17:18 mosasaure wrote: i just wake up, What PtiDrogo do ? Liquipedia is not actualized.
Apparently the caster only streamed half of the games, results on tournament page is not updated and according to the caster he has no idea of the results as well.
I only updated liquipedia to the games i have watched.
On December 10 2016 17:18 mosasaure wrote: i just wake up, What PtiDrogo do ? Liquipedia is not actualized.
Apparently the caster only streamed half of the games, results on tournament page is not updated and according to the caster he has no idea of the results as well.
I only updated liquipedia to the games i have watched.
...can you link here the official results page (even if not updated)? the site is super slow and it is taking eons just to load the main page...thanks!
On December 10 2016 17:18 mosasaure wrote: i just wake up, What PtiDrogo do ? Liquipedia is not actualized.
Apparently the caster only streamed half of the games, results on tournament page is not updated and according to the caster he has no idea of the results as well.
I only updated liquipedia to the games i have watched.
...can you link here the official results page (even if not updated)? the site is super slow and it is taking eons just to load the main page...thanks!
On December 10 2016 17:18 mosasaure wrote: i just wake up, What PtiDrogo do ? Liquipedia is not actualized.
Apparently the caster only streamed half of the games, results on tournament page is not updated and according to the caster he has no idea of the results as well.
I only updated liquipedia to the games i have watched.
...can you link here the official results page (even if not updated)? the site is super slow and it is taking eons just to load the main page...thanks!
On December 10 2016 17:18 mosasaure wrote: i just wake up, What PtiDrogo do ? Liquipedia is not actualized.
Apparently the caster only streamed half of the games, results on tournament page is not updated and according to the caster he has no idea of the results as well.
I only updated liquipedia to the games i have watched.
...can you link here the official results page (even if not updated)? the site is super slow and it is taking eons just to load the main page...thanks!
On December 10 2016 17:47 Elentos wrote: Man apparently this tournament is run even more professionally than I thought. Now there's not even results?
WCA2015 had players without chairs and playing in areas without heat. In the middle of winter, in a high-plains area. It would appear that its being run no better this time!
Anyone ever going to a WCA event is just beyond belief they are the worst tournament organisers ever and a disgrace to the players in terms of setups given and treatment. How it is still going and players still go is beyond me.
If there are still people who haven't given up on this tournament yet, semis are on now being streamed by some Russian with an interface from 2010 http://www.teamliquid.net/video/streams/Alex007
On December 11 2016 13:44 munch wrote: If there are still people who haven't given up on this tournament yet, semis are on now being streamed by some Russian with an interface from 2010 http://www.teamliquid.net/video/streams/Alex007
Well, actually we were told just to restream Koreans because organizers didn't provide us with either cleanfeed or Chinese accounts to join the game =/
On December 11 2016 13:44 munch wrote: If there are still people who haven't given up on this tournament yet, semis are on now being streamed by some Russian with an interface from 2010 http://www.teamliquid.net/video/streams/Alex007
Well, actually we were told just to restream Koreans because organizers didn't provide us with either cleanfeed or Chinese accounts to join the game =/
Situation sounds really shitty, I saw you switched to the Korean feed which at least showed us who was playing
On December 11 2016 22:31 207aicila wrote: Wow... have we ever had a walkover in the semi-finals of a LAN with this much money on the line?
I don't think I have heard of a w/o in a semis ever...
Well I can tell you for a fact it's happened before in weekly online cups in the past, but this is like two or three levels beyond that.
Fair enough, I was thinking back on all DHs and whatnot. If you have traveled to the place, surely you play, unless you get really sick or something? At least you send your probes across the map...
On December 12 2016 16:17 sigmichael wrote: Overgrowth Byun wins Whirlwind
Jesus christ that is an almosy brutal amount of no-hype.
But thanks for the info, I hope the games are good for those who are able to watch them.
Edit: oh it's over. Now the real fun begin, how many player are gonna get payed? What great excuse from the organiser are gona get post by playerswho didn't get paid?
On December 10 2016 20:25 Pandemona wrote: Anyone ever going to a WCA event is just beyond belief they are the worst tournament organisers ever and a disgrace to the players in terms of setups given and treatment. How it is still going and players still go is beyond me.
On December 10 2016 20:25 Pandemona wrote: Anyone ever going to a WCA event is just beyond belief they are the worst tournament organisers ever and a disgrace to the players in terms of setups given and treatment. How it is still going and players still go is beyond me.
Kelazhur said he was treated pretty well though.
Now we just need to know if they are ever going to get paid... 🤔
Well we only got one good feedback from one player.
