It's finally upon us. The much anticipated second season of the Southeast Asian Clan League officially kicks off on the 17th of January. Boasting almost fifty clan entries, SEACL promises to be one of the biggest events in SEA Starcraft this year.
And at the top of it, is the Sharn Kemp SEA Clan League. The cream of the crop. This isn't just a few big names scattered haphazardly through the bracket of some random tournament. The top division of the SEACL features all of SEA's top players. Name a player, and you will find them in this tournament.
Unfamiliar with the teams? Want to know the inside stories? Which players to look out for?
Chill guys, we got this.
aLternative [aLt] "no shortizz, you have the same tee shirt size as jaczie" - nirvAnA
Last season's runners up, aLt, benefit from an even stronger roster than they had in season 1, but with the increased competition it doesn't mean it will be any easier for them. PiG and Jimdiddy are both in hot form and they join their clutch player YoonYJ and sleeping giant Ninja as the Australian core of the Singapore based clan and are all valid ace match choices. Add to this some of Singapore's best players including WCG champion nirvAnA and up-and-comers Han, Shortizz and MrFool and aLt represents a depth few teams can match with a mix of styles perfectly suited to the clan match environment.
Captain: nirvAnA Founded: 2000 Country of Origin: Singapore Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: aLt have amazing depth of talent and established practice and leadership. Why they won't win: Their ace players don't have amazing records against other teams' top players comparatively.
Oldest clan in the lineup, with a long history of success starting all the way back in 2000.
Benefit from homegrown talents PiG and YoonYJ, long time members who got picked up by sponsored teams Tt eSports and iM respectively. They are the sole players in their sponsored teams as such their Pro Teams are not large enough for to be represented as a team.
Recently returned to theirs roots with a lot of Singaporean recruits.
aLt members have won over 8 WCG Singapore national championships over SC1, SC2 and WC3.
HeroCraft [-] "I am certainly not playing in this" - mOOnGLaDe
Despite not being a real clan, HeroCraft has a bit of a history in team events and are lead by the enigmatic mOOnGLaDe. As if SEA's most accomplished players wasn't enough, they add to their roster the well-travelled tgun who has competed in the Korean GSTL team league and brings his experience to the competition. The FXO influence doesn't end there are Malaysian up-and-comer Timber fills out the roster alongside compatrior Cobo, providing ample backup for the two ace worthy players.
Captain: mOOnGLaDe Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: Australia Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: They have two of the best players in SEA who know how to practice effectively, and are supported by some of the best Malaysian talent even if the Australian Zergs don't get the job done themselves. Why they won't win: Without much of a history together or sharing a true clan they will have to keep on top of schedules and try their best to work together for making practice, turning up on time and submitting lineups.
Full Roster
mOOnGLaDe tgun Timber Cobo Risen Shuffle
Team Achievements:
Team and/or major individual
Facts and Trivia:
Two players (tgun, mOOnGLaDe) have experience in the Korean leagues, and many of the other players have been in or are in sponsored teams.
Made in Thailand [MiTH] "It stands for Made in Thailand? Mind blown" - everyone
Thai team MiTH consists of the backbone of the Thailand national team. With Maya, RedArchon, Fah, indy and jump the individual talent is undenyable but they may suffer in depth compared to many of the other teams. With the smallest roster they will rely on their superstar RedArchon to bring them home against most opponents, and the players should look to him for inspiration. Being the only Thai representatives they are sure to have the full backing of the large eSports fanbase in their home country and have a lot to prove.
Captain: MiTHjump Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: Thailand Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: A combination of talent represented by RedArchon and many of Thailand's best players, and national pride as the players look to make up for the country's poor NationWars performance. Why they won't win: They lack the lineup size and perhaps depth of the other teams and if RedArchon is taken out the rest of the team may struggle.
Full Roster
MiTHjump MiTHMaya RedArchon Fah NEOindy Moran
Team Achievements:
None yet.
