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Introduction / Review
Hello, today I'll be starting my first running series (the LAN Race / end of the season preview is too far apart for it to be considered a series) of anything TF2-related. Each installment will come with a short review of the previous week, the rankings, and a MOTW. We will be looking at the Invite division which just finished week 1. Most of the results were as expected, with the upper Invite teams beating out the lower Invite teams. The “upset”, if you will, came from Runaway 5's 5-3 win over AG. We got to see a plethora of Invite rookies perform, with varying results. But enough of that, let's get to the rankings.
Power Rankings
1. High Rollers Gaming (2-0)
HRG is coming off the perfect season with two easy wins over and AG and Vector, barely breaking a sweat. This week though will be different, as Mad Men and Classic Mixup are different teams entirely. Mad Men should put up a strong fight but expect b4nny's standard 400DPM everywhere and Scouts making huge plays. By the end of this week, we will find out if HRG can break Mixup's record of 22 consecutive victories with wins of their own (more on that under Match of the Week).
2. Classic Mixup (2-0)
The Platinum and Harbleu Soldier duo has been holding well, and Enigma has been going ham. Seagull's Demo is not standout but it is satisfactory, putting out damage where needed and punishing opposing Demos for doing silly rollouts. In a twisted reversal, Mixup has the chance to snap the HRG winning streak this week in an eerily almost identical scenario of season 13. Mixup's game against AG will be more of a mirror matchup, where both teams have superstar pockets, fun roamers and rising Medics. I expect Platinum to have a good edge over Rando, and the Scout fights to flip back and forth with both roamers doing roamer things. I'll call it a 5-3 Mixup win there.
3. Tri Hards (2-0)
I wish I knew what was going on with this team (like if Tri streamed, hello?) but it seems Hero went crazy and Clckwrk not so much. A little surprising, but whatever. They play a third low Invite team this week in Vector, but also play LAN contender Top Guns. I'm worried for Top Guns' Scouts against a hot Clckwrk and Hero, but the clashes between the heavies will be much closer. Blaze will continue to make plays but with less success rate against a more experienced Ninjanick. We also get to see who's got the more “Dummy” rollouts between the man himself and Bradford, heh.
4. Mad Men (1-1)
Similarily with Tri Hards, Mad Men's Scouts have been propelling the team forward and the Soldiers kinda tagging along behind. Bl4nk surprisingly had just 9 frags in their commanding win over Runaway 5 (but that's attributed to the high number of assists and router problems) so expect to see him step up this week, as they take on HRG first. If bl4nk and rr can square off against Lansky and b4nny, it'll give Mike and Alfa breathing room to fight the Scouts. They'll need everyone at their best if they want to be the team to topple HRG. Could it happen? Absolutely. But they need to be perfect or b4nny will exploit every opportunity to take that chance away.
5. Top Guns (2-0)
Carnage's return has been smooth so far, putting up solid numbers against the lower Invite teams alongside Seanbud, whose play has only continued to elevate since LAN, but they'll have to be in perfect sync to take on the Tri Hard and R5 Scout pairs. Pyyyour still has the same style of play, enough to boost his Scouts past other teams but I don't know if it'll be enough against top 20 Demo like Dummy and the young b4nny Duwatna. When they go up against Runaway 5, look for Zbryan's dynamic play and possibility of seeing Relic again?
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[b]Introduction / Review[/b]
Hello, today I'll be starting my first running series (the LAN Race / end of the season preview is too far apart for it to be considered a series) of anything TF2-related. Each installment will come with a short review of the previous week, the rankings, and a MOTW. We will be looking at the Invite division which just finished week 1. Most of the results were as expected, with the upper Invite teams beating out the lower Invite teams. The “upset”, if you will, came from Runaway 5's 5-3 win over AG. We got to see a plethora of Invite rookies perform, with varying results. But enough of that, let's get to the rankings.
[b]Power Rankings[/b]
1. High Rollers Gaming (2-0)
HRG is coming off the perfect season with two easy wins over and AG and Vector, barely breaking a sweat. This week though will be different, as Mad Men and Classic Mixup are different teams entirely. Mad Men should put up a strong fight but expect b4nny's standard 400DPM everywhere and Scouts making huge plays. By the end of this week, we will find out if HRG can break Mixup's record of 22 consecutive victories with wins of their own (more on that under Match of the Week).
