Monthly Archives: September 2012

Interview with LGD.xiao8 post TI2

Original: http://dota.replays.net/page/20120929/1731493.html

Short interview with xiao8, gives a bit of insight into LGD, etc.

Interviewer: Hello xiao8, thank you for doing this interview. LGD has a lot of fans, go ahead and say hi to everyone.

xiao8: Hello everyone, I am LGD team’s xiao8.

Interviewer: Lately you haven’t had much in terms of competition, is LGD as a whole on break? What have you been busy with?

xiao8: Yes, after ACE everyone’s been on break, probably all spending time with friends, girlfriends, and family.

Interviewer: TI2 has just ended recently, and after going undefeated in the group stages, LGD ended up losing to iG, and then shortly after that lost to iG again in the ACE finals. For LGD, this must have been quite sad, what kind of analysis or reflection did LGD do as a team afterwards?

xiao8: We failed to maintain our own form, so our execution ended up being worse than the other team.

Interviewer: What gave you the biggest impression in TI2, did you meet IceFrog, and was he as tall and handsome as legend has it?

xiao8: I did meet him, he is indeed pretty good looking

Interviewer: This time at TI2, matches were very clustered together in the loser’s bracket, resulting in many teams needing to play a lot of games each day, is this something you feel needs to change?

xiao8: The organizers must have their reasons for this arrangement, and I don’t feel changes are needed, though it certainly challenges the players.

Interviewer: Do you have any hopes for the next International, or anything to say to your opponents for next time?

xiao8: Do my best to play well, so there is no reason to feel regret.

Interviewer: According to rumor, G-league will be picking up Dota2 officially very soon, and it looks like there will be more and more Dota2 competitions coming up. Will you guys be focusing more on Dota2? Talk a bit about differences between Dota 1 and Dota 2.

xiao8: We’ll look at which version has more competitions here in China, and we’ll focus training on that. As for Dota2, it’s relatively easier to new players to learn. For professional players, it feels like it’s a game with faster pace.

Interviewer: Before, as a Three Kingdoms (a Dota-clone based on Chinese Three Kingdoms lore) player you had already achieved fame, then what was it that brought you to Dota and ultimately become a professional Dota player?

xiao8: Because originally there were some top Three Kingdoms players that switched to Dota, and got some good results, so I also wanted to give it a try and see if I could do it.

Interviewer: Since joining LGD, Sylar has made big strides forward, and now is ranked amongst the top three big carries alongside Zhou and Burning. What do you think are his relative strengths and weaknesses compared to the other two?

xiao8: In terms of strengths, he’s younger, and has very good mechanics. In terms of weakness, he needs to continue working on mentality.

Interviewer: After ZSMJ retired, how was it that you came across Sylar and ultimately invited him to join LGD?

xiao8: Back when ZSMJ retired, we were just about to recruit as well. Sylar also was interested in joining, so we eventually came to an agreement.

Interviewer: In LGD, who ladders the most on 11 (Dota1 matchmaking service)? Who has the most ladder points? What does LGD do for fun in their spare time?

xiao8: I can’t recall… everyone’s about the same… I have over 2300 points. Because of training, I often need to quit halfway through a ladder match… the points loss is hard. As for stuff in spare time, there’s KTV, gym, basketball, etc, a bit of everything…

Interviewer: What is your favorite hero in Dota, why?

xiao8: Sniper… he looks simple, but to play him well is quite hard.

Interviewer: From Three Kingdoms to Dota, xiao8 can be considered an old player, have you ever considered retirement?

xiao8: Not yet, at least until after next year’s International.

Interviewer: Has playing professionally brought added pressure from friends and family, do you get much time every year with family?

xiao8: There’s not much time with family, but they’re all very supportive of me, and will even watch some of my matches… though they don’t know what’s going on..

Interviewer: Who do you think is most good looking in LGD, who is the best solo player?

xiao8: This is really hard to say, we each have our own style… there’s all kinds (I’m the kind that tries to act cool). As for best solo, it’s whomever is playing solo more at the time, I think.

Interviewer: Apparently Captain 8 you already have a girlfriend, what kind of girl do you prefer?

xiao8: Yes, and I like girls a little chubbier!!!

