After four days of group stage matches, IEM Katowice 2021 is set to move onto the single elimination phase of the tournament.
Friday, Feb 26 2:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): Round of 12 (best of 5)
Saturday, Feb 27 2:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): Round of 8 (best of 5)
Sunday, Feb 28 2:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): Semifinals (best of 5) and grand finals (best of 7)
Group D, the final group of the RO24, saw the reigning, two-time IEM Katowice champion Rogue take place with a 4-1 record, only dropping a series (or even a map) to the group's second place player in PartinG. Stats clinched the third and final ticket out of the group, with Cure, RagnaroK, and Neeb being eliminated.
On February 26 2021 04:32 Fango wrote: What's the best potential finals here? Dark vs PartinG, Maru vs Serral? Dark vs Serral?
From a match quality perspective TY vs Reynor or TY vs Dark imo. We've had Dark vs Serral recently and it was pretty bad. Though the single most important element to get a good finals is probably that Rogue isn't part of it--I don't think any of his premier finals were worth watching.
I really like this format's playoff format, where first place gets a bye and the other players go into the wildcard spot. I hate the 2 lives thing since it seems to not always favor the player in the winner spot that much since they have fewer lives.
Kind of unfortunate bracket from a foreign point of view. One "teamkill", one against Maru and one against Stats. Ouch. I'm especially sad to see Clem vs Serral already. Wish they were split.
On February 26 2021 08:25 CookieCrispr wrote: Not a good draw for inno
Idk if there are any "good" draws for Inno. He's still a good player but his play is pretty uninspired recently, I expect him to beat pretty good players but not real contenders. Maru might honestly have been the best draw for Inno just because he's done alright against Maru historically, but even then I doubt he would have made it through. Sucks to say that, I'd love to see peak Inno again.
On February 26 2021 04:32 Fango wrote: What's the best potential finals here? Dark vs PartinG, Maru vs Serral? Dark vs Serral?
From a match quality perspective TY vs Reynor or TY vs Dark imo. We've had Dark vs Serral recently and it was pretty bad. Though the single most important element to get a good finals is probably that Rogue isn't part of it--I don't think any of his premier finals were worth watching.
I think this bracket hands the seeded players good potential match-ups. I fancy Dark against both Stats and Reynor, while Rogue has already knocked Maru out twice in semifinals in Katowice and only recently 3-0d him in ST. I think TY is just a bit better than both Innovation and Parting right now, so I see him advancing over either of them. And I didn't think I'd ever say this, but Zest is lucky he's unlikely to face a Protoss until a potential finals. His PvT and PvZ look great at the moment, but his PvP has looked a bit one-dimensional and shaky of late. He'll be a tough opponent for either Clem or Serral, and I think he might get the better of either if he shows up and performs to his current level.
As of right now, I'd probably predict a Dark vs Zest/TY finals.
On February 26 2021 17:31 Olli wrote: I think this bracket hands the seeded players good potential match-ups. I fancy Dark against both Stats and Reynor, while Rogue has already knocked Maru out twice in semifinals in Katowice and only recently 3-0d him in ST. I think TY is just a bit better than both Innovation and Parting right now, so I see him advancing over either of them. And I didn't think I'd ever say this, but Zest is lucky he's unlikely to face a Protoss until a potential finals. His PvT and PvZ look great at the moment, but his PvP has looked a bit one-dimensional and shaky of late. He'll be a tough opponent for either Clem or Serral, and I think he might get the better of either if he shows up and performs to his current level.
As of right now, I'd probably predict a Dark vs Zest/TY finals.
The only problem is that it's been a long time since TY has played a decent TvP. He would not have at easy time against PartinG, and given Zest's current form plus their history TY is clearly the underdog in that match. TY would have a lot of trouble getting past the semis in any case - unless Clem somehow makes it through both Serral and Zest.
I also think people are underestimating Serral way too much. He's been spared ZvZ and now it should surprise no one if he goes to the finals.
