EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/bannerdecorated.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEGTrdRhC2U
With a huge shoutout to Hyde, you can find all the matches from Kaal ISL's Round of 16 in the
Liquipedia Article, watch all the VODs on the Youtube channel, or find the results in the spoiler below.+ Show Spoiler +
Sziky 3 - 1 
Astro
Recommended: Game 1
Andrey 1 - 3 
Pro7ect
Recommended: Game 2
Michael 1 - 3 Seazel
Pike 3 - 0 SouthPark
Bakuryu 3 - 1 CastrO
Recommended: Game 1, Game 3
Ace 3 - 2 Patron
Recommended:
Bibiane 3 - 0 Plumbum
Recommended: Game 1
Jumper 0 - 3 
Kashu
Sziky 3 - 1 AstroRecommended: Game 1
Andrey 1 - 3 Pro7ectRecommended: Game 2
Michael 1 - 3 Seazel Pike 3 - 0 SouthPark Bakuryu 3 - 1 CastrORecommended: Game 1, Game 3
Ace 3 - 2 PatronRecommended:
Bibiane 3 - 0 PlumbumRecommended: Game 1
Jumper 0 - 3 KashuIf you missed any of the games, check out the recommended ones above. We leave the past behind here though. Because boy, do we have some great matches coming straight for ya in the Round of 8. Let's walk through a preview.
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hydro/ISL2/HungaryvsRuss.png)
Sziky: A- 169 - 53 (9185) // 2-0 non, 3-0 Octzerg, 3-1 AstrO Pro7ecT: B+ 86 - 31 (8324) // 3-1 andreyWith the first match presented here we already hit a highlight.
Sziky is named by nearly everyone as one as the favorite to win the whole thing. In the first ISL he went down in a close series to Scan, who later went on to win the whole thing. Combine this with some trashtalk from the former champion and we have perfect recipe for someone who is bound to be looking for revenge (or redemption!) by winning ISL2. Sziky was one of four players to reach an A- rank on the ISL Ladder stage and continued his hot streak through non, Octzerg and AstrO, dropping only a single game through out while showcasing all his matchups.On the other size of the ring we find
Pro7ecT. A Korean-now-Russian who picked up BW again two months ago after serving in the army. From his interview we find out that he plans the sole representative of Russia now that all his countrymen have been eliminated. Ending B+ on the ladder he received two Walk Overs, only having to face Andrey (who picked for the occasion) in the Round of 16. After a decisive 3-1 he now is up against Sziky.Sziky is the veteran, the famous one, the favorite, but don't count Pro7ecT out. While Sziky has every known advantage, Pro7ecT has all the unknown ones. He picked up the game after some inactivity fairly recently and, while his results so far have been impressive, there aren't a lot of them. With many of Sziky's games out there he might be in for a surprise. He's got the edge as far as his track record goes, but Pro7ecT will have a better time preparing. This will probably be one of the better series in this round, and a close one at that.
Poll: Who do you want to win?
Pro7ect (59)
54%
Sziky (50)
46%
109 total votes
Sziky (50)
109 total votes
Your vote: Who do you want to win?
Interviews
+ Show Spoiler [Sziky] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I was glad since 1. it's a tourney with a prize pool which is a huge motivation, and 2. BW is dying rapidly since sc2 came out and i feel only such leagues can save the remaining players.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Although i had no serious problems with it so far, i would prefer if the matches were played on sunday since i'd rather go out saturday evening than playing bw. Also sometimes i work on friday night, like last week, when i had to play Astro, i worked until 6 am and no sleep at night has it's effects on my play. Sadly i will work at night before the match against pro too.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I somewhat already knew most players' playstyle but of course there were some surprises as well.
On the same topic of top 12, as most do not know, the first place ladder qualifier received a monetary prize. How do you feel about placing only 6 points under Michael right before the ladder stage was closed?
To be honest i wasn't surpised because i felt it won't be enough but i expected someone else than Michael (i didn't even see him at the ladder and we didn't play
). It was bad since i think it was mainly because of the points. I mean 5 win worthed the same as a loss, it was hard to gain points with +65 and +32 while it was easy to fall behind with -270, -230, -200 :D And also lots of zvz, there were few terrans and protoss and i think zvz is my weakest mu right now.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
I wasn't particularly afraid of any match, although overall i had a small fear of failing. When i got to know that i had to play Astro insted of a zvz, i thought i would make it.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
my match against pro i'd only say that he beat me before so he could do it again.
sneazel vs pike - since sneazel beat michael, i'd say he'll beat pike too 3-1, although i haven't seen the series yet.
baku vs ace - I have to say if they played today probably bakuryu would win it but there's 1 week left :D so gl Ace will win 3-2
Kashu vs bibiane - I think bibiane's tvz is not bad so he has a chance against kashu but i think kashu will win 3-1 gl gogo kashu
Given that you are the absolute favored player in this starleague, what are your thoughts about the level of competition, and players in general thus far in the tournament?
A lot of good players gathered together and some of them were already eliminated so i certainly think its a high level competition. I've got to add though that i miss the big old 'rivals' who stopped playing BW like White-Ra, ret, idra, dima, strelok etc.
But anyone could show good results, there always can be surprises, so nobody should be put down!!!
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
According to my calculation kashu and ace will play it which will be a tough fight if it happens.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
Sneazel, because i think my zvp is better than my zvz.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
wuthering heis ( (C) by sziky ) - was never a beloved map i think, not even in korea, i dont think its appropriate here
longinus 2 - can be imba at some match ups
neo balwey ( (C) by sziky) - i don't know this map yet
aztec - good
hbr - for zvt, ouch but i like it
fs - its balanced, i think its fine.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvT? How confident are you in your ZvT, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Pro7ecT?
Sadly i'm not really confident these days, i dont think i'm good enough to say it will be easy win. I like this mu, maybe its the hardest with zerg.
