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Emlary, Nov 19 2009
Serious Business
According to WCG Inc. CEO Kim Hyoung-seok, more than 80,000 spectators bought tickets to watch the grand final from Novmeber 11 to 15, which made Chengdu WCG is the biggest grand final in WCG 10-year history. Jaedong said in a WCG interview "I was entering the stadium and they (Chinese fans) swarmed on me like Zerglings." Also according to Jaedong after beating Stork, the bo3 finals are the biggest indoor games he ever played in terms of spectator numbers. Bigger than OSL finals? Yes. I was there, sitting among thousands of Chinese fans. The venue has 3,600 seats as reported, I assume 5,500 some people crammed it. Though some of them were waiting for Warcraft final after Starcraft, I'm sure many many of them enjoyed both finals. A Starcraft friend of mine who doesn't play Warcraft watched both simply because it was the first time two Chinese players met in the final's final. We cheer for great players and games, as well as our nation.
![[image loading]](http://i46.tinypic.com/29bdaiq.jpg)
Though the prize pool cut sharply, Jaedong went home with only half cash as Luxury took last year. No one ever expected Chengdu WCG was so successful. Not only Jaedong was surprised to meet so many foreign fans, Korean organizers and local municipal officials (typically some old guys in black suit who know almost nothing about e-sports) were shocked, too. They saw young people from different parts of the country come here with such enthusiasm, who desperately want to watch games and take photos of their e-sports heroes.
It's a festival. It should be a business, too. More than a campaign of Samsung year after year plus a bunch of hardware sponsors.
Some friends who didn't have time to attend WCG asked me if I could buy them some goodies. I found none. Why not selling WCG T-shirts, hoodies, key rings, hats, whatever they can come up with? I think Koreans acknowledge the popularity of e-sports in China better than before during last week. There is a huge undeveloped market here, some report saying China has 20 million e-sports fans. In my opinion, they should learn a bit from NBA about how to explore the Chinese market. Maybe OnGameNet should bring pre-season show matches or all-star events to China, in bigger stadiums with more spectators. MBCGame may find a new Chinese sponsor easily. Hwaseung OZ, SK Telecom T1 and KT Rolster can host foreign fan meetings/LAN parties with their well-known rosters. It sounds unreasonable? No. Korea and China are close (though we do often bash each other). I believe there is a way this can work out.
Be nice and bring more fan services (e.g. Grubby sat at SteelSeries' booth every afternoon during WCG to sign autographs and let fans take photos with him). Then Chinese fans are willing to buy it. Do not underestimate the emerging China.
Fangirlism
Coach Cho
When I went to the tournament area to watch Jaedong's first person view on day 2, lots of fanboys were already there. I pushed against some to take a closest spot to Jaedong. The last one in front of me was a fat black hair guy. I thought he must be a local staff so I told him in Chinese "Move a bit, I want to see Lee Jaedong" (in a less polite context). He turned around and looked confused - it's Coach Cho from OZ.
![[image loading]](http://i47.tinypic.com/73ldlf.jpg)
Wherever Jaedong was, this man must be nearby. He takes care of Jaedong like his own son. He looked very happy when I met him again after the farewell dinner. My friend asked him where Jaedong was. He said in the hotel "lobby" (in English). 10 minutes later, we did find Bisu, Stork and Jaedong in the lobby. Thanks Coach Cho!
Jaedong
He's a kid. He looks even younger than Flash in real life. And he speaks a little English and say "Hello" to me in Chinese. Cute and polite, it's so hard to not like Lee Jaedong. But once a game starts, the famous killer look comes back immediately. It's nice to meet him though I'm not a Jaedong fan. (Waxangel, don't stop being a Jaedong fan because he made a bad pun  )
Jaedong and his autograph
+ Show Spoiler +
Stork
Before I met him in real life, he's sort of "nerdy" boy-next-door type in my opinion, being nice/humble and having a lot of friends. Everything changed since he lost much weight. Stork Slim is so damn hot in real life with his slender limbs. He looks smart and sexy at the same time. And more mature than Jaedong and Bisu indeed. Well, he's definitely in a relationship, sending text messages and talking over his mobile phone every time I met him.