Facts and Trivia:
RedArchon is a former Blizzcon representative for SEA.
Mineski Pro-Gaming [Mski] "Dat Azz" - TAdeL
Self proclaimed as a team inspiring to lift the level of eSports in the Philippines, Mineski's SC2 lineup represents exactly that - the best that the Philippines has to offer. Pinoy powerhouses EnDerr and JaBiTo join some familiar names in the Fili scene. Add to this one of the most successful Protoss players from SEA, Azz, into their already solid lineup and Mineski could prove a handful for the more prominent clans.
Captain: MskiZenDeX Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: Philippines Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: Another team with abundant local talent, this Philippines team not only has a good team vibe but also adds a solid protoss who will no doubt add a lot of experience and knowledge to the team. Why they won't win: While many of the players are undenyably talented, only EnDerr boasts relatively recent strong results and they may have to count on new recruit Azz to pull his weight in order to take out some of the bigger clans.
Full Roster
MskiEnDerr
theDUDE
MskiJaBiTo
MskiDane
MskiRye
MskiWaning
Pobbes
Fate
MskiYax
VTAzz
Team Achievements:
None yet.
Facts and Trivia:
Has a long history in other games as the top Philippines team.
Recently picked up controversial personality Azz as their only not-Filipino player.
Mineski lost their chance to have a representative at the WCG finals in Korea as EnDerr was denied a visa.
iTA Terror Australis [TA] "I openly dislike TA" - GoSuTgun
Last season's defending champions have their work cut out for them. Not only are TA missing two core members due to player bans (Protoss star Pinder and deth, who took the winning game for TA in the grand final last season), the clan must also deal with the absence of one more of their biggest names in MaFia representing his sponsored team, but protoss masters Yang and SenSei will be representing TA for the event. Despite this, two players who have proven their worth in season 1's victory will be back to represent TA, Rossi and EdgE, and could provide the pivot necessary to see the team through the finals.
Captain: TAriiChard Founded: 2010 Country of Origin: Australia Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: It is reported that after an extra large margherita, Rossi can't lose a game. While two talented players no longer grace the roster, the two that are left have proven the most valuable under pressure in online tournaments. With two powerhouses like Rossi and EdgE, it takes pressure off other players who may feel they only need 1 win between them and when those other players include Light, BiGbiRd, spidereight and Voices TA have the potential to bring down the best. Why they won't win: Missing two of their top players is a blow to the roster strength and the morale of the players. While they will be cheering in the infamous TA teamspeak, the presence of added muscle will leave TA less confident and put extra pressure on the clutch duo of Rossi and EdgE.
Formed based on the New South Wales State of Origin B-Team from the SoO SC1 event.
Won a season of iCCup ClanLeague in Division C in SC1.
Team EVE [EVE] "lol at still sucking so hard when you maphack" - Strafe
EVE are relatively new to the RTS scenebut have proven competitive in both individual and team tournaments, most famously qualifying for SEACL Season 1. Being based primarily in Singapore, their roster contains some of the strongest Singaporean players and merged with GnS. In addition to the Singaporean players like Yekke, Dutch-turned-Thai ex-BW pro Strafe joins their ranks and gives them a serious ace option to join techtron, another accomplished player in the Australian scene.
Captain: EveJaFF Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: Singapore Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: Despite being 'underdogs' or even relative unknowns, EVE have proven they can compete at the top level and their roster does boast a lot of talent. What they lack in true ace players they make up for in numbers and a good spread of skill across the board. Techtron has had several strong performances in Australian tournaments and his recent inclusion in the team really increases their chances. Why they won't win: With the ace match worth double points the aforementioned lack of a clutch could prove costly. Their primary options are techtron and Strafe andw hile they have the capacity to take out any other ace player, they will be less consistent and it may cost EVE a few victories.
Strafe is a former member of Templars of Twilight from SC1. He is also Dutch.
Merged with former clan GnS as can be seen by the tag in some of the player names.
