[S2SL] Challenge S2 2016 - Group B Preview Text by TL.net ESPORTS Graphics by shiroiusagi Photo Credit: Shiroiusagi SSL 2016 Season 2 By: hexhaven





Starcraft II Starleague 2016 Group B

Group B BRACKETS AND STANDINGS ON Liquipedia SSL Challenge - Group B

What a long, strange ride it was last week. Absolutely tons of games played over a very long day. Why not do it again? And why not do it twice more after this? As mentioned before, SSL has never been afraid to shake things up a bit, and the Challenge event feels more akin to a weekender than a league. Of course, after these four groups are done, we’re moving to a more traditional system.



TY proved to be untouchable, and laid waste to every single one of his opponents. Cure took second place, while a surprisingly in-form Bomber edged out over a flailing soO. They will join the top 4 players from SSL Season 1 for the main event.



For Group B of SSL Challenge event, we have four Protoss players heading into the crucible. One Terran and one Zerg round out the group. Once again, it’s a Round Robin style, only best-of-twos, and the three best players will advance, while the other three will drop out of the tournament for good. Some of them have already dropped out of Code A, which means that will be their last starleague chance for the entirety of 2016. Harsh, a progamer’s life.





Dramatis Personae



GuMiho



Narrowly failing to make it out of the qualifiers in Season 1 of SSL, MVP’s GuMiho is a veteran in the scene. Unfortunately, he also couldn’t get out of Code A last season, but now he’s back, looking to put the experience gained from online cups to good use. And despite the rather lackluster offline results last season, his online performance has been nothing but breathtaking. Over the course of the year so far, he’s been playing in seemingly every single possible online tournament, with an impressive 77.19% win rate. In Proleague, however, his win rate hovers around a much less stellar 50%, making his performance utterly average. It’s not bad, it’s not great, it’s just really middle of the road. Crucially, the group is filled almost to the brim with Protoss players, and in his last 14 offline matches against the race, GuMiho has won nine of them.



It is imperative that the Terran is able to leverage his online experience this June. When push comes to shove, his results haven’t been exactly convincing. Even GuMiho’s potent multitasking won’t save him if his strategies aren’t up to par. So far, they’ve been lacking.





Classic



Classic will head once more unto the breach. Code S saw him drop out from the group stage, while SSL Season 1 was better, making a pretty deep run first into the quarterfinals, and then to losers’ round 3. With two starleague titles and an IEM championship to his name, and SK Telecom T1’s full might behind him, the Protoss will certainly be one of the favorites to qualify for the next stage.



This year, Classic’s Protoss and Terran match-ups have been much stronger than his performance against Zerg. In fact, he was beaten by Curious during the qualifiers, giving him ample opportunity to make up for the loss. ProLeague results have been solid, with recent defeats only against Stats and Reality. His competent PvP will come to play here, because even if he tilts against GuMiho and Curious, wins against the other three Protoss players should secure him a spot for the future. Most importantly, that third elusive title must lie somewhere in the back of his mind. Hell, it would mean joining Mvp and NesTea as the third triple starleague champion in Starcraft 2. Three starleague titles in three consecutive years would cement his legacy as one of the greatest Protosses of our time.





sOs



Hoo, boy. Jin Air’s sOs is in a very peculiar position (again). He failed to qualify for either SSL or Code S earlier this year, but he nabbed the IEM Taipei title in February. For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014, and 2013), these past few months must have been full of soul searching and deep reflection. Yet, history seems to repeat itself in mysterious ways. Even despite failing to qualify for the first season of both starleagues in 2015, sOs managed to pull through. Maybe he’s looking at a repeat performance. And he'd better, because this year he won’t have a third season to rely on.