Stork and I
+ Show Spoiler +
Bisu
Once I thought I was old enough to get over the fangirlism, I got to admit Bisu is an exception. He's called Prince Charming by local media. A report from local newspaper Chengdu Evening News put on a large photo of him compared to tiny pictures of Moon and Lyn (Korean Warcraft finalists). Several booth babies (in the exhibition area) asked me "Who is the handsome boy? How come a gamer is that good looking?" and wanted to take a photo with him.
Bisu on local newspaper
![[image loading]](http://i48.tinypic.com/2rwlyx0.jpg)
Bisu's beauty is breathtaking in real life. Look at his Gucci backbag and True Religion 'Billy Super T' jeans. He knows how to spend money and make himself look better.
Bisu, Bisu....Bisu
+ Show Spoiler +
However, he's still shy, talking in a soft and girlish tone. The only 20 minutes I spent by his side was in the evening right before the whole Korean team leaving from the hotel to the airport. He's sitting on his suitcase, not talking too much, sometimes hiding his head between his knees. Stork was by his side, leading their conversation. Two my favorite Protoss players looked so adorable together. My friend and I asked them for autographs and taking photos separately. Then my friend started transfer the photo files from the flash card to his laptop. Suddently I realized I should take another photo with both of them since the chance was rare - they usually meet each other as rivals not friends. I asked them again and they agreed to do it. They must be tired but they didn't get upset with me. I guess they are not only trained to play SC professionally but also to deal with fans professionally.
Photos of commentators
+ Show Spoiler +
Thanks a lot to my friend Chunlai for his great camera/lens and stalking strategy!
Emlary, Nov 16 2009
The last was the best.
Took it at the hotel lobby right before Korean team were leaving to the airport tonight. (I forgot to let them hold my Taek-Bang Dragon Age banner t.t) Unable to get Jaedong in this as well because he's not with Taek-Bang. Coach Cho never leaves him alone.
![[image loading]](http://i34.tinypic.com/z659x.jpg)
I will write more and edit more photos tomorrow. Exhausted now.
Emlary, Nov 11 2009
![[image loading]](http://i38.tinypic.com/15x0d4i.jpg)
Despite both Kim "Bisu" Taek-yong and Song "Stork" Byung-goo were not very happy with taking tournaments in China, it looked they had fun to see pandas in Chengdu in the opening day of WCG 2009.
For the first time WCG grand final comes to China, today is a typical foggy day in Chengdu. Artosis asked me if it's the pollution or the mist, I said the later. The humid weather, the spicy food and pandas are all about the city. The traditional face-changing performance from Sichuan opera is on the same stage with some awful Korean style boys' group dance and Shaolin kungfu. The multicultural idea is understandable. But I'd give the opening ceremony a score of 5 out of 10. They put too many different things together and make it boring to everyone (almost).
From the press conference and the mayor's speech.
+ Show Spoiler +
Artosis & Tasteless
I met the two big boys outside of the venue after I picked up my press pass this afternoon. Thanks to the pass with TL's name, they recognized me as well lol. They have a table near the main stage. In next four days, we‘re gonna enjoy their lovely live broadcasting in English.
It seems OnGameNet is their neighbor.
![[image loading]](http://i35.tinypic.com/2i7yant.jpg)
Skinny Toss
I saw him among hundreds of specators at the venue with a glance. The beloved Dinotoss must lose a hell lot of weight. He looked sooooo skinny in real life, more skinny than what the photos look like. An OGN cameraman was doing an interview by his side. I guess I may finally see myself on OGN because of the 5 minutes I sat next to Stork. He had his cellphone and some hand cream on his hands, sending several text messages. I tried to communicate with him with simple English but failed. The venue was crowded and he's a bit shy. But I'm sure he got that I'm a reporter from the "Teamliquid". He even explained to the cameraman TL is foreign SC site following progaming scene. Good job, Storky boy! I left them alone with an autography and several photos.
