Yes, I know it's late. It's been a busy week, and I'm not getting paid for this (nor am I looking to be paid to do this; this blog and following NA and EU HGC is a labor of love for the sheer joy that watching pro Heroes of the Storm Matches has brought me). Sorry if you were expecting this last Monday, but if you have paid attention to the blog this long, you know I'm going to be harsh on NA teams.
Now, it's not that NA is bad, it's largely that NA has been inconsistent from top to bottom, and it appears that NA does not have the best grasp on the current meta in the game. With the Western Clash starting on Friday, Team 8, Gale Force eSports, and Tempo Storm all have a lot of work ahead of them if they even want to be competitive against EU.
Quick refresher, here's the grading scale. Remember, a C is actually a GOOD grade:
A: Outstanding, far exceeding average expectations
B: Good, or above average of what was expected
C: Average, performed exactly as expected
D: Below Average, did not to live up to expectations
F: Failure, performed far below average, extreme disappointment of expectations
I'll put them in standing order, not my power ranking order:
Tempo Storm 6-1 (18-9) - Grade B-: The loss to GFE hurts them, but not nearly as much as their close calls to basement teams like Team Freedom and Naventic. Tempo Storm (as Murloc Geniuses) dominated Fall 2016. Something is really missing here, and they have to find it quick. Team 8 and GFE are hot on their tail, and B-Step is hitting their groove.
Team 8 6-1 (20-6) - Grade A+: Who saw this coming? They lose their captain, Chu, before the seasons started. They pick up Prismaticism, who was kicked from Superstars. And, they have Glaurung playing Medivh! Team 8 is scary, and right now is the only team that can threaten any of the EU's Big Three.
Gale Force eSports 5-2 (19-8) - Grade C: What do you say about the team that beat Tempo Storm, but lost to Team Freedom? The C is largely because I expected them to be in 3rd place, and they have not yet had a defining match. This is the team with the most talent, to be sure, but their "four flex and a support" was exploited by Team Freedom. As time goes on, however, expect Michael Udall to have this figured out, and this team may well end on top of NA, for whatever that is worth.
B-Step 4-3 (15-14) - Grade B: To be honest, I expected B-Step to be at the bottom. They had and lost Glaurung, who I consider to be the best player in NA. Their sponsor dropped them. Much of the meta seems to have passed them by. That they are not only in contention, but looking incredibly strong, should worry the top three in NA.
Superstars 3-4 (11-14) - Grade C-: Right now, Superstars is right below where I expected them to be, which was fourth place. The core of this team of Srey, Faye, and Iakona is strong, and Goku and Hosty have really helped this team rise from the 7th/8th spot they found themselves in during fall, but they have not been able to put together any consistency. They will look strong and unbeatable in one game, and get crushed the next. The talent is here for Superstars to be a top three team, and other teams have to fear them. It may be only a matter of time before the meta clicks with this team.
Team Freedom 2-5 (11-18) - Grade D: If I were grading on their match against GFE, B+. If I were grading on their match against previously winless No Tomorrow, F-. This team has shown flashes of brilliance, but the common thread among the bottom three teams is how easily an inconsistent Superstars team dominated them. Team Freedom is safe from the basement, for now, but this team lacks identity and no one (save GFE) feels that they have to prepare for them.
Team Naventic 1-6 (8-20) - Grade F: What happened? Really. I want to know. Naventic was a universal pick for top three. Bkid left GFE to join this team. Aside from a win against No Tomorrow, and a 2-3 loss to Tempo Storm, Naventic has been humiliated by every other team here! In an interview for HGC, Fan (former Naventic player) mentioned that this team has a specific weak link. They had better identify it fast, because the Crucible is warming up, and their name is being called.
No Tomorrow 1-6 (6-19) - Grade F: Is this a pro team or a thrown together team playing Master Level/GM Level Team League? Aside from taking a series against Team Freedom, No Tomorrow looks like a shadow of what they showed in the qualifiers. If they are not careful, they will have to work on qualifying again, because UTA HOTS, current Open Division leaders have stated that No Tomorrow is in their sights for the Crucible. And, to be honest, No Tomorrow has not looked like they belong.
I have previously called the bottom three in NA the "Oh Somebody Kill Me Please" group. The problem with NA isn't at the top; it's at the bottom. Because there are three NA teams that the top doesn't have to take seriously, NA is woefully unprepared for what is coming in EU. Yes, in EU, Synergy and beGenius have struggled, but they haven't played poorly. Team Freedom, Naventic, and No Tomorrow haven't just played poorly, they have had moments of Bronze level play, which I am very familiar with since I play in Bronze.
Unless all 8 teams in NA are teams that have to be prepared for and taken seriously, the NA professional Heroes of the Storm Scene will suffer. Blizzard should send all three of the bottom teams to the Crucible, if for no other reason, than to light a fire under their collective asses and wake them up.
I sincerely hope these teams see this review and get mad. I want them to be good. I want the HGC to succeed. And right now, NA is faltering and looks to be humiliated at the Clash. I only hope I'm wrong.
In depth coverage of #HGC league play for EU and NA from one fan, stuck in Bronze, who watches too much esports, and thinks she knows a lot... but probably doesn't.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Grading the teams after #HGC Phase 1 for Europe
So, after the completion of the first round robin of the Heroes Global Championship, let's take stock of the teams. Most of the time, when people use a grade system, they forget what the grades actually mean, so, before I give out my grades to the teams in EU, here's a reminder of what the A through F grade scale actually means and how I will apply it:
A: Outstanding, far exceeding average expectations
B: Good, or above average of what was expected
C: Average, performed exactly as expected
D: Below Average, did not to live up to expectations
F: Failure, performed far below average, extreme disappointment of expectations
Got it? C is a good grade. It means that a team did exactly as we expected them to do. OK, let's go!
Misfits 7-0 (21-5) - Grade A+: Everyone expected Misfits to be good, but to record 3-0 sweeps over both Team Dignitas and Team Expert, I don't think anyone expected that. Misfits head into the clash the clear favorites to win, and have established themselves as real contenders for the Mid-Season Brawl.
FNATIC 6-1 (20-9) - Grade B: Now, before you all get upset, this is slightly below where they expected to finish. That said, aside from their 3-2 loss to Misfits, FNATIC dominated every match, and I think people are still in awe over their win vs. MVP Black at Blizzcon.
Team Dignitas 5-2 (17-8) - Grade C-: No one is more upset with Dignitas' performance than Dignitas themselves. They spent all of 2016 at the top of EU, and to finish third is a disappointment. They are going to the Clash, but they have work to do if they want to live up to their own high standards. Right now, Dignitas is in danger of missing out of global competitions for the first time since we have had globals.
Team Expert 4-3 (15-9) - Grade B-: Good things were expected of the former Two Bees Determined, which is why Expert signed them. They didn't drop a map in their first three matches, but they have to be slightly disappointed with their performance vs. the top 3. Good start, now they have to figure out what they do next.
Playing Ducks 3-4 (12-16) - Grade A-: How can I give Playing Ducks an A-? Because this was a team that was supposed to roll over, and they were in every match. They are not in the top of EU, yet, but they are on their way. Their performance against the top 3, not getting swept by any of them, and their upset of Tricked eSport shows that it's only a matter of time before the Ducks are serious contenders in EU.
Tricked eSport 2-5 (11-16) - Grade B-: In their last match against Misfits, Tricked demonstrated that they are just coming into their own and, like the Ducks above them, they are a serious threat each time you face them. This relatively new team is scary and is only getting better with each match.
Synergy 1-6 (5-19) - Grade D: Not only was Synergy not competitive, but nothing they ever did was compelling or scary. Synergy played uninspired all through out phase 1, and they continue to lack a solid team identity. They are mechanically solid, and they do not make a lot of mistakes, but they need to figure out who they are, and fast.
beGenius 0-7 (2-21) - Grade F: I want to give beGenius a higher grade, because when you watch them play, one match at a time, they do not make big mistakes. They draft competitively, they play smart, they just get outplayed by the more experienced teams. In interviews, some of the other players in EU said that beGenius was a bit of a surprise to make the league. When I watch their games, I see all the potential in the world in this team, and they do need time to come together, but they are running out of time, fast. Between now and April, beGenius need to figure out what they are doing and who they are.
Remember, we have all of Phase 2 to go through before Playoffs, the Crucible, and the Mid-Season Brawl. A lot can happen. Every team in EU is a threat because they are all really good, and even Synergy and beGenius cannot be taken lightly as the skill gap narrows with each match.
NA grades tomorrow. Spoiler alert: they won't be as kind.
A: Outstanding, far exceeding average expectations
B: Good, or above average of what was expected
C: Average, performed exactly as expected
D: Below Average, did not to live up to expectations
F: Failure, performed far below average, extreme disappointment of expectations
Got it? C is a good grade. It means that a team did exactly as we expected them to do. OK, let's go!