His Proleague performance this year stands at 53.33%. For overall results, his most often played offline match-up is against Protoss, where he stands at 61.76%. Against Terran he’s at 70%, but with only 10 games played, it’s hard to gauge his current true skill. It’s even more skewed when it comes to Zerg, with only 5 games played this year. Considering that traditionally he has had some problems preparing for matches compared to weekenders, his mirror matchup skills better be up to par. His one shining ray of hope is that he managed to qualify for GSL season 2 Code S.



sOs seems to embody the saying “Win some, lose some”. This time it might just be too close to call.





Hurricane



Hurricane’s one and only feat of note this year has been making it to the second losers' round of SSL season 1. He’s been taken down every single time he’s been fielded in Proleague, and he’s failed to get out of Code A twice now. In short, it’s not looking good for Samsung Galaxy’s Protoss. He’s bog standard, and in a group with more experienced and more dangerous players, it just likely won’t be enough.





Curious



This has not been a kind year to Curious. Even more specifically, these past couple of months have not been kind to Curious. He did manage to take down both Classic and Leenock to qualify for the Challenge event, but in the other starleague he dropped out of Code A, losing to Impact of all people. After making it to the Ro16 of the previous Code S, he was crushed by Dark and Losira. Before the SSL qualifiers, his previous victory for the year is from March, a Proleague win against DeParture. It’s not that Curious is wholly without results, but maybe he just still hasn’t wholly adapted to the new expansion. Now, were he a gambling man, as the lone Zerg in the group, he could bet everything on refining the ZvP match-up to perfection and advance solely through that. Unfortunately for him, the group also has some of the best and most accomplished Protoss players the game has seen. Maybe the gamble then would be his best chance of advancing.





Trust



Trust’s previous SSL run was rather unceremoniously ended by ByuL and Soulkey in quick succession, despite making it to the main event. His previous Code A run ended against soO, and his current Code A run was stopped cold by SpeeD, a former KT Rolster teammate. Besides a few online cup matches, that’s his entire year so far. And precisely that will be the problem for his opponents coming into the Challenge event. He's without any real past results to speak of, but with his PvP virtually an unknown element, he could be a potential wild card for the group. More likely, though, is that he'll be trounced by the more seasoned players, and he’ll be left fighting over scraps to avoid ending up in last place. And then we won’t see him until next year.





The Three to Advance



Unlike last week, the results should be much more straightforward. Experience and results will most likely prevail over everything else. The top spot should be reserved for Classic or sOs, while GuMiho is banking on his online practice finally paying dividends. A potential upset is Curious finding his ZvP form and surprising the four Protoss players, leveraging the lopsided group to his advantage. Hurricane at least made something out of his SSL run, unlike Trust, who has been nigh invisible this year, and that honestly does not reflect well on his performance.





