From 21 different teams of players, spanning 14 different countries there are 50 players trying to capture the first place spot which will net them $50,000 USD. Though it won't be an easy road for any of the players involved as each group has a clear favourite or two, but looking closer you can see a lot of potential upsets.
Every match will be re-broadcasted for Europeans the following day below starting at 19:00CET
Division 1 Week OneApril 12th 2011 - 9:00PM EST
FOX_Moon 2-1 Grubby
SixJax.ViBE 0-2 TLAF-Liquid'TLO
SixJax.Artosis 0-2 FXO.Sheth
FnaticMSI.Fenix2-0 ROOT.KiWiKaKi
ST_RainBOw0-2 mouz.MorroW
Micro's Predictions
The first match of the day, is something that would be considered by many a perfect finals in another Blizzard title, WarCraft 3. Both Moon and Grubby have a history against each other, and possibly the opening match of the NASL will spark something new. I'm expecting Grubby to win 2-1.
In a match that could have happened at MLG Dallas if it wasn't for Liquid`Tyler, ViBE will get his chance to go after the fan favourite TLO just over a week later. This along with many matches will be hard to predict as ViBE is not to be underestimated but the same can always be said about TLO and his hectic style. TLO takes the series 2-0.
In one of the most shocking moments of 2011 for StarCraft 2, Artosis was added to the SixJax roster as a captain after accepting a position into the NASL. No one knows what to expect from the Zerg turned Protoss GSL caster. A lot of people are turning a blind eye to Sheth, but he had a strong showing at MLG Dallas. Sheth takes it 2-1, though he loses game one.
As of late, Fenix has been in a bit of a slump based on tournament results. While KiWiKaKi became the first player to reach 2 MLG finals, and after beating SeleCT in the LB finals of Dallas he's looking stronger than ever. KiWiKaKi takes it 2-0, watch for blink.
For some this will be an awesome closer to the first day, for others they would want this switched with the starter. Both RainBOw and MorroW are more than capable of showing amazing games, will the training in Korea do MorroW well, or did that experience give RainBOw some insight into this Zerg? MorroW wins 2-1, don't count out banelings!
Division 2 Week OneApril 13th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
ST_July W-O White-Ra
FXOqxc 0-2 CN!MoMaN
aTn.DarKFoRcE 0-2 coL.CrunCher
FnaticMSI.TT10-2 dignitas.SjoW
EGIncontroL2-1 oGsEnsnare
Micro's Predictions
Of all of the matches in week one, this is not only the one I'm most excited for but may become a highlight reel for both races. In a rematch between GSL's Korea vs The World where July took down White-Ra, there may just be revenge on the horizon or is a repeat possible? July 2-1 in a heartbreak series.
After not being overly happy with his performance at MLG Dallas qxc is someone to watch out for in the NASL. He's a Terran who is very unpredictable and as we saw after he took down Genius in TSL3 he can't be counted out. Though MoMaN who is very active in the EU scene will be a new face to many North Americans, he always gives players like NaNiWa a run for their money. MoMaN 2-1, with a surprise to North Americans.
Based on what happened in the Round of 32 of TSL3, a lot of people are going to have CrunCher easily taking down the German DarKFoRcE. Though if you've ever watch TaKeSeN's stream you know that DarKFoRcE isn't someone to be taken lightly. DarKFoRcE takes it 2-0, IdrA :)'s.
Both of these players we're on opposite sides of the world at the same time for different reasons. TTOne made the trip to Korea for the GSL WC while SjoW went State side for MLG Dallas. Based on what we saw from both of them during those times, it's a match that you'd want a Bo7 not a Bo3. TTOne 2-1 (I coin flipped this, I honestly couldn't pick a favourite).
The final match of day 2 has so much hype around it that I'm sure somehow an announcement will happen during the game. IncontroL who shocked everyone (except himself) by taking 4th at MLG Dallas is ready to show that wasn't a fluke, but he has Ensnare who is once again in Code S in GSL to deal with. With another Terran and a Protoss in his GSL group, he'll be ready for this matchup. IncontroL 2-0's Ensnare, and if he's casting himself it'll be an interesting end to day 2.