Interviewer: Thank you to xiao8 for the interview. We hope LGD will continue posting good results. Do you have any words for your fans?

xiao8: Thank you for all the continued support for LGD, thank you to our sponsors LGD, Taobao, and Razer. We will work even harder to repay all of you.

Replays.net interviews MIK, PLU commentator

Original: http://dota2.replays.net/news/page/20120926/1730999.html

Chinese caster, vod maker, MIK answers some questions. She talks a bit about Dendi, a life of Dota, Dota2 vs Dota1, and more.

Replays.net (RN): Hello MIK, very glad that you could do this interview with us. Why don’t you introduce yourself a bit, surely you have many fans who want to get to know more about you.

MIK: Hello everyone, I am that lively and cheery Mik, I am also just a normal Dota player, and in the future I will certainly see everyone plenty, so I hope that you all can support me.

RN: Cheerful gals are just what everyone likes! Okay, let’s talk about your Dota and Dota2 experiences. A girl this cute must have lots to talk about in Dota experiences. (Dota, Dota2 happenings, interesting bits, etc)

MIK: I feel that, to me, Dota is very important. I remember there once was a saying, “Lonely women wear stockings, lonely men play Dota”… well what am I if I both wear stockings and play Dota?! Haha, playing Dota has let me meet a lot of friends, such as Xiaojian (caster, vod maker), such as Dendi. I’m sure many people have similar experiences, playing full pre-made games with friends having a lot of fun. In the past playing on VS, I didn’t really care about levels, didn’t really level up to get into higher ranked rooms. Instead we made countless smurf accounts to continuously beat on newbs (speaking of this, suddenly I realize how evil I was). So all along, there have been too many precious memories, and this is why I am so dedicated to Dota.

RN: “Let’s be lifelong friends, and play a life of Dota!” – this is MIK’s motto. The girl who says this phrase, by my view, must be someone who has made a lot of friends through Dota, and must have considerable love for the game. So how about MIK you give your own understanding of this phrase for us?

MIK: I’m sure this phrase reflects the hearts of many Dota players as well. Dota brings to us not only fun and excitement, or the joy of playing with a full pre-made team of friends; moreso, as a team game, it brings a type of emotion, no matter win or lose many people will have their own little teams that they go through everything with, and this is a process that is irreplaceable. So when I found that more and more players are leaving Dota, it was quite a bitter feeling. This phrase, then, is also a call to all players past and present, hopefully we all stand together with MIK, and continue our Dota beliefs.

RN: Yeah, we definitely will continue on. This is our generation’s great mission! I think, then, that MIK’s choice to do casting and vods for Dota2, Dota1’s official successor, reflects your desire for Dota to reach more people. Talk a bit about your thoughts on Dota2, what are some differences from Dota1?

MIK: Dota2 is still closed to the public here in China. So my work in doing vods is targeted towards exposing more players to Dota2, and of course the hope is that more people see it and as a result gain more interest in Dota2. At the same time, I also hope to gain some recognition and support from everyone, and this way I can create even more value.

RN: Indeed as MIK says, Dota2 is not very widespread right now, yet players have unmistakeable fervor for this legendary status sequel, and Seattle’s International has pushed this even higher. We’d like to know, how does MIK rate Dota2, and what are your thoughts on its future?

MIK: The International in Seattle, whenever it’s brought up I’m sure people will think immediately to the million-dollar prize. This time with five Chinese teams making the trip across the Pacific Ocean, it was a very heart-lifting sight to see. From the group stages to the loser and winner brackets, it let us fans thoroughly enjoy ourselves. This time in Seattle has also promoted Dota2 very well, I truly believe that Dota2 will create a huge market for itself in China. Dota2’s graphics and attention to detail are touching, and IceFrog’s has put a lot of dedication into it and has improved the game over and over for players. As a Dota player I’ve personally undergone the transition to Dota2, so my hope is that everyone also continues to patiently wait for Dota2 to go open, it will absolutely not let you all down. Today, we can only hope that all of us stay put and wait, those of you that have left we hope you sometimes come back home to visit. Here, this is real esports!

