(-_(-_(-_(-_-)_-)_^)_^)
+ Show Spoiler [Who is CJ Entus?] +
National Geographic Documentary on Xellos and Foru
Introduction
In 2010, CJ Entus underwent a merging of two teams who had players with an entirely different styles of play. One that had a history of having to work hard to make ends meet, the other had a history of putting creative and entertaining plays first. Both teams had been affected by the match-fixing scandal, Hite having been reduced to almost a skeleton of its former team. The merger gave CJ two (^_^) players that were not afraid to try new strategies and make those strategies work. And like ashes from a phoenix, CJ's performance rose to a new level, despite having to deal with a new environment and the scandal.
Like how the Dark Templar and High Templar unified to drive the Zerg from Shakuras, so too did CJ's (-_-) and (^_^) merge together to form a force to be reckoned with. CJ's strength relies not on the fact that it relies on one or two Ace members of a team to drive them forward, but it boasts a deep lineup with strong players of each race.
(-_-)
The (-_-) face represents no fear. It represents no mercy, no quarter for your opponent. It shows the confidence that CJ players exude when they go into their games, and the deep concentration as they prepare to outmicro, outmultitask, and outplay their opponent.
(^_^)
The (^_^) represents the smile on the face of the player as they are about to pull something crazy out of their bag of tricks. The look that you get from a player who's already think that he's won. The look of a player who is about to place 3 proxy gates in a location that you WILL NOT SCOUT and knows that there is nothing you can do about it. (^_^) is the face of someone who enjoys the game, has fun, and remains optimistic, win or lose.
TERRAN – THE PRIDE OF WAR
Theme Song: Yu Jeong Seon - Jil Pong Ka Do
How does one describe Leta? Leta was the last heir of the Hite SparkyZ Terran line, considered to be Hite's Ace since 2008. But he is much more than that, Leta is, for lack of a better word, crazy. And to describe this without pictures would be impossible.
Leta is one of the many reasons I think Blizzard designers never watched professional Brood War. How do I know this? If they had watched any of Leta's TvZ games back in 2009, they would have never invented the Banshee. Leta's 2 port wraith was unstoppable, as they darted back and forth, leaving overlords, drones, and even hydras (for SC2 players that don't know what they are, they are units that can shoot up) blown into bits of Zerg goo.
The key to Leta’s long career as Terran ace for SPARKYZ and now CJ is his mentality. He knows that small jabs and cute tricks won't win him the game, but well executed harassment followed up by strong economic play will. Although his style is unique, it doesn't stop him from being a solid player, as he boasts a large repertoire of strategies against all three races. Even in times of desperation, he is able to achieve the impossible. Leta is definitely not one that shys away from trying new things, and this mentality will help him to thrive in SC2. It's a shame that Banshees do exist though, because I was hoping to see him play a game that will last more than 10 minutes.
Past Highlights:
+ Show Spoiler +
Theme Song: Troublemaker by HYUNSEUNG and Hyuna
Nicknames: Neo-Beserker
SkyHigh made his mark in the 2009 Shinhan Bank Winner's League, where he triumphed over Hwaseung Oz after three of his teammates fell to the grasp of the Tyrant. But history fades, and SkyHigh found himself on the backseat during 09-10 and 10-11 proleagues. His skills inherited by his mentor, Xellos, man of ice, allowed him to keep a role on CJ as a TvT sniper. He and his mentor shared many things, one of them being a penchant for trolling Terrorists.
+ Show Spoiler [Xellos] +
But a new format has arrived, and along with it, a new era. A clean slate, it is now time for SkyHigh to brush off the 50% win rates of the past seasons. SkyHigh may find himself brandishing his weapon that has been staple in TvT for many years, his positional play.
If Leta represents the chaos and mischief of the Terran race, then SkyHigh represents the patient, watchful tactician. SkyHigh’s TvT style involves heavy map control and perfect defense of all locations. Siege lines break under his command, as piecemeal vultures and SCVs block shots to get his tanks into position. You hear the thunder of the Arclite Siege cannons, but in mere few seconds, your tanks are gone, and in their stead, SkyHigh’s. If SC2 is as TvT heavy as people claim it to be, then you are about to see SkyHigh soar.
