Headed into game five of the Super Tournament finals, Maru faced a daunting 1-3 deficit against one of the best Zergs in the world. In the prior three games, Dark had shrugged off whatever Maru threw at him—fast Hellbats and cloaked Banshees were barely slowed Dark down as he rode roughshod over the Jin Air Terran in macro games. Even Maru's usual ace in the hole hadn't worked, with Dark shutting down proxy-Barracks Reapers in game four. Only Dark's decision to ram his Hydra-Ling-Bane force straight into a Tank push in game one had allowed Maru to even salvage a map.
Them, with just a single game remaining between him and defeat at the hands of a seemingly insurmountable foe, Maru seemed to ponder a question: What if he, you know, just played like Maru?
Which is to say, what if he played like the Terran player with the completely unfair skills package of the best micro, the best multi-tasking, and the best macro? What if he played like the player who won four-consecutive Code S championships between 2018-2019?
Fortunately for the fans, and unfortunately for Dark, Maru showed us the answer. What if you play like Maru? You pull off one of the more amazing comebacks in GSL finals history. Over the next three games, Maru completely reversed the previous roles, crushing Dark with straight-up, standard play. No Proxy-Barracks gimmicks were necessary—all Maru did was send ceaseless waves of Infantry and Medivacs to wherever they could cause Zerg the most pain
To Dark's credit, he acquitted himself as well as anyone could while giving up a commanding lead. Up until game five, he had dominated the series. And even when Maru began his comeback, Dark was able to absorb an unholy amount of damage before GG'ing out. If StarCraft II was a combat sport, the referee would have called for the bell a hundred times over to save Dark further punishment. Instead we were left to gape at how Dark could somehow muster the strength to take some futile, retaliatory swings at his opponent.
Invoking the Maru meme does oversimplify some of the factors in how he pulled off the comeback. In game five, Maru got to exploit a significant upgrade advantage after Dark invested in one of his signature Roach-Ravager pokes but failed to get much done. With perfect hindsight, we could question Dark's decision to go for Roach-Ravager-Baneling in game seven—it's not exactly a composition tailor-made for chasing Medivacs around the map. But ultimately, even acknowledging that there are actually countless complex and random factors that go into a best-of-seven series between progamers, Maru still made winning look as simple as flipping a switch in his head.
After the matches, Maru also made it a point to 'just interview like Maru,' saying he had only prepared for his semifinal against Solar (a 3-0 sweep) and didn't come in with any ambitions of winning the championship. Of course, SC2 fans will be familiar with that excessively self-effacing demeanor: it was also the humorous backdrop for his completely dominant 4x Code S title run. Here's a wacky fan theory to consider: What if Maru's skill is directly proportional to his humility? In that case, the Super Tournament championship might be the beginning of another streak.
As the broadcast ended, the first Code S tournament of 2020 was announced to begin on April 11th. With Maru back in shape, Dark continuing his run of good form, and a GSL finals actually surpassing its hype, we've got a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season.
Semifinals Observations
Most fans predicted that Dark would drub notably troubled PvZ player Trap in the semifinals—I suspect the ensuing beat-down was even more brutal than they would have expected. Personally, I found it curious that Trap didn't go for any crazy all-ins or one-shot builds. I'd have to go back and check VODs to be sure, but I feel like Trap has an okay-ish success rate when going for all-out, no-tomorrow strategies (yes, I realize he botched a cannon rush against Dark in last year's Code S finals). Maybe such drastic tactics don't fit Trap's personal style, and maybe his practice games gave him reason to believe that he could win in straight-up games. But with the benefit of hindsight, one has to say some uncomfortable risk-taking would have been preferable to the figurative 'rolling over and dying' that actually occurred.
Maru fulfilled another Terran meme in his 3-0 semifinal victory over Solar, making sure we never saw his 2-rax proxy strategies lose. Game two on Nightshade was certainly the highlight of the series—or lowlight if you're a Zerg player. Solar jumped ahead to an enormous lead after scouting and cancelling Maru's proxied Barracks and seemed to be guaranteed a victory. Unfortunately, Solar tried to force an ending with Roach-Ravager for just a little bit too long, resulting in the craziest dual throw-comeback game of the tournament.
If you guys didn't see it, go watch Maru vs Solar game 2. Between the game itself and Tastetosis being at their absolute best, it's probably the single most entertaining game I've seen all year.
