• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 22:28
CEST 04:28
KST 11:28
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL22] Ro4 Preview: Mirror Mirror4[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: Within Reach5[ASL22] Ro8 Preview: In A Tizzy11[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Holy Diver5[ASL22] Ro16 Preview: Rough Waters10
Community News
Rollback Netcode in Brood War395.0.17 Patch Notes - October 7, 202621Weekly Cups Results (Sep 28-Oct 4)0SC4ALL: II SC2 Complete Invited Player Lineup10StarCraft II 5.0.17 PTR Patch Notes (Sept 30, 2026)78
StarCraft 2
General
5.0.17 Patch Notes - October 7, 2026 [Old] StarCraft 3 Reportedly in Development StarCraft II 5.0.17 PTR Patch Notes (Sept 30, 2026) How do you feel about the mass reverts in the 5.0.17 PTR? Weekly Cups Results (Sep 28-Oct 4)
Tourneys
ScienceCraft (October 24-25) - Live Event RSL 2026 Offline Finals LCQ Sign-Ups Stellar Fest TWO the Moon (Dec 16-20) ISSL (IntoTheTV x SOOP SC2 League): Premier Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament
Strategy
[H] ZvP Mid-Late Game: Stalkers Collossi HT
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Sweltering Sands [M] (2) Frigid Storage
External Content
Mutation # 546 Catch the Train The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 545 And Drops and Rifts Mutation # 544 Double Trouble
Brood War
General
Rollback Netcode in Brood War Bot on ladder Repalyzer - replay analysis app for StarCraft: Rem Making an Online Broodwar Manager Game BW General Discussion
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [ASL22] Semifinal A [ASL22] Semifinal B [ASL22] Ro8 Day 4
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Cliff Jump Revisited (1 in a 1000 strategy) Replay Review Process - What do you do?
Other Games
General Games
Nintendo Switch Thread General RTS Discussion Thread Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Total Annihilation Zero
Dota 2
Dota 2 Champions League Season 3 Begins April 25! Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Artificial Intelligence Thread Canadian Politics Mega-thread
Fan Clubs
Serral Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
[Manga] One Piece Movie Discussion! Diablo Animated Series on Netflix
Sports
TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 Football (Soccer) Thread MLB/Baseball 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Recent Gifted Posts
Blogs
[ASL22] Ro4 Day1 Ticket Giv…
bITt.mAN
Escaping Into Video Games: G…
TrAiDoS
38 yo Retired SWE loo…
PurE)Rabbit-SF
Can Bots Beat Pros?? Starcr…
namkraft
[meme] I finally understa…
LUCKY_NOOB
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 9496 users

GSL blocked non-korean WCS players?

Forum Index > SC2 General
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 5 Next All
v5872012
Profile Joined May 2018
35 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:40:12
January 24 2019 05:51 GMT
#1
Edited: TIME said he doesn't want to cause any trouble, so I will not show their communication record.

According to TIME and Cloudy, two Chinese progamer who was lived in Korea camp, said, non-korean players who play in GSL events cannot play in WCS events anymore since rules was changed. It was still not confirmed by Blizzard official.

Sry about my bad english skill
LaughNgamez
Profile Joined April 2015
Canada525 Posts
January 24 2019 06:08 GMT
#2
IMO a great and fair decision but a very poorly handled one.

Players should have been able to know this months in advance. Blizzard delaying announcement/full rules for so long is messing with everyone.
(◕‿◕✿) Hopefully one day a decent caster http://www.youtube.com/LaughNgamez (◠‿◠✿)
Nakajin
Profile Blog Joined September 2014
Canada8991 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:15:26
January 24 2019 06:14 GMT
#3
Good call, it was the best way to go, but for fuck sake Blizzard what's up with your communication latelly just anounce the damn wcs/gsl rules already.
Writerhttp://i.imgur.com/9p6ufcB.jpg
SetGuitarsToKill
Profile Blog Joined December 2013
Canada28396 Posts
January 24 2019 06:17 GMT
#4
I have a very hard time believing we wouldn't have heard about this before now. If this is true, it's a really big blow to a lot of players plans. We'll have to get someone to confirm
Community News"As long as you have a warp prism you can't be bad at harassment" - Maru | @SetGuitars2Kill
chipmonklord17
Profile Joined February 2011
United States11944 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:25:45
January 24 2019 06:23 GMT
#5
On January 24 2019 15:17 SetGuitarsToKill wrote:
I have a very hard time believing we wouldn't have heard about this before now. If this is true, it's a really big blow to a lot of players plans. We'll have to get someone to confirm


