When TaeJa told me that he had finally decided—once and for all and with absolute certainty—to retire, he was still in GSL and waiting to play his final qualifier. He had not qualified for any tournaments in a while, and the forums were all pessimistic of his chances of reaching Code S.
As if turning back the clock, TaeJa qualified for Code S and then the Ro16 while giving Zest a run for his money. Their game on Lerilak Crest may well and truly be the last great TaeJa game, and for a moment I felt like the sun would shine on TaeJa for a little while longer. He passed through the Ro16, and, as luck would have it, he would then meet Zest again in the Ro8. A series against one of the greatest Protoss of all time and one of the players with whom he has played several great games seemed like the perfect stage for TaeJa to create another miracle.
Instead, he lost 0-3, and I think it was in that moment when I realized that there would never be another Summer of TaeJa.
This would have been our fifth summer together, but instead of another tour we must now announce his retirement. We know that many of Liquid’s older fans grew up watching TaeJa from the very start, and I hope that you are still with us to wish him a fond farewell.
For me personally, this is a goodbye to the most successful player Liquid has ever had. We picked him up before he had ever even advanced a single round in Code S, and he ended up winning the most number of premier tournaments (11) in SC2 history. He did it with a style of play that was unique and beautiful to watch, and when you counted him out he always came back.
I think that’s one of the hardest things about making this announcement. In my opinion, TaeJa had an unrivaled amount of gaming talent, and it’s such a shame that the career of this stoic killer ends at 21. Even at such a young age he has already amassed so many gold medals and he did it his way—he was one of the first players to become a world beater on a foreign team. He didn’t play from a team house, and he had an injury to deal with that greatly impacted his ability to practice. Yet his play was polished and most of all, mesmerizing. Even his failed manner mules will be remembered forever.
One thing I will always admire about TaeJa is that he always did things his way. He didn’t care what people expected in-game or in person, he was himself through and through. It manifested in the way he celebrated tournaments, always with an air of cool indifference. His titles meant a lot to him, but he acted like it was expected, and that all he had in mind was the next tournament to win. He had the killer attitude of a winner, but he also knew how to take things slowly. When he and HerO visited TLHQ in The Netherlands, I took them to an Asian supermarket that required a 10 minute bikeride to get there. On the way there it took us about 20 minutes, but on the way back we just got absolutely nowhere and had to pause along the way. It was the slowest bikeride I’ve ever experienced. The great RPGMaker in the sky can only give skill points to so many talents and he decided to give them all to TaeJa's ability to figure out games and none to his ability to bike, clap, or pop champagne bottles.
Even though the past year has not been what it used to be, he left us with a wealth of memories even until his very last day as a progamer. I wish him a full life in whatever he decides to do in the future. He possesses a solid financial base and a sports legacy that most could only dream of, and I am sure he will make the right decisions.
All of us at Liquid say goodbye to a friend and a man that meant the world to us in building our team and organization. I’m proud to have had you on our team, proud of all the things you have done for us, and eternally grateful for the legacy you have built for both of us. I’m going to miss you.
-Victor "Nazgul" Goossens
Hi TeamLiquid fans, it's TaeJa.
The progaming career I unintentionally stumbled into in 2010 is coming to an end, five years later in 2016.
I lost to FruitDealer in the Ro32 of 2010's GSL Open Season 1, and I was disappointed that I couldn't get results at tournaments for over a year afterward.
Then, after I joined TeamLiquid, good things kept happening for me, like reaching my first GSL quarterfinals and winning championships at foreign tournaments.
Since March of 2012, I was able to spend four happy years on TeamLiquid, thanks to fans who always cheered for me and showed me love, regardless of whether I was doing well or doing poorly.
I was also able to be happy on Team Liquid because Victor, Robin, and everyone on the team gave me their constant support.
For me, my time as a progamer was a succession of unforgettable moments, because I played on the best team with the best teammates.
