[Eddie]

SEA Rising Star Tournament Series: Invitational #1
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10 May 2014 2:00 PM AESTCountdown to 10th May 2pm!

SEA Players Only


The OSC team and Team Exile 5 are partnering together to bring you this new bimonthly SEA only tournament.

The aim of this tournament is to showcase and support the up and coming players in our region.
2/3 will be $250+ invitationals, and 1/3 will be an $350+ Open Challenge edition.

---

Real gamers play starcraft! It's all about passion and dedication. Practice and discipline. Going head to head with a direct opponent. Doing your best and striving to be the best. The pursuit of excellence. It's not a game for casuals, it's a sport for champions!

However it can very hard to have a breakout tournament, let alone win one, so the SEA Rising Star will be your place to shine and battle against your peers!

We hope this tournament will encourage more participation and give opportunities to the next generation of stars. The SEA Rising Star is a stepping stone towards greater glory, championships, sponsors, teams, etc.

Players who have qualified for WCS, placed top 3 at an ACL Championship, won a SEA Rising Star Open Challenge, or won a Masters Cup are already proven champions, so unfortunately not able to participate in SEA Rising Star series.

+ [Ineligible players:] +

KingKong, PiG, EnDerr, Petraeus, mOOnGLaDe, iaguz, Ninja, Rossi, Poker, Light, Mafia, Tgun

---

Prizes

1st $120
2nd $60
3rd $30
4th $20
5-6th $10

Since this is an invitational, there will be no OSC points awarded for placement, however, standard rules apply for bonus points if you defeat a higher ranked player in a series.

---

Times + Format

Date: Saturday, 10th of May, 2014 (KR/AEST/SG)
Time: Saturday 2pm AEST, 1pm KR, 12pm SGT

10 May 2014 2:00 PM AESTCountdown to 10th May 2pm!

Location: NA Battle.net
(If both players agree, their series can be played on another server, but must you notify admin before + after)
Battle.net Channel: Join the Channel SEA Rising Star

Double Elimination.
All series are bo3

Casters: duckvillelol

Invited Players:

1. Crimson

2. MightyKiwi

3. DemiLove

4. Fenner

5. Revenant

6. Petrify

7. Wally

8. Dane

9. RunaMok

10. Pokemon

11. raZiel

12. Blysk

13. Pezz

14. Schnitzel

15. Heartz

16. Prozer

*Kreamy was invited, but had to withdraw, replaced by RunaMok

Bracket Here

+ [Map Pool] +

Habitation Station, King Sejong Station LE, Overgrowth LE, Merry Go Round LE, Alterzim Stronghold TE, Frost LE, Waystation

For Best of 3 Series, both players take turns to veto 2 maps from the map pool, so there is 3 left, then they each select the map they most want if they lose, and start with the remaining map.

+ [Rules and Regulations] +

· All results must be PMed to DevianT in-game.
· Players who are 15 or more minutes late will be disqualified, if a replacement cannot be fount their opponent will be given an automatic win.
· If any player disconnects occur the match is to be resumed via replay. If a player drops twice on the same game, (G1,G2,etc), it is their opponents right to take the map win, If both players don't agree to resume the map again.
· Any disputes will be handled by the Admins after reviewing all associated replays.
· Any inappropriate behaviour will result in a disqualification.
· Players must have their own account, playing on a friends is not allowed
. You are allowed to switch races
Refs: DevianT

---

https://www.facebook.com/teamexile5
https://twitter.com/Team_Exile5

---

Oseanic StarCraft 2 Championship Series



SEA Rising Star is a partnered tournament of the Oseanic StarCraft 2 Championship Series (OSC). OSC is the SEA regional championship, which follows a yearly season format, where players earn points for placing in all partnered tournaments. The top 32 players ranked via SEA Power Rankings / OSC Player Leader board at the end of the season are then invited to play in the Grand Finale to determine the yearly champion!

PiG was 2013's Champion, taking out the $2100 finals series.

Current 2014 rankings can be found here

Without these companies contributing to our tournament it's fair to say the prizepool would be far smaller. But it's not just about the $'s. All these companies have a long history of supporting Starcraft 2 and esports in SEA. They care about the scene and our community. So many thanks to them all! If you esports fans, players etc can send them some love and thanks for supporting SC2 + the SEA Championship Series it would be appreciated in return. They all are leaders in their industry, so if it comes down to a choice between brands, pick these guys who support esports!

