The semifinal matches in GSL Code S are set after a two-day quarterfinal blitz. Reigning champion Dark moves on to defend his title with a fearsome Jin Air trio of Maru, Trap, and Rogue looking to seize his throne. The Code S semifinals will begin Dark vs Rogue on Wednesday, Sep 18 9:30am GMT (GMT+00:00), followed by Maru vs Trap on Saturday, Sep 21 4:00am GMT (GMT+00:00)
Those looking to Dark vs TY for insight into BL-Infestor in TvZ would have been sorely disappointed, with Dark willing to make every Zerg unit except Brood Lords. Dark explained in his post-match interview that after showcasing so much BL-Infestor play in his ZvT-packed Ro16 group, he wanted to circumvent whatever counters that TY had prepared. Dark may have regretted this decision on the occasions when his ground-based armies charged headlong into TY's Terran meat-grinder, but he was still able to escape with a narrow 3-2 victory.
Trap earned the only 3-0 sweep of the quarterfinal round against KeeN; a harsh send-off to the veteran Terran playing in his final match before beginning mandatory military service. Trap put on a macro-play clinic, deflecting KeeN's early attacks (including a stroke of luck against a clever 'proxy' factory) and comfortably powering up to defeat him in the mid-late game.
Rogue finally overcame his Code S quarterfinal jinx, advancing for the first time in nine attempts. However, his series against Zest was anything but clean, giving up a map after a failed bane-ling all-in, and then throwing an all-but-won game after shutting down Zest's hidden Stargates. However, Zest's counter-throw in game five was enough to hand Rogue the series, with an ineffectual cannon-rush sealing a 3-2 victory for Rogue.
Despite losing 1-3 to Maru, RagnaroK proved to be more resilient than many would have expected headed into the match. He scored the first point of the series by crushing Maru's Battlecruiser mech with an incisive Corruptor-Ravager attack, and stayed surprisingly even with Maru in game two before running out of steam in the late game. Unfortunately for RagnaroK, the next two games were a Maru skills showcase—Ghosts neutralized RagnaroK's BL-Infestor in game three, while a non-stop barrage of bio attacks and drops pummeled RagnaroK into submission in game four.
On September 12 2019 04:49 DreamlnCode wrote: I'm excited to see Dark play Rogue. Yeh I know ZvZ, but I can't recall the last time these two players met with such high stakes.
While Maru is looking good, I still feel Trap may have the upper hand, we'll see.
They played in december 2018 (online, 4-1 for Rogue), august 2018 (online, 3-1 for Dark).
Last time offline was GSL 2018 Season 3's ro16 and Rogue won 2-0.
On September 12 2019 04:44 Serimek wrote: Maru looked very good, back in shape. Are we going to finally have a real series between him and Serral at Blizzcon?
It might have been one of those cases where RagnaroK played JUST well enough to make Maru look good, without really putting up a fight on the level of real top Zergs. Maru vs either Zerg in the finals would give us a better idea, so I'll defer judgment until then!
I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
I don’t think winning a sole GSL would elevate Trap to the level of those two in historic terms, but it would definitely help in giving him the recognition he deserves as Protoss players in 2019 go at least.
It’s weird listening to casts and it’s consistently Stats hype and Classic hype with Trap barely given a mention, they’ve all had their moments this year. Trap is a really well rounded Protoss and an absolutely PvT monster.
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
I don’t think winning a sole GSL would elevate Trap to the level of those two in historic terms, but it would definitely help in giving him the recognition he deserves as Protoss players in 2019 go at least.
It’s weird listening to casts and it’s consistently Stats hype and Classic hype with Trap barely given a mention, they’ve all had their moments this year. Trap is a really well rounded Protoss and an absolutely PvT monster.
Yeah I know what you mean. I think it's just because the other two have both won tournaments this year, but certainly trap is in the mix now especially after last season. Agree his PvT in particular is very good so it'll be an interesting semi. I could see him beating Maru but I would favour the zergs in the final.
