Hey! I'm TJB. I'm here to bring some light over on the current ETF2L Highlander Nations Cup going on at the moment. You can find some other articles of mine here at http://thattjb.blogspot.co.uk.
ETF2L: the grand home of European competitive TF2. Whilst mainly focused on 6v6 to an extent, the organisation always brings its fair share of Highlander, providing prize money for the Premiership division via external sources, and providing fancy in-game medals to display proudly among one's chest.
The first Highlander Nations Cup was brought to our computer monitors in the Summer of 2012, with 30 countries entering the scrap to become the best nations for Highlander in Europe, with a few cross-continent appearances. After gruelling weeks, Germany shined out as the best of the best, clinching the victory in 2 maps from Team France. Obviously, this can all change in the blink of an eye this time around: with 34 countries entering, there's always a battle, always a climb, always a shock, in the 2nd version of ETF2L's Highlander Nations Cup!
But what countries have entered? How have they been seeded? What are their likelihoods of going through all the way to become champion? Let's run through the teams.
Group A
Lithuania
Back last year, Lithuania did well in their group, but sadly did not progress to the playoffs. Losing to Team France made them fall into 2nd place, making them not progress into playoffs. However, a convincing win against Poland and a default win from Turkey gave them a total of 12 points out of 18. With a roster full of talent, they may be able to go further than usual - if Pr3d and eSky pick up their rifles, many a head will be lost on their opposition. Both notorious in the top levels of Highlander, they could certainly help out their country to many victories. An addition of Evokje into the mix is a huge advantage, as he proved his worth against top teams in the last ETF2L Highlander season. On top of star-studded notoriety, P1NKY, who is currently playing in UGC Platinum with Beasts From The East, has got great potential in this Nations Cup. Other than that, I have little to note about the team. As the championship goes on, we can see how the little country that can, can do.
Team France
Little introductions are needed for Team France. Boasting a huge amount of Premiership experience in 6v6 as well as Highlander, these behemoths are to be feared! Mainly coming from the victorious Premiership team, DAROUTOUTOU, France certainly have some gifted players in TF2. Consisting of an Auto-Aim Sniper, one of the best roamers in 6v6 right now, a legendary crossbow Medic, and some sweet accents across the board, the French are ready to rock and roll. Individually, all of these players have shining talents, and should be feared with every step they take. As a team? Same proposition. I'd expect them to go very far, as they were oh so close to winning last time, the French are up for another battle to become the best of the best. Viva le revolution! Wait, that's not right... anyway! Expect the French to go far.
Norway
Norway look like the underdogs in this group of supreme talent. Whilst showing a good roster to all, with players like Ace, Issun and E-Thug from 6v6 backgrounds, they look to be strong in this group, but undoubtedly fearful of their opposition. An addition of Qnx to their ranks boasts high DM with them, and with a little Crouton in the mix, this team has the potential to do very very well. Highlander players like Lazybear, Niak and Rudi, who are all from the same team, show even more class acts than a classy act himself. Managing a consistent balance of high-level 6s and HL players may help the Norwegians into going far - but with the French in their group, that could fall flat whenever they match up. Although no denying, all the teams here are good - I mean, they're the best of the best in their country, for heaven's sake. Why would they be bad? Good luck to Norway in their adventures.
Slovakia
Probably the weakest in Group A, Slovakia have a hard act to follow with the other teams in their group. Whilst being a new team, I can't judge on their strengths, but they have the potential to go far. Although they have one of the smallest rosters in the cup, there's no denying there could be strength in there - I guess time will tell. With little Slovak I know, "veľa šťastia".
Group B
Portugal
The Portuguese look strong going into the cup; after missing out on the playoffs by 3 points to Israel last season, Portugal have added some new and ripening talent to their roster. Promising Demoman in 6v6, Kaneco, has been added to the ranks, with a few names from seasons ago still around. Last time I heard, Trinita was the best Spy in Portugal. I wonder if he still is going into the cup. Other than that, it seems like Portugal have a solid lineup in their possession. 6v6 players like Kalhó, Coinz, Kiler4funN' and Haunter add a whole lot more firepower to the passionate Portuguese. Undoubtedly though, there's one country in their group that scares the living daylights out of me, and they're up next... good luck to the Portuguese on their quest to become champions.