Let me summarize what else happened.
First day:
Only half the games in first group was streamed.
Caster, himself had no idea what the schedule was like, or what were the results. And in his own words, apparently even the organizers themselves had no idea.
Second Group games were not streamed at all.
Second day:
Couldn't find their own official stream. Even on their main website where the official stream was supposed to be, it was not up.
We only had a Korean stream and a Russian stream that restreamed from it.
Final day:
I gave up but thankfully there was a stream after all.
I get my sources from s.163.com which supposedly is like the teamliquid.net of China, and they themselves don't seem to be updated well enough about the tournament.
Well, WCA2015 for Dota2 was a disaster, but the BTS stream was hilarious. That Kelazhur even was treated decently was a vast improvement from last year. Doesn't mean it's a good or well run tournament, just that at least the players aren't being made to play in a really bad environment.
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
I saw none of it because either games were held at bad times or streams didn't exist/work :S
Scarlett not participating was announced this week and it was because she didn't get the necessary paperwork in time to get a visa for China. If she has that problem, and her participation was known for a while, well I don't think that bodes well for any non-Chinese replacements.
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
I saw none of it because either games were held at bad times or streams didn't exist/work :S
Scarlett not participating was announced this week and it was because she didn't get the necessary paperwork in time to get a visa for China. If she has that problem, and her participation was known for a while, well I don't think that bodes well for any non-Chinese replacements.
The could've just made 2 4 player groups
Now just hope people actually get their money oh, and that wesg doesn't get plagued by similar problems
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
I saw none of it because either games were held at bad times or streams didn't exist/work :S
Scarlett not participating was announced this week and it was because she didn't get the necessary paperwork in time to get a visa for China. If she has that problem, and her participation was known for a while, well I don't think that bodes well for any non-Chinese replacements.
The could've just made 2 4 player groups
Now just hope people actually get their money oh, and that wesg doesn't get plagued by similar problems
WCA pays out, it just takes 300 days...
WCA generally reminds of IEM Katowice, just seriously worse organised. There is one venue in a city in nowhere with 7 different games (LoL, Dota 2, SC 2, Warcraft III, HS, CS:GO and Heroes?). Then they got this wired stream setup, where the mainstage got different streams then the games offstage. So everytime the organisers want to show games on the stage, not only do the players have to leave the offstage area (some sort of chinese PC bang for Warcraft III) but also the casters have to get on the stage and do a new setup. All viewers have to move the stream.
On top of this mess, there seems to be no fixed shedule. There are certain games they want to show on the big stage (like every final), but also other games like Groupstage matches between strong teams/players. Following the natural delays of alot of games (every game can drag out) and the tight shedule overall (7 games in under 1 week), there situations like this: In Warcraft the 2 championship condenders TH000 and Lyn play their groupstage Bo3. After the first mapwin of TH000, they have to stop their match. Lyn has to move from the cafe to the mainstage and play his groupstage Bo3 against Infi. delays and so happen. Then, after the match against Infi, TH000 has to come to the mainstage (it is now arround 21.00 local time, the group stage startet at 10.00), they have to continue their Bo3, arround 3 hours after TH000 first mapwin. Lyn wins 2:1 in the end.
It did not help, that WCA took more size (by picking up LoL and SC 2 and kicking out Crossfire for CS:GO) while they also want to downsize the costs.. For the individual games SC 2 and WC3, there was only 1 admin/organisator each. In WC3, the foreigners with the casters of B2W made the foreign reporter Urgi (playFFA) to the headadmin and organisator and WCA was more then glad about this. In SC II there were no foreign casters on the venue, as there noone seemed to ask WCA about it (like B2W did all the year and the last 2 years) and WCA didnt think about the need of a english caster. So the one admin/organistor (who seemed to be caster at the same time) was left all alone.
But overall, I like WCA events, not only because they give us the biggest Wc3 Events (and the regionals over the year), but also because it reminds me of old events, 10 or more years ago, times when esport did not professionalise and people did not know how to run events, but they just wanted to make something happen.
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
I saw none of it because either games were held at bad times or streams didn't exist/work :S
Scarlett not participating was announced this week and it was because she didn't get the necessary paperwork in time to get a visa for China. If she has that problem, and her participation was known for a while, well I don't think that bodes well for any non-Chinese replacements.
The could've just made 2 4 player groups
Now just hope people actually get their money oh, and that wesg doesn't get plagued by similar problems
WCA pays out, it just takes 300 days...