Misfits 7-0 (21-5) - Grade A+: Everyone expected Misfits to be good, but to record 3-0 sweeps over both Team Dignitas and Team Expert, I don't think anyone expected that. Misfits head into the clash the clear favorites to win, and have established themselves as real contenders for the Mid-Season Brawl.
FNATIC 6-1 (20-9) - Grade B: Now, before you all get upset, this is slightly below where they expected to finish. That said, aside from their 3-2 loss to Misfits, FNATIC dominated every match, and I think people are still in awe over their win vs. MVP Black at Blizzcon.
Team Dignitas 5-2 (17-8) - Grade C-: No one is more upset with Dignitas' performance than Dignitas themselves. They spent all of 2016 at the top of EU, and to finish third is a disappointment. They are going to the Clash, but they have work to do if they want to live up to their own high standards. Right now, Dignitas is in danger of missing out of global competitions for the first time since we have had globals.
Team Expert 4-3 (15-9) - Grade B-: Good things were expected of the former Two Bees Determined, which is why Expert signed them. They didn't drop a map in their first three matches, but they have to be slightly disappointed with their performance vs. the top 3. Good start, now they have to figure out what they do next.
Playing Ducks 3-4 (12-16) - Grade A-: How can I give Playing Ducks an A-? Because this was a team that was supposed to roll over, and they were in every match. They are not in the top of EU, yet, but they are on their way. Their performance against the top 3, not getting swept by any of them, and their upset of Tricked eSport shows that it's only a matter of time before the Ducks are serious contenders in EU.
Tricked eSport 2-5 (11-16) - Grade B-: In their last match against Misfits, Tricked demonstrated that they are just coming into their own and, like the Ducks above them, they are a serious threat each time you face them. This relatively new team is scary and is only getting better with each match.
Synergy 1-6 (5-19) - Grade D: Not only was Synergy not competitive, but nothing they ever did was compelling or scary. Synergy played uninspired all through out phase 1, and they continue to lack a solid team identity. They are mechanically solid, and they do not make a lot of mistakes, but they need to figure out who they are, and fast.
beGenius 0-7 (2-21) - Grade F: I want to give beGenius a higher grade, because when you watch them play, one match at a time, they do not make big mistakes. They draft competitively, they play smart, they just get outplayed by the more experienced teams. In interviews, some of the other players in EU said that beGenius was a bit of a surprise to make the league. When I watch their games, I see all the potential in the world in this team, and they do need time to come together, but they are running out of time, fast. Between now and April, beGenius need to figure out what they are doing and who they are.
Remember, we have all of Phase 2 to go through before Playoffs, the Crucible, and the Mid-Season Brawl. A lot can happen. Every team in EU is a threat because they are all really good, and even Synergy and beGenius cannot be taken lightly as the skill gap narrows with each match.
NA grades tomorrow. Spoiler alert: they won't be as kind.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Predictions for Week 5 #HGC EU Feb. 17 and 18, 2017
So, after five weeks, we are at the last week of play before the Western Clash, and it's kind of a bad week to be an EU fan. None of the top four are playing each other, which means each of the top four are playing one of the bottom four, and there is a strong chance that this will be a weekend of sweeps.
With only eight games this week (no Sunday games), it's going to feel a little truncated... because it is. Sorry if this isn't hyping it up for you, but I'm not really excited for a series of stomps, and that's pretty much how I see EU going.
Friday, February 17th
Match 1: Playing Ducks vs. FNATIC
This has the most potential to be a match, or at least it would, if FNATIC didn't look so amazingly strong. FNATIC turned in a classic match against Dignitas last week, while the Ducks were destroyed by Dignitas, and then destroyed Synergy. Ducks put up a fight, but FNATIC is just too much and they get the sweep, 3-0.
Match 2: Tricked eSport vs. Misfits
Wow do I feel bad for Tricked eSport! Misfits looks completely unstoppable and this is the match Tricked gets before they have almost two months off to stew and figure out how to climb. Tricked is going to be the most interesting team (along with Expert) to watch in EU as the season progresses, but right now, they are out of their league against EU's number one team. Misfits in a sweep, 3-0.
Saturday, February 18th
Match 1: Team Dignitas vs. beGenius
To be fair to beGenius, they were not ready for this, and they have handled themselves well. Their record does not reflect their play, which has been solid, but solid loses to stellar. No team in the world plays the team fight as well as Dignitas, and they are looking for momentum going into the clash. Dignitas sweeps, 3-0.
Match 2: Synergy vs. Team Expert
Synergy had a moment last week, and it was pretty special to watch. They showed up for the first game against Playing Ducks, they drafted well, played even better, and stole a game off of the Ducks. Then, Synergy reverted to their unimaginative drafting and play; predictable, boring, and bound to be punished. If you bring predictable against adrd and Expert, the punishment will be extreme. Not only a sweep, but at least one match will clock in at a sub-14 minute time as Expert takes their frustration out from missing the clash on Synergy, 3-0.
With only eight games this week (no Sunday games), it's going to feel a little truncated... because it is. Sorry if this isn't hyping it up for you, but I'm not really excited for a series of stomps, and that's pretty much how I see EU going.
Friday, February 17th
Match 1: Playing Ducks vs. FNATIC
This has the most potential to be a match, or at least it would, if FNATIC didn't look so amazingly strong. FNATIC turned in a classic match against Dignitas last week, while the Ducks were destroyed by Dignitas, and then destroyed Synergy. Ducks put up a fight, but FNATIC is just too much and they get the sweep, 3-0.
Match 2: Tricked eSport vs. Misfits
Wow do I feel bad for Tricked eSport! Misfits looks completely unstoppable and this is the match Tricked gets before they have almost two months off to stew and figure out how to climb. Tricked is going to be the most interesting team (along with Expert) to watch in EU as the season progresses, but right now, they are out of their league against EU's number one team. Misfits in a sweep, 3-0.
Saturday, February 18th
Match 1: Team Dignitas vs. beGenius
To be fair to beGenius, they were not ready for this, and they have handled themselves well. Their record does not reflect their play, which has been solid, but solid loses to stellar. No team in the world plays the team fight as well as Dignitas, and they are looking for momentum going into the clash. Dignitas sweeps, 3-0.
Match 2: Synergy vs. Team Expert
Synergy had a moment last week, and it was pretty special to watch. They showed up for the first game against Playing Ducks, they drafted well, played even better, and stole a game off of the Ducks. Then, Synergy reverted to their unimaginative drafting and play; predictable, boring, and bound to be punished. If you bring predictable against adrd and Expert, the punishment will be extreme. Not only a sweep, but at least one match will clock in at a sub-14 minute time as Expert takes their frustration out from missing the clash on Synergy, 3-0.
Predictions for Week 5 #HGC NA Feb. 17 and 18, 2017
While EU is in a slump this week with no classic matches, and what looks like two days of sweeps, NA sports three very interesting contests out of four. Yes, the participants in the clash are set, just like in EU, but, because of the mess that is the NA #HGC, there are a lot of unanswered questions, and we do not know just how strong each team is, nor where exactly they fit. NA has had some weeks where they offered matches as good as EU, but this is the first week where the NA matches are better.
So, NA fans, rejoice! After the first match, that is...
Friday, February 17th
Match 1: No Tomorrow vs. Gale Force Esports
Gale Force wins 3-0.
What? You wanted analysis? Fine. No Tomorrow beat Team Freedom last week, and Team Freedom has a 3-2 victory over GFE, so in theory, this could be an interesting match. No Tomorrow shook themselves out of a winless stupor and actually looked like they belonged against a team that took matches off of two NA "powerhouses" (TF beat Naventic, too, and their powerhouse status is in serious doubt). But, GFE's dominance of Tempo Storm show them to be a team on a mission, once again, and they look pretty unstoppable. I expect the old No Tomorrow to show up, and the new GFE to keep rolling.
Match 2: B-Step vs. Naventic
The remaining members of the 2016 Cloud 9 core (everyone do a shot) looked strong against Superstars last week (who also looked strong), and Naventic needs something, anything, to build on. As HGC has gone on, Naventic has looked, well, un-Naventic, with sloppy play that just makes watching them miserable. Expect the threat of relegation to light a fire under the Buechter boys, and Naventic will make a series of it. B-Step wins 3-1, but it's closer.
Saturday, February 18th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs. Superstars
On paper, this should be a really good match, but we have a few issues that need to be addressed. Tempo Storm was swept by GFE, and how they respond to that is really unknown. Not a team that dwells on setbacks, I hope Tempo comes out swinging looking to prove they are still the top. Superstars looked dominant in their first five games last week, sweeping Naventic and getting a 2-0 lead on B-Step. The casters were even saying that they looked capable of taking Tempo Storm with how they were playing. It fell apart because Faye was out sick and was replaced with a sub, and while Nightmare played out of his mind good at times, mistakes were made. Here's the issue, if you are a fan of Faye's stream (and you should be!), you know she's still sick. I am sure she will be playing on Saturday, but how being sick continues to affect her is a concern for this match. I want to pick Superstars, because they are my favorite team, but I'm going Tempo Storm, and I believe both teams rise to the occasion in a classic 3-2 match.