Extremely dick move to some of the only organizations still supporting their own scene. Root having just partnered with NoRegret and the foreigner house would be a huge middle finger.

phodacbiet
Profile Joined August 2010
United States1740 Posts
January 24 2019 06:25 GMT
#6
On January 24 2019 15:23 chipmonklord17 wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2019 15:17 SetGuitarsToKill wrote:
I have a very hard time believing we wouldn't have heard about this before now. If this is true, it's a really big blow to a lot of players plans. We'll have to get someone to confirm


Extremely dick move to some of the only organizations still supporting their own scene. Root having just partnered with NoRegret and the foreigner house would be a huge middle finger.

Even if its true its still stupid, if they're willing to long term live in Korea that should make them eligible, but I digress. No need to have the same conversation the 10000000000th time


The biggest dick move is that there were no announcement, and even if there was it came way too late. RIP to a lot of player's schedule and plans.
pzlama333
Profile Joined April 2013
United States282 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:36:31
January 24 2019 06:30 GMT
#7
According to TIME and the Chinese caster Xiaose's weibo (Chinese equivalent of facebook), this ban is requested by Korean, and all foreigners living in Korea are preparing to leave.
For my opinion, since WCS blocked all Korean players, it could be understood that GSL has the right to block all non-Korean, but they should announce it officially long ago, but not just an e-mail one day before the scheduled starts. I wonder GSL would not even have enough players to participate now.
busyghost
Profile Joined August 2017
82 Posts
January 24 2019 06:37 GMT
#8
On January 24 2019 15:08 LaughNgamez wrote:
IMO a great and fair decision but a very poorly handled one.

Players should have been able to know this months in advance. Blizzard delaying announcement/full rules for so long is messing with everyone.


I do not know. If this is true then the existence of NoRegret's foreign teamhouse becomes meaningless and the sponsors should just pull out. The biggest irony about WCS and GSL is in their names. "World" Championships Series and "Global" Starcraft II League. So now there are only three offline tournaments for Koreans to directly compete with Non-Koreans, IEM, GSL vs the World if it still exists and Blizzcon.
gpanda.sc2
Profile Joined January 2019
20 Posts
January 24 2019 06:37 GMT
#9
On January 24 2019 15:30 pzlama333 wrote:
According to TIME and the Chinese caster Xiaose's weibo (Chinese equivalent of facebook), this ban is requested by Korean, and all foreigners living in Korea are preparing to leave.

weibo not an equivalent of fb, but twitter.
I love TY.
ZigguratOfUr
Profile Blog Joined April 2012
Iraq16955 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:45:57
January 24 2019 06:45 GMT
#10
Blizzard pushing through last minute organizational changes as usual. I hope these include more global events so that we get to see some games between foreigners and Koreans but I doubt it. Even if barring foreigners from GSL is in of itself 'fair' it's still going to be a huge mess.
Kalera
Profile Joined January 2018
United States338 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 07:03:53
January 24 2019 06:47 GMT
#11
On January 24 2019 15:30 pzlama333 wrote:
According to TIME and the Chinese caster Xiaose's weibo (Chinese equivalent of facebook), this ban is requested by Korean, and all foreigners living in Korea are preparing to leave.
For my opinion, since WCS blocked all Korean players, it could be understood that GSL has the right to block all non-Korean, but they should announce it officially long ago, but not just an e-mail one day before the scheduled starts. I wonder GSL would not even have enough players to participate now.


I'd be pretty surprised if this changed was *pushed by AfreecaTV (GSL). They benefit from the viewership, and I think they would have mentioned it in the qualifier announcement if that was the case.

In any case, it sounds like players are forced to pick one or the other, not a complete foreigner ban. Although most foreigners will probably opt to play in WCS since they are more likely to have success. I suspect it's a call made by Blizzard as they work out the details for the rest of the season. That is a pretty reasonable decision, however the fact that they still haven't released more than the bare minimum of information about this years events must be incredibly frustrating for the players in particular.

