After months of battles and high-tension fighting, the 2008 Game & Game World Championship (GNGWC) came to its climactic close on Nov. 16, and one Atlantica Online player proved that he was indeed the best: “Kiru of the wind” from South Korea.

Since August, Atlantica players around the world had fought to reach the pinnacle in their respective regions by competing in Atlantica’s Free Leagues. The top two combatants from the six areas - Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, Korea, South America, and Japan - after proving themselves at the regional finals, convened at the G-Star Exhibition Hall in Seoul to duke it out for the title of Atlantica world champion.

These 12 finalists were divided into two groups, from which they battled each player in their pool. The two with the best records in group play would make their way to the semi-finals, and the fighting was fierce as these masters of the Atlantica world tried to prove their strategic supremacy. From Group A, “Kiru of the wind” was joined by “102” from Japan, while “pk” of South Korea and “Xalor” of Singapore finished first and second, respectively, in Group B.

In the semi-finals, both Kiru of the wind and pk shut out their opponents, 2-0, as both continued their string of flawless fighting; neither of the two had yet to lose a match. The finals also represented a rematch between the finalists from Korea. Back on Sept. 28, pk claimed that regional title by sweeping three straight battles against Kiru of the wind. Would pk repeat his dominance? Or would Kiru have his revenge? Fans within the halls of the G-Star exhibition were anxious to discover the answer.

This time, Kiru of the Wind stormed out to an early lead, winning the first two fights in the best-out-of-five match. But pk came back to win the third bout and to keep the contest close. But it wasn’t enough, as Kiru of the wind won the fourth fight, earning the right to be called Atlantica world champion.

In the consolation final, Xalor defeated 102 to place third in the competition.

Here’s a breakdown of the matches:

Group Preliminaries

Group A Characters	Country	Record
Kiru of the wind	South Korea	5 wins, 0 losses
ChickenChiu	U.S.	3 wins, 2 losses
Khai	Singapore	2 wins, 3 losses
Rik	France	1 win, 4 losses
doidao	Brazil	0 wins, 5 losses
102	Japan	4 wins, 1 loss

Group B Characters	Country	Record
pk	South Korea	5 wins, 0 losses
Sola	U.S.	2 wins, 3 losses
Xalor	Singapore	4 wins, 1 loss
ParisHilton	Germany	2 wins, 3 losses
Vulcano	Brazil	2 wins, 3 losses
Bahn	Japan	0 wins, 5 losses

Semi-finals

Characters	Winner	Score (Best of 3)
Kiru of the wind vs. Xalor	Kiru	2-0
pk vs. 102	pk	2-0

3rd Place Match (Best of 3)

Xalor vs. 102

Xalor

2-0

Grand Final (Best of 5 Match)

Kiru of the wind vs. pk

Kiru

3-1

Now here's some pictures from the GNGWC Grand Final:


The G-Star Exhibition Hall was where 12 Atlantica players from around the world would vie for the right to be called world champion.


The crowd at the 2008 GNGWC came from all over the world to witness the gaming action.


The 12 masters of the Atlantica world took a photo break before facing off against each other.


The players were divided into two groups, from which the top two would reach the semi-finals.


The action got fierce, considering these are some of the best Atlantica fighters in the world.


Fans and media alike came to watch and catch the action.


With much on the line, players gave it their all to defeat their opponents.


After tough pool play, Xalor from Singapore, 102 from Japan, and pk and Kiru of the wind  from South Korea made it to the semi-finals.


Before competing in the semi-finals, pk (left) looks on as ChickenChiu from the U.S. plays a friendly match.


The magnificent main stage where the finals were held.


E-sports reporters and analysts broadcasted their lively play-by-play descriptions of the action.


Kiru of the wind (left) and pk took the floor of the main stage.


Kiru of the wind got his revenge on pk and won the world championship title.


The big screen above the stage allowed the fans to see just how Kiru of the wind beat pk.


There were even more screens in the exhibition hall to allow the many fans to watch the final battle.


NDOORS Inc. CEO Cho Seong Won gave Xalor of Singapore his flowers and big check, while pk (left) waits to get his.


pk, Kiru of the wind, a GNGWC representative, Cho Seong Won, and Xalor (from left toght right) after the players received their recognition.


One final shot of the players and staff that made the 2008 GNGWC Atlantica competition a success.


It has been a long journey to finally reach the end of the GNGWC road. But having the opportunity to meet Atlantica players from all over the world, and to bring them together under the banner of friendly competition was extremely rewarding, no matter who won or who lost. The experience of sharing these shining moments with players was priceless for us. We want to thank everyone who participated in the Free Leagues and who came out to all the regional finals. You made this a great success.

Sincerely,
The Atlantica Team