cheeseheadlogic Profile Blog Joined April 2011 United States 319 Posts Last Edited: 2012-04-13 03:32:11 #1 Herro everyone! For those who don’t know who I am or ever dropped by my stream, my name is Daniil or otherwise known as CheeseHeadLogic. This past weekend I traveled to Las Vegas for IPL4. The 4 nights, 4 days spent there was one of the best experiences I have ever had. As a player/caster I have always fantasized in playing in one of these huge tournaments, but was never sure when I wanted to finally take that shot at playing. With school and work schedules’ interfering it was a little tough to decide, but since it was the first week back from spring break I didn’t see a better time to go then now.



I will do Saturday, Sunday, and Monday on Apr 12th



Pre-Trip:

The pre-trip part started on the 28th when I purchased the IPL4 competitor pass. To my knowledge I was actually the last player to get one(sorry for those that wanted to play in the tournament). When I purchased the pass I probably sat for a whole hour just wondering what I had got myself involved in. Who would I see? Who would I play? Do I actually stand a chance? Went into a little bit of a panic when I actually browsed over the open bracket list and saw several foreigner pro teams and the numerous Korean players that were competing. Eventually kind of came to and just told myself I need to practice and prep and I should be ok for the most part……….

The next 4 weeks I attempted to keep a semi rigorous practice routine as much as my schedule would allow with school, work, and life. Did the whole process of announcing I’m going to the event, explaining what it was to some friends and family, and just hyping my name as best as possible prior to the event. With one of the quickest 4 weeks blowing by me, I was on the eve of IPL4.



Thur Apr 5th – The Flight

As most teams and players I decided to arrive the day prior to the beginning of the event so I could get settled in. The night before I went to go to bed at a decent time(2am) so I could wake up and one final stream just doing a little bit of last minute practice. Ended up waking around 1pm, 4 hours prior to my flight with no laundry done, nothing packed, and nothing I needed really ready for the event. Being the college starcraft player, I was able to move out at precise timings, with efficient micro and macro and get everything I needed done. Within that time frame I also spent a few more hours trying to study my first round opponent, who was Annyeong.Prime, no big deal ez pz right? After a few hours of scrambling I was boarding my first connecter flight from Colo Sprg into Utah. With everyone already blowing up my phone/twitter/facebook wishing me luck and telling me they would be watching the bracket closely, the nerves were starting to rise. After landing and sitting through an awesome 3 hour hour overlay I was on the flight into Vegas.



Upon arrival my teammate Sruff(not vVvRuff lol) was already there and waiting at the Cosmopolitan. Getting inside the hotel I ran into my first dilemma which I’m pretty sure I had every single day I was there. What should I do when I’m not playing or watching starcraft. Yes I know were in Vegas, but I didn’t exactly plan this trip out as if it was my 21st where all I’m going to be doing is going to shows, gambling, and drinking. Well ok maybe we’ll keep the drinking part. Seriously though the prices for drinks are sooooooooooo freaking expensive! Anyways back to the story. I get inside the Cosmopolitan, and already my eyes are caught by all the gorgeous girls in their sexy evening attire, yes I’m a guy first, nerd second lol. While browsing around the lobby I finally caught a glimpse of Stefan, who handed me a room key and showed me up to the room. With nothing really Starcraft for the night, we just decided to explore around have a couple drinks and call it a night. While stumbling through the casino, we already caught glimpses of the players that were here like Leenock and Nestea, casters like Wolf and Khlador. At some point we caught Rotterdam at the roulette table winning loads of money, but eventually I think he lost it all haha. A couple more circles around the hotel and eventually found myself hitting the bed starting to imagine the day ahead of me.



Fri Apr 6th – Day 1 of IPL “The Elimination Chamber”



Surprisingly didn’t lose a lot of sleep during the night. Woke up a couple hours prior to start. Cleaned myself up, packed the bags I needed for the day, and Sruff and I headed over to the player reg area. After getting our player passes and getting an overview of the day, we head towards the practice area, which surprisingly only had 2 other people in there, which were unknown to me. Wondering where all the other players were I got called over by Sruff to come to the actual open room where everyone was practicing at. As I enter the room, my eyes widen as literally all the participants are hanging in one room. Some are obs’ing, some are playing. MarineKing to my right, MMA to my left. SlayerS, Prime, Liquid, Startale, Complexity, and so on. The Starcraft Pro scene was right in front of my eyes. Ended up snagging a spot next to Sruff, Demuslim, and Illusion. Literally spent a good hour trying to figure out settings that were similar to mine at home. Got in a couple games and the PA kicked announcing we were about to start. Now idk about everyone else, but usually this is that moment where you have a mini freaking heart attack because it’s almost go time. As I’m heading over to the area where I’m stationed at for the first set, I see Annyeong walking over. Really tiny dude looks very relaxed, and behind him is the prime manger if I’m not mistaken. As he’s getting setup across from me, I introduce myself, wish him best of luck……like he’ll actually even need it lol. Ref comes over, gets our veto’s and sends us off.