RN: Now you’re doing first person vods for Dota2, and as your contribution to Dota2 promotion, we’re sure that many players will come back home because of you! Tell us your favorite team, and your favorite player.

MIK: There isn’t a single favorite, because in my eyes, all players are really the same. Including professional players. I do have a liking for PCT (former EHOME) because he will always play with me, and not avoid me because I’m bad, and often gives me helpful tips, so I’m very thankful to him. Apart from that, NaVi’s Dendi and LightofHeaven, they’re both very friendly and warm, and in the future if there’s a chance I’d like to collaborate with them in putting out some vods.

RN: Wow! These are all big players! I’m envious and jealous! Surely with the help of these players, your vods will continue improving. We look forward to the collaboration!

MIK: Yeah, to have everyone’s recognition and support is my biggest motivation

RN: For sure! You will not lack for motivation! I remember your last Windrunner vod, MIK you said that this is your favorite hero, can you say why you like her so much?

MIK: Haha. When I first played Dota, my friends would all have me play heroes that wouldn’t die easily, such as Windrunner’s Windrun, Morphling’s Wave, Anti-mage’s Blink, and over time, I took a liking to Windrunner, and slowly gained my own understanding of her. When I first came to Dota2, to make the transition easier with a familiar model, I picked Windrunner and played her endlessly. -.- And then afterwards, playing other heroes became much easier, so Windrunner is truly my goddess.

RN: So that’s how it is. I really like Windrunner as well, when there’s time you must let me tag along and learn from you. Haha~~~ oh right, then does MIK have a boyfriend? I believe many male fans of yours will want to know the answer to this question, because you are their goddess. And also, can you reveal your ideal boyfriend… I thank you on behalf of all our fans!

MIK: This, yes. People that know me, all know that Dota is my boyfriend. Haha, so I feel that in the future if I really actually want to find a match for myself, they have to support my playing Dota, and play Dota with me. Otherwise, there’s no way, haha

RN: Alrighty! All you hungry fans, MIK’s requirements can’t be more suitable for you all! Add oil, I will wait for your wedding candy! At the last, MIK can you please say a few words to end our interview today?

MIK: Ok. “Let’s be lifelong friends, and play a life of Dota!” My heart is Dota. Add oil!

RN: Thank you to MIK for doing this interview. We wish MIK more beauty, more skill in Dota2, even better vods, and more and more fans. Everyone give your support to MIK…

Drama in Chinese Dota — commentator ‘Anderson’ of LGD and TI2 reknown implicated

Dotaland note: Yeah, slow news day, etc, etc. This is pretty much tabloid level journalism but it’s gotten some traction over the last few days on the Chinese internet so I thought I’d just translate some of it in case anyone else likes random drama. Take it with a grain of salt, of course. Anyway, I just translate what goes on in the Chinese scene. ALSO: this particular post is not an exact translation, more like a paraphrasing/summary of a few sources to try to streamline the explanations a bit.

Originals: http://dota2.replays.net/page/20120906/1725384.html 

http://dota2.replays.net/page/20120923/1730274.html

Basically, Anderson (the same Anderson who was doing Chinese interviews at TI2) was caught selling large amounts of the TI2-specific Dota2 invites that were given out to people who bought their passes, the ones that came with an extra Dota2 item. Additionally, apparently he was also selling TI2 booklets (the free, small ones that listed the teams and had a mini bracket) for up to 100 RMB, or around 15 US dollars.

Update 9/25/12: According to Nyx_Jaywalker on reddit, the keys were given to him and were NOT used to sell, the ones Anderson is selling are different keys. Also according to Anderson himself, his Baidu account was stolen and evidence implicating himself in this drama was not sent by him but by the people who stole his account.

The drama comes from that fact that, because he had large amounts of both of these things to sell, it means that he (ab)used his position as an official commentator/interviewer at TI2 to get lots of these things that were given away for free, and then went on to sell them for his own profit. Replays.net editors issued a statement asking for esports people to be more professional and fair in the way they do things, to maintain a healthy atmosphere in the industry, so as to not affect the healthy growth of the esports industry.