Match 2: Team Freedom vs. Team 8
Team Freedom, why do you hurt me so? You have played so well, and looked poised to be something interesting, and then you turn in an uninspired performance against No Tomorrow. If a team is ready to compete against EU in two weeks, it's Team 8. Aside from their match against Tempo Storm, Team 8 has been the most consistent, in control team in NA. Glaurung continues to be worthy of praise as his maturity is showing; he is leading and drafting so well, and unlike 2016, you cannot block Glau in the draft as his role and hero pool is such that there is something he can carry on no matter what gets picked and banned. Expect Team Freedom to show up, but Team 8 is ready and hungry, and while a sweep, it will be better than it should be, 3-0 Team 8.
So, NA fans, rejoice! After the first match, that is...
Friday, February 17th
Match 1: No Tomorrow vs. Gale Force Esports
Gale Force wins 3-0.
What? You wanted analysis? Fine. No Tomorrow beat Team Freedom last week, and Team Freedom has a 3-2 victory over GFE, so in theory, this could be an interesting match. No Tomorrow shook themselves out of a winless stupor and actually looked like they belonged against a team that took matches off of two NA "powerhouses" (TF beat Naventic, too, and their powerhouse status is in serious doubt). But, GFE's dominance of Tempo Storm show them to be a team on a mission, once again, and they look pretty unstoppable. I expect the old No Tomorrow to show up, and the new GFE to keep rolling.
Match 2: B-Step vs. Naventic
The remaining members of the 2016 Cloud 9 core (everyone do a shot) looked strong against Superstars last week (who also looked strong), and Naventic needs something, anything, to build on. As HGC has gone on, Naventic has looked, well, un-Naventic, with sloppy play that just makes watching them miserable. Expect the threat of relegation to light a fire under the Buechter boys, and Naventic will make a series of it. B-Step wins 3-1, but it's closer.
Saturday, February 18th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs. Superstars
On paper, this should be a really good match, but we have a few issues that need to be addressed. Tempo Storm was swept by GFE, and how they respond to that is really unknown. Not a team that dwells on setbacks, I hope Tempo comes out swinging looking to prove they are still the top. Superstars looked dominant in their first five games last week, sweeping Naventic and getting a 2-0 lead on B-Step. The casters were even saying that they looked capable of taking Tempo Storm with how they were playing. It fell apart because Faye was out sick and was replaced with a sub, and while Nightmare played out of his mind good at times, mistakes were made. Here's the issue, if you are a fan of Faye's stream (and you should be!), you know she's still sick. I am sure she will be playing on Saturday, but how being sick continues to affect her is a concern for this match. I want to pick Superstars, because they are my favorite team, but I'm going Tempo Storm, and I believe both teams rise to the occasion in a classic 3-2 match.
Match 2: Team Freedom vs. Team 8
Team Freedom, why do you hurt me so? You have played so well, and looked poised to be something interesting, and then you turn in an uninspired performance against No Tomorrow. If a team is ready to compete against EU in two weeks, it's Team 8. Aside from their match against Tempo Storm, Team 8 has been the most consistent, in control team in NA. Glaurung continues to be worthy of praise as his maturity is showing; he is leading and drafting so well, and unlike 2016, you cannot block Glau in the draft as his role and hero pool is such that there is something he can carry on no matter what gets picked and banned. Expect Team Freedom to show up, but Team 8 is ready and hungry, and while a sweep, it will be better than it should be, 3-0 Team 8.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
#HGC NA Power Rankings After Four Weeks
At this point, NA is such a mess, that you cannot even successfully rank who is top and who is bottom. The best you can do is divide them into three groups. Why? Well, take just the top three teams, as an example:
The Mess At The Top: Tempo Storm 5-1 (15-9); Team 8 5-1 (17-6); Gale Force eSports 4-2 (16-8)
With GFE topping Tempo over the weekend, and Tempo not having looked especially dominant, It's really easy to say that GFE is the strongest team in NA right now, based on momentum. Yes, Team 8 beat them, but the longer the season goes on, the more the "four flex and a support" seems to be working. The only wrinkle is the 2-3 loss to Team Freedom, a team that has looked strong and then turned in major disappointments (we'll get to that).
Team 8 is the most consistent team at the top, fewest losses, and a very strong defining strat based around who Glaurung is playing. Whether he's on Medivh, playing almost as good as adrd in EU, or back on his trademark melee assassins, Team 8 is always scary.
Tempo Storm, having been swept by GFE, looks like they are in a little bit of trouble. Before the match with GFE, they looked consistent, but not in charge. Their victory over Team 8 had shown that they we living up to the hype. GFE sweeping Tempo Storm may be a wake up call because something needs to happen.
Here's the real problem: these three teams are representing NA at the Western Clash, and right now, none of them will be able to take a map off of Misfits, FNATIC, or Team Dignitas. Top level NA HotS would struggle against the 4-6 teams of EU. The only team I see being competitive at the clash is Team 8. Something needs to change before NA sends their best to Poland.
The Very Interesting Middle: B-Step 3-3 (12-12); Superstars 3-3 (11-11)
The match between B-Step and Superstars this week was a bright spot for NA. B-Step won a match they were supposed to win, as Superstars were playing without Faye, who was and still is very sick, and while Nightmare filled in and played out of his mind, no one believed Superstars could over come this. And yet, they almost did! Superstars, in convincing fashion, took the first two games off of B-Step and had a 2% core wipe that would have been a series win without one of the best range carries in NA.
B-Step and Superstars have shown flashes of brilliance, and they can hang with the big dogs in NA. Both teams need to use the time between Week 5 and Week 6 (which is end of February to mid-April) to figure out how to move forward. These could be the best two team in NA just learning how they need to be.
Oh Somebody Kill Me Please! I Want To Die!: Team Freedom 2-4 (11-15); No Tomorrow 1-5 (6-16); Team Naventic 1-5 (6-17)
Why I have I named this group this? Well...
Seriously, watching the bottom of NA #HGC League play is just awful. It's almost a punishment after watching EU.
In EU, the teams have to prepare for the bottom. Synergy and beGenius don't make a lot of mistakes; they just get out played, little by little.
In NA, games from No Tomorrow, Team Freedom, and Naventic are full of mistakes, misplays, and letting Tassadar through without picking him up on the first pick. Don't judge a region by the top; judge it by the bottom.
After all that...
So, in this mess, how would I actually rank NA? Well, don't hold me to it, but...
1. Team 8
2. Gale Force eSports
3. Tempo Storm
4. B-Step
5. Superstars
6. Team Freedom
7. No Tomorrow
8. Naventic
And that's if I use 1-8. If I were to rank it as I please, well, you just finished reading that, didn't you?
- Tempo Storm beat Team 8, but lost to GFE
- Team 8 beat GFE, but lost to Tempo Storm
- GFE beat Tempo Storm, but lost to Team 8 and Team Freedom
The Mess At The Top: Tempo Storm 5-1 (15-9); Team 8 5-1 (17-6); Gale Force eSports 4-2 (16-8)
With GFE topping Tempo over the weekend, and Tempo not having looked especially dominant, It's really easy to say that GFE is the strongest team in NA right now, based on momentum. Yes, Team 8 beat them, but the longer the season goes on, the more the "four flex and a support" seems to be working. The only wrinkle is the 2-3 loss to Team Freedom, a team that has looked strong and then turned in major disappointments (we'll get to that).
Team 8 is the most consistent team at the top, fewest losses, and a very strong defining strat based around who Glaurung is playing. Whether he's on Medivh, playing almost as good as adrd in EU, or back on his trademark melee assassins, Team 8 is always scary.
Tempo Storm, having been swept by GFE, looks like they are in a little bit of trouble. Before the match with GFE, they looked consistent, but not in charge. Their victory over Team 8 had shown that they we living up to the hype. GFE sweeping Tempo Storm may be a wake up call because something needs to happen.
Here's the real problem: these three teams are representing NA at the Western Clash, and right now, none of them will be able to take a map off of Misfits, FNATIC, or Team Dignitas. Top level NA HotS would struggle against the 4-6 teams of EU. The only team I see being competitive at the clash is Team 8. Something needs to change before NA sends their best to Poland.
