Thorin's Thoughts - Why Context Matters

[@rude7959]

Thooorin is like that grandfather who has been to war and from time to time has a big story about his times in it. Except it's about e-sports. With nerds. Who cares, I love this shit. Keep up, man.

[@Blaisem]

Thorin's grandchildren will have the time of their lives in story time.

[@iFParasit]

Blaisem xD also hell be the kind of grandfather just throwing u in the water claiming ull learn to swin coz u have to to not drown and hell only come for u when u nearly drowned ... like harsh but always makes sense

[@Ziamangry]

*Grandpa voice* Well kids, I have a story for you! There was a man named Boostmeister...

[@BroadSword398]

My wish is that one day Thorin writes a book like Stephen Hawking's 'a brief history of time' only it will be called 'A brief history of esports'. Maybe one day?

[@peLicaNGames]

a 7 hour video pls

[@BroadSword398]

peLicaN Games and somehow there will be no breaks :)

[@pkermen]

Sparrowhawk 5 canisters of water on his nightstand and a portable toilet installed under his bed, while he's completely insulated with a 2 metre thick pile of cloth

[@TheUndercoverDO]

kidzilla man 8/8

[@MrThuralion]

Thorin how can we support you other than subscribing, your content is some of the best of any channel

[@Alfairyman1]

rmanami Problem is there's a lot of people, myself included, who are not interested in playing fantasy CS:GO at all.

[@MrThuralion]

Yeah, sadly I'm not even though I follow the Cs:go scene

[@victorrygaard2102]

Coffera There is also lol ^^

[@pupper775]

Coffera Thorin should sell merchandise like Thorin coats, or Thorin scarf

[@PatrickRyanPWR]

Some of the stories in eSports are genuinely better than a Christopher Nolan script. Tell us more stories Thooorin!

[@ChaseMe2TheSky]

Practically anything is better than TDKR script.

[@schmeed0000]

ChaseMe2TheSky for you

[@mentiras_xoxo]

"story time with thooorin", would be a great thing to watch imo! :D

[@lesbles007]

Patrick Ryan Thorin, can u actually dedicate a "segment" to inspiring true esport stories? im sure a lot of people would watch that!!

[@PatrickRyanPWR]

lesbles007 Absolutely!

[@simongreve]

One of my favorite esport stories is the one about CLG EU and Moscow 5 when they met at Dreamhack 2012. CLG EU having dominated countless online tournaments but never having been at a Lan event and really showed if they could cut it on the big stage, and Moscow 5 being almost unbeatable at lan, showing up and winning big competition left and right. CLG with no Lan experience had to come in through the open bracket and faced Moscow 5 in the group stages, then goes on to beat Fnatic in the semi finals and then faces Moscow 5 in the finals of the event. Every game those 2 teams had in the tournament was incredibly high level for its time and one of them is so legendary it is still talked about today, eventually CLG made the impossible happen and beat M5 on lan, taking the title and the 500 Riot Circuit points they needed to lock in a spot in the EU LCS that would start up some months later. The stakes were high, the teams were both in their prime and many of us who watched it happen became attached to the teams in a way that is rare in Esports. Even today where Alliance and Gambit gaming are shadows of their former selves every time they meet up it feels special, the players play better than they do normally and the fans are always hyped.

[@Blarneyone]

Just found your channel, love your way of speaking man, keep it up!

[@Niyaze]

Blarneyone I also listen to Thooorin's content in bed because his voice is so relaxing, but sadly he didn't show up in my dreams yet...

[@kezicss]

Niyaze =D

[@TKiFenris]

Niyaze He will. Keep it up! *pushes boner down*

[@ggdeption]

This is why I love your work. You just half ass'd it and accurately told some of the most epic stories I've ever heard because you go above and beyond in your research in esports.

[@pabloviana7992]

Make a video about origin moving to Lcs, what are your thought, etc. I think its an interesting topic to talk about, just a suggestion, keep the good work!

