Overview of OGN’s APEX group stage, day 9: RU and T6 fighting for their playoff hopes. RadoN Follow Nov 11, 2016 · 15 min read

With team South Korea victorious at BlizzCon OGN returns with the second portion of the group stage of APEX. In it 12 of Korea’s best Overwatch teams battle 4 top foreign teams for a prize pool of over $175,000.

In today’s match-ups we had two teams fighting for their playoff hopes. In the first match it was Reunited … reuniting after the BlizzCon Championship break versus LW Blue.

The second one was Conbox T6, who’ve been practicing for two weeks against Lunatic-Hai, half of who were winning BlizzCon’s Championship for South Korea while that was happening.

For those interested only in my picks for “Map, players and teams to watch” scroll down to the bottom. In those I’ll be listing the players and teams I found the most intriguing, the map I enjoyed watching most and the reasons for my picks.

Match-up 1: Conbox T6 vs Lunatic-Hai

With Lunatic-Hai sending three of their players at the BlizzCon Championship and Conbox T6 only one it’s worth noting that Gamsu and co. got much better practice during the two weeks downtime. Based on their previous performances in APEX and APAC however, most would still consider LH the favourite, coming into the games.

The match began on Garden, Lijiang Tower. T6 opened on what can be considered their comfort picks — Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Genji and Liz’s Tracer. Lunatic-Hai also sticked to what they know best — 3–2–1, composed of Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog and EscA’s signature McCree.

With Miro diving aggressively and several good picks by their DPS LH took control of the point early. They held convincingly, but overcommitted ultimates, which opened the toor for T6 to take control in overtime. As a result of great play from MyungHoon’s Genji they managed to hold throughout multiple assaults and took Garden for themselves 100–99 in prolonged overtime.

On Night Market T6's MyungHoon traded Genji for Reaper, but the rest of the team kept the same heroes. For LH Miro switched to his signature Winston and Leetaejun (referred to as taejun by most) took second DPS — Tracer. Similarly to Garden EscA and co. took the initial control easily. At 83% they lost it, but unlike the last stage they didn’t overcommit ultimates and reclaimed it quickly. From this point the game continued with multiple switches in who has the control, but already having the lead LH emerged victorious equalizing 1–1.

For Control Center both squads kept the same compositions. Similarly to the last two times, Miro’s men took initial control. Just like the last two times however Conbox claimed the point for themselves, once they got all their ultimates up. With great play by Zunba on Zarya and good managment of the ultimates, they held the point and took the map to a 1–0 lead in the series.

Conbox T6 celebrating the win on Lijiang Tower.

For the second map LH picked Numbani. Their composition for the attack was similar, but they switched up who plays what. Ryujehong (referred to as jehong) switched to Ana, something he’s shown to be one of the best at and Dean was moved on the Reinhardt. T6 also switched-up things, with Liz taking McCree and MyungHoon Mei — both getting out of their comfort zones. After a key pick by Miro on the enemy Mei they got on the point, but that resulted in only one tick. For the rest of the map Gamsu and co. didnt’t have much trouble holding the point, despite defending at ultimate disadvantage at different points of time.

On the defense the only change in the LH camp was taejun switching to Roadhog. Conbox showed us something new again, picking Zenyatta along Ana, Winston, Zarya, Tracer and Genji. After that not working out however they traded the Zenyatta for Lucio. That didn’t work either and on the back of good play by EscA LH managed a full hold as well.

To solve the tie the teams met on Sanctum, Nepal. As Miro and co. went back to their seemingly favourite 3–2–1 T6 put MyungHoon on Reaper, otherwise keeping same picks. Despite Liz outshining EscA,with both on McCree, LH took initial control of the point yet again. They held strong and with another clutch play from EscA in a prolonged overtime they equalized the series 1–1.

For the third map Conbox T6 chose Volskaya Industries. Starting on the defense, they picked Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Genji and Tracer against Lunatic-Hai’s same five, complimented byEscA’s McCree. Here Lunatic-Hai’s performance was much closer as they got the first point seemingly instantly. In similar manner they got onto the second one and quickly chipped away 2 ticks, before T6 contesting in a prolonged fight. That didn’t amount to much however as Miro’s team took it as well, in just under 4:30.

Ryujehong happy with the quick run through the map on the offense.

