EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/bannerdecorated.jpg)
Oh MAN. Do you feel that? It's the tingy tingle of a surge of nerdchills just over the horizon, like the anticipation of a nerdy dawn. It is time to get down and dirty, in the Kaal ISL Round of 16. Are you hyped yet? ARE YOU HYPED YET? Seriously...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7oB_No-VEc
If you missed any of the Round of 32 action, the VODs have already been uploaded. Hop over to the
Liquipedia Article to find them (shoutout to Hyde!) or find them in Sayle's post here to find them spoiler-free. Personal recommendations? One of the more impressive feats was seeing notorious 5-pooler 
Plumbum play an epic long macro game on Icarus versus 
dsaqwe, in which he sported both excellent unit control as well as pretty good macro. For those Hive-minded ZvZ-lovers you should check out Kolll vs Castro on Tau Cross. Bakuryu vs GoTunk was an impressive series as well, and Sneazel gave A- trutaCz a run for his money. Check out their game on Match Point. Recap
There be spoilers here...
There be spoilers here...
The Round of 32 had it's fair share of upsets and notable drop outs. We say goodbye to Boy Wonder
Kolll, who went down to Castro 2-3. Australia's hope GoD couldn't get past Michael, and his fellow TL streamer Shauni had to forfeit his match due to illness. On the bright side, relative unknown Plumbum advances as well as Random player 
Kashu. Drama
Before I get to the actual Round of 16, there are some things to clear up concerning the advancing players. I'll best leave this to Game.
About Bibiane vs Terranboy
Bibiane vs TerranBoy was decided when Bibiane beat TerranBoy 3-2 in the 5th match. However, Bibiane broke a rule and used the same map twice. Given that it's the first time in this starleague that the rule has been broken, there was some leniency. I told Bibiane if he could hunt down TerranBoy within 24 hours of our conversation, and get him to agree to re-play the 5th match + provide proof, then that could decide the match. Indeed they did re-play, and Bibiane again won, therefore Bibiane will advance.
Bibiane vs TerranBoy was decided when Bibiane beat TerranBoy 3-2 in the 5th match. However, Bibiane broke a rule and used the same map twice. Given that it's the first time in this starleague that the rule has been broken, there was some leniency. I told Bibiane if he could hunt down TerranBoy within 24 hours of our conversation, and get him to agree to re-play the 5th match + provide proof, then that could decide the match. Indeed they did re-play, and Bibiane again won, therefore Bibiane will advance.
About Ruarc
Ruarc? Everyone wonders why Ruarc was so good. Me too, actually. Yet, in such a short period, he gained major fanship. I'm pretty sure a few people can guess who was playing on that name. He's a Terran, he's named after a Terran function. Yes, that's right, TTF and AstrO got so easily demolished by none other than Scan. It seems Ruarc literally went to pick Scan up an hour away from his house to play his matches, and then brought him back when he was done. We weren't entirely sure, as he changed up some of his hotkey patterns with Zerg until some last minute replays. Those being: The replay pack Scan sold to Shade[AoV], 3 games where AstrO 3-0ed Scan the day before PvZ and told him all the build orders he was going to use, and a few other sneaky ones we got from people who were playing Scan PvZ days before. Only after those, were we able to go from 90% sure given the endless amount of replays and material we went over, to 100.1%.
Therefore, Ruarc is disqualified. TTF and AstrO will be playing a Best of 5 for the Round of 32 spot Wednesday at 20CET, and that match will decide who goes into the Round of 16.
P.S this was the third time Scan was banned from this league. First as a general ban for cheating. Second as a ladder player who played within the last few days. Third, for this. I guess it's best to question why Scan was banned initially, given his cheating past, and cheating in every major tournament and starleague.
Ruarc? Everyone wonders why Ruarc was so good. Me too, actually. Yet, in such a short period, he gained major fanship. I'm pretty sure a few people can guess who was playing on that name. He's a Terran, he's named after a Terran function. Yes, that's right, TTF and AstrO got so easily demolished by none other than Scan. It seems Ruarc literally went to pick Scan up an hour away from his house to play his matches, and then brought him back when he was done. We weren't entirely sure, as he changed up some of his hotkey patterns with Zerg until some last minute replays. Those being: The replay pack Scan sold to Shade[AoV], 3 games where AstrO 3-0ed Scan the day before PvZ and told him all the build orders he was going to use, and a few other sneaky ones we got from people who were playing Scan PvZ days before. Only after those, were we able to go from 90% sure given the endless amount of replays and material we went over, to 100.1%.
