As with North America, we saw several interesting matches last week in Europe. However, the teams at the top managed to skate by with easy matchups and dominant wins. That all changes this week as we see the region's top three teams test their might against one another to start establishing a true hierarchy for the year. These are the biggest storyline matchups for Week 2 in the EU HGC.





Method vs Fnatic

Method stormed out of the gates with a strong showing against Diamond Skin last week. We saw both newcomers Arcaner and scHwimpi shine with their new team. However, this week they’ll face a much tougher test. Fnatic also saw success in Week 1, taking a 3-0 victory over Leftovers. Now both teams have an opportunity to earn a huge advantage in the race to the Western Clash.

Of course, this will also be the first time we see scHwimpi go up against his old team. Will his knowledge of Fnatic give Method the edge they need, or will Quackniix and co re-establish the hierarchy from last year?

Marquee Matchup: cursen vs SmX

In most conversations regarding Expert (now Method) cursen has sort of been the other guy. Everyone praised adrd’s drafting, BadBenny’s tank play, and Nic’s exceptional mechanics. Atheroangel has been a respected name in the EU scene forever, no matter what role he plays. This match is cursen’s chance to tell the HOTS community that he is just as critical to this team’s success as any other player. He’ll be facing off against one of the most well-respected supports in the world in SmX. Both teams are stacked with talented playmakers who can pop off at the slightest opportunity. Which support will do a better job of creating those opportunities, and thwarting the efforts of the enemy? Either way, the supports will be crucial to either team’s success in this match.

Dignitas vs Method

With these articles I generally want to have three matches to discuss, and try to avoid discussing the same team twice. However, there’s no point in pretending this week--these are the two matches that everyone needs to see. Most analysts have Dignitas as the consensus number one team in Europe, but both Method and Fnatic appear poised to argue that point. How Method performs in these two matches will determine the success of their whole Phase 1. They have easily the most difficult week of any team this season.

Is Dignitas as good as we’ve all claimed? Do Method have the mental fortitude to survive back-to-back matches with their toughest rivals? We’ll likely see some of the best matches of the season this weekend all thanks to simple scheduling.

While Method have plenty to prove, Dignitas won’t be sleeping on this matchup. This team is jam-packed with talent and loaded down with expectations. Nothing short of domination against all comers will satisfy the players or their fans. If they 3-0 Diamond Skin, will Dignitas be able to stay hungry and focused for Method on Sunday? Will they get surprised? Or will the hype train keep rolling forward off the back of a Not Nervous POILK?

Marquee Matchup: Wubby vs Arcaner

He left his home, his family, everything he knew so that he could play against the best players in the world, and earn a seat at their table. This week, Arcaner gets his chance to prove why he deserves his spot in the EU HGC against the best offlaner Europe has to offer. In one series Arcaner has the chance to become a star in the league. Winning his matchup against Wubby could very well give Method the edge they need to surpass Dignitas in this series. Stars are born when talented players rise to the occasion against established greats. Arcaner is certainly a talented player, but is he ready to step up when pitted against the Goliath of the offlane?

If you missed the NA preview, be sure to check it out here. What is your most-anticipated matchup this weekend? Let me know in the comments, or on Twitter.