The Very Interesting Middle: B-Step 3-3 (12-12); Superstars 3-3 (11-11)
The match between B-Step and Superstars this week was a bright spot for NA. B-Step won a match they were supposed to win, as Superstars were playing without Faye, who was and still is very sick, and while Nightmare filled in and played out of his mind, no one believed Superstars could over come this. And yet, they almost did! Superstars, in convincing fashion, took the first two games off of B-Step and had a 2% core wipe that would have been a series win without one of the best range carries in NA.
B-Step and Superstars have shown flashes of brilliance, and they can hang with the big dogs in NA. Both teams need to use the time between Week 5 and Week 6 (which is end of February to mid-April) to figure out how to move forward. These could be the best two team in NA just learning how they need to be.
Oh Somebody Kill Me Please! I Want To Die!: Team Freedom 2-4 (11-15); No Tomorrow 1-5 (6-16); Team Naventic 1-5 (6-17)
Why I have I named this group this? Well...
Seriously, watching the bottom of NA #HGC League play is just awful. It's almost a punishment after watching EU.
So, yeah, start Sunday with a classic, followed by Tempo turning in a weak performance, and the last match of the weekend was No Tomorrow vs. Team Freedom. Yuck. And not to leave Naventic out of this, they turned in their routine stinkers, like Zuna, somehow getting picked off on Medivh, in the middle of nowhere because he was out of Raven form for... reasons?I have very little investment in this series. After @FNATIC vs. @TeamDignitas, watching NA is like eating brussel sprouts after dessert #HGC— Anne Elise Morrigan (@anne_elise) February 13, 2017
Bad drafting, bad positioning, what looks like serious tilting, and a series of clusterfuck moments make watching these three teams play just... painful. Set aside Team Freedom taking down GFE, and none of these three have looked like they belong here. Naventic isn't scary; they got swept by Superstars, as Faye was already getting sick. Team Freedom and No Tomorrow lack an identity, and while there are good players on all three teams (and everyone of these 15 players are worlds better than I will ever be), as a fan of NA, this is why the scene is so week.How do you get caught out as Medivh? Why aren't you in Raven form Zuna? #HGChttps://t.co/dXfVz0dusS— Anne Elise Morrigan (@anne_elise) February 12, 2017
In EU, the teams have to prepare for the bottom. Synergy and beGenius don't make a lot of mistakes; they just get out played, little by little.
In NA, games from No Tomorrow, Team Freedom, and Naventic are full of mistakes, misplays, and letting Tassadar through without picking him up on the first pick. Don't judge a region by the top; judge it by the bottom.
After all that...
So, in this mess, how would I actually rank NA? Well, don't hold me to it, but...
1. Team 8
2. Gale Force eSports
3. Tempo Storm
4. B-Step
5. Superstars
6. Team Freedom
7. No Tomorrow
8. Naventic
And that's if I use 1-8. If I were to rank it as I please, well, you just finished reading that, didn't you?
#HGC EU Power Rankings After Four Weeks
Before we get too far into this, EU is superior to NA in every way. It pains me, as an NA fan, to write that, but watching even the lower half of EU play is so much better than watching NA matches. For as low as I am going to rank beGenius and Synergy, watching their games is still better than watching a lot of NA matches. OK, on to the rankings:
Leading the Pack: Misfits 6-0 (18-3)
This is a team on a mission that is not only poised to dominate the Western Clash, but is looking like a serious contender for the Brawl. Aside from a 3-2 series against FNATIC, Misfits has not faced a serious challenge all season long. Four of their six matches have been sweeps, including a sweep of Team Dignitas. Misfits look damn near unstoppable.
So Close, Yet So Far: FNATIC 5-1 (17-8)
While FNATIC is the only team to push Misfits to five games, they have not been as dominant. They needed five to beat Team Dignitas, who was swept by Misfits. FNATIC is the clear number two in EU, and we could look forward to a classic rematch at the Western Clash in the finals. FNATIC is still the team that upset MVP Black at Blizzcon, so they may be capable of beating Misfits, but the difference between these two looks pretty distant right now.
So Good, and Still So Much Work: Team Dignitas 4-2 (14-8)
I have said, repeatedly, no one does a team fight as well as Dignitas. When you watch them play together, they are as good or better than anyone else in the world. They are only slightly behind in drafting and mechanics, and often their team play makes up for it. They have fallen from top in EU last year to third, and that doesn't seem like that much, but at this point, Dignitas will miss the Midseason Brawl if they don't figure out how to compete with FNATIC.
It Just Takes Some Time, Little Girl, You're In The Middle: Team Expert 3-3 (12-9); Playing Ducks 3-3 (11-13)
Team Expert started out 3-0, with three sweeps, for a 9-0 match record. Since then, the former Two Bees Determined have struggled in three straight matches against the top three. adrd remains one of the scariest drafters and the top Medivh player in the world, but unless they can figure out how to compete with the top, who all topped Expert 3-1, they will remain in the middle.
Playing Ducks is just below Expert, but this is a solid team poised to move up and challenge. They have the same basic problem as Expert - unable to compete with the top three - but they lack an identity and have nothing that scares other teams the way Expert does. The Ducks need to figure out what they do better than other teams, or they will just remain in the middle.
We're A Lot Better Than This: Tricked eSport 2-4 (9-13)
Alex the Pro G is the scariest warrior in EU and this team has been competitive, but they are still not really a solid team... yet. Once Tricked figures themselves out, look out because this team will be scary. Don't be surprised if, after the Mid Season Brawl, Tricked is pushing into the top half of EU.
Bring On The Crucible! Synergy 1-5 (5-16); beGenius 0-6 (2-18)
In week 1, Synergy beat beGenius 3-1. Two things to note: this was the last time Synergy looked capable of taking a set, and beGenius only picked up one other map win since week 1. Both teams are heading for the Crucible, and there is little they can do. Synergy showed a flash of... something... in one game against Playing Ducks, but then reverted to their old form:
beGenius, actually took the time to take exception to me calling them out on Twitter:
Leading the Pack: Misfits 6-0 (18-3)
This is a team on a mission that is not only poised to dominate the Western Clash, but is looking like a serious contender for the Brawl. Aside from a 3-2 series against FNATIC, Misfits has not faced a serious challenge all season long. Four of their six matches have been sweeps, including a sweep of Team Dignitas. Misfits look damn near unstoppable.
So Close, Yet So Far: FNATIC 5-1 (17-8)
While FNATIC is the only team to push Misfits to five games, they have not been as dominant. They needed five to beat Team Dignitas, who was swept by Misfits. FNATIC is the clear number two in EU, and we could look forward to a classic rematch at the Western Clash in the finals. FNATIC is still the team that upset MVP Black at Blizzcon, so they may be capable of beating Misfits, but the difference between these two looks pretty distant right now.
So Good, and Still So Much Work: Team Dignitas 4-2 (14-8)
I have said, repeatedly, no one does a team fight as well as Dignitas. When you watch them play together, they are as good or better than anyone else in the world. They are only slightly behind in drafting and mechanics, and often their team play makes up for it. They have fallen from top in EU last year to third, and that doesn't seem like that much, but at this point, Dignitas will miss the Midseason Brawl if they don't figure out how to compete with FNATIC.
It Just Takes Some Time, Little Girl, You're In The Middle: Team Expert 3-3 (12-9); Playing Ducks 3-3 (11-13)
Team Expert started out 3-0, with three sweeps, for a 9-0 match record. Since then, the former Two Bees Determined have struggled in three straight matches against the top three. adrd remains one of the scariest drafters and the top Medivh player in the world, but unless they can figure out how to compete with the top, who all topped Expert 3-1, they will remain in the middle.
Playing Ducks is just below Expert, but this is a solid team poised to move up and challenge. They have the same basic problem as Expert - unable to compete with the top three - but they lack an identity and have nothing that scares other teams the way Expert does. The Ducks need to figure out what they do better than other teams, or they will just remain in the middle.
We're A Lot Better Than This: Tricked eSport 2-4 (9-13)
Alex the Pro G is the scariest warrior in EU and this team has been competitive, but they are still not really a solid team... yet. Once Tricked figures themselves out, look out because this team will be scary. Don't be surprised if, after the Mid Season Brawl, Tricked is pushing into the top half of EU.