Additionally he has been accused of using these same things that he got in bulk amounts from TI2 to bribe moderators/admins of online forums into deleting anything negative about him. This was supposedly proven by the fact that, in a private message on Baidu Tieba, Anderson accidentally sent a message proving his own guilt to the wrong person. This person then posted about it and was banned, and finally the user gave out his account password for everyone to see the message themselves, which many people apparently did see as a result, successfully taking screenshots to confirm.

Anderson has strongly denied these accusations and currently his Taobao store where he was selling these items do not have them listed.

 

UUU9 interviews big-time Chinese commentator DC, thoughts on TI2, ACE, Chinese esports, and more!

Very interesting and lively interview by Chinese site uuu9.com with big-name Chinese commentator and host, DC. Insight on TI2, Chinese esports, and more. Click on to read on!

Original: http://dota2.uuu9.com/201209/91550.shtml

UUU9 (U9): Hello Professor DC, thank you for doing this interview with UUU9.com. Can you outline a bit of what your life and work looks like right now?

DC (DC): Hi everyone, I am DC of the GTV Esports Channel. My current work is pretty much comprehensively moving towards becoming a host of a TV channel, not focusing on any single game anymore. In terms of everyday life, I’m still all over the place as is my old habit, gaming, anime, reading are all patterns in my life~~~

U9: Hm, then that means you’ll need to come into contact with many other types of games. What do you mainly play right now personally? Apart from Dota games with fans and Dota recordings for shows, do you still play Dota on your own?

DC: Right now I don’t play that much Dota outside of work, earlier I was really into OMG mode, and recently I’ve gotten better internet so I’ve been playing Dota2. Mainly I’ve been touching upon mainstream Dota-type games, and apart from that my personal interest is largely in single-player games.

U9: Then, if you don’t play that much Dota, is there any concern that you won’t be able to keep up with what’s going on in matches? If you really do have this concern then how do you address it and ensure you can maintain a good understanding of situations in matches?

DC: I think there will be some inadequacies. Mainly I maintain a level of familiarity through keeping up with the professional scene and tournament scenes, this is a process in gradually transforming from a Dota player to a television show environment, some growing pains are challenges for myself.

U9: TI2 has just ended, and iG took the $1M prize. Currently professional players’ benefits, wages, and prizes are all much higher than before, are there any thoughts about making a comeback as a player, or just lament at being born at the wrong time?

DC: There’s certainly some envy over the profit potential of current players, I often wonder how great it would be if the scene was this comfortable back then. As for making a comeback as a player, that would purely be lying to myself, that is out of the question. Right now the big prizes should be greatly appreciated, and the only hope is that players don’t lose themselves. We can’t ignore the reality of needing money, but we also can’t focus only on the money.

U9: Do you have any interesting stories from your trip to Seattle? What impression did Valve give you?

DC: Valve seriously was too awesome, not only have they got strong financial backing, they also had great accommodations for players, and there is no doubt the competition itself was excellent as well. In summary, once Valve goes open with Dota, other competitions are going to have a big challenge~~~

U9: During the competition, while other commentator teams were at work we thought we could hear your cheering, and from your hoarse voice we could feel Professor DC’s love for esports. So, as a commentator, is it necessary to have a certain level of love and devotion? Does Professor DC support all Chinese teams unconditionally or does he have more love for certain teams?

DC: Of course, if a commentator is not a passionate participant in the game itself, how can he infect and lead viewers in enjoying the match? Supporting Chinese teams is a basic premise, but during the Chinese vs Chinese matches I have always been a fanboy of Burning, so I was a big supporter of DK. But too bad lately fate hasn’t listened to my wishes.

U9: If I recall correctly, Professor DC also commentated for last year’s Dota2 International, what are the differences between this year and last and what improvements have been made?

DC: Last year was in Cologne, Germany, so a lot of things were limited by the surrounding environment. This time was not only held in Valve’s own backyard, it was held in a carefully selected and prepared music hall in addition to an entire team’s excellent dedicated support and execution. TI2 can be said to be a perfect representation of Valve’s true strength and ability, as well as a reflection of true gaming competition excellence.

