EPTI on the other hand see it as an opportunity to grow and put your names out there. There are benefits from playing these top players. Say for example you try out a build against them and it almost works but just because he has incredible defence or macro, it does not work out. This tells you that it is possible in your games if you deliver the build with the same if not better execution there is a good chance it will work out. Of course, it does not mean the build will work every time because some opponents on ladder are less greedy then the player you played in the tournament. So it also will come down to the build of your opponent in the tournament as well as on ladder.
Another thing players tend to do in these situations is just do any old cheese to try to nick a victory, but this is not always the best idea. There is nothing to gain from doing a cheese you always do against a top player as you will already know if that build works or not. Rather as previously said try something new or attempt a macro game and see how far you are in terms of those mechanics. Watching the replay afterwards can give a lot of information on how they play allowing you to amalgamate that into your play as well. Especially if it is a mirror matchup.
I have also heard comments of lower league players saying they do not understand why the higher league players cheese them seeing as though they will win regardless. Oftentimes for these players they do not want to have the worry of playing a macro game against a lower level player because that creates unnecessary pressure, as they are heavily favoured. Some players also have the tendency to cheese regardless. Cheese is a part of the game and while some find it controversial, that is how it is.
I know at Proxy Tempest EU we welcome you lower league players, as it is a refresher for us to cast your games. We always refer to you guys as the real heroes of our opens just because it takes massive guts to do so. Speaking from experience, having been crushed so often by some of the best sc2 players it can be daunting to do, but I think it is one of those things that once you start doing it becomes easier over time.
Playing in these tournaments also can give you an experience of playing a bo3 series, seeing how your opponent adapts and that can help you later once you can become a contender for these kinds of events instead of being thrown into the deep end right away, because playing a series is a whole lot different to laddering.
There are also a lot of diamond and below events that you can participate in and these opens can give experience before going into those events. Now whenever I play in lower league events I have a set way of vetoing, choosing maps etc. This makes it easier for me to focus on the games and not deciding on the maps I will be playing.
Overall, you are most definitely welcome in our open events if you are a lower league player and we encourage you to get involved and participate because it can be a lot of fun. Most the time there is also a sense of community that develops and from this you can get to know not only the members of Proxy Tempest EU but the some of the high level players like starkiller, souL, Goblin , Romson and Ukko.
You can find our tournaments at: proxytempest.challonge.com
Our tournaments will always be casted on twitch at: https://www.twitch.tv/proxy_tempest
Join our discord to be notified of when events are: https://discord.gg/932K6sN
If you have any further questions you can contact me on twitter @Terranlord, through discord LordofTerrans #6663