+ [More Sponsor Info] +

Silicon Sports + digitalanvil.com.au


Silicon Sports are a Melbourne based company, responsible for the succesful Melbourne Barcrafts. They also have a quality SC2 team and academy, plus a dedicated casting team. They also do a lot of work in the DOTA community.

+ [For more information:] +

Twitter: @siliconsports
Facebook: /SiliconSports
Twitch: /SiliconSports
Website: siliconsports.net

digitalanvil.com.au

Whether you need a new domain name, website, hosting or want to increase your exposure online, these are the guys who can help!

+ [For more information:] +

Email: hello@digitalanvil.com.au

Facebook: /digitalANVIL
Twitter: @digitalANVIL

Tt eSPORTS


Thermaltake is a well known brand for gaming & DIY in Case, Cooler, and PSU for years. Due to the constant requests for keyboards and mice from gamers and end users, Thermaltake decided to create a series of gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets with the Tt eSPORTS brand. By using Tt eSPORTS, we want to extend our product lines into the gaming industry, and provide more ''personalized gaming'' gears to gamers and enthusiasts worldwide. With years of experience in gaming industry, Tt eSPORTS is committed to bring the most personalized and the highest quality weapons for the most competitive cyber battles.

+ [Check out these helpful youtube videos showing some of their quality products] +

eSports SG


eSports SG are gaming community based in Singapore but supporting eSports worldwide.

+ [For more information:] +

Website: www.esports.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/esports.singapore
Twitter: www.twitter.com/eSportsSG
Email: contact@esports.sg

Xmashed Gear


Xmashed Gear is the place to get all your geek and gamer apparel. They promise the most elite tees you can find this side of New Tristam!

+ [For more information:] +

Please visit http://www.facebook.com/xmashedgear

They are also launching a new shirt design for sc2!

Bonus: Predict the top 4 and we'll see who's the best at picking SEA's next up and comers!
1- ?
2- ?
3- ?
4- ?

---

[SLCN.Wally]

I predict
1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?

also awesome as always eddie,you're the best!

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

Love how Eddie keeps the players a secret and increases the hype :3

[Eddie]

Introducing our first 3 invites:

---

Fray'Crimson

New Zealand Zerg, former Iris + Checkmate player. Always a threat in any SEA tournament. Very close to pushing up to the highest tier, just needs to go that one step further and take out a tournament.

Current OSC Ranking: 13th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Ecko'Kreamy

South Australian Terran, a rare breed in SEA these days. Capable of taking series off more fancied opponents.

Current OSC Ranking: 57th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

SLCN.Pezz

Champion of Melbourne. NA GM numerous times. Beats world class players often. Smart builds, excellent micro. Always a player to watch out for.

Current OSC Ranking: 25th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

Quick Comments

rezyn8:

#SLCN #DIVINEPezz

[ThatGuyDoMo]

All I want is Wally...

and Law...

Quick Comments

syfPhoenix:

wow no love ;;

[syfChase]

omgomgomg
how many OSC points do i have?

0 damnit

[syfInsano]

Need an obs/caster Eddie? Would love to do this event again

Quick Comments

	syfPhoenix:	gogo~
	Eddie:	Thanks for the offer, i'll let you know :)

[Eddie]

Introducing our next 3 invites:

---

Seed.MightyKiwi

Another New Zealand Zerg. MightyKiwi has been living in the Root Gaming House for a while now. He has a couple of smaller SEA championships to his name and is always ranked highly on NA GM ladder.

Current OSC Ranking: 10th
Season 2 Tournament Championships:

+ [2] +

Friday Fun Night #6
Friday Fun Night #14

---

Dane

Filipino Terran, former Mineksi player. Renowned for having one of the highest APM averages in SEA of 300+. Strong Micro and Macro player. Capable of taking series off more fancied opponents.

Current OSC Ranking: 42nd
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Ecko'Schnitzel

A strong Protoss who isn't afraid to throw out quirky builds or the odd cheese play. However his macro is not to be underestimated. Loves a bit of RvR.

Current OSC Ranking: 22nd
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

[Elusory]

Originally Posted by Eddie

Loves a bit of RvR.

He might ask for RvR in this tournament too LOL

Quick Comments

asdfSchnitzel:

I would if people would agree :(

[Eddie]

Introducing our next 3 invites:

---

SYF.DemiLove

Indian Zerg. 3rd in #Dedication for season 1 2014, with 1757 games played. A regular in all SEA tournaments. Has worked hard to be regularly amongst the top 16 in the region.