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
I don’t think winning a sole GSL would elevate Trap to the level of those two in historic terms, but it would definitely help in giving him the recognition he deserves as Protoss players in 2019 go at least.
It’s weird listening to casts and it’s consistently Stats hype and Classic hype with Trap barely given a mention, they’ve all had their moments this year. Trap is a really well rounded Protoss and an absolutely PvT monster.
Yeah I know what you mean. I think it's just because the other two have both won tournaments this year, but certainly trap is in the mix now especially after last season. Agree his PvT in particular is very good so it'll be an interesting semi. I could see him beating Maru but I would favour the zergs in the final.
Trap left behind any shade of mediocrity in 2019, a Cods S title would be testament to his new dimension of top player; I'll root for him, personally.
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
I don’t think winning a sole GSL would elevate Trap to the level of those two in historic terms, but it would definitely help in giving him the recognition he deserves as Protoss players in 2019 go at least.
It’s weird listening to casts and it’s consistently Stats hype and Classic hype with Trap barely given a mention, they’ve all had their moments this year. Trap is a really well rounded Protoss and an absolutely PvT monster.
Yeah I know what you mean. I think it's just because the other two have both won tournaments this year, but certainly trap is in the mix now especially after last season. Agree his PvT in particular is very good so it'll be an interesting semi. I could see him beating Maru but I would favour the zergs in the final.
I think best option for Trap is Dark wins so that Rogue can help him prep. My only good prediction of the year was that Trap would have a good run last season, as JAGW were all eliminated and could aid his prep, plus he’s good anyway.
That said it wasn’t quite enough last time and Dark beat him pretty convincingly, and tbh I think factoring meta changes as well as people figuring stuff out that PvZ looks pretty brutal in a Bo5 right now never mind a Bo7
On September 12 2019 05:53 Wombat_NI wrote: I hope Trap wins this season personally, feels play wise he’s absolutely up there as if not the best Toss then very close, but that GSL win would really give him the prestige that Classic and Stats have
Yeah I'd say his form is ahead of Classic at the moment, probably not Stats. In terms of overall achievements though, one GSL wouldn't put him level with those guys who have a plethora of gold and silver between them. I think he would need at least two.
Don't forget people like Seed and Jjakji have won a single GSL! With a bit of bracket luck and a spell of good form anyone can win one tournament but the true champions in my eyes are those who keep consistently reasserting themselves.
*That said, he is on a good track. Back to back finals would certainly be a great achievement for him. I do think the Jin Air situation is highly favourable to prep style tournaments but that doesn't take away that he is certainly cementing himself as the number 1 protoss on that team now.
I don’t think winning a sole GSL would elevate Trap to the level of those two in historic terms, but it would definitely help in giving him the recognition he deserves as Protoss players in 2019 go at least.
It’s weird listening to casts and it’s consistently Stats hype and Classic hype with Trap barely given a mention, they’ve all had their moments this year. Trap is a really well rounded Protoss and an absolutely PvT monster.
Yeah I know what you mean. I think it's just because the other two have both won tournaments this year, but certainly trap is in the mix now especially after last season. Agree his PvT in particular is very good so it'll be an interesting semi. I could see him beating Maru but I would favour the zergs in the final.
I think best option for Trap is Dark wins so that Rogue can help him prep. My only good prediction of the year was that Trap would have a good run last season, as JAGW were all eliminated and could aid his prep, plus he’s good anyway.
That said it wasn’t quite enough last time and Dark beat him pretty convincingly, and tbh I think factoring meta changes as well as people figuring stuff out that PvZ looks pretty brutal in a Bo5 right now never mind a Bo7
Yeah, I would give Dark the edge still in the finals especially with current meta (although Dark doesn't really play broodlords much so maybe that will be less of a factor).
It would be interesting to see a back-to-back finals rematch, I don't think that's ever happened before?
Somehow, despite his best efforts to throw it, Rogue made it to the semis. Hoping for a Dark vs. Maru finals but I think that Rogue has a really good chance to go to the finals.
