(Excerpt from my book, available as a free download or in paperback, via the book's Tumblr page)
. . . two good things came out of MLG Chicago: the return of Azen and my proper introduction to KoreanDJ.
As this new era of Melee was ushered in, Azen must have seemed to many new players like more a legend than an actuality. But there he was at MLG Chicago. Azen is far from intimidating in stature, but wherever he played, people noticed and crowds gathered around. “Did you see Azen, the Master of Diversity, is here? I heard he can beat you with every character.” The master was rusty, but still placed top 5. As far as I was concerned, this meant the current talent at MLG was officially put on watch.
Especially you, Ken.
Then there was Daniel “KoreanDJ” Jung, a fireball kind of player from Massachusetts. He brought an unprecedented intensity with him to tournaments that instantly made me take notice. At Chicago he fought his way to 7th place, but it was getting to know him that really made me fear him as a competitor. I considered myself to be a pretty intense person, but DJ's passion, energy, and dedication were awe-inspiring. He was a renaissance man, bringing this energy to a long list of hobbies. After his gaming career ended he started his own business.
After the tournament he took me to the pro lounge where he showed me how he could play Guitar Hero on expert — backwards. Meaning, he faced away from the screen. I remember thinking, “who the hell is this guy?"