Current OSC Ranking: 14th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Fenner

Fan favourite, popular streamer, educator, youtube superstar, and high quality player. Always a threat in any tournament. #Passion

Current OSC Ranking: 9th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Heartz

Up and coming Filipino Protoss representing Imperium Pro Team. Has taken a few scalps in the past, but looking to consistently push further in tournaments in 2014.

Current OSC Ranking: 46th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

Quick Comments

syfChase:

Fennerino and Demirino it winerino it all

[Baldie]

Added to SEA Public Event Schedule 2014

[syfSoundwave]

let's go fennerm8

[rezyn8]

Originally Posted by Eddie

a rare bread

I now dub Kreamy the Bread Terran from now this day forth.

Quick Comments

	Eddie:	lol :p
	syfChase:	seconded

[Eddie]

Introducing our next 2 invites:

---

SLCN.Petrify

Melbourne Zerg. ZvZ Specialist. After a brief retirement, is back in form with some strong performances lately in WCS + ACL qualifiers. #realpet?

Current OSC Ranking: 36th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Prozer

Another up and coming Filipino Protoss. One of the most active tournament participants in SEA. #Dedication

Current OSC Ranking: 40th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

Quick Comments

	syfCrimson:	ProZer fighting!! <3
	rezyn8:	#SLCN #DOMINATION
	eCKoa`ProzeR:	Aww, thanks ben!! ^_^ <3

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

Aww, I'm the only one that got a black font name sad face

Quick Comments

syfRize:

I don't even have a name.. ;;

[MaruMarine]

Invite KayZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eddie]

Introducing our next 2 invites:

---

Fray'Wally

Zerg player hailing from Canberra. Popular sc2sea personality, and high level player. 4th in #Dedication for season 1 2014, with 1510 games played. Capable of taking series off more fancied opponents.

Current OSC Ranking: 29th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

Blysk

German born, Signaporean Protoss. GM on Korean server. Top 8 in OSC Rankings. Gained valuable tournament experience playing in several IEM'S. Very close to pushing up to the highest tier, just needs to go that one step further and take out a tournament.

Current OSC Ranking: 8th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

Originally Posted by Eddie

---

Dane
Capable of taking series off more fancied opponents.

Originally Posted by Eddie

---

Fray'Wally
Capable of taking series off more fancied opponents.

I noticed something while reading… o.o

[SLCN.Wally]

Originally Posted by OD.ProzeR

I noticed something while reading… o.o

I think it's a nice way of saying "they're bad"

Quick Comments

eCKoa`ProzeR:

but you're GM gosu :P

[Elusory]

Can confirm Eddie said last 3 invites are all from different countries.

[syfChase]

The reason I didn't get an invite is because I already am a star \/

Quick Comments

	x5_Bard:	a pronostar
	Elusory:	^ LOL
	eCKoa`ProzeR:	^^ LOL HAHAHA
	mGGNemesis:	Chase #1 superstar

[Eddie]

Introducing our next 2 invites:

---

raZiel

Indian Terran. Has been involved in the SEA scene for a long time, however plays under a lot of different alias's. Strong TvZ, is keen to make his mark in this tournament.

Current OSC Ranking: 65th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

X5.Revenant

Champion of Singapore, the former Flash captain, has won many national titles, however, despite some high finishes is yet to take out a major online tournament. Revz is undefeated in OSC Challange matches! Despite National Service commitments, has maintained his place up the very top tier of our region. Fresh start at Team Exile 5, and an up coming trip to ACL Sydney, he's back to his very best form, and hungry for victory.

Current OSC Ranking: 24th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

Quick Comments

syfSoundwave:

Haven't seen raZiel around in a long, long time. Maybe cause he is disguised under different IDs like you say?

[Eddie]

Introducing our final invite:

---

Ecko'Pokemon

Melbourne Terran. 7th in #Dedication for season 1 2014, with 964 games played. He also had the highest win % (57.4) of anyone in the top 10. A regular streamer on sc2sea, will be keen to test out his skills in this tournament.

Current OSC Ranking: 64th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

---

The Bracket!!!

I've set it up a little bit differently, not your standard DE16.
Since we aren't just inviting the 16 'best', or those with the most games played, i've tried to balance the bracket to represent what we are about. While still seeding via OSC, i've pulled a few players back to have a few interesting/even matches to start with. From there onwards, it's basically the same bracket.

Bracket is up earlier so you can prepare/research your opponent if desired.