United States of America
A collective of the best North American players, USA have some of the strongest players ever to have graced TF2. Running through the roster, all are well known for their skills. I could mention every one of them, but: AbeLincoln is a damn good Engineer. Harbleu is probably one of the best roamers and Medics to have fallen into this game, and Max? Well, he's Max. Basically, USA are crazy good this year, and are probably going to go very far. However, Finland managed to beat them in the Quarter-Final last season, with a 6-0 victory. I think the US are looking to come out of the starting gate fast and hot, and continue the momentum. You're probably looking at the winner of Group B, and they haven't even played a game yet! Oh well... good luck anyhoo.
Croatia
In the last Nations Cup, Croatia didn't get out of the group stage, with their victory only being against Romania, a 6-0. Now, they look a lot more stronger. The inclusion of Candle into the roster is a very solid one, as he's proven himself to be an extremely capable Pyro in high levels of Highlander. (You see what I did there? No? Okay...) Croatia also provide a few mid-level 6v6 players, in particular, from Guru Gaming. Croatia have potential to get some upsets out there, but to get through to playoffs? Sadly, I don't think they will this time. Good luck to the team though - I have faith in some shocks.
Austria
The Austrians are a funny bunch. I always got confused in Geography lessons with other countries, but that's beside the point. Last time out, Austria lost all of their games and finished bottom of their group. Would they replicate that again? I wouldn't think so. Players from a variety of 6v6 and Highlander backgrounds should make Austria a potential threat. Players like Tommi, who I've seen to be a very capable Scout and Sniper, and experienced Highlander players like Weinzey should make the Austrians bumped up from their failures last year. Viel Glück!
Group C
Russia
Ruskies. They've always been notorious for negative reasons, for some reason, and I don't know why. They're perfectly nice people. Anyway, Russia have always been known for exceptional players across the board. High-level 6v6 players like Galant add a whole level of class toward Russia. However, Russia boasts everyone's favourite Russkie, Irfx, who I've seen to be one of the best multiclassers in TF2 history. On top of this, a newcomer from the depths of Russia, Crow appearing gives me hope, as she is one of the most profilic Pyros in "lower" divisions, who's showing her ability. Diego$ and Pala4 from one of the top teams in Europe, Turbopoop Esports, fill off the roster as Medics. I feel like Russia didn't show all their worth last time, after losing in the Quarter-Finals to Germany last time round. Hopefully that can change, and everyone's favourite Euro-Asian country can go further this time! удачи!
Hungary
One of the most unknown teams to me is Hungary, who picked up only 1 official point last cup, with the other 6 coming from a default win against Austria. Quite literally, I have little to say about the Hungarians. Nothing to pick out and talk about, sadly. Good luck to the country, surprise me this time out. Sok szerencsét!
Romania
Ahh, Romania. You're one of those countries I can never exactly pinpoint. But, the players in this case? Absolutely! After a change in leader from Nightbox to Shape, Romania have a potential to do better than last time. Revamping the roster of sorts, varied talent is across the board. Ranging from Chopper on Scout to MonkeyBone on Spy gives Romania a wide variety of high-level players to use. For once, there's more main Highlander players than 6v6 players. How can this be!? One person I'm on the look out for is Rat, an Engineer with an extreme amount of talent in him, so I'm expecting him to do a lot of work for Romania. I have high hopes for the revamped Romania. I feel like they can do well. But with Russia in their group, it's going to be difficult. Noroc!
Poland
I think this team has a similar roster to the UGC team of Team Poland, who are currently competing in UGC Platinum. The Poles have always been somewhat underestimated, in my opinion; they have extremely good players, like Phroblem, Steve and Mikki. Sadly, on their last outing, Poland didn't get out of their group, and only won one game out of three, with their victory coming from Turkey. Potentially, the Poles are capable of going far. Sadly, they have a mountain to climb against Russia, and possibly Romania if they're all guns blazing. Poland's players have no problem communicating with each other, as a lot of them were on the ex-Premiership team, Max-Play. I have no worries they can do well in this group, but to get out and into playoffs? Prove me wrong. Powodzenia!