Edit: Changed enforced to pushed to clarify
pvsnp
Profile Joined January 2017
7676 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 06:55:18
January 24 2019 06:50 GMT
#12
I sincerely hope this is true, but will wait for official confirmation from Blizzard. (WCS 2019 announcement plz?)

Assuming it is true, this sounds like the most even-handed approach. All players have the choice of either WCS or GSL, but not both. XOR for the win.

On January 24 2019 15:47 Kalera wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2019 15:30 pzlama333 wrote:
According to TIME and the Chinese caster Xiaose's weibo (Chinese equivalent of facebook), this ban is requested by Korean, and all foreigners living in Korea are preparing to leave.
For my opinion, since WCS blocked all Korean players, it could be understood that GSL has the right to block all non-Korean, but they should announce it officially long ago, but not just an e-mail one day before the scheduled starts. I wonder GSL would not even have enough players to participate now.


I'd be pretty surprised if this was enforced by AfreecaTV (GSL). They benefit from the viewership, and I think they would have mentioned it in the qualifier announcement if that was the case.


Given how this started with Solar's tweet, it's probably safe to assume that the Korean pros (Solar et al) requested this change, either to Blizzard directly or via AfreecaTV. As for enforcement, if Blizzard says it's the rules, then I can only assume that AfreecaTV will enforce them.
Denominator of the Universe
TL+ Member
pzlama333
Profile Joined April 2013
United States282 Posts
January 24 2019 06:56 GMT
#13
On January 24 2019 15:47 Kalera wrote:


I'd be pretty surprised if this was enforced by AfreecaTV (GSL). They benefit from the viewership, and I think they would have mentioned it in the qualifier announcement if that was the case.

In any case, it sounds like players are forced to pick one or the other, not a complete foreigner ban. Although most foreigners will probably opt to play in WCS since they are more likely to have success. I suspect it's a call made by Blizzard as they work out the details for the rest of the season. That is a pretty reasonable decision, however the fact that they still haven't released more than the bare minimum of information about this years events must be incredibly frustrating for the players in particular.


Yea, it seems that those non-Koreans have to choose either GSL or WCS, but not both.
DieuCure
Profile Joined January 2017
France3713 Posts
January 24 2019 06:59 GMT
#14
On January 24 2019 15:37 busyghost wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2019 15:08 LaughNgamez wrote:
IMO a great and fair decision but a very poorly handled one.

Players should have been able to know this months in advance. Blizzard delaying announcement/full rules for so long is messing with everyone.


I do not know. If this is true then the existence of NoRegret's foreign teamhouse becomes meaningless and the sponsors should just pull out. The biggest irony about WCS and GSL is in their names. "World" Championships Series and "Global" Starcraft II League. So now there are only three offline tournaments for Koreans to directly compete with Non-Koreans, IEM, GSL vs the World if it still exists and Blizzcon.


The Korean Circuit includes the GSL
TL+ Member
lechatnoir
Profile Joined November 2016
392 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 07:05:12
January 24 2019 07:03 GMT
#15
Shame, that would mean the end for the unity house I guess. Lots of cool stuff came from that.

But I guess this will finally shut some people up on this board.

Edit: And this must be very recent since it didn't mention it in the afeeca post about the qualifiers? Maybe the reason they were moved a couple of days. Odd.
Vutalisk
Profile Joined August 2016
United States680 Posts
January 24 2019 07:16 GMT
#16
Time to get rid of this whole region lock stupidity already. Let the players choose what events they want to attend. The SC2 scene is at its peak of uncertainty with Korean scene is on life support and no further WCS tournament info whatsoever and it is almost February.
keaneu
Profile Joined February 2011
Korea (South)65 Posts
January 24 2019 07:19 GMT
#17
On January 24 2019 16:03 lechatnoir wrote:
Shame, that would mean the end for the unity house I guess. Lots of cool stuff came from that.

But I guess this will finally shut some people up on this board.

Edit: And this must be very recent since it didn't mention it in the afeeca post about the qualifiers? Maybe the reason they were moved a couple of days. Odd.


