So, where to begin ... well, I guess by saying that (as the title hints) this is the first Barcraft I have ever been to. Come to think of it, this is the first event of this type (sports watching in a pub/bar) I have ever been to, so one could count this evening as a double first.

I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting, seeing as how I went there without much pre-planing and without knowing anybody. Thanks to London Barcraft and to the owner/facilitator at The Assembly House, the evening went pretty much without a hitch. The net connection required a bit more vigorous pedaling once in a while, but otherwise the beer, food and good cheer flowed throughout the evening.

There was more than a bit of friendly banter, as we had supporters from Team EG, Team liquid and Team Dignitas present, with the live Twitter stream providing an excellent method for not only reporting on the state of the Barcraft, but also for poking a bit of fun at your "adversaries".

Now, there's a reason I put "adversaries" in quotes: I have longed suspected (from watching more than a few live event streams) that, regardless of player or team preference, all SC2 fans love good matches and, overall, love the game. This evening has done nothing if not confirm that, as all present whooped and cheered at the great show put on by Dignitas BlinG and EG DeMusliM.

An speaking of the games (which for actually the main reason for us gathering there), the two participants in the Best of 9 showmatch (dubbed "The War of the Roses") gave it their all, both putting on a great display of skill and endurance. In short, Dignitas BlinG took the first 3 matches, but EG DeMusliM picked up and adapted to his opponents style of play, which lead 4 - 4 set and a very tense final.

While shorter that most of the other games, the final game was no less intense. EG DeMusliM prevented his opponent from expanding and then scanned almost perfectly, thus realising that his opponent was going to rush. Despite the 3 bunkers set in defense, Dignitas BlinG used brilliant force-field placement to prevent repairs and reinforcements on the bunkers, turning an almost certain loss into an incredible win, thereby winning the showmatch and the prize.

TotalBiscuit and dApollo did what they do best and provided us with great commentaries of ongoing matches, despite technical difficulties, even going as far as to give us a Daft Punk remix of dApollo during one of the game (see Skype v. Xsplit fight in vods)

Overall, a very successful evening, even if it was a Monday evening. If nothing else, we managed to ensure our perpetual existence within the realm of the internet, as TotalBiscuit broadcasting some of the pub pictures on the stream. So much for hiding away in my cave.

Some great games, a few beers, interesting people and a good laugh. Not sure there is more to ask for or more to say, really. So I'll leave you with the best SC2 joke I read all evening:

Why did the Marine fall over?

Because he was imbalanced.

 

 

Again, many thanks to the people at The Assembly House for having us. If you're ever in Kentish Town, do yourself a favour and check them out. If nothing else, they server Kirin beer, which has managed to become my favourite beer after only 1 night.It has thus dethroned Leffe, a beer that has held on to the position for almost 7 years.

And thank you very very much to the crew behind London Barcraft, I'm looking forward to the next one. Cheers and good night.