On January 30 2013 11:19 pencil_ethics wrote: Translation for those who feel like reading it (there's basically nothing you don't already know but whatever):
Azubu Korea (CEO Jin Han-cheol) has signed 4 new players to their StarCraft II team 'TEAM AZUBU SC2' (hereafter Azubu).
The 4 players who have newly joined the team are GanZi (Terran), BBoong (Zerg), SuperNova (Terran) and Symbol (Zerg); combined with the existing players such as viOLet (Zerg), Genius (Protoss) and TOP (Terran), a total of 12 players will ply their trade under the Azubu banner.
From this set of signings Azubu has balanced the team's racial composition which was previously skewed in favour of Protoss, as well as signing an older and experienced player in GanZi to add some much needed backbone to the team which could have appeared lacking due to the prevalence of younger players on the roster.
Azubu's coach Iris stated his expectation that "I believe GanZi will act as the oldest brother in the team", and Azubu's manager NaDa stated "BBoong and Symbol will act as the pillars of the team's Zerg roster".
The head coach IntoTheRain has expressed his expectation regarding the former Code S leaguer SuperNova by making the witty statement that "Although he has missed out on the NesTea Award, if he re-enters Code S then the IntoTheRain Award awaits him".
After the team's official formation on January 9, Azubu begins its main activities through the 2013 GSL and 2013 GSTL.
Nice to add some more meat to their roster, I still dont think Azubu (unless Symbol goes off like he did that one GSTL) will be able to compete with the top teams in GSTL
it'll be interesting to see what kind of dynamic evolves from this team, sure there are a lot of good players, but will they play well and get better together?
Wow with these pickups and their current rosters I think they will do great in GSTL. I wonder if/when they are getting a team house considering they have all of these korean players
A few days ago I was thinking AZUBU had a poor team (while Axiom had a great one) and they'd have been stomped in GSTL. It's clearly not the case anymore.
Wow, look at that lineup! I've been looking at a couple o these players to get picked up, and I'm glad Azubu was the one. Can't wait to see some Azubu action in GSTL!
Azubu just jumped to being stronger than a lot of teams. SuperNoVa and GanZi are two of my favorite players and they deserve a team with solid sponsorship like Azubu. This is fantastic news. Also Symbol so good news lol
From what I read, the article basically says AZUBU added their new players to improve the strength of their roster racially and skill-wise. GanZi was added because he was the hyung (older brother) of the group and I think will somewhat help NaDa in coaching the team. Some stuff about the NesTea award, and how SuperNoVa got denied it. Sorry I couldn't do a full translation, I'm a bit too lazy to translate fully right now
Whenever I think Azubu is done doing cool things they do something like this! Glad all these players found homes and I'm super happy for Ganzi. Azubu is going to be the next team in GSTL and PL I think.
On January 30 2013 11:02 Boucot wrote: Impressive ! How fucking deep are AZUBU's pockets !
I honestly don't believe they would cost that much... Symbol is clearly the best of the 4 and even he wouldn't be too expensive. Especially if you consider the rumors about how little TSL members were actually paid. Offer him $20,000 or so and he's seeing dollar signs most likely.
Supernova has been a FA for a while now. Probably get a decent discount on him
Ganzi has a massively deflated value based on his injuries... and very lacking results lately
B4, although having a VERY good showing in Code S last week, doesn't have much to his name. He was probably just happy to get on a real team after MJ. (and was probably already picked up before Code S started)
Symbol is really the only true heavy hitter on the team in terms of results and I already said why he'd be cheap
Wow Azubu line up looks pretty decent now. Hopefully Ganzi and Supernova can make it back into GSL and get back into shape. But Squirtle is still teamless
Translation for those who feel like reading it (there's basically nothing you don't already know but whatever):
Azubu Korea (CEO Jin Han-cheol) has signed 4 new players to their StarCraft II team 'TEAM AZUBU SC2' (hereafter Azubu).
The 4 players who have newly joined the team are GanZi (Terran), BBoong (Zerg), SuperNova (Terran) and Symbol (Zerg); combined with the existing players such as viOLet (Zerg), Genius (Protoss) and TOP (Terran), a total of 12 players will ply their trade under the Azubu banner.
From this set of signings Azubu has balanced the team's racial composition which was previously skewed in favour of Protoss, as well as signing an older and experienced player in GanZi to add some much needed backbone to the team which could have appeared lacking due to the prevalence of younger players on the roster.
