After a very well-received first season, the second instalment of WCS Europe is now set to begin. While the first season was invite-heavy, the tournament composition has undergone quite a few changes, with new Koreans and previously snubbed Europeans flowing in, while some the old world's most established players have been relegated to the Challenger League. Three of these newcomers will get a chance to make a name for themselves on day one, as they go up against the defending champion, LG-IM_Mvp.
But first, enjoy this nice promo video from ESL.
Group A Preview: Mvp, elfi, Tefel, Beastyqt
by Waxangel
The Plight of King Jürgen
LG-IM_Mvp, the four-time GSL champion, the King of Wings, and reigning champion of Europe will be on hand to personally welcome in the second season of WCS Europe. However, it might not be a joyous occasion for our beloved monarch.
Despite having experienced the perils of trying to play cross server from Korea to Europe last season, where he was defeated 2 – 0 by DIMAGA and was just one game away from being dumped out of the tournament by Germany's Socke, Mvp has decided not expend the royal coffers for a trip to Europe. Instead, he will once again take on the debilitating lag that many players have called unplayable. A sure favorite to take the group in a live setting – if not the entire tournament – Mvp is now at risk of being the victim of a huge upset on opening day.
The one thing Mvp has going his way is that he's never been especially reliant on micro or multi-tasking – not that he doesn't enjoy dropping the hell out of opponents when he knows it will be effective. Even when his wrists were whole and uninjured, Mvp's strengths lay in strategy, mind games, and just having all of those intangibles we can't describe because we're not four-time GSL champs. After last season's close call, you have to think he'll bring a style of play that lets him roll to victory while minimizing the influence of lag. He's already shown he can come up with new tricks like the marine-tank builds he used against SaSe in the previous season, and catching his opponents off guard with an unusual playstyle could be his best weapon.
The Three Usurpers
Looking to hamper Mvp's progress are three players who fought their way up into the Premier League from the Challenger division.
First, there's the ever enigmatic Ence.elfi, who will be Mvp's initial opponent. While elfi is famous for his incredibly low APM and affinity for cats, he is perhaps most well-known for his ability to cause big upsets and vex far more famous players. Even the most optimistic caster couldn't bring himself to say "great force-fields!" when he ended Stephano's 30+ game ZvP win-streak in 2012, but he found a way to leave even Stephano shrugging his shoulders at the end. Everyone said elfi was dead when he faced Life in TSL4, but he came within a map of knocking out the future GSL champion. Most recently, Elfi taught TaeJa a lesson in humility at DreamHack Summer, coming back to take a 2 - 1 victory after TaeJa's manner mules proved to be premature. Even though he doesn't have any GSL champion's pins, Elfi is the player most like Mvp in this group simply because he has that "he keeps winning games and I don't really know why" quality. Predicting both against and for elfi is very dangerous – it's best to just treat him as a force of chaos.
Then there's Empire|Beastyqt, a player who almost made it into the Premier League in season one but fell just barely short in the qualifiers. Beastyqt gathered himself and made an impressive run through the Challenger League, falling to Shuttle in the bracket stage but defeating SaSe and groupmate Elfi to advance to the Premier League. Then, going up against an all-Protoss group (monchi completing the trio), Beastyqt brought out four unorthodox builds in a row, tearing through his opponents with a combination of tank pushes, factory-float fakes, and early hellions strikes. While that may just have been an indication of how he felt about the TvP match-up in general, it did show that he can come in with strategies that leave his opponents completely flat-footed. He faces a tougher task here, having to face opponents of every race, but perhaps he will have even more surprises in store?
And finally, we come to d.Tefel. Back when he surprised everyone in 2012 by qualifying for MLG Summer Arena and finishing in the upper half of the 32 participants, I wondered if we'd ever hear from him again. After nearly a year without any particularly noticeable tournament results (minus a so-so outing at IEM Singapore), Tefel is finally back at center stage, having blazed a trail through the Challenger League and into the top flight.
While NaNiwa might call Tefel the worst player in the world, the evidence does suggest otherwise. Not only did he beat TitaN, KrasS, and NaNiwa to advance from the Challenger League, but he's coming in off a really impressive DH: Summer performance where he reached the Ro16, going undefeated against non-Korean players. He had the misfortune of drawing Life in the Ro16, but hey, we can't all be Sjow. Of the three challengers in this group, Tefel has had the best results lately, and just might be the one who thwarts Mvp.
MVP basically guaranteed 1st unless lag kills him.
fight for 2nd looks mildly interesting. I'd like to see a FPVOD of Elfi to see if his low APM actually hurts him or if he's just really efficient and accurate.
