NA's last hope: COGnitive in Yinchuan for WCA 2015

The American team was the only one willing to stick it out and make the 26+ trip to China in order to compete. I meet up up with them for some brief words on the state of the game and how they plan on winning the tournament.

It was early in the morning in China, but late in the day for me and my fellow Americans. We were suffering from a major case of jet lag so for us it approximately 4:00 PM. Despite the strange schedules, the COGnitive boys somehow looked full of energy, although quite cold from the weather. Sitting on a couch in the lobby waiting for the next bus to the main venue, I sit down next to them and start asking some questions.



The first thing we talked about is the obvious. How does it feel to be the only NA team representing? Besides the pride of representing an entire region, the team is excited for an opportunity to showcase their ability. Citing poor performances lately during Enter the Storm NA Cup #1, the team feels good about the current meta and their chances.

The team reports that they are ready for whatever Team Liquid has to throw at them, thanks to the analytical ability of their coach, xcyteZ.

Their first match during WCA is against Team Liquid. It is the first time they are playing against EU in a tournament match, with their only scrims against the team being a long time ago. The team reports that they are ready for whatever Team Liquid has to throw at them, thanks to the analytical ability of their coach, xcyteZ.

xcyteZ was pretty frank about his job as a coach. "I'm here to make sure the team is confident and ready for their match. Not stressed out or under lots of pressure, just confident. There is a right mix you have to hit."

When asked about how he goes about doing this, the team was quick to sing his praises. "He watches every game from all regions and logs all the drafts and strategies" Glaurung said. "Spreadsheets and stats to watch the meta."

This type of analytical approach has revealed that, in COGnitive's oppinion, NA is slightly behind the meta while KR, CN, and EU are all playing the same with little deviation. MVP Black might play Artanis, some teams may play Thrall, or Falstad, but esssentially it's all the same meta. Kael'Thas is a god and the patch is really revolving around those historically strong heroes, like Jaina or Uther.

"It makes my job easier" xcyteZ said. "When there is less diversity, we as a team can predict easier what the other team will do."

It was then that a WCA represenative hurried to our couch, letting us know the shuttle to the main event was about to leave.

This article is part of a series of GosuGamers at Yinchuang, China for WCA 2015. Check out our coverage hub for full event coverage.



QUICKPOLL Can COGnitive win WCA 2015? USA! USA!

Thank you for voting! I don't think so...

Thank you for voting!