Bo5 is fine for me (the more, the better). Now i'd say 1. zvp 2. zvt 3. zvz. Actually my actual mind state also affects what i like more.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Anyhow, i won't be glad if he really retires. But i think we can hope for another tournament, greater than any of them before.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
gl to everyone we have a nice top8 good matches will be played. go h u n g a r i a n s ! ! ! glglglglglgl
+ Show Spoiler [Pro7ect] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
Well, I was not able to participate in TSL and ISL1 because I was inactive, so ISL2 was my first big event since I came back. I thought that ISL2 is going to be as new opportunities for playing with good players. I didn’t make a goal to reach as far as I could, because I was not confident in my skill. I can say that it was very big luck for me to be in Round 8 of ISL2.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Wow, I’ve never heard about that matter! 19 CET Saturday is very good time for me. I didn’t have any troubles to come to the channel in time.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I watched only the games of my teammate Plumbum and several games from Sayle’s stream.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced so prepare up to the Round of 8?
I just played some ladder games and practice with my teammates. I think I played at least 2 hours every day.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
As you know, I got W.O’s for my previous Ro64 and Ro32 matches. It was not good for me, because I expected to play and to get some practical experiences from official matches. But I practiced a lot of TvP games, so I was confident I would win Andrey. In the Round of 8 I will face Sziky, he is very good player, indeed. But TvZ is my favorite match-up, so I think I can show all my skill in these matches.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
In the second leg… I think that Sneazel will not have much troubles with the games against Pike as he’ve already defeated trutaCz and Michael who were among top 12 ladder players. Next, Bakuryu against Ace. Both of them are good players, ZvZ match-up, so I think their games are going to be very close and the winner will be Ace. Bibiane vs Kashu. I don’t know exactly, but Kashu seem to be in very good shape, so my prediction is for him.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
Yes, Sziky is very good and as I know, ZvT is the best match-up for him. But Starcraft is quite unpredictable, so everything can happen. I will do my best to offer considerable resistance to Sziky.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I want to play against some Terran players because I feel very comfortable in TvT matchup.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
Most of them are standard maps, except Wuthering Heights and Beltway. To be honest, I’ve never played on those maps T_T
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 TvZ? How confident are you in your TvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Sziky?
TvZ was my best matchup before I went inactive. Now it is not so good as before, but I have several days to practice, so I think I can prepare some surprises for him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think Game should withdraw his retirement decision. Because there are not so much people who organize such great tourneys as ISL, Gambit Cup, etc. Players need such ambitious people! Game, don’t leave! ^^
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
I would like to say hello to my reps teammates, all visitors of reps.ru, defiler.ru, sc2tv.ru. I hope I will show my best play against Sziky. I am looking forward for dynamic and epic games. Thank you all!
+ Show Spoiler [Sziky] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I was glad since 1. it's a tourney with a prize pool which is a huge motivation, and 2. BW is dying rapidly since sc2 came out and i feel only such leagues can save the remaining players.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Although i had no serious problems with it so far, i would prefer if the matches were played on sunday since i'd rather go out saturday evening than playing bw. Also sometimes i work on friday night, like last week, when i had to play Astro, i worked until 6 am and no sleep at night has it's effects on my play. Sadly i will work at night before the match against pro too.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I somewhat already knew most players' playstyle but of course there were some surprises as well.
On the same topic of top 12, as most do not know, the first place ladder qualifier received a monetary prize. How do you feel about placing only 6 points under Michael right before the ladder stage was closed?
To be honest i wasn't surpised because i felt it won't be enough but i expected someone else than Michael (i didn't even see him at the ladder and we didn't play
). It was bad since i think it was mainly because of the points. I mean 5 win worthed the same as a loss, it was hard to gain points with +65 and +32 while it was easy to fall behind with -270, -230, -200 :D And also lots of zvz, there were few terrans and protoss and i think zvz is my weakest mu right now.At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
I wasn't particularly afraid of any match, although overall i had a small fear of failing. When i got to know that i had to play Astro insted of a zvz, i thought i would make it.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
my match against pro i'd only say that he beat me before so he could do it again.
sneazel vs pike - since sneazel beat michael, i'd say he'll beat pike too 3-1, although i haven't seen the series yet.
baku vs ace - I have to say if they played today probably bakuryu would win it but there's 1 week left :D so gl Ace will win 3-2
Kashu vs bibiane - I think bibiane's tvz is not bad so he has a chance against kashu but i think kashu will win 3-1 gl gogo kashu
Given that you are the absolute favored player in this starleague, what are your thoughts about the level of competition, and players in general thus far in the tournament?
A lot of good players gathered together and some of them were already eliminated so i certainly think its a high level competition. I've got to add though that i miss the big old 'rivals' who stopped playing BW like White-Ra, ret, idra, dima, strelok etc.
But anyone could show good results, there always can be surprises, so nobody should be put down!!!
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
According to my calculation kashu and ace will play it which will be a tough fight if it happens.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
Sneazel, because i think my zvp is better than my zvz.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
wuthering heis ( (C) by sziky ) - was never a beloved map i think, not even in korea, i dont think its appropriate here
longinus 2 - can be imba at some match ups
neo balwey ( (C) by sziky) - i don't know this map yet
aztec - good
hbr - for zvt, ouch
but i like itfs - its balanced, i think its fine.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvT? How confident are you in your ZvT, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Pro7ecT?
Sadly i'm not really confident these days, i dont think i'm good enough to say it will be easy win. I like this mu, maybe its the hardest with zerg.
Bo5 is fine for me (the more, the better). Now i'd say 1. zvp 2. zvt 3. zvz. Actually my actual mind state also affects what i like more.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Anyhow, i won't be glad if he really retires. But i think we can hope for another tournament, greater than any of them before.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
gl to everyone we have a nice top8 good matches will be played. go h u n g a r i a n s ! ! ! glglglglglgl
+ Show Spoiler [Pro7ect] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
Well, I was not able to participate in TSL and ISL1 because I was inactive, so ISL2 was my first big event since I came back. I thought that ISL2 is going to be as new opportunities for playing with good players. I didn’t make a goal to reach as far as I could, because I was not confident in my skill. I can say that it was very big luck for me to be in Round 8 of ISL2.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Wow, I’ve never heard about that matter! 19 CET Saturday is very good time for me. I didn’t have any troubles to come to the channel in time.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I watched only the games of my teammate Plumbum and several games from Sayle’s stream.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced so prepare up to the Round of 8?