Therefore, Ruarc is disqualified. TTF and AstrO will be playing a Best of 5 for the Round of 32 spot Wednesday at 20CET, and that match will decide who goes into the Round of 16.
P.S this was the third time Scan was banned from this league. First as a general ban for cheating. Second as a ladder player who played within the last few days. Third, for this. I guess it's best to question why Scan was banned initially, given his cheating past, and cheating in every major tournament and starleague.
Round of 16
by Game
Video by Dan1870220133262
Sziky <> AstrO
Given the drama, Sziky vs the winner of TTF/AstrO is spotlighted. It is the best matchup of both players that are facing Sziky, and his weakest, which might prove to be a closer-than-should-be series.
() andrey <> Pro7ecT
Between andrey/Pro7ecT, hopefully they can give us as exciting of a TvT as last round between andrey and SzajnA.
Michael <> SneazeL
I think everyone wants to see Michael and SneazeL go head to head, so there isn't much reason to hype it lol.
Pike <> SouthPark
Pike and SouthPark, two of the strongest Polish Zergs duking it out in a favorable matchup for both... I can't wait :D.
Bakuryu <> CastrO
The odds are heavy for CastrO to win it despite Bakuryu being such an amazing player. With CastrO eliminating Kolll, whom has eliminated Bakuryu ZvZ in many tournaments, the favor goes to him.
Ace <> PatrrrOn
While Ace normally should dominate PatrrrOn, it's his best and only matchup really. A match made in heaven. (Ace hasn't had to play a game yet, this will be our first chance to see what the Sniper Zerg is up to! ed.)
Bibiane <> Plumbum
Bibiane is best in TvZ, and we haven't seen Plumbum's ZvT (except 5pooling Terror lol, ed.), but overnight has become a fan favorite and I know for a fact that people want to see more of his shockingly good play.
Jumper <> Kashu
Then the last match, King DT versus The Comeback Kid. I have no thoughts on this one, I just know I want to see it. I think Kashu is favored in it, but Jumper has impressed me lately... so yeah I just want to see it.
by Game
Video by Dan1870220133262
Sziky <> AstrOGiven the drama, Sziky vs the winner of TTF/AstrO is spotlighted. It is the best matchup of both players that are facing Sziky, and his weakest, which might prove to be a closer-than-should-be series.
() andrey <> Pro7ecTBetween andrey/Pro7ecT, hopefully they can give us as exciting of a TvT as last round between andrey and SzajnA.
Michael <> SneazeLI think everyone wants to see Michael and SneazeL go head to head, so there isn't much reason to hype it lol.
Pike <> SouthParkPike and SouthPark, two of the strongest Polish Zergs duking it out in a favorable matchup for both... I can't wait :D.
Bakuryu <> CastrOThe odds are heavy for CastrO to win it despite Bakuryu being such an amazing player. With CastrO eliminating Kolll, whom has eliminated Bakuryu ZvZ in many tournaments, the favor goes to him.
Ace <> PatrrrOnWhile Ace normally should dominate PatrrrOn, it's his best and only matchup really. A match made in heaven. (Ace hasn't had to play a game yet, this will be our first chance to see what the Sniper Zerg is up to! ed.)
Bibiane <> PlumbumBibiane is best in TvZ, and we haven't seen Plumbum's ZvT (except 5pooling Terror lol, ed.), but overnight has become a fan favorite and I know for a fact that people want to see more of his shockingly good play.
Jumper <> KashuThen the last match, King DT versus The Comeback Kid. I have no thoughts on this one, I just know I want to see it. I think Kashu is favored in it, but Jumper has impressed me lately... so yeah I just want to see it.
A noteable point is that from the top 12, 9 of the 12 are still in the Round of 16. Whereas only one was eliminated properly, being
trutaCz, by another top 12 ladder player. DeSka got W.Oed out, and Ruarc was disqualified. Also notable: in the Round of 16 we find 8
, 4 , 2 and 1 (with one more or added through TTF vs Astro). Among the players, we find 3 Hungarians, 3 Americans, 2 Russians, 3 Poles, 1 German, 1 Peruvian, 1 Chilean and 1 Canadian. Though a bit heavy on the Zerg side of things, a fine mixture overall ^^ Need more hype? Scoot over to Hacklebeast's interviews to get to know some of these players a bit better!