2. Classic Mixup (2-0)
The Platinum and Harbleu Soldier duo has been holding well, and Enigma has been going ham. Seagull's Demo is not standout but it is satisfactory, putting out damage where needed and punishing opposing Demos for doing silly rollouts. In a twisted reversal, Mixup has the chance to snap the HRG winning streak this week in an eerily almost identical scenario of season 13. Mixup's game against AG will be more of a mirror matchup, where both teams have superstar pockets, fun roamers and rising Medics. I expect Platinum to have a good edge over Rando, and the Scout fights to flip back and forth with both roamers doing roamer things. I'll call it a 5-3 Mixup win there.
3. Tri Hards (2-0)
I wish I knew what was going on with this team (like if Tri streamed, hello?) but it seems Hero went crazy and Clckwrk not so much. A little surprising, but whatever. They play a third low Invite team this week in Vector, but also play LAN contender Top Guns. I'm worried for Top Guns' Scouts against a hot Clckwrk and Hero, but the clashes between the heavies will be much closer. Blaze will continue to make plays but with less success rate against a more experienced Ninjanick. We also get to see who's got the more “Dummy” rollouts between the man himself and Bradford, heh.
4. Mad Men (1-1)
Similarily with Tri Hards, Mad Men's Scouts have been propelling the team forward and the Soldiers kinda tagging along behind. Bl4nk surprisingly had just 9 frags in their commanding win over Runaway 5 (but that's attributed to the high number of assists and router problems) so expect to see him step up this week, as they take on HRG first. If bl4nk and rr can square off against Lansky and b4nny, it'll give Mike and Alfa breathing room to fight the Scouts. They'll need everyone at their best if they want to be the team to topple HRG. Could it happen? Absolutely. But they need to be perfect or b4nny will exploit every opportunity to take that chance away.
5. Top Guns (2-0)
Carnage's return has been smooth so far, putting up solid numbers against the lower Invite teams alongside Seanbud, whose play has only continued to elevate since LAN, but they'll have to be in perfect sync to take on the Tri Hard and R5 Scout pairs. Pyyyour still has the same style of play, enough to boost his Scouts past other teams but I don't know if it'll be enough against top 20 Demo like Dummy and the young b4nny Duwatna. When they go up against Runaway 5, look for Zbryan's dynamic play and possibility of seeing Relic again?
Power Rankings (cont.)
6. Apocalypse Gaming (0-2)
Despite the rough start, most of AG have been performing well. The main concern is their Soldiers, who have been putting up okay damage with poor KDR. If they keep this up they'll be easily overrun by the Platinum-lead Mixup. Solace should less of a struggle though, as the Demoman battle between Sweater and Xalox is sure to be intense, and the Kapoww / Squid pair to do work against Giffy and Bdonski.
7. Runaway 5 (1-1)
Runaway 5 came off a good week regardless of the loss against Mad Men. Yuki's been doing very well across both games with nice flanks. Skarlett AKA Sheep has also had some good bombing plays while Ma3la and Duwatna hold up the combo. R5 will be going up against another middle-of-the-pack contender in Top Guns. While I did just mention Yuki's solid play, he and Downpour need to be in tip-top shape to take down one of the game's most notable (I couldn't quite find the right word here) Scouts in Carnage and a huge “up-and-coming” Scout in Seanbud. Ma3la will be toe-to-toe with Zbryan and Duwatna should win the damage war, so it's up to these Scouts to help R5 possibly force another upset. This game has some pretty big LAN race implications and should make for a very good spectate.
8. Solace Esports (0-2)
Here things start to get a little fuzzy. While most of upper Invite was easy for me to pick who I thought was stronger, these final three are pretty much tied together. They've got some good players and inexperienced rookies but no standout players that would compel wins against the upper Invite teams. We'll have an early look at how the bottom three will shape up this week, with Solace taking on Root Plus Six. The combo fights should be even with Xalox giving them the edge over Unff. Milo and Giffy should also help turn DM fights in Solace's favor. This should be one of the closer games of the week, say 5-3 Solace.