[@Punkledunk]

The fact that Thorins storytelling gave me goosebumps and actually made me shed a few happy tears confirms that context does indeed matter.

[@mikellyusabr]

I don't know a damn thing about esports and, in less than 30 minutes, I just learned more about sports storytelling than in all the books on story I've studied. In-friggin'-credible. I don't know why I even looked at this video, but I'm sure glad I did. Congratulations to Thorin. You rock, dude.

[@iAMwReckLesss]

I don't know how you can speak so well. I consider myself to be well-spoken and articulate, but there's no way I could do a 25 minute video and keep my thoughts clear and my mind on point. Quite a talent you have. Love it.

[@AsmodeusClips]

Thorin has this kind of pimp quality about him. Doesn't matter what he's talking about, he's just vomiting words in a colorful and engaging way. He's my new favorite hobo ;)

[@CountCocofang]

Don't know a thing about most of the examples Thorin gives but the way he talks about their storylines gives me goosebumps.

[@OMGitsJaneee]

As a person who has never played or watched any starcraft brood war or know anything about the game, it's incredible how much you can hype up something with only telling the context. It felt like a movie script like you said. Awesome vid!

[@HotHandLuke]

I love how he uses examples from popular professional sports to help develop and strengthen thesis related to e-sports. Thorin is brilliant. :D

[@Azmodeus87]

Agree so hard on this. So many popular/respected "main stream" journalists and writers often doesn't care about telling a true story, or even a good one. They just care about telling Their stories, with the narratives, tropes and clichés They are interested in. And of course they get bestsellers, cause they don't tell anything that challenges or even confirms the "Main stream " trends, just the ones that conform to them.

[@SammyEilish]

Wow Thooorin, Iam in love with our videos, your passion and the way how you speak is incredible. If it's possible, make another video when are you telling some stories, this one was purly awesome. ^^

[@omgwateverlol]

YESSSSSSS MORE THOOORIN EVERYDAY I WAKE UP TOO SEE MOAR HEADS CAVED IN. lifes good mate

[@ChristianKrillz]

Everytime a new video of thorin gets released, i prepare myself for the instant beginning of the topic. But it still surprises me everytime ;) keem 'em coming mate.

[@EvanSeal]

The whole part about flash might be my favorite thing in recent memory, keep it up!

[@LoveIsLogical]

Great video. I would love to hear you tell more tales. There is one community that has done this well, the Super Smash Bros Melee documentary does just this. It goes into the actual backstory of the players and approaches the results from the actual context.

[@SolMrBadGuy]

context is everything in life. This video can be used to show anyone why context matters for anything.

[@danielsatur4158]

I dont know a single thing about starcraft and that story about the ultimate weapon guy got me so enthralled.

[@s.r.2985]

This is one of your best videos yet

[@Bluehoke98]

Dat doublelift story gave me goose bumps

[@jiesheng90]

Damn, I still remember that finals where Effort when 0-2 and I went straight out to dinner with my family and he proceeded to 3-2 Flash.

[@Landibert]

At minute ten I just thought about DoubleLift, when I heard his story I actually was quite impressed and shocked at the same time. His story is great the only thing missing is a nice ending aka Winning a big tournament or a split in the NA LCS. Other than that his story would make a really good movie!

[@peterkirk8510]

That flash story gave me chills.

[@d1MnZz]

Still one of the best videos I've ever listened to

[@d1MnZz]

Still

[@prgnify]

One of your best so far. Keep'em coming :D

[@TheSanomis]

Duncan whats your favorite pink floyd album ?