For the defense the crowd favourites’ (LH) only change was taejun switching to Tracer, while Gamsu and his boys continued using same picks. They also managed to take the first point fairly quickly and found themselves rushing towards the second with 5:30 in the time bank. As a result EscA switched to Mei. That helped them hold for a while but eventually T6 took over on the back of MyungHoon’s Dragonblade decimating Lunatic-Hai on two separate occasions.

For their second offensive run however, T6 had only 2:16, compared to LH’s 4:29. Looking to surprise they opened with Bastion, accompanying the Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Genji. LH on the other hand, were back to their comfort picks — Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Roadhog and McCree. With great play from jaehong’s Ana they held strong as T6 got decimated by taejun’s Wholehog. In a last ditch effort however, after switching Bastion for Tracer, they took over the point, but the time wasn’t enough for much else.

Back on the offense, Lunatic-Hai put taejun back on the Genji to mirror T6’s Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, McCree, Genji. Thanks to EscA coming up big, when it matters LH managed to take over point A and started heading towards B with 3:20 in the time bank. As MyungHoon shut down the initial attempt taejun changed to Reaper. That didn’t amount to much however and we ended on another tie.

The map to solve it was once again Sanctum, Nepal. The squads started with same heroes — Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog and McCree. Just as on the previous control point maps LH took the early lead after the battle for high-ground control. At 99% however T6 managed to take over and held until another overtime. Despite good play by Zunba, Lunatic-Hai came up in the clutch again, taking the point and jumping to a 2–1 lead into the series.

Conbox, getting hyped for the series. Before they knew they’ll play so much CP vs LH.

Looking to tie the series and keep their playoff hopes alive T6 picked Watchpoint: Gibraltar. Starting on the defense, LH went back to the 3–2–1 ,but this time playing around EscA‘s’Mei. Trying to change-up things Oparochi picked up the Zenyatta on the offense once again for T6. Thanks to taejun landing hook after hook, LH kept the payload in the trough before the first point for more than 3 minutes. Even when Gamsu and co. won huge teamfight they had to go back for the payload, which gave time to Miro’s men to mount another defense right at the point. They managed to deliver it but had only 2:30 till to reach the next point. This time however Zunba had none of it and on the back of a great Graviton Surge he got LH wiped and delivered the payload to the second point, without stopping. For the third point they regained their composure and in series of great plays by both teams Miro’s men managed to run down the timer with the payload reaching 73m past the second point.

Continuing to play in their comfort zone, LH picked 3–2–1 around EscA’s McCree for the offense, while Conbox went with Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Genji and Liz’s Reaper to deal with the tanks. Looking for the surprise advantage once again Gamsu and co. chose to defend in the spawn area and despite initial success they lost control of the area quickly. As a result Lunatic-Hai found themselves pushing past the first point having 4:45 on the clock. Here, they succeeded in wiping Miro’s men, but that was at the cost of all their ultimates. As those were gone, LH pushed easily and were past the second point with 4 minutes in the time bank. And despite another full wipe by T6 it was too much time for them to hold against LH. Miro and his crew reached Conbox’s distance having more than 2:20 in the time bank, ending the series convincingly 3–1 and most likely denying T6 appearance in the playoffs.

For the MVP of the series OGN voted jaehong and taejun.

Match-up 2: LuxuryWatch Blue vs Reunited

Similarly to the first match-up today, Reunited were the favourites coming into this, despite having two of their players at the BlizzCon Championship to none from LW Blue. Stats wise both teams had similar performance versus Kongdoo Panthera, but it’s hard to deny Reunited’s experience and as a bonus they were looking to have the best player on the server in Vallutaja. They were however, in a must win situation as well. As they lost to Runaway they needed a win to maintain realistic playoff chances.

Beginning once again on Lijiang Tower, Garden, both teams opened with largely similar compositions of Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Reaper. Only difference was Vallutaja on McCree to Saebyeolbe on Tracer. That was seemingly key however, as Reunited’s star drew first blood on the enemy Tracer. That helped Reunited take control of the point . That maintained it until they got hit by ‘big bang’ combo (Graviton Surge + Time Bomb) and LW took over. As Vallutaja switched to Tracer as well, Saebyeolbe’s crew managed to keep it, continuing to utilize their ultimates combinations . Despite an overtime LW took the stage without relinquishing the control.