Now this is that moment when everything just sort of goes into slow motion. I begin to slowly panel the room as I’m taking heavier breaths, and heart beginning to beat quicker. I notice Jinro and Violet to my left CASUAL AS FUCK! To them it’s second nature, but I couldn’t help but think WTF aren’t you guys a little nervous. My right hand starts to slowly jitter as I turn back to my computer screen. There was something waiting for me in the chat of the lobby. “Annyeong.Prime- Rdy? Gl Hf”

…….

Beep

……..

Beep

……..

Beep





G1 – Annyeong.Prime vs xOCHL on IPL Cloud Kingdom

+ Show Spoiler + This was definitely a quickie of a game. By the time I’m splitting my SCV’s my keyboard and mouse is already drenched. Not too awful of a start as I remember for the first minute. Hit my split well, doubled up mineral patches and was deciding what build I should do for this map. My lack of confidence in a Macro game in this situation limited my builds to something cheesy. Was thinking somewhere in the 2 rax to hellion marauder all in area. Decided to go 2 rax and build my racks next to the rocks outside of my natural. Just as I’m about to place my second rax, a drone sprints into the area denying that wall off that I wanted. I throw it down anyways next to it. At this point I’m spilling spaghetti everywhere, I’m pulling SCV’s to attack and defend my building barracks and it’s only the damn 2 ½ min mark. This delayed my marines and the 2 rax overall and just ended very sadly when he sent a counter attack of lings to my base before I could finish walling off again. Big time Starcraft career is already on a good note lol. I gg wp and exit out of the game. On top of being nervous, now I’m ashamed I executed that so poorly. Reported the game to the ref and onto game 2 we went.

G2 – Annyeong.Prime vs xOCHL on IPL Sanshorn Mist

+ Show Spoiler + Between the lobby and start up screen I calmed down a little bit and attempted to put out a good game two. With this map I decided my best option would probably be to go with my second best TvZ build aka Helion-Marauder, because of the distance in the map. The production phase went very well for me, I denied scouting, didn’t supply block myself if I recall. I was looking good, I was feeling good, and told myself I had a solid chance. Then out of nowhere! OVERLORD! OVERLORD! OVERLORD! flies right in somewhere from my natural and catches a glimpse of a couple marauders walking as I’m pushing out. Red alert is going off in my head. All I’m saying is fuck fuck fuck, move faster you slow ass piece of shit marauders in my head. On the other side defensive baneling were getting morphed and extra spines finishing up. Let’s just say he held it off very well.



I knew my odds going into the series, just never imagined it would go that bad for me first time out. Owell. Misery loves company so I go over to Sruff who just got a beating handed down to him by Startale.July. We packed up and decided to walk around meet some players and check out the other areas, while we wait for Loser bracket round 1. First person I go see, well some of you might know him as Dimaga.It was very easy to introduce myself as I am fluent in Russian. Always been a fan of his. We even stream under the same Russian portal sc2tv.ru, but have never actually met him in person. As expected one of the nicest guys you can ever meet. Would hang with him and Mr. TT1 a good portion of the weekend watching the games in the player areas.











The time soon came where the Losers Round 1 was about to start. I was matched up against twttrCeaser a protoss player from the Twitter company team. Sruff didn’t get as good of a draw. He would face EGDemuslim.



G1 – twttrCeaser vs xOCHL on IPL Daybreak



+ Show Spoiler + At the moment my TvP is the strongest matchup. Mentality from the first set of being nervous, turned quickly into survival. Having known nothing on Ceaser, I decided to play a little safe and just attempt a Macro game. Opened with a 2 rax Marine/Marauder Pressure, which even have scouted didn’t seem completely ready for. Haven’t gone back to the replay just yet, but assumed he either went 1 gate or 3 gate expand. The pressure caught him a little off guard and I was able to pick off a few units and take down his Nexus. On the back side I had the my CC ready but did a poor job of spending my money on the back side, so I just took my third and continued. After several minutes of just jocking for the tower I had Stim done, with medivacs and went for a double medevac drop and was hoping to dual prong him at the natural. My few units getting ready to attack his natural, drew his main army out and allowed for a good drop picking of probes, tech and a colossus and some more units. I think I got the main Nexus too and was able to save a medevac and with a few units. At this point I was 3 base to 1 and had a good economy and was in a good position. THEN PROTOSS HAPPENED!..........just kidding, was able to build a couple vikings and a good army and go kill his main army. A good feeling compared to the first set I played. Reported the game and were on our way to game 2.