Dark proving that you don't need BL/Infestors to win games. Not sure why some people make the excuse that Zerg absolutely can never win games without this composition. Zerg can and does win games without it.
Many Maru fans would disagree, but I got the feeling that Ragnarok just stopped playing in the last two matches despite the promising start. By "stopped" I mean LITERALLY. After Ragnarok mutated lots of brood lords he either had no idea what to do with them or may be his head had just overheated. He did some godlike moves in the very start of the whole game and then what... Maru played so comfortable without any form of tease or attack in the end in his base, of course in this scenario he will look unstoppable by building 6 - 7 atomic bombs... why those beautiful double nyduses just... stopped!!! Dark or any other top zerg would switch to a new army composition when he sees an obvious sky mass liberator/viking/BC terran. I don't think that Ragnarok has a lack of skill because he really started seriously and we got some Nestea vibes in some situations. Maru of course looked extraordinary again. I can't blame him in anything, he is a pro and is doing his job as best as he can. But honestly most of the Code S players don't show the skill of a real pro back in the real pro days in team houses and especially back in the gold BW classical era. Damn, Zest did some pathetic moves against Rogue, the guy who invented the PvZ from HotS era as we know it...
Hope for a Trap Dark rematch in the Finals, where Trap wins this time. But I doubt that Dark can win against a top 5 Zerg, as ZvZ is clearly his weakest match up. Trap Maru is going to be super close, but I feel like its 55 to 45 for Maru there
On September 12 2019 19:10 Anc13nt wrote: I think Rogue vs Maru finals would be pretty sick The last time they played against each other in the ro8 was a great match.
You mean when Maru bodied Rogue with a tank push on every map smaller than Backwater?
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
On September 12 2019 19:10 Anc13nt wrote: I think Rogue vs Maru finals would be pretty sick The last time they played against each other in the ro8 was a great match.
You mean when Maru bodied Rogue with a tank push on every map smaller than Backwater?
That tank push was such a shit build honestly, I have no clue how Maru took 2/4 games with it
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
I hope Maru can take it just so he can take the G5L Throphy they made for Mvp back in the day. After all these years seeing him fullfill his legacy would be the best story line ever.
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
It's well known that Activision-Blizzard could cut the financial support in the blink of an eye but yours seems pure negative attitude. Or, maybe, you know something we are not aware of?
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
I thought Blizzard contributed to the prizepool in the WCS era.
On September 13 2019 13:41 machinus wrote: How is Maru winning that poll?
Zerg is extremely good right now, and Dark is the current champion. Dark should be a heavy favorite to win.
Did you watch Maru vs Ragnarok? Zerg being strong didn't save him.
In regards to the negativity, its interesting you think we are negative, from my perspective you "GSL will continue forever and anyone who says otherwise is negative" people are either very disconnected from reality (how money is needed to make things actually continue) or in denial.
Blizzard sponsors GSL with prize money, thats how I thought it always worked. If Blizzard isn't sponsoring where is the money coming from? SC2 in korea is very very small, this can also be seen in how hard it has been for GSL to get any sponsors from within korea in the last couple of years.
That a korean league would continue perpetually when it isn't popular in korea is just being naive. Viewers outside of korea are harder to monetize and sponsors are harder to find for that demographic in korea. Blizzards sponsorship is what makes it go around, thats what I think anyway which paints a grim picture. The alternative is that GSL is making losses with every season and that cannot continue forever either, either way I think its going to end soon if nothing changes.
Edit: Of course its only my deductions, I could be wrong. Maybe I'm just negative but to me it seems realistic, I guess I want to prepare myself for the worst so I don't turn into too much a sad wreck if it happens :p
On September 13 2019 13:41 machinus wrote: How is Maru winning that poll?
Zerg is extremely good right now, and Dark is the current champion. Dark should be a heavy favorite to win.
Did you watch Maru vs Ragnarok? Zerg being strong didn't save him.