I just played some ladder games and practice with my teammates. I think I played at least 2 hours every day.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
As you know, I got W.O’s for my previous Ro64 and Ro32 matches. It was not good for me, because I expected to play and to get some practical experiences from official matches. But I practiced a lot of TvP games, so I was confident I would win Andrey. In the Round of 8 I will face Sziky, he is very good player, indeed. But TvZ is my favorite match-up, so I think I can show all my skill in these matches.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
In the second leg… I think that Sneazel will not have much troubles with the games against Pike as he’ve already defeated trutaCz and Michael who were among top 12 ladder players. Next, Bakuryu against Ace. Both of them are good players, ZvZ match-up, so I think their games are going to be very close and the winner will be Ace. Bibiane vs Kashu. I don’t know exactly, but Kashu seem to be in very good shape, so my prediction is for him.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
Yes, Sziky is very good and as I know, ZvT is the best match-up for him. But Starcraft is quite unpredictable, so everything can happen. I will do my best to offer considerable resistance to Sziky.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I want to play against some Terran players because I feel very comfortable in TvT matchup.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
Most of them are standard maps, except Wuthering Heights and Beltway. To be honest, I’ve never played on those maps T_T
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 TvZ? How confident are you in your TvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat
Sziky?TvZ was my best matchup before I went inactive. Now it is not so good as before, but I have several days to practice, so I think I can prepare some surprises for him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think Game should withdraw his retirement decision. Because there are not so much people who organize such great tourneys as ISL, Gambit Cup, etc. Players need such ambitious people! Game, don’t leave! ^^
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
I would like to say hello to my reps teammates, all visitors of reps.ru, defiler.ru, sc2tv.ru. I hope I will show my best play against Sziky. I am looking forward for dynamic and epic games. Thank you all!
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hydro/ISL2/pikevssneazel.png)
Sneazel: B+ 81 - 39 (8242) // 3-1 trutaCz, 3-1 Michael Pike: C+ 34 - 4 (5059) // 2-0 Bizarre, 3-0 Cryoc, 3-0 SouthParkThe Round of 8 will be a sad day for Poland since the two remaining Poles are facing one another - guaranteeing one to be knocked out of the ISL. Don't be sad though, because the match will certainly be a good one. Sneazel finished off the ladder stages at B+ and has defeated two Zergs so far in
trutaCz and Michael. I hope everyone has seen those series as they were some of the best PvZs in the tournament thus far. Sneazel has shown great lategame management, a variety of great builds as well as an upset versus Michael.Pike was a relative unknown to me, having been eliminated by Szajna and Bishop in the early rounds of the first ISL. However, his ISL2 record so far has been impressive. 34-4 on ladder, and defeating
Bizarre, Cryoc and Southpark without dropping a game and while showcasing all three matchups. In particular, his late game unit control in his series against Cryoc was impressive.It's hard to call this series. Both players have been showing us great games and it's sad to see either one go. On the bright side though, both players have shown tendencies towards long games, or at least aren't afraid to take it there. Sneazel has been watching Sayle's stream, so we might see some Arbiters?, and watching Pike's minimap as he swarms seven control groups of units over the maps gives me nerdchills. I expect a close, hard-fought series. Who will become King of Poland?
Poll: Who do you want to win?
Sneazel (35)
65%
Pike (19)
35%
54 total votes
Pike (19)
54 total votes
Your vote: Who do you want to win?
Interviews
+ Show Spoiler [Sneazel] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
Nothing special. I just felt happy to participate in such a big tour. I desired my games to be broadcast live. What is more, I was positively astonished when I saw the pool-prize
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Personally, I think it would be better to play about 21CET, but 19CET is also ok.
But on the other hand, the later I would play, the better it would be because of my poor internet connection
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
Yes, I did. I'm still trying to analyze games of my potential opponents. At the moment, I prefer watching BW streams (Gambit Cup, ISL2, Defiler.ru and other players' streams) to playing myself.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I have to admit that recently I've not been paying so much attention to playing BW. On average, I have played maybe 2-3 games daily, playing mainly for fun and choosing offraces.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
Replying to your first question, I realized it after matches against Michael(OD) LOL. As you have seen, I was really lucky in the last game, but I made an unexpected comeback. As for upcoming matches, I feel I'm prepared to challenge next top Zerg player. I'm focused on that match.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
All my teammates from Gt like Michael, AstrO, SouthPark, trutaCz and Andrey have been eliminated before Ro8. Only Pike - my polish BW-mate - left, and I would wish him good luck, but I do not (LOL), as he is my rival in the next round.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
I hope that Pro7ecT will beat him because I would shit my pants at the thought of playing versus him. I remember games when he has beaten me so hard.
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
In my opinion, the other legs will constitute: Sziky, Ace and Kashu - all Hungarian players.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I do not have a real choice, because in this tournament there are so many Zergs, but I would like to play PvP.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I do not like HBR and Neo Aztec because it is really hard to play PvZ on them. The rest of maps are alright.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 PvZ? How confident are you in your PvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Pike?
It is the hardest question ever! PvZ is really enjoyable to play as well as to watch. As I said before, in this event I have played mostly against Zergs, so I think this MU is ok. All my Match Ups are level with each other.
We both play at a similar level and the case of who will advance to the Semifinals will definitely not be decided in 3 games. I think there could be five games.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think he is gonna to comeback, in front of him there is a great future in USA and Korea later on. He has the makings of being Progamer. In my opinion, playing SC:BW can be his job and he could be breadwinner. Just kidding of course ^^ But seriously, I believe that he will retire. I'm also considering doing the same.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
Just regards to my fans (if I have some) ROFL
+ Show Spoiler [Pike] +
Hi I'm LRM)Pike and I'm taller than Game.
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I had no idea about announcing ISL2 and I wouldn't untill I was fired from holiday job. Then i came back to home, started playing sc:bw and saw ISL2 ID's on iCCup so I registered quickly and started playing ladder because I had only few days to qualif.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Now when i say 'Saturday' i know that i have to do something important and i mean ISL2
How did you feel about your group of the group stage?