1. Classic

2. sOs

3. GuMiho

------------------

4. Curious

5. Hurricane

6. Trust







What a long, strange ride it was last week. Absolutely tons of games played over a very long day. Why not do it again? And why not do it twice more after this? As mentioned before, SSL has never been afraid to shake things up a bit, and the Challenge event feels more akin to a weekender than a league. Of course, after these four groups are done, we’re moving to a more traditional system.TY proved to be untouchable, and laid waste to every single one of his opponents. Cure took second place, while a surprisingly in-form Bomber edged out over a flailing soO. They will join the top 4 players from SSL Season 1 for the main event.For Group B of SSL Challenge event, we have four Protoss players heading into the crucible. One Terran and one Zerg round out the group. Once again, it’s a Round Robin style, only best-of-twos, and the three best players will advance, while the other three will drop out of the tournament for good. Some of them have already dropped out of Code A, which means that will be their last starleague chance for the entirety of 2016. Harsh, a progamer’s life.Narrowly failing to make it out of the qualifiers in Season 1 of SSL, MVP’s GuMiho is a veteran in the scene. Unfortunately, he also couldn’t get out of Code A last season, but now he’s back, looking to put the experience gained from online cups to good use. And despite the rather lackluster offline results last season, his online performance has been nothing but breathtaking. Over the course of the year so far, he’s been playing in seemingly every single possible online tournament, with an impressive 77.19% win rate. In Proleague, however, his win rate hovers around a much less stellar 50%, making his performance utterly average. It’s not bad, it’s not great, it’s just really middle of the road. Crucially, the group is filled almost to the brim with Protoss players, and in his last 14 offline matches against the race, GuMiho has won nine of them.It is imperative that the Terran is able to leverage his online experience this June. When push comes to shove, his results haven’t been exactly convincing. Even GuMiho’s potent multitasking won’t save him if his strategies aren’t up to par. So far, they’ve been lacking.Classic will head once more unto the breach. Code S saw him drop out from the group stage, while SSL Season 1 was better, making a pretty deep run first into the quarterfinals, and then to losers’ round 3. With two starleague titles and an IEM championship to his name, and SK Telecom T1’s full might behind him, the Protoss will certainly be one of the favorites to qualify for the next stage.This year, Classic’s Protoss and Terran match-ups have been much stronger than his performance against Zerg. In fact, he was beaten by Curious during the qualifiers, giving him ample opportunity to make up for the loss. ProLeague results have been solid, with recent defeats only against Stats and Reality. His competent PvP will come to play here, because even if he tilts against GuMiho and Curious, wins against the other three Protoss players should secure him a spot for the future. Most importantly, that third elusive title must lie somewhere in the back of his mind. Hell, it would mean joining Mvp and NesTea as the third triple starleague champion in Starcraft 2. Three starleague titles in three consecutive years would cement his legacy as one of the greatest Protosses of our time.Hoo, boy. Jin Air’s sOs is in a very peculiar position (again). He failed to qualify for either SSL or Code S earlier this year, but he nabbed the IEM Taipei title in February. For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014,2013), these past few months must have been full of soul searching and deep reflection. Yet, history seems to repeat itself in mysterious ways. Even despite failing to qualify for the first season of both starleagues in 2015, sOs managed to pull through. Maybe he’s looking at a repeat performance. And he'd better, because this year he won’t have a third season to rely on.His Proleague performance this year stands at 53.33%. For overall results, his most often played offline match-up is against Protoss, where he stands at 61.76%. Against Terran he’s at 70%, but with only 10 games played, it’s hard to gauge his current true skill. It’s even more skewed when it comes to Zerg, with only 5 games played this year. Considering that traditionally he has had some problems preparing for matches compared to weekenders, his mirror matchup skills better be up to par. His one shining ray of hope is that he managed to qualify for GSL season 2 Code S.sOs seems to embody the saying “Win some, lose some”. This time it might just be too close to call.Hurricane’s one and only feat of note this year has been making it to the second losers' round of SSL season 1. He’s been taken down every single time he’s been fielded in Proleague, and he’s failed to get out of Code A twice now. In short, it’s not looking good for Samsung Galaxy’s Protoss. He’s bog standard, and in a group with more experienced and more dangerous players, it just likely won’t be enough.This has not been a kind year to Curious. Even more specifically, these past couple of months have not been kind to Curious. He did manage to take down both Classic and Leenock to qualify for the Challenge event, but in the other starleague he dropped out of Code A, losing to Impact of all people. After making it to the Ro16 of the previous Code S, he was crushed by Dark and Losira. Before the SSL qualifiers, his previous victory for the year is from March, a Proleague win against DeParture. It’s not that Curious is wholly without results, but maybe he just still hasn’t wholly adapted to the new expansion. Now, were he a gambling man, as the lone Zerg in the group, he could bet everything on refining the ZvP match-up to perfection and advance solely through that. Unfortunately for him, the group also has some of the best and most accomplished Protoss players the game has seen. Maybe the gamble then would be his best chance of advancing.Trust’s previous SSL run was rather unceremoniously ended by ByuL and Soulkey in quick succession, despite making it to the main event. His previous Code A run ended against soO, and his current Code A run was stopped cold by SpeeD, a former KT Rolster teammate. Besides a few online cup matches, that’s his entire year so far. And precisely that will be the problem for his opponents coming into the Challenge event. He's without any real past results to speak of, but with his PvP virtually an unknown element, he could be a potential wild card for the group. More likely, though, is that he'll be trounced by the more seasoned players, and he’ll be left fighting over scraps to avoid ending up in last place. And then we won’t see him until next year.Unlike last week, the results should be much more straightforward. Experience and results will most likely prevail over everything else. The top spot should be reserved for Classic or sOs, while GuMiho is banking on his online practice finally paying dividends. A potential upset is Curious finding his ZvP form and surprising the four Protoss players, leveraging the lopsided group to his advantage. Hurricane at least made something out of his SSL run, unlike Trust, who has been nigh invisible this year, and that honestly does not reflect well on his performance.1.2.3.------------------4.5.6.



