Team Empire closes Starcraft II squad

Although it's very hard to write these lines, but today we have to inform you that Team Empire closes the direction from which the Empire began its ascent to the top of eSports Olympus. We are closing StarCraft II department, and saying goodbye to one of our oldtimers, the Emperor - Dmitriy "Happy" Kostin.

Happy was part of Empire during more than 3.5 years and at the moment Team Empire is the only team in his StarCraft II career. Few can boast being so stable. It's obvious that the main reason for this decision was low popularity of Starcraft in the CIS, and the general decrease of interest in this discipline.

Commentary from Happy:

Today I’m leaving team, I had been representing for 3,5 years. If I’m not mistaken, I never been in any team for such a long period of time, so, it feels a bit weird. Sad, but, everything end’s once in a while. In before I would say, that, this announcement is not a sudden surprise for me, it’s been decided back in mid-summer.

I remember, how hesitant I was, while thinking about becoming a part of, back then, very young and upcoming team Empire back in 2011, how distrustful I was towards the team. Fortunately, I quickly realized, that Empire is a serious and stable team, and that Empire at that moment could have given me support, that I didn’t have even back in the time, when I was Warcraft 3 player.

Not everything been perfect in the team at times, but, I have no shame to say, that, out of those teams I had been part of, Empire proved themselves from the best side. I don’t regret about spending my time here, but, as I wrote above, nothing lasts forever. Time is going, team’s priorities change, StarCraft II is not having the best times right now (and would there be a better times – nobody knows).

I would like to thank all the people I had business with, those who still work with Team Empire, and those who worked before. In the first place, I would like to thank current CEO of Empire – StrangeR, for trying to convince me to join the team for such a long time, before it actually happened. For all the work he did, to build up the team, and continues to build, though, in the other direction now. I wish him luck and all the best in future!
Also I would like to thank team Empire owner’s – Sarmat and Nevod, without them, team would not exist at all.

Regarding my future – I will be honest, even though my financial matters aren’t going bad in this year (I visited few tournaments this year, but only one of them left me without prize), but, I don’t really see any perspective in StarCraft II.
No, I will not retire, or, to name it better, I don’t have it in my plans. I don’t think I will be able to find team in current situation, so, I think, I will be team less for a while."

CEO of Team Empire -  StrangeR:

Happy is the most extraordinary person in eSports with whom I've been lucky to work with. I will always remember those six months of negotiations with Happy persuading him to at least read the contract Empire offered and a lot of time on it's approval after that. I don't think I will see something like that in my entire career.

However, I should say that Happy is an example of an professional, reliable person and a great teammate. You can remember many occasions when Dima entertained us with Kas at LAN-events. I could always rely on Dima in matters that others could not solve on their own. We haven't had any disagreements with Happy during this period. I am not going to write the obvious things about how hard is it for me to live through this moment, I look in the future with optimism.

Starcraft is a game with which I started my path in Team Empire. Yes, we are closing this direction now, but nobody knows what will happen with the discipline in the future. Maybe the new expansion will fix problems with balance, leagues and tournaments, and we will be happy to reopen discipline in the Empire as soon as we will have a chance.

I'll always be rooting for Happy and will always support him and help him if it will be needed. I have no doubt that the Emperor will show his strength in eSports! Ave, Happy! Thank you for everything on my own behalf and on the whole team Team Empire.

MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVWMENTS  (watch more):

1st place - Techlabs Cup 2013: Moscow
1st place - Финал "300 действий в минуту" (Казань)
1st place - WCG Russia 2012
1st place - WCG Russia 2011
1st place - EnerJ Cup VIII: Monthly Final June
1st place - EnerJ Cup VIII: Monthly Final May
1st place - EnerJ Cup VIII: Monthly Final April
2nd place - Blizzard WCS Russia
2nd place - ZOTAC Cup: February Finals
2nd place - Yegalisk Master League
2nd place - The Fight of Four
2nd place - ZOTAC StarCraft II Season #2 Final
2nd place - Copenhagen Games 2014
3rd place - TECLABS CUP 2014: Moscow
3rd place - eSportsventure Cup
5th-8th place - HomeStory Cup VIII
5th-8th place - ASUS RoG Summer 2013