Bring On The Crucible! Synergy 1-5 (5-16); beGenius 0-6 (2-18)
In week 1, Synergy beat beGenius 3-1. Two things to note: this was the last time Synergy looked capable of taking a set, and beGenius only picked up one other map win since week 1. Both teams are heading for the Crucible, and there is little they can do. Synergy showed a flash of... something... in one game against Playing Ducks, but then reverted to their old form:
Seriously, @SynergyHOTS, game one, you looked like a different team, and that's a good thing. Be a better version of you #HGC.— Anne Elise Morrigan (@anne_elise) February 12, 2017
And that is end of game 1 to draft of game 2.So, Falstad ban, draft Varian and Hammer, give up Tassadar and Valla... um @SynergyHOTS? You are starting to look like the old you #HGC— Anne Elise Morrigan (@anne_elise) February 12, 2017
beGenius, actually took the time to take exception to me calling them out on Twitter:
@anne_elise @TRICKED_eSport That's not kind at all this "as predicted" 😰ðŸ˜ðŸ‘Ž— beGenius ESC (@beGeniusESC) February 11, 2017
So, beGenius has heart and is trying, but two map wins in six matches, and they just look over matched right now. To be fair, neither Synergy nor beGenius have played particularly poorly (we'll get to that in NA), but the six teams above them are just playing worlds apart. Likely both teams will win their Crucible matches, largely because they have been playing the best in EU and not playing in the Open, but these two teams are so far away from being anywhere near contention.@anne_elise @TRICKED_eSport We will try to !!— beGenius ESC (@beGeniusESC) February 11, 2017
Friday, February 10, 2017
No Tomorrow Has a Slim Chance to Make the #HGC Western Clash
Yesterday, Cauthonluck went on Twitter to talk about how important every game is in the HGC, writing:
Now, it's interesting that the 0-4 No Tomorrow still has a chance. In order for them to make the Clash, a lot of things have to happen:There is still a mathematical chance for every single North American team to make the Western Clash –even No Tomorrow, every game matters.— CauthonLuck (@CauthonLuck) February 9, 2017
- No Tomorrow must win all three of their remaining matches.
- No Tomorrow must sweep all of their remaining matches.
- No more teams can attain 4 match wins. Tempo Storm and Team 8 are 4-0 and 4-1 respectively.
So, what is that going to take? Well, here are the current NA standings:
1. Tempo Storm 4-0 (12-6)
2. Team 8 4-1 (14-6)
3. Gale Force eSports 3-2 (13-8)
4. Superstars 2-2 (6-8)
5. B-Step 2-3 (9-10)
6. Team Freedom 2-3 (10-12)
7. Naventic 1-3 (6-11)
8. No Tomorrow 0-4 (3-12)
Here's the best possible outcome of the last ten matches for No Tomorrow.
Friday 2/10: No Tomorrow beats Tempo Storm 3-0; Naventic beats Superstars 3-2
Saturday 2/11: Superstars beats B-Step 3-2; Team 8 beats Naventic 3-0
Sunday 2/12: Tempo Storm beats GFE 3-0; No Tomorrow beats Team Freedom 3-0
Friday 2/17: No Tomorrow beats GFE 3-0; Naventic beats B-Step 3-2
Saturday 2/18: Tempo Storm beats Superstars 3-0; Team 8 beats Team Freedom 3-0
If that happens, here are the standing going into the clash:
1. Tempo Storm 6-1 (18-9)
2. Team 8 6-1 (20-6)
3. No Tomorrow 3-4 (12-12)
4. Gale Force eSports 3-4 (13-14)
5. Naventic 3-4 (12-18)
6. Superstars 3-4 (11-16)
7. B-Step 2-5 (13-16)
8. Team Freedom 2-5 (10-18)
If this happens, the head-to-head tie breakers are thrown out because:
- No Tomorrow beat GFE; lost to Naventic and Superstars
- GFE beat Naventic and Superstars; lost to No Tomorrow
- Naventic beat No Tomorrow and Superstars; lost to GFE
- Superstars beat No Tomorrow; lost to GFE and Naventic
Since there is no way to resolve the head-to-head between the four teams with three wins, the next tie-breaker is 3-0 victories:
- No Tomorrow 3
- GFE 2
- Naventic 0
- Superstars 0
Basically, everything has to go perfect for No Tomorrow to make the Clash. Drop one map, and GFE is either in or there will be a playoff game.
In all likelihood, this is a moot point. No Tomorrow will not beat Tempo Storm, Team 8, or Team Freedom. To pull the upsets over the top two teams when those teams have been so dominant is highly unlikely, and Team Freedom, while not consistent, has been very strong in many of their matches.
Is there a path for No Tomorrow? Yes. Will they be able to walk that path? It would take an act of God.
Update: Tempo Storm swept No Tomorrow (as predicted), and they have been eliminated from the clash. On a related note, Superstars swept Naventic and they are also eliminated. If GFE wins out, they go to the clash. If Superstars wins out, GFE has to drop a game for Superstars to go to the clash.
Update: Tempo Storm swept No Tomorrow (as predicted), and they have been eliminated from the clash. On a related note, Superstars swept Naventic and they are also eliminated. If GFE wins out, they go to the clash. If Superstars wins out, GFE has to drop a game for Superstars to go to the clash.
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Predictions for Week 4 #HGC NA Feb. 10-12, 2017
While EU is pretty figured out, NA is a mess in the middle. Cauthonluck of Tempo Storm tweeted out this evening:
Friday February 10th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs No Tomorrow
Remember that Tweet from just a second ago? Cauthonluck doesn't want his team taking No Tomorrow lightly because they do have something to fight for. Tempo is in control of their destiny, and a win all but assures that they go to the clash, and it absolutely eliminates No Tomorrow from the clash as there are three teams with three wins, and the best No Tomorrow could finish after losing this match is 2-5. Tempo Storm avoids their usual slow start, and No Tomorrow not only is eliminated from the Clash, but they are assured a spot in the Crucible. Tempo sweeps, 3-0.
Match 2: Naventic vs Superstars
What happened to Naventic? Lots of people had Naventic fighting for a top spot in HGC, but honestly, I was not one of them. Yes, I think Naventic is good. Yes, I think they are dangerous and they can beat anyone at any time. However, since Fan left, Naventic is more bark than bite, and Fan openly said someone on this team is a huge weak link in HGC interviews. Superstars have their own struggles with consistency, but this is a team where Superstars has the better player at every position, and if Hosty drafts well, Srey calls the shots, Faye and Goku wreck fools, and Iakona doesn't wiff an ancestral like he did last week (sorry, I had to mention it), this is an easy win for Superstars. Superstars take it 3-1.
Saturday February 11th
Match 1: Superstars vs. B-Step
Speaking of what happened to a former powerhouse, what happened to B-Step? Similar to Naventic, they were defanged when Glaurung left. k1Pro can talk about being the best ranged assassin in NA, and he did, but he isn't. That being said, this is a really good match up for B-Step. The problem is, B-Step won their matches last week by pulling out old strats, and Superstars knows those comps and can more than handle them. It's a competitive match, but Superstars takes it 3-1.
Match 2: Team 8 vs. Naventic
This is the nail in Naventic's coffin. Team 8 has been the most dominant NA team, even with their one loss to unbeaten Tempo Storm. Open up a seat in the Crucible because Naventic is heading there with a 1-5 record after this match. Team 8 pounds them in a sweep, 3-0.
Sunday February 12th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs. Gale Force eSports
NA match of the weekend! GFE has to win this because Superstars is going to win two and Team Freedom has a head to head edge against them. If GFE can beat Tempo, then they are in the Clash. That said, no one is beating Tempo Storm right now in NA. GFE will make a series of it, but it's 3-2 Tempo Storm wins.
Match 2: Team Freedom vs. No Tomorrow
These teams had a ton of hype from the other teams in interviews. No Tomorrow was picked as a contender for the clash by a lot of observers of the NA scene. Team Freedom has lived up to some of that, but No Tomorrow has only managed three map wins in four matches. It doesn't get any better for No Tomorrow, already eliminated on Friday by Tempo Storm, Team Freedom needs a statement win, and they get it with a 3-0 over No Tomorrow.
Now, I don't usually do this, but after this weekend, if my predictions go as planned, the NA standings are thus:
1. Tempo Storm 6-0
2. Team 8 5-1
3. Superstars 4-2
4. Team Freedom 3-3 (they beat GFE, so they get the tie breaker)
5. GFE 3-3
6. B-Step 2-4
7. Naventic 1-5
8. No Tomorrow 0-6
If this happens, the NA participants in the Western Clash will be Tempo Storm, Team 8, and the third spot goes to Superstars, Team Freedom, or GFE. If this happens, I will do a special post explaining what those three teams each need to get a spot in the Clash.
And he's not wrong. Every NA team can make the clash, even though I have gone back and forth on this. That being said, we should have a pretty good idea of who isn't going after Friday.There is still a mathematical chance for every single North American team to make the Western Clash –even No Tomorrow, every game matters.— CauthonLuck (@CauthonLuck) February 9, 2017
Friday February 10th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs No Tomorrow
Remember that Tweet from just a second ago? Cauthonluck doesn't want his team taking No Tomorrow lightly because they do have something to fight for. Tempo is in control of their destiny, and a win all but assures that they go to the clash, and it absolutely eliminates No Tomorrow from the clash as there are three teams with three wins, and the best No Tomorrow could finish after losing this match is 2-5. Tempo Storm avoids their usual slow start, and No Tomorrow not only is eliminated from the Clash, but they are assured a spot in the Crucible. Tempo sweeps, 3-0.
