I agree with you mostly. But since this is a discussion, I'd like to add a few things. This kind of thing exists in other esports/sports as well. For example, in World Cup Football knockout stages some teams have an extra day or two to rest. And again at the highest level that can be quite impactful. Just consider if a star player picks a small injury. Even with that I definitely agree that we must do the best to keep things fair. Intuitively, I feel on that day even if both had played at the same time Yo would have won. (But this is just my opinion.) I'd say that being able to concentrate for long periods or with breaks is also a talent/ability. But I agree in this case you can't compare since the other person got a few more hours to rest. Fairness is important. Who knows Nicov may have made it to the semis if the seeding was not quasi-random.1. Playing in a huge tournament with nice prizepool is draining your energy in a way that playing rated games or watching stream isn't (even for multiple hours). You just have to keep focus at multiple spots on the map, resources, controlling units, adapting at the very maximum level possible.
What is more a slight decrease of focus on the highest level is gonna have much more impact on the pro level than in a 1700rating Black Forest game.
For those who can't imagine that, try playing with APM which the guys in the final had to for 30 minutes - i guarantee most of you will be exhausted. But most likely casual players like the majority of us here can't keep focus and concetration on the pro level because they never have done that.
So saying that "Yo also played games that day", "Yo was sitting all the time in front of computer" is just a total misunderstanding of the point.
2. You could make an argument that at a high level you need to keep your stamina and focus just train it.
There is a similar proffession "Air traffic controller" which demands similar level of focus - you direct the planes so that they don't crash. The guys working there are working effectively for 1 hour then they have an OBLIGATORY 1hour of free time (swimming, reading, running, whatever they need) so that they stay completely focused on the job.
I think that even if players aren't 100% fresh and composed we need to provide them equal chances, so maybe play both games at the same time and then cast one of them as a recorded one. Or just make another day for the finals just to have the highest level of competitive game. Otherwise you force one to play with a disadvantage.
We really need to take this into the debate at next tournaments, congratulations for Yo for the final - he had great tactics and surely deserved the win.
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Regarding streaming, I kinda dislike the shitstorm that Memb did for not being able to stream. I know you are a streamer for a long time but come on and man up. If that is Redbull's wish to have everything at one channel just let it be (they are sponsors). Creating drama because someone can and someone can't stream is not gonna encourge more sponsors to the game. Regarding that fact I could also ask why Ornlu or other streamers can't stream? Where are we gonna draw the line? And from what i remember your cups also are not free to stream
So if you could save your tears for yourself would be great and appreciated.
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Moving on to the point of Memb, I agree with you somewhat here too but I also feel he should be allowed express his disappointment (especially in his own channel). I haven't seen any evidence of him attacking anyone in the forums here or in his stream (I am not there all the time, I could be wrong). And if he encouraged people to come here and attack, that's bad too but I don't think he did that either. The most professional people might have hidden their feelings and to discourage his followers to come here and be rude. But sometimes you have to speak up if you feel things are unfair.
Like I said, I don't disagree with you on a whole lot but I just wanted to point out a few things.
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