EPTSBENU GSL
Season 2 Code S
Whatever It Takes
INnoVation, Creator, Bomber, Panic
Brackets and standings on Liquipedia
Whatever It Takes
by Destructicon
After dominating the first round of Proleague while showing impressive and clutch play,
INnoVation seems to have entered a rough patch. The first chink in his armor appeared in the SSL S1 Challenger: after going up 2-0 against Stats, INnoVation wasn't able to close it out and lost 2-3. The chinks soon became cracks as INnoVation lost to Life in the Ro8 of the GSL and then Zest in the Ro8 of IEM. Even Proleague, the last bastion of INnoVation's might, was invaded—and as he stopped performing his spots became less secure. The worst part of this slide is that INnoVation isn't even suffering from some kind of unfavorable meta; rather it's his mechanics, his very identity, that is suffering. Against Life in the GSL and Losira in Proleague, INnoVation's mechanics were abysmal for his standards; his splits were non existent and his engagements poor. It was as if Dream had siphoned all of his elder's power for himself. INnoVation's TvZ woes have extended to his TvP as well, which is worrisome for the machine. Fortunately for him the protoss in this group aren't the most illustrious, so if he keeps his wits about him he still has a chance of advancing as long as he doesn't have another bad day.You could say that
Creator has been in a massive slump since the launch of HotS, but that wouldn't be accurate. A slump implies a temporary pothole, but this almost looks like he's dug himself a grave. The HephaisToss, known for his trademark double forge styles and carefully crafted builds, was unable to adapt with the times. The new gateway-centric options, pioneered by sOs, Rain and StarDust offered protoss greater flexibility in both aggression and macro. Creator was unable to adapt quick enough; his defensive style was left in the dust as the protoss race steamed ahead. Initially he was able to keep his Code S status, but he was soon stuck in Code A and then in 2014 he fell to Code B. He has been unable to return, until now. The hardship of the last few months and the weight of PRIME on his shoulders changed Creator in ways we hadn't expected. He abandoned his safe macro play and embraced cheese, often surprising his much more accomplished KeSPA opponents in Proleague with blink all-ins, dark templars or immortal busts. It has been a long and painful journey of transformation but it seems to have finally payed off as Creator has qualified for both GSL and S2SL. Despite already being eliminated by Classic in S2SL, Creator triumphed over Soulkey, marking his Code S return after 742 days. Creator's chances are surprisingly good here, as both his terran opponents are in questionable form and Panic isn't the most accomplished of players.There isn't much more to say regarding
Bomber than what we said last time. He seems to have gone rather inactive, not participating in any online cups and neglecting qualifiers. His most recent foray into the KeSPA Cup qualifier went poorly: he lost to PenguiN and then Zoun. Even before that he seemed to struggle, getting eliminated in rather unceremonious fashion by TY and YongHwa and then barely defeating Shine to return to Code S. If the trend continues Bomber could struggle in this GSL, but he should never be counted out. When on form Bomber is one of the best terrans in the world, capable of going toe to toe and defeating anyone with endless tides of marines. This group is also sufficiently volatile that with proper preparation Bomber could certainly make it out.Choya has done wonders at revitalizing careers. He took a rag tag group of B-teamers, reformed MVP with them and helped half reach Code S. Whatever black magic Choya is using it seems to be working, and while Losira and YongHwa have been the most obvious beneficiaries, the rookies have also benefited. Flying under the radar for most has been
Panic. The old StarTale rookie always showed promise, qualifying for GSL a handful of times only to be sent reeling back to Code A or B. Recently though, Choya's voodoo has started to take hold, as Panic was sent out 3 times against TerrOr, Billowy and Flash and managed to defeat them all. Impressive as that may be, the Bo1 format of Proleague is a poor indicator of how a player will do in individual leagues. Thus the shock was even bigger when Panic managed to overcome Trap, someone rated much higher than he is, in a close 3-2 series. Panic looks better than ever, but Code S is a different beast. Even in a group of slumping veterans I don't give him much of a chance, but I still wouldn't be very surprised to see him cause some upsets.Overall Thoughts and Predictions:
Despite not showing many results I peg Bomber as the favorite here. The past few months have merely been one of those cool down periods before he explodes back onto the scene stronger then ever. Next I expect Creator to make it, unless INnoVation has rediscovered his mojo. Without his mechanics, he won't go far in Code S, I expect Creator to be desperate enough to defeat him in PvT and Panic in a PvP. Expect this group to be dirty, because every single one will do whatever it takes to get by.
INnoVation < Creator
Bomber > Panic
Bomber > Creator
INnoVation < Panic
Creator > Panic
Bomber and Creator to advance.
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