One of the two last minute additions to the Premier Division lineup.
Team Infinity [inFi] "We got Revenant and Roz. The two Rs. Ready to roll." - inFiTargA
While inFi has had an up-and-down year, they were one of the four giants in the SEA scene not long ago. Despite the reduced activity and results by many of their players, ice is seemingly always in-form, TargA and Revenant can compete with the best players in the league, and Muse and Roz are no pushovers. Losing RedArchon and latest recruit JazBas to their sponsored teams may have nudged inFi from potential tournament favourites to mere potential darkhorses but they have more than enough talent to take it to the wire with the best teams.
Captain: inF Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: International Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: If TargA is back in form they have 3 very, very good ace match options and that leaves the other 2 to hopefully pick up wins on their favourite maps. While the roster is small the skill is undenyable and not many teams have players the calibre of Muse and Roz "filling up numbers" in the lineup each week. Why they won't win: Any no-show or unavailability is really going to hurt their depleted roster. In addition, their players are less active than most of the top performers on SEA and that extra bit of practice may cost them when everything is on the line.
The two players that are unavailable due to team commitments have both represented SEA at the BlizzCon finals, RedArchon and Jazbas.
Team Supreme [SPR] "If their pro Koreans turn up, they will give every team a run for their money." - TAriiChard
Starting out as a community clan for Koreans and Korean speakers on SEA, SPR recently broke out as one of the most competitive clans on SEA. They have an active channel, albeit most of that activity is Korean hangeul spam, and after a marathon run of friendly clanwars have finally formed a roster truly capable of taking a podium place in this event. Soulman should form a great backbone to a team that also includes in-form player iSt and the Korean ex-pro's experience should be invaluable in the practice room. There's no doubt that SPR will take this league very seriously and they should not be underestimated despite lacking individual tournament accomplishments.
Captain: XenomorphSPR Founded: 2010 Country of Origin: International Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: In addition to their regular competitive lineup, which has proven itself in many friendly clanwars, iSt is in good form and will provide viable alternatives to Soulman as ace. Why they won't win: It's hard to pick a weakness with the team as there is a large, talented roster and a very strong ace player. SPR have some players who are inexperienced in prized tournaments and while many can undeniably take games off the tournament favourites they are so far untested in the crucible that is SEACL.
Primarily Korean or Korean-speaking players living in SEA countries.
SoulmanSPR is an ex-pro from Korea for the fOu (now FXO) team.
Their chat channel "Team SPR" is popular on Battle.net.
Decided not to include their Korean "pros" on their official roster as they would be inelligible for most tournaments on SEA.
Trick or Treat [ToT] "Game over. Chinese pwns!" - StitchSPR
If SPR is the primary Korean community clan on the SEA server then Team ToT, founded by Jerry, is the main community clan for Chinese speaking residents of Southeast Asia and Oceania. While many of the players are known as ladder cheesers, HotLips and pork have performed well at Australian LAN tournaments in Melbourne and Sydney respectively, and clan leader Jerry is experienced in online SEA events.
Captain: AlwaysDry Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: International Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: They are the tournament underdogs but have recognisable names as up-and-coming players in the SEA scene. Jerry, pork and Hotlips in particular have all shown good online or offline tournament results. Why they won't win: Of course being relatively unknown many of their players have not proven themselves at the top levels yet or under pressure situations where a real team effort is required. Often the team aspect of a clanleague is ignored and if ToT make this same mistake it could cost them.
Full Roster
Jerry porkToT HotlipsToT ForJJToT JesseYLToT Gelivable StefanToT Dosperado AnnieAreUOk cJc GaloisToT LaSthOpeToT NineToT FlashToT Team Achievements:
None yet.
Facts and Trivia:
Share a tag with famous Brood War clan Templars of Twilight.
All or most of the players are of Chinese origin living in a SEA or Oceania country.
porkToT aka SupArmani famously made a Liquipedia page about himself.