I'm confused. For months, many Zerg have played like shit (for the most part) and seemed completely lost at the very top And as soon as the big tournament comes along, they seem to dominate again by topping 2/4 groups and getting two second places on top of it. I mean, I always thought this is going to happen at one point, I just had not expected it to be precisely for the one tournament with more money on the line that early in the year. (Aside from Rogue, everyone knows he'll show up as soon as the tournament is bigger)
Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo. And Trap kinda went the other way, That just looked horrible.
The top half is loaded with Zergs and Serral can clean up the bottom half. Unfortunately, Serral's ZvZ is looking abysmal, so I anticipate a one-sided ZvZ final.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
Well he looked like the strongest player in ro24 for sure. Will he be able to keep dominating his opponents in bo5 direct elimination? Maybe not, but I don't think he is overhyped. People don't say he'll win the tournament for sure, just that he is in great form so far and has a shot at winning the whole thing. His ZvP is a bit unknown but there aren't that many protosses left, there is a chance that he won't meet any until the finals, or even not any protoss at all.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
Well he looked like the strongest player in ro24 for sure. Will he be able to keep dominating his opponents in bo5 direct elimination? Maybe not, but I don't think he is overhyped. People don't say he'll win the tournament for sure, just that he is in great form so far and has a shot at winning the whole thing. His ZvP is a bit unknown but there aren't that many protosses left, there is a chance that he won't meet any until the finals, or even not any protoss at all.
I agree that Dark is in great shape and that he looked the best in ro24; if people would be saying what you are, I wouldn't have any objection.
Clem is the kind of player who can plays exceptionnally well if he manages pressure and with lockdown he s now forced to play at home which help him a lot to do. I can bet on an upset, Clem is able to make Serral commit on failure
This year's bracket is so hype. Most excited for Serral/Clem in the first round. I think it will be really hard to stop Serral from advancing through to the finals given this bracket.
My predictions for RO12: Stats>Reynor 3-2 Maru>Heromarine 3-1 Parting>Innovation 3-2 Serral>Clem 3-2
RO8 seems to be nearly impossible to predict, but I think TY will be favored against his opponent.
I think TY Serral Maru and Dark have the best chances of taking this tournament home. Lets see what happens!!! SO HYPE
Hate to burst everyone's bubble, but it's almost guaranteed to be a ZvZ in the finals. Serral is 35-9 against Clem, Innovation, Ty, Zest, and Parting, so I have to imagine he's a heavy favorite. Dark and Rogue or Dark and Maru in the semifinals is a toss-up, but Maru is still recovering, so it seems pretty likely to be a ZvZ.
This is pretty much the best bracket Serral could have asked for, and it still won't be easy. He starts as a favourite vs Clem and Zest, but could still very easily lose to either of them. If he makes it to the semi then that looks like a very good matchup, but then there's a good chance he faces a Zerg in the finals.
My honest prediction is either a Rogue/Zest or Dark/Zest final based on recent form.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
You can't make the argument that Dark is a streaky player. He's been a top competitor in starleagues as well as weekenders since the beginning of LotV. Really what stands out is the first half of 2020 which was marred by injuries. His blizzcon victory came after him winning GSL ST, while he finished in Code S ro4 after winning the previous season.
There is nothing surprising about Dark's performance here to me. That's not saying it was a given, nothing ever is, just look at Trap. And Dark losing to the then hottest player in the world doesn't mean TSL was a fluke of sorts.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
You can't make the argument that Dark is a streaky player. He's been a top competitor in starleagues as well as weekenders since the beginning of LotV. Really what stands out is the first half of 2020 which was marred by injuries. His blizzcon victory came after him winning GSL ST, while he finished in Code S ro4 after winning the previous season.
There is nothing surprising about Dark's performance here to me. That's not saying it was a given, nothing ever is, just look at Trap. And Dark losing to the then hottest player in the world doesn't mean TSL was a fluke of sorts.
