Just four players remain as we move onto the final day of IEM New York. Not only is a $10,000 first place prize on the line, but there are significant WCS stakes involved for HyuN and NaNiwa as well. Let's take a look at the last four players as we count down to the final day.
Countdown
ST_Curious
We wrote aboutST_Curiousat length in an earlier article, musing about how the former Code S gatekeeper had lost his career-defining consistency in HotS. If going on an amazingly hot run like Curious has at IEM New York is what you get back in return for losing that consistency, then it may very well be a worthwhile trade.
Though we already knew Curious' ZvT and ZvZ were very strong, his victory over an extremely strong PvZ player in sOs gave us renewed confidence in his PvZ. His 0 - 4 record against CJ's Sora had us wondering whether Sora was an extremely strong player or if Curious just had a weakness in ZvP, and it now appears to be that the former is the case. With both NaNiwa and Life having struggles against Zerg as of late, Curious must be feeling great about his chances of winning his first major championship.
ST_Life
ST_Life was just so damn impressive at his peak it's hard for us to appreciate his current skill level. No, he's not THE best player in the world, effortlessly dominating his hapless peers. But he is still a very strong player, capable of challenging for a championship in any tournament he enters.
Unfortunately for Life, his ZvZ is his weakest match-up where he has only a 34-27 record (stats via Aligulac.com), and he may very well have to face two Zerg opponents in a row. While that's not a terrible record by any means, it's inflated by a lot of wins against foreigners. Against fellow Korean Zergs, his winrate drops far below 50%. If Hyun defeats NaNiwa, then it will become very difficult for Life to win the championship.
Alliance.NaNiwa
Despite being out of Korea for a few months, Alliance.NaNiwa showed impressive skill to take out Hack (twice) and San to reach the top four of the tournament. However, it's important that he go further if he wants to maximize his chances of qualifying for Blizzcon, with Die4Ever's probability model giving Naniwa only a 4% chance of making it to Blizzcon if he loses in the semis. That chance improves to 39% if NaNiwa takes second place, and hits 68% if NaNiwa can win it all. Though his ultimate fate will still be influenced by other players, NaNiwa can put himself in the best possible position.
Foreigner fans will be looking at NaNiwa's loss to Targa in WCS Europe and worrying about his chances, as his sOs-esque void-ray style seemed to have been figured out by the Norwegian Zerg. Although we haven't had many good chances to see NaNiwa's PvZ since then, we can assume that he will have learned from that loss and tweaked his PvZ. NaNiwa has shown that he can beat even the best Koreans when he is strategically ahead of the curve, and we will learn tomorrow where his game is at.
Quantic.HyuN
Quantic.HyuN scrapped together an impressive amount of WCS points without even playing in the Premier League for most of the year and he's already guaranteed another nice haul at IEM New York. However, winning IEM NY alone won't help him get to Blizzcon. He still needs to get some kind of good result at WCS America or the Season 3 finals to go with it. Still, the IEM NY points would lower the amount of points he has to acquire in the upcoming WCS events.
Though HyuN has defeated only Zerg players so far in his run through the tournament, he is one of SC2's most balanced players with a win-rate hovering in the mid 60%'s in every match-up. Like Curious, he should feel confident against any of his potential opponents, and like his chances to take home his second major championship of the year. Also, as Spiderman, HyuN should have the hometown advantage.
On October 13 2013 13:30 FrostedMiniWheats wrote: Hyun is winning this if he doesn't get upset by Naniwa (could see it tbh). He's easily the best ZvZ of the remaining Zergs
Curious did beat DRG earlier so we'll see. I'm just ragin over here because Nani goes to semis and HerO doesn't after HerO stomped him yesterday I know that makes no sense but that's me in a nutshell.
The probability calculator has a lot about HyuN in NaNiwa's chances.... does that mean that if HyuN does well in WCS America that would mean that NaNi can't make finals? TT
rofl at Hyun wearing and acting like spiderman lol. Good writeup. I'm expecting Hyun to take this after giving it some thought but would like Life to take it
On October 13 2013 13:45 Archile wrote: The probability calculator has a lot about HyuN in NaNiwa's chances.... does that mean that if HyuN does well in WCS America that would mean that NaNi can't make finals? TT
gogo NaNiwa!
yes, because they are two of the guys competing for the few remaining spots at the bottom (10+ players are already essentially 100% confirmed). One getting in potentially pushes out the other
Really hoping Nani can pull through here, but Hyun is looking pretty hyunstoppable this tournament. If he takes out Naniwa I hope he goes all the way so we can see him at Blizzcon -- his personality is amazing.