U9: In regards to Dota2’s Chinese partner, you should have heard something in Seattle right? Is it basically confirmed?

DC: The Chinese partner is pretty much confirmed, but because the actual parties have made no announcement, then I won’t be the gossiping relative either~

U9: Okay, then let’s talk some matches. NaVi struggled in the group stages to get into the winner’s bracket, yet in the elimination stages frustrated many Chinese teams, and ultimately took second place. Can you give an overall analysis of this team, what do you think was key to their result?

DC: Without question the first thing is that they have superhuman ability in their team. NaVi’s resilience exceeded predictions from before the competition, so they are deserving of their second place result. In truth it can be said that NaVi lost standing alone against all the Chinese teams, it was only after iG put down their own burdens in the Grand Finals and played to their own style that they finally countered NaVi.

NaVi’s strategic system is very distinctive, they accurately control rhythm, either it was Anti-mage mass farming for late game, or Leshrac Juggernaut pushing early game. These two seemingly simple go-to weapons sufficed to shred all challengers before them. Of course, NaVi’s nearly invincible on-stage mentality was also key. They always lost the first game, sometimes even being stomped in the first game, yet it almost never affected their performance in the following games, this point is something I think the Chinese teams can learn from.

U9: In the end, NaVi’ certainly had Chinese fans concerned. As last year’s overlords on the scene, this year’s DK hasn’t performed as well despite having made no roster changes at all. They didn’t make it into the ACE Pro-league playoffs, got 4th in TI2, what is their main issue right now?

DC: I think DK’s team mentality was at one point pretty unstable, and their competition results haven’t been ideal this year, so to a degree that has affected their once royal confidence and momentum. And DK’s strategy is relatively unchanging, so after a year of winning 9 different championships many big teams have analyzed their weaknesses. Their preference for forcing teamfights is something that, in this version, is pretty easy to counter once it’s been figured out.

U9: Rumors say that DK will have roster changes in the coming days. Nowadays the first consideration when results are subpar is to make roster changes, what are your thoughts on this?

DC: Making roster changes is definitely a risk, but when a team has been together for a long time and has a high level of familiarity, then unless it’s an impulsive move, I think there must be other reasons behind the change that we don’t know about. DK club’s management has gone through quite a bit in the past two years so I think they’re up to the task, they don’t really have a habit of making rash roster changes, and even though the rumors are flying around this time, I say we just wait for an official statement.

U9: As for the rest of this year’s Chinese competitions, what are your thoughts, will it be iG all the way? Why?

DC: We can’t really make a logical prediction of the remaining competitions. iG certainly has a huge amount of momentum and confidence over everyone else, but after big victories in big competitions, they enter into a long break period, and whether players who historically have lacked self control can maintain this momentum and competitive form, I have concerns. Esports clubs typically not allowing long breaks before the end of the year is generally because of this.

Also, whether LGD can regain their composure and find their form, this is another variable. In terms of both overall ability, as well as their own attitudes, I think if they really end up being the “forever 2nd” team, I don’t think they will accept that easily.

U9: The ACE Pro-league has come to a close, and from broadcast quality to the quality of matches, it’s pretty much one of the best competitions so far in the Chinese scene. However, ACE takes up a large chunk of time, and also requires teams to go to Beijing to compete, will this cause other Chinese competitions to have scheduling problems? How can this issue be addressed?

DC: During the peak of Warcraft 3, it could be said that there were big and small competitions all over the country, but under all that sunshine, there was the reality of a giant esports bubble created by the rush to get in. Our hope is that, through ACE’s model we can improve and even increase the longevity of certain other competitions, and we’re willing to work with high-quality competitions. In actuality, weren’t there quite a few competitions going on between ACE’s schedule? I also believe that blindly organizing and holding events is not going to fundamentally help this industry. For a slightly inappropriate metaphor, if we want to at least achieve the level of Korean Starcraft leagues, we can’t possibly also be making concessions for small competitions such as local internet cafe tournaments?

U9: Will ACE be making plans for the 2nd season this year, what is the ETA? Will there be changes from the 1st season?