Group D
Belgium
Off the starting block, Belgium don't seem to be one of the most noticeable in their group, or in general across the groups. But, carrying the Scout and general powerhouse that is Droso, and well-known Spy, Prophet, hands Belgium a few tricks up their sleeve. Adding in a new kid, Winterz, gives Belgium a good variety of players in their roster. In the last Nations Cup, they won only 1/3 games, with their losses from Scotland and Sweden, and their victory from the small country of Luxembourg. Belgians in TF2 are always this: good. Regardless of the situation, Belgians are good at this game, although rare and hard to come by. I'd like to see Belgium provide some upsets, so I wish "veel succes".
Finland
Finland have always been good at this game. In every which way. 6v6, Highlander, maybe even 7v7. Last time out, the Finns were beaten by Team Sweden in the 3rd place playoff. Finland have kind of always had a national team, though unintentional - Colony. A lot of the players from Colony are on this Finnish roster - Zoob, SabaSaba and Yonus stick out. But, the man with little known about him, RouHe, is sniping for the Finns. If you've ever found RouHe with your head, you should probably hate me, as I found him. Thank me later. But that's beside the point. The Finns are definitely a top 4 team, but will they best 4th this time round? Their roster has stayed relatively stable throughout, with Suqp3r and RouHe coming into the lineup. Their roster boasts talent and experience, and the Finns are just what they seem: pretty damn good. Onnea!
Canada
Canada are much like the USA, but more... Canadian. Mainly consisting of Invite/Intermediate 6v6 players, Canada still has the Highlander experience. Take Blaze, who won Season 5 of UGC Platinum with Gangsta Gang Gaming, and Kapoww, who played on Baby Punching Marathon, the 2nd place of Season 9 in UGC Platinum. No denying that Canada can get far this time. In particular, a little Spy called Pulse has rocketed into the scene, providing lots of stabs for his Highlander team, BPM. Overall, Canada look pretty strong, and they haven't even played a game yet. They were knocked out in the first round of playoffs to Russia, in a 6-0 defeat. Looks like they could potentially go further in the 2nd cup. Good luck!
Greece
Greece are a funny lot. They've come in nearly last-minute, with a pretty lacklustre lineup. The Greeks did not compete in the first Nations Cup, probably due to a lack of players, or money to power their toasters. (I'm sorry, I'm not good with satirical humour.) Most of their players have come from a Highlander team called Plasma, who competed in the last ETF2L season, in uh... Division 6. Yeah. Oh well, the lesser the more. I feel like Greece can provide an upset, with some promising 6v6 classing - BnB, Timillar and Slayer have all played on the same team before, and work extremely well. I wish luck to some of my old friends on the team, too. Καλή τύχη!
Group E
Team Sweden
The 3rd placers from the first Nations Cup, Sweden are looking to get back into their groove. Providing us with some solid entertainment throughout several seasons of ETF2L, some Broder and some Zaibatsu/Crack Clan have teamed up, with a mix of other high-level 6v6 players. In particular, the addition of Ryb and 2nuts on their mains, which are arguably the 2 most important classes in Highlander, have shaken up Sweden's power. Both have proven to be excellent in 6v6, but in Highlander? We'll see, ladies and gentlemen, against their first match against Scotland, which is being played as soon as I write this. Expect Sweden to go far, and they will do in a lot of style. Lycka till!
Scotland
Ahh, Scotland. So much stereotyping towards a beautiful country. As for TF2 ability? I don't know - are they all Demoman mains? Ok that might've been a bit far. To me, Scotland look like they can prove to be an upset in this Nations Cup. Boasting a variation of 6v6 and Highlander players, the Scots look particularly strong. From the HL side, Oodles and Ritalin stand out as playing in Division 1/2 teams for Highlander. 6v6 wise, Gozo and Russian Guyovich, who conveniently play on the same team in 6v6, are capable players, with lots of potential. Not to mention Fragm3nt3d, who has been a solid Demoman in the last outing of 6v6 in ETF2L. As Scotland are playing Sweden, arguably the most toughest in Group E, it'll be a good indication to see how the Scots can do. Guid Luck!