I watched Game 7 with the progamer comentary, it was hilarious, they were taking bets on how long Dark could survive, because he was so dead :D GGs to Maru for winning his first Super Tournament!
On March 29 2020 15:21 Vindicare605 wrote: If you guys didn't see it, go watch Maru vs Solar game 2. Between the game itself and Tastetosis being at their absolute best, it's probably the single most entertaining game I've seen all year.
it was a disaster throw from Solar, but to be fair to Maru, he might be the best "catcher" in the game
Can I just give a shoutout to Tastetosis being possibly the best caster duo in any esport? The games were all amazing, especially Maru v Solar and Maru v Dark, but the casting elevated them both to obscenely entertaining levels.
Can we also talk about how the observer was desperately trying to point out that Dark built 2 ultralisk caverns to have both upgrades running, but only had upgrades going in one of them while the casters were gushing about Dark ripping pennies and phone books in half XD.
On March 29 2020 15:34 pvsnp wrote: No G5L trophy for Maru, super tournament not real GSL confirmed.
if you go to maru liquidpedia.net, it seems like he has 5 gsls under his belt.
salty much?
AfreecaTV has teased the G5L trophy in the past for Maru's Code S tournaments, so them not bringing it out here means they don't think it counts (I don't really get the general inconsistency in how the AfreecaTV does StarCraft history, but it's their tournament). Maybe you should mail Maru a "G5L in my heart" trophy tho
What a sick series this was, they both knew each other's play so well and adjusted after each game. Very enjoyable to watch, and I believe the stronger player won in the end congrats to the GOAT
Thanks for the writing, great fucking run from Maru. Also if you liked Maru comeback vs Solar, check out Maru vs INno on simulacrum from IEM katowice, there is also a big failed 2 rax comeback (although not as failed as vs Solar but his raxes are delayed and scouted super early) ; I really wonder how you feel as a progamer when you manage to lose such games that were supposed to be freewins.
On March 29 2020 17:53 Akio wrote: What a sick series this was, they both knew each other's play so well and adjusted after each game. Very enjoyable to watch, and I believe the stronger player won in the end congrats to the GOAT
One of the best finals I've ever watched. I predicted that Maru would lose since he would need to actually try vs Solar, thereby showing his TvZ to Dark. Dark is a great player and would use that knowledge to his advantage.
Dark plays over confidently and impale his army few times while maru is the terran with the highest capacity of expanding and take bases. I doesn t enjoy so much but it reminds me the good old times with 6 workers, despite the fact LoTV has great improvement.
I have to be that guy who says Dark is not even near the overall skill level of Maru and I feel that the fact that Zerg is an extremely forgiving race is what made this a close matchup. I just find it hard to look away from the fact that all Zerg is right now is , scout to identify if it's a 2 base timing/all inn or macro build and then proceed to sit on your ass macro and spread creep til you win the game. So I think we should all thank Maru for his exceptional talent and making this a final worth remembering. All I saw in that BO7 was Maru showcasing how his skills managed to overcome something that is completely broken. Dark did nothing impressive that entire series. You have one guy playing out of his mind leaning on his multitasking, impeccable micro and decision making to barely get the win. Watch that series and you know what Dark was leaning on.
Such an amazing finals. Gotta confess i lost hope after the 1-3 score. Glad Maru stopped those terrible hellbats timings and flimsy mech builds that make him lose vs Rogue at IEM and went for some standard Bio play. GGs you beautiful human
On March 29 2020 15:31 dbRic1203 wrote: I watched Game 7 with the progamer comentary, it was hilarious, they were taking bets on how long Dark could survive, because he was so dead :D GGs to Maru for winning his first Super Tournament!
Where could you watch it with pro gamer commentary?
On March 29 2020 15:34 pvsnp wrote: No G5L trophy for Maru, super tournament not real GSL confirmed.
if you go to maru liquidpedia.net, it seems like he has 5 gsls under his belt.
salty much?
AfreecaTV has teased the G5L trophy in the past for Maru's Code S tournaments, so them not bringing it out here means they don't think it counts (I don't really get the general inconsistency in how the AfreecaTV does StarCraft history, but it's their tournament). Maybe you should mail Maru a "G5L in my heart" trophy tho
It's most likely because there was no guarantee of Maru making the finals to promote it with.