Look forward to a lot of quality games, a few upsets, and to seeing who our new star will be

Those that missed out will hopefully get an opportunity next time, as we'll be rotating players in/out to give everyone a shot.

Keen for some predictions too

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Originally Posted by Eddie

I've set it up a little bit differently, not your standard DE16[/URL].
Since we aren't just inviting the 16 'best', or those with the most games played, i've tried to balance the bracket to represent what we are about. While still seeding via OSC, i've pulled a few players back to have a few interesting/even matches to start with. From there onwards, it's basically the same bracket.

Not to be a party pooper but I don't like this style of bracket / overall idea. It is an invite only tournament for the "rising stars of SEA", this isn't supposed to be a typical weekly online tournament or online LAN seeding competition where people are given seedings. I think everybody should be given equal ground in this tournament (just my opinion) because it means we really can test the mettle of players in the region as opposed to putting in an inherent bias.

Also, I don't think this should be manufactured around "have a few interesting/even" matches to start with, I don't think tournaments should ever be stacked that way. It should just be the 16 invited players based off OSC points / participation (as have been invited) then just randomly seeded. I think that is most interesting tournament you can have, and the most "fair".

Just seems arbitrary and artificial to me. I prefer the natural Ro16 double elim tournament bracket. This just seems convoluted because certain players are effectively getting 2 walkovers.

Feel free to disagree with me

EDIT: Forgot to mention on the topic of "making things more interesting", tampering with the bracket further (which would be COMPLETELY balanced out otherwise) just seems like too much, its the rising stars tournament, you don't need to add any more interest to it unless you believe the players invited won't provoke enough interest in the first place (in which case, you probably picked the wrong players to invite). Not to overlook the point that I didn't think this tournament was about "provoking interest" but more about giving newer players in our region a chance to be in the spotlight.

Quick Comments

	syfPhoenix:	+1 to domo
	SLCN.Petrify:	Tend to agree with this, good argument

[Eddie]

If we only invited the top 16 via OSC Rankings, there wouldn't be much variety of participants, it would likely be the same 16 people each tournament. There were other considerations for earning an invite, as mentioned from the start, eg #Dedication and tournament participation. Others will get a shot next time, in a similar invitation structure.

It's about rewarding those who are putting in and getting involved in our scene. And giving those guys some attention and a shot at some $'s.

Every 3rd SEA Rising Star is an open Challenge, with more money + OSC Pts, so we'll see who is the best of the rest in that format.

This serves to support and showcase up and coming players, not the regions best.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Originally Posted by Eddie

If we only invited the top 16 via OSC Rankings, there wouldn't be much variety of participates, it would likely be the same 16 people each tournament. There were other considerations for earning an invite, as mentioned from the start, eg #Dedication and tournament participation. Others will get a shot next time, in a similar invitation structure.

It's about rewarding those who are putting in and getting involved in our scene. And giving those guys some attention and a shot at some $'s.

Every 3rd SEA Rising Star is an open Challenge, with more money + OSC Pts, so we'll see who is the best of the rest in that format.

This serves to support and showcase up and coming players, not the regions best.

I can understand and approve of the invite process, but my main qualm is why have you decided to pull certain players back in a bracket that would otherwise be a perfect Ro16? Just seems a bit elaborate to me. I think there is enough interest in this event purely as a simple Ro16 without these random double walkover scenarios. I can't imagine anybody saying "oh I'm not going to watch this tournament now because the first rounds aren't as interesting as they could have been".

EDIT: Also, just rereading your post and I want to reiterate (because I seem to have not made it clear) that I have no problem with the invite process and the competitors. My problem is with the bracket organization.

Quick Comments

syfPhoenix:

+1

[TtSYF.tRoy]

Really like the style of bracket for this event!
My predictions are
1. Blysk
2. SLCN.Petraeus (whoops)
3. Fray.Crimson

Quick Comments

SLCN.Petrify:

never been more insulted in my life

[Elusory]

I really want Walkover3 to win this so badly.

[asdfSchnitzel]

1. DIVINEPEZZ
2. David "Filth" Gore
3. Blysk
4. Daniel "[Fenner]Fenner" Fenner

Quick Comments

syfChase:

iFenner

[syfRize]

raZiel vs Wally
ProzeR vs Pokemon
DemiLove vs Pokemon/ProzeR

I'm so sad T.T

[SLCN.Petrify]

Had to give me a terran didn't ya Eddie! Looks like a fun bracket, can't wait

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

My bracket tho @.@ hopefully I'll do well @.@

Quick Comments

syfChase:

I believe in the Prozer ! GL buddy!