There were qualifing a lot of players with much lower skill and i had no doubts that i will pass group stage easly. I didn’t know any of my opponents from my group but no offence to anyone, i stopped fallowing foreign scene few years ago and have no idea who new plays now at high level.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I haven't spent yet many hours to preper but i'm going to play some.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When i saw bracket i knew that only SouthPark can stop me before being in RO8 but i passed him so here i am! No doubts about upcoming matches, just have to play my best and beat Sneazel
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
Sziky vs Pro7ect will be really awsome match, can't wait to see replays from it, I bet on Sziky. Bakuryu vs Ace it's zvz so everything can happen in this match up, but imo Bakuryu is little better in this MU. And Bibiane vs Kashu can be really curious - Bibiane has good TvZ but Kashu is solid, strong zerg and also can surprise with other race (maybe he is getting ready something crazy?!). Bet on Kashu.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
He is probably the most skilled and experienced player in this tourney, I placed him at least top3 of ISL2 but now Pro7ect showed that he's also very strong and on the other hand Sziky can always lose in zvz with one of us - zergs
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
Hmm zvz or zvt.. both match ups have pros and cons and have no idea which will be better for me. I focus now at my zvp.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
They are horrible :< If i will lose it's your fault Game.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvP? How confident are you in your ZvP, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat SneazeL?
I feel confident if only i won't do any stupid moves. About ranking them it would look like ZvP=ZvT>ZvZ (lottery of zvz decide about it). It won't be easy but i know i can beat him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I have no idea what's going on in this crazy Game's head but hope he won't disappear like dinosaurs and have conntact with us still
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
NW POWER !
+ Show Spoiler [Sneazel] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
Nothing special. I just felt happy to participate in such a big tour. I desired my games to be broadcast live. What is more, I was positively astonished when I saw the pool-prize
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Personally, I think it would be better to play about 21CET, but 19CET is also ok.
But on the other hand, the later I would play, the better it would be because of my poor internet connection
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
Yes, I did. I'm still trying to analyze games of my potential opponents. At the moment, I prefer watching BW streams (Gambit Cup, ISL2, Defiler.ru and other players' streams) to playing myself.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I have to admit that recently I've not been paying so much attention to playing BW. On average, I have played maybe 2-3 games daily, playing mainly for fun and choosing offraces.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
Replying to your first question, I realized it after matches against Michael(OD) LOL. As you have seen, I was really lucky in the last game, but I made an unexpected comeback. As for upcoming matches, I feel I'm prepared to challenge next top Zerg player. I'm focused on that match.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
All my teammates from Gt like Michael, AstrO, SouthPark, trutaCz and Andrey have been eliminated before Ro8. Only Pike - my polish BW-mate - left, and I would wish him good luck, but I do not (LOL), as he is my rival in the next round.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
I hope that Pro7ecT will beat him because I would shit my pants at the thought of playing versus him. I remember games when he has beaten me so hard.
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
In my opinion, the other legs will constitute: Sziky, Ace and Kashu - all Hungarian players.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I do not have a real choice, because in this tournament there are so many Zergs, but I would like to play PvP.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I do not like HBR and Neo Aztec because it is really hard to play PvZ on them. The rest of maps are alright.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 PvZ? How confident are you in your PvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Pike?
It is the hardest question ever! PvZ is really enjoyable to play as well as to watch. As I said before, in this event I have played mostly against Zergs, so I think this MU is ok. All my Match Ups are level with each other.
We both play at a similar level and the case of who will advance to the Semifinals will definitely not be decided in 3 games. I think there could be five games.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think he is gonna to comeback, in front of him there is a great future in USA and Korea later on. He has the makings of being Progamer. In my opinion, playing SC:BW can be his job and he could be breadwinner. Just kidding of course ^^ But seriously, I believe that he will retire. I'm also considering doing the same.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
Just regards to my fans (if I have some) ROFL
+ Show Spoiler [Pike] +
Hi I'm LRM)Pike and I'm taller than Game.
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I had no idea about announcing ISL2 and I wouldn't untill I was fired from holiday job. Then i came back to home, started playing sc:bw and saw ISL2 ID's on iCCup so I registered quickly and started playing ladder because I had only few days to qualif.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Now when i say 'Saturday' i know that i have to do something important and i mean ISL2
How did you feel about your group of the group stage?
There were qualifing a lot of players with much lower skill and i had no doubts that i will pass group stage easly. I didn’t know any of my opponents from my group but no offence to anyone, i stopped fallowing foreign scene few years ago and have no idea who new plays now at high level.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I haven't spent yet many hours to preper but i'm going to play some.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When i saw bracket i knew that only SouthPark can stop me before being in RO8 but i passed him so here i am! No doubts about upcoming matches, just have to play my best and beat Sneazel
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
Sziky vs Pro7ect will be really awsome match, can't wait to see replays from it, I bet on Sziky. Bakuryu vs Ace it's zvz so everything can happen in this match up, but imo Bakuryu is little better in this MU. And Bibiane vs Kashu can be really curious - Bibiane has good TvZ but Kashu is solid, strong zerg and also can surprise with other race (maybe he is getting ready something crazy?!
). Bet on Kashu.Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
He is probably the most skilled and experienced player in this tourney, I placed him at least top3 of ISL2 but now Pro7ect showed that he's also very strong and on the other hand Sziky can always lose in zvz with one of us - zergs
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
Hmm zvz or zvt.. both match ups have pros and cons and have no idea which will be better for me. I focus now at my zvp.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
They are horrible :< If i will lose it's your fault Game.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvP? How confident are you in your ZvP, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat SneazeL?
I feel confident if only i won't do any stupid moves. About ranking them it would look like ZvP=ZvT>ZvZ (lottery of zvz decide about it). It won't be easy but i know i can beat him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I have no idea what's going on in this crazy Game's head but hope he won't disappear like dinosaurs and have conntact with us still
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
NW POWER !
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hydro/ISL2/AcevsBak.png)
Bakuryu: B+ 130 - 72 (8649) // 2-0 ProZZZero, 3-1 GoTunk, 3-1 CastrO Ace: Invited // 3-2 Patron Bakuryu vs Ace is probably better known as Moustache Zerg versus Sniper Zerg and the fact that it's ZvZ will probably play a big role in this match. Ace finished as silver medalist in the first ISL, winning his ZvZ Semifinals against DeSka with a nice (but not decisive?) 4-2. His results in ISL1 earned him an invite to ISL2, and with two Walk Overs in the Ro64 and Ro32 we consequently haven't seen a whole lot of games from him. His series versus PatrrrOn was awesome, but doesn't tell us much about his current ZvZ shape. We should give him the edge, but carefully.His opponent isn't
CastrO. Which is weird? Sayle's analysis of CastrO knocking out Kolll, and Kolll dominating Bakuryu, meaning CastrO has good grounds to win against Bakuryu seems sound... but somehow it didn't happen. Bakuryu ZvZed his way through ProZZZero and CastrO, taking an impressive series off of GoTunk in between. Bakuryu might secretly be pretty good at ZvZ. It might be the fact that Sayle serenades him with themesongs. It might be the moustache. Who knows.ZvZs are known to be able to go either way, and although Bakuryu may seem the underdog, he is probably the best contender to put up some resistance to Ace in this matchup.
