Today comes a large announcement that we've been following for quite some time now -- Kim "viOLet" Donghwan's personal sponsorship. He has signed and finalized a contract with a Germany-based games media most known for their utmost support of the OGN series regarding the Korea League of Legends team.

viOLet's New Sponsor: [Show]

viOLet's New Sponsor: [Hide]

As many of the readers here already know, we've followed him since the very beginning of his Starcraft 2 career while in Serious Gaming, leaking over into MVP, Team AZK, CSN's Training Camp program and Team Empire. On our second interview with him, his manager Andrew revealed that we were in store for an announcement guarenteed to be life-changing to Donghwan, and it's safe to say that it's lived up to Andrew's claim.

Despite not being given the length of the contract's lifespan, one could suggest it's between 6mo-1yr, but it will be effective immediately. Upcoming tournaments for the Korean Zerg that has rose to fame within the last year include GSL, IPL, MLG and an array of smaller international and domestic tournaments. Below you can find statements regarding the situation. Hype video directly below.

Kevin Kwon, Global Esports Manager of Azubu:

Here at Azubu, we are extremely pleased with the signing of Starcraft 2 professional player Kim "viOLet" Dong Hwan. This is our first step into the Starcraft 2 world and we could not think of a better individual to take it with than Kim. The progress Starcraft 2 has made over the past 2 years has truly excited us, and in our search for a Starcraft II player with the highest potential, we are extremely fortunate in having discovered viOLet. viOLet is an incredibly passionate player and individual who's consistency, dedication, and love of the game and people around him have truly impressed us, and we have no doubts his future will be very bright as both a player and a person.

Andrew Tomlinson, CEO and Founder of CyberSportsNetwork:

As Violet's manager, roommate, and close friend, I am extremely happy about this opportunity presented to him by Azubu. What he has been able to accomplish over the past year, not only in his success in numerous tournaments around the world, but also in his embracement of the American culture, English language, and efforts to connect with the foriegn community, is a testament to his dedication and desire to turn what many would call a game into his personal livelihood. In a time when many refused to believe success in Starcraft 2 could be achieved outside of Korea, Violet's determination enabled him to grasp that elusive success, while playing hours on end shut inside his room at my house in Texas. We made it work,and for that I could not be more excited or proud. While this sponsorship will exist as a milestone in Violet's career as a professional Starcraft 2 player, the ultimate goal remains in our sight. It is time to focus on the future, and with the support of Azubu, his friends, and his fans, Violet's highest ambition has never been more within his reach, his ambition to be considered the best Starcraft 2 player in the world.

Kim "viOLet" Donghwan, Professional Starcraft 2 player:

Hello everyone, I am try to improve my English writing skill so forgive me a bit if mistakes. I was so tired for hiding that amazing news about Azubu! Now I can tell everybody I am AZUBU.viOLet!! Feel better :D Azubu is for me very important meaning. Its new for me, new for Azubu, new for in my life, this makes me stronger I have responsibility with my new sponsor Azubu. Im so happy and exciting in to the future, now im ready to go tournament, it is my turn. I want thank everyone that follows me, you are more than fans you are my friends that come along with me on journey. I am thankful that you supported me this far, so continue to cheer for me! Also thank you my manager Andrew, who give me second chance at being pro gamer after IPL3. He is not manager, but my family and brother. I want to say thank you very much to new sponsor Azubu for sponsor me! Please cheering me and my sponsor Azubu guys <3 thank you very much.

About Azubu and who they are:

Azubu is a professional Game Media Company based in Berlin, Germany. Azubu serves as a valuable source of game knowledge, walk-thrus, and tips for all gamers across all platforms. Azubu, the main sponsor of the OGN League of Legends in Korea, is gradually expanding its business to include social networking, broadcasting, and publishing industries. More of Azubu's projects, such as Z-Talk and Azubu credit, will be available to gamers around the world with the goal of assisting gamers in making the most of their gaming experience.

On behalf of everyone at Cadred, we wish our friend the best of luck in upcoming tournaments and hope to see him near the top of the results, solidifying his title as one of the best Zerg players in the world. A quick chat makes it clear that he's still unsure about what race HotS may bring for him, but regardless, he'd like to express a thank you to everyone that has supported him throughout his career.

He's told us that after he returns back from visiting his family in Korea, he will remain with Andrew and the CSN team in their house located in Texas until further notice, with no plans to leave. A quick chat also reveals that he is still unsure about which race he will play in HotS, citing balance changes to all three races a factor in his decision. We'll keep you updated here as usual if we get any other information.
His first tournament under Azubu will be Gamescom, August 14th in Cologne, Germany.

Cadred's journey with our friend viOLet

Ultralisk viOLet Rays
Jeju's Hidden Talent
viOLet's Empire
IEM6 WC: Rich and viOLet
The Story So Far
Catching Up With viOLet

His new Twitter name: @AZUBUviOLet