[syfChadMann]

One thing to note on this, while it seems strange format, is that any stream(s) will be able to cover more games. So each player has a higher chance of being featured in the streams. Run 2 streams and you should be able to watch every single player on stream at least once. That's a pretty good plus for me, considering your trying to promote rising talent.

I can see the pro's and con's for this tournament bracket, maybe we could try out a Swiss/Round Robin style bracket that seeds into a top 6 play offs or something? Either way, Eddie is trying something out. While I might disagree with how people are placed, or even if its better than a standard 16 player double elim, I can see the benefits of this and its a test to see how it works.

All the best to everyone playing, My top 4 prediction:
1)MightyKiwi
2)Pezz
3)Crimson
4)Fenner

Well done Eddie, you are truly a SC2SEA hero.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Originally Posted by fray`ChadMann

One thing to note on this, while it seems strange format, is that any stream(s) will be able to cover more games. So each player has a higher chance of being featured in the streams. Run 2 streams and you should be able to watch every single player on stream at least once. That's a pretty good plus for me, considering your trying to promote rising talent.

I can see the pro's and con's for this tournament bracket, maybe we could try out a Swiss/Round Robin style bracket that seeds into a top 6 play offs or something? Either way, Eddie is trying something out. While I might disagree with how people are placed, or even if its better than a standard 16 player double elim, I can see the benefits of this and its a test to see how it works.

If an argument in favour of this is seeing every single player on stream at least once, we could one up that by doing the swiss / round robin style idea (as you mentioned) or just by streaming the individual sets on different basis. I.e. cast the sets where you think a certain player is going to be obviously eliminated (and judging by the bracket system of this tournament, people seem to already know with some confidence who will beat who) and then as the tournament continues cast the remaining ones. You'd end up with everybody being cast in that scenario whilst also not having to butcher the bracket.

Why not have a normal Ro16 and live cast a few games and maybe replay cast some other ones like mGG did with their recent tournament?

I'm finished debating this topic, just gonna leave it at that. You've obviously put a lot of work into this and I appreciate it. I just disagree with the format and can't find any recourse in approving it.

Hope it runs well.

WALLY FIGHTING!

[Eddie]

I did first think of running group stages, into SE Finals, but that would be more of a 2 day event, and i don't have the time this weekend, and ACL Qualifiers are Sunday, Masters Cup next Sunday, etc. We are pretty lucky with how many tournaments we've got going on atm.

Swiss would also be an interesting way of doing it, but you'd need to play a decent amount of rounds/ or everyone to be fair, and that would also take up a lot of time.

This is an experiment, if it works, that's great, but if it doesn't, then we'll change. It's a fun competition to experiment with, not as serious as open tournaments or finals.

Quick Comments

syfPhoenix:

$250->fun

[SLCN.Petrify]

Swiss would be amazing!

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Yea Swiss would be great actually, or group stage or something

[Kreamy]

Not playing tampered brackets. Im out.

Quick Comments

	ThatGuyDoMo:	LOL
	mGGSouth:	Don't even know why you were invited in the first place.

[Eddie]

Originally Posted by eCKo'Kreamy

Not playing tampered brackets. Im out.

Not sure if serious? But if so, no worries, someone else can have the opportunity.

This isn't tampered, it's how i've seeded it/created the format. I have no preference to who wins each series or the $'s. Players don't get to pick their own brackets, or ones that best suits them.

Any invitational could be argued as tampered, unless there is a strict invitational requirement, and even then seeding could be not ideal/fair and have brackets people aren't happy with.

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

I think you are missing his point T_T

[Kreamy]

Good luck to whoever replaces me

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

eeek T_T didn't think you were serious

[Seffy]

If I may.

I don't believe this is a good idea to do this sort of experiment in a tournament with a decent amount of money on the line. IMHO everyone deserves a fair and equal start here. Someone getting a massive head start to a potential 120 dollar first prize is just bullshit.

Quick Comments

	Chiddiru:	+1
	syfChadMann:	Not really, if they can't make it through the rounds anyway, they aren't going to win.

[ToRChoboSniper]

Eddie, you're not explaining at all, in concrete terms, why you think this ridiculous format is even in place. I see exactly zero advantages for this and have a tonne of reasons why its terrible.

Quick Comments

	Seffy:	+1
	SLCN.Wally:	+2
	syfPhoenix:	+3
	x5_Namakaye:	+4
	ToRsupapower:	+8
	syfRize:	-18
	syfChadMann:	-2.7546
	eCKoa`ProzeR:	+-1?