Poll: Who do you want to win?
Ace (28)
51%
Bakuryu (27)
49%
55 total votes
Bakuryu (27)
55 total votes
Your vote: Who do you want to win?
Interviews
+ Show Spoiler [Bakuryu] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
i was happy because i got another chance to prove myself, after i lost in ISL1 pretty early to dragon in ro32
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
well its ok for me because i live in CET, nothing much to say about it^^
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
only 1 of my enemies had 1 game which helped me, other than that, there were many walkovers in the group stage....
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
until now, nothing. but i guess it will be around 40 games
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
when i saw my lings in castros main in 4th game and he had no sunk, i knew i could take it home even through it ended up being close.
i wont get easier in the next matches so i try to give my best and maybe i can pull trough.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
i think, sziky, pike and bibiane will win. no idea about my game
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
i will worry about that when i actually get to the finals
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I would like to play kashu in semi and sneazel in finals
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
i dont like that wuthering heights is one of the set maps, i would consider it the hitchhiker of ISL2. other than that... meh
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvZ? How confident are you in your ZvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Ace?
the last time i played vs ace (5 months ago i think) we went 4-4. as i said in my ISL2 interview, im not very confident in my zvz and he can watch my games vs castro and zzzero... so yeah...
zvz compared to my other matchups? i think its hard to compare that, i think im equal bad everywhere.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
no idea, if he wants to retire then he should retire. its his decision and nobody can help him with that. he should do what he thinks is right for him^^
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
hm not really, i just hope that i can win, so that my special song wont hurt me :D
+ Show Spoiler [Ace] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I was really happy, because ISL is the biggest SC tournament nowadays. After ISL1 I was inactive, I did not practice, I played only on CW games, so it's really hard for me to become that powerful again.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Well, it's ok I think. Players have time only on weekends, they couldn't play in different time. I have only one problem with it, I can't watch the stream, because I have games too! :D
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
Well, I have practiced against all of my opponents. I was training 6-7 hours a day for 4-5 days before my game against Ramms, and 3-4 hours for 3-4 days against DeSka.
Unfortunately both of these games were freewins. Against UltrA, I did not practice, I played only ladder games.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When I saw the brackets, I knew I could make it into the Round of 8, because there was no big monster zergs like Michael or trutaCz.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
I think Sziky, Sneazel and Kashu will make the Semifinals, and i hope i could do it too against Bakuryu.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
Yes, it's true. He's the best player right now, and I'm really happy, about the fact that I could only meet him in the Grand Finals.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I'd like to face against a Terran probably. My ZvZ is kinda weak nowadays, and I don't really like ZvZ, because it's a micro game. I'd prefer some Terran guy.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
Well, in ZvZ the maps don't really matter, so I don't think I should be sad about it. Anyway I think Pike could have some troubles against Sneazel because of the maps.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvZ? How confident are you in your ZvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Bakuryu?
Well, I think we're gonna play exciting matches, and it's ok for me. I have great zerg friends who practice with me. I think my ZvT>ZvZ>ZvP right now. Bakuryu is a really good player, but as I heard, he does not like ZvZ that much, and with some practice I will beat him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Oh well, I think he wants to stop BW, cuz of the less activity from the community, and he's 100% sincere. BUT!!! I hope he won't leave, cuz he's a cool guy, and he does a really good job for the BW community with his tournament's organization.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
GO SAS! GO HUNGARIANS FOR THE WIN!
+ Show Spoiler [Bakuryu] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
i was happy because i got another chance to prove myself, after i lost in ISL1 pretty early to dragon in ro32
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
well its ok for me because i live in CET, nothing much to say about it^^
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
only 1 of my enemies had 1 game which helped me, other than that, there were many walkovers in the group stage....
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
until now, nothing. but i guess it will be around 40 games
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
when i saw my lings in castros main in 4th game and he had no sunk, i knew i could take it home even through it ended up being close.
i wont get easier in the next matches so i try to give my best and maybe i can pull trough.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
i think, sziky, pike and bibiane will win. no idea about my game
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
i will worry about that when i actually get to the finals
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I would like to play kashu in semi and sneazel in finals
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
i dont like that wuthering heights is one of the set maps, i would consider it the hitchhiker of ISL2. other than that... meh
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvZ? How confident are you in your ZvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Ace?
the last time i played vs ace (5 months ago i think) we went 4-4. as i said in my ISL2 interview, im not very confident in my zvz and he can watch my games vs castro and zzzero... so yeah...
zvz compared to my other matchups? i think its hard to compare that, i think im equal bad everywhere.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
no idea, if he wants to retire then he should retire. its his decision and nobody can help him with that. he should do what he thinks is right for him^^
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
hm not really, i just hope that i can win, so that my special song wont hurt me :D
+ Show Spoiler [Ace] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I was really happy, because ISL is the biggest SC tournament nowadays. After ISL1 I was inactive, I did not practice, I played only on CW games, so it's really hard for me to become that powerful again.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Well, it's ok I think. Players have time only on weekends, they couldn't play in different time. I have only one problem with it, I can't watch the stream, because I have games too! :D
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
Well, I have practiced against all of my opponents. I was training 6-7 hours a day for 4-5 days before my game against Ramms, and 3-4 hours for 3-4 days against DeSka.
Unfortunately both of these games were freewins. Against UltrA, I did not practice, I played only ladder games.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When I saw the brackets, I knew I could make it into the Round of 8, because there was no big monster zergs like Michael or trutaCz.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
I think Sziky, Sneazel and Kashu will make the Semifinals, and i hope i could do it too against Bakuryu.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
Yes, it's true. He's the best player right now, and I'm really happy, about the fact that I could only meet him in the Grand Finals.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
I'd like to face against a Terran probably. My ZvZ is kinda weak nowadays, and I don't really like ZvZ, because it's a micro game. I'd prefer some Terran guy.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
Well, in ZvZ the maps don't really matter, so I don't think I should be sad about it. Anyway I think Pike could have some troubles against Sneazel because of the maps.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 ZvZ? How confident are you in your ZvZ, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Bakuryu?
