Anarchy continued on the Korean server with another new ESL Cup winner ascending to the throne. In Europe, Reynor seems to have successfully implemented regime change, besting HeroMarine before winning his second straight cup. Meanwhile, outsiders continue to play hot potato with the North American Cup, with a month gone since an NA player has won.
One might be surprised to hear online king Cure had never won a Korean Cup previously—though he had won a North American cup in the past. Last Sunday, he finally claimed the KR cup, figuratively kicking those pesky kids off his damn internet-lawn. The Dragon Phoenix Gaming player had to overcome a couple of TvT matches on his march to the finals, defeating new Kosmos player control, a rival GTC Terran in Dream, and finally Papi SpeCial himself. His final hurdle was former teammate and PvT specialist Trap—a tough draw indeed. But the legend of online-Cure held true, as he was able to 3-0 the Protoss despite Trap's famed PvT. New week, new winner—the Korean server cup continues to be a wild free-for-all.
In Europe, however, consistency rules, and all those who had hoped to breathe the air of liberty after Reynor had dethroned HeroMarine last week were sorely disappointed this Sunday, as Reynor repeated his feat and started to establish himself as the new despot over the European server. The Italian dropped a map to Denver in ZvZ, but otherwise went undefeated in his climb through the bracket. He defeated two EU Terran hopes in Clem and HeroMarine before meeting a surprise opponent in the finals: Neeb. The American Protoss had suffered early eliminations in previous weeks, but this time cut a path through Europe's finest. Ultimately, the American Neeb was outmatched by Reynor in a 3-0 final, but it was still his best result in weeks—perhaps indicating he's on the up-swing again.
On the American server, it looked like Team Liquid's Clem was setting up a home away from home, as he started another promising run and was well on the way to his third victory in a row. Then, the American cries for liberty were answered—but not by an American. The Big Boy PartinG himself ended Clem's run in a close-fought series, and then went on to defeat his countryman PtitDrogo—another NA cup regular—in the finals. With Future and JimRising two Americans were able to secure a top 8 position this week, not leaving the field entirely to foreign powers for two weeks in a row. With Neeb's great performance in the EU Open, and Astrea and SpeCial placing in the top 4 in Korea, this week was much better for the American players overall. Victory, however, continues to elude them at home, as foreign condottiere remain dominant.
ESL Open Cup winners earn $100 in prize money and 10 ESL Pro Tour points. Players who finish second earn 5 ESL Pro Tour points. Week #13 of ESL Open Cups is set to take place on April 5th.
Minor thing, love these updates but could we maybe have a leaderboard of winners? Maybe even just the top 5/10 with these? Would be nice to gauge who’s been tearing the cups up and it’s difficult to remember.
Watched the last few of Parting's wins on his stream, and the ensuing soju-infused celebration, featuring discord calls from fans, pick-up coaching by MCanning, a call from ToD and other hilarious fun bits.
On April 01 2020 11:41 Wombat_NI wrote: Minor thing, love these updates but could we maybe have a leaderboard of winners? Maybe even just the top 5/10 with these? Would be nice to gauge who’s been tearing the cups up and it’s difficult to remember.
I m pretty sure Liquipedia has you covered ESL Open Cups