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Good morning, BlizzCon!
It's been three years.
Three years of waiting, three years of anticipating.
But we are back.
Oh man, are we back?
And I have the utmost honor, pleasure, and joy
to welcome you all to the 2026 Overwatch World Cup Finals.
Happening here at BlizzCon in California.
And I'm not alone here.
No, I am not.
I am joined by eight teams from across the globe
who fought so very hard to get here,
through a grueling qualifier, and of course,
the group stage in Busan.
They're all here to raise that trophy
at the end of the day tomorrow.
My name is Soichun, and I am joined
by an eSports legend who is going to help us
get our competitors onto that stage.
It's Chris Bucket, everyone!
Yes!
What is up, Overwatch family?
It is so good to see all of you.
I am fired up with a World Cup,
but so how crazy is it to think back
the last time you and I were doing this?
Was in 2017.
And we haven't aged the day since.
Crazy.
Let's take her and make her.
Well, I know you've got a very busy day, so I'll let you go join the desk.
For now, though, Blizzard Arena, are you guys ready to meet your eighth finalist?
Let's get the party started as we welcome our players onto the stage.
Let's start with the teams who traveled a long way to get here,
representing the Asia Conference.
Give it up for Team Australia.
It's the third time this fan favorite Aussie squad have made it to the finals.
But the first since 2018 after an upset over the United Kingdom and
groups in this squad make Australia's first semi-final in OWC history.
Up next, it's their fifth Overwatch World Cup finals.
One of the most storied teams in old WWC history.
Let's hear it for France.
One of the most storied teams in World Cup history.
France is ending for the podium after their two fourth place finishes.
This year's path is tough, but after defeating Korea to achieve first seed in the group stage,
it looks like they can handle anything.
It's time to get another EMEA team into the mix.
A team that's never seen this stage before makes some noise for Germany!
Germany has always fielded strong teams in the Overwatch World Cup, but this is their
first time making the finals.
The squad fought their way all the way through the conference
cups this year.
The Germans have earned their spot this time
in the quarterfinals.
Our next squad has so many fans to watch
the first match of the day.
Let's hear it for Espana!
This is Spain's sixth World Cup trip
and their third finals, but it wasn't easy.
They had to make it through the group stage on tie breakers.
With the 3-0 over Canada,
it's impossible not to root for this squad.
And with their multiple players at the top of the food chain
and the OWCS, they're hoping to make their country proud
at this World Cup.
For the first time since 2017,
give it up for the country that gave us reinforce.
IT'S SWEETEN!
It's Sweden's third final, but when they made it back here, it was in 2016 and 2017.
There, they finished both times with bronze medals.
This year, they were one map away from leaving the group of death as the number one seed.
Sweden is coming into BlizzCon as the dark horse for the title.
Next up, Mini would call them the strongest Overwatch country in the world.
Let's hear it for South Korea!
Korea boasts four total medals, three gold, and one bronze, alongside 12 total playoff
series wins and the most by a landslide in Overwatch World Cup history.
This year's team also boasts an impressive trophy case for their individual players.
They're likely the most decorated squad in the bracket.
South Korea has an aura of legacy and they're looking to take their first World Cup since
2018.
Last two teams, the host country is next.
Anaheim, make some noise for Team USA!
The United States have a legacy in the Overwatch World Cup.
They took home the title in 2019,
and they've never missed a finals before.
This year, they're the sole representatives
for the whole America's Conference,
and they face South Korea at the end of the day tonight.
A familiar opponent they've faced before.
Can they defeat them once again?
Up next, it is the last squad.
It is the reigning Champions League.
Give it up for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
One of the most exciting squads to watch in Overwatch history.
They are the reigning champions walking out with a trophy.
The question here on everyone's mind
is any team capable of ripping that trophy from their grasp.
Liz Khan, this stage is set.
Liz and Marina, make some noise for your teams.
Our first match of the day
It's the reddit champion, Soty Ringa, taking on Spain.
So, let's get this party started.
Let's do it.
Thank you so much, pocket.
Hello, and welcome to our desk.
I'm joined by my good friends, it's Danny, it's Jake,
and it's Ash, and we're here to set the stage
for this competition.
Those teams fought so hard over weeks and weeks and weeks,
and they all learned their spot.
But how exciting is the paralysis of us
to be back here at BlizzCon, James?
Oh my God, for me, I mean, this event
is an incredibly special one in the calendar of Overwatch.
It's amazing to see players competing
for something bigger than themselves,
something bigger even than the teams
they typically play on for their countries.
And I think the weight of this moment,
it brings a lot of people back to Overwatch,
and I'm just so excited to see the energy back here in Anaheim.
Danny, it's like a happy reunion, isn't it?
I know, I know.
I feel like just BlitzCon, it's always fun
because it's Overwatch.
We're seeing the best of the players
representing their own country
and playing Overwatch on stage.
It's peak Overwatch.
It really is, Ash, this is your first BlizzCon ever.
What's your first impression?
I love it.
I was so excited to be here this weekend
for my first ever BlizzCon and having this opportunity
as well is so exciting.
And I think that's also what the cool thing
about BlizzCon is, is you have old fans like you guys
who have been there since the beginning.
I'm not old.
Yo, I knew you were gonna say that.
I knew you were gonna say that.
But you know what I mean?
You get newer fans, you get fans who have been here
experience fans. That's right. Well, let's take a look at our players and our teams old and new.
Here is our bracket. Of course, the top seeds from the groups that got to pick their opponents.
Dani, how do you feel about Shuka? I mean, I think some of them are very interesting. I mean,
KSC versus Spain, right? KSC picked Spain for their opponent and I did talk to Sir Mujer just
right now asking him why do you guys pick Spain and it was very clear it was like hey like we wanted
an easy win and something that we could you know win and then move forward right I feel like that
one and also there's so many other great games for like I think I'm very excited to see the very
last match of the day uh Korea versus USA because I've been hearing that USA have been doing very
well in scrims so I'm very excited for that one as well off camera off camera Jake Kearney
dropping his three little fingers together.
Jake, Scrimbox are in favor of USA,
but of course, we are looking at a new patch here
this time around.
Very, you know, kind of short,
shortly before this competition started,
we once again have to adjust to a new patch.
So we really don't know what to expect.
I think in the modern era of Overwatch,
you never know what to expect.
It's about who brings the energy on match day.
The lights are bright here in Anaheim.