Latvia
I love Latvia. The people there are pretty damn funny, and have a great sense of humour. TF2-wise, they have a lot of strong players. In particular, Dr. Kaka6ka, who is arguably the best Engineer at the moment, on Latvia's roster. Atomic-, who was recently added, is a powerhouse, who was a top player in 6v6 seasons ago, to my knowledge. Other than that, Slonjara and Clark are well-known in their respective "communities", but to me? Um. I don't know them, sorry. Latvia got into playoffs last time, but suffered a forfeit loss against USA, dropping them from the cup. Hopefully they can go further - Vēlu veiksmi!
Kazakhstan
Certainly a country I did not expect to see, Kazakhstan have entered their ranks into battle. And sadly, I don't know anything about them. Well, uh, this is awkward... Іске сәт!
Group F
England
England have always been known for their fine TF2 players ever since competitive TF2 began. Fortunately, they arguably boast one of the strongest rosters in this Nations Cup. The captain, and everyone's favourite Demoman, Kaidus, leads his English mob into the furore and chaos. Immediately showing some key SNSD players, like CUBE and Hurri, show England that they are dominant in the field. Sadly, the English were knocked out by Sweden in the first round of playoffs in the first Nations Cup, and I hope they can do better this time. Players like Stark, Gubbins and Greg from mainly 6v6 backgrounds provide huge damage numbers in England's arsenal, and they'll be looking to capitalise straight away in Group G. G'luck!
Belarus
Another new team entering, Belarus have a mixture of... players. To be fair, I only know the leader, Alex_jj, who is capable at the Heavy Weapons Guy, as well as a few other classes from what I've seen him play. And one notorious person, who goes by the name of Tracker, who is supposedly one of the best Snipers in this cup. He can click heads very well, from what I've heard. Other than that, I can't really tell - they look to be solid, have a wide range of players to pick from, so I wish "Ўдачы!" to them.
Spain
Team Spain are essentially a Premiership making their return from Season 4, 27. They lost all of their games this season in the Premiership, sadly relegating them. Conversely, 27 did win Division 2A from Season 1, as well as winners of Division 1 in Season 2. From the last Nations Cup, Spain managed to get to the first round of playoffs, and then lost to France 6-0. I'm looking forward to seeing Spain in action - players like Hiper and HarryHook are very very good consistently from what I've seen. And, this is my home country. So, ¡Buena suerte!.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria are another new team entering the Nations Cup, with quite a large roster. Sadly, for me, I hardly know anything about the team. The only player I can justify is MattDog, after playing with him months ago.. so that's kind of irrelevant. I expect the Bulgarians to give it their all. На добър час!
Group G
Ukraine
Ukraine are a team that managed to get into the Quarter-Finals, who then lost to France. The Ukrainians have some solid players in their lineup, who are highly experienced Highlander players. UNBRKBL and Eliman in particular, who play on the same team, KillSwitch, who nearly qualified into the Premiership division in last season's playoffs. On top of the 2, ADIOS is a solid player as well. Ukraine seem strong, although I have yet to be shown about how strong they can be. We shall have time to see how they develop though, ladies and gentlemen. Удачи!
Netherlands
Netherlands are a team with a ton of experience under their belts, both in 6v6 and Highlander. Players like kKaltUu and MDNZ, alongside Demsii and Quell, prove that Netherlands mean business in this Nations Cup. In the first one, they got to the Quarter-Finals, only to be bested by Sweden 6-0. They managed to beat through the likes of Spain and Lithuania beforehand, and I think they will do again. I'm looking forward to see the Dutch back in their stride for the 2nd Highlander Nations Cup. Expect them to get far. Veel succes!
Estonia
Estonia are a returning country for this Nations Cup, after their failed attempts last time round. Losing all their games and not picking up a single point in them made them last in their group. Conversely, their players have proved themselves throughout the previous seasons of UGC and ETF2L. Players like Blackbeard and Ocx. have been insanely good on their ETF2L team, Playmate. The other team some players originated from, Chaotech, have returned to compete for their country. M2R, Mad and Sheff in particular, who were recognised in their Highlander "adventure" in Season 9 of UGC. I think Estonia have a chance of redeeming themselves, and it is possible they can get out of their group. Fortunately, 5 teams in Group G and H means there's 2 promotion spots, to my knowledge. So I can only say to Estonia... Õnn kaasa!