Well, I think we're gonna play exciting matches, and it's ok for me. I have great zerg friends who practice with me. I think my ZvT>ZvZ>ZvP right now. Bakuryu is a really good player, but as I heard, he does not like ZvZ that much, and with some practice I will beat him.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Oh well, I think he wants to stop BW, cuz of the less activity from the community, and he's 100% sincere. BUT!!! I hope he won't leave, cuz he's a cool guy, and he does a really good job for the BW community with his tournament's organization.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
GO SAS! GO HUNGARIANS FOR THE WIN!
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hydro/ISL2/KASVSBIB.png)
Bibiane: C+ 39 - 3 (9185) // 3-2 TerranBoy, 3-0 Plumbum Kashu: B+ 86 - 31 (8324) // 2-0 Whistler, 3-2 TechnicS, 3-0 Jumper Bibiane is someone else people don't know a whole lot about. Up until 3-0ing Plumbum he was probably the underdog. Almost getting knocked out by Pike in the prelims, almost dramaing out vs TerranBoy in the Ro32, and having reached only a C+ on the ladder seems wonky at best. At a closer look though, his ladder record gives us a 39-3 (!) record, while in his series against Plumbum showed absolute TvZ dominance.Kashu is random, or a racepicker, or Zerg. We're not so sure to be honest. The main thing to note though is that he's from Hungary, and with 3 out of the 8 remaining players being from Hungary, we should probably suspect that there's something in the water there. Kashu is immensely versatile - he played TvZ versus
Whistler, PvZ versus TechnicS and ZvP versus Jumper. From his interview below it seems that, versus Bibiane, he hasn't even decided what race to play yet. Anything might happen.And that's pretty much as far as predictions goes. Bibiane thoroughly impressed me against Plumbum, who I had picked as favorite for that match, but since it's completely unpredictable what Kashu will do it's hard to say anything sensible. There is a possibility Kashu has depleted his resources - showing no less than 5 match ups in his previous rounds, and planning to show 3 more in the oncoming series might be too much for any human being to handle. Then again, maybe the complete opposite is true and we'll find out how frightening those Hungarian powers truly are.
Poll: Who do you want to win?
Kashu (41)
61%
Bibiane (26)
39%
67 total votes
Bibiane (26)
67 total votes
Your vote: Who do you want to win?
Interviews
+ Show Spoiler [Bibiane] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
At first I took tournament just for fun but when I got qualified for 108 I expected I would make it to later on.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Since I live in Canada and the game time is at 1pm Saturday, it's convenient for me.
How did you feel about your group of the group stage?
I thought it was going to be easy althought I haven't played them before.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I've only managed to play two games to prepare, until to the round of 8.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
Since I got two byes I thought that getting into ro8 would'nt be too difficult. No.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
I think Sziky will make it to the finals.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
My thoughts on potentially facing Sziky in later rounds doesn't bother me because he is like any other zerg player which I don't think it's hard to beat.
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
I think Sziky, Sneazel, and Bakuryu will make it to the semifinals.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
It doesn't really matter to me since they are both zerg players. If I have to choose one, I'd say Bakuryu because I played some games with him before.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I don't feel comfortable because I haven't played the most maps in the round of 8.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 TvR? How confident are you in your TvR, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat The Comeback Kid aka Kashu?
It might be hard to prepare to play against random but I am pretty confident beating Kashu.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think he is sincere because he has been playing for a long time and achieved many things.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
Special thanks to all the SL members that have helped me to get into the round of 8 especially Alec and Agavond.
+ Show Spoiler [Kashu] +
Hello, I'm Gergely 'Kashu' Fincza, 25 years old, and I have been playing SC:BW since 2002. In my real life I have a little web developing and design company, and I just finished the University of Economics; Faculty of Business. In my e-sports life I achieved what I wanted when I won the Hungarian WCG in 2006 and I participated in Monza. After that I stopped practicing and just played in clan wars, LAN tournaments, and online competitions. ISL2 is the only one tournament where I practice every week again!
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I never watch proleague vods or anything, but in the first ISL, I really liked Ace's game and Sayle's casts, so I was very happy to see this competition again.
At first I didn't care to sign up, because I don't like the ladder qualification, but when I saw that there will be many players, I decided to try it. Later I was shocked that I could reach the top 12, because I'm really bad at laddering.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
We don't have a problem, because it's 19:00 in Hungary on Saturday. If I finish my games, I can still go outside in time.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I didn't care about the players and opponents before the top 64, because I knew there will be a minimum of one week for preparation, and I'd just have to concentrate one opponent per week. I saw just my teammates games.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I never play that much, because I'm currently working 10 hours every day and I have 2-3 football match/training in per week, so I can play only late in the night. Despite that, I have very skilled teammates, and I can prepare with them 4-5 hours in a week. Btw I'm thinking of new build orders every week, and if I have time I practice them against some usual play.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When I saw the brackets of the top 64, I knew if I could beat Whistler in the first round, I can manage the top 8-4 somehow. It's never easy, because everybody is skilled at this level, and there are many personal things that can disturb somebody before the games. I think I have good chances against Bibiane, because I have 25-30 LAN tournaments, 180-200 clan war games, and dont know how many online competitions in my pocket. Therefore, I can play very confidentally. I don't know if my skill is enough to win, but I know I can accomplish what I know.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
In the 1st leg I'm sure in Sziky's win, who will face off with Sneazel or Pike in the semifinal. As I saw, Sneazel is very good in PvZ, but I remember Pike's best mu was ZvP some years ago, so it will be very hard. I bet on Pike, because I want him to win Certainly in the 3rd leg I think Ace will manage against Bakuryu, sadly its ZvZ, where anything can happen. In my leg, I really hope I can win somehow.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
I don't think there is best player now, because Ace, Bakuryu and Sziky are very good level now. But finally I think Sziky will win the whole tournament, because he always had something back luck in TSL or ISL1, and I don't think he will miss this chance.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
If I can reach the semi-final, I don't have many chance, because Baku or Ace will come there, so I will have to play against Zerg, which is the worst for me. I know many things that hurt for Zergs, but sometimes I can't make what I want. My play against zerg is very complex, because I try to find the best opportunities in order to choose the right race and what is best for actual map. In this competition I really prepared for TvZ against Whistler, because I knew that's the best chance for me. Against TechnicS I couldn't decide earlier, because I didn't know his experiences (I thought he is Terran btw), so I had to discover my chances in the real games... That's why I lost two games easily, then I changed my mind and used safe protoss macro techs.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I think it's enough fair, but Wuthering is not so good for zergs. I don't have to find special strategies for these maps.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 RvT? How confident are you in your RvT, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Bibiane?