There's incredible energy when the matches get going
and we'll have to see who can just put up
best performances when it comes time to play. When it comes to stage, the scrim box, they don't seem
to cash in. Yeah, but like looking at the nurses or cats getting that nerve, demon getting that nerve,
that's something that we all ask for. How much will these nerves actually impact what we're going
to see today in terms of the meta? I think that's the big question, right? I feel like the whispers
that I've heard has been that the cat and the demon don't feel too impacted going into this event.
We're going to have to see what teams actually put into the server.
But I think the craziest one would be that Kiriko, right?
Because we've seen that Jetpack Hat and the Kiriko synergy during Busan,
during EWC as well.
And having that go through, it opens up that door there for Ana.
It does, exactly.
And Ana has already been kind of on the up and up again.
We saw more and more players once again going back to their roots.
You know, the issues of the world obviously will be leaning into something like the Ana.
So we've seen quite a bit of that also on the group stage.
So every once in a while when Kiriko is banned, but now, of course, with the Kiriko nerf, we might see much more of that.
Also, we're looking at a map pool here as well, so let's go over the maps we get to see in this competition as well.
Yeah, taking a look at the maps, I think overall, when you're looking at this, having the fact that it's the same through mid-season championship into Busan as well for that group stage,
means that these teams have had so much time to scrim on these maps, be comfortable. There aren't
really those crazy changes to the pool to actually really, I think, lead into as much of a meta shift
that you would expect from the patch that we've just received. As far as what was popular during
the group stage, we saw a lot of Nepal, we saw a lot of New Jump City and Neon Junction, and honestly,
I'm kind of feeling like it will probably be a bit of a victory. You know, I think what's great
about the map pool right now is it really feels like, especially after some of the changes to
I can fall down. So, you know, these are really popular maps now for top players.
I think that hybrid pool is going to be an especially interesting one to see where teams want to take it.
Escorted as well has a lot of diversity between route 66 and junker town. You really get very different styles.
So it's the beauty of the Overwatch World Cup. It's an opportunity not just to show what you can do for your country,
but as an individual in Overwatch, I think there's a lot of opportunity to make your name with like a certain hero
that only you can really pilot at that top level. And after a fresh patch,
It feels like there's never a better opportunity for creativity and individual inspiration to actually rank supreme
This is so exciting right because we had a patch right before the group stages in Busan Danny
And it really shook things up because we then got to see teams like Spain or Germany or France really taking to that new
Meta that was establishing itself during the competition and we might have an opportunity here again since we're playing in a single
Elimination bracket right now. So once again an opportunity for some offsets, perhaps
Maybe. I mean, we've seen an upset in the group stage in Busan, right?
France beating South Korea, right? That was a big upset.
So I feel like, you know, that's what Overwatch is, right?
You never, you can't really, you kind of predict that,
oh, this team is stronger than this team.
But like, there's always a meta.
There's also like the conditions of players.
I feel like that's what makes it exciting.
There's always chances for an upset to happen.
Absolutely. And you know, what also makes it exciting?
Drops.
Drops?
Drops?
I knew he's going to take the break.
That's my Dany. That's my friend.
Here are the drops, and remember this time around, you can actually cheer in-game.
You can earn cheer by watching the Overwatch World Cup,
and you can earn in-game rewards on top of your drops.
So that's the first time ever, which is super exciting.
And you can cheer for your conference.
So whatever it is, is it EMEA, or is it the Americas,
or you're cheering for the Asia Conference, just make it known in-game.
Currently, the Asia conference is winning with 39.5% on its years.
Got me updating.
Wow.
Wow.
Asia.
Let's go Asia.
We need some team USA.
Yeah, where's Asia?
Right through the home country.
They've got to survive.
They've got to fight with the first-round curse I experienced so many years ago.
Plankery in the first round is a terrifying matchup for USA.
Yeah, no, it really is.
Honestly, I feel like there is no real easy victories here because, again, every team
on the right day, can take it to the opposition and can really surprise them.
Let's take a look at our schedule for today.
We are going to kick things off with our current raining Overwatch World Cup champion.
It's the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia taking on Spain, the big surprise in Busan.
Then afterwards, this might be a really close one, Germany will be going up against Sweden.
France will have the utmost pleasure of going up against Australia.
And of course, Team USA will be facing South Korea.
That is going to be an absolute, I don't know, that's going to be a battle, that's going to be a banger.
I'm buying into the scrim box.
You buying into it?
Yeah.
Let's go, dude.
Let's go, let's go.
That's what I'm talking about.
Are you buying into the scrim box?
No, surely not.
Me?
You'll have to find a later green right there.
Oh wow, she's so mysterious.
She's so mysterious.
Let's talk about this first match up though, because yeah, we're looking at the reigning champions, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Star-studded roster that just has so much pedigree, even though they're backline with Sox, you know, that's more than maybe, like, the quote on quite, I don't want to say the weakest point, but it's like the one we had a little bit of questions of, but over, under, like, they were just flawless in the group stage, so it's really hard to, like, you know, like, really fault them for anything.
I mean, this team is so interesting to watch because they came in at 2023 as a huge underdog. You know, I don't think anyone really thought, okay, maybe they can go decently far, but no one saw a gold medal.
for this team and their path.
I mean, this really put Saudi Arabia on the map
as a place where a lot of the top talent
in OWCS is hailing from now.
So this team is coming in with very different expectations,
very different standards, a lot of pressure on them,
but there are also a lot of players
who've shown that pressure means nothing.
In fact, maybe they're even better
under this kind of pressure.
So they've got to be, I think the odds on favorite
for the tournament period.
I mean, you're, they're all your Habibis, right?
Yeah, they're all my Habibis.
I love KSA.
And also I feel like the scariest thing
for teams, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is that like they're, they're like, all superstars,
but like they work like crazy. They're all, they never get complacent. They're like the
first team to get to Anaheim, they're always screaming until very late at night. And I
think that's like a very, like a scary thing for a team to have.
Absolutely. Work ethic for them is crazy, but we can say the same thing about Spain.
They have locked in, they worked so very hard. And they are now here at BlizzCon with us.
It's the highest placement the team Spain ever had in the Overwatch World Cup.
And they did so in such an exciting fashion.
I mean, there's so many highlight worthy moments and players in that squad
that we got to learn more about in Busan.
Santi, of course, the tank, she's been an absolute standout performer
amongst the rest of the team.
She's been so impressive in the server.
I think that when we came into the first day, we saw her actually not playing that demon.
She picks it up later into the group stage and looks great on it.
Her flexibility and ability to also just leave the charge for this team has been a huge boon for them.
And also when you have an Exodiel who, very emotional, I know that's such a sweet moment for Exodiel.
But for him, I think that he has just been an insane hit scan as well for this squad to make everything come together.
