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.
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.
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