Stork and the cameraman
+ Show Spoiler +
Good luck!
![[image loading]](http://i35.tinypic.com/262nqmo.jpg)
Stork's autography on my press pass
![[image loading]](http://i34.tinypic.com/2you5mx.jpg)
I thought about asking Stork where I can find Bisu and Jaedong. But it's not appropriate after all. I looked around again and again. No revolutionist, no tyrant. Actually from many other reports, it seems no one saw Jaedong today at the venue. One Jaedong fanboy friend of mine said, "He must practice in a secret place." Whatever, we will see two Jaedong's games tomorrow for sure, vs. Draco and vs. Toodming.
Opening Match
The kick-off game was Warcraft 3 between Sky and Yaws. Warcraft 3 is huge in China, having the most domestic fans and loudly applause. And Sky is their hope for 3 gold medals at WCG (he already had 2). There would be a lot of more spectators for Warcraft 3 than any other games this time. Well, hope I can get a chair at the front when SC games are put on the main stage.
Yaws vs. Sky
+ Show Spoiler +
TO BE CONTINUED
Emlary, Nov 10 2009
I went to the WCG venue this evening. (Luckly it's close to my office.) Almost everything is ready. Some sponsors are setting up booths at the exhibition area. Took some photos for the WCG hype (not really I know -_-)
![[image loading]](http://i33.tinypic.com/se5ab8.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +
WCG logo at the entrance ![[image loading]](http://i35.tinypic.com/211j51u.jpg) Computers for the tournaments ![[image loading]](http://i36.tinypic.com/2k3h2e.jpg) ![[image loading]](http://i37.tinypic.com/2me5poj.jpg) The main stage ![[image loading]](http://i33.tinypic.com/2mfx40p.jpg) I took this standing in the middle of the tournament area. Didn't go to any grand final before. I'm not sure about the size of the venue. It looks a bit small to me. ![[image loading]](http://i36.tinypic.com/2aeq91c.jpg) The bulletin board. SC is the first column! ![[image loading]](http://i34.tinypic.com/2cetg5.jpg)
One last thing, my cheerful banner. You can recognize me by it
+ Show Spoiler +
Emlary, Oct 10 2009
![[image loading]](http://i36.tinypic.com/wupkwh.jpg)
Warning: there are SPOILERS from PL and MST games today.
It's a working day for me. I didn't watch the live broadcasting, just updated TLPD regularly. My boy got his 90th PL victory, good. Someone lost his first game after the transfer, don't care. A long TvT, not interested. New maps are IMBA for Protoss again (?), shut up and do your job.
I didn't realize it's a good start of the new season until I heard Nal_rA say "thank you" in Korean and Kingdom was sitting next to him on the commentator bench with the same shirts and ties. I was like first Bisu Face (:O) then Sheldon Face (: D). I knew this would happen someday but I never thought it did happen today. Nal_rA and Kingdom, plus it's a Bisu game, what else can I ask for as a Protoss supporter all the time? (Maybe a Dinosaur) I admit I was angry when Devil Toss took the OSL trophy from Angel Toss 6 years ago. Who cares now? They are legends we admire and respect. I love to see they are together on another stage but still SC-related.
What's more? Happy to see Bisu perform so well after the off-season. Though I have to say he looks more handsome today because of the makeup. Compared to his fishing and diving photos when T1 took a trip to Saipan, the spotlight, delicate makeup, fangirls' screaming and Protoss are more suitable for him. He took away the breath of every spectator with amazing minesweeping control and dual recalls. His game is entertaining as always. You kicked off the new season with a good start. See you in a month (WCG finals starting on Nov 11).