Azubu's coach Iris stated his expectation that "I believe GanZi will act as the oldest brother in the team", and Azubu's manager NaDa stated "BBoong and Symbol will act as the pillars of the team's Zerg roster".
The head coach IntoTheRain has expressed his expectation regarding the former Code S leaguer SuperNova by making the witty statement that "Although he has missed out on the NesTea Award, if he re-enters Code S then the IntoTheRain Award awaits him".
After the team's official formation on January 9, Azubu begins its main activities through the 2013 GSL and 2013 GSTL.
I wonder what Azubu's plans are. Like, long term business plans and such like that. With the lineup they have right now, they can go anywhere and do anything, if they have the money and the desire.
On January 30 2013 11:19 phodacbiet wrote: Where do they get this money? Hope they dont choke like other "esport sponsors" out there so they could provide a stable job for these players!
Azubu already runs the two most popular LoL Korean teams and sponsored one of the OGN Champions tournaments. Azubu is shady as fuck, but they are shady as fuck with cash.
On January 30 2013 11:01 TommyP wrote: Nice to add some more meat to their roster, I still dont think Azubu (unless Symbol goes off like he did that one GSTL) will be able to compete with the top teams in GSTL
Idk, aside from maybe IM most of the gstl teams are looking really weak, I mean startale lost two of their best and life is bad in team leagues, and fxo isn't looking too hot either. Still, best of luck to the new azabu team
I don't understand Azubu. It looks like they have a lot of money to spend, and they're getting into the Korean SC2 scene in a big way, but they're investing most of their money into players who are past their prime.
Symbol - great pick up for sure. But TOP? Inca? Supernova? Ganzi? Surely there must be better players out there?
They already have connections to Kespa, so it would be cool to see them as the first team to participate in GSTL and SPL at the same time. I think its a possibility but would be really hard for them to balance. Imagine them winning both though : X
On January 30 2013 11:01 TommyP wrote: Nice to add some more meat to their roster, I still dont think Azubu (unless Symbol goes off like he did that one GSTL) will be able to compete with the top teams in GSTL
Idk, aside from maybe IM most of the gstl teams are looking really weak, I mean startale lost two of their best and life is bad in team leagues, and fxo isn't looking too hot either. Still, best of luck to the new azabu team
FXO never looks really hot. Doesn't stop them from winning :3
On January 30 2013 11:01 TommyP wrote: Nice to add some more meat to their roster, I still dont think Azubu (unless Symbol goes off like he did that one GSTL) will be able to compete with the top teams in GSTL
Idk, aside from maybe IM most of the gstl teams are looking really weak, I mean startale lost two of their best and life is bad in team leagues, and fxo isn't looking too hot either. Still, best of luck to the new azabu team
FXO never looks really hot. Doesn't stop them from winning :3
They win because their roster is not full of players who were last relevant in 2010 but fresh talent like Tear, and stars like Leenock and Gumiho.
Holy shi********. Congrats to the players and Azubu! Azubu is like an all star team. Almost more than half of the team are some of my favorites. Where the Azubu logo to put on profile?!
On January 30 2013 11:24 sitromit wrote: I don't understand Azubu. It looks like they have a lot of money to spend, and they're getting into the Korean SC2 scene in a big way, but they're investing most of their money into players who are past their prime.
Symbol - great pick up for sure. But TOP? Inca? Supernova? Ganzi? Surely there must be better players out there?
Are you unaware that Supernova has been one of the most solid Code S players since...ever?
On January 30 2013 11:24 sitromit wrote: I don't understand Azubu. It looks like they have a lot of money to spend, and they're getting into the Korean SC2 scene in a big way, but they're investing most of their money into players who are past their prime.
Symbol - great pick up for sure. But TOP? Inca? Supernova? Ganzi? Surely there must be better players out there?
The only better players out there are Polt who can't participate GSTL, and Squirtle who is probably going to a KeSPA team. Hyun would have been a great pick-up, but he's seemingly signed with ItsGosu/4Not.
YEEEEES Can't wait to see them in the GSTL, so fucking happy for everyone, especially SuperNoVa and B4 though as they've been searching for a while now.
On January 30 2013 11:29 ssw2ndtime wrote: all the mid-tear players! MID-TEAR AZUBU~?
Well, Polt and HyuN would be bigger than SuperNoVa and GanZi....still they got SymboL and viOlet together which should prove to be a deadly combo against most teams.