They've been impressive.
I mean, it's been a while now since we first were introduced to him,
but he made a huge splash on the competitive team
on basically day one of him playing at the highest level.
That's a rare feat, especially in the hit scan role
where the competition is absurdly fierce.
I also take a look at the support line,
Colin Canale, a lot of experience together.
I think with some of the patches coming in,
we could see changes to the support meta,
which you'd think an experienced duo
would be well-equipped to handle,
but ultimately we have to accept
this is a huge underdog story for Spain.
I mean, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are fielding
a monster team, tons of championship winning players,
and for Spain, it's a lot more of a scrappy endeavor, Danny.
Yeah, and also, I mean, you know, they are sort of a newer, I guess, players compared to KSA players, right?
And I feel like they could use that as their weapon, right? You know, they're not...
There's not a lot of expectations going into this matchup for them, and that could also be a weapon for them, right?
Say, hey, go out there, have fun, and I know the vibes are really great, Spain.
Every time I pass by a team, Spain, I'm just saying, vamos, they're like, vamos!
You can just see, I mean, in just Exodio's reaction there, right after that victory, after the new, they locked in their spot here for BlizzCon.
This means the world to these players.
These are such young players.
They grew up watching the Overwatch League.
They grew up watching us.
Exactly.
You just aged.
Thank you so much, Danny.
But you know, one of their players came up to me and was like,
hey, I've been watching you guys at the broadcast since I'm nine years old.
I'm like, geez.
Wow.
Wow.
And I'm here all the way to Yachtify.
Like, that's amazing.
No, it just means so much to them, like full circle,
being here on this stage.
And I'm sure they can harvest that kind of enthusiasm.
It's a dream come true, Ash.
It absolutely is.
I feel like that's the part of Overwatch World Cup
that is so heartwarming to me.
I think the fact that they're able to have
this kind of opportunity,
I had to look behind myself even just to like,
think about the players being on that stage,
where a lot of them might not have the chance
to also get to land that opportunity,
where Jake was talking about earlier,
to showcase themselves, play against players
at a different level that they might not
get that chance to play against as well,
and for Spain, I think that a lot of these players
have deserved the opportunity for a certain
and they're gonna be absolutely insane in the server today,
but they have unfortunately a very tough opponent
to go up against.
Yeah, and it's extra tough, right?
Because it is a single elimination bracket.
There is no second chance.
We're playing in the first two, three here though.
So, you know, there's opportunities to work the bands,
to work the map selection in your favor,
and you might be able to trip up a team
even though they're so established,
such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I mean, if you're a heavy underdog in a match like this,
honestly, you'd want to play first,
and you'd want to play on a new patch.
So it's probably the best chance they're
going to get to be able to speak out a win.
But I have to set the expectations.
Quartz just in the server alone.
I think he's one of the best players in the world period
right now.
And I think just about every pro player
would put him at the top of the list for the hits game role.
That alone, what he can do is something you have to,
just to be able to play the game,
you have to be able to respond.
And that's going to put immense pressure on Exodiel
to be able to go blow for blow in that battle,
to be able to send some picks back the other way
and put Quartz on his heels.
Because if Quartz starts to just like get on a roll,
you build momentum in the Saudi team,
we've seen what they can do.
Tearing strips left their opponents in the group stage.
I mean, they were nine,
no one has taken a map off this team so far.
And even to get one,
maybe it would be the beginning of something for Spain,
but you've got to win here.
As we said, the single elimination,
it's win or go home.
All right, prediction time friends.
Okay.
Starting with you, vamos.
I'm going to keep it a buck.
I really wanted to go with Spain because I'm on the desk.
This is it.
And I'm never going to come back.
Probably not.
I mean, I mean that.
I want to go for it.
But that went out the door because two days ago when I came to BlizzCon, I met my go
Quartz from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He bought me two waters and a Gatorade.
So he has my boat.
So Danny's cheap.
Happy meet.
Thank you.
We are 3-0 against Spain.
Well, OK, OK, not even more than that.
Jake.
I had to go for the same thread, 3-0.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
For me, talking to Labda earlier in the event a couple
of days ago, I just get this incredible vibe from him
and Quartz in particular, where they're not just some of the
best players in the world.
They also have an incredible humility about that.
Like they bring, and he said, an incredible work ethic.
They do not take these matches as givens.
If they had that overconfidence, I would think maybe more of a
chance to slip up.
But as a former professional player, as a former coach,
they have the dream mentality for players.
And I think they're going to go very deep in this tournament,
have to take them three out of this opening.
I have to go with Jake on this one, three and 0 as well,
unfortunately, because as much as I do love this team, Spain,
just KSA has been so clean across the board.
They haven't even put TADNT in the server either.
So they're just told me other layers
that could just work up against them.
Zoe?
No, sorry.
So sorry.
I can't do it.
It's so hard to bend against KSA here, because quite frankly, they didn't even have to show
all their cards.
If you're looking at the group stage, they've not really been pushed that far.
They didn't even have to play into the meta.
They were still able to play into their comfort zone.
They don't have to utilize all their players.
They have star power on the bench as well.
So it'd be kind of an insane to put against them.
There's no real reason.
Plus, they always bring me some of their coffee when I walk off to an event.
You know, I'm also like I'm persuadable, but yeah, I think I think that just a heavy favorites into this
But in general though before we're heading into this match favorites overall obviously Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
They are the reigning champions and they should be considered to be one of the front runners
Who else is in that mix and in that conversation starting with you?
I mean, I think it's gotta be South Korea and team USA
There's no doubt as far as like thinking about front runners
But it's also crazy to say that because in this upper quarter in this quarterfinal you have Korea versus
Look if you're either of those teams
You know you're looking at the opponent in that first quarter final as a team that you could face in the gold medal max
There's gonna be incredible stakes incredible pressure, but I got to believe in the boys team USA all the way
I think they're gonna be Korea and I think they go all the way for the win this year
I'm gonna go with South Korea because
Because, last time after they lost to France, I did talk to Moon,
and that was like a really good wake-up call, and apparently to Moon,
he was like, hey, after that loss, everyone is fired up.
They are really focusing to win everything now,
and I feel like we're going to see that here at BlizzCon today against USA.
That's right. Well, okay. Listen, we'll have our favorites here,
and that's okay. That's what makes the World Cup so exciting.
I'm always hoping for a good upset.
It's going to be a tough, a tall order for some of these teams,
but honestly just watching their journey
as individual players as well has just been so exciting.
And you know what a personal note?
I've been ecstatic, thrilled, so freaking happy
to see the amount of women we have
in the Overwatch World Cup this year.
