A Boy Rediscovers his Love for Starcraft

Hi, some of you may know me some of you may not, but I'm 4NOTXenocider, and I'd like to share my story of Starcraft! Have fun, sorry for it being so long T_T

There comes a time while doing anything competitive where you begin to question if all the pain and anguish is worth it. Being as ignorant as myself, whenever I heard a pro player say, "After all the ups and downs, I've finally made it” I never understood. "How could you possibly experience a low while being paid to play a video game?" something I always thought to myself. Of course at this point I was maintaining top 16 in GM, taking down ZeNEXPuzzle (way back when he played on NA) with inconsistent, counterproductive game play (woo 2base all-ins!!). I thought I was the best, that I could enter any online tournament and place top 3. When players would mention Korean micro/strategy, I’d simply scoff and reply with a “they’re not that good. I finally decided to put all of this to test when I registered for my first Playhem daily. I looked at my bracket and saw 2 koreans in my path for first place, the first would be TSLRagnarok in the RO8 and the second would be TSLInori in the RO4. I played my matches vs Ragnarok and won 2-1, a little rockier than I expected, but still good enough to advance. Next up would be TSLInori, the guy that IdrA says is horrible, “This should be easy!” I thought to myself. You can only guess what happened, I got crushed in almost 20 minutes flat, of course this was a hit to my gigantic ego, but it didn’t really change how I viewed myself.

The next day I decided that I would sign up for another Playhem daily, after all the Inori games merely came down to luck. I faced HyuN in the RO16 and as per usual I went my “aggressive” style, HyuN was easily prepared and I lost rather quickly to a Brood Lord counter attack in both games, leaving the score at 0-2. At this point I decided that perhaps using the same build in every game of a bo3 wasn’t the smartest choice. I quickly decided that perhaps I should add a few long-term macro builds that would assist me in BoX situations. With this new found revelation I decided to hit the ladder ASAP and rape everyone with my amazing macro. Almost 1 week after I started using standard builds, I dropped from Rank 5 to Rank 79. In 1 week I learned that I was not the next flash and that I had a TON of work to do if I wanted to become truly good at this game. Over the months I started analyzing my replays, finding holes in my game, and in general obtaining a more positive look on the game. Slowly but surely, I was improving.

Fast forward to WCS USA qualifiers, I was so sure I had improved, improved to the point where I could take on any NA player in a macro game. The first qualifier I participated in, I got to the semi-final and had to play NRGLuckyFool, (I think it was?) I was relatively confident and once we were in the Lobby I was spamming “go” just as my usual games would go. But once I started looking at the loading screen, all of a sudden my legs started frantically shaking, my heart was pounding VERY clearly. Somehow, I, Libo Chang, Great Conquerer of the land of women, Captain of Ship tall & handsome, was nervous about a video game? I played my games and lost 1-2, I was dumbfounded, what happened? My units weren’t splitting, I wasn’t macroing correctly, what was happening!? Fast forward once again, through over 7 WCS Qualifiers, every single time placing either in the Finals or the Semi-finals, losing 1-2. I had one more chance, the LAST WCS qualification spot between myself 4NOTXenocider and (I guess now) EG’s Suppy, (Keep in mind, every series was a bo3 and that meant that I would be playing my final matches at around… 1:00 AM, on a school day, in which I would wake up at 5:20 AM to get on a bus. I would sneak on nearly every day of an entire week with 3-4 hours of sleep to try to qualify.). I was tired, but I had to win, I had to get that paid trip to Anaheim. Once again, the loading screen shows, lack of sleep wouldn’t stop the power of a 14 year old on an adrenaline rush. Of course, I ended up losing 0-2, and I sat there, depressed out of my mind, but too tired to care.

Fast Forward once again to MLG Invite Only Qualifiers, in my Qualifying match versus Golden, I took the series lead 1-0 gleaming with momentum from my HuK victory, nothing could stop me now. I was Libo Motherfucking Chang, the one thing that kept me from going to NYC to compete at Invitationals was a small victory versus Golden and a trip to the bank to withdraw all the cash swag money I’d be receiving. But sadly, It was not meant to be. The next game, after macroing the first game, I decided to do a MVP 11-11 bunker rush 3wall off on Cloud Kingdom. I accidentally mis-place one of my bunkers by a hex, and the game is over. The next game I am at 150 supply versus Golden’s 150 supply equal upgrades, I scan the middle and miss hisburrowed infestor by quite possibly ½ a hex. I push into the middle and he unburrows and kills my army with 2 fungals. He immediately counters with his army and swarms my base. I think this is the first time I ever felt true pain/sadness while playing Starcraft. I sat there waiting for all my buildings to die, wallowing in my own self-pity.

