EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/oDFm4wz.jpg)
After a massive crowdfunding effort, O'Gaming's second edition of Nation Wars concluded last weekend in the prestigious "Le Trianon de Paris". The four remaining nations were Norway (
Eiki, 
TargA, Snute), Poland (Tefel, MaNa, Nerchio), France (Lilbow, 
Dayshi, Stephano) and Mexico (JimRiSiNg, Maker, MajOr). The French crowd once against brought an incredible energy to the event, reminiscent of the earlier Iron Squid tournaments, which created an incredible atmosphere for the games. Semifinal 1
4
Norway
Eiki <King Sejong Station> TefelEiki <Kamala Park> MaNaEiki <Overgrowth> NerchioEiki <Deadwing> Nerchio***<
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0
Poland
While Norway is typically known for Snute putting the country on his back, it was the little known Eiki who delivered a surprising all kill to open the night. Eiki used a variety of styles in his four games, ranging from an old school blink stalker all in against Nerchio through to drawn out macro games such as the final game of the series on Deadwing. Eiki's shock performance electrified the crowd and had them chanting his name at the conclusion of the series. This performance is easily the stand out performance of Eiki's career to date.
Semifinal 2
4
Mexico
MajOr <Merry Go Round> DayshiMajOr <Nimbus> LilbowMajOr <Catallena> StephanoMajOr <Overgrowth> Stephano***<
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0
France
Mexico had made the semifinals predominantly off of the strong performance of Major in this tournament, and this series was really more of the same. MajOr looked in dominating form in three of the four games, only having difficulty against Lilbow in the second set. In this game MajOr fell behind early but excellent point defense drone usage and drop play allowed him to stage an incredible comeback. While MajOr had put a small damper on the French crowd's energy, there was some small consolation to come.
Third Place
3
Poland
MaNa <Deadwing> DayshiMaNa <Overgrowth> StephanoTefel <King Sejong Station> StephanoNerchio <Catallena> StephanoNerchio <Merry Go Round> LilbowNerchio <Nimbus> Dayshi***MaNa*** <Outboxer> Dayshi4
France
In arguably the series of the night, France took home third place - much to the delight of the crowd. MaNa secured an early lead for Poland after defeating a rather confused looking Dayshi, but a failed cannon rush against Stephano tied up the series 1-1. Stephano defeated Tefel in game three setting up the highly anticipated Stephano-Nerchio match. Stephano's rust showed and Nerchio was able to tie up the series 2-2. The score was quickly turned into 3-2 as Lilbow fell to Nerchio forcing team France to send out Dayshi as their ace. In an epic game, Dayshi was able to edge out Nerchio setting up a rematch against MaNa. This time Dayshi was able to get his revenge and secure third place for France.
Grand Final
4
Norway
TargA <Overgrowth> MakerTargA <Nimbus> JimRiSiNgEiki <King Sejong Station> JimRiSiNgSnute <Catallena> JimRiSiNgSnute <Deadwing> MajOrSnute <Outboxer> MajOr***<
2
Mexico
The first game of the finals between Maker and TargA was the fastest of the night, with Maker going for a 2rax strategy which TargA blind countered with pool first. JimRiSiNg then stepped in and played an exceptionally brilliant ZvZ to even out the series 1-1. In the third match, JimRiSiNg defeated Eiki with a late game mutalisk switch before losing to Snute in the fourth to tie the series 2-2.
This set up, effectively, a Bo3 between Snute and MajOr to decide the winner of Nation Wars II. MajOr decided to go mech on Deadwing but despite gaining an early lead with hellion harass, the game progressed into late game with both sides on relatively even footing. Snute was able to gain a lead with some brilliant fungal growths, but was unable to crack MajOr's defense to finish him off. MajOr slowly chipped away at Snute's army while Snute took most of the map. It wasn't until after the 60 minute mark that Snute was able to get another set of pristine fungals and this time close out the game. The final game of the night had MajOr attempt to all in Snute, who was able to defend and secure the championship for Norway.
Team Norway won over $14,000 by claiming first place and successfully defended their Nation Wars title. Team Mexico took home over $7,000 for their efforts. This firmly cements Norway as one of the strongest Starcraft nations outside of Korea. O'Gaming are in the process of organising a Team Korea vs Team Norway showmatch to be held on September 7th. Korea will be represented by
MC, Jaedong and Life (who were chosen by public vote). 
but if this happens it ll be epic!![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Dq0i4zl.jpg)
