I just want to apologize for the delay in getting the tournament matches scheduled. We're all working hard on getting things organized, but it's a complicated process. But we have made progress, and we're looking to get the first game done today, if not, then we will by next weekend.

So, so far, we've been able to preform a successful video/audio test with the game server. And everyone else knows their place in the process for each match. We'll be broadcasting and recording each game using ustream, and we'll also be uploading every game to youtube for later viewing.

We have just a few more tests to preform and then we're good to go.

Also, I just coded up a little portal page at ushack.net for easy viewing.

You can register here: SCHT 09 Signup page

Please read up on the Updated Rules and Prizes on the Tournament Page, Starcraft Hackers Tournament. The tournament will begin on October 31st! So polish up your StarCraft skills by then! Remember, anyone can join this tournament, please do not be discouraged! This is a hackers tournament, anything goes. To connect to our U.S. Hack server, download the gateway.

We'll be announcing the map, and game play procedures soon.

Here is the grand prize! (View them all)

• $150.00 USD in cash or prizes!
• 6 Months Premium Hosting from PurgeHosting.com
• Lifetime VIP Membership
• Special Group in Forums
• [Starcraft] Freedom Hack Beta Project from FreedomHack.com

Thanks to our Sponsors and VIP Members who make this possible!

Goodluck Contestants
Ghoztcraft Administration

Hello Ghoztcraft,

I will now be conducting this year's StarCraft Hacker's Tournament. Thanks to our new sponsor, the grand prize will be $150 USD, more than double last year's prize. Plans are currently underway, and any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated, please post them here.

As a bonus this year, selected applicants will have a chance to beta test the new upcoming hack, Freedom. Please stand by for further information, we'll be posting updates and accepting applications for the tournament soon.

Signup Date: October 1st-30th
Tournament Start: October 31st

Thanks for reading!
ViperSRT3g

Hello everyone,

So, I do appologize for my lack of activity recently, I've had a lot of things going on and so I was unable to provide my presence. However, it looks like things are starting to get back to normal and I don't want to leave anyone hanging. So! Let's get back to the game, shall we?

Now, before you vote, notice that you can vote for more than one of the days. I'm thinking, the first day to reach 15 votes or the day with the most votes in the next day or so will be our new game day. On this day, everyone just get's on the server when you can. Now, please don't just vote for every day, I'm only picking 1 day, so make your vote is worth something.

I decided to do one day out of the week so I can fit my schedule into it for you. And this may work out for everyone else as well, because I know school recently started for a lot of people. So, shall we?

~XGhozt

Before we even begin to prepare for the Starcraft Hackers Tournament. I wanted to get some feedback from the community as to how things should be done. We tried the first time, and it was planned out, but planned out without the opinions of the players. Not to mention, we couldn't keep everyone rounded up, so it was poorly executed.

But this time around, I'm looking to do things right. So let's have a discussion about how things should run, I'll bring up a couple of the issues, and then we'll go from there.

1. Absolutely no one liked the idea of playing on a map we created, and everyone that lost, called it outright unfair. Do we allow players to pick their own map? Do we craft a new one? Ideas?
2. When we came up with the idea, the map allowed us to play a three round game, without re-hosting each match. Is this realistic? Should we be playing on rounds, or should each player play once, and move to the next game in the tournament? The idea was to have a longer lasting tournament.
3. We allowed spectators in the game, and staff from Ghoztcraft to help out or spectate. People said that in turn those would not be allowed to participate. Should we not allow spectators, as to potential cheating?
4. What benefits should VIP Members get? We allowed them to play first, is this fair?
5. In the map, all units where fully upgraded. Was this a bad idea?

With that said, let's hear some feedback. Once I feel comfortable, I'll start planning it out and dates will be released.

Hello everyone,

I've got some bad news, and some semi good news. The Tournament Postponed Until August 2nd, so this means not official matches until the 4th of next month (7 days). So everyone has a week to practice on the map, and everyone has a week to spread the word about showing up on the server on that day. So, on the 4th of August, 2008; everyone show up on U.S. Hack and we're be playing tournament games and broadcasting video all day.

See you then contestants!

Sorry about this, but something came up,
~ XGhozt

Hey everyone..

I just wanted to let everyone know what's going on. I've been so busy for the last week or so and I'm not done yet T_T. I've been visiting friends, family, and I recently got my drivers license so I need to get my car and insurance stuff figured out. And my great grandpa died so everyone is like freaking out about his stuff and whatever..