G2 – twttrCeaser vs xOCHL on IPL Metropolis

+ Show Spoiler + Just because my roots for stronger play do tend to be cheese, I decided to go 1-1-1 in this game. While producing I saw about 5 stalkers and a zealot heading close to my ramp. Pulled SCV’s to repair and kept producing. Out of nowhere a void ray pops up and starts allowing for supply depots to get sniped, and etc. Usually when this happens, with good micro and management of the bunker in front, you can usually hold, but other times it can just spiral out of control and you lose a game. Fortunalty for me I was able to hold off long enough focus down the void ray and then the tank and banshee took over vs the stalkers. With very nice manner realized he was behind and GG’d out of the game.





A slight smirk appeared on face, and “fuck yeah!” feeling ran through my body. I think it was just overall relief and that gorilla on my back where I didn’t want to get eliminated right away that went away. Major props to Ceaser for being so well mannered. We talked for a little bit after game and went our ways.



Joy quickly turned into concern as I had to go support Sruff. Already down 1-0 game 2 wasn’t looking well and eventually ended up in a loss. I’m not sure of another person who had tougher first two games than he did. I have to give big props at how positive he stayed too!

From here we packed up, hung around the open player areas, and then moved over to the main stage to catch a couple games before my next round. During that time we met Jon the translator, who literally lives up to the personality, so nice and funny. Another hour passed and it was time to head back into the player area. Originally by looking at the bracket I would have either played Bling or rematch with Annyeong, but that model didn’t really make sense. Still unknown of my opponent I head to the station assigned to me. All setup and ready, but no opponent yet sitting across from me. All the sudden a scruffy little man starts heading for the seat across from me. He was wearing a very familiar shirt. A beard so thick Tom Hanks in cast away would be jealous. Yes indeed my Losers Bracket Round 2 opponent was none other than LiquidTLO! I was in a little bit of a shock, because other than Grubby, when I first started getting into Starcraft and watching streams, this was the guy I went to, tried to learn off of. Behind me I hear snickers of a couple people that know at the upcoming matchup. Sruff is right behind TLO laughing his ass off and taking pictures. I’m getting texts saying 6 rax him, it will be funny. Again just as with the other players I introduce myself, shake hands, tell him I’m a fan and etc like a little fan boy. Ref gets our vetoes and we’re off.



G1 LiquidTLO vs xOCHL on IPL Metropolis



+ Show Spoiler + Spawn close by air positions. I was debating whether to attempt Macro or go cheesy, and me being me, I convinced myself to cheese. I went with a Hellion-Maruader all in. Literally just like the second game vs Annyeong, I produce well……even better actually. My timings are great, I’m ready to go. I’m holding Xel’nagas. I’m feeling on top of the world right now. Then all the sudden as I’m moving out overlord flies onto my ramp at my main from close air!!!!!!!!! 6 spines go down more lings built and the rest was history.



G2 LiquidTLO vs xOCHL on IPL Antiga(w/ golds……wtf?)



+ Show Spoiler + So eventually I man’d up and decided to go macro. Went 1 rax expand into hellions into a quick third. Problem started happening when I built a tech lab instead of a reactor to switch on my hellions. This delayed some production and I supply blocked myself several times. Eventually did get a third up and etc, but TLO’s production was great. He went ling heavy style into ling infestor ultra with banes. He built about 10 overlords and shit like 50 changelings which he used as a wall in our engagement towards the middle of the map…….so ya GG. Fun game to watch if you ever get a chance.



After the game I got a chance to talk to TLO for a little bit on TvZ, and other stuff. Overall really nice guy. Got a picture with him after it was all said and done. Not sure if he was trolling, but either during game 2 or after I can’t recall, he mentioned he was thinking about trying Toss. The discussion during the beginning of game 2 was hilarious also.





Just like that my run at IPL4 as a player was over. For the next couple hours it kind of sunk in deep and I felt pretty freaking horrible, because I thought I should have been able to play better. Eventually got over it kind of…..but still not in the best mood for the rest of the day.

We eventually came back down to hang with some of the players and watch the rest of the games going on for the night.