And two of them made it onto this stage as well
at BlizzCon to participate and try to compete
for this trophy.
Santi of course has stand out from Team Spain
and also we have Akku which we all came to
absolutely love and adore from team Germany. Let's hear what they had to say a little earlier.
When did you start feeling comfortable competing at this level?
From the start right after team Germany was announced and we played a few games
and I can compete on the highest level. I can pull out the jetpack hat and get some of the greatest
players like out in the world and that's bringing a lot of confidence to me.
What do you think Akur does well as a support player?
I think she showed a lot of strength in the cat, like Jetpack Cat.
When we were watching Germany, she was personally good at Cat.
I mean, like being able to play a lot of different heroes is pretty important as a support.
And we screened Germany, and they'll play Lucio, they'll play Cat, they'll play Mizuki, they'll play Brig.
What about Santhe? What do you think makes her dangerous as a tank?
I think she's quite strong mechanically as a player.
You constantly guess what she's doing.
Pure aggression.
Very aggressive without any player.
Do you think aggression is good in this level?
It's always good in a watch.
What's the difference between proving yourself to your teammates versus proving yourself to the world?
Quite different because the world is going to see only like 40 to 50 minutes
and with my teammates it's like I have to be there daily and prove it to myself and to them.
Yeah, I think World Cup was a super good opportunity for a lot of players.
Like Team Turkey with the Umi, Team Germany with Auker, Team Spain with Santi.
Like a lot of different people got to show.
Like teams do pay a lot of attention to the World Cup, you know?
Like historically a lot of people in tier two have gotten a shot because of World Cup.
Just for anyone like to be that early in their career and like play on a land,
I'm like this big of a stage is like a huge experience, so it'll be interesting to see like where they take that.
It's just so valuable to have a player, you can grow so much from events like these.
Okay, you can do it, you know, you can go out there.
You can compete on the highest level, like you just like stay on the grind and try your best.
And I think it's a really important message for like every girl out there who wants to compete.
Happy to be here.
Team, and it's so great to now see that on stage.
Look at those that fade side, see?
No, she's locked in, she's locked in and ready to take it to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Yeah, these players have really impressed us.
Of course, it's all about that representation as well.
For all the little girls out there, my daughter included.
She'll be looking at this stage and be like, that could be me.
And I love that.
That makes me happier than words can possibly describe.
Now, it's a tall order for Santi here in the first match,
and also Apu is going to have a tough match coming her away.
But we love to have been able to watch them thus far.
We really have.
It's been so incredible to see these women stepping up to this level
and seeing that gap close.
And I think, again, Overwatch World Cup,
being able to see these blended teams coming to fruition
this year as well has been so cool to see.
You know, I was actually chatting with Akul last night,
and I was really impressed with what she said,
something that actually really felt like a callback
to my experience as a player,
which is that the brighter the lights get,
the more the energy is here with the big stage in Anaheim,
with hundreds of thousands of people watching at home,
the more focused she is, the more dialed she is
on the moment on the game.
And that's, for me, has been a bellwether for players
who are able to really take their career to the next level and be very successful in high-pressure moments is that they rise to that occasion
It doesn't scare them away and hearing that for her
I was incredibly impressed and it makes me more excited to see to see team Germany rather in just a few hours
Yeah talking about opera. I did get an interview with her in
And so in Busan and just like talking to her
She always has this like big smile on her face and like even when I was like asking
Oh, are you like willing to the interview and they're like, oh, she was like, yeah
Of course, like where do you want me? I'm just like this makes me so happy to see
See the young talented players that have big personality and also have the skill to like be joining us
Yeah, and I mean historically we've seen you know players that are less experienced
Maybe shy away from the crowds
Maybe they get nerves on stage but to hear what you just said Jake that they're able to feed of that energy and feed of the crowd and that
being a you know like something that really
He spawns them on further to get the win.
That is great to hear.
We've seen all of them put in the work,
and now it's gonna be put to the test here at BlizzCon.
But where is the crowd?
Where is that energy?
Are you guys with me?
Hello?
Hello?
Hello, it's me?
We did a little bit better than that, surely.
It's Jake in your comments.
Please respond.
Guys, it's too quiet in here.
Come on, we need the heat, we need the energy.
One more time.
One, two, three.
Are you with me, BlizzCon?
Yeah!
That's right! Give me a few minutes to warm up your vocal chords as our teams are getting ready on stage.
Quick break and then we're back with our first notch of the day. Don't go anywhere.
Let's go!
and
Nintendo Switch 2, NVIDIA GeForce RTX Game Changer.
It could be very dangerous.
The tunnels leading into black moth holes run deep and wind far into the mountain.
In fact, should you decide to explore these tunnels, you might find yourself in an entirely
different kind of danger, which brings us to our first raid.
To the night elves, the Barrow Deep is a sacred place.
While there may be a variety of Barrow Dens scattered throughout the land, it is said
that their winding tunnels lead to one pivotal location we call the Barrow Deeps.
None truly know how far or how deep these tunnels run, but it must be massive.
The Night Elves hold some of their most dangerous prisoners in this location.
In fact, rumor has it, an infamous demon hunter was once kept here.
Perhaps you'll get to see his prison.
The night elves are hesitant to let anyone in, including allies, but I've heard that,
like the furbolgs of Black Maw Hold, they may be dealing with some sort of corruption.
But these dangers are no joke.
In fact, if I were you, I'd send no less than 10 of my greatest adventurers.
But we've got more danger in store.
At the Battle for Mount Hygel, Malfurion Stormrage chose to sacrifice the power sustaining the
Night Elves immortality for a chance to defeat Legion Commander Archimonde.
It worked, but I mean, holy smokes.
Coming to terms with losing one's immortality mustn't be easy, and there must be some who
disagreed with his decision, right?
Anyway, fast forward to today, and we're hearing reports that someone or something has been
draining the power from the land surrounding the Pyjall Summit.
Now like the Barrow-Deeps, you'll want to be prepared.
If you were to send, say, 20 of your finest,
I'd say you'd have a reasonable chance of surviving.
This is by far our largest raid in Walfrever.
Beautiful snowy peaks tower over the area.
A raging river carves a path through ancient elven ruins.
The whispering of ghosts from the third war can be heard.
