Forget newsreels about the cyclone tearing the totalitarian state of Myanmar (Burma) apart – forget coverage of a Democratic primary that may very well shape the world over the course of the next Presidential term (s), and forget the endless controversy following in the Olympic flame’s wake as it travels the world.

For more reasons than one, Moscow is the place to be on the planet right now.

It is where history will be made over the course of the next two weeks in a variety of different fields – from geo-politics - to professional football (soccer) – and ultimately to electronic sports.

Yesterday, May 7th, was the day when President Putin's, or “tsar” Putin as audiences have labeled him – both out of fear and affection, term of office ended. His successor, Dimitri Medvedev will take the helm of a country on a forward surge.

During Putin’s reign economic growth has been stable per annum. It has graced the Russian people with more rubles to spend. years ago when the St. Petersburg, ex-KGB native took office more than 30 % were living below the state designated poverty line.

In 2008 that number is much lower (currently at 12.5 – or 14 % according to Wikipedia) - but as with everything it has come at a price.

The president’s hardline approach has contributed to a decrease in public freedom and civil rights. Journalists not on accord with the regime have suffered isolation, threats – and in some tragic cases - death by the hands of unknown henchmen. Russia’s position in the world-wide community has suffered as the country has strayed further away from the European Union, NATO and the United States in terms of international relations.

Putin has quite literally been his own man.

The fear many have now, is that the new kid on the block, Mr. Medveded – will be Putin’s man as well - as the former president exercise his influence as the country’s new prime minister and head of the biggest political party, United Russia.

An interesting side-story to the high political theater unraveling before our eyes is the prestigious KODE5 event this weekend. The best the electronic sports CS: 1.6 world has to offer is on hand to duke it out.

With Fnatic, SK Gaming, Made in Brazil, Meet Your (Polish) Makers and even home-town heroes Virtus. Pro in attendance - and Gotfrag on site to cover the she-bang, it should be enough to make fans foam at the mouth.

Expect intense pictures capturing the emotions displayed as the teams fight for the 25 000 dollar pay day. Look forward to written content that take you inside the matches to outline the turning points and decisive plays that separates winners from the losers.

Enjoy live blogs from the tournament area detailing the big and small events that can and will occur as the tournament progress. And, in what will be a Gotfrag first – expect specialized video content every day – from our team on site in Russia’s capitol.

Drop what you are doing this weekend – your eyes need to be set on the St. Basil’s cathedral overlooking Red Square in Moscow.



Related Links:
KODE5 Viewers Guide
emuLate set to miss KODE5
KODE5 Finals Seeds and Groups
KODE5 Global Final Coverage by GotFrag TV Announced
GotFrag TV