Fast Forward one last time to today, August 10th 2012. I am in the finals of my PAX qualifier bracket, only one win away from securing a free trip to PAX, and possibly A LOT of attention. 2-1 Vs Axslav, going into match point on Metalopolis (I’ll elaborate on this later) I decide to go for a ByuNPrime 2-1-1 knowing that 1rax FE on Metalopolis would be futile, and get picked apart against heavy stalker pressure. With my first attack, I thought I had won, it was all over, I’d get a trip to PAX and be famous woo! However one game-breaking reinforcement wave caught me off guard, and I was forced to GG-out after back and forth SCV pulling action. Okay, it was fine! I’m still confident in macro, nothing I can’t handle. I choose Antiga for the final map. I start the game off with a 1rax FE and plan to go 3OC depending on what my opponent chose for his build order. I send my SCV scout after barracks to cross positions (customary on any tournament Antiga map) and find that he is not there.WHAT!?!?!?!? ESWC had been using a 2011 Map Pool for the entire tournament, with maps such as Metalopolis, Shattered Temple, Terminus SE, and Bel’shir Beach. But I didn’t expect them to not even bother to update a map which has already been updated for them. Upon not scouting my opponent, I scout the bottom right, still not there, after this I decide I can’t 3OC anymore, what if he’s all-inning me off 1base? I decide to commit to a 3rax -> starport -> 2rax opening, very aggressive, but necessary in close positions Antiga. Axslav does the proper response which is instead of going right away with his colossus all-in, to wait until he’s maxed and has 2-2 upgrades for a huge timing which is almost unholdable in close positions with our build order choices. I would go on to lose 2-3 to Axslav, and immediately after the game I start raging all over the place, blaming Axslav, blaming ESWC, blaming everyone. But then all of a sudden, I just started crying. I couldn’t handle it anymore, always getting second place, everything I entered I was only one game away, but one game too short. During my moment of weakness, all I could think was, “Why do I play this game? All I do is lose, I suck, I’m dumb, I suck” But then somehow I realized, I forgot why I had started being competitive in the first place, it wasn’t for money, it wasn’t for fame. It was for enjoyment of the game. Where had I lost that over the years? Where was the fiery Libo Chang passion I once had? What changed? I realized something, I love Starcraft, and while I certainly wish, I could have pulled out one more win in certain situations, I don’t care anymore, I LOVE STARCRAFT, there’s almost nothing else in the world that could make me cry besides Starcraft. (well… I do only weigh like 5 pounds so don’t beat me up at MLG T_T) So rest assured, while it may not be today, or tomorrow, or 5 years from now on, I will become the best, because I have realized something truly important today, it’s not about winning every competition, or learning at the most optimal pace, it’s about just playing and enjoying the game. I had originally planned for this to be a blog about how bad ESWC is and how I got scammed, but I really don’t care anymore. This game is just too damn good.

Thanks for reading my story about Starcraft, and I hope you will still be watching and playing starcraft 10 years from now, because I sure will ^_^.

TL;DR a boy rediscovers his love for Starcraft after being butthurt.
Also apologies for the bad writing, or direction or anything related to that, to be fair my 9th grade writing teacher sucked ass. gl hf ^_^

Mekrah Sweden. August 10 2012 15:54. Posts 9

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You are 14 years old, it's too early for you to expect too much of yourself.

Play for fun, see how things pan out. Later when you are 17-18 you can decide if you want to aim to become a famous pro gamer.

MapleFractal Canada. August 10 2012 16:07. Posts 301

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You did us proud regardless of whether you won or lost, and I'm glad you've bounced back from PAX quals with renewed confidence. You and Axslav played well tonight Libo. And Im proud to see the mature stance your taking to the game.

You practice hard, and play each game with every ounce of skill you have. One day you will be a champion.

Libo hwaiting, 4Not hwaiting.

its called a Tuque damnit!

TylerThaCreator August 10 2012 16:07. Posts 758

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Sad story, but makes me think that you have incredible potential..next suppy status. Xenocider fighting! I watch your stream a lot and I'm cheering for you all the time!

t.Swift United States. August 10 2012 16:11. Posts 46

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You own dude. Xenocider GSL champion 2014 ez.

http://www.twitch.tv/t_swift

BulletCL Chile. August 10 2012 16:20. Posts 105

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Keep fighting and learning kid! You will get better everyday. We will be watching

What, you run out of marines?

Juliette United States. August 10 2012 16:22. Posts 4935

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that's a pretty good read

you're only 14 man, just keep at it and do your best. you have a lot of growing up to do but as long as keep playing you'll only get better and better

hope to see you on a progaming team in the future, but till then focus on school too^^

http://mycliquehardmycupcold.tumblr.com/

Vaelone Finland. August 10 2012 16:49. Posts 1842

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Sounds like you're doing pretty good for a kid which you still are, you should try to show certain respect towards the tournaments and older players even if things don't always go your way. No one likes whiny kids with bad attitude and you can get a bad reputation in this scene pretty easily, however I don't know you and I'm not saying you are like that.

Don't let Starcraft hurt school too much and keep at it, I guess school shouldn't be too challenging for you in the first place if you're high GM at age of 14 and have managed to stay dedicated to the game. Goodluck.