I think I will use zerg, but I'm confident in PvT too, so we will see, I didn't start my practice games yet. ZvT is my best match up, which I can't show in this competition yet, so I'm sure there will be one ZvT minimum. My PvT is good enough, and I can say my TvT is the worst, although as I remember, I always won my higher ranked TvT's somehow.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Hahhh.. :D I don't think there can be anything in real life, what announce a "retirement". It's not a TV series I mean I had periods in my BW career when I didn't play for months, or I just play some games/month, but I never said to my friends to say goodbye for ever. Everybody can manage free time besides live full life. I lived together with my girlfriends (first 5,5, second 1,5 years) for 7 years, I made 2 companies and a university and I spend minimum 8-9 hours with sports in a week.
So my advice for Game is to don't say such bullshit, if he won't go to army, he can show his skills sometimes in game and organization too in the future.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
I know that it's usual to say some thanks in this part of interview, but I really want to say thank you to everybody who works on this competition. It's very good, because after this tournament I got so many positive impressions from everybody who saw my games, something I never felt before. I hope I can play enjoyable games in the TOP 8, and I hope later too.
For more interviews, keep an eye on Hacklebeast's Interview Thread
+ Show Spoiler [Bibiane] +
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
At first I took tournament just for fun but when I got qualified for 108 I expected I would make it to later on.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
Since I live in Canada and the game time is at 1pm Saturday, it's convenient for me.
How did you feel about your group of the group stage?
I thought it was going to be easy althought I haven't played them before.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I've only managed to play two games to prepare, until to the round of 8.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
Since I got two byes I thought that getting into ro8 would'nt be too difficult. No.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
I think Sziky will make it to the finals.
Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
My thoughts on potentially facing Sziky in later rounds doesn't bother me because he is like any other zerg player which I don't think it's hard to beat.
So as far as predictions go who do you think will make the semifinals from the other legs?
I think Sziky, Sneazel, and Bakuryu will make it to the semifinals.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
It doesn't really matter to me since they are both zerg players. If I have to choose one, I'd say Bakuryu because I played some games with him before.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I don't feel comfortable because I haven't played the most maps in the round of 8.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 TvR? How confident are you in your TvR, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat The Comeback Kid aka Kashu?
It might be hard to prepare to play against random but I am pretty confident beating Kashu.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
I think he is sincere because he has been playing for a long time and achieved many things.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
Special thanks to all the SL members that have helped me to get into the round of 8 especially Alec and Agavond.
+ Show Spoiler [Kashu] +
Hello, I'm Gergely 'Kashu' Fincza, 25 years old, and I have been playing SC:BW since 2002. In my real life I have a little web developing and design company, and I just finished the University of Economics; Faculty of Business. In my e-sports life I achieved what I wanted when I won the Hungarian WCG in 2006 and I participated in Monza. After that I stopped practicing and just played in clan wars, LAN tournaments, and online competitions. ISL2 is the only one tournament where I practice every week again!
What were your feelings about ISL2 when it was originally announced?
I never watch proleague vods or anything, but in the first ISL, I really liked Ace's game and Sayle's casts, so I was very happy to see this competition again.
At first I didn't care to sign up, because I don't like the ladder qualification, but when I saw that there will be many players, I decided to try it. Later I was shocked that I could reach the top 12, because I'm really bad at laddering.
Overall, we know it's a big concern among foreign players, how do you feel about the day and time that all Kaal's International StarLeague matches are played on?
We don't have a problem, because it's 19:00 in Hungary on Saturday. If I finish my games, I can still go outside in time.
Being that you were a top 12 qualifier in the ladder stage of the starleague, did you end up watching your opponents or learning anything in the group stages?
I didn't care about the players and opponents before the top 64, because I knew there will be a minimum of one week for preparation, and I'd just have to concentrate one opponent per week. I saw just my teammates games.
Overall, how many hours or games would you say you've practiced to prepare up to the Round of 8?
I never play that much, because I'm currently working 10 hours every day and I have 2-3 football match/training in per week, so I can play only late in the night. Despite that, I have very skilled teammates, and I can prepare with them 4-5 hours in a week. Btw I'm thinking of new build orders every week, and if I have time I practice them against some usual play.
At what point could you see that you would make it into the Round of 8, and do you have any doubts about any of the upcoming matches?
When I saw the brackets of the top 64, I knew if I could beat Whistler in the first round, I can manage the top 8-4 somehow. It's never easy, because everybody is skilled at this level, and there are many personal things that can disturb somebody before the games. I think I have good chances against Bibiane, because I have 25-30 LAN tournaments, 180-200 clan war games, and dont know how many online competitions in my pocket. Therefore, I can play very confidentally. I don't know if my skill is enough to win, but I know I can accomplish what I know.
What are your predictions for your fellow tournament players in the Round of 8?
In the 1st leg I'm sure in Sziky's win, who will face off with Sneazel or Pike in the semifinal. As I saw, Sneazel is very good in PvZ, but I remember Pike's best mu was ZvP some years ago, so it will be very hard. I bet on Pike, because I want him to win
Certainly in the 3rd leg I think Ace will manage against Bakuryu, sadly its ZvZ, where anything can happen. In my leg, I really hope I can win somehow.Many would say that Sziky is the best player in the tournament and favored him to win, what are your thoughts on potentially facing him in later rounds?
I don't think there is best player now, because Ace, Bakuryu and Sziky are very good level now. But finally I think Sziky will win the whole tournament, because he always had something back luck in TSL or ISL1, and I don't think he will miss this chance.
Okay, so if you had your way, who would be the preferable matchup for the semifinals for you?