With half an eye open, I glance around room and notice the wreckage that is the Open Bracket. Players are sleeping on desks, floors, others lol. Staff is slowing down. Casters are losing voices. Everyone is exhausted, as if they just fought all day in a brawl. All that remained on the schedule was Huk and Curious I think. We were supposed to end around 11 as the last round should have started at 10. It was past 12am already haha. After the match everyone that was left went up to the rooms and passed out…..well except White-Ra of course. Sruff and I ended up watching a little SportCenter to catch up on the Masters and then passed out.



I’ll do Saturday and Sunday in separate post on Thursday.



Feel free to ask anything I’ll be happy to answer.



Feel free to follow me on:

Twitter.com/cheeseheadlogic

Twitch.tv/cheeseheadlogic

Facebook.com/cheeseheadlogic



Part 2 is up



The pre-trip part started on the 28th when I purchased the IPL4 competitor pass. To my knowledge I was actually the last player to get one(sorry for those that wanted to play in the tournament). When I purchased the pass I probably sat for a whole hour just wondering what I had got myself involved in. Who would I see? Who would I play? Do I actually stand a chance? Went into a little bit of a panic when I actually browsed over the open bracket list and saw several foreigner pro teams and the numerous Korean players that were competing. Eventually kind of came to and just told myself I need to practice and prep and I should be ok for the most part……….The next 4 weeks I attempted to keep a semi rigorous practice routine as much as my schedule would allow with school, work, and life. Did the whole process of announcing I’m going to the event, explaining what it was to some friends and family, and just hyping my name as best as possible prior to the event. With one of the quickest 4 weeks blowing by me, I was on the eve of IPL4.As most teams and players I decided to arrive the day prior to the beginning of the event so I could get settled in. The night before I went to go to bed at a decent time(2am) so I could wake up and one final stream just doing a little bit of last minute practice. Ended up waking around 1pm, 4 hours prior to my flight with no laundry done, nothing packed, and nothing I needed really ready for the event. Being the college starcraft player, I was able to move out at precise timings, with efficient micro and macro and get everything I needed done. Within that time frame I also spent a few more hours trying to study my first round opponent, who was Annyeong.Prime, no big deal ez pz right? After a few hours of scrambling I was boarding my first connecter flight from Colo Sprg into Utah. With everyone already blowing up my phone/twitter/facebook wishing me luck and telling me they would be watching the bracket closely, the nerves were starting to rise. After landing and sitting through an awesome 3 hour hour overlay I was on the flight into Vegas.Upon arrival my teammate Sruff(not vVvRuff lol) was already there and waiting at the Cosmopolitan. Getting inside the hotel I ran into my first dilemma which I’m pretty sure I had every single day I was there. What should I do when I’m not playing or watching starcraft. Yes I know were in Vegas, but I didn’t exactly plan this trip out as if it was my 21st where all I’m going to be doing is going to shows, gambling, and drinking. Well ok maybe we’ll keep the drinking part. Seriously though the prices for drinks are sooooooooooo freaking expensive! Anyways back to the story. I get inside the Cosmopolitan, and already my eyes are caught by all the gorgeous girls in their sexy evening attire, yes I’m a guy first, nerd second lol. While browsing around the lobby I finally caught a glimpse of Stefan, who handed me a room key and showed me up to the room. With nothing really Starcraft for the night, we just decided to explore around have a couple drinks and call it a night. While stumbling through the casino, we already caught glimpses of the players that were here like Leenock and Nestea, casters like Wolf and Khlador. At some point we caught Rotterdam at the roulette table winning loads of money, but eventually I think he lost it all haha. A couple more circles around the hotel and eventually found myself hitting the bed starting to imagine the day ahead of me.Surprisingly didn’t lose a lot of sleep during the night. Woke up a couple hours prior to start. Cleaned myself up, packed the bags I needed for the day, and Sruff and I headed over to the player reg area. After getting our player passes and getting an overview of the day, we head towards the practice area, which surprisingly only had 2 other people in there, which were unknown to me. Wondering where all the other players were I got called over by Sruff to come to the actual open room where everyone was practicing at. As I enter the room, my eyes widen as literally all the participants are hanging in one room. Some are obs’ing, some are playing. MarineKing to my right, MMA to my left. SlayerS, Prime, Liquid, Startale, Complexity, and so on. The Starcraft Pro scene was right in front of my eyes. Ended up snagging a spot next to Sruff, Demuslim, and Illusion. Literally spent a good hour trying to figure out settings that were similar to mine at home. Got in a couple games and the PA kicked announcing we were about to start. Now idk about everyone else, but usually this is that moment where you have a mini