Match 2: Naventic vs Superstars
What happened to Naventic? Lots of people had Naventic fighting for a top spot in HGC, but honestly, I was not one of them. Yes, I think Naventic is good. Yes, I think they are dangerous and they can beat anyone at any time. However, since Fan left, Naventic is more bark than bite, and Fan openly said someone on this team is a huge weak link in HGC interviews. Superstars have their own struggles with consistency, but this is a team where Superstars has the better player at every position, and if Hosty drafts well, Srey calls the shots, Faye and Goku wreck fools, and Iakona doesn't wiff an ancestral like he did last week (sorry, I had to mention it), this is an easy win for Superstars. Superstars take it 3-1.
Saturday February 11th
Match 1: Superstars vs. B-Step
Speaking of what happened to a former powerhouse, what happened to B-Step? Similar to Naventic, they were defanged when Glaurung left. k1Pro can talk about being the best ranged assassin in NA, and he did, but he isn't. That being said, this is a really good match up for B-Step. The problem is, B-Step won their matches last week by pulling out old strats, and Superstars knows those comps and can more than handle them. It's a competitive match, but Superstars takes it 3-1.
Match 2: Team 8 vs. Naventic
This is the nail in Naventic's coffin. Team 8 has been the most dominant NA team, even with their one loss to unbeaten Tempo Storm. Open up a seat in the Crucible because Naventic is heading there with a 1-5 record after this match. Team 8 pounds them in a sweep, 3-0.
Sunday February 12th
Match 1: Tempo Storm vs. Gale Force eSports
NA match of the weekend! GFE has to win this because Superstars is going to win two and Team Freedom has a head to head edge against them. If GFE can beat Tempo, then they are in the Clash. That said, no one is beating Tempo Storm right now in NA. GFE will make a series of it, but it's 3-2 Tempo Storm wins.
Match 2: Team Freedom vs. No Tomorrow
These teams had a ton of hype from the other teams in interviews. No Tomorrow was picked as a contender for the clash by a lot of observers of the NA scene. Team Freedom has lived up to some of that, but No Tomorrow has only managed three map wins in four matches. It doesn't get any better for No Tomorrow, already eliminated on Friday by Tempo Storm, Team Freedom needs a statement win, and they get it with a 3-0 over No Tomorrow.
Now, I don't usually do this, but after this weekend, if my predictions go as planned, the NA standings are thus:
1. Tempo Storm 6-0
2. Team 8 5-1
3. Superstars 4-2
4. Team Freedom 3-3 (they beat GFE, so they get the tie breaker)
5. GFE 3-3
6. B-Step 2-4
7. Naventic 1-5
8. No Tomorrow 0-6
If this happens, the NA participants in the Western Clash will be Tempo Storm, Team 8, and the third spot goes to Superstars, Team Freedom, or GFE. If this happens, I will do a special post explaining what those three teams each need to get a spot in the Clash.
Predictions for Week 4 #HGC EU Feb. 10-12, 2017
After three weeks, I'm 17-1 picking the EU matches. A lot of this is due to the giant gulf between the top and bottom of EU, with very little wiggle room. It's hard to argue against Misfits, FNATIC, and Dignitas as the top three, with Expert coming in fourth. This makes EU really easy to pick. So, what does week four look like? Well:
Friday February 10th
Match 1: Team Dignitas vs Playing Ducks
Not hard to pick. Team Dignitas has the best team synergy in EU, and possibly in the world. They may lose a game in draft, or they may get out played, but, even including Korea and China, no team plays as well together as Dig. It's Duck season and Dig is prepared to feast. Team Dignitas takes it in a sweep, 3-0.
Match 2: Misfits vs beGenius
Oh, do I feel sorry for beGenius! Easily the lowest team in EU right now, not having won a match, and taking on the hottest team in EU? Misfits wins 3-0 and beGenius is a lock for the Crucible.
Saturday February 11th
Match 1: beGenius vs Tricked eSport
Alex the Pro G has gotten his team out of the basement. With their victory over Synergy last week, they are pretty much assured to finish ahead of the Russian/Ukrainian team. Tricked takes two in a row, and poor beGenius falls to 0-6 as they get swept, again, 3-0 by Tricked. This keeps Tricked out of the Crucible, barring a miracle.
Match 2: Team Expert vs Misfits
All of Expert's hopes to make the Clash ride on beating Misfits. That said, they could not get it done against Dignitas (Misfits swept them), nor FNATIC (Misfits edged them out). If there is a team in EU that can challenge the German powerhouse of Misfits, it is Expert. Their unusual comps and smart play will make this a competitive match, but not that competitive. Misfits remains a team on a mission as they take Expert in four, 3-1.
Sunday February 12th
Match 1: Team Dignitas vs FNATIC
The top four teams play each other this weekend in EU, and the second match is the oldest grudge match in EU Heroes of the Storm. Dignitas, as I said before, is the best team play team in the world (come at me Korea), but FNATIC has superior mechanical play and drafts as well as anyone. Also, take into account that Misfits swept Dig, but had to go to five to beat FNATIC. All signs point to a FNATIC victory, and I tend to agree. FNATIC 3-2 over Team Dignitas, but don't be surprised if this is the one I get wrong.
Match 2: Synergy vs Playing Ducks
Playing Ducks look really good against the bottom half of EU. Synergy has looked largely uninspired, managing a meager four map wins in five matches. The Ducks avoid the hunters, and Synergy is sent to the crucible with beGenius. Ducks win 3-1.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
#HGC NA Power Rankings After Three Weeks
Leading The Pack: Tempo Storm 4-0 (12-6) - Always winning, but rarely dominant
Most of their series were 3-2 wins, and often, Tempo drops game one as they try to figure out their opponents. That said, they win every set, and they handed Team 8 their only loss. It's hard to argue that they are not still the top of the pack in NA, even if they don't look as strong as they should for their position.
In The Hunt: Team 8 4-1 (14-6) - Looked dominant in opening matches; beat GFE on their best maps. Lost to Tempo Storm.
If Tempo Storm is all alone at the top, Team 8 is all alone in second. The NA shake out in league play has given us a clear 1 and 2, and if things stay as they are, Team 8 will be joining Tempo Storm at the Western Clash and the Brawl. Glaurung has been the best at out-drafting and out-playing other teams, and he seems to be taking this more seriously than ever. Team 8 is for real.
The Pack Of I Don't Even Know What: Gale Force eSports 3-2 (13-8); Superstars 2-2 (6-8); Team Freedom 2-3 (10-12); B-Step 2-3 (9-10)
OK, so GFE beat Superstars, Superstars beat Team Freedom, Team Freedom beat GFE, GFE beat B-Step, B-Step beat Team Freedom. If you can work out from that who has the lead in this pack, you are better than I.
GFE should come out of this pack in third, but their "four flex and a support" has some roster depth issues. Superstars has the most experience as a team, but Srey has said he cannot figure this meta out, and Hosty drafted an 0-3 series against GFE. Team Freedom looks strong twice, but Superstars and B-Step made them look like they belong in the Open Division. B-Step's losses are to Tempo, T8, and GFE, and they are the only team to make Tempo Storm look dominant, but they crushed No Tomorrow and Freedom.
Confused? You should be. NA is a mess in the 3-6 slot. Place bets on GFE and Superstars, but any of these four could wind up at the Clash or facing relegation in the Crucible.
Disappointing: Team Naventic 1-3 (6-11) - um, they took Tempo Storm to 5 games?
Everyone had Naventic competing for a top three spot. GFE's sweep of them made them look horrible. Team Freedom made them look like they deserved to go to the Crucible. Their only win was against the very unimpressive No Tomorrow, and they still needed five games to get it. Naventic has nothing left at this point. They could come back, but they won't.
Should Be Heading Back To The Open Division: No Tomorrow 0-4 (3-12) - Just, ugh.
I know I should find something good to say. They took Naventic to five games? Is that good? Their only other map win was against Superstars when Superstars had a bit of a throw. This team looked solid in the qualifiers, has received a ton of praise from other teams, even was ranked 4th/5th in a lot of preseason rankings. No Tomorrow may not have a tomorrow if they don't get it figured out and fast. UTA is rising in the Open Division and hungry to break in, and I doubt they will choose to face Naventic.
NA is a mess right now. When people in Twitch chat type "NA LOL," the play we've seen out of No Tomorrow justifies that attitude.
Most of their series were 3-2 wins, and often, Tempo drops game one as they try to figure out their opponents. That said, they win every set, and they handed Team 8 their only loss. It's hard to argue that they are not still the top of the pack in NA, even if they don't look as strong as they should for their position.
In The Hunt: Team 8 4-1 (14-6) - Looked dominant in opening matches; beat GFE on their best maps. Lost to Tempo Storm.