Their advantage is mostly their sheer size which gives them a similar depth as LG-IM and MVP now, and they can rotate and use specific snipers for each of their opponents
A top 3 placement in GSTL is entirely possible although they dont got the super ace like FXO, StarTale and MVP do
On January 30 2013 11:29 ssw2ndtime wrote: all the mid-tear players! MID-TEAR AZUBU~?
Well, Polt and HyuN would be bigger than SuperNoVa and GanZi....still they got SymboL and viOlet together which should prove to be a deadly combo against most teams.
Their advantage is mostly their sheer size which gives them a similar depth as LG-IM and MVP now, and they can rotate and use specific snipers for each of their opponents
A top 3 placement in GSTL is entirely possible although they dont got the super ace like FXO, StarTale and MVP do
I have to disagree a little there. Symbol has to be the ace here. He practically carried TSL the season before last, and he's pretty solid in all three match ups. He's not as beastly as he was then, but he's still good enough I think to be a strong ace. Maybe not "super ace", but still.
On January 30 2013 11:24 sitromit wrote: I don't understand Azubu. It looks like they have a lot of money to spend, and they're getting into the Korean SC2 scene in a big way, but they're investing most of their money into players who are past their prime.
Symbol - great pick up for sure. But TOP? Inca? Supernova? Ganzi? Surely there must be better players out there?
The only better players out there are Polt who can't participate GSTL, and Squirtle who is probably going to a KeSPA team. Hyun would have been a great pick-up, but he's seemingly signed with ItsGosu/4Not.
Now wen can be sure Azubu really intended to Join GSTL, really great to see all these guys join a team, especially B4 and Supernova, they are really great guys!
Thank god, now we have all the makings for an amazing oGs + everyone else we love team . Can't wait for Az to sweep people. I might have to change my tag to Azubu if startales lose bomber and life lol.
Must be mentioned that any teamhouse they buy better be more like a team mansion. They've picked up tonssss of players these past couple months, and I truly think they will be a force in GSTL. GL to Azubu-will be cheering!
They need Terran depth, and he is an older player who can help with coaching. Center is a better player overall and would have been a better pick-up talent wise, but Ganzi brings experience.
If Azubu goes out and picks up Squirtle and Polt, they're a super power. Right now they're more of a FXO/MVP. They're very deep, have two star players (Symbol/Violet) and a ton of potential.
Wow, this team is starting to become a legit threat. If Supernova and Ganzi get there old form back this team could really make a deep run in the GSTL.
ahh i really wanted hyun on azubu but oh well and where does azubu even get the money to get all these players, how many do they already have like 20?!
Azubu really starting to look like an exciting team best of luck. I don't know too much about Azubu but i understand they have one of the best league of legends teams. the only reason i bring that up is because it looks like financially the SC2 players will probably be more stable. Good luck to all Azubu players!
I really hope Azubu has good management and didn't go overboard. It'd be a shame to lose another team in a few months/a year because of poor planning/ over spending.
Translation for those who feel like reading it (there's basically nothing you don't already know but whatever):
Azubu Korea (CEO Jin Han-cheol) has signed 4 new players to their StarCraft II team 'TEAM AZUBU SC2' (hereafter Azubu).
The 4 players who have newly joined the team are GanZi (Terran), BBoong (Zerg), SuperNova (Terran) and Symbol (Zerg); combined with the existing players such as viOLet (Zerg), Genius (Protoss) and TOP (Terran), a total of 12 players will ply their trade under the Azubu banner.
From this set of signings Azubu has balanced the team's racial composition which was previously skewed in favour of Protoss, as well as signing an older and experienced player in GanZi to add some much needed backbone to the team which could have appeared lacking due to the prevalence of younger players on the roster.
Azubu's coach Iris stated his expectation that "I believe GanZi will act as the oldest brother in the team", and Azubu's manager NaDa stated "BBoong and Symbol will act as the pillars of the team's Zerg roster".
The head coach IntoTheRain has expressed his expectation regarding the former Code S leaguer SuperNova by making the witty statement that "Although he has missed out on the NesTea Award, if he re-enters Code S then the IntoTheRain Award awaits him".
After the team's official formation on January 9, Azubu begins its main activities through the 2013 GSL and 2013 GSTL.
wow, this is huge. btw reading those names made my heart do a summersault. nice to see these legends still finding their place in the scene, even if they are too old to still be active players.
Hey people, Supernova still looks the same. Turns out he chose the most pimped up good looking picture for his twitter profile like everyone else does for their facebook.
