Serral's winning streak at TakeTV's HomeStory Cup series of tournaments was ended at five, with Stats emerging as the new champion in StayAt HomeStory Cup XXL (#3).
Stats' run through StayAtHSC was highlighted by his impressive best-of-five victories against three elite Zergs in Reynor (group stage), Rogue (winners final), and Serral (grand final). The 'standard' version of 2-Stargate Void Rays may have been picked apart in the last month, but the Shield of Aiur still had plenty of ways to safely set himself up for a powerful Skytoss transition. Fleets of well-upgraded Carriers consistently showed up ahead of schedule, putting Stats' Zerg opponents into an inescapable bind.
Overall, StayAt HSC continued the trend of highly unpredictable and even competition from the past half-year. Favorites like IEM Katowice champion Reynor went out in the group stage, (losing to Stats and Cure), while underdog souL (who hadn't even qualified for IEM) made a playoff run and even played a five game series against Stats. The championship picture looks to be wide open at the top end of pro SC2—especially in Korea where the new season of GSL is about to begin.
Check out TakeTV on Twitch for VODs from HSC, or download the official replay pack to catch up on the games.
It's really fascinating how the top Protoss title keeps bouncing around. I think Classic held top Protoss title the longest in LoTV, but I'm sure its close. Trap has made a good case this past year.
On March 15 2021 09:09 BisuDagger wrote: It's really fascinating how the top Protoss title keeps bouncing around. I think Classic held top Protoss title the longest in LoTV, but I'm sure its close. Trap has made a good case this past year.
I'd say in LotV overall Stats has definitely been the best Protoss for way more time than Classic or anyone else--he just has so many more podium finishes. If we look at the last year and a bit (ever since Classic's gone to the military), Stats, Zest, and Trap have been trading the title around, with Trap probably being the best Protoss the longest over that time period.
Congratulations to Stats on being #SAHSCIII champion! He had a ridiculous, gauntlet-like run. Very impressive. Truly the Shield of Aiur, and maybe even considered the Sword of Aiur with his stellar Carrier +2 interceptor play.
Definitely great series vs. Reynor, a surprising five-game series vs. soul, then 3-2'd Zest, 3-1'd Rogue and swept five consecutive HSC champion Serral. Well-rounded in all matchups.
Convincing series against both Serral and Rogue. Stats proves PvZ has more depth than previously thought. It's not all or nothing attack before, or wait till late game etc.
Stat's play throughout was amazing to see, so few builds from the great book of Protoss BS. He shows that Protoss is a complete SC2 race with a more nuanced approach required at the highest level than just 'all ins' or trick builds.
HUGE RESPECT. Great tourny, great casting, amazing games. Thank you to TakeTV and all involved!!!
GG! Happy for Stats, too bad the tourney was so late and I had to go to bed :-( Also impressive by Serral to come back to the final, he somehow keeps manages to stay at the top!
Man, HSC always delivers. Great games, good vibes, and really enjoyed the Rotti + Lowko casting combo. Grats to Stats and awesome play by him. Gabe looking into the smoke-filled oven was legendary.
Overall, StayAt HSC continued the trend of highly unpredictable and even competition from the past half-year.
I feel like I did allright with my predictions though 13/16 in Group Stage 1 and 2 out of the top 4 were players I predicted most likely to have a deep run
Soul was absolutly unpedictable though, I thought he had a punchers Chance to get into Ro16 just to ge massacred there imideatly. GGs to him, most impressive Performance in the tournament imo.
EPT
Serral's winning streak at TakeTV's HomeStory Cup series of tournaments was ended at five, with 
![[image loading]](https://i.imgur.com/7HHrSCW.png)
![[image loading]](https://i.imgur.com/hk19yBY.gif)