Division 3 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
dignitas.NaNiwa W-O mouz.Strelok
FXOmOOnGLaDe 1-2 ROOTSlush
FnaticMSI.KawaiiRice 2-0 TLAF-Liquid`Haypro
SixJax.dde 1-2 oGs.NaDa
ST_Squirtle2-1 EGAxslav
Micro's Predictions
The third day starts off with one of the most talked about players thanks to an event that's been mentioned more times than not already in this article. NaNiWa who went 25-0 before feeling a loss at MLG Dallas (and the loss came in the finals) is looking to show that he can continue 2-0'n everything in his path. Though to count Strelok out of anything, Tyler may have beat him in the TSL, but he's always in the finals of tournaments. NaNiWa beings a new lossless streak, 2-0 for the Swede.
Somehow, it takes 12 games to finally see a mirror matchup take place in the NASL and it's two interesting Zergs. mOOnGLaDe who is currently at the foreigner house in Korea for GSL WC and Code A is always looking strong when he streams his ladder games. Slush on the other hand went 3-1 in his MLG group and was knocked out by the Terran beat Moonan. This one may come down to if mOOnGLaDe gets used to the latency to North America, so Slush takes it 2-1.
Both of these players almost had the underdog story for MLG Dallas, both had to go through the open bracket to try to get into the championship bracket. Both managed to do it! Though Haypro was able to get to the group stages. This much like the TTOne vs SjoW match is a very tough choice as to who will win. I'll give the win 2-1 to HayprO though, as he has Jinro among others to train with in Korea.
If you were a fan of BroodWar than I don't even have to mention anything that NaDa has done, not to mention he's shown his prowess in StarCraft 2 as well. A lot of people will call this game a write-off but dde shouldn't be counted out because his name isn't well known yet. I can say from personal experience if dde doesn't play SotiS all day he could give NaDa a run for his money. NaDa takes the series 2-1 with game 3 in a base race.
Day 3 will come to a close with the SjoW killer himself Squirtle taking on the runner up of the GCPL Individual Tournament Axslav. People were considering PvP for quite a while to be a coin toss, and many still do. Though we've been shown by players like MC and NaNiWa that it is possible to be dominant. Axslav takes the series 2-0, after hours training with IncontroL for this matchup.
Division 4 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
dignitas.SeleCT 2-0 mouz.HasuObs
ESC.GoOdy 0-2 ROOTCatZ
TLAF-Liquid`Ret 0-2 ST_Ace
coL.Stalife 2-1 EGMachine
BRAT_OK W-O oGs.MC
Micro's Predictions
NASL is doing something right with their starting and closing matches for each day, the 4th day of week one is no expection to the previous statement. SeleCT who is a favourite in almost everything he enters can harras in so many places at once that he could probably 1v2 on ladder. HasuObs on the other hand, is coming off of a big win vs HuK in the TSL and winning the UGC the weekend of Dallas against Cloud. HasuObs takes the series 2-1, but it'll be an amazing start to the Friday games.
The so called 'Panzer' Terran GoOdy, who loves to play mech and mech only is going against one of the most creative players in the game. CatZ who was sadly knocked out before the championship bracket at Dallas is ready to show that infestors against mech has always been viable. With CatZ having training partners feet away from him at all time in Florida, we may see a new side to him. GoOdy will catch everyone off gaurd in his 2-1 win, no one will expect him to cheese.
Saying something like Ret is in a slump could be dangerous to ones health depending where you say it, if he's in shape he is a top Zerg in the world. Though after his loss to HuK at MLG and with Ace having his IEM win over a Zerg, unless Ret is training his days away he won't stand a chance. Ace 2-0's Ret in convincing style.
I always love seeing the battles where you know they've faced off on the ladder more than a handful of times. Stalife who was taken out of MLG Dallas by Naama in round 7 is going to be looking for some revenge. Machine on the other hand was one of the seeded players for said tournament. Although Machine does have IdrA constantly near him to help him train, it may be a very tough one for him. Stalife takes it 2-1, though any Z who faces Machine look out!
With these 10 players, how else would you end Week 1 of Division Four? BRAT_OK has been around the scene longer than most, and he's been near the top almost the entire time. While he hasn't a major offline win yet, the Russian is always full of surprises. MC on the otherhand is labeled by many to be THE best player in the world. Two GSL titles under his belt, and being invited to the DreamHack invite tournament next week. MC will win 2-1, people who didn't know of BRAT_OK before will now.