With Code S finals they have a whole week of knowing it will be on the line, and also to actually get a G5L trophy made in the first place. Had Maru's supertournament win happened before his 4th Code S, there's a good chance they would have counted it
Dark vs Maru goes to the decider map with an entertaining mix of games in a GSL finals with Tastosis on top of their game. It's like everyone collectively thought of the best-case scenario and the universe made it happen. Grats Maru!
On March 29 2020 15:34 pvsnp wrote: No G5L trophy for Maru, super tournament not real GSL confirmed.
if you go to maru liquidpedia.net, it seems like he has 5 gsls under his belt.
salty much?
AfreecaTV has teased the G5L trophy in the past for Maru's Code S tournaments, so them not bringing it out here means they don't think it counts (I don't really get the general inconsistency in how the AfreecaTV does StarCraft history, but it's their tournament). Maybe you should mail Maru a "G5L in my heart" trophy tho
It's most likely because there was no guarantee of Maru making the finals to promote it with.
With Code S finals they have a whole week of knowing it will be on the line, and also to actually get a G5L trophy made in the first place. Had Maru's supertournament win happened before his 4th Code S, there's a good chance they would have counted it
afaik they have one made; they've teased social media pics of it
On March 29 2020 15:34 pvsnp wrote: No G5L trophy for Maru, super tournament not real GSL confirmed.
if you go to maru liquidpedia.net, it seems like he has 5 gsls under his belt.
salty much?
AfreecaTV has teased the G5L trophy in the past for Maru's Code S tournaments, so them not bringing it out here means they don't think it counts (I don't really get the general inconsistency in how the AfreecaTV does StarCraft history, but it's their tournament). Maybe you should mail Maru a "G5L in my heart" trophy tho
It's most likely because there was no guarantee of Maru making the finals to promote it with.
With Code S finals they have a whole week of knowing it will be on the line, and also to actually get a G5L trophy made in the first place. Had Maru's supertournament win happened before his 4th Code S, there's a good chance they would have counted it
afaik they have one made; they've teased social media pics of it
That's what I remember too. If Maru wins it, it'll be the same one they had made for Mvp but he never won it. It's just been sitting in storage waiting for someone to claim it.
I don't know if I m happy that Maru won with outstanding terran display or if I m disappointed that because of this victory we'll have to continue on the Play Like Maru balance type for 1 year more.
I m really confuse with that victory because honnestly I think only Maru could have won this just looking the Cure vs Solar bo5 when you know how strong Cure is right now pretty close to be the second best Terran with Inno and get completly smash by Solar who is very strong but not Rogue not Dark not Serral and keeping in mind that this map pool is very terran favored so I don't even want to imagine what would have happended on a more balance/slightly zerg favored map pool. Maybe it's to early to talk about balance but I have the feeling that we're go to have a another year of Zerg dominance / Maru vs Zerg and Protoss and blizzard thinking this is fine since Maru is making some good result. I am really hoping that I m wrong honestly.
Can someone explain Dark's build choice in game 7 to me? It looked like he was going for a heavy roach pressure against a player who had opened double banshee pretty much every game that series. When he saw that that was what Maru was doing in the final game, he pulled back and tried to go back to macro, but he'd wasted a lot of larva and resources on roaches that did nothing and was very far behind without Maru having done anything. I'm not a GSL and world champion, but that seemed like a really, really, really poor choice.
@Boggyb, my best guess is that Zen is one of the best maps for T to open BC since the BC can hit all of the first 3 bases. I guess Dark was trying to mind-game Maru, but Maru decided to play safe. I also think it was questionable to open game 5 with the roach rush that accomplished nothing. Game 6 was surprising since Dark opened standard like on Eternal Empire, but Maru took his 3rd base on the gold; I wish we can find what the correct counter from Z is in this situation. IMO, the last 3 maps are quite T-favored since medivac drops are very strong.
Even though it pained me to see Dark lose, that was a great finals. But, it also seemed strange to me. I know we talk about Maru just "flipping a switch" but the difference between games 1-4 and games 5-7 was so stark. It didn't seem like a wholly different strat, it just seemed like he was not very active in his play in the first four games. I mean, there were a few times when I was left wondering why he was not doing multi-pronged harassment as we all know he can. Then all of a sudden, starting with game 5 he's everywhere and Dark is just trying to keep up with him. It was really odd.