9. Vector Gaming (0-2)
Man...playing both Mixup and HRG to open up the season. That's something else. Anyway, the tough matches continue for Vector, with them playing Tri Hards and Runaway 5. The game against Tri Hards should be a pretty clean sweep, with Clckwrk and Hero running over the team. Against Runaway 5 however, it should be a little closer, with the Vector Scouts feeding off R5's slipups. If they take full advantage of Downpour and Yuki, Hibachi and Phife will be an important factor into Vector round wins.
10. Root Plus Six (0-2)
Well, every rankings list has a last place, and Root Plus Six will have to occupy it, for now. Numbers-wise Sezco has the team on his back, going slightly over even amidst a 1-10 rounds ordeal. Sezco should be an important factor into how well Root can do vs. Solace. While that game should be close and was already covered, I find Root heacily outclassed at every position against Mad Men. They did take a round off Tri Hards though, so I'll give them a round against the Mud Men.
[b]Power Rankings[/b] (cont.)
6. Apocalypse Gaming (0-2)
Despite the rough start, most of AG have been performing well. The main concern is their Soldiers, who have been putting up okay damage with poor KDR. If they keep this up they'll be easily overrun by the Platinum-lead Mixup. Solace should less of a struggle though, as the Demoman battle between Sweater and Xalox is sure to be intense, and the Kapoww / Squid pair to do work against Giffy and Bdonski.
7. Runaway 5 (1-1)
Runaway 5 came off a good week regardless of the loss against Mad Men. Yuki's been doing very well across both games with nice flanks. Skarlett AKA Sheep has also had some good bombing plays while Ma3la and Duwatna hold up the combo. R5 will be going up against another middle-of-the-pack contender in Top Guns. While I did just mention Yuki's solid play, he and Downpour need to be in tip-top shape to take down one of the game's most notable (I couldn't quite find the right word here) Scouts in Carnage and a huge “up-and-coming” Scout in Seanbud. Ma3la will be toe-to-toe with Zbryan and Duwatna should win the damage war, so it's up to these Scouts to help R5 possibly force another upset. This game has some pretty big LAN race implications and should make for a very good spectate.
8. Solace Esports (0-2)
Here things start to get a little fuzzy. While most of upper Invite was easy for me to pick who I thought was stronger, these final three are pretty much tied together. They've got some good players and inexperienced rookies but no standout players that would compel wins against the upper Invite teams. We'll have an early look at how the bottom three will shape up this week, with Solace taking on Root Plus Six. The combo fights should be even with Xalox giving them the edge over Unff. Milo and Giffy should also help turn DM fights in Solace's favor. This should be one of the closer games of the week, say 5-3 Solace.
9. Vector Gaming (0-2)
Man...playing both Mixup and HRG to open up the season. That's something else. Anyway, the tough matches continue for Vector, with them playing Tri Hards and Runaway 5. The game against Tri Hards should be a pretty clean sweep, with Clckwrk and Hero running over the team. Against Runaway 5 however, it should be a little closer, with the Vector Scouts feeding off R5's slipups. If they take full advantage of Downpour and Yuki, Hibachi and Phife will be an important factor into Vector round wins.
10. Root Plus Six (0-2)
Well, every rankings list has a last place, and Root Plus Six will have to occupy it, for now. Numbers-wise Sezco has the team on his back, going slightly over even amidst a 1-10 rounds ordeal. Sezco should be an important factor into how well Root can do vs. Solace. While that game should be close and was already covered, I find Root heacily outclassed at every position against Mad Men. They did take a round off Tri Hards though, so I'll give them a round against the Mud Men.
Match of the Week
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Was there ever any doubt? This is easily the “must watch” of the week, with HRG continuing their dominance and Mixup gearing up for another attempt to stop them. Platinum, once Lansky's peer Soldier partner will now be staring him down pocket to pocket, while Harbleu and Tagg make for a fun roamer show. Enigma and Moose vs. Cyzer and Shrugger should also be just as even, but the differences will show with the two most important classes. Shade and b4nny are the top, the best at their class, while Seagull's playing Invite-level Demoman for the first time and Mason is just making the jump from IM. The Mixup two will be good, but the HRG two will be (near) perfect. For the map, Badlands and HRG only reminds us of the performance during the S13 LAN where Shade managed one death across six rounds. Standard Taggerung bombs will be standard, as will the offclassing shenanigans from Enigma and Harbleu. In the end, look for the combat classes minus Demo to be very close, but the better ubers and damage to pull HRG away.