WCA generally reminds of IEM Katowice, just seriously worse organised. There is one venue in a city in nowhere with 7 different games (LoL, Dota 2, SC 2, Warcraft III, HS, CS:GO and Heroes?). Then they got this wired stream setup, where the mainstage got different streams then the games offstage. So everytime the organisers want to show games on the stage, not only do the players have to leave the offstage area (some sort of chinese PC bang for Warcraft III) but also the casters have to get on the stage and do a new setup. All viewers have to move the stream.
On top of this mess, there seems to be no fixed shedule. There are certain games they want to show on the big stage (like every final), but also other games like Groupstage matches between strong teams/players. Following the natural delays of alot of games (every game can drag out) and the tight shedule overall (7 games in under 1 week), there situations like this: In Warcraft the 2 championship condenders TH000 and Lyn play their groupstage Bo3. After the first mapwin of TH000, they have to stop their match. Lyn has to move from the cafe to the mainstage and play his groupstage Bo3 against Infi. delays and so happen. Then, after the match against Infi, TH000 has to come to the mainstage (it is now arround 21.00 local time, the group stage startet at 10.00), they have to continue their Bo3, arround 3 hours after TH000 first mapwin. Lyn wins 2:1 in the end.
It did not help, that WCA took more size (by picking up LoL and SC 2 and kicking out Crossfire for CS:GO) while they also want to downsize the costs.. For the individual games SC 2 and WC3, there was only 1 admin/organisator each. In WC3, the foreigners with the casters of B2W made the foreign reporter Urgi (playFFA) to the headadmin and organisator and WCA was more then glad about this. In SC II there were no foreign casters on the venue, as there noone seemed to ask WCA about it (like B2W did all the year and the last 2 years) and WCA didnt think about the need of a english caster. So the one admin/organistor (who seemed to be caster at the same time) was left all alone.
But overall, I like WCA events, not only because they give us the biggest Wc3 Events (and the regionals over the year), but also because it reminds me of old events, 10 or more years ago, times when esport did not professionalise and people did not know how to run events, but they just wanted to make something happen.
Hehe, yeah, that doesn't sound like an organization that would change groups if players didn't show up, poor admin.
I agree about the "unprofessionalism" btw, for the nostalgia but also because those tourneys tend to be closer to the audience (viewer). That is, if I'm actually able to watch them. Did you catch any of the games and if so, were they any good?
On December 12 2016 19:09 Penev wrote: they actually went ahead wit a 5 and a 3 player group.. :-S
Well Scarlett was a last minute dropout they couldn't possibly have replaced in time and Nerchio's replacement also cancelled participation. I'm not sure how the players would have liked a last minute redo of the groups into two groups of 4.
Granted this is the most hilariously incompetently organized SC2 tournament with a prize pool this big I can think of in recent times so it's possible none of that meant anything.
Hmm, was it that last minute? Anyway, I understand people prepare for their opponents but a group where you have to play 4 opponents vs a group with 2 seems more unfair to me than remaking the groups.
Did you get to see any of it and if so; Was it any good match-wise?
I saw none of it because either games were held at bad times or streams didn't exist/work :S
Scarlett not participating was announced this week and it was because she didn't get the necessary paperwork in time to get a visa for China. If she has that problem, and her participation was known for a while, well I don't think that bodes well for any non-Chinese replacements.
The could've just made 2 4 player groups
Now just hope people actually get their money oh, and that wesg doesn't get plagued by similar problems
WCA pays out, it just takes 300 days...
WCA generally reminds of IEM Katowice, just seriously worse organised. There is one venue in a city in nowhere with 7 different games (LoL, Dota 2, SC 2, Warcraft III, HS, CS:GO and Heroes?). Then they got this wired stream setup, where the mainstage got different streams then the games offstage. So everytime the organisers want to show games on the stage, not only do the players have to leave the offstage area (some sort of chinese PC bang for Warcraft III) but also the casters have to get on the stage and do a new setup. All viewers have to move the stream.
On top of this mess, there seems to be no fixed shedule. There are certain games they want to show on the big stage (like every final), but also other games like Groupstage matches between strong teams/players. Following the natural delays of alot of games (every game can drag out) and the tight shedule overall (7 games in under 1 week), there situations like this: In Warcraft the 2 championship condenders TH000 and Lyn play their groupstage Bo3. After the first mapwin of TH000, they have to stop their match. Lyn has to move from the cafe to the mainstage and play his groupstage Bo3 against Infi. delays and so happen. Then, after the match against Infi, TH000 has to come to the mainstage (it is now arround 21.00 local time, the group stage startet at 10.00), they have to continue their Bo3, arround 3 hours after TH000 first mapwin. Lyn wins 2:1 in the end.
