EPTHomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview
by WaxThe longest running tournament series in StarCraft II history is back with its 28th event, once again inviting top players to Krefeld, Germany for three days of competition and festivities. If the previous HomeStory Cup roster was somewhat thin due to the proximity of EWC, this time around, the continent's best are out in force with Serral, Clem, and Reynor all in participation. Will defending champion Zoun be able to keep the title in Korean hands, or will the Europeans reclaim their prize?
Players & Schedule
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/homestorycup/hsc28groups_1.png)
The top two players from each group advance to the playoffs. The playoffs is an eight-player bracket with partial double-elimination. The RO8 is played as single-elimination, while RO4 and onward is played as double-elimination.
- Friday, Jan 30 12:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): RO24 Groups A & B
- Saturday, Jan 31 12:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): RO24 Groups C & D
- Sunday, Feb 01 1:00pm GMT (GMT+00:00): Playoffs
Top Contenders Overview
After an HSC-lite experience at tournament #27, the entire EU triumvirate of Serral, Clem, and Reynor will be in action at HSC #28. The world champion trio are undoubtedly the top title contenders at Krefeld, and the dynamics among them has become rather intriguing in recent weeks.Reynor had clearly taken a step back to his rivals during his 2024-25 slump, but he began 2026 with a statement performance at the All-Star Invitational in Hangzhou. He finished best among the EU trio with a runner-up result (narrowly losing 3-4 to herO in the finals), and scored a key 3-2 semifinals victory over Clem along the way. Even during his slump, Reynor had played well against Serral and Clem in isolated series—now, he has a strong major tournament result to show he's right back on their level.
On the other hand, Clem has hit a minor road bump in the new year. He can't be dinged for losing to Reynor at the All-Star Invitational, but his recent 2-3 loss to heavy underdog Trigger in the Rongyi Cup playoffs sounded moderate alarm bells. In isolation, it was the kind of random upset every top player suffers from time to time. However, combined with his continuing struggles against Classic and another loss to Trigger in a weekly cup, one has to wonder if TvP will be Clem's Achilles' Heel at HSC. Granted, Classic himself won't be in participation, but players like Trigger, Zoun, and ShoWTimE have the potential to upset a vulnerable Clem.
Ultimately, it feels like Serral has ended up as the default #1 title favorite for yet another tournament. Despite his shocking 0-3 loss to herO at the All-Star Invitational, Serral has just been too good for too long that one bad loss barely dents his reputation. We're a long ways off from peak-Serral where you'd favor him against the rest of the field combined, but the GOAT still has the best chance against the broadest range of opponents. Yes, Clem might be slightly favored against Serral in a head-to-head, and Reynor can definitely put up a great fight of his own. But both players have liabilities outside their match-up against Serral, whereas the Finnish Phenom has proven himself to be the most consistent winner in the game.
It feels a bit impolite to reigning HSC champion Zoun, but I'm putting a little distance between him and the three contenders at the top. With all due respect, his HSC 27 run was one of the softest in recent memory, including victories against HeroMarine, Ryung, sOs, ShoWTimE in the playoffs. Still, Zoun must be feared as he can upset any of the big three when playing at his peak level. I don't think he has the consistency to string together the BO5+ wins needed to win it all (especially with the partial double elim), but it wouldn't be a shock to see him end another contender's run early.