Oh, and one other question for all you folks who follow the pro game scene more closely: Dark was building two macro hatches in his main for a lot of the games in the finals. I've never seen a pro zerg build TWO. In fact, I don't think I've seen Dark do it before. Am I wrong—do others do this? Or is this something new?
On March 29 2020 15:31 dbRic1203 wrote: I watched Game 7 with the progamer comentary, it was hilarious, they were taking bets on how long Dark could survive, because he was so dead :D GGs to Maru for winning his first Super Tournament!
Where could you watch it with pro gamer commentary?
On Lambos twitch They only had audio, so you where watching on YouTube muted and had his stream in the background The pro s were Lambo, Reynor, Elazer, Serral, Special, MLord, Soul for the final match. I gues there where Toss Players for the Trap Games, but didn t catch that one
Dark seemed totally perfect and unbeatable. Even for a while Maru did some small mistakes. But then Maru switched to MMA/Boxer mode and bang! :D Respect for both players! Also respect for sOs because without him this tournament would be less beautiful and significant. Amazing games. Even that match against Dark 0:3 was great no matter of the result.
On March 30 2020 22:22 Veluvian wrote: Also respect for sOs because without him this tournament would be less beautiful and significant. Amazing games. Even that match against Dark 0:3 was great no matter of the result.
If it weren't for sOs Rogue being a team kill with Rogue taking a figurative vacation after winning Katowice, the PvZ win rate would have been 0% in map score and series.
On March 30 2020 13:48 chavo wrote: Oh, and one other question for all you folks who follow the pro game scene more closely: Dark was building two macro hatches in his main for a lot of the games in the finals. I've never seen a pro zerg build TWO. In fact, I don't think I've seen Dark do it before. Am I wrong—do others do this? Or is this something new?
1) you want more larva when playing ling bane queen into hive without hydralisks or mutas 2) Dark loves to play on very high drone counts esp. with the above style 3) in at least 1 game (Zen) Dark couldn't establish a 4th so he had to put down 1 more macro hatch just to spend his money and make units in time 4) it's kind of a Dark trademark to have MONSTROUS macro management and economy, but not an optimized build order, relyong on being able to make tons of units and trade efficiently over optimal timings (so he would be THE player to end up with 600 leftover minerals after a macro cycle)
On March 30 2020 22:22 Veluvian wrote: Also respect for sOs because without him this tournament would be less beautiful and significant. Amazing games. Even that match against Dark 0:3 was great no matter of the result.
If it weren't for sOs Rogue being a team kill with Rogue taking a figurative vacation after winning Katowice, the PvZ win rate would have been 0% in map score and series.
And without Dark going 9-0 in ZvP it would have been 0% for Zerg in the matchup
On March 29 2020 21:27 Dedraterllaerau wrote: I have to be that guy who says Dark is not even near the overall skill level of Maru and I feel that the fact that Zerg is an extremely forgiving race is what made this a close matchup. I just find it hard to look away from the fact that all Zerg is right now is , scout to identify if it's a 2 base timing/all inn or macro build and then proceed to sit on your ass macro and spread creep til you win the game. So I think we should all thank Maru for his exceptional talent and making this a final worth remembering. All I saw in that BO7 was Maru showcasing how his skills managed to overcome something that is completely broken. Dark did nothing impressive that entire series. You have one guy playing out of his mind leaning on his multitasking, impeccable micro and decision making to barely get the win. Watch that series and you know what Dark was leaning on.
User was warned for this post
Go watch Maru vs Solar again and then Maru vs Dark again.
The Solar games are what happens when someone "is not even near the overall skill level of Maru"
On March 29 2020 15:31 dbRic1203 wrote: I watched Game 7 with the progamer comentary, it was hilarious, they were taking bets on how long Dark could survive, because he was so dead :D GGs to Maru for winning his first Super Tournament!
Where could you watch it with pro gamer commentary?
