Looking at the whole power rank, Shopify at #8 is a bold prediction, especially when you compare their line-up with Mystery Gaming who is at #5: ByuN is often in better shape than Bunny, and Harstem+Lambo+Scarlett have a combined potential that is probably higher than RagnaroK alone.

Other than that, I agree: Basilisk/Onsyde are the clear top 2 teams, and it is hard to put another team ahead of DKZ.
The Freecs will be very interesting to follow, I did not know aLive was still playing enough starcraft to "accept" being put in the roster, I guess he truly is the invisible terran :D

Nakajin

Canada8990 Posts

September 29 2023 11:57 GMT

On September 29 2023 20:48 Poopi wrote:
Looking at the whole power rank, Shopify at #8 is a bold prediction, especially when you compare their line-up with Mystery Gaming who is at #5: ByuN is often in better shape than Bunny, and Harstem+Lambo+Scarlett have a combined potential that is probably higher than RagnaroK alone.

Other than that, I agree: Basilisk/Onsyde are the clear top 2 teams, and it is hard to put another team ahead of DKZ.
The Freecs will be very interesting to follow, I did not know aLive was still playing enough starcraft to "accept" being put in the roster, I guess he truly is the invisible terran :D

aLive actually showed up in code A!
First matches in over a year, 0-2 Astrea, 1-1 Lemon.

Balnazza

Germany1298 Posts

September 29 2023 12:34 GMT

#10

Great write-up! Really hyped for the new season and a big part of that enjoyment is Nakajins coverage <3
But DKZ 5:1 MYG? You think Bunny will 1:1 against Jieshi? Bold...

Btw: Apparently Kelazhur is leaving Liquid, so I assume this is just his goodbye match?

Evilmj

China103 Posts

September 29 2023 14:45 GMT

#11

Welcome to Code S ：D.

Crocolisk Dundee

870 Posts

September 29 2023 18:24 GMT

#12

Fantastic power rank and week1 preview! It looks like this season of WTL has the most level playing field of all. Should make for some exciting matches.

Waxangel

United States33638 Posts

October 01 2023 04:38 GMT

#13

I think there's a bit too much recency bias from last season, which was quite abnormal IMO. Shopify should be higher, Liquid and Platinum Heroes lower.

Nakajin

Canada8990 Posts

October 01 2023 11:49 GMT

#14

On October 01 2023 13:38 Waxangel wrote:
I think there's a bit too much recency bias from last season, which was quite abnormal IMO. Shopify should be higher, Liquid and Platinum Heroes lower.

I understand the feeling for Shopify, I definitely deduced a few points from last season's performances. They could well finish in the top half.

But, I think TL has a killer lineup, if Clem performance problems really are off the past, I think fourth is a reasonable spot, Skillous has been a very good addition. They need to play Skillous-Elazer-Clem most weeks though.

tigera6

3501 Posts

October 01 2023 13:37 GMT

#15

Yeah, TL has the 4th best lineup with Clem-Elazer-Skillous, they could even take down DKZ if the match up is favorable.

WombaT

Northern Ireland27041 Posts

October 01 2023 15:23 GMT

#16

A fine writeup as ever, although I was perplexed to hear Rag rebranded.

You have one of the cooler nicks in the scene and you change to be… SHIN!? The fuck?

Nakajin

Canada8990 Posts

October 01 2023 16:37 GMT

#17

On October 02 2023 00:23 WombaT wrote:
A fine writeup as ever, although I was perplexed to hear Rag rebranded.

You have one of the cooler nicks in the scene and you change to be… SHIN!? The fuck?

It's his surname, Shin Hee-beom.

Balnazza

Germany1298 Posts

October 01 2023 18:08 GMT

#18

On October 02 2023 01:37 Nakajin wrote:

Show nested quote +

It's his surname, Shin Hee-beom.

...and he was afraid he could forget it if he doesn't see it enough...?

WombaT

Northern Ireland27041 Posts

October 01 2023 21:22 GMT

#19

On October 02 2023 01:37 Nakajin wrote:

Show nested quote +

It's his surname, Shin Hee-beom.

He-Bomb would have been cooler.

On October 02 2023 03:08 Balnazza wrote:

Show nested quote +

...and he was afraid he could forget it if he doesn't see it enough...?

Hey I’d love if it inspired him to new heights like TIME’s rebrand but man I laughed my arse off at that

Hey it can happen, I once had an escalating exasperating argument with my better half about what age I was… I was the one that was incorrect

t5Fab

183 Posts

October 02 2023 16:35 GMT

#20

This is one of the wildest power ranks I've ever seen.
Shopify 8th especially. Liquid 4th is generous and Basilisk 1st with Mr 50/50 I can see it only because serral was the facto unbeaten.

Well, we will see!

Sorathez

Australia209 Posts

October 03 2023 01:31 GMT

#21

+ Show Spoiler +

And the 50-50 man returns!