If Tempo Storm is all alone at the top, Team 8 is all alone in second. The NA shake out in league play has given us a clear 1 and 2, and if things stay as they are, Team 8 will be joining Tempo Storm at the Western Clash and the Brawl. Glaurung has been the best at out-drafting and out-playing other teams, and he seems to be taking this more seriously than ever. Team 8 is for real.
The Pack Of I Don't Even Know What: Gale Force eSports 3-2 (13-8); Superstars 2-2 (6-8); Team Freedom 2-3 (10-12); B-Step 2-3 (9-10)
OK, so GFE beat Superstars, Superstars beat Team Freedom, Team Freedom beat GFE, GFE beat B-Step, B-Step beat Team Freedom. If you can work out from that who has the lead in this pack, you are better than I.
GFE should come out of this pack in third, but their "four flex and a support" has some roster depth issues. Superstars has the most experience as a team, but Srey has said he cannot figure this meta out, and Hosty drafted an 0-3 series against GFE. Team Freedom looks strong twice, but Superstars and B-Step made them look like they belong in the Open Division. B-Step's losses are to Tempo, T8, and GFE, and they are the only team to make Tempo Storm look dominant, but they crushed No Tomorrow and Freedom.
Confused? You should be. NA is a mess in the 3-6 slot. Place bets on GFE and Superstars, but any of these four could wind up at the Clash or facing relegation in the Crucible.
Disappointing: Team Naventic 1-3 (6-11) - um, they took Tempo Storm to 5 games?
Everyone had Naventic competing for a top three spot. GFE's sweep of them made them look horrible. Team Freedom made them look like they deserved to go to the Crucible. Their only win was against the very unimpressive No Tomorrow, and they still needed five games to get it. Naventic has nothing left at this point. They could come back, but they won't.
Should Be Heading Back To The Open Division: No Tomorrow 0-4 (3-12) - Just, ugh.
I know I should find something good to say. They took Naventic to five games? Is that good? Their only other map win was against Superstars when Superstars had a bit of a throw. This team looked solid in the qualifiers, has received a ton of praise from other teams, even was ranked 4th/5th in a lot of preseason rankings. No Tomorrow may not have a tomorrow if they don't get it figured out and fast. UTA is rising in the Open Division and hungry to break in, and I doubt they will choose to face Naventic.
NA is a mess right now. When people in Twitch chat type "NA LOL," the play we've seen out of No Tomorrow justifies that attitude.
#HGC EU Power Rankings After Three Weeks
Leading The Pack: Misfits 4-0 (12-3) - Key wins against FNATIC and Team Dignitas
Before league play started, I said that Misfits was on a mission after losing a tie-breaker and missing Blizzcon last year. Misfits has been in charge of every match, and they have already defeated the other two top contenders. The only top team they haven't faced is Team Expert, and that will happen next week. Misfits is a lock for the Western Clash and the Mid Season Brawl.
In The Hunt: FNATIC 4-1 (14-6); Team Dignitas 3-1 (9-4) - Both have beaten Team Expert and lost to Misfits
Right now, FNATIC and Dignitas are lagging behind Misfits. Both are likely heading to the Western Clash, but they will be fighting it out for the second spot in the Mid-Season Brawl. FNATIC is slightly ahead of Dig, as Dig was swept by Misfits, where as FNATIC took Misfits to five games.
Chasing: Team Expert 3-2 (12-6); Playing Ducks 2-2 (7-9) - No key wins or losses.
Expert was on a tear at the start, winning three matches without dropping a map. Expert played well against FNATIC and Dignitas, but lost both.
Playing Ducks have beaten the lower teams, but they haven't been able to play with the contenders.
Both teams are likely to stay where they are - not in danger of relegation; not going to international competition.
In Trouble: Tricked eSport 1-4 (6-13) - Beating Synergy keeps them out of the bottom.
Alex the Pro G is one of the best players in Europe, and the longer this team plays, the better they are getting. They have to remain ahead in early games, or they tend to falter. Bad calls are hurting this team right now; over-aggression needs to be tempered.
Heading to the Crucible: Synergy 1-4 (4-13); beGenius 0-4 (2-12) - Neither team has shown anything special.
Right now, Synergy and beGenius are clearly at the bottom. Synergy's only win and three of their four map wins, came against beGenius. Synergy has been swept three times already. Their one other map win came against Tricked, and that had more to do with Tricked making a bad call than with Synergy making a good choice.
beGenius just cannot figure it out. They haven't played terribly, but they have just been outplayed each and every match. Often losing slightly in the draft, and then losing harder as the games go on. Only two map wins in four matches, this is the team most likely to lose their relegation match.
Before league play started, I said that Misfits was on a mission after losing a tie-breaker and missing Blizzcon last year. Misfits has been in charge of every match, and they have already defeated the other two top contenders. The only top team they haven't faced is Team Expert, and that will happen next week. Misfits is a lock for the Western Clash and the Mid Season Brawl.
In The Hunt: FNATIC 4-1 (14-6); Team Dignitas 3-1 (9-4) - Both have beaten Team Expert and lost to Misfits
Right now, FNATIC and Dignitas are lagging behind Misfits. Both are likely heading to the Western Clash, but they will be fighting it out for the second spot in the Mid-Season Brawl. FNATIC is slightly ahead of Dig, as Dig was swept by Misfits, where as FNATIC took Misfits to five games.
Chasing: Team Expert 3-2 (12-6); Playing Ducks 2-2 (7-9) - No key wins or losses.
Expert was on a tear at the start, winning three matches without dropping a map. Expert played well against FNATIC and Dignitas, but lost both.
Playing Ducks have beaten the lower teams, but they haven't been able to play with the contenders.
Both teams are likely to stay where they are - not in danger of relegation; not going to international competition.
In Trouble: Tricked eSport 1-4 (6-13) - Beating Synergy keeps them out of the bottom.
Alex the Pro G is one of the best players in Europe, and the longer this team plays, the better they are getting. They have to remain ahead in early games, or they tend to falter. Bad calls are hurting this team right now; over-aggression needs to be tempered.
Heading to the Crucible: Synergy 1-4 (4-13); beGenius 0-4 (2-12) - Neither team has shown anything special.
Right now, Synergy and beGenius are clearly at the bottom. Synergy's only win and three of their four map wins, came against beGenius. Synergy has been swept three times already. Their one other map win came against Tricked, and that had more to do with Tricked making a bad call than with Synergy making a good choice.
beGenius just cannot figure it out. They haven't played terribly, but they have just been outplayed each and every match. Often losing slightly in the draft, and then losing harder as the games go on. Only two map wins in four matches, this is the team most likely to lose their relegation match.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Predictions for Week 3 #HGC NA Feb 3-5, 2017
The split in NA is a little wild: two teams each at 3-0, 2-1, 1-2, and 0-3, making for a clear reading of who is on top and who is heading for relegation. What's more each of these pairs face each other in their first matches! How is that for planning?
That being said, some teams came out swinging last week, and nothing is certain or safe in NA, largely because the meta still isn't settled. I am currently 8-4 in picking NA matches, and three of those misses are from picking against Team 8. Here's what's going to happen this weekend... I hope!
Friday, February 3rd
Match 1: No Tomorrow vs BStep
The current seventh and eighth teams face off as both are in serious threat of a relegation match. No Tomorrow is a team a lot of people are still high on, and I don't see it. BStep has three former world champions on it, and managed to go against Tempo Storm in week one for a 3-2 match. BStep gets their first win, 3-1.
Match 2: Superstars vs. Gale Force eSports
The current third and fourth place teams face off. Superstars, in week 1, made Team Freedom look like they didn't belong. Then, last week, Team Freedom beat GFE in a shocking upset. I think, if Srey has the draft figured out, Superstars can exploit the lack of defined roles on GFE and take this series. GFE is strong, but Team Freedom gave NA the blueprint to take them down. Superstars in a close series, 3-2.
Saturday, February 4th
Match 1: Team Freedom vs Naventic
The current fifth and sixth place teams face off. After 0-2 starts, both Team Freedom and Naventic got their first wins last week. Both were 3-2 matches, but while Freedom exploited GFE in the draft, Naventic looked lost for two and a half games against No Tomorrow. I still think that Naventic is a potential contender, and Team Freedom isn't ready. Naventic finds their footing and pulls even with a 3-1 victory.
Match 2: Tempo Storm vs Team 8
The current first and second teams face off. Everyone expected Tempo Storm to be at the top after dominating NA last year as Murloc Geniuses. No one, except Team 8, expected Team 8 to be undefeated. Tempo Storm looked weak in their first two matches, where as Team 8 has looked strong and in control in every match, only dropping a single map. I'm done picking against them. Team 8 takes sole possession of first in a 3-2 match.
