On February 17 2024 13:14 TornadoSteve wrote: Serral is the goat and its not even a debate. For many years, he has proven it and still doing so. But please, those who compare him to Magnus Carlsen are completely out of their mind. The longevity, the gap between him and his closest rivals are more importantly, the fact that SC 2 is almost dead while chess is more alive than ever, with many youngsters trying to push him should be more than enough to convince you.
Similarities in a sociological aspects of how his peers and chess commentators, fans and writers talk about Magnus, comment and handle with him and how Serral's opponents and SC2 commentators talk about Serral is striking and immediately evident. Regardless of differences in overall levels of competition between the games, there are nothing "completely out of mind" in the assumption that Serral may enjoy from some kind 'Magnus Carlsen - effect' within SC2 scene relative to his peers.
Already totally lost the count of how many times that is directly said or at least implied by mouths of his top level competition during various interviews over years. We can call it Serral -effect in SC2 context so nobody needs to get triggered by false straw man comparisons.
Otherwise comparisons are hardly fitting, tho not necessarily in all aspects "completely out of mind".
It’s not really mentioned enough as a plus point in the Serral column, but basically all pros I’ve ever heard asked, foreign or Korean have Serral as the man to beat. Not feared perhaps, at least for some, but definitely the toughest opponent going.
I mean these are his peers that are training with him, or they have to devise means to beat him if they’re drawn against him, they have to have some insight that counts for something.
I mean it was just a bit of fun to make some content for breaks, but the player cards Katowice had made kind of put it into perspective. 99s in multiple categories, and a decent gap in terms of average rating to even monsters like Reynor.
And the top pros will notice the little things, small optimisations or minor but impactful things that even regular GM level players won’t pick up on, never mind the rest of us plebs.
To clarify the meaning of 'Magnus Carlsen effect' and why I think it's applicable to Serral I just wrote question to Edge's copilot AI:
How to Define Magnus-effect in the Chess game?
Copilot:
"The “Magnus Effect” in chess is a term that is often used to describe the unique playing style and achievements of Magnus Carlsen, a world-renowned chess player. Here’s a more detailed definition:
Creating Opportunities: Magnus Carlsen has a remarkable ability to create winning opportunities from positions that appear balanced or even slightly disadvantageous. This ability to turn seemingly innocuous situations into advantageous ones is a key aspect of the “Magnus Effect”.
Consistent Performance: The term “Magnus Effect” also encapsulates Carlsen’s consistent performance in high-stakes matches. His ability to maintain a steady trajectory towards victory, even under pressure, is a defining characteristic of his playstyle.
Strategic Depth and Tactical Acuity: The “Magnus Effect” is a reflection of Carlsen’s deep understanding of the game’s strategies and his sharp tactical acuity. His moves often reveal a profound strategic depth and a keen sense for tactics.
Tenacious Fighting Spirit: Carlsen is known for his tenacious fighting spirit. He often grinds out wins from drawn positions, demonstrating a never-give-up attitude. This tenacity is another element of the “Magnus Effect”.
In essence, the “Magnus Effect” in chess is a testament to Magnus Carlsen’s mastery of the game and his ability to subtly improve his position. It’s a reflection of his strategic depth, tactical acuity, and tenacious fighting spirit. It’s important to note that this term is not an official chess term, but rather a colloquialism used to describe Carlsen’s impact on the game."
Replace the name and the name of game and you get rather good description of Serral, and 'Serral Effect'. :D
Excellent write-up as usual. This IEM Katowice 2024 title run definitely solidifies Serral as the No. 1 greatest of all time in SC2 history. Truly remarkable performance, as well as consistency and longevity in his career, especially from 2018 to present.
On February 17 2024 13:14 TornadoSteve wrote: Serral is the goat and its not even a debate. For many years, he has proven it and still doing so. But please, those who compare him to Magnus Carlsen are completely out of their mind. The longevity, the gap between him and his closest rivals are more importantly, the fact that SC 2 is almost dead while chess is more alive than ever, with many youngsters trying to push him should be more than enough to convince you.
Similarities in a sociological aspects of how his peers and chess commentators, fans and writers talk about Magnus, comment and handle with him and how Serral's opponents and SC2 commentators talk about Serral is striking and immediately evident. Regardless of differences in overall levels of competition between the games, there are nothing "completely out of mind" in the assumption that Serral may enjoy from some kind 'Magnus Carlsen - effect' within SC2 scene relative to his peers.
