Astral Authority defeated both Gale Force eSports and Denial eSports, securing a spot in the grand finals of the Nexus Games.

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In the second week of the NA Nexus Games playoffs, Astral Authority (formerly Murloc Geniuses) showed once again that they are the #1 North American team. After only dropping two maps during the playoffs, Astral Authority secured the first spot in the grand finals. They will play the winner of the losers’ finals between Gust or Bust and Denial eSports.

Astral Authority v. Gale Force eSports, 3-1 (Winners’ Semifinals)

North American champions Astral Authority won a very close series against Gale Force eSports. Each game was very competitive as momentum swung back and forth to each team throughout the series. However, Astral Authority held their composure better towards the later portion of the games, allowing them to triumph in decisive team fights. Astral Authority exhibited substantial support diversity: they used Malfurion, Lt. Morales, Uther, and Rehgar in the four games played. Gale Force, conversely, showed a rare interest in Jaina as they drafted her in two of the four games.

Denial eSports v. Imported Support, 3-1 (Winners’ Semifinals)

Although considered huge underdogs, Imported Support surprised Denial with an impressive game 1 victory. In the first game on Towers of Doom, Denial picked Dehaka, while Imported Support selected Tyrande. Imported Support’s usage of Tyrande caught Denial off guard as they could not deal with her burst potential or her Starfall. As a result, Denial did not allow their opponents to take Tyrande again. After the draft adjustment, Denial cruised to three consecutive victories.

Gust or Bust v. Imported Support, 3-0 (Losers’ Quarterfinals)

With the announcement that players will not be able to participate in both the Heroes Global Championship league and Tespa tournaments such as Heroes of the Dorm, Imported Support announced they would disband after the Nexus Games. Some players from Imported Support plan to look for a new professional team, while others hope to create a college team. Unfortunately, their last game as a team would not be pretty. Although Imported Support played well against Denial, they received a thrashing from Gust or Bust (formerly Astral Authority). While Imported Support secured the often banned Zarya in game 2, Gust or Bust handled the Overwatch hero and the rest of Imported Support easily. 

Gale Force eSports v.Vox Nihili, 3-0 (Losers’ Quarterfinals)

Unfortunately, Vox Nihili forfeited their match against Gale Force eSports as one of their players could not play.

Astral Authority v. Denial eSports, 3-0 (Winners’ Finals)

In the winners’ finals, the two NA BlizzCon representatives would meet for the first time since the NA Regional #2. Unfortunately, Denial’s Glaurung did not play.

Although their previous match at the NA Regional went the distance, their series in the Nexus Games ended quickly as Astral Authority dismantled Denial. Without Glaurung, Denial drafted several unique compositions and switched up some of their players’ roles. In game 2 on Cursed Hollow, Denial drafted a tankless composition consisting of Malfurion, Thrall, Illidan, Sylvanas, and the Lost Vikings. Conversely, Astral Authority selected standard compositions. If Glaurung returns next week, perhaps the two teams will play each other again in a more competitive matchup.

Gust or Bust defeated Gale Force eSports, 3-1 (Losers’ Semifinals)

In the final game of the week, Gust or Bust upset Gale Force eSports with a convincing 3-1 victory. In game 1 on Tomb of the Spider Queen, Gale Force’s Fan exhibited some stellar Alarak play, but his team could not recover from a devastating Devouring Maw. While game 1 was close, game 2 was not as Gust or Bust cruised to a 2-0 lead. However, in game 3 on Braxis Holdout, Gale Force rebounded with a dominant victory of their own. In game 4 on Cursed Hollow, Gale Force managed to grab Zarya during the draft. However, Zarya could not save Gale Force from elimination as Gust or Bust capitalized on several of their opponents’ mistakes to win the series.  

Looking ahead

Gust or Bust and Denial eSports will play in the losers’ finals next week. The winner will play Astral Authority in the grand finals. Tune in to Blizzard’s Heroes of the Storm channel next week to see the finale of the NA Nexus Games.

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