And....I didn't know what exactly happened with GGPlay today. Sometimes photos said more than words. Though I was never a GGPlay fan, I don't even remember the scores of his final versus Iris, a veteran deserves respect. This happens to every progamer, the military draft or eventually the retirement. I saw lots of players from the old fashion time leaving recent years. It doesn't hurt that much, they are remembered. Not by all, but someone will remember.
An "old" man leaves, then a young Baby was crying. He was stopped at one step away from MSL. He may not be another Flash (Flash won an OSL at his current age). But I wish him the best next season.
Old rivalry, new colleagues, the smile after a sweet victory, saying good-bye to the old and keeping fighting to the young. I still feel I'm emotionally involved with the progaming scene. I guess that's why I keep coming back to it. It entertains me now as it did many years ago.
Good night, Seoul. Good luck to all in the new season!
Emlary, Aug 25 2009
I was reading some Chinese finanical newspaper this morning and suddenly I saw Teamliquid! It's a report about BlizzCon (thanks to the tremendous success of WoW, Chinese business media love Blizzard lol) on 21st Century Business Herald, a pretty good local news agent. Well, they make stupid mistake sometimes =[
Quick translation:
James Lampkin, from Canada, was excited about his first BlizzCon participation. Back when he was a college student, he has been one of the 4 co-founders of Team Liquid, one of the most professional WoW fansites in North America. (LOL)
Link
Kennigit, did some young Chiense female reporter do an interview with you? I know the reporter of this article -_-
Emlary, Aug 19 2009
Sony China started to sell a new Blu-ray player model BDP-S360 yesterday when PS3 Slim officially announced in Cologne. BDP-S360 sells for RMB2,990 (approximately $440), compared to game-compatible-$299 PS3 Slim, WTF? Sony is trying to fool as many Chinese consumers as it can because it's not legitimate to sell game consoles (except few NDS) in China.
BD-FAIL
![[image loading]](http://i29.tinypic.com/ofwrdi.jpg)
Emlary, Jul 30 2009
WoW was re-launched in China today (transition between different local publishers). And what's going on....
Before
![[image loading]](http://i27.tinypic.com/289vlgg.jpg)
Now
+ Show Spoiler +
Emlary, Jul 11 2009
Just a reference for those that are not following recent proscene but want to check out recent awesome games during weekend.
Fomos Monthly Top 3 Games Vote (results so far)
1.  Flash vs firebathero (June 30, SPL) 1,431 votes 43.7%
Rating by netizens 9.8
Rating by reporters 10
http://www.teamliquid.net/tlpd/games/14286_firebathero_vs_Flash
2.  Bisu vs  YellOw (June 20, SPL) 1,102 votes 33.7%
Rating by netizens 9.9
Rating by reporters 9.5
http://www.teamliquid.net/tlpd/games/12609_Bisu_vs_YellOw
3. Bisu vs Jaedong (June 7, SPL) 503 votes 15.4%
Rating by netizens 9.7
Rating by reporters 9.5
http://www.teamliquid.net/tlpd/games/12314_Bisu_vs_Jaedong
4. Jaedong vs Leta (June 1, SPL) 168 votes 5.1%
Rating by netizens 9.8
Rating by reporters 9.5
http://www.teamliquid.net/tlpd/games/12275_Jaedong_vs_Leta
5. Hwasin vs Bisu (June 15, SPL) 68 votes 2.1%
Rating by netizens 8.9
Rating by reporters 9.0
http://www.teamliquid.net/tlpd/games/12401_Bisu_vs_Hwasin
We love netizen ratings just like we love konadora! :D
Source
One more thing, thank you so much zatic. I know how much work it is to upload all game vods for TLPD.
Emlary, Jul 05 2009
Don't feel well after reading the "Nada's done?" thread. Found out some photos of Nada attending a baseball game yesterday. This man, who is actually half a year older than me, looks younger and more energetic than most guys in my age.
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