For Control Center both teams continued using Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Reaper and Tracer. Similarly to the first map Reunited took the lead at first and looking to counter the opposing tracer Saebyeolbe switched to McCree. With the Europeans just 100% Blue claimed the point for themselves on the back of nanoboosted Death Blossom. Despite defending at ultimate disadvantage multiple times, LW maintained control of the point until clutch overtime play by uNFixed which equalized the score to 1–1.

On Night Market Janus switched-up thinks by picking Winston instead of Reinhardt, while Reunited continued using the same composition they had on Control Center. After a prolonged fight on the point LW took control of the point, and after brief loss reclaimed as Saebyeolbe’s Tracer terrorized the Europeans. They lost the control briefly once again, but reclaimed it quickly to take 1–0 lead in the series.

The stage at the OGN studio ‘augmented’ by fancy graphics.

Looking to equalize, Reunited picked Eichenwalde for the second map. LW started on the defense, picking 3–2–1 that Korean teams have shown to favour — Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog and Mei. The only changes in the European camp were Vallutaja taking over the Reaper and Unfixed picking Mei. After two failed pushes the Europeans finally got on the point and started pushing the cart, having 3:30 on the clock. Seemingly not discouraged they got the payload on the second point much faster and continued pushing without stopping past it. As Roadhog wasn’t working out, Saebyeolbe matched Vallutaja on the Reaper and that finally stopped the push. That wasn’t enough to end Reunited’s offense, as they returned having ultimates advantage and delivered the payload with just over 30 seconds in the time bank.

On the defense the Europeans continued using the same composition and this time LW used the same composition as well, right from the start. Utilizing a clever boost the Koreans managed through the X and get on the point, but got repelled quickly. After multiple attmpts Blue finally got on the point and were looking like they’re going to take over, until clutch Earthshatter by Winghaven in the last moment. That started over a minute long series of fights and after a prolonged overtime Reunited equalized the series.

For the third map, LW Blue chose Volskaya Industries. Starting on the defense, the Europeans picked Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, McCree and Tracer. LW attacked with Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Winston, McCree, Genji and after two quick picks on Vallutaja and Winghaven established control. That resulted in fast take of point A, as they headed towards the second with 7 minutes on the clock. Despite Reunited defending the initial push on B at considerable ultimate disadvantage the time proved more than enough for the Koreans, as they took over the point, having 3:49 in the time bank.

For the offense the European squad chose Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, McCree and Genji against LW’s Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, McCree, Tracer. Even with initial troubles on point A the Europeans started pushing towards B with 5:30 on the clock. Despite staying on it for over a minute they failed to secure any ticks and eventually got repelled having left 4 minutes in the time bank. The next time they got on the point was a long overtime in which they miraculously wiped LW on the back of clutch play by Wingheaven and Vallutaja.

However with the Korean squad having 3:49 in the time bank tiebreaker CP map was not in their sights yet. Against all odds they actually did it, partially taking advantage of LW’s mistakes. Showing their experience under pressure, Reunited didn’t let Blue get even one tick on the point.

To solve this, the teams headed to Sanctum, Nepal. There were no surprise picks on either side here as the Europeans picked Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Mei and McCree to LW’s Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Tracer, Reaper. Seemingly maintaining momentum Reunited quickly took control of the point. Outside of several brief moments during fights they maintained it and took lead in the series in 2–1.

Looking to equalize and prevent a loss, LW Blue picked Watchpoint: Gibraltar for the next map. LW opened on the attack again, picking Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, McCree and reaper. Vallutaja and co. responded with similar composition, only difference being Unfixed on Genji instead of Reaper. Looking rejuvenated after the break the Korean squad got easily past the first two point, pushing towards the third having over 4 minutes in the time bank. As Saebyeolbe seemingly took on the Europeans just by himself LW continued pushing the payload, being less than meter away from finishing the run with more than 2 minutes left on the clock. The time was enough for them to deliver it and they finished their run, having 1:20 in the time bank.

For the attack Reunited moved to Unfixed on Mei and Vallutaja on Reaper, while LW went back to 3–2–1, playing around NoName’s McCree. Similarly to their opponents Vallutaja’s crew had easy time reaching second point with over 4:40 on the clock. With Vallutaja and Unfixed killing everyone they delivered the payload, having 3:17 for their next push.