Turkey
Turkey last season... kind of pulled a turkey. Losing 2 of their 3 games, then giving a default loss away put them at the bottom of their group, with 0 points. A sad day, indeed for the Turks. With relatively unknown players to myself, I can say that the solid players I know of are Hagi, Turkuaz and Kardanadam, who have all had Highlander experience to my knowledge. I'm looking for Turkey to disprove me on their "adventure" this time - at least pick up some points. İyi şanslar!
Italy
Italy were a team with a lot of potential, that kind of fell flat on their face in the last Nations Cup. Picking up only 1 point from a possible 18 was a shocking display. However, that should all change. The additions of an extremely promising and known Scout and Sniper in 6v6, Carnifex, boosts Italy in the scare factor as well as DM factor. Other than the "Carni-Carry" as I like to call it, additions of Raine and Rock from 6v6 backgrounds give Italy an even bigger advantage. Original players like F0rest and userid_ivan are still there, giving the traditions of the Italians there. Honestly, I want _Italy_ to do well. Because they can. You will see it, I guarantee you. Their players can work together well. And remember that old myth? That when they talk, it sounds like sing-song? Buona fortuna!
Group G
Germany
Germany, the victors from the first Nations Cup, are back to represent and defend their title. Arguably with the best roster for Highlander and 6v6, the Germans have accommodated the best of their country. Newcomers like Solid, Schmuse and Der_Milchmann from Highlander backgrounds, complimenting the likes of BasH and Schocky, possibly the best Scout duo in Europe at the moment, make _Germany_ a force to be reckoned with. The likes of Anoobis and Bighomer in the utility classes give _Germany_ a huge boost in support from front and behind enemy lines. Expect _Germany_ to go far. How far? Possibly retaining their crown far. They can still do it even after a year has passed. The experience they have from this game will shine through, even early on. Viel Glück!
Ireland
Ireland is notoriously known for its drinking. And that's also the case with TF2 players as well. Cutting as well as adding in a pile of new players gives Ireland a slight newbie factor coming into the competition. However, the players are not newbies. Adding in the likes of B33p, Day, MurlocJonny and Bulow give Ireland a healthy core of players to pick and adapt with. Let's not forget about Admirable either, who has been proven to be one of the best dusters of shoulders Europe has ever known. Ireland certainly have some great potential to work with - let's see if they can go further than the group stages. Granted, it was a tough group last time round, with USA and Canada in. where they didn't pick up a single point against them. Ádh mór oraibh!
Israel
Israel is known for its gifted and knowledgeable TF2 players across the leagues. Bringing in players from across the leagues, Israel is back for another fight in the Nations Cup. And surprisingly, the only one from the Middle East. I think Israel have quite a powerful lineup. In particular, the Israeli contingent from the now-dead One Round Wonders, ThunderSin, Vigi and Wig, who have been playing for seasons together, should fit in well with the others. SorroW is notorious in his 6v6 team, 2kal, where he plays pocket soldier and is also a pretty beastly Sniper from when I've played against him. בהצלחה!
Iceland
Iceland are a team that have recently entered the Nations Cup, after a plucky volunteer elected to lead the small country into the battle. Hardly any of these players stick out to me, except for Durrwwp, who is currently playing in UGC Platinum. I wish Iceland the best of luck, as I have no clue how well they can do. Gangi þér vel!
Denmark
Finally, the last team to compete are Denmark. Some of their players span from seasons back, whilst other are the "new" guys on the team. In particular, Tutorial, who only joined around a week ago. Bless him. In comparison, you have F2, who has been playing TF2 for years and years, and was mostly known for his Medic skills in Epsilon ESports back in the day of about 5 unlocks. Other than that, Denmark have some great 6v6 players, like Deathliger and Quad. On the opposite side, Zen and Tutorial have played in Highlander before, and in pretty high levels. There was always that old saying, right? DANMARK VINDER? Well, they could do this time. Although this is their first time running in the Nations Cup, they can bring a lot of surprises and upsets with them. Held og lykke!
And that ladies and gentlemen, is the end of the ETF2L Highlander Nations Cup Preview. Thanks for letting me publish my opinions and beliefs over on TFTV. Until next time,
~TJB