The first round of the qualifying bracket for Hidden Cup 3, after five amazing days of exciting matches, whose issue could have been a real heartbreaker for players and fans alike. But such is the tough law of single elimination brackets. If anything, this event highlights the extraordinary level of the top 40 players in the world; it was a privilege and a pleasure to witness players who usually play away from the spotlights at such a high level.
Warning, the following post will obviously contain spoilers for the round 1 of qualifiers. If you are unaware of the issue of some matches and want to discover them by yourself, I urge you to close this and do so.
Summary of Round 1
Finding himself the underdog in the most lopsided match on round 1, Inc logically lost to a very in-form Nicov without winning a game. More surprisingly perhaps, Brazilian veteran St4rk showed his experience and his tricks by dismissing the promising Daniel in a clear 3-0 victory.
On the second bracket, the favorites held their rank. Antagonist took a convincing 3-1 victory against Cloud and will now face Vinchester who dispatched Fedex in stunning fashion.
Dropping one game on the way, F1Re made it to the second round, defeating Italian star Vodka. His opponent will be no other than Barles, who eliminated the always popular slam in convincing fashion, only losing one game and dominating the others.
Favorite against Sitaux, Villese, possibly Finland's #2 at the moment, confirmed his status with a quick victory. He will face his countryman Rubenstock for a spot in the main event. Rubenstock won one of the thrillers of round 1, an epic five-game set against PROject_Belgium.
The epic of round 1 did not live up to the hype, with DauT taking a quick, yet logical victory against Hoang. He will play against Tim, who also featured in one of the epics of the first round. Showcasing the impressive skill of Dutch pro AngelinaJolie, the map went to a deciding fifth game played on Cup where the Chinese legend took the win.
Without breaking a sweat, BacT won his set against Paladin in three straight games. Another first-round heartbreaker was the epic match opposing Lyx and Zuppi. Down two games, Zuppi clawed his way back into the set, forcing a decider, in which he looked very close to taking the set. Eventually, Lyx’ solidity enabled him to take a 3-2 win.
The other very lopsided match of this round ended in similar fashion, with dogao easily dispatching Ganji – but not without a brilliant performance on Arabia by the Swedish player. After dropping the Arabia game for an illegal boar lame, K4SVA looked comfortable against Nili, winning three straight games to set-up a clash with dogao next.
In a highly anticipated first round match, ACCM took down SY player Jibatong in a 4-game set. He will play his countryman saymyname next, who also won a 4-game match, against Chilean star Noisick – after losing Arabia.
Preview of Round 2
The following preview will use tournament elo from https://aoe-elo.com/players provided by Mungo AoE.
Nicov vs St4rk
Nicov is given winner at 59% by Tournament Elo and he won both series these players have contested, in 2013 and 2017. However, of all the opponents Nicov could face in the deciding round of the qualifiers, St4rk is probably one of the most dangerous players. After a stunning display against Daniel, showing all his experience and tricks, St4rk has nothing to lose coming into this match against Nicov, the top seed of the qualifiers. This match promises to be thrilling – certainly one of the best sets of the final round of the qualifying tournament. While St4rk is clever and experienced, Nicov’s sheer skill and solidity should help him prevail.
Prediction: Nicov 4-2 St4rk
Antagonist vs Vinchester
Tournament Elo estimates the chances of victory for Antagonist at 53% given the elo difference between the two players. However, this does not account for the lack of recent tournaments from Vinchester and the strong showings Antagonist, aka LaaaaaN, had in tournaments. After narrowly missing the qualification for Hidden Cup 2 and winning the qualifying event for NAC 3, Antagonist is ready to make it to HC 3 to show he can compete with the very best in the world. The two players have contrasting styles; with Vinchester more famous for his micro. The closest match on paper for the second round, should be a delight for all Age fans.
Prediction: Antagonist 4-2 Vinchester
F1Re vs Barles
Most people (myself included) were probably expecting the legendary slam to make it through but it was instead the veteran Barles who took a convincing win. Opposed to another veteran in the person of F1Re, this will be an interesting clash as they have never matched up against one another in tournaments. F1Re, an expert famous for his prowess on water maps, will be the favorite coming into the match, while Barles will try to use his micro skills to take the advantage; expect him to pick open land maps as his home maps. It will be an interesting match, unseen before.
Prediction: F1Re 4-1 Barles
Villese vs Rubenstock
A true all-rounder, Rubenstock is more famous for his team game and deathmatch prowess than his 1v1 skills… but is a formidable player nonetheless... and has experience in “giant-killing”, notoriously taking Edie out of Masters of Arena 5. This is one of two matches in the second round to feature both players from the same country, ensuring a second player from Finland will join TheMax in the Hidden Cup 3 main event. Villese is given favorite to win the match with a 67% probability by Tournament Elo – a score that could be inflated by Rubenstock’s lack of 1v1 events. However, I expect Villese to be fully aware of the danger of his countryman’s unorthodox strategies and to be prepared for them. The clash of styles – rock solid meta from Villese and all-ins from Rubenstock – should be a treat.