So, I'm not really sure when the tournament will resume, but as soon as I can get to the point where I'm not doing anything which would otherwise interrupt it then we'll resume.

Again, just letting people know, sorry!
~ XGhozt

Dear Guests and Contestants,

Good news, we were able to get the video page updated and lot's of matches recorded. We have about 10 games played today, 5 of which were official matches! I will updated this thread within the next 24 hours with player game banners, stats and the reviews. In the mean time, check out the video's we've got recorded for you.

Local Link: http://www.ghoztcraft.net/videos.php
Video Direct: http://www.ustream.tv/scht/videos

Also check out the Player List and Game Stats on the Tournament Page!
- http://www.ghoztcraft.net/tournament.php

Today's Summary:

Loyal Moves up to Tier 2.
- ShadowScourge is out!

Wilkins moves up to Tier 2
- Magic Bitches Loses to Saf1!
- Saf1 Loses to Wilkins!

Local moves up to Tier 1!
- MarkusHouston911 is out!

Thanks for Participating!
~ Ghoztcraft Administration.

Hello everyone and contestants!

So, today was really the first day we actually managed to get things together. Just about everything is going exactly as I'd hoped it would. Thanks to everyone who showed up on today on U.S. Hack for the games. As far as I know, this is the first time we've really used the the starcraft server, and a good use it was! We had over 50 games hosted on the server today, 5 of which where the official Tournament Matches. U.S. Hack is slowly but surely becoming a place for hackers to chill out and relax with some friends.

So what happened today? Here's the insider scoop:

Anal_Assassin VS Deathkiller2 | Winner: Anal_Assassin | Defeated: Deathkiller2

Summary.
Deathkiller was a really sore loser for this match. He was beat down hard by Anal_Assassin in an outrageously clever and outwitted match. Once Deathkiller was aware of his own demise he flooded the channel, blamed the map and went off on a storm to ruin any otther games we tried to host. His attempt was futile after he was banned from the server. Congratulations goes do Anal_Assassin.

ProMasserX VS MadMatt | Winner: ProMasserX | Defeated: MadMatt

Summary.
Right from the start of the match the viewers and spectators where leaning toward ProMasserX winning. With his reputation we where expecting high results from the match, and the viewers got what they wanted. The first two rounds of this furious battle cleary showed everyone MadMatt was outmatched. ProMasserX is a fast pace player, but by the third Round MadMatt was cleearly showing improvement. It just goes to show, practice is what will get you to the top in this tournament.

HTW)Deathhiro15 VS TheSurvivor | Winner: HTW)Deathhiro15 | Defeated: TheSurvivor

Summary.
These two players made quiet a match. They acted like friendly foe's talking for more than 50% of the match. TheSurvivor won the first match, but HTW)Deathhiro15 was quick to reclaim the thrown with three wins in a row, knocking TheSuvivor out. Although, this match lasted a long time, mostly due to their chit chatting.. was that HTW)Deathhiro15's plan all along?

Wilkins VS Plutomic | Winner: Wilkins | Defeated: Plutomic

Summary.
Plutomic created a huge controversy about his game pre-tournament. He had bragged about being a great starcraft player, and that he wouldn't need hacks to win this tournament. So round 1 started, it was Wilkins vs Plutomic, but then.. Plutomic stated he wanted to load his hacks (after previously saying he didn't need hacks to win). So he forfeits Round 1 and we rehost the game. This Round, Wilkins built up an army FAST and rushed over Pltuomics base and cleared him out. But before he could finish obliterating him; plutomic was shouting like a madman and blaming the tournament being unfair and left the game, forfeiting Round 2. So Wilkins wins like a pro!

Jiggie VS Nine5One | Winner: Jiggie | Defeated: Nine5One

Summary.
The match between Jiggie and Nine5One certainly attracted some attention. The most viewed game of the entire tournament thus far. Both players are widely known in the starcraft hacking communities and everyone was just dieing to see how this one turned out. Well, Jiggie won and Nine5One took a beating for sure. Jiggie won all three rounds in the match, but Nine5One put up a fight and stayed in as long as he could. And like the great sport both of these players are Nine5One commented by saying how he enjoyed the opportunity and that he tried his best. Jiggle smiled and we continued to the next match.

Pauned VS Anal_Assassin | Winner: Pauned | Defeated: Anal_Assassin

Summary.
This was a Tier 1 Match. Which means both players already had played once before and knew the map and how the game is played. Everyone knew this math was going to be somewhat more exciting than the rest, and it was. Because both players had been practicing and watching the games all day, they knew the secrets of the map. They knew where to go and what to expect, and so did the viewers. Anal_Assassin was owned by Pauned as he ripped up Anal_Assassin's base over and over again.