For LW’s second run on the offense, they decided to go back to the composition that just worked out great for the Europeans, as Reunited’s only change was putting Vallutaja back on the McCree. As Blue were looking to secure the first point in a long overtime Vallutaja shut them down with sneaky Deadeye, ending their push at 0 points and 85 meters.

With more than 3 minutes for the Europeans in the bank they reached without much trouble and similarly to Lunatic-Hai overcame their opponent with grit, after not looking too good initially.

Players to watch:

Saebyeolbe — after watching today’s matches I had to go back to LW’s previous match and see if I actually managed to miss him. Despite him having good performance there, he was nothing special, even when I was specifically looking at him on the VODs. It’s mind boggling for me how in the matter of several weeks he turned from above average ‘beyblader’ to the amazing, versatile player we saw today. He was almost single-handedly responsible for his team’s good performance. Will definitely look for a repeat performance against Runaway and if that happens, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets snatched by top-tier Korean team after the end of the season.

Interview with Kruise, who is apparently one of the more famous ‘Korean’ streamers right now.

Vallutaja & uNFixed — despite only having about 2 weeks of practice together these two are quickly becoming one of the premier DPS duos. Key component they lack compared to duos like TviQ&aKm or Tamou&Talespin is the explosiveness and diversity. This will have to be something uNFixed works on as it seems right now, as Vallutaja already seems to be able to play every hitscan DPS at elite level and is as unpredictable as it gets between sneaking behind enemy lines or constantly being in your face. Either way it’s been remarkable progress by uNFixed considering he switched to DPS with Kyb leaving. Something he is unique at is uncanny ability to create space for the rest of his team seemingly out of nowhere, as a DPS. That has come to compliment Vallutaja’s style more than you’d have guessed from their first official match.

Miro — even though he had problems in the first map he came back strong for the rest of the series. At this point it seems inarguable that he is the best Winston in the world. His other heroes are at elite level too, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for LH to score a win if taejun or EscA don’t rise up to the occasion. Considering he is so impressive with Winston I’m still waiting to see more from his other heroes, so he can become the undisputed best tank player in the world!

Ryujaehong — he might be good Zarya player, but he’s one of the more impressive Anas. Great aim, solid positioning and similarky to uNKOE seems to be able to land grenades at any range. I’m definitely looking forwards to him playing more in the support role, despite having great aim, as he doesn’t seem to be as creative with the engages as some other Zarya players are. His talents might be considered wasted at support by some, but he does so much more than the average pro support that I’d have to disagree.

Honorable mentions: Zunba, EscA.

Reunited, seemingly not as excited about their comeback as I was.

Teams to watch:

Conbox T6 — seems a little bit weird having a team, that just got eliminated from the tournament. However their performance today was really impressive and unlike with LW Blue it was mostly team effort. They crumbled under the pressure, but they still gave one of the best teams in the world run for their money, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing them in other events. As there are no obvious carries outside of MyungHoon and he doesn’t seem as good as the elite DPS players. it seems unlikely they will lose player in the off-season. If they are looking to upgrade players however, there are 2 obvious positions and additionally they could get even better with more practice together. If I was them though, I would still look at the other teams that are exiting the tournament in the group stage for replacements, to make use of the status of challenging LH, while they still have it.

A few words on Lunatic-Hai & Reunited — both teams were really impressive wins today, but it wasn’t done by displaying skill. Both were definitely looking out of shape, but managed to outlast their opponents almost by grit alone. That alone won’t help you win versus other elite teams, but combined with the skills that we know they have can be really dangerous and allow them to beat opponents in superior form in the playoff run.

Map to watch:

Lunatic-Hai vs Conbox T6: Watchpoint: Gibraltar — the map showed good performances by both teams, each displaying their strengths. Strategically and tactically, there wasn’t something new, but we saw a lot of high quality plays by both teams, based on individual skill and good synergy. As I didn’t recommend a game on Wednesday I’ll recommend Reunited vs LuxaryWatch Blue: Volskaya Industries purely for the excitement that one caused me. It wasn’t as good as the first game and there certainly were mistakes, but it makes it up with how impressive and unforeseen the comeback was.