On January 30 2013 12:44 nakedsurfer wrote: I really hope Azubu has good management and didn't go overboard. It'd be a shame to lose another team in a few months/a year because of poor planning/ over spending.
Well, Azubu's LoL teams are having a lot of success in both Korean and world wide. So their finances should be pretty solid (they also were the main sponsor for the previous LoL season in Korea).
On January 30 2013 13:12 EG.lectR wrote: I wouldn't feel too comfortable about this
Why?
because no one knows where Azubu's money comes from ^_^
hopefully they don't suddenly collapse!
At least, if they do, it might bring LoL with them and DotA 2 will reign supreme.
Just pointing out that Azubu only sponsors 3 league teams, CLG, and the 2 Azubu teams. The main sponsor of LoL is Riot, and they won't stop sponsoring League anytime soon. Azubu hasn't sponsored the champions tournament since season 2 (iirc)
Azubu sponsors almost as many if not more sc2 players than League. Also adding the CSL to that list, if Azubu fell, a lot would fall in the sc2 world as well.
Anyways back on topic, Bboongbboong told me about this a month ago, I'm glad he finally got it announced. He is pretty happy about it and I am really looking foward to seeing him win this GSL.
Wow, I just now realized IntoTheRain was Azubu's coach, for that reason alone I will gladly cheer for them. We need an Azubu tag to add to our profiles!
IntoTheRain was by far my favorite Brood War player. For some reason the image I remember the most from his play is how he would have three observers hotkeyed with his main army in pvt. I also remember watching a replay where a terran went banshee goliath and was sniping his observers with scans, so creative! When a lot of players looked similar, IntoTheRain's play was so stylized, you always knew who it was you were watching. I even stole part of his name!
Congrats to Azubu on all the new additions! You are a very wise team if you chose this handsome protoss legend as a coach!
Edit: Okay, now on liquipedia I see they are the team that signed Vines, this is the first SC2 team since ogs I want to root for
I feel that they probably aren't paying anyone a whole lot. Some players more than others, but nobody a spectacular amount. They probably have good contracts, and a lot of promise together in Azubu. That's my take on "how can Azubu have so much cash?!?!?!" I don't think that they are really dishing out a whole lot up front. Could be wrong, but that's how I would do it. Sign a bunch of players with "rewarding" contracts, and those who can't make it, won't. The end result will be a successful SC2 team.
Best of luck to these guys! Glad SymboL's on the team, though I was really hoping HyuN would be here instead of SymboL.. SymboL is my consolation though. BBongg is cool, but not as cool as my HyuN T_____T
GOGO AZUBU!!! Hopefully you won't be so shady soon!! ;D
4 players pop out of nowhere without needing an announcement of announcement. Azubu ain't need no silly tactics with their bucket full of cash. I still don't know what their future investments are in.
This team is just unfair. I would go as far as to say that their roster (though they may lack a superace) might be the deepest in GSTL. (Not counting IM because they never perform like they should in GSTL)
This is easily my new favorite pG team. All oldschool oGs members as well as a sick coaching staff! Teamliquid can we get an Azubu icon for signatures?
Huge pickups, this gives the roster the depth that it'll need to really perform in the GSTL. Really great move by the team.
Symbol has a claim for the ace spot. Their Zergs are just great. I'd like to see them pick up a Terran that's performing well now. No one's going to question Supernova's skill, nor TOP or GanZi. It'd just be nice to have someone who's in great shape this instant though.
"BBoong and Symbol will act as the pillars of the team's Zerg roster" Wow wow wow Violet is like "WTF this was my team so F** Off, I AM THE ZERG PILLAR!!!!"
Best news I've seen, I'm very happy to see all these great players finally find a home, in particular, I've been a fan of Ganzi and Supernova for a long, long time, and followed them trough Code S and their foreign adventures, glad to see them finally back on a team that will fight in Korea.
There are still a lot of good, teamless Koreans though, including Hyun and Squirtle, hopefully they also find good teams soon.
On January 30 2013 18:13 Bupalumpa wrote: "BBoong and Symbol will act as the pillars of the team's Zerg roster" Wow wow wow Violet is like "WTF this was my team so F** Off, I AM THE ZERG PILLAR!!!!"
probably meant for the GSTL since viOLet is in the US and wont be playing (well maybe rarely since he goes back to Korea sometimes)
On January 30 2013 18:11 Martijn wrote: Huge pickups, this gives the roster the depth that it'll need to really perform in the GSTL. Really great move by the team.
