Logo: AfreecaTV
With Code A removed, the prize purse increased, and the number of seasons brought back up to three, this edition of GSL looks to be the stronghold of Korean StarCraft. As the number of teams in the scene dwindles, players need to focus on going far in the competition as it can mean the world for their careers. Dear, Dream, and Patience are among the most notable names who failed to qualify for the main event through the offline qualifiers held on the 27th of December in Seoul. With the shifting landscape of Korean StarCraft predictions are difficult to make, as even the most consistent performers are still reeling from the blows the scene suffered in late 2016.
AfreecaTV, though, have battened down the hatches and dedicated themselves to providing high end competition to players and supporters alike. The recently revealed logo of the GSL stands testimony to the company's resolve to keep the scene alive. Apart from the league itself, stand-alone tournaments are also in the offing, spread out throughout the year to fill the gaps between the three seasons of GSL.
| 1. | Bunny | 2-0 | 4-1 |
| 2. | Keen | 2-1 | 5-4 |
| 3. | Zest | 1-2 | 4-5 |
| 4. | Rogue | 0-2 | 1-4 |
Three time GSL champion Zest going up against a hero of the past in Keen will be the inaugural match of the season. Despite the former being currently teamless and the latter living in the lap of luxury on Team LeiFeng, it can hardly be argued that the Terran player stands a chance in the scuffle. However, there is one factor that could play into the hands of Keen; Zest has recently lost PvT matches against the likes of GuMiHo and Forte, which could give the former Afreeca player a shot at winning the series. His hopes will have to lie in the lack of matches for the Kingslayer to study, as Keen has not participated in any TvP matchups in recent times. Yet no matter what shenanigans lie in store for Zest to deal with, I doubt he will be caught off guard twice in a row, being a fairly adaptable competitor, thus I am inclined to believe the score will go 2:1 in favour of the Protoss.
Having a professional practice environment works wonders on players' skill in comparison with those, who do not have the luxury of living in a team house. Korea has proven over the years the importance of strict schedules and the assets of said training regimina. Rogue, being on Jin Air, the last remaining professional StarCraft team on the Korean Peninsula, can still reap the benefits of living and practicing with teammates on a daily basis, whilst Bunny, whose new team is an American organisation known as DuSt Gaming, cannot. And although JAGW players should have the upper hand in most scenarios, a new type of pressure, hitherto unknown on the Korean scene, is being exercised on them. They need to prove to sponsors that the team is not a waste of financial assets. Rogue should manage a quick 2:0.
(Yes, ByuN did win a GSL whilst teamless, but he's ByuN.)
Predictions:
Zest > Keen
Rogue > Bunny
Zest > Rogue
Bunny > Keen
Rogue > Keen