Curious is one of those guys who is so solid but so hard to cheer for. Not just his personality, his style is just well-rounded, efficient, intelligent but with no real flair or anything to grab onto. I caught myself thinking "Meh, Curious" just minutes after that amazing ZvP series against sOs. It's ludicrous, I know. Still, Curious absolutely deserves to win this. It would be awesome to see Life get a win for once, he was my favourite WoL player and I'm getting nostalgic for watching him crush, Naniwa really needs the points and he of all people looked so touched today in the post-game interview that my heart melted a little, and noone can dislike Hyun (even when he dresses like a moron). So whoever wins this I'll be happy!
On October 13 2013 15:52 Vaftrudner wrote: Curious is one of those guys who is so solid but so hard to cheer for. Not just his personality, his style is just well-rounded, efficient, intelligent but with no real flair or anything to grab onto. I caught myself thinking "Meh, Curious" just minutes after that amazing ZvP series against sOs. It's ludicrous, I know. Still, Curious absolutely deserves to win this. It would be awesome to see Life get a win for once, he was my favourite WoL player and I'm getting nostalgic for watching him crush, Naniwa really needs the points and he of all people looked so touched today in the post-game interview that my heart melted a little, and noone can dislike Hyun (even when he dresses like a moron). So whoever wins this I'll be happy!
On October 13 2013 15:52 Vaftrudner wrote: Curious is one of those guys who is so solid but so hard to cheer for. Not just his personality, his style is just well-rounded, efficient, intelligent but with no real flair or anything to grab onto. I caught myself thinking "Meh, Curious" just minutes after that amazing ZvP series against sOs. It's ludicrous, I know. Still, Curious absolutely deserves to win this. It would be awesome to see Life get a win for once, he was my favourite WoL player and I'm getting nostalgic for watching him crush, Naniwa really needs the points and he of all people looked so touched today in the post-game interview that my heart melted a little, and noone can dislike Hyun (even when he dresses like a moron). So whoever wins this I'll be happy!
We have now reached the absurd situation that I feared. Naniwa would already have been ahead of Revival in the Wcs-ranking if Revival had not been served this IEM points for free, that rightfully belonged to Nerchio or Grubby. If Nani looses to Hyun we can have a situation where Revival steal the 16th place just in front of Naniwa.
Let me be clear: no shadow over Revival for this (except for possible shame to be felt), but i really hope people realise how corrupt the situation is, limiting the trustworthyness of the Wcs-system and maybe throws out the only foreigner from Blizzcon which is from a commercial and PR perspective bad too.
Let´s hope this doesn't become decisive for Blizzcon-advancement and corrected to not happen in the future, OR if it becomes, that Blizzard realises how unfair it would be to go through with it.
On October 13 2013 18:04 Bertholdz wrote: We have now reached the absurd situation that I feared. Naniwa would already have been ahead of Revival in the Wcs-ranking if Revival had not been served this IEM points for free, that rightfully belonged to Nerchio or Grubby. If Nani looses to Hyun we can have a situation where Revival steal the 16th place just in front of Naniwa.
Let me be clear: no shadow over Revival for this (except for possible shame to be felt), but i really hope people realise how corrupt the situation is, limiting the trustworthyness of the Wcs-system and maybe throws out the only foreigner from Blizzcon which is from a commercial and PR perspective bad too.
Let´s hope this doesn't become decisive for Blizzcon-advancement and corrected to not happen in the future, OR if it becomes, that Blizzard realises how unfair it would be to go through with it.
I agree to some extent (not so much with the "corruptness" of it all, but the issue itself still stands) but just wanted to point out that Scarlett has a shot of making it to Blizzcon also.
On October 13 2013 15:52 Vaftrudner wrote: Curious is one of those guys who is so solid but so hard to cheer for. Not just his personality, his style is just well-rounded, efficient, intelligent but with no real flair or anything to grab onto. I caught myself thinking "Meh, Curious" just minutes after that amazing ZvP series against sOs. It's ludicrous, I know. Still, Curious absolutely deserves to win this. It would be awesome to see Life get a win for once, he was my favourite WoL player and I'm getting nostalgic for watching him crush, Naniwa really needs the points and he of all people looked so touched today in the post-game interview that my heart melted a little, and noone can dislike Hyun (even when he dresses like a moron). So whoever wins this I'll be happy!