freaking heart attack because it’s almost go time. As I’m heading over to the area where I’m stationed at for the first set, I see Annyeong walking over. Really tiny dude looks very relaxed, and behind him is the prime manger if I’m not mistaken. As he’s getting setup across from me, I introduce myself, wish him best of luck……like he’ll actually even need it lol. Ref comes over, gets our veto’s and sends us off.Now this is that moment when everything just sort of goes into slow motion. I begin to slowly panel the room as I’m taking heavier breaths, and heart beginning to beat quicker. I notice Jinro and Violet to my left CASUAL AS FUCK! To them it’s second nature, but I couldn’t help but think WTF aren’t you guys a little nervous. My right hand starts to slowly jitter as I turn back to my computer screen. There was something waiting for me in the chat of the lobby. “Annyeong.Prime- Rdy? Gl Hf”…….Beep……..Beep……..BeepI knew my odds going into the series, just never imagined it would go that bad for me first time out. Owell. Misery loves company so I go over to Sruff who just got a beating handed down to him by Startale.July. We packed up and decided to walk around meet some players and check out the other areas, while we wait for Loser bracket round 1. First person I go see, well some of you might know him as Dimaga.It was very easy to introduce myself as I am fluent in Russian. Always been a fan of his. We even stream under the same Russian portal sc2tv.ru, but have never actually met him in person. As expected one of the nicest guys you can ever meet. Would hang with him and Mr. TT1 a good portion of the weekend watching the games in the player areas.The time soon came where the Losers Round 1 was about to start. I was matched up against twttrCeaser a protoss player from the Twitter company team. Sruff didn’t get as good of a draw. He would face EGDemuslim.A slight smirk appeared on face, and “fuck yeah!” feeling ran through my body. I think it was just overall relief and that gorilla on my back where I didn’t want to get eliminated right away that went away. Major props to Ceaser for being so well mannered. We talked for a little bit after game and went our ways.Joy quickly turned into concern as I had to go support Sruff. Already down 1-0 game 2 wasn’t looking well and eventually ended up in a loss. I’m not sure of another person who had tougher first two games than he did. I have to give big props at how positive he stayed too!From here we packed up, hung around the open player areas, and then moved over to the main stage to catch a couple games before my next round. During that time we met Jon the translator, who literally lives up to the personality, so nice and funny. Another hour passed and it was time to head back into the player area. Originally by looking at the bracket I would have either played Bling or rematch with Annyeong, but that model didn’t really make sense. Still unknown of my opponent I head to the station assigned to me. All setup and ready, but no opponent yet sitting across from me. All the sudden a scruffy little man starts heading for the seat across from me. He was wearing a very familiar shirt. A beard so thick Tom Hanks in cast away would be jealous. Yes indeed my Losers Bracket Round 2 opponent was none other than LiquidTLO! I was in a little bit of a shock, because other than Grubby, when I first started getting into Starcraft and watching streams, this was the guy I went to, tried to learn off of. Behind me I hear snickers of a couple people that know at the upcoming matchup. Sruff is right behind TLO laughing his ass off and taking pictures. I’m getting texts saying 6 rax him, it will be funny. Again just as with the other players I introduce myself, shake hands, tell him I’m a fan and etc like a little fan boy. Ref gets our vetoes and we’re off.After the game I got a chance to talk to TLO for a little bit on TvZ, and other stuff. Overall really nice guy. Got a picture with him after it was all said and done. Not sure if he was trolling, but either during game 2 or after I can’t recall, he mentioned he was thinking about trying Toss. The discussion during the beginning of game 2 was hilarious also.Just like that my run at IPL4 as a player was over. For the next couple hours it kind of sunk in deep and I felt pretty freaking horrible, because I thought I should have been able to play better. Eventually got over it kind of…..but still not in the best mood for the rest of the day.We eventually came back down to hang with some of the players and watch the rest of the games going on for the night.With half an eye open, I glance around room and notice the wreckage that is the Open Bracket. Players are sleeping on desks, floors, others lol. Staff is slowing down. Casters are losing voices. Everyone is exhausted, as if they just fought all day in a brawl. All that remained on the schedule was Huk and Curious I think. We were supposed to end around 11 as the last round should have started at 10. It was past 12am already haha. After the match everyone that was left went up to the rooms and passed out…..well except White-Ra of course. Sruff and I ended up watching a little SportCenter to catch up on the Masters and then passed out.Feel free to ask anything I’ll be happy to answer.Feel free to follow me on:Twitter.com/cheeseheadlogicTwitch.tv/cheeseheadlogicFacebook.com/cheeseheadlogicPart 2 is up http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?id=328769 epik