Past Highlights
+ Show Spoiler +
No one really knows much about BByong, but I will tell you this as a fact: he had some of the higher win-rates in 09-10 and 10-11 KeSPA Dream League. An astonishing 70%+ win rate against many players on other teams which are now playing as A teamers. Due to the fact that last season was a Bo5 and Leta and SkyHigh were still in top form, BByong was not sent out. However, CJ has had a long running record of strong performers that come out of Dream League/Minor League.
He hasn't played too many games yet but as he gains experience, look for him to become an integral part of this unit. Who can hate this guy? He supported TeamLiquid before it was cool.
Rush demonstrated an almost perfect execution of a +1 5 rax into mech switch vs Zerg in the 10-11 Proleague vs Neo.G_Soulkey, and took down the Tyrant himself recently in the ODT. Currently fighting for his ro16 spot in the OSL, you can expect great things from this young rookie.
One of the few BW players to switch races, we may get to see his Zerg side show itself.
Highlights:
+ Show Spoiler +
PROTOSS – VICTORY AFTER VICTORY
Theme Song: Tomorrow by Tablo ft. Taeyang
From the very beginning of his career as a progamer, By.Snow has always been about finesse and the finer details of combat. He excels at harass, particularly with reavers. On a good day, it is not unnatural to see Snow pull crazy stunts like unrelenting shuttle/reaver micro, followed by Templar harassment (both Dark and High). And on days where he's not trying, well.... let's just say that even Tyrants have trouble keeping up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-UM3T0y-Z8
Snow: I was expecting just to pressure, but the attack ended up going too well, and I ended up killing Jaedong.
Snow: I was expecting just to pressure, but the attack ended up going too well, and I ended up killing Jaedong.
Hailed as the 09-10 Kespa Dream League bonjwa, Snow went undefeated with 12-0. His efforts alongside BByong saw CJ win that season with a record of 15-3. In fact, Snow's level of play was so good that they had to let him play in Proleague that year, where he defeated Flash during an ace match. The most memorable achievement, however, was when his single reaver ended up with 72 kills against n.Die_soO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH7KTPABkXA
While he is playing Terran in SC2, you can be sure that his trademark style of control will carry over. But whether he is playing BW or SC2, we will for sure see entertaining games. Snow is still a relatively young player, but he’s already given both halves of Leessang a run for their money (No really man, look how cost efficient his defense vs JD is!). The potential for this young player is infinite.
Who is Horang2?
+ Show Spoiler +
Nickname: Tiger Toss
Theme song: Guilty by Dynamic Duo
In many ways, Horang2 can be considered to be outlier. He is one of those players that you expect to cheese, but ends up pumping units out of 24 gateways and kills you. He is one of the fewer players that has one of the highest win-rates in PvP, a matchup that is considered by many to be luck based. And he is one of those players that at first glance, seem harmless, almost like someone who doesn't take the game too seriously. But once inside that booth, you’ll soon find that (^_^) face hides the heart of a tiger.
While its true that in the past Horang2 played a very cheesy style, more recently his style has changed drastically. No longer relying on Dark Templars to backstab FlaSh in his sleep, Horang2 has unlocked an even powerful weapon: ridiculously scary macro. During playoffs, Horang2 put on the (-_-) for one game. With absolutely ZERO fear and ZERO hesitation, he directed an assault of speedlots and goons right into the thick of the heavy fortifications of the Ultimate Weapon himself. The first wave was stopped, but soon, a second wave came, and another. His 16 gateways provided him with enough reinforcements to run over Flash's defenses and win the game, starting one of the most dramatic comebacks last Proleague.
While initially fielded as a PvP sniper, Horang2's role has become a lot more pivotal in CJ's lineup. His PvZ and PvT matchups have become nothing to laugh at. Still, Horang2 is one of those players that comes up with unique strategies every now and then, just to keep his opponents guessing. PvP might seem like a coinflip in SC2 for now, but once this kids enters the booth, you'll find that he makes his own luck.
