[deck linked style=float:right;margin-left:15px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-right30px;]474[/deck]The fluctuation on the NESL throne continues, as no ruler after Amaz seems to have the power to hold on to his reigns for more than a week.
The throne of NESL's King of the Hill format seems to be cursed. The ninth edition of the coveted tournament series came to a close yesterday, with yet another reigning king having to surrender his crown. The first title run of the popular streamer and former MtG professional Reynad came to an end by the only "long-time" king in NESL's history, Amaz. His second attempt to hang on to the crown was stopped by Clarity's newest member Chakki.
The match which would determine who would play king Reynad was held between the ex-Managrind player and North American Dart. Unfortunately for the latter, he ran into Chakki's Handlock and Garrosh and was stopped before he could challenge Reynad. He gave the Fight Night participat a valiant resistance, though, and pushed the series to all five matches.
That opened the window for the anticipated showdown between the popular streamer Reynad and the new Clarity member Chakki. Staying true to his beliefs, Reynad opened up the frenzy, pulling out a Zoo in the first game. Contrary to the majority of matches on the ladder, this time the Zoo was shut down immediately, since Chakki picked one of the strongest classes against it with Druid. A well-timed Keeper of the Grove and a devastating Swipe kept the board clear, saved plenty of health on Malfurion and let Chakki take this one rather decisively.
The fortune in the draws kept showing up for Chakki, who was able to put Reynad's follow-up Druid out of his misery on Turn 7, topdecking an Innervate to showcase the surprise power of the dreaded roaring Force of Nature. A quick 2-0 lead, a laughing Chakki and Reynad in disbelieve were the consequences, leaving the streamer with only Warrior for the remainder of the series.
That seemed to be enough for most parts as well, since he finally stopped the run of the Druid and shut down Chakki's Paladin right away, making it a very long evening for the audience. The modified control Warrior without Brawl and Gorehowl, but with Arcanite Reaper and two Faceless was able to put enough pressure on the character of Chakki in the previous match - the lack of a board clear against the Handlock proved to be the death trap in the end. For multiple turns Reynad couldn't get rid of big threats like the Twilight Drake or the variety of Giants, making him lose too much health points to stay in the contest against Chakki.
Clarity's player and NESL #17 Champion is now also the King of the Hill of the National ESL, as the second player ever to reach the throne as a Sunday champion. Predominantly the invited players or Amaz as the returning champion snatched the crown, until Canadian player Twisted ended that streak. Now Chakki is following his footsteps and can sit on the hill, overlooking his NESL kingdom until the horns of battle force him to the defense next Tuesday once more.
If you want a piece of the action and challenge Chakki and other prolific and well-known North American, Southeast Asian and European players in the Sunday showdown, make sure to signup here for the chance to compete for the King of the Hill honors and a total prize pool of $500 USD. Hurry, as only three more Sunday cups are left in the first Preseason of Hearthstone in the NESL.
|
|
|
