The highest league in the land returns with a couple of champions and much, much more.
After a Code A night with mixed reviews at best, Code S returns with the group of death and more!
Group A
MVP vs. Hyperdub
One Tal'Darim Altar, Hyperdub opted for the increasingly famous Blue Sky Terran style which can be traced back to iEchoic on TL. His execution of the opening was poor, however, and the early Hellions and Banshees were ineffective.
However, the strategy proved its worth. Even with poor execution and mediocre play, Hyperdub stayed in the game much longer than he should have. He dominated the skies over two of MVP's attacks and was able to hold on until MVP secured a third base and Battlecruisers were on the way.
July vs. MC
On Xel'Naga Caverns, a slow opening gave way to absolutely fascinating play from MC. Mixing it up with 'sky Toss', he was able to keep July on his heels until a third base had been secured and his ground army was more than formidable.
Still, July hadn't been sitting back. He had a one base advantage and a huge Roach and Hydralisk army. However, when faced with MC's Stalkers and, most importantly, Sentries with Force Fields, July's army was sliced, diced and destroyed with style that stunned observers and players alike. MC methodically cut into July's army until the game was his.
MVP vs. July
On Tal'Darim Altar, the defending champion set out to advance by defeating the God of War Zerg, July. Coming into this group, hundreds of fans expressed condolences for July, as they could not see him getting out alive.
The Brood War legend opted for the aggressive style that served him so well earlier in his career. A late Baneling bust attempted to punish a poor wall in from MVP but some luck and blue flames saved the champion.
MVP smelled blood and attacked. July was stronger than he expected and MVP was turned way. In the end, his headstrong attack would spell his doom. July's dominance of the air almost destroyed MVP's Barracks and a huge Baneling and Zergling army put the champion in the loss column.
MC vs. Hyperdub
Do teammates throw matches? Probably not but that explanation seems as likely as any for the strangest match in a long time.
On Crossfire SE, Hyperdub committed to an all-in very early in the game, taking SCVs and Marines to the edge of MC's base. And then? He stayed. And stayed and stayed for 15 minutes until MC's one base advantage was insurmountable and the GSL3 champion simply walked over Hyperdub for the win.
MVP vs. July
How to explain this one? Even after the earlier loss, the vast majority of fans expected an easy MVP win. Instead, on Metalopolis, a July Baneling bust was met with a Barracks lift by MVP at exactly the wrong time. July gained access and stormed into MVP's base. The game ended and jaws dropped.
Group B
oGsZenio vs ZeNexByun
The greatest game of this short season took place here on Terminus RE.
Have you ever seen a boxing match where no one threw a punch until the third round? Competitors got to three bases versus four before a single punch was thrown.
From there, the fight was truly on. For 40 minutes, momentum swung back and forth as Ultralisks, Marines, Infestors and, most importantly, Ghosts took the field. In the end, the Ghosts were able to nullify the Infestors with gorgeous EMPs like a fireworks display. The Zerg was knocked out and exhausted at 40 minutes in.
Clide vs. Zenio
On Metalopolis, the Hellions hit the ground quickly from Clide. As they gained map control, Zenio opted for Banelings, Speedlings and Mutalisks. Clide's Marines and Tanks were able to push to the gold base. One skillfully executed Tank push later, Clide was knocking on Zenio's door and gained the win.
Clide vs. Byun
Dan Stemkoski's favorite unsung hero dominated the final game of the day and won first place. Dropped Hellions and Marines cut Byun's SCV count in half and one simple but strong and overwhelming Tank and Marine push later, Byun had GG'd and Clide was sitting atop group B.