One last time, I want to give my deepest gratitude to the fans who always gave me their love, and to Victor, Robin, HerO and all of my Liquid teammates.
makes me sad, TaeJa was always one of my favourites. The terran that refused to lose even when other races were at their strongest and many cries of imbalance were heard.
For me, the best player I ever saw, although I never supported him. Congratulations on a great career and all the best Taeja, I'm glad I will never again have to see you beat innovation.
The things he has achieved despite his injury and the fact that he got ro8 at GSL without practicing a lot makes me wonder what he would have achieved without that injury. Certainly the most talented player to ever touch sc2.
Sad news . It's been years since I saw HerO and TaeJa in person and it never even crossed my mind that it would be for the last time. It felt like they would forever be part of Liquid.
Farewell Taeja. My proudest ESPORTS memory was getting absolutely murdered on ladder by his zerg, while he was levelling up an account warming up for some tournament. By some miracle i denied his third with a warpgate timing but then the Tasteless build failed me. That is one replay i will always treasure.
Didn't he retire twice before? Or am I getting this confused with plans to retire? Anyway, seems like a good decision for his health. Best of luck in the future.
On June 02 2016 23:21 nimbim wrote: Didn't he retire twice before? Or am I getting this confused with plans to retire? Anyway, seems like a good decision for his health. Best of luck in the future.
He announced he was retiring soon but never actually did it.
On June 02 2016 23:21 nimbim wrote: Didn't he retire twice before? Or am I getting this confused with plans to retire? Anyway, seems like a good decision for his health. Best of luck in the future.
He announced he was retiring soon but never actually did it.
For years straight. Which is why I didn't really think he'd go through with it when the TL preview for his Ro8 match against Zest said it might be his final match.
The best player to have never won a GSL. He was too busy winning everything else.
As an EG (rip) fan, I could never "support" TaeJa, but I truly thank you for all the great games over all these years! One of the few players who has left me jaw dropped with his play on multiple occasions.
TaeJa's run of 27 straight maps without losing (including a perfect Dreamhack run) in 2014 is just one of the countless feats that come to mind. Thanks TaeJa!
Life vs Taeja, never forget this beautiful rivalry. In term of pure skill, I rank him above mvp and any other player except Life, this guy's play gives me so many chills. It is such a shame that he never won a GSL because he has totally the level for it.
Was always a fan of the guy. He really did keep powering through no matter what everyone else had projected for him. Good luck with everything in the future!
One of the best terrans of all time at his peak , but more importantly he produced some of the best games in sc2 , there are not many players left that are enjoyable as taeja was to watch..
I'm glad I got to see him play live at the IPL teamleague finals and it was memorable. TaeJa will always be one of my favorites, it was good to end with a solid Ro8 finish in GSL.
After Flash retired,Taeja retired too!?!?Bad summer for all of us.As a Terran player I could't explain how I fell when I heard about this.Maybe u are really tired about this,just like Jaedong.I know he will retire soon.So sad. You and HerO are our best friends.Take a good rest.Hoping everything goes well.Good luck! Fighting!Taeja!!!~
I had so much fun seeing him going for the late game vs protoss as the only terran. There was this game on whirlwind I think. I can't remember who is was against.
On June 03 2016 00:27 Sjokola wrote: I had so much fun seeing him going for the late game vs protoss as the only terran. There was this game on whirlwind I think. I can't remember who is was against.
The most famous one? Rain. Sniping observers for days.
This one hurts. This one REALLY hurts. He was by far my most favorite Terran player for the longest time. Not just because he was on Liquid but also because this guy really had what it took to become the best. It really sucked that he never won a premier tournament in Korea but TaeJa always had a hold on my heart regardless. I'm so sad to see you go TaeJa. I still remember the first time I ever saw you face-to-face. It was during BlizzCon of 2014. Bumblebee walked into your hotel room late at night and Bumblebee sat down on your legs while you were sleeping because the room was dark and he didn't realize you were there. You woke up in pain and started frantically yelling for him to get off. I had to turn away and almost walk out of the room to keep myself from bursting out with laughter. Thank you for all the amazing matches. Thank you for all the memories. I truly wish you best of luck in your future endeavor. Long live Liquid`TaeJa. One of the greatest the world of SC2 has ever seen T-T
On June 03 2016 00:40 IntoTheheart wrote: What a legend. Some day, there will be a player to mimic that sort of legacy. Can't wait to see who it'll be.