[@인터넷사용자]

For those of you who do not know the SC:BW player Thorin was referring to, its Flash. Flash was the one and only player who most, if not all, professional players of all times and all levels / tiers would agree to be the absolute and undisputed best at BW. He grew up in KTF Magicns, surrounded by the likes of Yellow, Garimto, Nal_Ra, Reach and many other great pros at the time, and when all those people that he looked upto had to leave the team for their own respectable reasons, (i.e. military commitments, retirements etc etc) suddenly he was left to carry on the legacy and pretty much single handedly carry the entire KTF Magicns (which would become KT Rollsters) on his back. The first Grandfinal that he attended, against Stork, he pulled out a macro playstyle that nobody managed to master or even get close to mastering before him. In Korea, this build was called the "Anti-carrier build" because of its unique build-order of rushing double armories into heavy goliaths-tank composition, backed up by fairly lower number of vultures, in contrast to the standard TvP build at the time, which was pretty much a Deathball vs Deathball between Tanks back-ed up by lower number of goliaths and massive number of vultures + mines, against Protoss's Gateway + Arbiter composition, which would later transition straight into carrier templar dragoon composition which was, at the time, considered impossible for Terrans to play against. What made the difference and also what shook the scene at the time was the fact that, Flash's Anti Carrier Build utilised Goliaths so fast and in such great numbers that Protoss would be significantly discouraged to go Carriers against Terrans who were using the same build as Flash, and even if they did, after losing the inevitable Deathball vs Deathball battle, the sheer number of goliaths would overwhelm the carriers and leave the Protoss users pretty much blanked out and forced into GG situation. Stork, who was considered one of the best Carrier users at the time lost to Flash in that GF 3:0 and the legacy was born. Flash then went on to pioneer another revolutionary build for Terrans against Zergs. Note that back then, TvZ match up would be fixed into a playstyle that demanded Terrans to almost always go for the SK Terran build, (I have no idea why this build is called SK Terran, but iirc this build has no relation to the team SK Telecom whatsoever) where you go marine medic opening into 3 tanks -> 1 vessel -> timing push and if that doesn't win you the game, then you were pretty much forced into keep massing bio + tank + vessel army against significantly higher tier unit composition from the zerg, including Defilers + Ultras + Scourages Adrenaline-lings and sometimes lurkers. During this period, vast majority of pros and casters alike concluded that if Terrans allowed their zerg opponents to secure the 3rd gas expansion without being dealt a significant blow to slow-down their tech, then it was impossible for Terrans to win against the late-game zerg comp as SK Terran. Few tried the mech build against Zerg but without the mastery of positioning + proper defensive strategy against early agreession and of course the Hydra+lings were just too much to deal with for most that actually tried Mech against zerg. Flash was the one who pioneered the ultimate TvZ playstyle that pretty much turned the tables around 180' fucking degrees. His build, dubbed "Late-Mechanic" by the Koreans, consisted of playing the standard SK Terran opening and if the 3 Tanks - 1 Vessel timing rush failed, he would stick to sole defensive, doing as much harass as needed to slow down the zerg expansions but transition into full mech composition, again, with extremely heavy emphasis on Goliaths. This build completely changed the TvZ at the time as most Tier-1 zergs and even Tier-S zerg like Queen and Jaedong, despite being given an uncontested 3rd gas expansion fairly early, could not deal with the sheer firepower of Siege Tanks + Vultures + Goliaths in the late-game with full max-tier zerg compos. Dark Swarms or not, ultras and lings were literally melting to mines, and if lings were able to clear vast majority of the mines to open up the ways for Ultras to swarm in, then the Splash damage from Tanks would literally melt the ultras through the Dark Swarm. But the most important thing to note is, Flash's strongest point was always his TvT. His macro was considered and recognised by many as the "Perfect way to macro". TvT was the true showcase of macro, micro, mind-games, decision making, mechanics, and mentality skills. Flash, although he does have few losses next to his name, still was considered near invincible in TvT matchup. He would always, somehow, make the opponents fight on his battle grounds and somehow always came out on top of pretty mcuh every important battles. Second best terran at the time, Fantasy, would pretty much get dumpstered by Flash everytime they met in a Proleague or OSL/MSL. The sheer skill gap was so vast that Flash would make Fantasy (who did shit on most other pros at the time excluding the Tier S players) look like a regular no-namer, because he would simply show more stable and higher macro, more refined micro with drop-ships and focus fire, far superior decision making and mechanics in general. I've wrtten all this shit in no time because I'm a so called Flash Enthusiast, but even then I feel like i can literally just continue to go on and on like this for another 15 fucking pagers but I'mma stop now because I can simply TL;DR this into one phrase. Flash is the best professional gamer to have existed and probably will be for a very long time if not forever.