Reason for delay was the patch hitting same-day.

I doubt anyone would say that having the house is no longer viable for sponsors, given the low latency connection available for in-house players to a premier practice server, and sound participation in the local/CN online cups.
Director, TitanEX1 Co., Ltd.
Zaros
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United Kingdom3692 Posts
January 24 2019 07:26 GMT
#18
Terrible decision and I wouldn't be surprised if it unintentionally finishes off Korean SC2, the biggest viewership for GSL comes when a foreigner is in the tournament and it is still pretty hard for them to qualify. Instead of seeing Serral or Neeb now we get to see emotion or nightmare or DRGLing (if they even play anymore.)

I know its not "fair" that foreigners can play in both series before now but it is what worked for the scene and I can't see many if any giving WCS up for GSL (means no blizzcon most likely and a huge prize money drop)
FFW_Rude
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
France10201 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 07:29:34
January 24 2019 07:28 GMT
#19
Maybe someone can ask directly to noregrt ?

On January 24 2019 15:37 busyghost wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 24 2019 15:08 LaughNgamez wrote:
IMO a great and fair decision but a very poorly handled one.

Players should have been able to know this months in advance. Blizzard delaying announcement/full rules for so long is messing with everyone.


I do not know. If this is true then the existence of NoRegret's foreign teamhouse becomes meaningless and the sponsors should just pull out. The biggest irony about WCS and GSL is in their names. "World" Championships Series and "Global" Starcraft II League. So now there are only three offline tournaments for Koreans to directly compete with Non-Koreans, IEM, GSL vs the World if it still exists and Blizzcon.


Why the teamhouse would be come meaningless ? They would just play GSL
#1 KT Rolster fanboy. KT BEST KT ! Hail to KT playoffs Zergs ! Unofficial french translator for SlayerS_`Boxer` biography "Crazy as me".
pvsnp
Profile Joined January 2017
7676 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-01-24 07:32:49
January 24 2019 07:31 GMT
#20
According to NoRegret:

From what I understand is, They can only not compete in WCS Challenger. They can still play in the main events of WCS. It shouldn't change too much but its a bit unfortunate because I don't think this accomplishes anything towards helping amateur Korean players.


So that's a pretty big difference. An official announcement from Blizzard would really be nice though.
Denominator of the Universe
TL+ Member
1 2 3 4 5 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
OSC
08:00
OSC Elite Rising Star #21
CranKy Ducklings120
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 100
PiLiPiLi 20
StarCraft: Brood War
Rain 2336
ViBE138
Bale 31
Dota 2
monkeys_forever567
NeuroSwarm199
League of Legends
Doublelift4721
Counter-Strike
summit1g7166
taco 656
Other Games
JimRising 543
C9.Mang0315
WinterStarcraft241
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick978
BasetradeTV185
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 108
• CranKy Ducklings SOOP93
• poizon28 34
• davetesta30
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Other Games
• Scarra1109
• Shiphtur157
Upcoming Events
Big Brain Bouts
7h 32m
Rex vs INexorable
GgMaChine vs HeRoMaRinE
Reynor vs herO
Online Event
9h 32m
AI Arena Tournament
14h 32m
BSL: Ladder Tournament
16h 32m
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 7h
Patches Events
1d 12h
BSL Open Qualifier
1d 16h
BSL Open Qualifier
1d 16h
OSC
2 days
WardiTV Weekly
3 days
[ Show More ]
PiGosaur Cup
3 days
The PondCast
5 days
Online Event
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Acropolis #5 - GSB
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Copium Cup

Ongoing

ASL Season 22
Super Anchor Qualifying S3
Acropolis #5
HCC Season 3
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
1win Private Club #1
Logitech G Play Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #3
BLAST Open Fall 2026
Esports World Cup 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026

Upcoming

Acropolis #5 - GSC
BSL Season 23
SC4ALL II: Brood War
BSL 23: Non-Korean Championship
HSC XXX
Stellar Fest 2: Lunar Cup
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
eXTREMESLAND 2026
PGL Major Singapore 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 6
BLAST Rivals Fall 2026
IEM Beijing 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 5
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
1win Private Club #2
Thunderpick World Champ. '26
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.