[ToRSpartaz]

I don't know whether or not any of this has been said, but this post is a reflection of both myself and Schnitzel in regards to the format of the tournament.

Advantages: (As we see them)
- Gives newer/less well known players the opportunity to get streamed exposure
- Gives players who would typically be knocked out in the earlier phase of the tournament a chance of playing against opponents of equal skill.
- Community development, players have the capacity to actually get their name out there.
- Potential for more exciting viewership, players who make it through the earlier rounds could cause upsets against the "seeded" players. Making for better StarCraft (perhaps this is just a reflection of series that I have watched over the years, but I know that I found watching ACL in 2012 waaaaay more exciting when a lesser known name made his way into the group stage)

Disadvantages:
- Potentially a value decision in choosing who would make interesting match ups, potential for a biased view. (Personally, I do not think that this point would stand very well - from knowing Eddie over the last few years, he's made good decisions up til now, again that is a value judgement by me )
- Higher seeded players have too unfair an advantage in terms of winning money. e.g. 1 series to win $10 vs 4 for lower seeded players
- The trial is risky, considering the prize money. Perhaps it would have been better to try this format in say a weekly? Then adapted the model to a larger scale tournament.

Personally, I haven't decided whether or not I like this format. Elements of the format I can respect the thinking behind it, but then again as a result it comes with obvious consequences. I think it will be matter of seeing how this tournament will fair, hopefully there won't be any more pull outs TT

Best of luck to all of you guys playing in this it should be a fun event for those of us who enjoy the stream

[SLCN.Petrify]

Hmmm, the more I think about the bracket format the less I like it. The OCS system has made me used to being seeded poorly, as I spend my time more often than not studying at uni than playing in small weekly tournaments, however I think being seeded 2 whole rounds lower than people I beat regularly in the tournaments I do attend is pretty brutal.

I can understand kreamy's decision to pull out, if I was playing for the money rather than just to show my talent and for fun, I probably would have been really mad also.

[xpaperclip]

While I have no insight into how or why the bracket was designed the way it is, I don't think it's nearly as arbitrary as people are making it out to be. These are the OSC points the players in each round have.

Seeded into WR3
Blysk	315
Fenner	297.5
MightyKiwi	295
Crimson	257.5
Seeded into WR2
DemiLove	197.5
Schnitzel	140
Revenant	132.5
Pezz	112.5
Seeded into WR1
Wally	97.5
Petrify	57.5
ProzeR	50
Dane	47.5
Heartz	37.5
Kreamy	17.5
Pokemon	15
raZiel	15

It's an invitational with qualification from- and wishing to reward- performance in regular tournaments. It's 16-person so (at least to me) there's no other obvious bracket structure which can give some players an advantage (unless some start in the loser's bracket which is far worse).

While there are certainly merits to a more standard format, given the constraints and goals I don't think this is particularly unfair and having some variety is nice. A lot of tournaments have employed a KoTH-like bracket or give advantageous seeding to some participants (Proleague, MLG, Dox Cup 1!) so I don't think it should just be dismissed.

Quick Comments

	ToRSpartaz:	+1
	syfChadMann:	this is such a good post.

[ToRSpookToR]

I like it the way eddie has done it, people get more exposure and people that don't have as many OCS points have a chance to make it further before reaching MK and fenner level opponents.

[SLCN.Wally]

But isn't a normal seeded DE16 enough of an advantage for those players then to give them. You're basically giving the bottom 8 an anti-walkover, why? what's the point of that, literally none. I'm not in a tournament to play and get exposure I'm in a tournament to try and win. The change is just completely unnecessary.

Quick Comments

syfPhoenix:

+10

[Eddie]

This format is not entirely new, like paperclip says, i've seen it used (or close enough to) elsewhere, like MLG in the past i think. It doesn't look as good on challonge.com where i have to include walkovers, compared to liquipedia

It's a trial and will only be used for this Invitational format. We have long running traditional formats for Masters Cups, Weeklies, Group Stages, Season finals. This is something different for our region. If it doesn't work, don't worry i'm not going anywhere, these players will get more opportunities, and of course there are other tournaments running.

I've still seeded by stages the top players by OSC rankings. They do admittedly have somewhat of an advantage of less rounds to win. However using Kreamy as an example, he would be matched up straight away against a top 3 player, would have a hard (not unachievable) task first up. Potential straight sets elimination. I'd like to see some close series throughout, while still slightly rewarding/seeding players. An increase in difficulty at each stage.