It did not help, that WCA took more size (by picking up LoL and SC 2 and kicking out Crossfire for CS:GO) while they also want to downsize the costs.. For the individual games SC 2 and WC3, there was only 1 admin/organisator each. In WC3, the foreigners with the casters of B2W made the foreign reporter Urgi (playFFA) to the headadmin and organisator and WCA was more then glad about this. In SC II there were no foreign casters on the venue, as there noone seemed to ask WCA about it (like B2W did all the year and the last 2 years) and WCA didnt think about the need of a english caster. So the one admin/organistor (who seemed to be caster at the same time) was left all alone.
But overall, I like WCA events, not only because they give us the biggest Wc3 Events (and the regionals over the year), but also because it reminds me of old events, 10 or more years ago, times when esport did not professionalise and people did not know how to run events, but they just wanted to make something happen.
Hehe, yeah, that doesn't sound like an organization that would change groups if players didn't show up, poor admin.
I agree about the "unprofessionalism" btw, for the nostalgia but also because those tourneys tend to be closer to the audience (viewer). That is, if I'm actually able to watch them. Did you catch any of the games and if so, were they any good?
I did not watch a single SC II game. They are so early in the morning for me, that I sleep and when I wake up, Douyu.tv does not work for me, because it is 20.00 in China and their Internet tends to slow down for outsiders at that point. I watched quite a bit Warcraft 3 in Chinese and English (because their Groupstage went so late) live yesterday and the Grandfinal today. Now I am watching the VODs of the semifinals and 3rd place match.
On December 10 2016 16:13 LongShot27 wrote: In this era of "sc2 ded game" and legitimate concerns about the state of the game SHIT LIKE THIS DONT HELP
Well ppl like you dont help at all and never did so what's the matter?
Great, more joined in 2016 users telling fans that we never "helped". How do you know this? You weren't even here. You weren't even here to watch and enjoy the game, let alone know what others did or didn't do.
What a joke.
Even bigger of a joke than the organizing of this tournament.
By the why, if Jieshi was D/C'd why does LP list the match as a 3-0?
On December 10 2016 16:13 LongShot27 wrote: In this era of "sc2 ded game" and legitimate concerns about the state of the game SHIT LIKE THIS DONT HELP
Well ppl like you dont help at all and never did so what's the matter?
Great, more joined in 2016 users telling fans that we never "helped". How do you know this? You weren't even here. You weren't even here to watch and enjoy the game, let alone know what others did or didn't do.
What a joke.
Even bigger of a joke than the organizing of this tournament.
By the why, if Jieshi was D/C'd why does LP list the match as a 3-0?
Like... this is literally someone joining in 2015 complaining about people join in 2016... dafuq
On December 10 2016 16:13 LongShot27 wrote: In this era of "sc2 ded game" and legitimate concerns about the state of the game SHIT LIKE THIS DONT HELP
Well ppl like you dont help at all and never did so what's the matter?
Great, more joined in 2016 users telling fans that we never "helped". How do you know this? You weren't even here. You weren't even here to watch and enjoy the game, let alone know what others did or didn't do.
What a joke.
Even bigger of a joke than the organizing of this tournament.
By the why, if Jieshi was D/C'd why does LP list the match as a 3-0?
Like... this is literally someone joining in 2015 complaining about people join in 2016... dafuq
I've been here since the BW days fam, don't be fooled by this account.
And I got into SC2 with the Wings beta in like April 2010.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
The very fact that you have to post from a new account signalizes that your attitude probably wasn't always the textbook definition of "helpful". I would stop pulling the seniority card if I were you - which also of course holds for the guy you were responding to though. If you aren't a tournament/team organizer, a pro, writer, or something like that, your "contributions" are largely irrelevant.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
The very fact that you have to post from a new account signalizes that your attitude probably wasn't always the textbook definition of "helpful". I would stop pulling the seniority card if I were you - which also of course holds for the guy you were responding to though. If you aren't a tournament/team organizer, a pro, writer, or something like that, your "contributions" are largely irrelevant.
What a nice reductionist view from one of Blizzard's top defener white-knights!
Nice assumptions about me and my past. First we are just BW elitists who hate the game, even though we continue to watch and support it even 6 years later, now you handwave away and pretend that supporting both Blizzard and content-producers / eSports organizers with our wallets is irrelevant.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
The very fact that you have to post from a new account signalizes that your attitude probably wasn't always the textbook definition of "helpful". I would stop pulling the seniority card if I were you - which also of course holds for the guy you were responding to though. If you aren't a tournament/team organizer, a pro, writer, or something like that, your "contributions" are largely irrelevant.