TaeJa was (and probably still is) the last bastion of the defensive macro terran. Even this most recent GSL, opening CC first 3 rax into 3rd CC against Zest. I doubt well ever see anyone play the way he did again. I cant say I don't enjoy watching Maru rip everyone apart, but there's something beautiful and striking about his patience and vision. Always absorbing everything on his side of the map with ne'er a surprise to be found. I can't truly explain it, but I'm sure stuchiu could.
That's sad to read... TaeJa always was one of my favorite players! Nonetheless, good luck in the future, I'm pretty confident he'll do what's best! HWAITING!
I remember thinking he could be really good when I was watching him way back in the ESV weekly tournaments, was great to see him find huge success with Liquid.
Brilliant player, really brought his own style to Terran that has been fascinating to watch. Just a shame he didn't compete in GSL as much as he could of!
Truly the end of an era. I remember seeing you and Hero kicking ass together at DH Winter 2011. Good times. This isn't unexpected though and I'm glad you're doing what feels right for you. Wish you luck in everything you do, Taeja.
Seeing as they did it for Flash as well, I do hope ESL does reruns of TaeJa's matches (at ESL events), since he is a way more accomplished player in SC2.
On June 02 2016 23:27 PinoKotsBeer wrote: Who will replace Teaja in the TL roster...
to be very honest and slightly depressing....
TL's SC2 team seemed to be taking a backseat compared to other games.
To be honest the entire international SC2 scene has been taking a backseat since WCS... Unless Blizzard really do manage to crap brilliance with the series, I think it's safe for TL to move on to other games.
I wish I had the Prayer of TaeJa handy right about now. My favorite player. Thanks for the games and the laughs. Was a great time watching you play some of the best games SC2 has ever seen.
Good luck in military training and your teaching career afterwards. Cheers senpai!
Aww man...my favorite player to watch is finally retiring...I'll always remember all the sick plays in HotS. He was definitely the king of micro/macro.
Good luck to Taeja in his next journey. Now I'm gonna go back and watch a bunch of reruns :'(
I will mis Taeja. Out of all Terran players I always found his style the strangest to understand. His reactive style seems to contradict the nature of Terran but he made it work. I will especially rember his game vs rain on whirlwind where he flipped the match on its head and made Terran look beastly in the late game. And of course his game vs innovation, possibly the best game of sc2 ever be played. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do next. : )
On June 02 2016 23:27 PinoKotsBeer wrote: Who will replace Teaja in the TL roster...
to be very honest and slightly depressing....
TL's SC2 team seemed to be taking a backseat compared to other games.
To be honest the entire international SC2 scene has been taking a backseat since WCS... Unless Blizzard really do manage to crap brilliance with the series, I think it's safe for TL to move on to other games.
Let me quote the biggest lie of 2016 right here... Forein scene is getting boost while korean is getting a hit.. you need to pay the price for something everytime
First and foremost, the guy who made me watch streams and VODs about Terran (and by proxy, StarCraft II) even when I'd thought this was pointless. Ah, the times I cheered and giggled like a child seeing him play in big tournaments! You will be remembered, Liquid.TaeJa
This is sad to hear, an end of an era if anything. Taeja was one of the greatest players to ever play Starcraft 2 and it is with an actual tear in my eye that I salute the arguably best Terran this game has ever seen.
Taeja, you will be missed. It is with great sadness we see you go but with great expectation for what you'll set out to do in the future. Hopefully you'll find something to do that will bring you the passion you also had in SC2. I'll not kid you with corny sayings like "everything you'll set out to do, you'll succeed in" but instead wish you all the happiness and courage to follow your heart wherever possible and find something to do that brings joy to your life.
