Calgary: A Tale of Two Barcrafts

Disclaimer: I’m not in any way affiliated with either of the groups mentioned in this thread. I’m just a big fan of e-sports.

Well guys MLG Winter Arena is fast approaching, and for Calgarians this leaves but one question: Which barcraft will you go to?

Confused? I can assure you that you are not alone. Throughout the latter part of 2011 Calgary has had two competing Barcrafts. This is their story.

As the Barcraft movement began to take the e-sports world by storm there were some who happened to be at the right place and the right time to hear about it, and those who heard about it after varying degrees of separation. The first barcraft on the scene in Calgary was hosted at Ceili’s Irish pub and was heralded by this teamliquid thread:

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=262800

However, during October there was in fact another group already planning their glorious appearance onto the Barcraft scene, which they made at Barcraft Providence:

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277835

Why are there so few posts in this thread?

Well, the other barcraft group was indeed there first.

Not to mention that Ceili’s Barcraft’s debut happened to be the Barcraft that our own proudly Canadian HuK won. They had a fantastic group of followers and for good reason. So it should be no surprise that their thread for Barcraft Providence was twice as long as Project X’s:

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=277903

What does this have to do with you? I’m getting to that.

Like many of you I went to Ceili’s Barcraft for both Orlando and Providence. I felt a little guilty too, I knew ProjectX were hosting a Barcraft at Dobson’s during MLG Providence, but I figured better the devil you know than the one you don’t. So I went to Barcraft and Ceili’s and of course had a blast. But the story doesn’t end there.

When the NASL Season II finals came along Project X hosted our barcraft while Ceili’s did not. To those of us who have been following Starcraft 2 for a while this makes sense. Not only was December the most insane month for Professional SC2 ever (back to back Providence, Dreamhack, NASL, WCG and Blizzard Cup finals), but NASL doesn’t exactly have the greatest track record. So you’ve gotta give some credit to Project X for having the balls to host a Barcraft for this one.

After watching Puma vs Hero at dreamhack (streamed of course), I HAD to checkout Calgary’s barcraft for the rematch. I wasn’t expecting much, and so I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY.

It wasn’t the size of the event that got to me. As I said before, NASL2 was just a perfect storm for having a small barcraft. What got to me was the atmosphere. In terms of tournaments, Ceili’s Barcraft was MLG, this was Homestory Cup. The boss came around to our table after we found a seat, talked to us about what he thought of the tournament, the future of e-sports etc. His company is called Project X and they’ve been around a while. In fact, it seems like they aim to be the face of Calgary’s e-sports scene.

So here’s the thing. The more I talked to this guy Jonathan, I got the feeling more and more that this is one of those guys with a vision. You know, one of the Sundances or Mr. Chae’s out there, on a smaller scale but equally as dedicated to his goals.

MLG Winter is fast approaching and with it Calgarians have a choice. So if you’re smart, you should be asking two things. First, “what’s in it for me?”

We’ve already seen competition do fantastic things for e-sports. Not just between players but between tournaments. MLG Hosts Four streams? Dreamhack Hosts five. MLG has a chanting crowd of hundreds? Dreamhack has a motherfucking stadium. Not to mention IPL is in there competing as well with (in my opinion) the best production value of any tournament save perhaps GSL, as well as the Team Arena Challenge. By fueling both barcraft’s we can create THAT sort of competition right here in Calgary. Think about that a second.

The second question you should be asking is, “why are these other guys better?”. Well actually I’m not saying they are. If you’re a die-hard fan of Ceili’s barcraft then by all means stay there and enjoy the show! But if you don’t really give a fuck, ~~cheer for gretorp~~ check out Project X’s barcraft at Dickens. Like I said, I’m a fan of e-sports and competition, and I fucking LOVED the Barcraft at Ceili’s... But if we don’t give the other guys a chance we’re hurting e-sports.

Lets take the worst case scenario. You go to the barcraft at Dickens and it somehow doesn’t live up to the hype. Next time, you vote with your wallet and revert to Ceili’s barcraft after letting Project X know your dissapoint with them. You know who wins there? Everyone. Ceili’s has another loyal customer, Project X learns they gotta step it up a notch and how, and you win by knowing which barcraft you prefer.

For MLG Winter Arena, I’m going to Dicken’s. I wanna see Project X meet our standards, and I can’t wait to see what the Ceili’s barcraft does to compete. I hope to see you there.

I’ll keep this thread updated with relevant info for both barcrafts. For now, here’s there two facebook groups:

http://www.facebook.com/BarCraftCalgary (Project X)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BarCraft-Calgary/149846311795808 (Ceili’s)

HuK FIGHTING!!!

