[deL]

State of Origin
StarCraft II Australia

Hi guys. While there's not too much going on before the upcoming SEASL I thought I'd gather interest for the State of Origin tournament for Australian SC2 players that I want to host some time in the future. I'd be interested in finding out who wants to play and also getting ideas/thoughts on the format and teams. If you're on the fence about whether you think you'd like to play either in the A-Team or try out for a position in the B-Teams, ask some of the familiar faces who played in the original BW-based SoO and they will likely convince you, as it was a fun event enjoyed by all!

What is SoO?

The State of Origin is a two-tier, team-based league competition on the SEA server for Australian residents. The five teams are based on the states of Australia. The rivalries between the states of Australia are some of the most competitive rivalries in sport. Each year the highlight of the sports calendar down under features State vs State competitions across various codes of football, and the StarCraft II State of Origin competition seeks to bring this same competitive rivalry to the online arena. Continuing on from the popular first SoO series in StarCraft: Brood War the competition will see defending champions Queensland[1] take on season 1 finalists New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. Continuing the traditions of previous seasons, there will be a B-Team competition run parallel.

The matches will be best of 5 (First to win 3), "ProLeague" format with an ace match. The lineups are submitted confidentially by team captains and the full lineups are published before the match day. Each of the four state teams plays each other once in the round robin phase, before qualifying for an elimination playoff. The B-Team competition will follow the same format with the exception of the playoffs - the B-Team competition winner will be determined purely by ladder standings.

Who will play?

As mentioned, the plan is to represent five teams based on the main Australian states with a SC2 playing population. At this point, the teams will look like this:

The A-Teams will be mostly invite only unless a situation arises in which several players may be worthy of making the team but didn't. B-Teams will be part invite (a captain) and then the recruitment will be left up to that captain to either hand pick or host a tournament to recruit players.

Current A-Team rosters aren't finalised, but there are several players who come to mind when discussing the teams. The following players, for example, seem like obvious choices for their respective state teams:

QLD - SenSei, mOOnGLaDe, Jimdiddy, Azz, TargA
NSW - tgun, MaFia, Rossi, iaguz, YoonYJ, Ninja, PiG, Pokerface, Light
VIC - deth, Pinder, techtron
SA - EdgE, Satu, Bielsko
WA - yang, ChoBo, tbk

Is there a prize?

I will likely put in around $150 of my own money as well as add the $150 won by Team Australia way back in the second SC2SEA NationWars up for the winning A-Team to make a total of $300. Other donators are free to offer prizes for the A- or B-Teams if you contact me.

Why can't SEA/NZ nations play?

As much as I like to include our neighbours, the history and whole idea behind this event is focused on Australian state rivalries and including even a team like New Zealand takes away from that appeal. In addition, it would be unfair for a country to compete against a state, and for another country to win Australia's NW prizemoney from them!

NSW seems to have a lot more depth than the others

This is a minor problem, though the format means that only 4-5 players will be used in each round. This means the full weight of the NSW lineup can't be brought to bear each week and it will limit their depth advantage. Any other suggestions or ideas to even the playing field are welcome!

How do I participate?

If you think you are an invite possibility for the A-Team, PM or post here!

If you want to donate, try out for a B-Team, be a B-Team captain or suggest someone for the A-Team invitations post here!

Note - you may only represent a state team in which you currently reside!

Quick Comments

	FvRScrewby:
	TheGentleman:
	Baldie:
	ToRSmotPokingFish:
	MezjE:
	TAriiChard:
	DM.MCZ.Polaris:
	TAminimat:
	EXCL:
	FSDele:	why you gotta hate NT and ACT?

[SanG]

Just like the real state of origin, QLD and NSW rivalry hehe

Quick Comments

|Erasmus|:

Gotta get Sang up in that QLD team :D

[Benji]

Does NSW need a manager/organizer guy?

Can NSW adopt JazBas? :P

[cruxis]

Haha, I'll play on the the NSW B- team if anyone wants me. Unlikely though.

[iM SundeR]

This sounds awesome and I'd definitely be keen to try out for QLD B-team~

[deL]

Originally Posted by xGKingBenji

Does NSW need a manager/organizer guy?

Can NSW adopt JazBas? :P

Haha likely the players and I will do most of the organising stuff but I will keep an eye open and see if any help will be needed. It ran quite smooth in BW with just the captain to submit lineups but in SC2 the teams will be bigger so...

And no, no JazBas unfortunately not until he moves here permanently anyway! How is Xeria coming along with those immigration forms for him?

[ToR.Arnor]

cRFourby and DotAEVEWestley for Team VIC imo!

[TheGentleman]

Don't you know state of origin is only between the two real states! QLD and NSW! Not that I should really be concerned... QLD has mOOnGLaDe.

[cruxis]

Yeah this is like an AFL version of SoO.

[SLCN.Kez]

Keen to play for vic in a-team

[iM MaFia]

so who decides who the ace for nsw is???

[Mayo]

Keen to play for VIC in Z (aka terrible) team

[deL]

Originally Posted by xGKingMafia

so who decides who the ace for nsw is???

Team captain, and the ace can change week-to-week - you don't have to nominate someone right from the start

Originally Posted by Mayo

Keen to play for VIC in Z (aka terrible) team

We only go down to Y team sorry you wouldn't make the cut. The Easy AI just edges your place!

Quick Comments

VB_Blake:

haha

[Mayo]

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiet

Quick Comments

	deL:	Keep at it slugga, you'll get there
	VB_Blake:	hang in there buddy...

[Asrathiel]

Originally Posted by TAdeL

The Easy AI just edges your place!

Malachi's in then, he destroys Easy AI....

Quick Comments

deL:

I know from his 2v2 skills! He could be captain of the Under-8s!

[iM MaFia]

whos the team captain then lol

[cruxis]

Is it actually possible to lose to easy AI? I've seen a video DJWheat did teaching his 5 year old son Starcraft 2, and he still managed to absolutely dominate the easy AI.

[deL]

Originally Posted by xGKingMafia

whos the team captain then lol

We don't even have the team yet I imagine I will let the players all vote for or agree on someone. I can say it probably won't be pokerface at this point but other than that it could be anyone

Originally Posted by cruxis

Is it actually possible to lose to easy AI? I've seen a video DJWheat did teaching his 5 year old son Starcraft 2, and he still managed to absolutely dominate the easy AI.

Mate I am not doubting that Mayo if he trained hard enough could be competitive with an Easy AI, but the thing is the AI is gonna turn up every week rain, hail or shine. He is dependable and the cornerstone of a successful team - almost like a morale-boosting mascot.

[iM MaFia]

i noticed one protoss missing in that list, maybe he's on the B team?

[deL]

Originally Posted by xGKingMafia

i noticed one protoss missing in that list, maybe he's on the B team?

There's no China team.

Nah it's cos I made this list ages ago and that was when Ray wasn't playing haha. The old list includes a few people who have dropped off so that is why I wanted to post a thread to get it up to date!