[@인터넷사용자]

+신유철 I've made tons of typos and grammar mistakes but tbh I really don't give, 1 fuck, 2 fuck, or a fuckng flying fuck.

[@O247G]

Great Thorin's Thoughts episode

[@kooookiemonster]

Great video, I'd watch a Doublelift movie and he is only 21 so much time left in the scene!

[@Ribbedforherpleazur]

The man! I expect another video today as part of "go ham week" :)

[@starkidney]

Thank you for using a sport i understand as a reference for once !

[@yangchen7156]

My favorite Starcraft player--Flash, the ultimate weapon, i still remember how he easily reverse all kill the other team when KT is 0-3 down.

[@thatsit7205]

Context does matter specially in this story. Keith is an 17 year old new upcoming ADC on Team Liquid and the first time he meets Piglet he want to shake his hand but Piglet pushes him on the Ground and says "Im the Worldchamp BAKA u will never be as good as me". Then he laughs real evil and walks off. In the next scene u see how Keith is running outside cause he needs to get his head clear. Hes standing at a Lake and u see the Sun shining in his Face and the wind makes his Hair shake. And hes looking rly convinced on the Lake. At this moment he decides to beat Piglet and Music starts playing where u see Keith training rly hard for days while Piglet is shown being lazy on the couch let him serve food and talking disrespectful to employees. Piglet then decides to leave the Team, but before he beats Keith in a 1v1 and says again you will never be as good as me. Then he spits him in the Face and joins back to SKT. Where he is with Korean Teammates which are all rly douches too. So time passes by and in the end its Liquid vs SKT in Worlds final. First it looks like Liquid is losing and Piglets outperforming Keith but then Keith is thinking of his Friens and how important its to be a good teammate. So Keith steps up and hes suddenly better then Piglet and outperforming him. Liquid wins and then the American national anthem gets played. And on the stage Piglet is shaking Keith hand and he apologie and saying he respects him. Then they hug each other both jump in the air and the scene freezes in the air. The End

[@mukeka1337]

Balls haven't been made from leather for many many years. Not for sports that are played outside. Leather absorbs moisture and it changes the weight of the ball unpredictably.

[@Ross2505x]

Thorin, you might just be the esports poet

[@TheMuwatalli]

Make a video about origens way to play, xpekes and soaz unique way to play (specially soaz) and how he sets up plays in the midgame. its amazing would love to see

[@masterchip27]

Spot on these days Thorin, advertise and get donations or something and I'm sure you'll reap some rewards from your craft

[@LGtheCat]

I'm pretty sure Thooorin could convince an entire nation to go to war with his speech manners

[@WakkaFloppa]

I love this video but I'd like to point out that a double lift is a MOVE that you do in Magic, not necessarily a trick

[@BroadSword398]

Thorin really likes the idea of 'the dominant champion'. I think this is why he enjoys starcraft broodwar; its simple, just 1vs1, no team mates to blame, just man vs man. I missed out on starcraft but I wonder if there will be another major 1 vs 1 esport anytime soon? I guess theres always fighting games but they aren't for me.

[@Smonsequenses]

Sparrowhawk Starcraft 2 still has a very active competitive scene you can follow! It's not as mechanically stressful as Broodwar, but if you want to watch really strategic and fast-paced 1v1 games I highly recommend it. Edit: I'm pretty sure Broodwar still has an active scene in Korea aswell btw, wouldn't know where to watch it tho

[@BroadSword398]

Oh of course! And I guess hearthstone is quite popular but I know many don't consider it a 'real' esport.

[@kledmass]

this. this is a solid video.