There's plenty of adventure to be had,
and perhaps plenty of power to be had as well.
legendary power. But this is World of Warcraft and tension is at an all-time high between
the Horde and the Alliance. Rest assured, you'll get to duke it out in the classic battlegrounds
you've always known and loved, but we have something more for you. Off the coast of Kalimdor
lies the Darkspear Islands, a strategic location for those seeking to gain an upper hand in the
conflict. This is a 15 versus 15 battleground that follows the same rule
set as Eye of the Storm. If you want to win, you'll need to control strategic
positions throughout the islands. The catch is that this battleground features
a wrapping basin style capture points. You'll need to interact with a flag then
stand to defend it to secure that location. Or you guessed it, you'll be
joining the Dark Spear Trolls as they fight to eradicate the Alliance from
their islands. An Alliance, you are to report to the Theramore Expeditionary
a force for deployment.
We've also spent a lot of time thinking about classes.
Back in 2005 and 2006, the class team
modestly redesigned several of the talent trees,
such as priests, mage, hunter, druid.
They made, the changes they made back then
weren't really about making every class equally good
at everything.
Rather, they wanted each class to feel unique.
They wanted to give us a reason to bring each class
on our next adventure.
The changes we've made in classes of well forever
follow that same spirit.
We want to cover gaps where they exist,
but we don't want to erase what makes each class unique.
For example, paladins, there's a new seal that
allows you to tank a bit more effectively.
If healing's your jam, you might find talents
that enable you to do a bit, just a bit, of group healing.
And the ret paladins, I don't know.
Maybe now's your time to shine.
We've moved away from talents that simply
give you small incremental improvements,
and have instead tried to give you talents that you notice.
You may find yourself in situations
where you're making real, meaningful trade-offs,
depending on how you want to build your character.
But that's not all.
Wow, forever is huge, and you've got hundreds of brand new items.
So look forward to including all sorts of really fun and exciting on use and on equip effects.
For example, check out this sharpened cutlery I found backstage,
which you can equip as your farm weapon.
And possibly related, we have this grave robbers shovel for, you know,
when you want to dig a grave.
Anyway, we've gone through a variety of updates and existing items and rewards throughout the games.
check out the title charm now super effective against certain sea dwellers
and white man's Chippewa, which has an increase to healing and damage done
alongside a reduction in the cast time of resurrection spells.
Now, let me touch on race abilities in WoW forever.
We want to give you reasons to want to spin up a new character
and embark on a new journey, which is why we've done a pass over race
abilities to make them feel more distinct, more unique,
such that each race has something special to bring
that other races do not.
You can see a sneak peek of a few of our upcoming racial
passives, a 5% increase of damage dealt against beasts
if you're a dwarf, and a 5% chance
to drain health from your target if you're undead.
But I highly encourage you to check out tomorrow's
Wow Forever deep dive panel, where
my friends will go into a lot more detail on what I've
teased today.
But I'm an introvert, and it's time for me
to crawl back into the shadows from whence I came.
So I'm going to go ahead and hand things off
to our wonderful production director, Playstone.
We'll share even more fun and exciting
Wow Forever updates.
Thanks, Nora, and hello, BlizzCon!
My name is Clay Stone and I'm the Associate Production Director on the WoW Classic and
Wow, forever team.
So, we've talked a lot about things you might be expecting.
But let's take a minute and talk about some things
perhaps you weren't expecting.
Let's start with our rendering updates.
You have to see a bit of this in our gameplay trailer
during the opening ceremony.
And admittedly, we went pretty hard.
Not every zone is gonna be set at sunrise or sunset
all the time, but I want to make a bold, controversial statement.
We believe WoW Classics art style is timeless, which is why our focus was not on changing
the game art, but on small ways we could push specifically things like the environmental
effects, such as the way rivers now flow in elwin forest, or the way the fog rolls into
duskwood at night, or the way the moonlight now breaks through the leaves of the trees
in Ashton Vale.
It's the same original Azeroth that players fell in love with all those years ago with
just a few small but powerful effects updates to make it more immersive than ever.
Next, let's talk camping.
So in addition to the new profession's content arriving elsewhere in Wild Forever with Camp
we are doubling down on trade skills.
Almost anywhere in the open world, players can craft a campsite.
Other adventurers can stop by, stay a while, and use their trade skills to craft something for the campsite,
granting everyone there a specific buff.
When we think about our core pillars and nurturing and protecting social experiences,
this is one of those things we're talking about.
And because players need to sit there for a moment before they gain any buffs,
of us, maybe, just maybe, they just might talk to each other.
Legacy system.
If camping is us doubling down on trade skills and community, WoWForever's new legacy system
We'll see us tripling down on an element of classic
that is only found in classic, the one to 60 leveling journey.
For as epic as end game is, and I promise you,
wow, forever's end game is epic, we
know that there are some players who just love
the classic leveling journey.
Although the legacy system benefits everyone,
it very much aids players who love to run alts as they unlock new perks across their alts
by achieving new goals on each new leveling journey. We are really excited about this one
and how well it fits in the classic wild design philosophy. Now I'd like to switch gears and
talk about the community. And if there's one thing I've learned in my time as part of this
community, it's that players love to debate what is and is not classic. Players discuss in social,
in forums, and even make polls. And if there's one thing every player agrees on, it's what is
Classic Plus.
When I took this survey, I was like, oh my gosh, yes.
Blizzard is going to see this, and we're
going to be able to have proof and say, look,
this is what we want, Blizzard.
Now you can do it.
In reality, after looking at this data, it's like,
it's the exact opposite of what I thought.
It's the exact.
It's the exact.
Oh my gosh.
Like it's literally proving that like nobody knows what they want.
Like that's hilarious, bro.
So since we're all in agreement on what we want,
let's talk transmog.
Now, some of you are saying, yes, finally, this is my moment.
I feel seen, but we know some of you are saying transmog, not in my classic plus.
We say, is it too much to ask for both?
In WoW forever, Transmog is entirely opt-in.
If you want to turn it on, it's on, and everyone you see in the world can look their very best.
But for classic players, especially those of us who enjoy world PvP, many of us want to
see other players for who they truly are and what they've accomplished.
turn it off, and it's clown suits for everyone.
Throughout the world, you decide there is a lot more to learn about the classic modifications we've made to this system for those who choose to use it.
stop by tomorrow's deep dive panel to learn a lot more about this as well as
the camping and legacy systems and much more. For now, let me move on to another
absolutely not at all controversial topic, character models. Now, many players
enjoy WoW's newer HD character models, but many of us also feel that classics
art style is timeless, as I said before, and deserves to be preserved. Which is why we've
made it completely toggleable, game-wide. Your character, the NPCs, other player, other
player characters, together, unified in either HD or SD. For fellow classic players, that
means you get to see all the beloved original races rendered in their glorious original
SD designs. And for those of you who prefer a more modern aesthetic, you can go with the
modern HD designs. You choose what you see. Oh, and there is one more thing. We feel like
classics animations are just as important as its art style. Here you will see a newer
modern HD dwarf running with its modern animation sets. Now let me show you that same HD dwarf
running well attached to the classic animation sets.