If I can reach the semi-final, I don't have many chance, because Baku or Ace will come there, so I will have to play against Zerg, which is the worst for me. I know many things that hurt for Zergs, but sometimes I can't make what I want. My play against zerg is very complex, because I try to find the best opportunities in order to choose the right race and what is best for actual map. In this competition I really prepared for TvZ against Whistler, because I knew that's the best chance for me. Against TechnicS I couldn't decide earlier, because I didn't know his experiences (I thought he is Terran btw), so I had to discover my chances in the real games... That's why I lost two games easily, then I changed my mind and used safe protoss macro techs.
How do you feel about the Round of 8 maps?
I think it's enough fair, but Wuthering is not so good for zergs. I don't have to find special strategies for these maps.
How do you feel about going into a best of 5 RvT? How confident are you in your RvT, and how would you rank it with your other matchups? Also, how confident are you in your ability to beat Bibiane?
I think I will use zerg, but I'm confident in PvT too, so we will see, I didn't start my practice games yet. ZvT is my best match up, which I can't show in this competition yet, so I'm sure there will be one ZvT minimum. My PvT is good enough, and I can say my TvT is the worst, although as I remember, I always won my higher ranked TvT's somehow.
Game announced his retirement after the end of this tournament. Do you think he's sincere, or that he has something up his sleeve? Why?
Hahhh.. :D I don't think there can be anything in real life, what announce a "retirement". It's not a TV series
I mean I had periods in my BW career when I didn't play for months, or I just play some games/month, but I never said to my friends to say goodbye for ever. Everybody can manage free time besides live full life. I lived together with my girlfriends (first 5,5, second 1,5 years) for 7 years, I made 2 companies and a university and I spend minimum 8-9 hours with sports in a week. So my advice for Game is to don't say such bullshit, if he won't go to army, he can show his skills sometimes in game and organization too in the future.
Lastly, any shout outs you'd like to make?
I know that it's usual to say some thanks in this part of interview, but I really want to say thank you to everybody who works on this competition. It's very good, because after this tournament I got so many positive impressions from everybody who saw my games, something I never felt before. I hope I can play enjoyable games in the TOP 8, and I hope later too.
For more interviews, keep an eye on Hacklebeast's Interview Thread
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/format.png)
All matches are Best of Five. The games will start on September 24th at 19:00 CET (18:00 GMT (+00:00) local time). Games will be played on the Fish server, rendez-vous channel is OP ISL2
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Pholon/isl2maps.png)
![[image loading]](/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/intertitle/rules.png)
Tournament Rules
+ Show Spoiler [TOURNAMENT RULES] +
+ Show Spoiler [TOURNAMENT RULES] +
- The absolute and most important rule is that LRM)Game holds full discretion over ISL2 decisions and procedures.
- You must use chaoslauncher for 1.16.1 or MiniLauncher for every group stage and tournament game on Fish server.
- No smurf accounts. Your account must be played with your known ID in it. If you are found out to be smurfing, you will be disqualified and no further participation in the tournament will be allowed. If you are worried about which ID you should use, PM LRM)Game at account Game on teamliquid.net. If you feel that not smurfing gives you an unfair disadvantage, you must appeal to LRM)Game at account Game on teamliquid.net. We will then give you a predetermined smurf name. Failure to comply will lead to disqualification.
- All names must begin with ISL2. Ex: ISL2-Kaalveiten ISL2_NoOne [ISL2]Sayle.
- If you want to make a new name, you must inform us.
- In order for previous hackers or abusers to play in ISL2, they will need to provide certain things to LRM)Game or Hakurei[AoV] which will be handled on a case to case basis. All discretion for this is held by the ISL2 Counter Abuse Team.
- No hacking or abusing. This is very very basic. No multiple or shared accounts. No letting other players on your accounts. No taking free wins from friends. No selling wins. No playing against your own account. If suspected of abuse, failure to comply with ISL2 staff will result in a disqualification from the tournament.
- All Kaal's International StarLeague matches must be played with a referee present.
- No Korean IP addresses.
- All ladder replays must be saved for your own safety and submitted at the end of each stage to LRM)Game at isl2replays@gmail.com.
- Any major issues that concern anything to do with names, rules, or disqualification, need to be PMed to Game at Teamliquid.net
- All games must be played on /dnd mode. You cannot use the same map twice.
- Anything a referee tells you during the proceedings of the matches goes; be very attentive to the rules they announce per week. Additionally, rules might have slight alterations throughout the entirety of the tournament.
- Scouting via gases, observers over turrets, hold position lurkers, all variations of legal play are allowed.
Message from the sponsors:
"TwitchTV is excited to support a Starcraft:BroodWar tournament. We're dedicated to supporting gaming broadcasting, from gaming marathons to competitive gaming, and Starcraft is a game we all personally love and are happy to support." - TwitchTV.com
"It is a pleasure to once again do my bit for foreign BroodWar. Many who are discouraged by an unclear future, should take heart- we as individuals and as a community have the power to prevent our inimitable game from decline." - EleGant[AoV]
![[image loading]](/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/intertitle/personnel.png)
Sponsors: KaalVeiten, TwitchTV.com, EleGant[AoV], rUSKIG, Trap, Megashira[AoV], NoisE[AoV], mesochobo
Organizer: LRM)Game
CAT Team: Hakurei[AoV], LRM)nOoNe, Sayle, LRM)Glory, KaalVeiten, LRM)Game, JoeKim, zimp
Caster: Sayle and EleGant[AoV]
Referee: LRM)Game, LRM)Glory, JoeKim
Graphics: HawaiianPig
Videos: Supernovamaniac, Dan1870220133262
Server: Fish Server with ChaosLauncher or MiniLauncher for the Group Stages and Tournament.
YT channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/KaalISL
Text by Pholon
Graphics by Hydro & HawaiianPig
Round of 8 VODs:
Kashu vs Bibiane:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
Ace vs Bakuryu:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
Sziky vs Pro7ecT:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
Pike vs SneazeL:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
Kashu vs Bibiane:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
not needed
Ace vs Bakuryu:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
not needed
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
not needed
Sziky vs Pro7ecT:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
not needed
Pike vs SneazeL:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 1:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 2:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 3:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 4:+ Show Spoiler +
Game 5:+ Show Spoiler +
