First of all, let's take a look at the room at Westin Seattle the players and I were provided with;
Super comfy room. I was suppose to room with Ky but he moved away :(
This year, Valve is sponsoring eight players from each team and I am here with Fnatic. Therefore, every team is provided with four rooms and a separate training suite. The training room idea is a new one considering past TIs require players to play in a shared room. This gives the teams more privacy. In between our rooms and the training room is a banquet table filled with drinks and snacks in case we ever need to fatten up before the event.
And I'm immediately like OMG UNLIMITED BANANA!
Shot of the training room before Mushi and co messed it up.
Immediately after dumping our luggage, we were told by Valve staff that we are suppose to collect our tags and information booklets. I was not really sure how important the tags were until the security refused to let me have breakfast because I did not bring my tag. According to Ohaiyo, the tags basically gives you the power equivalent to God (Icefrog) and you will be able to walk freely in Key Arena. Media passes don't allow you to go backstage where most of the players will hang at. The tag is also an invitation to the TI5 after-party. I can probably make some good money off this badge but nah, I need food.
Besides that, they also gave me a phone in case I go missing. The Valve staff who handed me the phone told me that all the number of Valve staff are inside. Upon checking the contact list, I realized I only have four numbers saved. Unfortunately I can't pester GabeN at 3 in the morning.
Information booklet includes stuff like laundry, schedule, and really all the information you need.
All the meals we will be having here will be provided by Valve and it is quite the spread. However, because the boys from Fnatic misses proper Asian food (since we were in Sweden for a month), we went to a Chinese hotpot restaurant nearby. It is quite evident that there are a lot of Dota 2 fans in Seattle. Immediately after we walked into the restaurant, some fans ran out to take pictures with the team.
Unfortunately for us, we have to wait a good 30 minutes before we get a table and we spent a lot of time making fun of one another outside the restaurant. Here are some of the pictures I took last night.
I'm not sure what this creature is but yeah..
Kecik...?
And of course... Mine comes last.
In any case, most teams called it an early night because similar to us, they are extremely jetlagged. There is suppose to be a welcome dinner later today and hopefully, they will allow me to bring my camera in.
Some interesting facts I heard today:
1. LaNm went to the clinic because he have some hearing problem upon arrival. He is okay now.
2. All the teams are now in Seattle except for iG because they received their visa late.
3. Most teams will be bootcamping starting today.
4. All the teams will be picked up in limos to Key Arena. However, if you are eliminated from the tournament, you will lose that privilege and will only travel by bus.
5. Early access to Secret Shop for teams! SCORE!
Fnatic arriving in Seattle.
They don't let me celebrate for even a second.
You see that blurry thing at th bottom of the picture? That is him about to point his middle finger at me.
Fans taking picture with Fnatic outside of the restaurant.
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