On June 03 2016 03:32 HornyHerring wrote: Why does everyone say 'end of an era' when a player leaves? How many eras were there already if every player living signs an en of an era?
Which players were given 'end of an era' honor? TaeJa's 'end of an era' honor is true and worthy. What he accomplished in his time playing was a revolution. His freaking amazing tenacity to fight back, win vs broodlord infestor, or his ability to beat the best of the best when he was counted out from the very beginning, deserves 'end of an era' honor. 17-0 at Dreamhack.
On June 03 2016 03:32 HornyHerring wrote: Why does everyone say 'end of an era' when a player leaves? How many eras were there already if every player living signs an en of an era?
Its not said every time, it just so happens that the most recent retirements have actually been massive. Flash/Rain/MarineKing/Sen/Taeja/MC (who unretired but still) all represent different eras in Starcraft and really do signify the end of an era
Thank you Taeja for waving the TL Banner for so long!
You inspired allot of players and fans with your playstyle, perseverance and mindset. One of the best Terran players worldwide, I wish you all the luck, prosperity and happiness in the future.
I hope you let us know how you are doing in a while!
I'm sad to see him retire. My most 3rd favorite terran in starcraft ever, after Flash and Iris TL loses its legendary players. Let's hope someone form current rooster lives up to Teaja and HerO.
On June 03 2016 05:52 SharkStarcraft wrote: I'll believe it when we actually don't see him in tournaments anymore
Acutally yea. Look at last performances of Polt and Hydra... and compare Teaja, he is still young and with his potential he could rule western WCS for years to come.
Good Luck in your future, TaeJa! Thanks for the amazing games and giving me a terran player to cheer for. The summer of TaeJa years will never be forgotten.
When Liquid signed him many years ago, my friend and I were shocked that Liquid was able to get their hands on a potential Talent. We always knew, from back then, that he had it in him to win stuff and the subsequent years showed us this. It's really unfortunate that he wasn't able to secure a Korean League, but regardless - no one will ever come close (hopefully WCS changes again next year; else really, no one will ever come close) to matching TaeJa's record of Premier wins.
TaeJa's signing was one of the contributing factors to me actually creating a TL.net account. For me, it really the end of an era because the Player I signed up to cheer for has finally retired. I hope to see him hang around and keep his twitter going. Will never forget the time he replied to a tweet of mine.
Ah, I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.
TaeJa was really one of a kind. No other Terran even compares to him when it comes to macro defensive play. He set up a new standard no one was able to even approach, similar to what Rain did in HotS when he completely figured out macro defensive Protoss play.
It's sad to see one of the greatest players to ever touch this game go, especially at such a young age. I wish him the best of luck in everything he attempts in the future... and especially his upcoming last GSL run
Gonna miss Taeja, when i was first getting into Starcraft he was such a fascinating player to watch, and a lot of my memories of this game are because of him. Good luck to him!
On June 03 2016 00:17 LastManProductions wrote: I'm glad I got to see him play live at the IPL teamleague finals and it was memorable. TaeJa will always be one of my favorites, it was good to end with a solid Ro8 finish in GSL.
That is probably my favorite memory as well. It was really breathtaking what he did there.
Taeja is one of my biggest heroes out there. Always cheered for you in tournaments!! Sad to see you go. Best of luck in the future and thanks for all the great games!
Definitely hands down the best Liquid player in SC2 history so far. I still remember his games dominating Protoss-es in a time when every other Terran player was struggling to deal with the late game deathball. His insane ghost micro and bio comp with vikings to snipe obs, memorable times.
Well this was in the air for a long time but still sad. Taeja is such a strong SC2 player. Was it his wrist/health issues that stopped him in the end? Or military service? Or just slowly lost interest and wanting to pursue different things in life?