Dark's 2020 was evidently an exception, I am not saying he is a streaky player; he is usually consistently at high level but after 2019 he has added on top to that some very dominating days where he is unstoppable(and wins finals). Also, his performance is not surprising to me, I knew he was back after December.
What surprises me is people taking for granted that Dark would and will dominate his opponents and looking at him as a clear favorite.
On February 26 2021 18:51 Swisslink wrote: Especially Dark dominating that hard comes out of no where, imo.
Really? It seems entirely expected after TSL6.
What about Last Chance which Dark didn't qualify for or Super Tournament where Trap(the eventual winner, I know) kicked him out early? It would have been logical to expect Trap to dominate, not Dark.
At TSL 6 Dark had one of his amazing one day runs like at BlizzCon 2019 or two days ago, it's not granted he'll repeat it. Dark may be the favourite for the tournament but it seems to me he's being overhyped; he hasn't played a single ZvP yet, he went 8-0 in ZvT but he wouldn't if his opponents were of higher tier given how his games went and apart of making Serral's mind explode, his ZvZ doesn't seem inevitable.
You can't make the argument that Dark is a streaky player. He's been a top competitor in starleagues as well as weekenders since the beginning of LotV. Really what stands out is the first half of 2020 which was marred by injuries. His blizzcon victory came after him winning GSL ST, while he finished in Code S ro4 after winning the previous season.
There is nothing surprising about Dark's performance here to me. That's not saying it was a given, nothing ever is, just look at Trap. And Dark losing to the then hottest player in the world doesn't mean TSL was a fluke of sorts.
Dark's 2020 was evidently an exception, I am not saying he is a streaky player; he is usually consistently at high level but after 2019 he has added on top to that some very dominating days where he is unstoppable(and wins finals). Also, his performance is not surprising to me, I knew he was back after December.
What surprises me is people taking for granted that Dark would and will dominate his opponents and looking at him as a clear favorite.
I feel like it's a lot of people saying "don't sleep on Dark, he's in incredible shape" rather than anybody saying "Dark is a clear favorite." I don't think most would be too surprised to see him eliminated at the hands of any of the other favorites, especially since his style is so wacky and is consistently inconsistent*, but it's undeniable that he's in good shape right now.
Regarding ZvP, Dark has shown some of the most patient ZvP of all players over the past year, with decent results (e.g. the clean lategame vs Showtime @ TSL). It'll be interesting to see whether he can recreate it if he actually draws a ZvP, though with Stats eliminated, I'm not sure we'll see any. Much more interested to see Dark vs Reynor, given that Lambo is coaching Reynor and can't stop ripping on Dark's ZvZ (maybe with decent reason?).
* - Inconsistent here not in that he loses to bad players, but inconsistent in that he can rarely make his style look impenetrable against the top competition, hence why he probably has more Ro8/Ro4s than anybody in the world but doesn't quite have the most championships.
Man the casters of the games are so boring on the ESL stream, there is nothing entertaining about their commentary. I actually decided to tune in on the French stream even though my understand is poor but it was so much better, they are shouting, they are fun and they know what they are talking about. Seriously, not even surprised the French stream had so many viewers. Let's go CLEM!
On February 27 2021 05:20 atchosvk wrote: Man the casters of the games are so boring on the ESL stream, there is nothing entertaining about their commentary. I actually decided to tune in on the French stream even though my understand is poor but it was so much better, they are shouting, they are fun and they know what they are talking about. Seriously, not even surprised the French stream had so many viewers. Let's go CLEM!
Funka is the best caster, always explain the narratives, convey the hype like no other and knowledgeable Ogaming brought their A game for Clem vs Serral it was great to see. I always advise non French speaking viewers to watch on ogaming when it’s Clem playing since they bring so much passion you don’t need to understand what they say to be completely hyped!
EPT
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