On Lambos twitch They only had audio, so you where watching on YouTube muted and had his stream in the background The pro s were Lambo, Reynor, Elazer, Serral, Special, MLord, Soul for the final match. I gues there where Toss Players for the Trap Games, but didn t catch that one
On March 29 2020 21:27 Dedraterllaerau wrote: I have to be that guy who says Dark is not even near the overall skill level of Maru and I feel that the fact that Zerg is an extremely forgiving race is what made this a close matchup. I just find it hard to look away from the fact that all Zerg is right now is , scout to identify if it's a 2 base timing/all inn or macro build and then proceed to sit on your ass macro and spread creep til you win the game. So I think we should all thank Maru for his exceptional talent and making this a final worth remembering. All I saw in that BO7 was Maru showcasing how his skills managed to overcome something that is completely broken. Dark did nothing impressive that entire series. You have one guy playing out of his mind leaning on his multitasking, impeccable micro and decision making to barely get the win. Watch that series and you know what Dark was leaning on.
User was warned for this post
Go watch Maru vs Solar again and then Maru vs Dark again.
The Solar games are what happens when someone "is not even near the overall skill level of Maru"
Game 2 is as bad as I've felt for a progamer since Inno got reverse-swept by Soulkey. I honestly give him props for having enough left in the tank to take Maru to late-game in G3. He's going to see Cyclones in his nightmares. And Maru gave him a BC in G1!
On March 29 2020 21:27 Dedraterllaerau wrote: I have to be that guy who says Dark is not even near the overall skill level of Maru and I feel that the fact that Zerg is an extremely forgiving race is what made this a close matchup. I just find it hard to look away from the fact that all Zerg is right now is , scout to identify if it's a 2 base timing/all inn or macro build and then proceed to sit on your ass macro and spread creep til you win the game. So I think we should all thank Maru for his exceptional talent and making this a final worth remembering. All I saw in that BO7 was Maru showcasing how his skills managed to overcome something that is completely broken. Dark did nothing impressive that entire series. You have one guy playing out of his mind leaning on his multitasking, impeccable micro and decision making to barely get the win. Watch that series and you know what Dark was leaning on.
User was warned for this post
I think you are wrong. Ant actually it is a beuty of E-sports in general, than pro player playing underpowered(race, character etc) proves its actually overpowered, just everyone played it wrong or lacked of godlike skill.
On March 29 2020 21:27 Dedraterllaerau wrote: I have to be that guy who says Dark is not even near the overall skill level of Maru and I feel that the fact that Zerg is an extremely forgiving race is what made this a close matchup. I just find it hard to look away from the fact that all Zerg is right now is , scout to identify if it's a 2 base timing/all inn or macro build and then proceed to sit on your ass macro and spread creep til you win the game. So I think we should all thank Maru for his exceptional talent and making this a final worth remembering. All I saw in that BO7 was Maru showcasing how his skills managed to overcome something that is completely broken. Dark did nothing impressive that entire series. You have one guy playing out of his mind leaning on his multitasking, impeccable micro and decision making to barely get the win. Watch that series and you know what Dark was leaning on.
User was warned for this post
Go watch Maru vs Solar again and then Maru vs Dark again.
The Solar games are what happens when someone "is not even near the overall skill level of Maru"
this is not a good example considering Dark played after watching their match
Someone should post the offrace series Maru and Dark played last year. Maru won something like 7-1 or 7-2 and stomped him with his Zerg vs Dark's Terran. Not a scientific way to gauge skill, but it was really fun to see Dark look like a complete noob with every other race.
"A bit of a spoiler, but Dark loses to maru's zerg, Dark gets triggered, asks for rematch(s) and keeps on getting stomped. In the interview, Dark complains that maru's offrace 400 apm is just not fair."
On April 06 2020 01:55 tskarzyn wrote: Someone should post the offrace series Maru and Dark played last year. Maru won something like 7-1 or 7-2 and stomped him with his Zerg vs Dark's Terran. Not a scientific way to gauge skill, but it was really fun to see Dark look like a complete noob with every other race.
"A bit of a spoiler, but Dark loses to maru's zerg, Dark gets triggered, asks for rematch(s) and keeps on getting stomped. In the interview, Dark complains that maru's offrace 400 apm is just not fair."
P.S. Maru = GOAT?
Offrace performace doesn t realy mean much. Some skills are not realy transferable from race to race. A couple of month ago Special and Lambo played a ZvT on Stream and Special was just unable to spread creep. Serral and Reynor played an off Race series lately, PvT, TvP and I belive both mirrors as well. Was actually pretty close, but both of them also played their offrace in a couple of minor tournaments as well. It realy comes down, if you re somewhat regularly playing the other races or not.