Division 5 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
EGIdrA 2-1 aTn.Socke
mouz.MaNa 2-0 TLAF-Liquid`Tyler
LGPainUser 1-2 MYM.Cloud
oGs.Zenio 0-2 FnaticMSI.SEn
ROOTdrewbie 1-2 SlayerS_BoxeR
Micro's Predictions
If you ever want to hear what IdrA really thinks about Zerg, take a listen to SoTG 33. Though he managed to take 7th at MLG Dallas, you know he's never happy with anything but first. Socke who also made the trip to MLG Dallas managed to literally 1 up IdrA as he finished the position above him. Socke who is known for his PvP will have a tough task ahead of him, pending hallucinations. Socke 2-1, I had originally put IdrA but then thinking about his utter hatred for this matchup he'll mentally lose it.
Becoming a favourite of many as of late, MaNa was one of those players hurt quite a bit with the removal of the Amulet as he was often 2 basing against zergs with mass HT. Though his PvP is nothing to laugh at, Tyler just seems to be on his game as of late even though he was upset with MLG Dallas. Either player can take this series so you're guess is as good as mine for who wins.
PainUser seems to be one of those players that will always be near the top of a tournament but won't manage to get that victory. ClouD knows that all to well as he recently lost the UGC coming from the winners bracket. Both players have a lot to prove, and I know that ClouD will take advantage of all of his practice partners in Germany for this. PainUser will take the series 2-1, though to me it's a matter of if ClouD is on tilt or not right now after UGC.
A match that could very well be the finals in any tournament and people wouldn't complain that it was ZvZ. Thinking back to a past GSL season where we saw Zenio take out IdrA with awesome creativity it gets me excited. Though if you've followed BroodWar, you know as well as I that SEn can always be a hope for a Korean to lose. He was clutch in Fnatic winning the GCPL, but will he be able to get past Zenio? I think he will, as SEn will 2-0 Zenio will be preparing for LosirA in GSL, SEn is something else.
I think the only person more excited for this match than myself (and all of you) is drewbie. It's not everyday you get to play a legend of the game you grew up play and he's now getting this chance. With Fenix in house, he has a very good practice partner to go up against Boxer. There's not much to say here except he's the Emperor and proved to us in the TSL that he's not invited because of his fame, he's damn good at this game. drewbie will win 2-1 over the Emperor, though he could be shocked if Boxer says his real name.
That's it, 25 matches for week one and this continues on for 9 weeks total. I'll be doing this for every single week including the next weeks having results. So be sure to tune back to GosuGamers to see how my predictions go and let me know some of yours in the comments below!
Big thanks to @cricketsway on twitter for the image
Every match will be re-broadcasted for Europeans the following day below starting at 19:00CET
Division 1 Week OneApril 12th 2011 - 9:00PM EST
FOX_Moon 2-1 Grubby
SixJax.ViBE 0-2 TLAF-Liquid'TLO
SixJax.Artosis 0-2 FXO.Sheth
FnaticMSI.Fenix2-0 ROOT.KiWiKaKi
ST_RainBOw0-2 mouz.MorroW
Micro's Predictions
The first match of the day, is something that would be considered by many a perfect finals in another Blizzard title, WarCraft 3. Both Moon and Grubby have a history against each other, and possibly the opening match of the NASL will spark something new. I'm expecting Grubby to win 2-1.
In a match that could have happened at MLG Dallas if it wasn't for Liquid`Tyler, ViBE will get his chance to go after the fan favourite TLO just over a week later. This along with many matches will be hard to predict as ViBE is not to be underestimated but the same can always be said about TLO and his hectic style. TLO takes the series 2-0.
In one of the most shocking moments of 2011 for StarCraft 2, Artosis was added to the SixJax roster as a captain after accepting a position into the NASL. No one knows what to expect from the Zerg turned Protoss GSL caster. A lot of people are turning a blind eye to Sheth, but he had a strong showing at MLG Dallas. Sheth takes it 2-1, though he loses game one.
As of late, Fenix has been in a bit of a slump based on tournament results. While KiWiKaKi became the first player to reach 2 MLG finals, and after beating SeleCT in the LB finals of Dallas he's looking stronger than ever. KiWiKaKi takes it 2-0, watch for blink.
For some this will be an awesome closer to the first day, for others they would want this switched with the starter. Both RainBOw and MorroW are more than capable of showing amazing games, will the training in Korea do MorroW well, or did that experience give RainBOw some insight into this Zerg? MorroW wins 2-1, don't count out banelings!