Sunday, February 5th
Match 1: Gale Force eSports vs Team 8
I will have serious concerns about GFE's four player flex until I see it work consistently. Fresh off of take down of Tempo, Team 8 is still hungry and GFE is a challenging meal. Team 8, gets it done, and by the end of the weekend are in sole possession of first with wins against the other three top teams, 3-2.
Match 2: BStep vs Team Freedom
Like No Tomorrow, I do not see Team Freedom as ready for prime time, a victory against GFE notwithstanding. BStep moves closer to a contender position as they get a hold of the meta, and push Team Freedom to the bottom of the heap, 3-1.
That being said, some teams came out swinging last week, and nothing is certain or safe in NA, largely because the meta still isn't settled. I am currently 8-4 in picking NA matches, and three of those misses are from picking against Team 8. Here's what's going to happen this weekend... I hope!
Friday, February 3rd
Match 1: No Tomorrow vs BStep
The current seventh and eighth teams face off as both are in serious threat of a relegation match. No Tomorrow is a team a lot of people are still high on, and I don't see it. BStep has three former world champions on it, and managed to go against Tempo Storm in week one for a 3-2 match. BStep gets their first win, 3-1.
Match 2: Superstars vs. Gale Force eSports
The current third and fourth place teams face off. Superstars, in week 1, made Team Freedom look like they didn't belong. Then, last week, Team Freedom beat GFE in a shocking upset. I think, if Srey has the draft figured out, Superstars can exploit the lack of defined roles on GFE and take this series. GFE is strong, but Team Freedom gave NA the blueprint to take them down. Superstars in a close series, 3-2.
Saturday, February 4th
Match 1: Team Freedom vs Naventic
The current fifth and sixth place teams face off. After 0-2 starts, both Team Freedom and Naventic got their first wins last week. Both were 3-2 matches, but while Freedom exploited GFE in the draft, Naventic looked lost for two and a half games against No Tomorrow. I still think that Naventic is a potential contender, and Team Freedom isn't ready. Naventic finds their footing and pulls even with a 3-1 victory.
Match 2: Tempo Storm vs Team 8
The current first and second teams face off. Everyone expected Tempo Storm to be at the top after dominating NA last year as Murloc Geniuses. No one, except Team 8, expected Team 8 to be undefeated. Tempo Storm looked weak in their first two matches, where as Team 8 has looked strong and in control in every match, only dropping a single map. I'm done picking against them. Team 8 takes sole possession of first in a 3-2 match.
Sunday, February 5th
Match 1: Gale Force eSports vs Team 8
I will have serious concerns about GFE's four player flex until I see it work consistently. Fresh off of take down of Tempo, Team 8 is still hungry and GFE is a challenging meal. Team 8, gets it done, and by the end of the weekend are in sole possession of first with wins against the other three top teams, 3-2.
Match 2: BStep vs Team Freedom
Like No Tomorrow, I do not see Team Freedom as ready for prime time, a victory against GFE notwithstanding. BStep moves closer to a contender position as they get a hold of the meta, and push Team Freedom to the bottom of the heap, 3-1.
Predictions for Week 3 #HGC EU Feb. 2-5, 2017
Over two weeks, I am 12-0 picking games in EU. 100%! This is probably going to be the week that changes. Great match ups at the top this week, so here we go:
Friday, February 3rd
Match 1: Playing Ducks vs Tricked eSport
This is the match that gets Tricked (0-3) into the win column. It is only a matter of time before a team led by AlexTheProG starts winning, and while Playing Ducks looked solid last week, TRC really looked to be improving. I may regret this, but Tricked takes it, 3-1.
Match 2: Be Genius vs FNATIC
Simply put, beGenius is not ready for the team that upset MVP Black. They looked like they were getting better last week, but that improvement comes to a halt at the hands of FNATIC. FNATIC wins 3-0.
Saturday, February 4th
Match 1: Synergy vs Misfits
Speaking of teams looking like they were coming to life, Synergy had some good plays last week in two losses, but the Russian/Ukrainian dream team is not a match for Misfits. Misfits win easily, 3-0.
Match 2: Team Dignitas vs Team Expert
While sitting at 3-0, Team Expert (formerly Two Bees Determined) has won all of their games, not dropping a map to three of the bottom four teams. Expert has never been able to get it together against the top three in EU of Dig, FNATIC, and Misfits. Sadly, for now, that trend continues. Dignitas edges out Experts, 3-2.
Sunday, February 5th
Match 1: FNATIC vs Team Expert
The second test for Expert as they want to be seen as a top contender for the Western Clash, but like Dig, FNATIC is going to be ready. Remember, Dig and FNATIC both have a loss, but they both lost to Misfits. Expert just isn't quite ready. FNATIC brings Expert down to earth, 3-1.
Match 2: Tricked eSport vs Synergy
The bad news keeps coming for Synergy, and the good news keeps coming for Tricked. I'm willing to bet that Synergy has put all of their focus into playing Misfits, and as Tricked is coming together, they will continue to surge out of last place at the expense of Synergy. Tricked takes the match 3-1.
Friday, February 3rd
Match 1: Playing Ducks vs Tricked eSport
This is the match that gets Tricked (0-3) into the win column. It is only a matter of time before a team led by AlexTheProG starts winning, and while Playing Ducks looked solid last week, TRC really looked to be improving. I may regret this, but Tricked takes it, 3-1.
Match 2: Be Genius vs FNATIC
Simply put, beGenius is not ready for the team that upset MVP Black. They looked like they were getting better last week, but that improvement comes to a halt at the hands of FNATIC. FNATIC wins 3-0.
Saturday, February 4th
Match 1: Synergy vs Misfits
Speaking of teams looking like they were coming to life, Synergy had some good plays last week in two losses, but the Russian/Ukrainian dream team is not a match for Misfits. Misfits win easily, 3-0.
Match 2: Team Dignitas vs Team Expert
While sitting at 3-0, Team Expert (formerly Two Bees Determined) has won all of their games, not dropping a map to three of the bottom four teams. Expert has never been able to get it together against the top three in EU of Dig, FNATIC, and Misfits. Sadly, for now, that trend continues. Dignitas edges out Experts, 3-2.
Sunday, February 5th
Match 1: FNATIC vs Team Expert
The second test for Expert as they want to be seen as a top contender for the Western Clash, but like Dig, FNATIC is going to be ready. Remember, Dig and FNATIC both have a loss, but they both lost to Misfits. Expert just isn't quite ready. FNATIC brings Expert down to earth, 3-1.
Match 2: Tricked eSport vs Synergy
The bad news keeps coming for Synergy, and the good news keeps coming for Tricked. I'm willing to bet that Synergy has put all of their focus into playing Misfits, and as Tricked is coming together, they will continue to surge out of last place at the expense of Synergy. Tricked takes the match 3-1.
So this had to change... already
When I started this blog, all of a week ago, I really wanted to make this a really good, in depth, HGC Heroes of the Storm blog. After one weekend of covering HGC here and on Twitter, I'm already drained. What ended up happening was between 12 matches I needed to watch, clips I was taking off of Twitch (by the way, thank you Twitch for making clipping so easy. If Facebook live is going to be hosting Heroes of the Dorm, they have a lot to live up to), and trying to write up some analysis of the matches, I had put in over 35 hours of work in three days.
35 hours.
I wasn't enjoying the matches. I was working, looking for clips, and taking notes on stuff to write for recaps. Suddenly, my favorite new activity of the last year became an unpaid job that I was pushing myself to do. It wasn't fun. It was so unfun that I didn't bother doing the Sunday recap.
I want this to be fun.
I want this to have good information in a digestible format so you can get a quick look at what's going on.
So, here's what's going to happen:
35 hours.
I wasn't enjoying the matches. I was working, looking for clips, and taking notes on stuff to write for recaps. Suddenly, my favorite new activity of the last year became an unpaid job that I was pushing myself to do. It wasn't fun. It was so unfun that I didn't bother doing the Sunday recap.
I want this to be fun.
I want this to have good information in a digestible format so you can get a quick look at what's going on.
So, here's what's going to happen:
- I'm going to stop clipping so much on Twitter.
- Recaps are going to be two Tweet size.
- In-depth analysis will be saved for a mid-week post
- Predictions are still coming. I'm 20-4 over two weeks. I'm not stopping that.
- Tweets will be geared towards cheering for teams, clever observations, and obvious attempts to get on the stream and make Dreadnaught crack. Again.
I cannot tell you how much I love HGC and watching competitive Heroes. This has become my favorite sport to watch, and I have had more fun watching it over the last year than I have had in all of my life being a sports fan - that said, I'm a fan of Detroit teams, so that makes a lot more sense when you consider the Lions.
If you find this blog useful or enjoyable, great! Please let me know.
I'll still do it, even if it's just me putting out noise.
If for no other reason, I want to keep documenting my NA/EU picks.
Those are coming up next.
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