On behalf of myself, and the Ghoztcraft Community, I would like to say thank you to everyone for participating in any aspect of the tournament. Viewing the live video, or turning into the radio and participating in the games, or both.. It all helps for the general cause, giving this Tournament meaning. So thanks to everyone for making it possible. Here's to a successful future, some great matches and some awesome people.

I would also like to announce, we now have a way of recording all of the matches, so aside from these last 7 games we've had, expect the ability to view all of the other matches played during and anytime after they're finished. Thanks to Loyal and party for entertaining us over at GHURadio.com.

~ Ghoztcraft Administration.

Hello everyone and contestants,

I've got some really cool news. Thanks to ProSlasher and the help of some other people I've finnally got a live video feed up and running. Unfortunately, I can't find Cripp so we wont have a radio broadcast. He volunteered to do that and spent a few hours practicing with us for the show. But now he's a no-show. But, I'm pretty sure he's at work!

Anyway, here's how you can view the live video stream:
Head to the main Tournament Page: http://www.ghoztcraft.net/tournament.php
- Click on the tab called "Game Stats". And you'll see a nice flash embedded video!

You can also view it here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/starcraft-hackers-tournament

I'm still learning all of this and we're still experimenting, so expect bugs and glitches. We hope to fix the sound and eventually get Cripp online to broadcast live over GHURadio what's going on. Don't worry! It's only day 2 of the tournament, we'll get this all figured out. In the mean time, enjoy the video stream!

~Ghoztcraft Administration.

Administrative Review.
Well, it was the first match of the Tournament. We did it a day early to get the feel of how things where going to play out. Thankfully we had Vailence and Pauned to give us a nice match. Surprisingly despite Vailence's excitement prior to the start of the tournament he was defeated by Pauned. We played 4 Rounds and Pauned was the first one to get 3 Wins, and thus, declared the winner. The game lasted about an hour and went fairly smoothly. It did have some excitement, as we learned a few things.

The first thing we learned was that I should have warned everyone. During the creation of the UMS version of the SCHT map, we had to give all of the players full upgrades to most of the stats and abilities in the game. This was because, with 3 rounds in the game upgrades would carry on to the next round, and thus, being unfair to the players. Giving both players all of the upgrades, not only makes the game fast pace, it changes it up and bit and makes you think. So be prepared when it's your turn, you'll need to go fast, and hit hard.

The second thing we learned was that the practice map doesn't include this, so you can expect another version of the practice map to be released, designed to play in UMS with all of the appropriate settings. Being that this is a hackers tournament, it's only fair that we put a twist on your game play. You're going to have to work hard to get that first place!


[p]Notice: This is an Official Match Review! Player Stats can be Viewed Here. Please Post any questions or comments in the corresponding thread. If available and replay will be posted in the SCHT Downloads or attached to this thread![/p]

Hello everyone,

I do appologize for the recent confusion regarding the tournament. We've talked it over and we have come to a better idea on how we should go about organizing games for this tournament. We've decided that organizing players one by one and scheduling games is WAY too complicated and time consuming. So, here's the new plan;

We're going to setup days of the week of which games can be played. Here are the days and times:

Monday: 4PM - 1AM PST
Wednesday: 4PM - 1AM PST
Friday: 4PM - 1AM PST
Saturday: ALL DAY PST
Sunday: 11AM - 9PM PST

So, how does this work?
It's easy, on those days (whichever works best for you). Sign onto the server and stay on as long as possible. We will standing by most of the day playing tournament matches and getting people in actual games. So, just login to U.S. Hack on those days and get your game on. An admin there will instruct you further.

What happens if I win or lose?
You will be in a rank, and that rank is based on how many wins you have earned. We will verify what Tier you're in. Tier 1 and Tier 2 people can only play other players with that same rank. Which means, as you slowly work your way up, that's how we will determine who wins. When no players are left and you're the last man standing, you win!

Please post any questions here, thank you!
~Ghoztcraft Administration

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've just updated and fixed the Starcraft Hackers Tournament Practice Map! This map works with a UMS mode AND a Melee mode. This way you can play the UMS mode and have all of the upgrades just like in the real tournament. Use this map to develop new strategies and prep yourself for the more important starcraft match of your life as you work your way to the top!