I am so proud to announce that we have gone back
and painstakingly restored the classic animations
you know and love across the game's HD character models.
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
No bouncy dwarves in the skin.
So let's see.
We've talked about a few new zones, the new race,
nine new dungeons, two new raids, classes, systems,
but friends, this is only a glimpse of while forever.
We simply don't have enough time to talk about new professions
contents, new reputations, all the new itemization rewards
updates blowing up much of the old meta, the new PVP system,
our first new legendary,
our change to riding skill to preserve
that classic, classic moment
when you finally earn your right to ride your first mount,
our official support of game pads
for players who prefer to play using controllers,
playable this weekend on the show floor
in an in development state by the way,
and of course, the integration of previously unfinished
and unused vanilla WoW content.
But that's all now.
I want to take a second to talk about where we're going.
We have learned a lot since Season of Discovery, including the benefits of a strong roadmap,
which is why we are building Wild Forever in the way it was originally conceived back
in the early 2000s, but with everything we've learned for the past 25 years.
A fast-paced production for a slow-paced game, which will allow us to deliver where we go
from here.
We have big plans for the coming months.
You will see new raids unlocked on December 9th, followed by even more new raids, new
and so much more. All in addition to the original vanilla wow content. And this includes new
quests throughout the leveling one through 60 journey as we add to this horizontally expanding
Contably expanding evergreen classic Azeroth
And I want to take a second to briefly point to that
Major updates box right there in summer at the far end. It's a few words there that say revamped iconic raid
It's been a lot of speculation about when this game could take place, which is why I
want to reiterate that this game takes place at the beginning of World of Warcraft and
tells stories authentic to that time period.
The original, iconic raids that you know and love have not opened yet, and we're excited
for you to rediscover them in the future.
But friends, this is just a taste of the year ahead, and not even a peek at where we're
planning to go beyond this.
However big you think this game is, based on what you've seen so far, I promise you
it is so much bigger than that.
Our ambition is mighty, but most importantly, we have room to pivot based on community feedback.
We are building this game with you, and we are not just building for today, but for something
that last and nothing is off the table, not even a new class?
Going back to this road map, you may have noticed there's a big gap right there, right
around the wintertime frame.
Let's discuss that.
But first, I want to take a second to talk about a picture, a picture that was framed
and has hung on my wall at Blizzard since 2023.
Hardcore represented a turning point for us as a team.
We had tried a few things before it,
and as Ian covered, we've absolutely tried new things since.
But Hardcore represented the moment
when Blizzard and the community came together
and showed not only why World of Warcraft
is one of the greatest games ever made,
but why that original adventure still holds so much promise
for where we could go in the future.
which is why I'm also so proud to announce
that hardcore will be coming to WoW Forever as well.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Please check out the hardcore panel tomorrow
for a look at WoW Forever hardcore.
To me, hardcore was the start of a promise.
and WoW Forever is not some experimental seasonal realm,
nor some recreation of where we've already been.
WoW Forever as a name and a logo represents a promise.
And if you happen to pick up the collector's edition,
we hope you love the logo on the box.
And when you open that box,
we hope you love it on the game box.
And when you see what else is inside that box,
we hope you love,
We hope you love your very own Dwarf and Bear statue, which signifies where this all began,
not just with hardcore, but also way back in November of 2004.
On behalf of the World Classic team and the entire World of Warcraft team, thank you.
When I started on Classic, our dream was to get here.
We are here because of you.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for believing in this dream.
I'll see you in-game on November 4th.
Beta starts this Thursday and you can play the demo here today.
Have a great lesson, everyone.
We are finally ready to kick off the playoffs here at the BlizzCon round, Johnny.
We're finally back here at 2026.
The group stages in Busan were just shocked full of surprises,
but finally we see Saudi Arabia and Team Spain take the stage for our first match here.
Take it in, Jaws. We're back home.
We're back at home in the halls of the Overwatch World Cup,
one of the most revered events in Overwatch Esports history.
It's good to be back.
Yeah.
There's a lot of historic memories here too, even from Overwatch League, the 2022 Grand Finals
with Dallas Fuel winning.
I mean, there is a ton to be made here as well today.
Saudi Arabia obviously reigning champions as they take to the stage.
Yeah, this is going to be an absolute good one to kick things off here.
Saudi Arabia, which is a stacked team, so many star players on that team.
Spain here looking to play spoiler in the very first match of the tournament.
No one's really getting settled yet on stage.
No double-ill in bracket here, Jaws.
It's one loss and you're out.
Can Spain play spoiler here for Saudi Arabia?
Yeah, Saudi, come in, locked in with that trophy.
You saw them walk out with it.
That is got to be slightly intimidating
for Spain coming in.
And Spain are a roster too, where you're like,
when was the last time they made a BlizzCon,
a deep run in the Overwatch World Cup?
Because Saudi, it wasn't just moments ago in 2023.
Yeah, this feels like a brand new country
being introduced here to the Overwatch World Cup 2023.
They took down Finland, you know,
playing that classic Sigma composition.
The reverse swept China in the grand final
to claim that trophy, of course.
And since then, they've had some of the most impressive
star players in the entire scene with Quartz,
leading the way for Twisted Minds and OWS,
the previous year, here, of course.
And they're looking to continue things here
by getting their consecutive title.
Yeah, a big ask here for Spain.
Let's take a look at the bracket though,
of course, we're starting up at the top.
say it versus Spain, Germany and Sweden will be doing that one after this first series.
That low of regular and real spice Johnny. USA versus Korea and then France versus Australia.
We could see the France-Korea match up again. That didn't go the way you'd expect over in
Busan. Alright, well I wouldn't want to be you and try to predict the future here because so far
like you say in the group stages, it was all but predictable. Like you said that time it was France
taking down South Korea in the reverse sweep that we were not expecting at all of course and France
made the number one seed from that group instead but like that it's out on the desk Korea you know
they're kind of like trigger them a little bit they're like okay like that's a spark that's a fuel
there's some fire behind us of course and they're going into this main event now looking to of course
lift that trophy for themselves you know they're a lot on the line for South Korea so much pressure
on them to perform yeah they've got to get through USA as well of course hometown heroes here in
I mean, if you speak up to Jake, he's got a lot of heart here.
He's going all the way to the top.
We'll see. Of course, USA, it's a trophy too.