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/format.png)
All matches are Best of Five. Game 1 is played on
Match Point, Game 2 is played on Empire of the Sun and from there it's Loser Picks from one of the following maps: Neo Aztec, Destination, Circuit Breaker, Heartbreak Ridge.+ Show Spoiler [Other Rounds] +
Ro8// Best of 5 // 3 Set Maps
Start: HBR, Neo Aztec, Wuthering Heights
Pick from: Longinus 2, Neo Beltway, Fighting Spirit
Semis // Best of 7 // 3 Set Maps
Start: Fighting Spirit, Longinus 2, Neo Beltway
Pick from: Rush Hour III, Wuthering Heights, La Mancha, Sin Peaks of Baekdu, Destination 1.1
Finals // Best of 7 // 3 Set Maps
Start: Destination 1.1, Rush Hour III, Colosseum II
Pick from: Sin Peaks of Baekdu, La Mancha, Othello, Tau Cross 1.1, Blue Storm, Holy World SE, Icarus, Neo Beltway
The games will start on September 17th at 19:00 CET (18:00 GMT (+00:00) local time).
Games will be played on the Fish server, rendez-vous channel is OP ISL2
![[image loading]](/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/intertitle/rules.png)
Tournament Rules
+ Show Spoiler [TOURNAMENT RULES] +
+ Show Spoiler [TOURNAMENT RULES] +
- The absolute and most important rule is that LRM)Game holds full discretion over ISL2 decisions and procedures.
- You must use chaoslauncher for 1.16.1 or MiniLauncher for every group stage and tournament game on Fish server.
- No smurf accounts. Your account must be played with your known ID in it. If you are found out to be smurfing, you will be disqualified and no further participation in the tournament will be allowed. If you are worried about which ID you should use, PM LRM)Game at account Game on teamliquid.net. If you feel that not smurfing gives you an unfair disadvantage, you must appeal to LRM)Game at account Game on teamliquid.net. We will then give you a predetermined smurf name. Failure to comply will lead to disqualification.
- All names must begin with ISL2. Ex: ISL2-Kaalveiten ISL2_NoOne [ISL2]Sayle.
- If you want to make a new name, you must inform us.
- In order for previous hackers or abusers to play in ISL2, they will need to provide certain things to LRM)Game or Hakurei[AoV] which will be handled on a case to case basis. All discretion for this is held by the ISL2 Counter Abuse Team.
- No hacking or abusing. This is very very basic. No multiple or shared accounts. No letting other players on your accounts. No taking free wins from friends. No selling wins. No playing against your own account. If suspected of abuse, failure to comply with ISL2 staff will result in a disqualification from the tournament.
- All Kaal's International StarLeague matches must be played with a referee present.
- No Korean IP addresses.
- All ladder replays must be saved for your own safety and submitted at the end of each stage to LRM)Game at isl2replays@gmail.com.
- Any major issues that concern anything to do with names, rules, or disqualification, need to be PMed to Game at Teamliquid.net
- All games must be played on /dnd mode. You cannot use the same map twice.
- Anything a referee tells you during the proceedings of the matches goes; be very attentive to the rules they announce per week. Additionally, rules might have slight alterations throughout the entirety of the tournament.
- Scouting via gases, observers over turrets, hold position lurkers, all variations of legal play are allowed.
Message from the sponsors:
"TwitchTV is excited to support a Starcraft:BroodWar tournament. We're dedicated to supporting gaming broadcasting, from gaming marathons to competitive gaming, and Starcraft is a game we all personally love and are happy to support." - TwitchTV.com
"It is a pleasure to once again do my bit for foreign BroodWar. Many who are discouraged by an unclear future, should take heart- we as individuals and as a community have the power to prevent our inimitable game from decline." - EleGant[AoV]
![[image loading]](/staff/HawaiianPig/ISL2/intertitle/personnel.png)
Sponsors: KaalVeiten, TwitchTV.com, KoS-Templar, EleGant[AoV], rUSKIG, Trap, Megashira[AoV], a1k1a4k1, NoisE[AoV], mesochobo
Organizer: LRM)Game
CAT Team: Hakurei[AoV], LRM)nOoNe, Sayle, LRM)Glory, KaalVeiten, LRM)Game, JoeKim, zimp
Caster: Sayle and EleGant[AoV]
Referee: LRM)Game, LRM)Glory, JoeKim
Graphics: HawaiianPig
Videos: Supernovamaniac, Dan1870220133262
Server: Fish Server with ChaosLauncher or MiniLauncher for the Group Stages and Tournament.
YT channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/KaalISL
Text by Pholon
Graphics by HawaiianPig