It's what i want to try. I knew it might ruffle a few feathers, but trying something new isn't a bad thing. Have to take risks, be prepared to change things up to get better. Seems to have got people talking, and curious to how it turns out, so we'll all see come Saturday i guess!

If anyone wishes to decline an invite, that's their call. 1/3 of people will get money from this, there'll be good games, and you'll be streamed to an international audience. Your call.

Quick Comments

	syfRize:	Honestly though everyone. Tournament > No Tournament. If you don't want to play in it, then don't.
	mGGSouth:	+1

[Eddie]

Unfortunately, Kreamy has withdrawn, so re-Introducing our final invite:

---

IXL.RunaMok

Melbourne Terran. 10th in #Dedication for season 1 2014, with 876 games played. A regular streamer on sc2sea, Manager + Captain of Ninth Legion Gaming [IXL], and very active in growing esports!

Current OSC Ranking: 48th
Season 2 Tournament Championships: -

[SLCN.Petrify]

I've still seeded by stages the top players by OSC rankings. They do admittedly have somewhat of an advantage of less rounds to win. However using Kreamy as an example, he would be matched up straight away against a top 3 player, would have a hard (not unachievable) task first up. Potential straight sets elimination. I'd like to see some close series throughout, while still slightly rewarding/seeding players. An increase in difficulty at each stage.

I feel that it's just too narrow of a view to look at the players overall skill based off of points that are mostly earned by participation, and determine they deserve to be put 2 rounds ahead. For example, I would objectively back Kreamy to have the ability beat any of the top 3 if he plays his best, but according to OSC points he is ranked lower than someone who I could not see taking one game in a best of 3 off any of them.

The 'rising star' tournament should give players the ability to upset those who are ranked much higher than them. Giving Kreamy a chance to play say Blysk, allows the opportunity for upsets in the eyes of OSC, which most of the lesser known players in the tournament would prefer to have, than immediately giving the better ranked player 2 free rounds.

Quick Comments

	syfChadMann:	The whole idea is to reward participation tho... o_O
	ThatGuyDoMo:	yea, and you are rewarded by being invited, it shouldnt be free wins
	x5_Namakaye:	^this, if you were rewarded for participation someone like prozer who plays in EVERYTHING should be in round 3
	eCKoa`ProzeR:	hehe thanks nama <3

[HuT]

Stop being sad pricks, get better at SC2 and win regardless.

Quick Comments

	syfRize:	+1
	TtSYF.tRoy:	Now this is a good ******* post
	x5_dot:	+1
	syfChase:	+1

[Fenner]

I like it Eddie. People whine about seeding every tournament. Looking forwar to playing!

[Philosopher]

Looking forward to watching this tournament! Good luck to everyone involved.

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

Hype for Rising Star? Yes? ._.

I don't really feel like complaining that much about the brackets..? Just feel like playing and see how well I do vs these Masters / GM players :P hehe

[ToRSpookToR]

seed spook into the finals. #featurespook

Quick Comments

	eCKoa`ProzeR:	spook fiwghting
	syfChase:	we want spook

[zenabi]

The bracket looks similar to the end of year finals last year for OSC (can't remember ATM what it was called last year) just with 4 people getting walkovers instead of opponents. Though some points of seeding an invite-only tournament are valid, I like that Eddie is spicing it up a bit and who cares really, you got invited to play for money, just go out there and win it!

[syfChase]

I know a lot of people are critisizing the bracket and the way it's set out and it's not my expertise to comment about it (since I don't really play tourneys at all) but I really appreciate that Eddie's putting this tournament on. Bringing exposure to SEA talent who have it difficult already getting their name out is always a fantastic thing for the community, especially one where it's hard to get known and capitalize on opportunities such as large tournaments where the top 3 placings are always consistent with the best in the region (such as PiG, KingKong etc). I think the invitational idea is great.

The distributed prizepool also gives incentive to players to achieve as well as they can, bringing the best out of them which I'm sure will lead to some great and exciting games.
So mad props to Eddie for hosting the thing and again I don't really have an opinion on brackets because whenever I actually do play I get knocked out in the first 2 rounds and don't enter another tournament for a year thinking I'm bad.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

15 minutes guys GET HYPED

[Fenner]

Bonus: Predict the top 4 and we'll see who's the best at picking SEA's next up and comers!
1- MightyKiwi
2- Blysk
3- Pezz
4- Fenner

Quick Comments

SLCN.Wally:

FENNER PUTS HIMSELF TOP 4 SO PRETENDTIOUS DAE HATE FENNER NOW

[x5.Revenant]

Bonus: Predict the top 4 and we'll see who's the best at picking SEA's next up and comers!
1- NXZ
2- NXZ
3- NXZ
4- Yeap he's meant to be in here

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Although it is still going on, I have to say this tournament is being extremely well run, especially with two streams where you can switch back and forth during breaks.