DC: ACE does have plans for a 2nd season, but they can’t be announced yet. There will definitely be new things, and improvements to the details.

U9: As a former EHOME player and coach, it need not be mentioned your feelings for EHOME. But ever since EHOME re-formed, they’ve seemed to have faced a lot of problems, such as the dispute with the ACE Alliance, only getting 5/6th at TI2, what do you think EHOME desperately needs right now?

DC: On the topic of EHOME I have no words to speak, and from a personal perspective I have failed to meet certain promises made to players and club, for this I am very sorry.

U9: Professor DC what are you feelings towards Dota2? Talk a bit about some things you think it does well.

DC: Apart from the overall graphic style not really fitting my tastes, everything else is very good. After getting away from the Warcraft 3 engine’s limitations, Dota2 has given it a big upgrade, so I think there’s no point in nitpicking certain small things, because Dota 2 is inherently a big improvement. Especially the improvements in overall experience and interface, so I really look forward to it officially going live on the Chinese market.

U9: It seems that a lot of old Dota players are uncomfortable with Dota2’s graphics and mechanics, yet Dota2’s beautiful effects has also drawn in some new players. After Dota2 goes open, what percentage do you predict will remain with Dota1?

DC: This isn’t really easy to predict, Chinese gamers’ opinions really aren’t easy to analyze. But I believe that staying with Dota1 will be a truly strange thing, if in ten years I am still playing the same games as today, then I can only conclude that either society is not making enough progress, or I am not making enough progress.

U9: Every industry has limits, and now more and more retired players are going and doing first person vods, what do you think about this? Additionally, the market for new commentators is getting close to saturated, so do you have any advice for retired players?

DC: Make preparations a bit earlier in advance, widen your horizons a bit, focus a bit more on being a person of society as opposed to a player with professional skills. However, in reality most of the people I’ve worked with in eports have varying degrees of interconnectivity with the scene.

U9: Nowadays a lot of young esports fans have dreams of playing professionally, and I’m sure you’ve met quite a few of them as GTV’s host. Do you have any words or advice for them?

DC: Stay calm, and think about whether you truly love playing games, or you just want to go professional? Is it to escape your studies, escape society, or is it to chase your dreams? A lot of people focus only on those in the spotlight on stage, thinking and planning their own futures on the same stages, but what they fail to see is, in the corners beyond the spotlight, the shadows of those who failed. Everyone believes they can be the ones up there, but the truth is that the stage is very small.

U9: Let’s ask another personal question. Does Professor DC have a girlfriend currently, have you thought about starting a family?

DC: Still have not acquired a girl, this comrade must continue to strive. In this regard I am a bad example for everyone, you should all take me as a caution, and work hard to become a winner in many ways in life!

U9: What kind of girl do you like? Mature or girly?

DC: More mature for sure!

U9: Have any female fans expressed love to you before?

DC: As for this question, I can only say I have no success to report. Of course, on this issue, I personally encourage this~~~

U9: Between Miss and MuMu (Chinese female commentators) who do you think is prettier? Yuchen and Guangmo (Chinese male commentators), who is more handsome?

DC: Of course MuMu is prettier, as for our Miss that’s called classy, we share similar tastes! Yuchen with his little pale face is so careful in his looks, as for Guangmo what does he have to do with the term ‘handsome’?

U9: Is your body weight a burden on you?

DC: It’s frustrating, but I will carry its sorrow, because this is the fate of a born-fatty like me.

U9: Dota1 or Dota2?

DC: Dota2

U9: Is there anyone you want to beat up badly?

DC: Yes, many amongst the players! Those more handsome, those skinnier, those making more money, especially those that don’t know to appreciate what they have.

U9: Alright, thank you to Professor DC for this interview with UUU9.com. We wish you success in all life and work. Are there any last comments you’d like to make to everyone, or anyone you’d like to specially thank?

DC: Have to remember to thank Guo Jia (Chinese player of a game similar to Dota, called 3-kingdoms), that bitch~~~ And lastly I want to say: Taitai I like you!

EHOME and ACE still a possibility?

After EHOME manager 71 had some harsh words regarding their situation with ACE, it seems that the team is still open to reconciliation with the Chinese esports association in the future… maybe even as early as the next season of ACE Dota?