Superiorwolf United States. August 10 2012 18:12. Posts 5162

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Wow Xeno, this was a really great blog. I remember feeling bad since I knew you had gotten second in almost every WCS qualifier, but I didn't realize that the trend kept continuing. Really awesome for you to share your emotions, and I'm glad that you are still motivated and hoping to move forward. Just remember to keep fighting and you will definitely achieve your goals!

Check out my stream at www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=315053 and follow me on Twitter @EGSuppy! :)

LeafBlower United States. August 10 2012 19:24. Posts 96

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You show a lot of maturity for someone your age, and you're extremely skilled. 5 months ago you were actually one of the players who actually humbled me greatly as I think I went 0-5 vs you on ladder, and it got me kind of down to be destroyed by someone much younger than I. You definitely have the potential to be amazing, but also remember to not miss out on all the perks of being a teenager and stuff. Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading it.

Atlasy Hungary. August 10 2012 20:10. Posts 186

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How are your marks?

Kairo Sweden. August 10 2012 21:15. Posts 156

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World 1; The meadows of growing up

Level 1;
A wild alcohol appears!

XenoSC uses _duh?_

It is super effective.

XenoSC wins!

Level 2;

A wild conservative asian parents appears!

XenoSC uses double work!

It is mildly effective.

XenoSC uses no sleep!

It is mildly effective.

Conservative asian parents uses arguments about life past 30.

It has no effect!

XenoSC uses focused power!

It is mildly effective.

Conservative asian parents retreat!

XenoSC Wins!

The conservative asian parents retreat for now, but goes back to their dungeon to further smith on the future of their child.

Level 3 (boss level);

A wild cutie appears!

XenoSC uses ignorance!

It has no effect

Cutie uses the power of love!

It is mildly effective.

Cutie uses boobs!

It is super effective.

Cutie wins!

Replay Y/N?

Last edit: 2012-08-10 21:17:03

Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane. Off she rode with a trumpety trump; trump trump trump

a_monkey Canada. August 10 2012 22:38. Posts 104

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You'll make it someday Libo. Your perseverance, confidence, and skill will translate into e-fame beyond your wildest dreams. I believe in Libo Chang.

TheRealNanMan United States. August 10 2012 23:15. Posts 1221

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Xenocider thanks for taking the time to write up this blog

I started checking out your stream after the announcement of Team 4Not getting a Sc2 Division. I was even able to watch a little bit of your matches last night vs Axslav. Keep practicing I can see how much time you are putting into getting good at this game. I have no doubt you'll be taking 1st place in a lot of tournaments soon!
Keep fighting!

Hopefully I'll get to chat with you a bit at MLG ^_^

ZeromuS Canada. August 10 2012 23:44. Posts 8288

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I saw Axslav beat you last night on his stream. He was saying he was surprised on your positioning on antiga. I think you should go watch the vods he had a lot of commentary on what he did wrong, what he felt you did wrong etc.

He noted (quite rightly as well) that had he put 2 pylons at his Warpgates in his main instead of one they wouldnt have been sniped and he would have held the 2 rax.

I feel like watching the vods might help you improve yourself since you get the other person's perspective on your play.

Keep up the good work though, you could be the next wave of NA players who are strong and solid since you are so young.

uOttawa SC2 Club/CSL Team join@uostarcraft.com | Will we see a hatchery this game? - Tasteless (Game 2 Naniwa vs. Leenock MLG winter Arena)

ChEDo Canada. August 11 2012 00:24. Posts 158

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But then all of a sudden, I just started crying. I couldn’t handle it anymore, always getting second place, everything I entered I was only one game away, but one game too short.

Reminds me of another young fellow, bit older than you, goes by the handle MarineKingPrime. He was getting tons of 2nd place, but he kept working hard and look what happened. :D

Keep practicing and one day you will become a champion too!

NeThZOR South Africa. August 11 2012 00:31. Posts 832

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By not being so active on TL lately, I have not noticed you Xenocider. This blog gave me great insight into your situation, and I am glad that you have come to the realization that the reason why you have started playing StarCraft is in fact for the love you bear for it. To add to that, you also have a very mature outlook on your future of playing SC2 and I commend you for that.

Interesting piece of writing!

Note: It is almost your birthday (12 Aug), so enjoy!

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger. Confucius

chris5180 August 11 2012 02:25. Posts 190

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dude it was a great series, you played really well, i think your unit positioning on Antiga was the only thing you did that wasn't great. Ax talked about it while he was streaming, i would really check it out if i were you. Good luck in the future man, i think you definitely have a chance to become the best if you keep practicing, practicing, practicing.

SickeL September 09 2012 23:47. Posts 87

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Kongs fighting. You're the next MKP and BoxeR.

A wise man once said "Oppa Gangnam style."

9-BiT United States. September 10 2012 02:22. Posts 405

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GSL 2013 ezmode. You got this, great blog.

[QUOTE][B]On September 24 2012 01:14 AcesAnoka wrote:[/B] based fucking smuGG[/QUOTE]

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