TLMC8 comes to a close as we round out the top five maps of the season as determined by you, the community. TLMC8 was the closest vote we've ever had in a map contest with the top five being neck-and-neck up until the very end. The final five maps are all very high quality and each could serve as a valued addition to the ladder map pool. As always, Blizzard will consider all of the finalists for use on the ladder but there are no guarantees that first place (or second... etc) is used!

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

Sequencer | NegativeZero

• This medium-sized macro map features a grid of alternating high ground pods, inspired by the BW proleague map "Geometry", encouraging players to use them to establish defensive positions. Destructible rocks initially block several paths and make certain bases easier to take. But once the rocks are down, despite the map's constricting appearance, it becomes quite open - since the pods are so close together, it's easy to move between adjacent pods to flank from a side ramp, and numerous possible routes are available to traverse the map.
  
• The map offers 2 choices of 3rd base: a standard, fairly vulnerable base on the low ground, and a protected base located behind the natural wall, but with a reduced resource count of only 6 mineral nodes and 1 geyser.
  
• Multiple alternating high ground pods allow for defensive positioning as well as flanking and outmaneuvering.

NegativeZero is most known for creating TLMC6 winner Terraform and TLMC7 2nd place finisher Apotheosis. NegativeZero will take fifth place with $100.

FOURTH PLACE

Paradise Lost | Jacky

• There are three island expansions near each player's main.
  
• This map utilizes 'Sky Gates', which are like Destructible Rocks with 2000HP and 3 armor. However, they block air units as well.
  
• Air Blockers block the area around the islands, and is marked in blue.
  
• The first island expansion can be easily defended by building a defensive tower(such as Missle Turret) on the side of the main base, but more island bases requires a larger defensive radius.

Jacky is known for numerous maps throughout the history of StarCraft II including Crossfire, Xel'Naga Fortress, Crevasse, and Calm before the Storm. More recently, however, he won TLMC7 with the map New Gettysberg. Jacky takes home $150 this time for his creative map.

THIRD PLACE

Hwangsan | Avex

• A small channel runs through the center of the map, guarded by Watch Towers from the cliffs above. Third bases are open to offensive strikes, but defendable through tight positions, some of which that can be opened up.
  
• Standard rush distance, boundary size and mineral lines, with little deviation from the norm in macro maps.
  
• Round in shape, double rocks blocking two offensive channels by the diagonal third base, a rock tower to help assist in the vertical base defense.

Avex is most known for the ladder map Invader. Avex also placed 5th in TLMC7 with his entry, Gojira Greenhouse. Avex will be taking home at least $250 for his efforts here.

SECOND PLACE

Ascension to Aiur | SidiantheBard

• Fairly standard macro map with plenty of choices of expansions after the natural. No matter where you take your 3rd, you will have an option of a different 4th as well. The game will constantly evolve depending which 3rd gets taken because then it opens up multiple different options for a 4th.
  
• Expanding both vertically and horizontally has their individual benefits.
  
• Early game the rocks play a huge role, choking the map off and restricting flow but come middle and end game once they are taken down it creates another (albeit choked) path for the attacker to get around the map.
  
• The middle of the map is quite choked off, but out of each choke gives a good defender's advantage if needed.
  
• Watchtowers see the entire middle forcing players to hug the outside paths if they want to stay clear of vision.

Sidian's long list of previous ladder maps include: Habitation Station(2nd place TLMC3) , Abyssal Reef, Honorgrounds, Moonlight Madness(5th place TLMC6), and Korhal Carnage Knockout. Sidian will take home $500 for yet another 2nd place finish.

FIRST PLACE

Windwaker | Avex

• A warm and inviting beach-front macro map.
  
• Standard rush distance, comfortable elevation variation. Many positional points, but enough space for flanking in specific matchups, such as Zerg versus Terran or Protoss versus Terran.
  
• Vertical 4th has a high mineral income, but little longevity, as well as only one geyser. The opposite 4th, has 10 minerals and 2 gas geysers, for longevity.
  
• Lowground late-game bases have 5 mineral patches, but 3 geysers as a risky base option after the longevity base was taken.
  
• The Gold base has 8 mineral patches, all of which at a 33% decreased value (1000 for near, 600 for far patches)

In addition to his 3rd place prize, Avex will take home $1,000 more for his victory in TLMC8.

With that, TLMC8 comes to a close. Thank you to everyone who submitted a map, voted in the poll, watch the Map Test tournament hosted by BaseTradeTV or otherwise showed an interest in the contest.

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!