Elentos Profile Blog Joined February 2015 52843 Posts Last Edited: 2016-06-08 17:45:49 #2 On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. That never happened.I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.

FrostedMiniWheats Profile Joined August 2010 United States 30729 Posts #3 On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. NesTea | Mvp | MC | Leenock | Losira | Gumiho | DRG | Taeja | Jinro | Stephano | Thorzain | Sen | Idra |Polt | Bomber | Symbol | Squirtle | Fantasy | Jaedong | Maru | sOs | Seed | ByuN | ByuL | Neeb| Scarlett | Rogue | IM forever

Brutaxilos Profile Blog Joined July 2010 United States 2513 Posts #4 Well I guess I'm not studying for finals tonight. Jangbi favorite player. Forever~ CJ herO the King of IEM. BOMBERRRRRRRR. Sexy Boy Rogue. soO #1!

Durnuu Profile Joined September 2013 11470 Posts #5 Agree with the predictions, maybe Curious can advance but Korean zergs haven't been looking too hot lately https://i.imgur.com/2wCUbam.jpg "Durn is a trash player meching cunt" - Luolis 2018 | Never forget the time Aeromi consistently ignored me in LR threads because I asked about Chile

Ej_ Profile Blog Joined January 2013 47288 Posts #6 Curious has awful ZvP, but surely nobody can be bad enough not to advance in a group where they get to play 1 match up 4 times. "Technically the dictionary has zero authority on the meaning or words" - Rodya

Diabolique Profile Joined June 2015 Czech Republic 5118 Posts Last Edited: 2016-06-08 18:37:22 #7 GO $$$ GO!!!!!!

After $$$'s performances in Proleague, I have no doubt that his PvZ and PvT are top. He was just quite weak in PvP against TOP opponents. But there is only one TOP opponent in this group, Classic. So either 1st or 2nd place are a must. sOs | Rogue | Maru | Trap | Scarlett | Snute | MC

Elentos Profile Blog Joined February 2015 52843 Posts #8 On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.

swissman777 Profile Joined September 2014 1106 Posts #9 On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

Elentos Profile Blog Joined February 2015 52843 Posts Last Edited: 2016-06-08 18:59:52 #10 On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.

swissman777 Profile Joined September 2014 1106 Posts #11 On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?

Soularion Profile Blog Joined January 2014 Canada 2724 Posts #12 On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

It's probably because Zest's road was fairly weak. 3-2 over Hydra, 3-2 over an INnoVation in a series that included some heavily questionable games, 3-1 over Bbyong, 4-1 over Trap. It's definitely a worthy accomplishment and it's important to note how it was the point at which Zest stopped sucking in 2015, but it's not really as impressive as 3-1 TaeJa 4-1 herO in most people's eyes. It's also because the sOs vs herO series was so memorable while nothing in Zest's run stood out at all except for the series against INnoVation.