It's been a pretty crazy look at the playoffs.
Saudi Arabia, USA and Korea all taking home the Overwatch World Cup trophy in one year or another.
We're going to get to the map pick and the band in a couple of seconds here as Saudi and Spain get set up on the stage.
Lab that looks so calm.
Locked in.
collected just locked in and I think I'm really looking forward to see how this
Saudi Arabia Austria is going to play this game now because they were probably
one of the more untested teams here as they go for Nepal as our first map pick
here I want to see what they got in store. Yeah I mean when it comes to being
untested though I mean Spain you're looking at Saudi and like okay we're
going to Nepal what do we want to look at to ban away because we know the tank
can be a bit of a like a hotly contested one but even with the lineup that
KSA are bringing it's like well, it doesn't really feel like that much of an impact because there's so much depth there with the add-in TVNC
Yeah, do you want to try to target band quart somehow? Yeah, sure
It's like, you know, you know, Exodio like best of luck like can we help you out in that hitscan duel because it's going to be a real tough one
You know if you're in Spain here, you got Gala and Canale as your backline
I think those are two individuals you got to look out for two star players on that team
You can make a difference when they play double flex support lineups
And so maybe you want to ban around that take away some mobility take away the cat make it a little interesting for your
Backline to have a big impact in this game. Let's see what Spain gonna store. Obviously. We had a patch a few days ago
A little bit going into this event maybe won't have this demon meta that we saw so much of in Busan
Yeah, although demon didn't get changed like a crazy man
It still feels like she's going to be a decent pick and Ana being a little bit better as well with
Kiriko being nerfed too. Oh the predictions can say with 89%. I think that's 11. Is that fair?
I think that's fair.
But you know
You gotta be gotta be wary of Spain
They got some big star players and you come out on a stage and you get a couple of kills going you never know
But big underdogs in this one
100% that underdog, NG, can also add fuel to that fire, like you were mentioning about Korea before too.
Sound 2 on your screen just a moment ago there. It's going to be a tough matchup, like I said.
There's so much firepower in just that tank roll in Saudi.
Yeah, looking forward to see what CR is going to bring out in this one.
I'll get the fan energy, let's go!
We're tired up.
Winter no board back there. Winter good above by the way.
Show me some Winter gameplay, come on now.
Surely.
We saw a little bit in Busan and I was like, now cut that out.
Hang on a moment.
Now it's not that good in 2026.
But got above recently this past week.
As a Winston main, I got some hope that I'm going into BlizzCon.
Yeah, I believe.
Let's have a look at the KSA roster who's sitting down and ready and warmed up and ready to go because
Look at the tank. Sure, but look at the hitscan quartz is
The best in the world right now on the hitscan role and a lot of even the top tier
Historically top-tier green players saying like he's the best he has the best gamer
I feel like with his camp players
Form kind of comes and goes right and I feel like every quarter like every major tournament
We have a new hitscan player that kind of comes out and just like whoa
Like just breathtakingly good at hitscan
But I feel like all of them have been challenging quartz for the throne
But no one's been able to really take it to quartz quartz
Just like sits on the throne still as the best hitscan player in the world
And no one's really been able to take that crown from him since 2023 essentially, right?
And it was a big part of why Twisted Minds won the 2025
OWS World Finals to begin with so that is going to be your star player on this Kinamo Star to Arabia roster of course
But I also want to talk about Labda as coming in as the second DPS because Labda was also, you know, a farra player back in 2023,
and that's what we knew Labda for, and then became a hitscan player themselves, and then tried to compete with Quartz.
And now in this roster, it's way more of that flex play, seeing different heroes come out of Labda.
What kind of impact can he have when you're going up against some of these stacked countries in the bracket?
Yeah, Micheal obviously sitting on the support role as well as could see him play again, of course.
16 Falcons player. I think Mujed has been a really good bright spot, I think, for Overwatch as a whole.
Obviously played in the Overwatch League too, and I think with Mujed in the backline with Zox, I mean you're straight chillin'.
Mujed, mechanically, is just so perfect, I guess, precise. He is incredible, mechanically.
And we'll see how he ends up helping Zox out in that support role.
It was so smart as well. I spent on so many different rosters throughout the years,
like, toward AM, but then also Falcons, of course, was part of that team.
And when I saw this team playing Bason, I was so impressed by their tactical approach to the game,
the way they set up their defenses on Junkertown, made it really difficult for a team like
the Great Britain to execute their wrecking ball style. This is a team that is coming in with a lot
of individual skill, but also just tactical brilliance, and it kind of starts with the backline as well,
Well, as you said, if you want to play some Ilari, maybe.
Ana.
Maybe.
Might come out.
Ana's looking good, man.
I mean, look, Kiriko just got, no, just saying.
Kiriko did just get nerfed.
Just saying.
Ana's pretty good still.
Ana, Kat, maybe.
Kat got a little change.
You know, like Tether timer, but it was a-
You cannot stop people, in fact.
Right.
Yeah.
So probably a little bit more Kat.
But I still think we're going to see a lot of teams
kind of stick with the demon Kat,
because for the longest time now this past month,
you had a lot of opportunity to prepare on that, Kat.
And if you want to earn some caps skins, you can do so of course with these.
What a segue.
Two hours.
Set you up with a nice little cap skin there.
Four hours as well.
And it's got to be today.
We've got separate drops for today and tomorrow, so you've got to make sure you catch the
entire broadcast.
You catch them all.
Yes, sir.
You get those loot boxes too.
I know Emon was picking them up earlier when I saw them in the lobby yesterday.
Get those E-Sports loot boxes.
And they contain some of the old E-Skins, that's pretty sweet.
Emon has to have them all.
Because he has all skipped in the entire game.
I think Emon must be close to like
It's really gonna be an achievement as well right collectible like warlord where you've got most collectibles in the game
I'm sure Emon's gonna have close to it maxing out
It's it's like the world of warcraft players or like hunting max achievement points
And then there's always a new expansion. It's like yes more. Yes more of you to the game
But Emon's gotta be
But make sure you get place for it
Yeah, there you go day one and two we're gonna get into the game in just a moment here
Saudi Arabia taking on Spain to start us off here in Anaheim in beautiful
BlizzCon 2026. Obviously you saw some of the announcements that were happening as
well on the other stages. Obviously people that are joining us here in the
break, you can wander over to the other stages, check out some other games. I know
you've been just going ballistic in the game about that.
We're back and forth now. We've taken out some of the other halls, but obviously we've
been settling in here now for a couple of days. All these pairs getting ready for
the event itself and we've had a chance to talk with some of those players. Take a
Who do you think is the most aggressive team Apple has gone?