Original: http://t.qq.com/p/t/113346032800746

Though we didn’t participate in the ACE Dota Pro-league competition, our base not far to the ACE venue, so a few of us gathered to go pay a visit. There, we play-tested the AMD machines on site, we felt they really were excellent, AMD-based computers definitely are the best choice for gaming.

Original: http://t.qq.com/p/t/106447072934917

ACE Grand Finals are tonight, next season we also hope we can be up on this stage, and be a part of this professional competition, at this professional venue, competing and training with AMD’s gear.

Dotaland note: This is very interesting because for one, this suggests that EHOME will go back to playing both Dota 1 and Dota 2 competitions when they have been focusing on Dota 2 for most of this year before TI2. For another, one of EHOME’s main sponsors is Intel, yet here they are talking about AMD… is this a public gesture towards making amends with ACE?

With iG as this season’s champions, the ACE Dota Pro-league 2012 Season 1 comes to an excellent close (official ACE closing statement)

The official summary/statement post from ACE Dota Pro-league regarding the recently-ended Season 1 Dota competition. Includes quote from head sponsor AMD, as well as iG.Zhou.

Original: http://ace.pcgames.com.cn/news/1209/2638168.html

Accompanied by ChuaN’s roar of triumph, the curtains fall upon the ACE Dota televised league first season Grand Finals. By a score of 2-0, iG defeats LG, and upon receiving the sword up on stage, are crowned kings of the Grand Finals of ACE Dota Pro-league Season 1.

Over the course of three months’ worth of regular season matches, iG and LGD were the clubs to come to the forefront in a competition starring over ten teams and stand upon the finals stage. In taking the ACE championship, iG were furthermore coming off a recent victory at the Finals at The International invitational in Seattle, and after the match iG.Zhou revealed, “We discussed this amongst ourselves before, that if this year out of the ACE Dota league, The International, and G-league we could win two championships we’d be satisfied. And now we’ve taken all three championships, surpassing our goal, so we’re very satisfied.”

While congratulating iG, we should also recognize LGD’s fierce fight through the latter half of regular season matches to make it to the Grand Finals in imposing fashion, and thus give all Dota fans a finals matchup between two juggernauts. Even though LGD sadly lost in the end to iG, what cannot be ignored is that in order to make it this far in the LAN environment of the ACE Dota Pro-league, teams must have exceeding amounts of consistency and ability. Therefore, there are no losers on the stage of ACE Dota Pro-league, so let us give our respect and support to LGD all the same, and we hope that next season LGD can once again stand tall.

After iG won this season’s Finals to take home the trophy, a giant ceremonial sword provided by our official graphics card partner AMD, AMD’s Vice President of Greater China Sales, Ms. Wu said, “After this month, through the partnership between AMD and ACE we have fully experienced the magic of esports. We have been thoroughly impressed by the infectious enthusiasm and energy of players and fans, and we are very impressed by and admire these gamers’ drive for constant self-improvement and boldness in challenging new things. This has always been AMD’s brand attitude and focus, the source of AMD’s continuous innovation. This sword represents the highest level of play in the Dota world, and AMD’s purpose in creating this sword was specifically for the heroes who stand victorious in the ACE Finals, and we hope that this sword can become as great of a weapon for gamers as AMD hardware is.”

Real competition creates real winners, brings explosiveness to your gaming universe. This season of ACE Dota Pro-league was brought to you live via TV, internet, and mobile platforms simultaneously. From May 28’s regular season start, to the end of all competition on September 14, over a period of 4 months the ACE Dota Pro-league consisted of ACE alliance members such as iG, WE, LGD, for a total of more than ten top tier Chinese esports clubs. Led by these clubs, more than 50 professional esports competitors participated, and iG ultimately took the championship over LGD as the season drew to a close.

Thank you to our official processor and graphics card partner AMD, and to our official online game and download accelerator partner Xunyou.com for their great support.