On October 13 2013 21:06 jeri wrote: wow life just wiped the floor with hero like it was nothing ._. poor hero.
I was extremely unimpressed with Hero's play. Half the time it seemed like he had no clue what to do. He's a really strong player in all MU's, but he is more known for his great PvP and PvT. Watching him play vs. Life was an eye opener. He looked frightened and slow, and I'm not sure why.
On October 13 2013 13:30 FrostedMiniWheats wrote: Hyun is winning this if he doesn't get upset by Naniwa (could see it tbh). He's easily the best ZvZ of the remaining Zergs
So Naniwa should drop a comment about Hyun's mother.
I know people love Naniwa. But as a personality he is an asshole. And everyone knows it. Kinda a second idra for me. I really want him to lose and get the hell out of my monitors. He should learn how to behave first.... And then he could win smth proper. Hyun and curious to the finals as they deserve it the most
whoever plays best wins. lol @ the people talking about "personality". I want the best players to win, even if they happen to have a difficult character.
Hoping for Naniwa - Life finals, but Hyun taking it all would be fine, too.
Hmm Curious really got me behind him after that sick series vs sOs the other day then again life is pretty cool but Im an og HyuN hipster since he first switched over :/ dammmit who to cheer for
On October 13 2013 17:19 igay wrote: i think nani is the best foreigner in sc2 of all time because hes has been so dam consistent since the start
No he hasnt, his results have always been all over the place.
That said, I hope he wins. For America and such.
I think he meant constinent in the sense that since Dallas 2011, he was always able to take down anyone. What other foreigner You can say this about? Huk, Idra, Stephano, all of them reached some point in their career after which they were just mediocre. We have the end of 2013, and Naniwa is still showing the top level of play.
On October 13 2013 22:31 SorrowShine wrote: I know people love Naniwa. But as a personality he is an asshole. And everyone knows it. Kinda a second idra for me. I really want him to lose and get the hell out of my monitors. He should learn how to behave first.... And then he could win smth proper. Hyun and curious to the finals as they deserve it the most
I know it's all opinions but why would Hyun and Curious deserve a finals more than Naniwa/Life?
Ya, I think naniwa has a shot at this. All 4 players have a shot really. IMHO Hyun is probably the only clear favorite and even that is a bit foggy. It won't be long so we'll see for ourselves soon enough.
On October 13 2013 18:04 Bertholdz wrote: We have now reached the absurd situation that I feared. Naniwa would already have been ahead of Revival in the Wcs-ranking if Revival had not been served this IEM points for free, that rightfully belonged to Nerchio or Grubby. If Nani looses to Hyun we can have a situation where Revival steal the 16th place just in front of Naniwa.
Let me be clear: no shadow over Revival for this (except for possible shame to be felt), but i really hope people realise how corrupt the situation is, limiting the trustworthyness of the Wcs-system and maybe throws out the only foreigner from Blizzcon which is from a commercial and PR perspective bad too.
Let´s hope this doesn't become decisive for Blizzcon-advancement and corrected to not happen in the future, OR if it becomes, that Blizzard realises how unfair it would be to go through with it.
To be fair, you can say the same thing about aLive in the Season 2 finals, he shouldn't have gotten there, Jim should have, but instead aLive got the money and the points and secured his spot at blizzcon ahead of some players who deserve it more.
On October 13 2013 18:04 Bertholdz wrote: We have now reached the absurd situation that I feared. Naniwa would already have been ahead of Revival in the Wcs-ranking if Revival had not been served this IEM points for free, that rightfully belonged to Nerchio or Grubby. If Nani looses to Hyun we can have a situation where Revival steal the 16th place just in front of Naniwa.
Let me be clear: no shadow over Revival for this (except for possible shame to be felt), but i really hope people realise how corrupt the situation is, limiting the trustworthyness of the Wcs-system and maybe throws out the only foreigner from Blizzcon which is from a commercial and PR perspective bad too.
Let´s hope this doesn't become decisive for Blizzcon-advancement and corrected to not happen in the future, OR if it becomes, that Blizzard realises how unfair it would be to go through with it.
Life vs Hero and Nani= 7 wins with basically speedzerglings. Sc2 might thank the good lord HE will not appear at Blizzcon. Cause no one likes to watch thousand rats fighting 10 ninjas, a picture of his "tactics"...