I love his smile T________T @Taeja ! Well perhaps after this , he will be playing for Korean progaming team. That would be wonderful ! gl hf Taeja. <3 Sc2
In all honesty, he went on longer than many of us thought and gave us a lot of memories along the way. Thank you and wishing the best in the following career!
Sad to see him go, although it was a long time coming. Probably my favourite player of all time in SC2 and inspired me to try getting better at Terran every day.
Taeja, I will be honest with you. When I started watching StarCraft 2 and saw you in all the tournaments, I always thought, you were a girl. Taeja, Xena, Amanda, it all sounds so girlish ... And I always thought ... look at her, how well is this nice Korean girl with these nice glasses playing ... are all the guys not frustrated that a girl has beaten them so hard in the tournament? :-)
And look at yourself now ... you are soon going to become a man! As that is, what the military service does with the boys ... I am just not sure, what you will become. Will you become a marine, or a marauder? Still not sure ... I will need to watch some of your old VODs :-)
This is kind of a special moment for me, seeing Taeja go. Taeja coming to liquid coincided with important changes in my life outlook. For a long time players have defined the eras of starcraft that I remember. Taeja is one of those players. Taeja and Hero have been kind of a joint symbol to me, that success comes with practice and a willingness to risk feeling at home for glory. At a time when I began planning for the next steps in my education as well as becoming more of an adult, both of them were shining examples of what dreams come true look like with the effort required to succeed and the bold moves required to get to a winning environment. Despite failures all along the way, and during the jourmey since I'm in the middle of mine, while Taeja and Hero were somewhat of an after thought, seeing this today brings back those images. A kid willing to break molds to win, now a man whose legacy has been set. Its incredible that I got to witness what became so life changing in a weirdly small way, I'm sad to see him go, but I know I am forever changed from seeing him play.
I'll always remember Taeja for carrying Boxer to Code S, when he was still on Slayers! Really sad to see him go, thx for all these years and good luck!
Thinking about all these terran players who retired: Mvp, Flash, MMA, Fantasy, MarineKing, Taeja, That's a blow with no return... Who's next? Bomber? Sometimes I feel like what we need isn't new patch, balance, map pool, we fucking need those players back!
Taeja, who art in Korea, hallowed be thy timing. Thy 3rd CC come, thy +2 be done, on ladder as it is in IEM. Give us this day our daily cheese, and forgive us our BM as we forgive those who BM against us. Lead us not into all ins, but deliver us from protoss. For thine is the command center, the stim, and the glory for Earth. Amen.
When I used to actively play and watch starcraft, Taeja was probably the Terran I admired the most. This retirement has been a long time coming but its still a sad day.
On June 03 2016 23:36 iHirO wrote: When I used to actively play and watch starcraft, Taeja was probably the Terran I admired the most. This retirement has been a long time coming but its still a sad day.
TaeJa was hands down my favorite player ever. I guess the fact that everyone saw this coming for a long time helps to soften the blow, but it's a sad day nonetheless. My thanks to Liquid for spotting his talent and giving him a chance to shine, and my thanks to TaeJa for all of the ridiculous, jaw-dropping entertainment.
I took photos of the last game played at GSL's Mokdong Studio. As it turns out, the game was Taeja vs Roro. I'll never forget it. Taeja lost the game but still stopped to sign an autograph for some fans.
Sad see him go. But he was kind of retired for a while now. When he was on top f his games he looked so incredibly unbeatable like only a few other Players managed to do in sc2 history (maybe Innovation and zest).
I remember the glory times of the teamleagues and big mlgs/dreamhacks. And Taeja was a big part in that legacy.
well good luck on other things you do... i didnt like it that much cause he didnt like to play in KR GSL or SPL just wanted to have ez wins vs foreigners.
On June 05 2016 19:56 SC2BF3Love wrote: well good luck on other things you do... i didnt like it that much cause he didnt like to play in KR GSL or SPL just wanted to have ez wins vs foreigners.