In regards to the negativity, its interesting you think we are negative, from my perspective you "GSL will continue forever and anyone who says otherwise is negative" people are either very disconnected from reality (how money is needed to make things actually continue) or in denial.
Blizzard sponsors GSL with prize money, thats how I thought it always worked. If Blizzard isn't sponsoring where is the money coming from? SC2 in korea is very very small, this can also be seen in how hard it has been for GSL to get any sponsors from within korea in the last couple of years.
That a korean league would continue perpetually when it isn't popular in korea is just being naive. Viewers outside of korea are harder to monetize and sponsors are harder to find for that demographic in korea. Blizzards sponsorship is what makes it go around, thats what I think anyway which paints a grim picture. The alternative is that GSL is making losses with every season and that cannot continue forever either, either way I think its going to end soon if nothing changes.
Edit: Of course its only my deductions, I could be wrong. Maybe I'm just negative but to me it seems realistic, I guess I want to prepare myself for the worst so I don't turn into too much a sad wreck if it happens :p
Is there any specific reason for you to assume this is going to be the last GSL season? It might be, but there isn't any indication it will; the "natural" state is that there will be another one.
On September 13 2019 13:41 machinus wrote: How is Maru winning that poll?
Zerg is extremely good right now, and Dark is the current champion. Dark should be a heavy favorite to win.
Did you watch Maru vs Ragnarok? Zerg being strong didn't save him.
In regards to the negativity, its interesting you think we are negative, from my perspective you "GSL will continue forever and anyone who says otherwise is negative" people are either very disconnected from reality (how money is needed to make things actually continue) or in denial.
Blizzard sponsors GSL with prize money, thats how I thought it always worked. If Blizzard isn't sponsoring where is the money coming from? SC2 in korea is very very small, this can also be seen in how hard it has been for GSL to get any sponsors from within korea in the last couple of years.
That a korean league would continue perpetually when it isn't popular in korea is just being naive. Viewers outside of korea are harder to monetize and sponsors are harder to find for that demographic in korea. Blizzards sponsorship is what makes it go around, thats what I think anyway which paints a grim picture. The alternative is that GSL is making losses with every season and that cannot continue forever either, either way I think its going to end soon if nothing changes.
Edit: Of course its only my deductions, I could be wrong. Maybe I'm just negative but to me it seems realistic, I guess I want to prepare myself for the worst so I don't turn into too much a sad wreck if it happens :p
Is there any specific reason for you to assume this is going to be the last GSL season? It might be, but there isn't any indication it will; the "natural" state is that there will be another one.
You are replying to the post where I explained my reasoning thoroughly, which part of it is unclear?
Edit: Also I have never written anywhere that I believe this is going to be the last GSL season, why do you assume that?
On September 13 2019 13:41 machinus wrote: How is Maru winning that poll?
Zerg is extremely good right now, and Dark is the current champion. Dark should be a heavy favorite to win.
Did you watch Maru vs Ragnarok? Zerg being strong didn't save him.
In regards to the negativity, its interesting you think we are negative, from my perspective you "GSL will continue forever and anyone who says otherwise is negative" people are either very disconnected from reality (how money is needed to make things actually continue) or in denial.
Blizzard sponsors GSL with prize money, thats how I thought it always worked. If Blizzard isn't sponsoring where is the money coming from? SC2 in korea is very very small, this can also be seen in how hard it has been for GSL to get any sponsors from within korea in the last couple of years.
That a korean league would continue perpetually when it isn't popular in korea is just being naive. Viewers outside of korea are harder to monetize and sponsors are harder to find for that demographic in korea. Blizzards sponsorship is what makes it go around, thats what I think anyway which paints a grim picture. The alternative is that GSL is making losses with every season and that cannot continue forever either, either way I think its going to end soon if nothing changes.
Edit: Of course its only my deductions, I could be wrong. Maybe I'm just negative but to me it seems realistic, I guess I want to prepare myself for the worst so I don't turn into too much a sad wreck if it happens :p
Is there any specific reason for you to assume this is going to be the last GSL season? It might be, but there isn't any indication it will; the "natural" state is that there will be another one.