As HRG cut the perfect Mixup streak short during week 2 last season, this scenario is an eerie replica, just flipped. This time though, I think Mixup will just fall short. Keeping the same six and come LAN though, expect a different Mixup entirely.
Prediction: High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
Players to Watch: b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
Final Glance
1. High Rollers Gaming
2. Classic Mixup
3. Tri Hards
4. Mad Men
5. Top Guns
6. Apocalypse Gaming
7. Runaway 5
8. Solace Esports
9. Vector Gaming
10. Root Plus Six
[b]Match of the Week[/b]
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Was there ever any doubt? This is easily the “must watch” of the week, with HRG continuing their dominance and Mixup gearing up for another attempt to stop them. Platinum, once Lansky's peer Soldier partner will now be staring him down pocket to pocket, while Harbleu and Tagg make for a fun roamer show. Enigma and Moose vs. Cyzer and Shrugger should also be just as even, but the differences will show with the two most important classes. Shade and b4nny are the top, the best at their class, while Seagull's playing Invite-level Demoman for the first time and Mason is just making the jump from IM. The Mixup two will be good, but the HRG two will be (near) perfect. For the map, Badlands and HRG only reminds us of the performance during the S13 LAN where Shade managed one death across six rounds. Standard Taggerung bombs will be standard, as will the offclassing shenanigans from Enigma and Harbleu. In the end, look for the combat classes minus Demo to be very close, but the better ubers and damage to pull HRG away.
As HRG cut the perfect Mixup streak short during week 2 last season, this scenario is an eerie replica, just flipped. This time though, I think Mixup will just fall short. Keeping the same six and come LAN though, expect a different Mixup entirely.
[i]Prediction:[/i] High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
[i]Players to Watch:[/i] b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
[b]Final Glance[/b]
1. High Rollers Gaming
2. Classic Mixup
3. Tri Hards
4. Mad Men
5. Top Guns
6. Apocalypse Gaming
7. Runaway 5
8. Solace Esports
9. Vector Gaming
10. Root Plus Six
6. Apocalypse Gaming
7. Runaway 5
??
6. Apocalypse Gaming
7. Runaway 5
??
TerywjMatch of the Week
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Prediction:[/i] High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
Players to Watch: b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
Final Glance
1. High Rollers Gaming 2. Classic Mixup 3. Tri Hards 4. Mad Men 5. Top Guns 6. Apocalypse Gaming 7. Runaway 5 8. Solace Esports 9. Vector Gaming 10. Root Plus Six
TerywjMatch of the Week
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Prediction:[/i] High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
TerywjHigh Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
TerywjClassic Mixup: 3
Terywj: 3
:3
[quote=Terywj][b]Match of the Week[/b]
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Prediction:[/i] High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3
[i]Players to Watch:[/i] b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
[b]Final Glance[/b]
1. High Rollers Gaming 2. Classic Mixup 3. Tri Hards 4. Mad Men 5. Top Guns 6. Apocalypse Gaming 7. Runaway 5 8. Solace Esports 9. Vector Gaming 10. Root Plus Six[/quote]
[quote=Terywj][b]Match of the Week[/b]
High Rollers Gaming (2-0) vs. Classic Mixup (2-0)
Prediction:[/i] High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3[/quote]
[quote=Terywj]High Rollers Gaming: 5, Classic Mixup: 3[/quote]
[quote=Terywj]Classic Mixup: 3[/quote]
[quote=Terywj]: 3[/quote]
[b]:3[/b]
Just as a note, rr's rollout on Process is not as kooky as it might have seemed. It's faster than the conventional double surf rollout when executed correctly. The one time Seagull killed rr was when rr was slow on that rollout and attempted to continue the same rollout, rather than walk/switch to a different one.
Some excellent, good matches coming up. Hopefully STVs aren't screwed.
Nice write up, too, Terywj.
Just as a note, rr's rollout on Process is not as kooky as it might have seemed. It's faster than the conventional double surf rollout when executed correctly. The one time Seagull killed rr was when rr was slow on that rollout and attempted to continue the same rollout, rather than walk/switch to a different one.
Some excellent, good matches coming up. Hopefully STVs aren't screwed.