Already totally lost the count of how many times that is directly said or at least implied by mouths of his top level competition during various interviews over years. We can call it Serral -effect in SC2 context so nobody needs to get triggered by false straw man comparisons.
Otherwise comparisons are hardly fitting, tho not necessarily in all aspects "completely out of mind".
It’s not really mentioned enough as a plus point in the Serral column, but basically all pros I’ve ever heard asked, foreign or Korean have Serral as the man to beat. Not feared perhaps, at least for some, but definitely the toughest opponent going.
I mean these are his peers that are training with him, or they have to devise means to beat him if they’re drawn against him, they have to have some insight that counts for something.
I mean it was just a bit of fun to make some content for breaks, but the player cards Katowice had made kind of put it into perspective. 99s in multiple categories, and a decent gap in terms of average rating to even monsters like Reynor.
And the top pros will notice the little things, small optimisations or minor but impactful things that even regular GM level players won’t pick up on, never mind the rest of us plebs.
I asked soO during WCS Austin in 2017 (an event in which Nerchio made the finals) who the best Zerg in the event was. soO said it was Serral without hesitation (despite the fact that Serral was eliminated in the Ro8).
Another anecdote from Zhugeliang, a Chinese player live and play in Finland. in 2017 He told his friend Xiaose (one of scboy, famous SC2 commentators in China) that Finland has a genius Zerg player name Serral, who just finished school and finally decided to go full time in pro gaming. Zhugeliang believe this kid will become the best Zerg in the world one day.
Xiaose, who's been in the scene since early BW days, obviously shrugged it off and thought Zhugeliang was just talking nonsense. Best Zerg in the world? From Finland? Give me a break.
On February 17 2024 13:14 TornadoSteve wrote: Serral is the goat and its not even a debate. For many years, he has proven it and still doing so. But please, those who compare him to Magnus Carlsen are completely out of their mind. The longevity, the gap between him and his closest rivals are more importantly, the fact that SC 2 is almost dead while chess is more alive than ever, with many youngsters trying to push him should be more than enough to convince you.
Similarities in a sociological aspects of how his peers and chess commentators, fans and writers talk about Magnus, comment and handle with him and how Serral's opponents and SC2 commentators talk about Serral is striking and immediately evident. Regardless of differences in overall levels of competition between the games, there are nothing "completely out of mind" in the assumption that Serral may enjoy from some kind 'Magnus Carlsen - effect' within SC2 scene relative to his peers.
Already totally lost the count of how many times that is directly said or at least implied by mouths of his top level competition during various interviews over years. We can call it Serral -effect in SC2 context so nobody needs to get triggered by false straw man comparisons.
Otherwise comparisons are hardly fitting, tho not necessarily in all aspects "completely out of mind".
It’s not really mentioned enough as a plus point in the Serral column, but basically all pros I’ve ever heard asked, foreign or Korean have Serral as the man to beat. Not feared perhaps, at least for some, but definitely the toughest opponent going.
I mean these are his peers that are training with him, or they have to devise means to beat him if they’re drawn against him, they have to have some insight that counts for something.
I mean it was just a bit of fun to make some content for breaks, but the player cards Katowice had made kind of put it into perspective. 99s in multiple categories, and a decent gap in terms of average rating to even monsters like Reynor.
And the top pros will notice the little things, small optimisations or minor but impactful things that even regular GM level players won’t pick up on, never mind the rest of us plebs.
I asked soO during WCS Austin in 2017 (an event in which Nerchio made the finals) who the best Zerg in the event was. soO said it was Serral without hesitation (despite the fact that Serral was eliminated in the Ro8).
Another anecdote from Zhugeliang, a Chinese player live and play in Finland. in 2017 He told his friend Xiaose (one of scboy, famous SC2 commentators in China) that Finland has a genius Zerg player name Serral, who just finished school and finally decided to go full time in pro gaming. Zhugeliang believe this kid will become the best Zerg in the world one day.
Xiaose, who's been in the scene since early BW days, obviously shrugged it off and thought Zhugeliang was just talking nonsense. Best Zerg in the world? From Finland? Give me a break.
EPT