You are replying to the post where I explained my reasoning thoroughly, which part of it is unclear?
Edit: Also I have never written anywhere that I believe this is going to be the last GSL season, why do you assume that?
Those are generic reasons to believe GSL might end. Nakajin wished it wouldn't be this time, you didn't; the point of view is the same tho.
It's like constantly saying out loud you wish a certain old man not to die: it would be understandable at that age but if there aren't clear signs it's happening soon, what's the point?
On September 12 2019 16:36 Veluvian wrote: Many Maru fans would disagree, but I got the feeling that Ragnarok just stopped playing in the last two matches despite the promising start. By "stopped" I mean LITERALLY. After Ragnarok mutated lots of brood lords he either had no idea what to do with them or may be his head had just overheated. He did some godlike moves in the very start of the whole game and then what... Maru played so comfortable without any form of tease or attack in the end in his base, of course in this scenario he will look unstoppable by building 6 - 7 atomic bombs... why those beautiful double nyduses just... stopped!!! Dark or any other top zerg would switch to a new army composition when he sees an obvious sky mass liberator/viking/BC terran. I don't think that Ragnarok has a lack of skill because he really started seriously and we got some Nestea vibes in some situations. Maru of course looked extraordinary again. I can't blame him in anything, he is a pro and is doing his job as best as he can. But honestly most of the Code S players don't show the skill of a real pro back in the real pro days in team houses and especially back in the gold BW classical era. Damn, Zest did some pathetic moves against Rogue, the guy who invented the PvZ from HotS era as we know it...
I had his first person up and man it looked pretty rough, Mary was absolutely everywhere, all the time, especially the last two games. He was having a tough time just defending and not bleeding out, although yes of course he could have played even better ultimately he put up a pretty good showing vs an in-form Maru.
Did Maru veto Cobalt? Judging from the TY vs Dark games it looks exceptionally hard to play vZ once it goes lategame, and I imagine this would be the case vP. Surprised more Zergs at least don’t pick it, is it just vetoed a lot?
I don't think it's that expensive and even if they "lose" money. You always "lose" money, be it for advertising, PR stunts or whatever. AFAIK Hots was waaaaay more expensive with salaries and stuff and the fanbase was waaaay lower. Also it was a niche game in a huge market where as Starcraft IS the market.
Maybe they will do more online cups where you earn points, maybe they will merge WCS and GSL, doing one offline event per continent. We'll see
But I really don't think they are giving us the HotS treatment. Can they even afford another shitstorm? (Maybe they can, damn you WoW (Classic) people!!! )
On September 13 2019 21:33 Harris1st wrote: Why would they stop GSL and or WCS?
I don't think it's that expensive and even if they "lose" money. You always "lose" money, be it for advertising, PR stunts or whatever. AFAIK Hots was waaaaay more expensive with salaries and stuff and the fanbase was waaaay lower. Also it was a niche game in a huge market where as Starcraft IS the market.
Maybe they will do more online cups where you earn points, maybe they will merge WCS and GSL, doing one offline event per continent. We'll see
But I really don't think they are giving us the HotS treatment. Can they even afford another shitstorm? (Maybe they can, damn you WoW (Classic) people!!! )
Fingers crossed anyway. For me, more than almost any game I think the pro scene is really inspirational to people who play and want to at least part emulate what they see at the highest level of play. Sure people will still play regardless but it would be ripping out a big part of the appeal, at least for me.
The pro scene is just so integral to the game, be it in strats and builds coming down, the associated talk shows that have gone with it, streamers who are pros and LR threads and the like.
If you strip all that away, how many people still engage with the game as a hobby that isn’t just playing the game is gone or greatly diminished.
I really do not think that is a smart idea, even from a purely commercial angle.