I still think Zest vs INnoVation is the worst played game between two GSL-champion tier players ever, by far. It's probably because Zest's road was fairly weak. 3-2 over Hydra, 3-2 over an INnoVation in a series that included somequestionable games, 3-1 over Bbyong, 4-1 over Trap. It's definitely a worthy accomplishment and it's important to note how it was the point at which Zest stopped sucking in 2015, but it's not really as impressive as 3-1 TaeJa 4-1 herO in most people's eyes. It's also because the sOs vs herO series was so memorable while nothing in Zest's run stood out at all except for the series against INnoVation.I still think Zest vs INnoVation is the worst played game between two GSL-champion tier players ever, by far. Writer maru pls

Elentos Profile Blog Joined February 2015 52843 Posts Last Edited: 2016-06-08 19:25:52 #13 On June 09 2016 04:04 swissman777 wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?

Well now that YoDa has been banned for life with matchfixing I'll never be able to forget him being an IEM World Champion.

On June 09 2016 04:06 Soularion wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

It's probably because Zest's road was fairly weak. 3-2 over Hydra, 3-2 over an INnoVation in a series that included some heavily questionable games, 3-1 over Bbyong, 4-1 over Trap. It's definitely a worthy accomplishment and it's important to note how it was the point at which Zest stopped sucking in 2015, but it's not really as impressive as 3-1 TaeJa 4-1 herO in most people's eyes. It's also because the sOs vs herO series was so memorable while nothing in Zest's run stood out at all except for the series against INnoVation.



I still think Zest vs INnoVation is the worst played game between two GSL-champion tier players ever, by far. It's probably because Zest's road was fairly weak. 3-2 over Hydra, 3-2 over an INnoVation in a series that included somequestionable games, 3-1 over Bbyong, 4-1 over Trap. It's definitely a worthy accomplishment and it's important to note how it was the point at which Zest stopped sucking in 2015, but it's not really as impressive as 3-1 TaeJa 4-1 herO in most people's eyes. It's also because the sOs vs herO series was so memorable while nothing in Zest's run stood out at all except for the series against INnoVation.I still think Zest vs INnoVation is the worst played game between two GSL-champion tier players ever, by far.

I mean, if we're trying to downplay tournament runs, sOs did play Oz and jjakji.



But yeah especially that Catallena game from Zest vs INnoVation was atrocious. Atm I couldn't think of anything that compares on that level. So it's actually surprising people don't talk about that more. It didn't even get a TL award for being so disgustingly bad. Well now that YoDa has been banned for life with matchfixing I'll never be able to forget him being an IEM World Champion.I mean, if we're trying to downplay tournament runs, sOs did play Oz and jjakji.But yeah especially that Catallena game from Zest vs INnoVation was atrocious. Atm I couldn't think of anything that compares on that level. So it's actually surprising people don't talk about that more. It didn't even get a TL award for being so disgustingly bad. Every 60 seconds in Africa, a minute passes.

FrostedMiniWheats Profile Joined August 2010 United States 30729 Posts Last Edited: 2016-06-08 20:01:32 #14 On June 09 2016 04:04 swissman777 wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster likeI would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?



You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :O



Despite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.



Loved that tournament and the year. You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :ODespite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.Loved that tournament and the year. NesTea | Mvp | MC | Leenock | Losira | Gumiho | DRG | Taeja | Jinro | Stephano | Thorzain | Sen | Idra |Polt | Bomber | Symbol | Squirtle | Fantasy | Jaedong | Maru | sOs | Seed | ByuN | ByuL | Neeb| Scarlett | Rogue | IM forever

munch Profile Joined July 2014 Mute City 2358 Posts #15 On June 09 2016 04:53 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 04:04 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster likeI would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?



You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :O



Despite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.



Loved that tournament and the year. You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :ODespite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.Loved that tournament and the year.



The Ro.16 day was the best day of Starcraft ever seen. Everything after that was mostly disappointing The Ro.16 day was the best day of Starcraft ever seen. Everything after that was mostly disappointing Writer Form is temporary, MMA is permanent || http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/508630-article-archive

Soularion Profile Blog Joined January 2014 Canada 2724 Posts #16 On June 09 2016 05:21 thecrazymunchkin wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 04:53 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 04:04 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster likeI would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?