Prediction: Villese 4-1 Rubenstock
DauT vs Tim
A clash between two veterans of the game, this is probably the only set in the second round to feature two players in their 30s! Both have played since the dawns of time, and have been at the highest level for decades. More consistent and playing a lot more than Tim in recent times, DauT is given winner at 63%. Of the six series they played since 2009, he only lost one, a BO1 in the semifinals of The Medieval Wars in 2013. They have, surprisingly, only played once since, with DauT taking a 2-1 win in the Escape All Stars. DauT is looking good, only narrowly losing 4-3 to Viper in the Fair Civ Cup. While Tim’s style can be unpredictable at times, DauT is so experienced he is hardly ever surprised by a strategy. Nevertheless, be sure to tune in for this clash between ageless legends.
Prediction: DauT 4-1 Tim
BacT vs Lyx
The most exciting match of this second round opposes BacT to Lyx in another timeless classic. Both have played a lot against one another, their most recent clash was on the mixed maps of Mangrove Shallow Cup with BacT taking a 3-2 victory, avenging a 3-1 loss during King of the Desert 2. Tournament Elo favors BacT slightly, with just 53% probability of winning. BacT is famous for his very defensive style and his ability of going away with a greedy boom by investing just a tiny bit into units. Lyx, on the other hand, is famous for his forwards – and that long before Vivi became such a community icon. Both are seasoned and extremely experienced players, and this could go either way.
Prediction: BacT 4-3 Lyx
dogao vs K4SVA
K4SVA does not have an elo on the Tournament Elo website yet – as this is his first participation to a major event. After winning his opening set against Nili, he now faces a legend of the game, dogao, known as one of the best team game players of all times but also a veteran 1v1 player. The overwhelming favorite in this set, dogao should qualify with relative comfort, but should not underestimate K4SVA after his strong display against Nili.
Prediction: dogao 4-0 K4SVA
ACCM vs saymyname
One of the closest matchups of the qualifiers, Vietnam legends ACCM and saymyname fight off for a spot in Hidden Cup 3. ACCM made it last year, could he repeat the feat in 2020, or will saymyname take the coveted spot in the event? Back in 2013, known as Yellow, saymyname was arguably in better shape than today, but he has managed to remain one of the best players in the world since. Tournament Elo gives a massive advantage to ACCM, but the reality is probably much closer. Matches like this, with players who know each other by heart, are particularly unpredictable. It should be a real thriller, featuring two players who are just in the “second tier” of top experts and have spectacular styles.
Prediction: ACCM 4-3 saymyname
Some questions to spark discussion:
- What was your favorite series of round 1?
- Which result was the most unexpected for you and why?
- Which player did you discover in the qualifiers and look forward to seeing more from in the future?
- What match from round 2 are you expecting to be the most interesting?
Warning, the following post will obviously contain spoilers for the round 1 of qualifiers. If you are unaware of the issue of some matches and want to discover them by yourself, I urge you to close this and do so.
Summary of Round 1
Finding himself the underdog in the most lopsided match on round 1, Inc logically lost to a very in-form Nicov without winning a game. More surprisingly perhaps, Brazilian veteran St4rk showed his experience and his tricks by dismissing the promising Daniel in a clear 3-0 victory.
On the second bracket, the favorites held their rank. Antagonist took a convincing 3-1 victory against Cloud and will now face Vinchester who dispatched Fedex in stunning fashion.
Dropping one game on the way, F1Re made it to the second round, defeating Italian star Vodka. His opponent will be no other than Barles, who eliminated the always popular slam in convincing fashion, only losing one game and dominating the others.
Favorite against Sitaux, Villese, possibly Finland's #2 at the moment, confirmed his status with a quick victory. He will face his countryman Rubenstock for a spot in the main event. Rubenstock won one of the thrillers of round 1, an epic five-game set against PROject_Belgium.
The epic of round 1 did not live up to the hype, with DauT taking a quick, yet logical victory against Hoang. He will play against Tim, who also featured in one of the epics of the first round. Showcasing the impressive skill of Dutch pro AngelinaJolie, the map went to a deciding fifth game played on Cup where the Chinese legend took the win.
Without breaking a sweat, BacT won his set against Paladin in three straight games. Another first-round heartbreaker was the epic match opposing Lyx and Zuppi. Down two games, Zuppi clawed his way back into the set, forcing a decider, in which he looked very close to taking the set. Eventually, Lyx’ solidity enabled him to take a 3-2 win.
The other very lopsided match of this round ended in similar fashion, with dogao easily dispatching Ganji – but not without a brilliant performance on Arabia by the Swedish player. After dropping the Arabia game for an illegal boar lame, K4SVA looked comfortable against Nili, winning three straight games to set-up a clash with dogao next.
In a highly anticipated first round match, ACCM took down SY player Jibatong in a 4-game set. He will play his countryman saymyname next, who also won a 4-game match, against Chilean star Noisick – after losing Arabia.
Preview of Round 2
The following preview will use tournament elo from https://aoe-elo.com/players provided by Mungo AoE.
