A Look Back at 2011’s Defining Moments in StarCraft II
2011 was a monumental year for StarCraft II, with incredible tournaments, major player moments, and new game developments. Let’s explore the top six highlights from the year that set the stage for an even more exciting 2012.
1. Grandmasters League
One of the major updates in StarCraft II was the creation of the Grandmasters League, introduced in Season 2. This exclusive league showcases the top 200 players, giving them a chance to prove their skills among the best. It became a new goal for competitive players, fueling the ambition to rank higher and hone their skills.
2. The Drama – StarCraft’s Very Own Scandals
No competitive scene is complete without a little drama. In 2011, StarCraft II had its fair share, with clashes between Korean and foreign communities and controversy over events like the PPSL tournament. Notable incidents like Stephano’s near-transfer to Complexity and QuanticNaNiwa’s infamous probe rush were topics of heated debate, ultimately leading to better insights on how to manage esports and resolve conflicts.
3. Record-Breaking Prize Pools
Prize money for StarCraft II tournaments soared in 2011, with Korean players leading in winnings but foreign players quickly catching up. IMMVP topped individual winnings with an impressive $235,000, while players like EGHuK and MǂStephano earned between $50,000 and $70,000. Overall, StarCraft II tournaments amassed a record prize pool of $2.75 million, making it one of the best-paying esports games of the time.
4. Heart of the Swarm Announcements
2011 saw the announcement of Heart of the Swarm, bringing fresh excitement to the StarCraft II universe. The upcoming expansion promised unique Zerg upgrades, new multiplayer units like the Swarm Host and Protoss Tempest, and updates to the map editor, including a cinematics tool. This glimpse into 2012 gave players a lot to look forward to.
5. Charity Drives
In a show of unity and compassion, the StarCraft II community rallied around several charity events. TLO from Team Liquid hosted a 24-hour marathon that raised funds for Doctors Without Borders, while the Charityoff between LiquidSheth and Destiny brought in donations totaling around $50,000. Events like these highlighted the community’s commitment to giving back, showing that gaming goes beyond competition.
6. Barcraft
The Barcraft phenomenon took off in 2011, with fans gathering at bars to watch major StarCraft II tournaments. Started by o_Oskar and primadog in Seattle, this trend quickly spread globally, reaching over 15 countries and drawing large crowds. Bars were packed with fans, some creating custom StarCraft-themed drinks like the “Baneling Bomb.” Barcraft has since become a fan favorite way to enjoy esports, with major events filling bars worldwide.
2011 was undoubtedly a standout year for StarCraft II, marked by community spirit, competitive drama, and groundbreaking developments. With so much progress, there’s no telling what’s in store for 2012 — except that it’s bound to be thrilling!