I've been watching the entire day and I have been very impressed. As to the format, again you can't really tell as a spectator (obviously) but I have heard from players that the wait times are much lower than typical tournaments which is good (and I would attribute this to the tweaked format)

Very well done.

(Although I still have philosophical issues with the premise of the changes :P)

[SLCN.Wally]

Yeah I have to echo what Domo is saying(mainly cause I was one of those players he's talking about). This was really well run, pretty much no wait between matches, scores updated instantly and there was no confusion when it came to switching server.

[rezyn8]

What a great tournament! Extremely well run and casted. Don't think I can really fault it at all.

Petrify & Pezz couldn't bring it home for Silicon Sports but both played fantastically well. Blysk was a deserved winner and MightyKiwi certainly was a stumbling block for us and played very well too. Congratz guys!

I didn't realise there was a bit of discussion on the bracket until after the tournament finished. Eddie is trying to be innovative and imaginative to develop interest. If we didn't have people like him in the world we wouldn't have events like BarCraft or tournaments like this and others supporting the local scene.

Massive props to Eddie, Exile 5 & Nvidia (& the casters), looking forward to the next one!

[Eddie]

Congrats to Blysk for winning our first Invitational.

Our top 4 were:

1- Blysk
2- MightyKiwi
3- Petrify
4- Pezz

Thanks to Insano, Bard + Duckville for casting.

I think the bracket experiment worked really well. We were able to stream 14/16 players, and 15/16 players won a game or more. There were many series 2-1 as well, ensuring a competitive and exciting tournament. Plus we had a lot of exciting upsets.

Would appreciate some feedback on the format post tournament.

[SLCN.Wally]

Gotta take player fatigue into account, that's my only problem with this bracket post-tournament.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Hey eddie, I recently started a new blog for sc2sea stuff etc.

First entry is on this tourney. I try to be balanced and fair, but they are my overall sentiments (and several others in SEA I have spoken to)

Warning, it is pretty long.

http://nostringshere.wordpress.com/2...ment-analysis/

[eCKoa`ProzeR]

Really enjoyed the tournament!! ~ just sad I wasn't able to play all my games

[Eddie]

Thanks DoMo was a good read, and hope you link any future sc2 editions on the forums as well

Certainly wasn't short! I don't really have time to quote it all atm. Will just add this:

I don't really disagree with a lot if it was applied to any other tournament, but for this Invitational, it's not about who is the best, it's about giving those selected some exposure and chance at $'s. True, those who have consistently placed higher, were given a seeding advantage, but not so much so that they were guaranteed top placings (as we see Petrify, Pezz, Wally came from the earlier rounds). They earned some seeding, and it enabled us to structure the earlier rounds how we wanted.

While there would be slightly more fatigue/less down time for the earlier rounds, i don't think it should have been much of an issue for the players. I'd assume players would be quite familiar with putting in numerous back to back hours of ladder, or big R128/64 Bo3 Double or Single Elim daily tournaments. That's the business. Players are always allowed short breaks between series if needed. And as for viewing streams for builds, yes opponents can see what has happened, but since it's SEA they likely would have played before, and could have viewed match history/builds/asked around. Brackets were up early so players could research opponents if required. The length of series and streaming is nothing uncommon, and shorter that other tournaments.

I'd ever only run this format in a semi-competitive small invitational, with specific goals, not an open tournament/best on the day or finals.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Originally Posted by Eddie

Thanks DoMo was a good read, and hope you link any future sc2 editions on the forums as well

Certainly wasn't short! I don't really have time to quote it all atm. Will just add this:

I don't really disagree with a lot if it was applied to any other tournament, but for this Invitational, it's not about who is the best, it's about giving those selected some exposure and chance at $'s.

...

I'd ever only run this format in a semi-competitive small invitational, with specific goals, not an open tournament/best on the day or finals.

Thank you ^_^ much appreciated.

And yes now that you say that I would then agree that your tournament format most certainly "worked". I suppose I always look at things from the hyper-competitive standpoint but now I understand where you were coming from ^_^.

Thanks again and keep it up