You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :O



Despite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.



Loved that tournament and the year. You didn't like the 2014 Blizzcon?! :ODespite the initial criticism of the lineup, I thought that one was by far the best Blizzcon. There were just so many good games and numerous storylines throughout. MMA making the finals out of nowhere, Life going god-mode beating Zest and his nemesis San, Taeja dumping on his critics by taking out the two gsl finalists, herO's loss to Classic, Life vs Taeja just by itself. The TL article hype was even the best.Loved that tournament and the year.



The Ro.16 day was the best day of Starcraft ever seen. Everything after that was mostly disappointing The Ro.16 day was the best day of Starcraft ever seen. Everything after that was mostly disappointing



Never forget TaeJa vs Life, one of the best series I've watched live. Never forget TaeJa vs Life, one of the best series I've watched live. Writer maru pls

Charoisaur Profile Joined August 2014 Germany 13353 Posts #17 On June 09 2016 04:04 swissman777 wrote:

Show nested quote +

On June 09 2016 03:57 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:49 swissman777 wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:48 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 03:07 FrostedMiniWheats wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:38 Elentos wrote:

On June 09 2016 02:35 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote:

For a player who won arguably the most important tournament of last year (and 2014

That never happened.



I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him. I think these predictions should be pretty safe. Trust and Hurricane shouldn't really have a chance and Curious probably needs one of Classic/sOs/GuMiho to not be on point for most of the day to advance. Unless we underestimate him.





?



sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there. sOs won Blizzcon 2015 and the article is referring to sOs' 2014 IEM WC win, which given the 100k on the line and players attending could have also been arguably the most important tournament of the year. Personally, I think 2014 Blizzcon was #1 but IEM was up there.

In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.



For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period. In my eyes you can't possibly justify IEM WC > Blizzcon in 2014. Blizzcon had a much bigger overall prize pool (winner gets 100k just like IEM but everyone else also got a shitload of money) and the player lineup was at least just as strong, more than likely stronger. The entire year is built around getting to Blizzcon, and even the IEM WC gives WCS points.For me, it's frankly not a case of "arguably". Life won the most important tournament of 2014 period. Just like sOs won the most important tournaments of 2013 and 2015 period.

Then the WC is second then? Then the WC is second then?

In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).



The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time. In 2014 sure, that's entirely reasonable to say it was the 2nd most important tournament of the year (although you could actually make a case for GSL as a whole being more important than that one IEM tournament).The IEM WC 2015 is a way more hilarious case, because near the end of the year, 6 Starleagues in, nobody really cared anymore that Zest won over 65k there, while people still talk about IEM Katowice 2014 from time to time.

2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ? 2015 IEM WC was relatively lackluster like 2014 blizzcon was to other blizzcons I would say. I think the 2014 IEM WC was more memorable for the winner takes all format and sOs double proxy gating. Besides, who remembers any other IEM WC before 2014 ?

the importance of a tournament is not based on how memorable the games were.

I don't see a reason to rate IEM 2014 WC over IEM 2015 WC. the importance of a tournament is not based on how memorable the games were.I don't see a reason to rate IEM 2014 WC over IEM 2015 WC. INnoVation

bestviva Profile Joined July 2015 148 Posts #18 group A,B,C are kindergarten, group D is slaughter house.who made this group was a psychopath, wanna see three best players daggering each other, since the format is so long and intensity, they will probably be dead in the end of the day,

seemsgood Profile Joined January 2016 5351 Posts #19

No one can't explain the feeling of a terran player when he must play in a group of full protoss Gumigod vs Protosses.No one can't explain the feeling of a terran player when he must play in a group of full protoss

Vedeynevin Profile Joined February 2015 United States 431 Posts #20 I thought life and zest both had triple starleagues as well?

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