On October 14 2013 06:15 Bertholdz wrote: Life vs Hero and Nani= 7 wins with basically speedzerglings. Sc2 might thank the good lord HE will not appear at Blizzcon. Cause no one likes to watch thousand rats fighting 10 ninjas, a picture of his "tactics"...
Actually, I think it's some of the most entertaining Starcraft II there is.
On October 13 2013 18:04 Bertholdz wrote: We have now reached the absurd situation that I feared. Naniwa would already have been ahead of Revival in the Wcs-ranking if Revival had not been served this IEM points for free, that rightfully belonged to Nerchio or Grubby. If Nani looses to Hyun we can have a situation where Revival steal the 16th place just in front of Naniwa.
Let me be clear: no shadow over Revival for this (except for possible shame to be felt), but i really hope people realise how corrupt the situation is, limiting the trustworthyness of the Wcs-system and maybe throws out the only foreigner from Blizzcon which is from a commercial and PR perspective bad too.
Let´s hope this doesn't become decisive for Blizzcon-advancement and corrected to not happen in the future, OR if it becomes, that Blizzard realises how unfair it would be to go through with it.
To be fair, you can say the same thing about aLive in the Season 2 finals, he shouldn't have gotten there, Jim should have, but instead aLive got the money and the points and secured his spot at blizzcon ahead of some players who deserve it more.
Yeah but it wasn't his fault he got in, it was just an unfortunate situation. And to be fair, he didn't just show up at the Season finals and go 0-4 out of his group for the EZ money/points. He 2-0d the reigning WCS KR champion and then 2-0d Scarlett to make the ro8. So I think he deserved it just fine thanks.
On October 14 2013 06:15 Bertholdz wrote: Life vs Hero and Nani= 7 wins with basically speedzerglings. Sc2 might thank the good lord HE will not appear at Blizzcon. Cause no one likes to watch thousand rats fighting 10 ninjas, a picture of his "tactics"...
Just want to say Thank you so much TL for selling the tickets for NYCC even though it was already sold out elsewhere.
It allowed me to go and see my first ever SC event and meet all the awesome people, a girl's wish come true. I just started learning SC and I'm definitely motivated and loving it!
Will try to post some pictures later, if I ever figure out how to work the blog section I got some pretty great "behind the scenes" stuff. haha.
On October 14 2013 06:15 Bertholdz wrote: Life vs Hero and Nani= 7 wins with basically speedzerglings. Sc2 might thank the good lord HE will not appear at Blizzcon. Cause no one likes to watch thousand rats fighting 10 ninjas, a picture of his "tactics"...
I don't know about you, but that image is looking pretty damn cool in my mind.
On October 14 2013 06:15 Bertholdz wrote: Life vs Hero and Nani= 7 wins with basically speedzerglings. Sc2 might thank the good lord HE will not appear at Blizzcon. Cause no one likes to watch thousand rats fighting 10 ninjas, a picture of his "tactics"...
I agree, God would dislike seeing Life and his speedlings in the finals, after all, Life's kicked him out of 2 different MLGs, one of which was a final
On October 14 2013 22:14 theRayeGun wrote: That was such an awkward celebration. Seriously.
It didn't help that there was no one around for celebration.
ComicCon show floor closed at 5 on Sunday, and the venue kicked everyone out. That's why you saw so little people there for celebration, and not a lot of cheering . I was lucky enough to have an Exhibitor badge so I stayed a bit longer. The finals were delayed, otherwise it would've finished on time by 5.
Glad I was there though, GG life! The child has accomplished more in 16 years than I ever will.
no wonder that sc2 is kinda 'dying' each tourney is getting soooo lamestretched and advirtised to the death, its just getting more painfull to watch with everytime. naniwa did a good job to keep this 'over the top cheering and excitment' halfway alive, but anything else feels is soo artficial and dead kinda. gg life hopefully that will give you fresh strength and motivation for more sc2!
I'm not a Naniwa fan but I'm really glad he fended off Life's attacks and manner hatches. His Voidray micro (game 3?) is also very awesome, I wish he won that round
Nani really needed those 300 wcs point to make it to blizzcon. There is way too many people can easily surpass him for the top 16 such as Scarlet, soO, Hyun, Vortix and Dear.
EPT
Curious, 
NaNiwa, ![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Waxangel/iem/nyc2013/iemnybracket.png)
I know that makes no sense but that's me in a nutshell.
so go Life and if not, Naniwa!