Past Highlights
+ Show Spoiler +
Game vs Piano
Game vs Flash
ZERG – OVERCOME ALL
Theme Song: Lose Yourself by Eminem
Nicknames: Alien Zerg, Messiah, Hawkeye
EffOrt is a home-grown CJ Zerg, forged from the practice house from players like Saviour and Kwanro. He first came into dominance in 08-09 where he was rightfully dubbed “Neo-Saviour” and rightfully so. His ZvP was monstrous, and in 2009 where he went 25-3 in Proleague. His strong play and starsense allowed him to defeat FlaSh in the 2010 Korean Air OSL, where he reversed all-swept the series.
Like his mentors, he inherited many strong styles from them both. While not as economic as Saviour or as cheesy or all-innish as Kwanro, EffOrt's style inherits one of the most crucial elements of them both: map control. EffOrt loves to dictate the flow of the game, both with strong aggression, small jabs, and denial of scouting with zerglings.
And EffOrt is not afraid at all to punish small mistakes. A Protoss player who is too greedy will often find himself at the mercy of EffOrt's hydralisks. A Terran player who goes CC first will find himself with his SCVs gone and his marines surrounded by zerglings. Nothing escapes the gaze of the Hawkeye, and once he see something a little off, he snaps his fingers, and unleashes the full fury of the swarm.
Some people say that EffOrt retired because he feared that he was slumping just like his mentor. But something happened in those 6 months. He strengthened his resolve, and put on new determination to wear the CJ face once more. The previous season was just a warm-up. EffOrt is a player that, from the very start of the countdown, has already laid out a plan to dominate his opponent. Well the countdown for SPL is starting, and EffOrt is already scheming up new builds and plans for his opponent, whatever map, match up or game that may be. There will be no mercy.
Past Highlights:
+ Show Spoiler +
vs Iris
vs Baby
Nicknames: Cyclops Zerg
Theme Song: “I am the Best” by 2NE1
Now considered an S-class Zerg by many, Hydra started off like many rookies on the bench. His strong performance in the 2009 Minor League led CJ to second place. Due to his stellar results, he earned a role as a B-teamer.
However, after the match-fixing scandal in 2010 and the announcement of EffOrt's retirement, Hydra had to step up to become the Alpha Zerg of the CJ house. Even under such high pressure, Hydra ended up with a record of 42-24 in team leagues, giving himself the right to the title of CJ's Ace Zerg. During this time, Hydra won the PDPop MSL beating Great in a ZvZ finals. His strong mutalisk and zergling micro overwhelmed any mind games or prepared strategies that Great employed. Since then, he has proved that he isn't a one trick pony, and has gotten into the semi finals in both the ABC Mart MSL and the Jin Air OSL.
Known for his exceptional mutalisk use, Hydra tends to use safe conventional strategies to win. He isn't the most exciting player, but he is the most solid in the game. You can rely on Hydra to get the job done when it matters most. While his namesake might not be currently relevant in SC2, Hydra has shown that through hard work you can overcome any disability (He’s practically blind in one eye). Hydra has always risen to the challenge in the past, stepping up to the plate when CJ needed him the most. And Hydra will prove himself more than capable in the new season, whether it is a new format, new map, or a new game.
CJ was there in the beginning as Prosuma GO. We forged players like Nal_rA, Midas and XellOs. We survived through tough times, and triumphed when no one thought we could. We forged Saviour, Much, and Iris, and we lifted that 2009 Winner’s League trophy up sKyHigh. The match-fixing left us scared, but not beaten, and even hungrier than ever for victory.
And CJ will be there in the end, as CJ Entus. The word Entus means Entertainment and Enthusiasm. Our games will show you the hallmark of what it means to give an entertaining game and will leave you breathless as you witness our players crazy multitasking. If BW is to go out with a bang, and with it the ushering of a new era, then CJ will be the first in its grasp for victory. What better to represent this than the team represents a unification of two different sides? Our BW games will prove to you that we were always winners, and our SC2 games will break the very foundations of your understanding of the game.
In the words of Hot_Bid, it's never too late to jump on the bandwagon.
+ Show Spoiler [Credits] +
Thx to everyone who wrote any of the articles mentioned here. Also dropbear, treehugger and GTR for some of the past CJ hype threads, and Lastlie who wrote the preview for the playoffs, which I have also drawn inspiration.
Thanks also to sluggaslamoo and kwjcj for their contributions. Also thanks to IntoTheWow for providing an introduction in the SPL thread when all of the other inferior teams didn’t have any. :p