Nice write up, too, Terywj.
manaJust as a note, rr's rollout on Process is not as kooky as it might have seemed. It's faster than the conventional double surf rollout when executed correctly. The one time Seagull killed rr was when rr was slow on that rollout and attempted to continue the same rollout, rather than walk/switch to a different one.
I know, but it's so much more fun writing about in that way.
[quote=mana]Just as a note, rr's rollout on Process is not as kooky as it might have seemed. It's faster than the conventional double surf rollout when executed correctly. The one time Seagull killed rr was when rr was slow on that rollout and attempted to continue the same rollout, rather than walk/switch to a different one.[/quote]
I know, but it's so much more fun writing about in that way.
No it's a pretty bad rollout.
No it's a pretty bad rollout.
YouMustMikeNo it's a pretty bad rollout.
b4nny may have complimented rr on that rollout. JUST SAYING.
MIKE. <|8O)
[quote=YouMustMike]No it's a pretty bad rollout.[/quote]
b4nny may have complimented rr on that rollout. JUST SAYING.
MIKE. <|8O)
trogwhat's the rollout?
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.
[quote=trog]what's the rollout?[/quote]
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.
TerywjPlayers to Watch: b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
Enigma??? Hellloooooo??????
[quote=Terywj]
[i]Players to Watch:[/i] b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
[/quote]
Enigma??? Hellloooooo??????
hey thanks for putting this together, Terywj.
hey thanks for putting this together, Terywj.
trogwhat's the rollout?
rr puts a third sticky right above the second ramp (he doesn't surf it) so he gets to the health pack faster.
[quote=trog]what's the rollout?[/quote]
rr puts a third sticky right above the second ramp (he doesn't surf it) so he gets to the health pack faster.
Deeptrogwhat's the rollout?
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.
He puts a sticky on the wall at choke instead of doing the second ramp slide. It sends him right to the pack with about 30hp. If you are slow, though, you die to a single sticky and lose mid.
Hello Mana.
[quote=Deep][quote=trog]what's the rollout?[/quote]
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.[/quote]
He puts a sticky on the wall at choke instead of doing the second ramp slide. It sends him right to the pack with about 30hp. If you are slow, though, you die to a single sticky and lose mid.
Hello Mana.
fosterTerywjPlayers to Watch: b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
Enigma??? Hellloooooo??????
I felt like if I put Enigma, then I should put Cyzer or Shrugger. Then I might mention Tuggernaug. Next thing you know I'll have put down all 12 people.
And thank you for the kind words, everyone.
[quote=foster][quote=Terywj]
[i]Players to Watch:[/i] b4nny, Platinum, Lansky
[/quote]
Enigma??? Hellloooooo??????[/quote]
I felt like if I put Enigma, then I should put Cyzer or Shrugger. Then I might mention Tuggernaug. Next thing you know I'll have put down all 12 people.
And thank you for the kind words, everyone.
Obviously HRG vs mix^ is going to be the match of the week, but holy shit am I excited for Top Guns vs. tri hards
Obviously HRG vs mix^ is going to be the match of the week, but holy shit am I excited for Top Guns vs. tri hards
RoyceDeeptrogwhat's the rollout?
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.
He puts a sticky on the wall at choke instead of doing the second ramp slide. It sends him right to the pack with about 30hp. If you are slow, though, you die to a single sticky and lose mid.
Hello Mana.
you also have less health for the rest of the mid which is pretty dangerous especially being how exposed you are everywhere on that mid except the right
[quote=Royce][quote=Deep][quote=trog]what's the rollout?[/quote]
I'm guessing it's either the airpogo or double sticky to mid.[/quote]
He puts a sticky on the wall at choke instead of doing the second ramp slide. It sends him right to the pack with about 30hp. If you are slow, though, you die to a single sticky and lose mid.
Hello Mana.[/quote]
you also have less health for the rest of the mid which is pretty dangerous especially being how exposed you are everywhere on that mid except the right
Pretty sure rr was only doing that rollout cause he couldn't consistently do the normal double ramp slide one. He failed the conventional rollout multiple times last game.
Pretty sure rr was only doing that rollout cause he couldn't consistently do the normal double ramp slide one. He failed the conventional rollout multiple times last game.
Good read. Thanks Tery. Really looking forward to this match as well as many others.
Good read. Thanks Tery. Really looking forward to this match as well as many others.