GohgamX Canada. February 18 2012 01:04. Posts 911

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If I may be so bold... why not work together?

Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils ...

Primadog United States. February 18 2012 01:17. Posts 4395

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These kind of things have happened more often now. Why can't we all just be friends

Thank God and gunrun.

KingDime Canada. February 18 2012 01:43. Posts 391

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Couple ppl from UofC are affiliated with doing an awesome job for the Celli's barcrafts. UofC sc2 club has 150+ members this year. Not saying UofC is the only place where SC2 members exist but im certain it's a possible reason in the gap for the barcraft attendees.

It's definitely a large chunk of sc2 watchers im sure.

Last edit: 2012-02-18 01:44:27

lmao, goswser and dime sign up for a SC2 tournament, and play rock paper scissors. Some priorities they have.

TheDougler Canada. February 18 2012 03:04. Posts 5275

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On February 18 2012 01:04 GohgamX wrote:
If I may be so bold... why not work together?

That was my first question when I realized what was going on. I don't want to point fingers because there are two sides to every coin but from what I gathered it seems Ceili's were more content to just do their own thing.

HuK FIGHTING!!!

BloodyIron Canada. February 18 2012 03:33. Posts 163

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Just out of curiosity Dougler, did you check out the King of the Hill event at the Ceili's Barcraft for MLG Providence?

Primadog United States. February 18 2012 03:41. Posts 4395

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It's unfortunate, organizers in general never quite know how to handle their neighbors. This unfortunately leads to tension like this that flairs up time to time, Calgary is not alone in this.

I think part of the problem was the barcraft mantra ("don't ask for permission, just go fucking do it") never prescribed what happen when multiple groups follow it. Organizers are largely independent and very proud of their work. Sometimes, that leads to them being overly protective, ending up with personal feuds and hurt their own scene instead. The key is to drop their guard and personal rivalries a little, and understand their common ground - the intent for barcraft, the advancement of their esports scene, and the room for collaboration and schedule cascading.

Last edit: 2012-02-18 05:03:45

Thank God and gunrun.

Chill Canada. February 18 2012 04:42. Posts 25251

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The other barcraft may be better, Ill never know. At this point the one I go to is like the vietnamese restaurant I go to - it just gives me what I expect and I know the people there. There are many other vietnamese restaurants, and maybe they have better food, but I always just go back to the one I know.

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=275302&currentpage=225#4490

ScareCrow` Canada. February 18 2012 05:17. Posts 88

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I've been curious, being a Calgarian myself do you think there's any draw for someone to show up alone? I can't say I have many friends who know much about SC let alone play it or would want to come with me - but I've always been mildly curious what goes on at these.

Cotillion37 Canada. February 18 2012 05:36. Posts 90

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On February 18 2012 05:17 ScareCrow` wrote:
I've been curious, being a Calgarian myself do you think there's any draw for someone to show up alone? I can't say I have many friends who know much about SC let alone play it or would want to come with me - but I've always been mildly curious what goes on at these.

Absolutely. It's a great way to meet other local Starcraft fans/players. I remember at MLG Orlando, Megakenny came alone and randomly ended up at our table and basically spent the whole day talking to us.

Primadog United States. February 18 2012 05:45. Posts 4395

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Most people show up alone. BarCraft is where you make new friends.

Thank God and gunrun.

Gofarman Canada. February 18 2012 06:24. Posts 501

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I wish you could post anonymously, cause this is far from the whole story.

TheDougler Canada. February 18 2012 07:13. Posts 5275

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On February 18 2012 06:24 Gofarman wrote:
I wish you could post anonymously, cause this is far from the whole story.

I would be happy to edit any and all discrepancies. You could PM me what needs changing and I will do my best to accommodate providing that it is written in a civil manner.

HuK FIGHTING!!!

Megakenny Canada. February 18 2012 08:46. Posts 790

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On February 18 2012 05:36 Cotillion37 wrote:

Show nested quote +

I plan on doing the same thing again this time.

Xiandelle Canada. February 18 2012 09:31. Posts 106

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Hey guys.

I'm the team leader of the group that runs the BarCrafts most frequently hosted at Ceili's. You might know me by this name, or by my real name, Kayleigh. :D

Project X has offered to team up with us in the past. We talked it over as a team (the five of us, including myself). We've decided to stay independant. I don't believe that teaming up is necessary for the growth of e-sports in Calgary, nor is it detrimental. I do believe that two healthy BarCrafts can co-exist; going to one and not the other won't 'hurt e-sports.' Having two should actually help the scene because it allows for competition and the creation of a better product.

