[GSL] Code S Nov '11 - Power Rank Edition - Page 6

Yes, dear friend, you are not seeing an illusion. For the end of September, I've decided to spice things up. For this week's GSL rundown, I've decided to try and do the first ever GSL Power Rankings. Now, I know you might have some questions about what this is or how it works, so let me guide you through some of the common guidelines of this feature.

Seriously, TeamLiquid? Is this your first step in phasing out Brood War and it's Power Ranking? I will not stand for this injustice!

No, no, no. This is not going to take over TeamLiquid's fantastic Brood War monthly Power Ranking. In fact, this isn't TeamLiquid's Starcraft 2 Power Ranking at all. This is my own idea that I'm trying out and seeing if you guys enjoy it All thoughts and opinions in this piece are from and by me. No horses were injured in the process in the writing of this article.

Alright, so how does this Power Ranking thing work anyway? Is it monthly? Bi-monthly? Is it a ranking of the players achievements throughout the last year?

Well, due to the fact that the GSL is still a growing league and not as mature as it's Brood War counterpart, which has two running leagues and an all year Proleague where teams play every single week, I found it hard to do a ranking based solely on the past month. Instead, this ranking is based over the past few months of GSL tournaments and the GSTL season that is currently running. Of course, doing better currently weighs more than getting to quarterfinals four months ago, and to be in my top ten, you must show consistently good play.

Is the GSTL weighted the same as the GSL?

No. GSTL does factor in, and winning consistently can look good on your record, but for me, you need to also do well in the main leagues (especially Code S). We've seen so many amazing GSTL heroes like Seed (remember him?) and Squirtle come along, amaze us and Artosis with their play in the team league, and then fade away into the depths of Code B.

Do tournaments like MLG, Arena of Legends, WCG and other non-GOM tournaments matter?

Yes, but they are way undervalued below GSL and GSTL. Those tournaments can be based off how popular a player is or if their team has enough money to send them. Not every team has had the money to send people to foreign events to shine or had the exposure to be selected into special tournaments like Arena of Legends. I can't give major points to a player for doing so well at an event when another didn't get the same opportunity for reasons completely out of their control.

I'm starting to understand it now, but why do I not agree with your Power Ranking? Why isn't TheBest #1!? This is awful and I do not agree with your opinion!

That's great! I am not the Master of Power Rankings. I do not sit on a throne with my scepter and give the official word on who the best player in the world is. Everyone has their opinion and that is what makes TeamLiquid one of the best communities on the internet. This Power Ranking, in a lot of ways, is just a way to open a debate for the rest of you.