One of the two last minute additions to the Premier Division lineup.
Xeria Gaming are a relatively new team but have wasted no time making a name for themselves. With the likes of Blizzcon beast JazBas, IEM representative iaguz, giant killer MaFia as well as the recent additions Bielsko, Myuu and pokerface they are hard to ignore. This depth will make it hard for other team captains to pick who will play ace, and this will give them the strategic edge over most opponents. Couple this with the inexhaustible list of individual achievements for these members and you have the potential tournament favourites.
Captain: xGKingBenji Founded: 2011 Country of Origin: Australia Contact: skype, public email or PM
Why they will win: As one of the most successful teams in terms of individual results on SEA, Xeria host a plethora of ace match options giving them a strategical edge over opponents. Their new recruits are undenyably talented and will compliment the established old guard to form a team with a lot of depth and skill. Why they won't win: Despite the depth and talent on show, the roster is still relatively small and they will be counting on players backing up week after week and showing up on time. Any no show is going to cost them with a lack of replacements, and if they are forced to use similar lineups each week they may become a target for matchup sniping or replay analysis.
Xeria Gaming was formed of SEACL 1 semi finalists and former "Big Four" clan nGen members, as well as iaguz formerly from aLt.
Recent pickup Myuu is known only from a few strong local LAN performances, but knocked EG's iNcontroL to the lower bracket in Dox Cup #2.
Stay tuned for a follow up article next week featuring interviews with team managers and tournament admins, predictions from prominent community members and more. #SEASPORTS
People who gave rep to the OP - send it towards Cute and deL please, I didn't write the article, just posted it on the front page for the people who did.
Honestly can we ask for more you two have way outdone yourselfs in presenting an article that hypes and informs on such a big event in sea esports. Motivates me to do something similar for a lower tier, but alas I'm still on holidays and useing the iPhone.
Awesome post guys!!! Really good write up. Personally, I would like to see at least some focus on the other tiers in part 2 and then maybe some interviews with unknown or up and coming players
Awesome post guys!!! Really good write up. Personally, I would like to see at least some focus on the other tiers in part 2 and then maybe some interviews with unknown or up and coming players
I'm not sure about the other tiers but I had decided myself that I'd be doing similar coverage for the tier/s I am administrating (Tier 2 iirc).
___________________________________ Brendan "TAdeL" Ferguson Clan TA | Twitter | YouTube
xGKing to take it after Stealing Pokerface, Bielsko from their rivals, MasterSPR and aLtNirvana challenges Benji to a 1v1 Grudge match.
TA and aLt coming close behind. Why? Because Moonglade will be trolled outta the tournament and tgun goes bromance with a ''If he aint playing, im out too.''
targa is too busy playing 4v4 to win it for inFi so he decided to recruit them to get the 100-0 4v4 record he yearns.
SPR vs ToT Grudge match soon to follow due to language differences.
Strafe winning the match for Eve against MiTH resulted in him being kidnapped and manhandled IRL by RedArchon and co(Strafe lives in thailand)
I've already repped cute but I feel I need to just say WOW this write up is so amazing (MIND BLOWN) looking forward to see if there's anything coming out for the other leagues (despite that being heaps of work)
loving the effort you guys are putting in, really awesome!
Thanks, I was aware of the thread, but I knew there was a lot of discussion (argument?) going on about the format so I wasn't sure if a finalised decision had been made / announced.
P.s. Just saw del's comment, guess we'll wait for then.
Those who are interested to writing about something for their Tiers and need help regarding formatting / where to post, etc, feel free to message me, PM /Skype whatever
Skype = crazerk
I am really excited for this event and I don't know if I can pick a team to throw my support behind! So many great choices. I will listen to bids for my support though, it is worth quite a lot
But yeah there's plenty of people on this list who I have only heard of, not seen play, so I'm really looking forward to seeing them in action against some of the players I'm more familiar with.
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