Hearthstone Grandmaster Seiko Gets “Dota Auto Chess” Blinded by a Phone
Picture this: a 48‑player, worldwide showdown where you’re not just playing cards but also trying to manage a real‑time strategy game on your phone. That’s exactly what happened to Linh “Seiko” Nguyen during the latest Grandmasters league match.
The Big League Meets the Phone
- Grandmasters is Blizzard’s top‑tier tournament, snatching players based on lifetime earnings, 2018 HCT points, and a few other shiny metrics.
- Seiko, representing Germany, went toe‑to‑toe with Swedish pro Elias “Bozzzton” Sibelius in a televised round‑robin showdown.
- Halfway through, Seiko’s gaze kept darting down at his phone—classic symptoms of a phone‑pulling spirit.
The Buggy Switch‑Off
Live‑stream viewers saw him blunder after blunder: point‑scoring blinks, forgotten summons, and a generals’ misstep that even veteran casters couldn’t ignore. The crowd was left shaking their heads as he repeatedly tossed the game in a frantic 1‑2 loss.
And Then the Tweet: “I Was Playing Dota Auto Chess”
Seiko’s own, now‑deleted tweet revealed the truth: he was juggling a $1,000,000 Auto Chess qualifier right alongside his Hearthstone match. He thought that would make him a multitasking hero, but in reality, it turned into a double‑mishap.
Community Grumble and the “Unprofessional” Label
Hearthstone’s Grandmasters branded this as #Disrespectful and #Unprofessional. The game’s highest echelon couldn’t see anyone half‑handing a match, especially not a player who had earned the title of Grandmaster.
Moderator Scratch: “Google Does Not Want So”
It turns out Blizzard misread Seiko’s intent. The German stated, “I’d be in both tournaments” with the hope that the Hearthstone game might be rescheduled to dodge the clash. Meanwhile, Blizzard’s product chief Drew Higbee clarified that both parties had tangled wires, not a true double‑game marathon.
Seiko’s Apology: “I’ll Quit Auto Chess”
Seiko posted a full apology on TwitLonger, pledging to give Hearthstone his undivided attention— and to drop Auto Chess for good. He apologized for letting the community down, and promised to keep his focus where it belongs.
What’s Next for the Grandmasters Field?
The finals are set for the end of the year, featuring top‑2 from the Americas, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, and two Gold Series Champions from China. Total prize: $500,000 (≈S$690,000). We’re hunting for sharp minds and steady hands, not split‑screen chaos.