Division 2 Week OneApril 13th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
ST_July W-O White-Ra
FXOqxc 0-2 CN!MoMaN
aTn.DarKFoRcE 0-2 coL.CrunCher
FnaticMSI.TT10-2 dignitas.SjoW
EGIncontroL2-1 oGsEnsnare
Micro's Predictions
Of all of the matches in week one, this is not only the one I'm most excited for but may become a highlight reel for both races. In a rematch between GSL's Korea vs The World where July took down White-Ra, there may just be revenge on the horizon or is a repeat possible? July 2-1 in a heartbreak series.
After not being overly happy with his performance at MLG Dallas qxc is someone to watch out for in the NASL. He's a Terran who is very unpredictable and as we saw after he took down Genius in TSL3 he can't be counted out. Though MoMaN who is very active in the EU scene will be a new face to many North Americans, he always gives players like NaNiWa a run for their money. MoMaN 2-1, with a surprise to North Americans.
Based on what happened in the Round of 32 of TSL3, a lot of people are going to have CrunCher easily taking down the German DarKFoRcE. Though if you've ever watch TaKeSeN's stream you know that DarKFoRcE isn't someone to be taken lightly. DarKFoRcE takes it 2-0, IdrA :)'s.
Both of these players we're on opposite sides of the world at the same time for different reasons. TTOne made the trip to Korea for the GSL WC while SjoW went State side for MLG Dallas. Based on what we saw from both of them during those times, it's a match that you'd want a Bo7 not a Bo3. TTOne 2-1 (I coin flipped this, I honestly couldn't pick a favourite).
The final match of day 2 has so much hype around it that I'm sure somehow an announcement will happen during the game. IncontroL who shocked everyone (except himself) by taking 4th at MLG Dallas is ready to show that wasn't a fluke, but he has Ensnare who is once again in Code S in GSL to deal with. With another Terran and a Protoss in his GSL group, he'll be ready for this matchup. IncontroL 2-0's Ensnare, and if he's casting himself it'll be an interesting end to day 2.
Division 3 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
dignitas.NaNiwa W-O mouz.Strelok
FXOmOOnGLaDe 1-2 ROOTSlush
FnaticMSI.KawaiiRice 2-0 TLAF-Liquid`Haypro
SixJax.dde 1-2 oGs.NaDa
ST_Squirtle2-1 EGAxslav
Micro's Predictions
The third day starts off with one of the most talked about players thanks to an event that's been mentioned more times than not already in this article. NaNiWa who went 25-0 before feeling a loss at MLG Dallas (and the loss came in the finals) is looking to show that he can continue 2-0'n everything in his path. Though to count Strelok out of anything, Tyler may have beat him in the TSL, but he's always in the finals of tournaments. NaNiWa beings a new lossless streak, 2-0 for the Swede.
Somehow, it takes 12 games to finally see a mirror matchup take place in the NASL and it's two interesting Zergs. mOOnGLaDe who is currently at the foreigner house in Korea for GSL WC and Code A is always looking strong when he streams his ladder games. Slush on the other hand went 3-1 in his MLG group and was knocked out by the Terran beat Moonan. This one may come down to if mOOnGLaDe gets used to the latency to North America, so Slush takes it 2-1.
Both of these players almost had the underdog story for MLG Dallas, both had to go through the open bracket to try to get into the championship bracket. Both managed to do it! Though Haypro was able to get to the group stages. This much like the TTOne vs SjoW match is a very tough choice as to who will win. I'll give the win 2-1 to HayprO though, as he has Jinro among others to train with in Korea.
If you were a fan of BroodWar than I don't even have to mention anything that NaDa has done, not to mention he's shown his prowess in StarCraft 2 as well. A lot of people will call this game a write-off but dde shouldn't be counted out because his name isn't well known yet. I can say from personal experience if dde doesn't play SotiS all day he could give NaDa a run for his money. NaDa takes the series 2-1 with game 3 in a base race.
Day 3 will come to a close with the SjoW killer himself Squirtle taking on the runner up of the GCPL Individual Tournament Axslav. People were considering PvP for quite a while to be a coin toss, and many still do. Though we've been shown by players like MC and NaNiWa that it is possible to be dominant. Axslav takes the series 2-0, after hours training with IncontroL for this matchup.
Division 4 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
dignitas.SeleCT 2-0 mouz.HasuObs
ESC.GoOdy 0-2 ROOTCatZ
TLAF-Liquid`Ret 0-2 ST_Ace
coL.Stalife 2-1 EGMachine
BRAT_OK W-O oGs.MC
Micro's Predictions
NASL is doing something right with their starting and closing matches for each day, the 4th day of week one is no expection to the previous statement. SeleCT who is a favourite in almost everything he enters can harras in so many places at once that he could probably 1v2 on ladder. HasuObs on the other hand, is coming off of a big win vs HuK in the TSL and winning the UGC the weekend of Dallas against Cloud. HasuObs takes the series 2-1, but it'll be an amazing start to the Friday games.