Symbol has a claim for the ace spot. Their Zergs are just great. I'd like to see them pick up a Terran that's performing well now. No one's going to question Supernova's skill, nor TOP or GanZi. It'd just be nice to have someone who's in great shape this instant though.
Supernova lost in Code B though, dunno if Ganzi and him will boost the team tbh
viOlet, SymboL and Genius prolly have to carry the team on their shoulders imo
On January 30 2013 23:51 ragz_gt wrote: B4 is in Ro16, though he always kind of hit or miss in team league
Doubt he ever gets used really. Usually don't go more than 2 deep at each race in an individual matchup, though the depth chart can change throughout the season. I would say their lineup looks like
I love the look of this team, but it just seems like another one of these "Too good to be true" sorts of deals. I dunno the history of this team though, so I could be wrong.
This is why I get mad when people flip shit about a team dying off or disbanding. How many times has a team died only to have another take its place? There is NO need to be worrying we have a solid scene and just need to focus on making it better and stronger. Really glad to see how big AZUBU has grown along with some other teams lately (axiom, clarity, WW). ESPORTSSSSSSSSSS
I can't find a post explicitly stating that these four pickups will be eligible for the GSTL, so I'll ask, does anyone know if they'll be able to play? Although I'm content with Supernova potentially coming back to Code S, seeing these four in GSTL would be great too ^^
On January 31 2013 05:10 Hermanoid wrote: I can't find a post explicitly stating that these four pickups will be eligible for the GSTL, so I'll ask, does anyone know if they'll be able to play? Although I'm content with Supernova potentially coming back to Code S, seeing these four in GSTL would be great too ^^
They can play in GSTL for sure, the season hasn't started yet and even if they already collected the rosters which is unlikely Azubu could have informed gomtv privately that they would be joining before the actual announcement.
Dodgin: Thanks =) Looks like it's pretty much a fact then. Dunno why the official statement wouldn't declare it outright. It would be nice to add this to the OP I think.
On January 31 2013 03:14 tabeatz wrote: Damn this is impressive! I wonder where the money's coming from, do they have any other major sponsors? Either way I can smell a GSTLS royal road...
On January 31 2013 07:45 orllyfools wrote: Wowwwww. Azubu might have to be a new team I will root for seeing how Startale lost my favorite players. They're a eSF team right?
Azubu is not anything(i think),its a german team and its better that way i think.
On January 31 2013 09:02 amazingoopah wrote: wow, wonder if azubu is here to say or will they vanish like so many other teams in a few months from now?
Azubu has a large bankroll and backing, they would only dismantle their SC2 team if SC2 ceases to be worthwhile.
On January 31 2013 03:14 tabeatz wrote: Damn this is impressive! I wonder where the money's coming from, do they have any other major sponsors? Either way I can smell a GSTLS royal road...
Umm its coming from Azubu its a company lol
Of course! Notice "other". I just thought they may be aligned with a peripherals company for example, or an energy drink, many teams are. it would surprise me for them to try to get some marketing dollars flowing in.
On January 31 2013 03:14 tabeatz wrote: Damn this is impressive! I wonder where the money's coming from, do they have any other major sponsors? Either way I can smell a GSTLS royal road...
Umm its coming from Azubu its a company lol
Of course! Notice "other". I just thought they may be aligned with a peripherals company for example, or an energy drink, many teams are. it wouldn't surprise me for them to try to get some marketing dollars flowing in.
Wow, huge announcement, congrats to team Azubu and the players involved. Azubu's roster is looking even more formidable - I'm eager to see how well they will do in the GSTL.
This pleases me greatly. With all the team death and quitting lately, it's great to see another multi-platform powerhouse arise.
I've always thought Violet was underrated, since he gets no GSL or teamleague action, we only see him occasionally whomp up on people in a MLG here or there.
Violet, Ganzi, Supernova, and Symbol is a serious lineup.
On January 31 2013 11:40 Grumbels wrote: Since Azubu has so much money to sponsor teams and leagues, what do they actually do? I've never heard of them before these last few months.
The site is down, but prior it seemed like a gaming collective site or some sort of media host? They had VoDs and sold gear and I think maybe had some sort of hosting service... honestly I couldn't really tell.
Wow very impressed with azubu here Ganzi is hopefully going to have better results with his recovery from his injury, i'm not sure what the status is as of now but he seems to have been showing better results. we'll see, ganzi fighting ^>^