Thank you to all our fans for your constant support, thank you all. In the coming days, when you think of this season’s competition, hopefully it can become a highlight for you. In the summer of 2012, we walked together with Dota. Our players and competitors, in the future, will someday be regular people like everyone else, and work, get married, get old…… but in the history books of ACE they have left their marks boldy. They will not be forgotten, because their names are now written in our hearts. Decades down the line, when we talk with our children of these years, we can proudly say, back then, there were those of us that spent our youth in pursuit and fulfillment of dreams. Soon, a new season of ACE Pro-league will begin, so, let us then gather again on that stage to write the next chapter for each of us.

Uncertain futures: Roundup of TI2’s 10 most disappointing teams (Sgamer)

Some light analysis and overviews of ten not-so-successful teams that were at TI2, where they are now, and what brought them here from the eyes of the Chinese scene, as written by Sgamer. A lot of the subtitles for each section say quite a bit about each team as well.

Original: http://dota2.sgamer.com/news/201209/147153.html

Continue reading →

iG at ACE Dota 2012 S1 finals (pictures)

A few pictures with translated captions from iG’s social media from their win at ACE earlier.

The pictures from ACE live that everyone wanted are here now. Much thanks to all those loyal fans on the live broadcasts and at the venue itself. It was with your support that we ultimately won the trophy! The first picture is a picture of the entire team; it seems like ChuaN wants to raise the sword high and declare, “I am He-Man!!”

iG.YYF posing for a shot with a fervent fan. Does that mesmerizing smile and understated elegance tempt your heart? *kiss*

And of course our Zhou’s handsomeness isn’t going to lose out to his teammate’s. His hair, specially styled for the event today, was a contributor to his stable play today, and his calm confidence in holding the trophy is as if to say, “I have the most fans, no one else can compare”

Here we see Faith signing for a fan and taking it very seriously. His reserved and shy demeanor off-stage forms a stark contrast with his fearlessness and fierceness on-stage.

If you were to ask who is the focus of most conversations at matches, the answer is certainly ChuaN. Of course ChuaN’s excitement in celebrating his last Finals victory has not faded; today he seemed more calm, very patiently signing things for fans, and additionally gained the youngest fan at the match venue today.

Source: http://e.t.qq.com/igaming

ACE Dota Pro-league 2012 Season 1 Grand Finals today!

The grand finals of ACE Dota 2012 season 1 is going to be at 19:00 Chinese time on Sept 14, 2012. The finalists, iG and LGD, will be playing for a prize of 200000 RMB, or roughly 30000 USD. Read on to find out more.

Want to watch? Tune in here in at 11:00 UTC/19:00 Beijing time (may need to install plugin): http://live.pcgames.com.cn/1202/2454004.html or http://www.fengyunzhibo.com/tv/gtvyouxi.htm

Original: http://ace.pcgames.com.cn/news/1209/2634730.html

(Dotaland note: only partial translation for this, to get key relevant information out)

On September 14, 2012 at 19:00 [Beijing time], ACE Dota TV professional league 2012 season 1 Grand Finals will take place.

iG advanced to the semi-finals after placing in first in regular season matches, and in the semi-finals defeated Dt to advance to the finals. Up to now, iG’s overall record is 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

LGD advanced to the semi-finals on a third place result in regular season matches. In the next elimination stage where 4 teams advance out of 6, they defeated team For.love to get into the other semi-final and faced TongFu. After defeating TongFu to make it into the finals, LGD’s overall record currently stands at 8 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses.

These two teams will once again step onto the stage of the ACE finals and battle it out for the championship.

With results this similar thus far, and equally star-studded lineups, it will be strategy and hero picks that are the keys to the ultimate result. Which heroes will go to these 10 legendary players in the final battle, we’ll only know after the fighting begins.

GTV will see you at 19:00 on Sept 14. Real competition creates real winners, AMD brings explosiveness to your gaming world! For live broadcasting options please visit: ace.pcgames.com.cn.

Ever since starting competition, the ACE Dota TV pro league has seen widespread popularity. Pretty much every match day has fans coming from faraway lands, and tickets for the grand final sold out within 2 hours of going on sale. Because of huge demand and interest, we have decided to add an additional batch of live tickets for sale. They are first come first serve at the GTV headquarters in Beijing.