I think Elfi's best chance will be early game cheeses that require lots of micro to defend against. That would be a great way to take advantage of the lag.
Mvp always seems to struggle in group stages barely making it through and when it gets to the playoffs he suddenly starts crushing everyone, he's kind of the anti-TLO. I could see someone else taking first in this group.
Elfi is such a confusing player that I believe not even Mvp will be able to be prepared for the series against him.. Elfi advances in first place, Mvp in second
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
Woah woah...
I disagree with his predictions too, but everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.
I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
Def. not worst player in the world, and you can't say anything is "wrong" until you have facts, dog. I.e., you can't call a prediction wrong until the actual event happens...that's how time works man.
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
Def. not worst player in the world, and you can't say anything is "wrong" until you have facts, dog. I.e., you can't call a prediction wrong until the actual event happens...that's how time works man.
the "worst player in the world" thing is a meme about Tefel. i'm not 100% serious, i actually think he's pretty good
and i'm saying the prediction is wrong because Mvp is 10 times better than those other guys. no disrespect to any of them but they are mid tier Europeans at best, all of them. i'm also saying it's wrong because i'm a huge Mvp fan and i'd be more than fine with him winning all the WCS EU seasons this year, then go back to Korea next year and win all four WCS KR seasons
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
Def. not worst player in the world, and you can't say anything is "wrong" until you have facts, dog. I.e., you can't call a prediction wrong until the actual event happens...that's how time works man.
the "worst player in the world" thing is a meme about Tefel. i'm not 100% serious, i actually think he's pretty good
and i'm saying the prediction is wrong because Mvp is 10 times better than those other guys. no disrespect to any of them but they are mid tier Europeans at best, all of them. i'm also saying it's wrong because i'm a huge Mvp fan and i'd be more than fine with him winning all the WCS EU seasons this year, then go back to Korea next year and win all four WCS KR seasons
ahh fuck it, you're right of course, he'll stomp 'prolly...I just find it stupid that koreans go to other regions 'cuz they can't cut the mustard in their country. I hope MVP pulls a Nestea to be honest. But I'm not an MVP dickrider
On June 25 2013 17:44 TheBloodyDwarf wrote: elfi vs Mvp 2-1 tefel vs Beasty 2-0 elfi vs tefel 0-2 elfi vs Beasty 2-1
i won't get into the insanity of these predictions because you're Finnish, but you're missing a match there. namely the losers match. i guess you're implying that Beasty wins that (which is wrong), but just saying.
also i like how you predict the worst player in the world to make it through 4-0 :D i think you're just trying to make people angry with these predicitions
Def. not worst player in the world, and you can't say anything is "wrong" until you have facts, dog. I.e., you can't call a prediction wrong until the actual event happens...that's how time works man.
the "worst player in the world" thing is a meme about Tefel. i'm not 100% serious, i actually think he's pretty good
and i'm saying the prediction is wrong because Mvp is 10 times better than those other guys. no disrespect to any of them but they are mid tier Europeans at best, all of them. i'm also saying it's wrong because i'm a huge Mvp fan and i'd be more than fine with him winning all the WCS EU seasons this year, then go back to Korea next year and win all four WCS KR seasons
ahh fuck it, you're right of course, he'll stomp 'prolly...I just find it stupid that koreans go to other regions 'cuz they can't cut the mustard in their country. I hope MVP pulls a Nestea to be honest. But I'm not an MVP dickrider
Its not really dickriding if he is in fact one of the best players in the world. Sure MVP loses and looks weak but he wins and keeps winning. Did you not see him against life? Or him against innovation??
He gave it his all in those games and I think that's amazing.
I dont know why everybody is counting Beastyqt out??? Hes been showing some good games and could cause some serious upsets especially against the elfi with his cool tvp pressure styles!
Go MVP! You delivered some of the most entertaining matches last season, and i'm looking forward to a whole new set of cool games! My wish is for Flash and MVP to meet in the season finals. A dream come true.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
But Europe is not that bad. It's not that of an easy win.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
Why so hateful ? I think 2-3 against innovation proves he's still pretty relevant.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
Why so hateful ? I think 2-3 against innovation proves he's still pretty relevant.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
yeah...thats why MVP got top 4 finish nearly beating innovation...he really needs to "stay relevant". MVP is the greatest player of Sc2, he could disappear for a year and would STILL be relevant.
Does anyone have the source for MVP choosing to stay in Korea?
