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![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/TSL_Launch/TSLBanner_News.png)
Here are a few pre-TSL interviews with various site personalities and players of different levels to get their initial thoughts on the TSL.
Interview with Manifesto7, TL SuperAdmin and site representative.
What does this project mean to TL.net?
I think it is obvious by now that TL is going in a new direction. The coverage of news has become so advanced compared to even three years ago that I feel that area is strong.
However, it has been a while since TL has pulled off something of the TLT scope. I tried it with the ladder, but that fell on its face. I think this is a much better project however. TL Attack is what I call the "proof of concept". Once we got it working, then we could set our sites on something more ambitious.
The TSL combines all the elements of the past TLT's but with more of a TeamLiquid flavour. Having a real StarLeague should have been our goal long ago, but it is only now that we have really had the right mix of people to pull it off. The talent on the crew right now is off the charts... if people could see the kind of skill we have in place now. Anyway, people will see.
On that note, I'd also like to give a huge shoutout to the TL staff old and new. This project has been and will be great to work on.
Any explanation about the crazy hype for this event?
Hype is a funny thing. I feel that two weeks used to be no problem. These days though, people's attention spans are so short that anything over 48 hours is too long. I just laughed at the people saying "This better be worth it!" Or what? haha. Anyway, hype is as much for the staff as it is for everyone else. It gets everyone excited, and it is fun to be a part of.
What is bizarre is that TL created much of the hype on its own. People were throwing around weird conspiracies and all of a sudden they became accepted truths. TL should start a media company.
Next time though, we definitely need more pictures with coordinates. That was the best thing ever.
Are you going to try and qualify?
Fuck yeah. The ManifestoCrusher will be in full form. I expect to go undefeated.
Interview with Kennigit, TL.net Administrator and TL Attack observer.
What does this project mean to TL.net?
When I joined the Tl.net staff, I had the ambition (hahaha) to work with other members on little features to supplement what is already great about Teamliquid. Never did I imagine we would end up with a project such as this, and it is only the result of the incredible members of staff that we have on board right now - you have all done amazing work preparing this.
The community will feel the gravity of this project as we move farther along with it. Teamliquid's future as the number one source for Starcraft progaming news outside of Korea is radically altered with new doors being opened. With community revitalization through the announcement of Starcraft 2, this is the perfect opportunity to draw attention to and reward the incredible community that has stood behind Brood War for so long.
You were the obs for TL Attack. Are you excited to do it for the TSL?
Absolutely. It's a bit stressful trying to be perfect when you realize there are hundreds of people watching your every move, but at the same time it is very rewarding being able to learn from the mistakes we make with TLA, fixing them and pushing ourselves to a more professional broadcast.
Are you disappointed you won't be playing yubee on 50 different versions of Lost Temple?
Who said we aren't playing? We made a hype poster and everything for it. Then again I can't let my reputation be tarnished by 26 5pools in a row.
Interview with Nony, Media clan member and a former guest on TL Attack.
What are your thoughts about this tournament?
This tournament is an awesome opportunity for foreigner players to feel what it's like to be a professional player in Korea. Though the prize money is fantastic, it has so much more to it than the dollars. It's a complete experience that has never been attempted outside of Korea. Short of owning a television station, this tournament is basically what would happen if the scene in Korea was picked up and handed to us foreigners. Both the players and the fans are getting a real treat here.
Are you going to play? What do you think are your chances of qualifying?
I will play in the qualifier. Who won't be? I think my chances of qualifying are good. Well, more than good. I feel like there's no chance that I won't qualify. I'll be going for the #1 seed and I'm confident I can get it.
Who do you think in the foreign community has the best chance to make it into the TSL? Who has the best chance to win the TSL?
Most people can list off who the top ~30 foreigners are, but it's tough to say who the top 16 are, and even tougher to say who #31-#48 are, but those are the numbers that people will be competing for. So I think there is an obvious list of about 30 people who will make it, but who will get the coveted top 16 and who will fill out the top 48 can only be revealed by the event. Ambition and determination aren't just empty hype words. From the very start, players will truly need these qualities whether they are among the hundreds who are on the brink of fame or among the dozens who want to prove that they are the best of the best.
Interview with Intrigue, forum member and Team Melee pro.
What do you think about the TSL?
It's going to be really, really sweet. You've got a Starleague with a huge prize pool that includes known players and the public, backed by an awesome site - it's pretty much guaranteed to be nuts. The project is very timely too. Since SC2's upcoming release, there's been a lot of renewed foreign interest in high level starcraft, with GSI and TLA doing extremely well. If the TSL is successful and can be done more than once, it could play a big part in furthering Starcraft's popularity in the foreign scene.
Are you going to play? What do you think are your chances of qualifying?
Yeah I'm definitely going to play even though I'm really rusty. It should be pretty easy to get into the Top 16. No, I'm totally kidding. To be honest, if I really really applied myself I think I would still need a nice dose of luck to barely squeak in. At one point I was B- on iccup but I expect this event to draw a LOT of players, especially a lot of skilled ones. Every decent players should all give it a shot anyway, since who knows!? bbs/5pool can do wonders
Are you going to follow and watch in May?
Yup, definitely. The known players will have awesome games, but I'm especially interested in seeing unknown or random TL posters up in a big match against them. It'd be crazy fun cheering for someone you know try to qualify or even in the actual league.
Interview with yubee, video intro maker and notorious 5-pooler.
What do you think of the TSL?
I think it'll be great for the expansion of the SC community. Aside from WCG, this has got to be one of the biggest international tournaments ever. And I think it's safe to say that this is one of the biggest international tournaments that a foreigner can actually win.
Your chances of qualifying aren't too good... are you going to still play the ladder?
Of course I'll play. Most players don't expect to place highly on iCCup, but it's still a challenging and fun experience. Also, if I manage to 5 pool my way to the top of TSL, maybe everyone will finally start giving me the respect I deserve.
What are you most looking forward to about the TSL?
The qualification rounds are really important. A lot of recent foreign tournaments have been invite only, which is always fun to watch, but doesn't really do a lot to revitalize the SC scene. It's great that all kinds of players are getting a shot at the big leagues.