Please do note, with UMS mode, you'll need a second person, you cannot play with a computer in UMS (Use Map Settings). Feel free to host this practice map on the normal battle.net gateway or on U.S. Hack!

Download the Map Here: Download

Goodluck Contestants,
~ Ghoztcraft Administration.

Dear Contestants,

Thanks to our Sponsor, BWHacks and Perma. We are now going to offer a new prize for all 3 top winners. If you win the tournament, you will now also receive a beta key for Perma's upcoming announcement of his new project.

Thanks for signing up everyone, and please tell your friends to join the tournament as well!
~ Ghoztcraft Administration.
- Starcraft Hackers Tournament Home.

Dear Contestants,

Here is the list of players randomly generated.

vincentn vs pdot
MastricX vs MarinePower
anal_assassin vs Darkomni
HTW)Sugarnutz vs Vailence
KkK-CiA vs Magic Bitch
LoyaL vs UltimaSigma
ZeroFrost vs Jiggie
ProMasserX vs TheSurvivor
KidYangsta vs DjTrickDog
Joeray vs Mr.Hellraiser
ShadowScourge vs Rahman11218
ProSlasher vs Madmatt
ApeRape vs Miggy313
Local vs nine5one
DjSaf1 vs Deathhiro15
Pauned vs Zain
jshk098 vs Aiur
MarkusHouston911 vs tn-supreme
Wilkins vs 007
kaio-ken vs Zar
deathkiller2 vs Protoman(Mt)
SpammisT vs Goliath777

Dear Contestants,

We've got some good news for everyone. We managed to get a nice 45 people to sign up for the tournament. This is more than enough to have a great tournament, in fact, we're estimating about 35-40 games before first place is awarded! We wish goodluck to everyone!

So what happens now?
Okay, so first things first. We're going to use the PHP Script here (the sign up page) to randomly generate two numbers. These two numbers are the ID's of sign up players. What ever numbers are picked will decide your opponent! Once you have been picked, you will be contacted with information and scheduled into our calendar.

And then what?
After all of the contestants have been paired and notified via email, or whatever contact information you provided. Then we will start the tournament!

When is the first match expected to start?
We're hoping first thing tomorrow (the 22nd). We should be able to get a max of 3 games per day when available. All you have to do is make sure you show up for your match. We may or may not be able to get a match done today, but another post in the news will be made once the process is complete.

INFORMATION YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW
We will never spam your email, but please be sure to not mark spam from the following email: scht@ghoztcraft.net. You need to make sure you get all of the email from that email account here.

Also, we will have an announcer broadcast the games over GHURadio.com.
We might have a live video feed setup for a few games, but it's not configured yet.
And last but not least, and an RSS Feed has been setup for the Tournament Forums.

Post any questions here,
~ Ghoztcraft Administration

What's Up Everyone!

We just wanted to inform everyone that there are only 24 hours more until Sign Up's for the Starcraft Hackers Tournament are Officially Closed. This means you will no longer be able to sign up for the Tournament as of July, 20Th 2008 (tomorrow) at 5PM PST. After this, we will begin pairing players and the Tournament will Begin!

So, anyone who wants to join but couldn't make up your mind, this is your last chance to do so. You're got nothing to loss, and a chance to win a first prize worth over $120.00 USD.

Goodluck everyone, thanks for Supporting Ghoztcraft,
~ Ghoztcraft Administration.

Hello everyone,

We've got some amazing news you've all been waiting to read about. After 3 months of planning, coordination and hard work, we're finally ready to announce the StarCraft Hackers Tournament. Everyone can sign up and join the Tournament. You'll be faced with a series of "hacker vs hacker" style game play on our custom map. You'll be using hacks in 3 rounds against another hacker. An Admin will be preset for each game, as well as observers and every match will be broadcast live over the Game Hackers Union Radio.

You can read all about this, including, rules, common questions, a gallery, videos, our sponsors and a place to register, here. Please do keep in mind, we're putting a limit on the max amount of players accepted, and that's 200 or before July 20th. Once everything has been coordinated with the players the matches will begin. Each match will be recorded and scheduled in our Calender.

So, why should you join, you ask? The prizes! First Place get's $50 USD as well as a free domain name and hosting from PurgeHosting. But that's not all. Second Place and Third Place will also receive rewards. So, sign up now and reserve your spot for a chance to win it all and prove yourself to be the best Starcraft Hacker there is.

Please post any Questions you have here!

Goodluck Contestants,
~Ghoztcraft Administration.