WC Reforged is coming out, which is a shot for Blizz to pull in a new crowd to a classic game (MOBA players and WoW players especially which also has eSports potential, along with an already dedicated scene already. At least in our local scene there’s a lot of interest from folks like me who loved WC3, and people who haven’t played it before who are burned out on SC2 or found it too mechanically difficult.
If nothing else I can’t see Blizzard gutting SC2 in 2020 with a semi-new RTS game approaching, especially when many notable talking heads like Rotti, ToD et al have a big WC3 background.
They’ll really piss off many SC2 fans if they pull that plug, and presumably if they were to push a Reforged tournament scene and expand there, pissing off guys like ToD and Rotti by pulling a HoTS would make them less enthusiastic about taking their talents to any Blizz-endorsed Reforged Tournament scene
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
I thought Blizzard contributed to the prizepool in the WCS era.
Yea, I don't really know. I'm pretty sure blizzard pay at least some for GSL vs the world but it's hard to figure out what's really going on (someone writes in this thread that afreeca actually pay blizzard). It would be great to know how it works.
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
I thought Blizzard contributed to the prizepool in the WCS era.
Yea, I don't really know. I'm pretty sure blizzard pay at least some for GSL vs the world but it's hard to figure out what's really going on (someone writes in this thread that afreeca actually pay blizzard). It would be great to know how it works.
Somehow these threads always manage to degenerate into "deadgame" bullshit lmao. None of you have the slightest idea what Blizzards strategy is or what is going to happen with GSL. If you dont have any current relevant facts to share (new news) then keep your paranoia to yourself. Nobody wants to read about it here (a sc2 thread).
On September 12 2019 04:44 Serimek wrote: Maru looked very good, back in shape. Are we going to finally have a real series between him and Serral at Blizzcon?
It might have been one of those cases where RagnaroK played JUST well enough to make Maru look good, without really putting up a fight on the level of real top Zergs. Maru vs either Zerg in the finals would give us a better idea, so I'll defer judgment until then!
i'm not a protoss player but i still want trap to win this gsl. he finished 3-4 in season 1, 2nd in season 2, seems perfect for him to make yet another leap and take it all.
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
I thought Blizzard contributed to the prizepool in the WCS era.
Yea, I don't really know. I'm pretty sure blizzard pay at least some for GSL vs the world but it's hard to figure out what's really going on (someone writes in this thread that afreeca actually pay blizzard). It would be great to know how it works.
gsl gets supported by blizzard, not the other way around.. Without Blizzard almost everything you guys enjoy watching, where ever it may be wouldn't be happening. HSC is one of the few tournaments that happens without Blizz support even though they do highlight it etc
On September 12 2019 21:40 Nakajin wrote: I hope Maru can make it, if this is the last GSL we'll ever get, I want the guy who was there on the first day to be there at the last.
Why is everyone saying this lately, did I miss some news?
If you are unaware of the general cutbacks on SC2 that Actiblizz has done over the last 1-2 years then yes, you've missed a lot of news.
Personally I really hope both Maru and Rogue make it, especially Maru but thats what I always say so everyone already knows it =P Really hyped for Dark vs Rogue to be honest =)
It's been a while since something new regarding that has come up. And I haven't heard any news GSL related, which has run for years even without Blizzard money. So, no it's not unreasonable to ask where the GSL comment is coming from.
Is GSL running without blizzard money? Do you know this for a fact? I find it quite difficult to get solid info on what blizzard's involvement with afreeca actually is.
I thought Blizzard contributed to the prizepool in the WCS era.
Yea, I don't really know. I'm pretty sure blizzard pay at least some for GSL vs the world but it's hard to figure out what's really going on (someone writes in this thread that afreeca actually pay blizzard). It would be great to know how it works.
gsl gets supported by blizzard, not the other way around.. Without Blizzard almost everything you guys enjoy watching, where ever it may be wouldn't be happening. HSC is one of the few tournaments that happens without Blizz support even though they do highlight it etc
EPT
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/GSL/2019/codes3/s3reversalbanner.jpg)
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/GSL/2019/codes3/gslbracket2.png)
Dark vs 
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