Nicov vs St4rk
Nicov is given winner at 59% by Tournament Elo and he won both series these players have contested, in 2013 and 2017. However, of all the opponents Nicov could face in the deciding round of the qualifiers, St4rk is probably one of the most dangerous players. After a stunning display against Daniel, showing all his experience and tricks, St4rk has nothing to lose coming into this match against Nicov, the top seed of the qualifiers. This match promises to be thrilling – certainly one of the best sets of the final round of the qualifying tournament. While St4rk is clever and experienced, Nicov’s sheer skill and solidity should help him prevail.
Prediction: Nicov 4-2 St4rk
Antagonist vs Vinchester
Tournament Elo estimates the chances of victory for Antagonist at 53% given the elo difference between the two players. However, this does not account for the lack of recent tournaments from Vinchester and the strong showings Antagonist, aka LaaaaaN, had in tournaments. After narrowly missing the qualification for Hidden Cup 2 and winning the qualifying event for NAC 3, Antagonist is ready to make it to HC 3 to show he can compete with the very best in the world. The two players have contrasting styles; with Vinchester more famous for his micro. The closest match on paper for the second round, should be a delight for all Age fans.
Prediction: Antagonist 4-2 Vinchester
F1Re vs Barles
Most people (myself included) were probably expecting the legendary slam to make it through but it was instead the veteran Barles who took a convincing win. Opposed to another veteran in the person of F1Re, this will be an interesting clash as they have never matched up against one another in tournaments. F1Re, an expert famous for his prowess on water maps, will be the favorite coming into the match, while Barles will try to use his micro skills to take the advantage; expect him to pick open land maps as his home maps. It will be an interesting match, unseen before.
Prediction: F1Re 4-1 Barles
Villese vs Rubenstock
A true all-rounder, Rubenstock is more famous for his team game and deathmatch prowess than his 1v1 skills… but is a formidable player nonetheless... and has experience in “giant-killing”, notoriously taking Edie out of Masters of Arena 5. This is one of two matches in the second round to feature both players from the same country, ensuring a second player from Finland will join TheMax in the Hidden Cup 3 main event. Villese is given favorite to win the match with a 67% probability by Tournament Elo – a score that could be inflated by Rubenstock’s lack of 1v1 events. However, I expect Villese to be fully aware of the danger of his countryman’s unorthodox strategies and to be prepared for them. The clash of styles – rock solid meta from Villese and all-ins from Rubenstock – should be a treat.
Prediction: Villese 4-1 Rubenstock
DauT vs Tim
A clash between two veterans of the game, this is probably the only set in the second round to feature two players in their 30s! Both have played since the dawns of time, and have been at the highest level for decades. More consistent and playing a lot more than Tim in recent times, DauT is given winner at 63%. Of the six series they played since 2009, he only lost one, a BO1 in the semifinals of The Medieval Wars in 2013. They have, surprisingly, only played once since, with DauT taking a 2-1 win in the Escape All Stars. DauT is looking good, only narrowly losing 4-3 to Viper in the Fair Civ Cup. While Tim’s style can be unpredictable at times, DauT is so experienced he is hardly ever surprised by a strategy. Nevertheless, be sure to tune in for this clash between ageless legends.
Prediction: DauT 4-1 Tim
BacT vs Lyx
The most exciting match of this second round opposes BacT to Lyx in another timeless classic. Both have played a lot against one another, their most recent clash was on the mixed maps of Mangrove Shallow Cup with BacT taking a 3-2 victory, avenging a 3-1 loss during King of the Desert 2. Tournament Elo favors BacT slightly, with just 53% probability of winning. BacT is famous for his very defensive style and his ability of going away with a greedy boom by investing just a tiny bit into units. Lyx, on the other hand, is famous for his forwards – and that long before Vivi became such a community icon. Both are seasoned and extremely experienced players, and this could go either way.
Prediction: BacT 4-3 Lyx
dogao vs K4SVA
K4SVA does not have an elo on the Tournament Elo website yet – as this is his first participation to a major event. After winning his opening set against Nili, he now faces a legend of the game, dogao, known as one of the best team game players of all times but also a veteran 1v1 player. The overwhelming favorite in this set, dogao should qualify with relative comfort, but should not underestimate K4SVA after his strong display against Nili.
Prediction: dogao 4-0 K4SVA
ACCM vs saymyname
One of the closest matchups of the qualifiers, Vietnam legends ACCM and saymyname fight off for a spot in Hidden Cup 3. ACCM made it last year, could he repeat the feat in 2020, or will saymyname take the coveted spot in the event? Back in 2013, known as Yellow, saymyname was arguably in better shape than today, but he has managed to remain one of the best players in the world since. Tournament Elo gives a massive advantage to ACCM, but the reality is probably much closer. Matches like this, with players who know each other by heart, are particularly unpredictable. It should be a real thriller, featuring two players who are just in the “second tier” of top experts and have spectacular styles.
Prediction: ACCM 4-3 saymyname
Some questions to spark discussion:
- What was your favorite series of round 1?
- Which result was the most unexpected for you and why?
- Which player did you discover in the qualifiers and look forward to seeing more from in the future?
- What match from round 2 are you expecting to be the most interesting?
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