[@Knalltüte6969]

is it like a trademark that you always wear your coat and a scarf, or is it just cold at your place? just asking :D

[@Cansurb0ss]

Great video man. Keep up the good work! The story about Flash was brilliant. Makes sense now why you seem so pissed off at CLG... RIP Doublelift. Jk the goldenage is here am I right? Hotshot please...

[@TheZoulis]

Oh god... I've never watched starcraft in my life, and thorin made me want to watch the flash vs jaedong (?) finals

[@Cemix10]

I feel like this could be a series: "E-Sports tales narrated by Thorin" anyone agree?

[@Richixx98]

Le Toucan has arrived!

[@PrscEU]

Incredible.

[@MrPatak98]

I never played or watched Starcraft pro scene but according to wikipedia there's a guy who one 7 major tournaments called FlaSh , i am not say thoring is wrong or anything i just want to know if im looking at the correct list

[@PaulRamble]

Gazirani Patak Not sure if youre serious, but thats the young guy he was talking about.

[@MrPatak98]

i know but he mentioned that the highest number of titles is 6 so that confused me

[@Thooorin]

Gazirani Patak That's because wikipedia for some reason counts WCG, but hardcore BW fans do not count that as equal to an OSL or MSL. For a start off, WCG is only three Koreans and then a bunch of other nationalities, yet Korea is by far the best country, so they are less competitive than domestic OSL/MSL tournaments.

[@gymfamily]

+Gazirani Patak flash and nada were the ones who won the 6 major titles. he won wcg and the gomtv tournament. but us hardcore korean fans don't really count these as major tournaments. the only major tournaments on the individual level that we really count are the osl and msl.

[@TheImage132]

I think the biggest problem is that many of these reporters look down on gamers and what they. So they often don't want to do the digging and probably not even the article but because of how popular it's becoming they're being forced to so they bring their negative attitude into it. Just look at pasha's interview with the tv presenter as a great example. Obviously I'm generalizing here but that's been the overarching feeling I've been getting from many of the traditional news outlets when they cover esports.

[@JohanCarrion]

what about vulcun?

[@ClarmonkGaming]

so did he win the lan?

[@bryanivey1625]

Who did doublelift move in with?

[@robrob6543]

bryan Ivey Travis Gafford, who works for ongamers atm.

[@bryanivey1625]

ohh that person... his interviews... are painful in my opinion thanks

[@hanssen71]

bryan Ivey had to smirk when thooorin called him a "famous journalist"

[@bryanivey1625]

yeah I feel like him and thooorin just represent two completely different sides of journalism

[@stevenwanghenan]

So who was the SC:BW player that he was talking about?

[@인터넷사용자]

+Evolvez W The one and only, Flash. (Lee Young-Ho - KTF Magicns -> KTF Rollsters).

[@vadnuit]

no vulcan-sponsor message this time?

[@fane18ful]

Once in the movie credits: scriptwriter: THOOOOOOOOORIN ;)

[@th3kiwiway]

Could somone please name those who have 4/5/6 championships? thanks

[@Quick_Sa_Fugim]

Hei Thooorin , I am new to the CS scene, and yes, when I needed the storyes, I found info in your channel. I think you are a great story teller, but the thing that bothers me, is that I don't know your context. ...so who's gonna tell your story?

[@KanbaruS4n]

:> love that topic

[@blazeku]

Where is Vulcun I ask

[@crash4ify]

movie about doublelift incoming

[@handlesolett]

rewind. VRRT.

[@YourAverageEmile]

Jesus Duncan! Please, write a book.

[@LOADINGNEO]

gr8

[@DeathLoney]

thorin what about av3k getting arrested? thats context isn't it? haha

[@rmmmmmmmmm526]

No, this is absolutely false, i've been following you since years and i can say that you never used the context once in ur videos nor in your past statements.

[@0sm1um76]

First?

[@Eva_xoxo]

Another stating the obvious video, guess this is what you consider as 'talent' lmao.

[@bloodsuckern]

i thumbed it up, trips. Nice

[@andreasdagen]

Is Thorin the owner of rito games?