TL;DR We like our independance!! <3<3BarCraft.

Primadog United States. February 18 2012 10:09. Posts 4395

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The primary issue I see wasn't teaming up. Once you have a leadership structure in place, trying to mesh up two teams into one is generally counterproductive.

Rather, I'd like to see the two sides talk to each other, and consider spliting the schedule a bit. For example, Project X takes Fri, Sat & CSL takes Sun; alternate next time around. I chat with both of you often, and neither side seems like bad people.

Thank God and gunrun.

YellOwSky Canada. February 18 2012 15:35. Posts 149

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I’ve talked to Jonathan before and indeed he is a someone with a vision that wants to grow e-sports. I personally have never been to ProjectX barcraft but I know they do host great tournament. However the barcraft at Ceili’s is just way too much fun and I love how packed it gets the atmosphere at Ceili’s is just unbelievable! Just like Chill said it always nice to go back to the one you know.

Boggler Canada. February 19 2012 10:37. Posts 128

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A few things.

Definitely show up alone. It doesn't matter if you don't know anyone. Just go.

This thread belongs as a reply to the Project X Barcraft thread.

The Ceilis Barcraft is so awesome and has so much support from fans, clubs and the community that its just makes sense to go to it.

I spoke to a lot of people that go to the Ceilis barcraft. One major selling point for decision coin flippers is the fact that the Ceilis guys are all about fun, and that Project X is just a company trying to benefit from peoples attendance at Barcraft.

Chill said it pretty well. You go to the one you are comfortable with. Ceilis will always be an excellent choice.

I saw the turnout at the December event. Sure it was noble to take the risk hosting the event but attendace showed that people either didn't care or were waiting for Ceilis to host another major party.

You make the OP sound like it is a hard decision. Its not. Ceilis sets the standard for barcraft in this city. If I was Project X, I would be begging "the other barcraft" to get an invite.

Anyways. If Project X wants all the "I don't give a fuck" people, then take them. Ceilis can keep the awesome peeps.

Time is money, friend!

TheDougler Canada. February 20 2012 05:04. Posts 5275

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On February 19 2012 10:37 Boggler wrote:
A few things.

Definitely show up alone. It doesn't matter if you don't know anyone. Just go.

This thread belongs as a reply to the Project X Barcraft thread.

The Ceilis Barcraft is so awesome and has so much support from fans, clubs and the community that its just makes sense to go to it.

I spoke to a lot of people that go to the Ceilis barcraft. One major selling point for decision coin flippers is the fact that the Ceilis guys are all about fun, and that Project X is just a company trying to benefit from peoples attendance at Barcraft.

Chill said it pretty well. You go to the one you are comfortable with. Ceilis will always be an excellent choice.

I saw the turnout at the December event. Sure it was noble to take the risk hosting the event but attendace showed that people either didn't care or were waiting for Ceilis to host another major party.

You make the OP sound like it is a hard decision. Its not. Ceilis sets the standard for barcraft in this city. If I was Project X, I would be begging "the other barcraft" to get an invite.

Anyways. If Project X wants all the "I don't give a fuck" people, then take them. Ceilis can keep the awesome peeps.

Do you actually believe that Project X is not about fun? Or that Ceili's barcraft doesn't want to make money?

In any case, it's fine that you don't like what the other guys are doing. I'm pretty sure you won't be missed. However there is no need to slander them just because you don't match their taste. It's not a hard decision for you therefore you probably should stick with what you know.

The point is that there are plenty of people out there whoever who just aren't aware that they have options in Calgary's barcraft scene. This thread's function is to promote awareness so that those people can make an informed decision. Is that so wrong?

HuK FIGHTING!!!

Darpa Canada. February 20 2012 05:15. Posts 2616

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[i][u]

Ive been to both, they are both great. Project X runs ALOT of the local SC2 tournaments and they do a great job. Why you pointlessly slander them by saying "they try to benefit from attendence" or "Let them take the "I dont give a fuck people" is beyond me. Ive also been to the ceili's barcraft and they do a fantastic job too. I have no idea why people need to pit the two against each other, or call one out when they have no experience with it. Its like Xbox and Playstation fanboys going at it, its pointles0s and annoying.

If you dont want to go to Project X than thats perfectly fine. I encourage everyone to go to both! They are two sides of the same coin. Be happy and enjoy that there is so many people passionate about it! But I guarantee Project X isnt in it for the money (who in Esports is?). Just like the Ceili's barcraft, they are in it for the fun and for the passion of the game

Last edit: 2012-02-21 07:55:15

"losers always whine about their best, Winners go home and fuck the prom queen"

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