Let's make a petition to have ESL fly Tastosis to every ESL event. They are the best duo around. They need to be at every event.
Anyone know why they were not at the latest ESL world tournament? They deserved to be there, even if ESL has to rent private jets and gets them a short term home rental with maids who gives them caviar everyday.
On April 07 2020 17:46 serralfan18 wrote: Let's make a petition to have ESL fly Tastosis to every ESL event. They are the best duo around. They need to be at every event.
Anyone know why they were not at the latest ESL world tournament? They deserved to be there, even if ESL has to rent private jets and gets them a short term home rental with maids who gives them caviar everyday.
They were probably to expensive. I personally don t get the hype around those two. Yes, they are a great casting duo. Yes, especially Artosis has a great understanding of the Game. Yes they have a good synergie. But sometimes their jokes are just meh and they talk about anything but the game. Obviously it s not allways neccesary to follow it super closely, when there s nothing realy happening, but for my taste sometimes they get a bit to far away, when talking about other things :/ A lot of other casters are realy realy good as well. And if those two demad like twice as much (made that up, no idear how much salyry they get) it s just not worth it for the company to hire them. I totally understood ESL in that regard for Katowice. The fact, that Tastless wasn t very professional when he didn t get hired, didn t make it better for me. The casters are all free agents and not employed for the companies. That is most likely not going to change any time soon, so for now it s a simple price mechanism, the casters quote their expected salaries and the Company decides, if that s worth the extra benifits or not. If they had to "rent private jets and gets them a short term home rental with maids who gives them caviar everyday" it would probably mean, that the price poll for the pro players would get cut in half. If it s a tradeoff between some slightly better casting or more pros, that can actually sustain a live from our e-Sports, I d allways pick the latter one.
Super happy for Maru. Beating Inno and Dark is close series like that was intense. Dark though man...until maru literally nobody he faced was remotely close to him
On April 07 2020 17:46 serralfan18 wrote: Let's make a petition to have ESL fly Tastosis to every ESL event. They are the best duo around. They need to be at every event.
Anyone know why they were not at the latest ESL world tournament? They deserved to be there, even if ESL has to rent private jets and gets them a short term home rental with maids who gives them caviar everyday.
They do know their GSL players inside out, but I'm not sure how involved they are with all the EU and NA players.
Also everyone and their mother went to HSC 20. Well, all but Tasteless since he demanded too much I guess. And the recent "drama" around Katowice doesn't bode well for him either
With that said, they are great at what they do, which is GSL casting!
On March 29 2020 15:31 dbRic1203 wrote: I watched Game 7 with the progamer comentary, it was hilarious, they were taking bets on how long Dark could survive, because he was so dead :D GGs to Maru for winning his first Super Tournament!
Where could you watch it with pro gamer commentary?
On Lambos twitch They only had audio, so you where watching on YouTube muted and had his stream in the background The pro s were Lambo, Reynor, Elazer, Serral, Special, MLord, Soul for the final match. I gues there where Toss Players for the Trap Games, but didn t catch that one
So sad it's paywalled now
Love Lambo but not gonna sub for one vid
Is love to make a combined dual first person VoD with the pro gamer commentary. Is there some for the final?
Just worried it’ll be nuked if I bother to sync them all together
On April 06 2020 01:55 tskarzyn wrote: Someone should post the offrace series Maru and Dark played last year. Maru won something like 7-1 or 7-2 and stomped him with his Zerg vs Dark's Terran. Not a scientific way to gauge skill, but it was really fun to see Dark look like a complete noob with every other race.
"A bit of a spoiler, but Dark loses to maru's zerg, Dark gets triggered, asks for rematch(s) and keeps on getting stomped. In the interview, Dark complains that maru's offrace 400 apm is just not fair."
P.S. Maru = GOAT?
Maru is indeed the GOAT.
Considering he is the only player who has double Royal Road title, consistently a top terran if you followed ProLeague then. The only player to win all 3 star leagues. The only player who has achieve 3 and 4 in-a-row Code S titles done across patches. He has shown the skills to back this up by having a rival that can match him in TY. And now he's demonstrated it again and again.