The so called 'Panzer' Terran GoOdy, who loves to play mech and mech only is going against one of the most creative players in the game. CatZ who was sadly knocked out before the championship bracket at Dallas is ready to show that infestors against mech has always been viable. With CatZ having training partners feet away from him at all time in Florida, we may see a new side to him. GoOdy will catch everyone off gaurd in his 2-1 win, no one will expect him to cheese.
Saying something like Ret is in a slump could be dangerous to ones health depending where you say it, if he's in shape he is a top Zerg in the world. Though after his loss to HuK at MLG and with Ace having his IEM win over a Zerg, unless Ret is training his days away he won't stand a chance. Ace 2-0's Ret in convincing style.
I always love seeing the battles where you know they've faced off on the ladder more than a handful of times. Stalife who was taken out of MLG Dallas by Naama in round 7 is going to be looking for some revenge. Machine on the other hand was one of the seeded players for said tournament. Although Machine does have IdrA constantly near him to help him train, it may be a very tough one for him. Stalife takes it 2-1, though any Z who faces Machine look out!
With these 10 players, how else would you end Week 1 of Division Four? BRAT_OK has been around the scene longer than most, and he's been near the top almost the entire time. While he hasn't a major offline win yet, the Russian is always full of surprises. MC on the otherhand is labeled by many to be THE best player in the world. Two GSL titles under his belt, and being invited to the DreamHack invite tournament next week. MC will win 2-1, people who didn't know of BRAT_OK before will now.
Division 5 Week OneApril 14th 2011 - 6:00PM EST
EGIdrA 2-1 aTn.Socke
mouz.MaNa 2-0 TLAF-Liquid`Tyler
LGPainUser 1-2 MYM.Cloud
oGs.Zenio 0-2 FnaticMSI.SEn
ROOTdrewbie 1-2 SlayerS_BoxeR
Micro's Predictions
If you ever want to hear what IdrA really thinks about Zerg, take a listen to SoTG 33. Though he managed to take 7th at MLG Dallas, you know he's never happy with anything but first. Socke who also made the trip to MLG Dallas managed to literally 1 up IdrA as he finished the position above him. Socke who is known for his PvP will have a tough task ahead of him, pending hallucinations. Socke 2-1, I had originally put IdrA but then thinking about his utter hatred for this matchup he'll mentally lose it.
Becoming a favourite of many as of late, MaNa was one of those players hurt quite a bit with the removal of the Amulet as he was often 2 basing against zergs with mass HT. Though his PvP is nothing to laugh at, Tyler just seems to be on his game as of late even though he was upset with MLG Dallas. Either player can take this series so you're guess is as good as mine for who wins.
PainUser seems to be one of those players that will always be near the top of a tournament but won't manage to get that victory. ClouD knows that all to well as he recently lost the UGC coming from the winners bracket. Both players have a lot to prove, and I know that ClouD will take advantage of all of his practice partners in Germany for this. PainUser will take the series 2-1, though to me it's a matter of if ClouD is on tilt or not right now after UGC.
A match that could very well be the finals in any tournament and people wouldn't complain that it was ZvZ. Thinking back to a past GSL season where we saw Zenio take out IdrA with awesome creativity it gets me excited. Though if you've followed BroodWar, you know as well as I that SEn can always be a hope for a Korean to lose. He was clutch in Fnatic winning the GCPL, but will he be able to get past Zenio? I think he will, as SEn will 2-0 Zenio will be preparing for LosirA in GSL, SEn is something else.
I think the only person more excited for this match than myself (and all of you) is drewbie. It's not everyday you get to play a legend of the game you grew up play and he's now getting this chance. With Fenix in house, he has a very good practice partner to go up against Boxer. There's not much to say here except he's the Emperor and proved to us in the TSL that he's not invited because of his fame, he's damn good at this game. drewbie will win 2-1 over the Emperor, though he could be shocked if Boxer says his real name.
That's it, 25 matches for week one and this continues on for 9 weeks total. I'll be doing this for every single week including the next weeks having results. So be sure to tune back to GosuGamers to see how my predictions go and let me know some of yours in the comments below!
Big thanks to @cricketsway on twitter for the image
