This first TLMC of LotV attempted to build upon previous iterations by introducing quite a few new features such as the introduction of categories, a tournament designed to showcase all the finalists, and an iteration phase designed to get the best versions of maps possible. In addition, the number of finalists was increased from seven to fifteen, allowing us to show off more maps than ever.

Now, after weeks of designing, judging, testing, iterating, and voting, the results are in! We are now ready to announce the winners of TLMC7.

All finalists will receive a custom community commander portrait. In addition, the authors of the top five maps will receive the following prizes, all provided by Blizzard.

First - $1,000
Second - $500
Third - $250
Fourth - $150
Fifth - $100

FIFTH PLACE

Gojira Greenhouse | Avex

Gojira Greenhouse by popular mapper Avex comes in fifth with 40.5% of voters siding with the gold category map. Gojira Greenhouse features a unique usage of gold bases, where the gold base protecting the natural can be mined by a macro hatch or cc. It is additionally possible for some players to expand clockwise and take the 9 or 3 o'clock gold as their third. Mining either gold, however, will open up additional attack paths to your bases, so players won't be able to simply turtle with their superior economy.

Avex is most known for the recent ladder map Invader. He has also places 6th and 14th in TLMC7 with his other submissions, Namaste and Caldeum Plateau. Avex will be taking home $100 for his effort.

FOURTH PLACE

Galactic Process | NewSunshine

Galactic Process by NewSunshine received 43.7% support from the public with many commenting that it bears an eerie resemblance to possibly the most popular map of all time, Cloud Kingdom. This resemblance helps make it an extremely solid macro map. The Tasteless Secret Hallways running along the edges of the map and allowing access to the natural is a bit of a throwback to Xel'Naga Caverns, another classic map from Wings.

NewSunshine is most known for making Retribution, a 4v4 map that placed 3rd in TLMC#2's teamplay contest. It was introduced to the 4v4 ladder in 2013. NewSunshine walks home with $150 for his 4th place finish.

THIRD PLACE

Annihilation Station | Meavis

Just a very solid macro map is one way to describe Annihilation Station, a map that garnered the support of 47.2% of voters. Though countless standard maps were submitted to TLMC7, Annihilation seems to stand above the rest in terms of execution, thanks to its solid expansion pattern and layout. If selected for ladder, Annihilation has the potential to become the next Daybreak or Overgrowth.

This is Meavis's first TLMC finish though he is no stranger to mapmaking as he is the leader of the Starcraft Mapmaking Association. Meavis will take away $250 for his first win.

SECOND PLACE

Apotheosis | NegativeZero

Apotheosis is a vibrant 2-player map that caught the attention of 48.2% of voters. As a tall map that sports many chokes, many may liken Apotheosis to the WoL map, Crossfire. However, unlike Crossfire, Apotheosis happens to be a more macro-oriented map with elegant expansion layouts. One of the more unique features of the map is all of the bridges that players need to cross in order to get the other side of the map. While the paths may seem straightforward, armies are likely to get choked up as they make this trek. Another interesting feature of the map is the choice between an exposed gold and a safer blue base as the third, which should lead to a variety of styles being viable.

NegativeZero is most known for creating TLMC6 winner Terraform, yet another map that tiptoes the line between standard and revolutionary. NegativeZero will take the second place prize of a whopping $500.

FIRST PLACE

New Gettysberg | Jacky

Polling at 54.2%, New Gettysberg was the only map to gain majority support from the public. The "New" map was not only a novel island map, it also introduced the concept of air blockers to allow these islands to be more easily defended.

When it was initially submitted, there were concerns that the map was too gimmicky and that the island bases would never be used. New Gettysberg proved us wrong, however, as it provided, on average, better games than most of its competition in the BasetradeTV tournament. Most notably, Lambo vs Beastyqt showed us a split-map type of game the likes we've never seen before. If Scarlett vs Bomber is a testament to Habituation Station's promise as a map, then Lambo vs Beastyqt is that for New Gettysberg. Maps like Outboxer have shown in the past that builds specific to island bases can be powerful in the right circumstances, and we're sure that New Gettysburg will be no different in producing interesting strategies.

Possibly the most seasoned mapmaker in the entire contest, Jacky has crafted the following maps:

• Crossfire
  
• Xel'Naga Fortress
  
• Crevasse
  
• Calm before the Storm

Not only will Jacky now be able to add New Gettysburg to this already impressive list, he will also be richer $1,000.

With that, TLMC7 comes to a close. From our end, it was the most successful TLMC yet and we were really satisfied with how we were able to showcase so many maps. Thanks to Jer, The_Templar, Teoita, and Theo for their hard work as part of TL_Strategy. Thanks to Blizzard again for working with us closely on this and giving us the opportunity to make a difference in the next ladder pool (and of course for the $2,000 prize pool). Special thanks to Psione; this was his final project as SC2 community manager and he certainly went out with a bang.

Now that the contest has concluded, it's in Blizzard's hands to pick the maps for the next season of ladder. We look forward to hear which of the fifteen finalists will make it!