Normally I wouldn't doubt TL but it just seems so crazy, he's going to Europe anyways, and where he's staying whether it be SK or Acer or WCS EU house it can't cost him money, it would only cost him something if he went back to Korea before Ro16 but why would he, LG-IM has plenty of good players for GSTl and MVP was never a team league player, and on top of all that he has plenty of money to spare. Just seems unbelievable he would risk being knocked out of the tournament for something like that.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
Such a post is so ignorant, stupid and just shameful to exist on TL.
mvp is my favorite but idk about him winning .. just look at what happened in osl group e & f earlier .. there were players who was surely gonna go through but didnt
I think that 2nd game of MVP v. Tefel was the most impressive thing I've seen in a while though from a mental standpoint. The fact that he didn't just utterly crumble is a feat in and of itself, but that he and was able to hold together then actually win a game is even more praise-worthy. He definitely gained my respect, which admittedly was a bit wavering given that G1 showing.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
Such a post is so ignorant, stupid and just shameful to exist on TL.
User was warned for this post
lol, must have hit a nerve on you man-crush or something...just my opinion, dawg. Care to elaborate on why MVP is not similar to David Beckham playing in the states?
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
But Europe is not that bad. It's not that of an easy win.
You are right, Tefel took him to 3....And probably should have won but completely choked when he had double MVP's supply.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
Such a post is so ignorant, stupid and just shameful to exist on TL.
User was warned for this post
lol, must have hit a nerve on you man-crush or something...just my opinion, dawg. Care to elaborate on why MVP is not similar to David Beckham playing in the states?
Wishing injury to players is so classy... Something that TL needs more of.
On June 26 2013 00:10 Gorribal wrote: Does anyone have the source for MVP choosing to stay in Korea?
Normally I wouldn't doubt TL but it just seems so crazy, he's going to Europe anyways, and where he's staying whether it be SK or Acer or WCS EU house it can't cost him money, it would only cost him something if he went back to Korea before Ro16 but why would he, LG-IM has plenty of good players for GSTl and MVP was never a team league player, and on top of all that he has plenty of money to spare. Just seems unbelievable he would risk being knocked out of the tournament for something like that.
I think the timing has a lot to do with it, if you look at the schedule for WCS EU you will see that the ro32 takes place over 4 weeks, unlike the 2 weeks for GSL/OSL. If Mvp went to EU for his group he would be staying there for a solid month before he has to play the ro16, he probably figured it was worth the risk to stay home because his group was relatively weak. This way he can train at the LG-IM house for a month before the ro16 instead of going to Europe where his practice conditions aren't nearly as good.
Regarding the source, Waxangel probably asked around, I can't imagine it was too difficult to get an answer.
On June 25 2013 19:10 hillman wrote: I hope MVP's wrists shatter....Er, I mean "GO FOREIGNERS"!!
Dima did make him look silly in group stages so hopefully he'll get beat down...nothing sadder than a once great player going to another country to stay relevant. He's like David Beckham playing in MLS in the states. Or if Jordan played ball in Europe (he would never go out like MVP though).
But Europe is not that bad. It's not that of an easy win.
You are right, Tefel took him to 3....And probably should have won but completely choked when he had double MVP's supply.
Don't judge the entire region based on Tefel, that's silly. It's not that surprising that Mvp would lose a game playing with kr > eu lag.
EPT
LG-IM_Mvp.
Ence.elfi, who will be Mvp's initial opponent. While elfi is famous for his incredibly low APM and affinity for cats, he is perhaps most well-known for his ability to cause big upsets and vex far more famous players. Even the most optimistic caster couldn't bring himself to say "great force-fields!" when he ended Stephano's 30+ game ZvP win-streak in 2012, but he found a way to leave even Stephano shrugging his shoulders at the end. Everyone said elfi was dead when he faced Life in TSL4, but he came within a map of knocking out the future GSL champion. Most recently, Elfi taught TaeJa a lesson in humility at DreamHack Summer, coming back to take a 2 - 1 victory after TaeJa's manner mules proved to be premature. Even though he doesn't have any GSL champion's pins, Elfi is the player most like Mvp in this group simply because he has that "he keeps winning games and I don't really know why" quality. Predicting both against and for elfi is very dangerous – it's best to just treat him as a force of chaos.
d.Tefel. Back when he surprised everyone in 2012 by qualifying for MLG Summer Arena and finishing in the upper half of the 32 participants, I wondered if we'd ever hear from him again. After nearly a year without any particularly noticeable tournament results (minus a so-so outing at IEM Singapore), Tefel is finally back at center stage, having blazed a trail through the Challenger League and into the top flight.