What a nice reductionist view from one of Blizzard's top defener white-knights!
Nice assumptions about me and my past. First we are just BW elitists who hate the game, even though we continue to watch and support it even 6 years later, now you handwave away and pretend that supporting both Blizzard and content-producers / eSports organizers with our wallets is irrelevant.
How nice.
You started this whole discussion by attacking a guy based on his joined date, even though you know nothing about him and then you get worked up about people commenting on your joined date? Tell me more about irony! Are you seriously expecting that we are going to bow to you because you bought the games? Most people here did, so what?
I don't even know why I am responding to you, because your post paint the picture really clearly without any commentary. It's probably just because your attitude irritates me so much and people like you are the reason why the gaming community is still seen as unfriendly and childish in the eyes of the general public.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
The very fact that you have to post from a new account signalizes that your attitude probably wasn't always the textbook definition of "helpful". I would stop pulling the seniority card if I were you - which also of course holds for the guy you were responding to though. If you aren't a tournament/team organizer, a pro, writer, or something like that, your "contributions" are largely irrelevant.
What a nice reductionist view from one of Blizzard's top defener white-knights!
Nice assumptions about me and my past. First we are just BW elitists who hate the game, even though we continue to watch and support it even 6 years later, now you handwave away and pretend that supporting both Blizzard and content-producers / eSports organizers with our wallets is irrelevant.
How nice.
You started this whole discussion by attacking a guy based on his joined date, even though you know nothing about him and then you get worked up about people commenting on your joined date? Tell me more about irony! Are you seriously expecting that we are going to bow to you because you bought the games? Most people here did, so what?
I don't even know why I am responding to you, because your post paint the picture really clearly without any commentary. It's probably just because your attitude irritates me so much and people like you are the reason why the gaming community is still seen as unfriendly and childish in the eyes of the general public.
Yeah it's so unfriendly and childish to demand a modicum of respect from people who joined a bandwagon 6 years later and shit on all the veterans for no reason and while being objectively incorrect in their assertions.
But what do I know, I'm just a BW elitist according to you, and I hate SC2 even though I've been watching it for 6 years and helped support the people and companies involved to the best of my ability. LOL.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
And yet you don't see the irony in attacking someone for having a new account whilst yours isn't much older? Beyond help indeed.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
And yet you don't see the irony in attacking someone for having a new account whilst yours isn't much older? Beyond help indeed.
Like I said, I've been a part of this community for over a decade, and been playing SC on some level since it was first released.
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
And yet you don't see the irony in attacking someone for having a new account whilst yours isn't much older? Beyond help indeed.
Like I said, I've been a part of this community for over a decade, and been playing SC on some level since it was first released.
I'm just pointing out how stupid it is when people who have never done anything at all to support this game complain that those of us who actually have, haven't. That's all I'm saying, and if you look in any of these threads you will see exactly what I'm talking about.
Hell I bet 90% of opisska's post history in the last year is a shining example of what I'm talking about.
On December 16 2016 06:49 207aicila wrote: Holy shit you people are mental.
I'm just pointing out how stupid it is when people who have never done anything at all to support this game complain that those of us who actually have, haven't. That's all I'm saying, and if you look in any of these threads you will see exactly what I'm talking about.
Hell I bet 90% of opisska's post history in the last year is a shining example of what I'm talking about.
Not sure why you have such a hostile attitude...I think you need some self reflection about who is acting mental here
On December 16 2016 02:58 Phredxor wrote: Wow. Now i respect what you say a million times more.
Very constructive post.
If you don't see the ludicrous irony in newcomers accusing oldtimers of not being helpful even though we are the ones who bought every version of the game, been supporting and watching content since day 1, subscribing on twitch, buying GOM tickets, buying merch, posting on forums, engaging on social media, spreading the word etc.
If you don't see the irony in people who have never done anything accusing us of not being helpful, while they don't know anything about anything and just mindlessly brownnose everything Blizzard does, then I'm afraid you are beyond help.
I used to think you were a reasonable poster, please exercise more critical thinking in the future.
And yet you don't see the irony in attacking someone for having a new account whilst yours isn't much older? Beyond help indeed.
Like I said, I've been a part of this community for over a decade, and been playing SC on some level since it was first released.
Grats. But how do you know the guy you were bashing on isn't the same? Just because of his accounts join date on TL?
EPT
ByuN
iAsonu
PtitDrogo