I think it's France.
It's going to be France, who did it?
I think it's France.
I think it's...
France.
France, because of Crocs.
Because of Crocs, like, leading the team as a tank.
France.
France?
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's France.
We have Crocs.
Who has the best mechanics?
Okay, on three. One, two, three, courts.
Hello?
I thought you weren't meant to say a team.
What about mechanics?
It is neat, right?
Saudi.
Saudi, honestly.
I don't want to talk about Saudi.
We all know that.
Maybe we have a lot of mechanics.
I'll tell you something.
I will tell you something.
Who say, Sweden or USA?
Maybe.
I think it's hard to deny that it should be South Korea.
Three, two, one.
Saudi Arabia?
Definitely not.
Yeah, that's what I was going to say.
Who's the most underrated team?
I would say Sweden, for a second.
I think they are really good.
In Germany?
I would ask somebody else.
Us?
Yeah.
I'm taking any of them.
Maybe else.
I kind of want to say Sweden.
I think there's actually a good chance
that if any Saudi, they could win that, for sure.
If your team doesn't win the World Cup,
Who do you think it will be?
Korea's highest probability, but both Saudi and US have a great shot as well.
Saudi for sure.
Yeah.
He's good.
I think Saudi will be the first one.
South Korea.
South Korea.
Yeah.
South Korea.
I'll go with Saudi.
Saudi?
Yeah, I'll go with Saudi.
Team Saudi Arabia are the favorites to win, for me.
I'm talking about the unpredictable maybe farm shotters in their bag.
We have the best Saudi in the world.
Yeah, probably Saudi.
probably sound it.
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We're back ready to get into the first game here Saudi Arabia taking on Spain if you forgot you shouldn't have done it was maybe a minute and 30 seconds ago going to be a last discussed it so you're running great I'm ready yeah let's get let's get into things just get this ball rolling yeah we will
I'm looking over to my monitor there. They're still messing around in the training range and stuff
But we'll be into the first map in a moment. It is going to be the pool
It's going to be the Paul indeed. I saw a couple of comments on reddit the other day
They were like, why don't we read the reddit comments. I'm like, don't don't touch this map
This map is iconic. It's one of the most unchanged maps close to like what are they changed?
All right, that is real trivial. Like did they ever change anything about the pool?
I don't think so some of the crowd will like stand up and be like
No, they choose that wall in that one place that near the spawn maybe they did. I'm not sure it's been a it's been a long time a
Long long time
But a long time indeed
Maybe some of those players back in 2016 like seagull. They'll remember seagulls it seagulls here
So yesterday it's good to see everybody here like they got a little cold streamer corner over there on the other side the arena super here
Apply as well. I saw him. Yeah, I'll say hi. It's been a yeah. Make sure you say hi when you can
Yeah, I think, especially with the map we worked through, it's quite exciting too.
Paraiso is back in, way more easy to attack now.
Before you were just getting shot at permanently from the bridge, and it was kind of frustrating.
There's a few more avenues to view to get in, a little bit more cover as well on the point.
So we'll see if Paraiso ends up coming up.
Yeah, point A is a bit more approachable, and also point B, you know, there was so much high ground before
that if you're in the office on point B, can be quite oppressive,
so made that a little bit easier for some of these players.
these players to boost on as well.
There are only a couple of changes in Mechabase, the Sanctuary as well, so...
I like downtown change with the jump pad.
Yes, you just love the jump pad.
The jump pad.
I can follow you as well.
I'm just like, oh, yeah, exactly.
Yeah, Nibani, big change as well.
Small map pool difference between hearing like,
something like OWCS, so a lot of players kind of familiarizing themselves.
And you, I think Danny, in fact, mentioned on the desk about how Sally
They've been getting in here a few days earlier, like, look, we want to scrim.
We want to make sure we're at the top of our game.
We are practicing to win.
We are playing to win a back-to-back.
We'll be something special.
Yeah, you don't want to be surprised by anything going into this event.
And especially when you have a mid-season patch just a few days ago with that,
you know, you look at that and you say, okay, well, it didn't change too much.
What Winston got above, Baptiste got above, Kiriko got a nerve.
And suddenly like everything, you know, these small details kind of add up
and just change the game as a whole.
And I think a couple of these teams who weren't necessarily the best get that cat and demon teams like maybe they see themselves flexing away from that and just throwing it, you know, a little something on orthodox against the opponent here just to see what they can get away with, right?
Question is, real question, real talk. He's not in the room, at least I don't think so right now.
Who's in the room?
Custer, Mr. Scott, what do you think of the hero?
Yeah.
Doctor?
Mhm.
Thoughts? Initial thoughts?
First of all, that cinematic, that comic cinematic, that was so electric, yeah, love that, Doomfist, I don't know how he does it without the hand, like, I gotta catch up on the in-game comics, you know, you can watch the in-game comics on the in-game client, yeah, I gotta catch up on that, like, how Doomfist still got it.
He's still got it now.
He's just Doom now.
Yeah, just reporting around and fucking...
He's got another thing.
Yeah.
No, I thought it was sick.
I'm looking for, like, the map here is also releasing too,
is a little ridiculous.
It feels like there's just so much happening here.
Yeah, I mean, that's an absurd number, if there was like,
which is, it's always fun to watch.
It's kind of my main point there.
Yeah, we were actually, it was funny
because we were at a previous event,
and I caught up with a couple of people
who work in a different game,
and they got to re-watch Overwatch for quite a bit,
and they saw like the cat, this was a couple of months ago,
they saw the cat flying around,
it's like, pick up the Bastion,
What happened in this game?
Like there's just cats flying around picking up bastions
So a lot has changed but just love the state the game is in right now a lot of heroes are definitely viable of course
Yeah, yeah, and it feels that way. Yeah, it's a lot of things that people have been trying over the course of the World Cup
Couple of them in show right here as well the crowdfunding bundles you can rep your region
You can also rep them with these patches we've got on our arms to you. You've got the EMEA one on
I've got the major one on and they're available in the store right now if you go check them out
Sorry for the delay, of course, we'll be in the game in just a moment.
I think Smaz across Sermajed's face, so we're probably pretty damn close.
I'm a little more nerve-wracking for Smey.
We talked about this in Busan. Does Saudi Arabia have the best vibes out of any team?
Probably.
Majed is always smiling, always happy.
I've never seen him frowning, put it that way.
Exactly, yeah, so they're always vibing, and even during these technical difficulties,
which we hope to have over quite quickly here,
But Jed's still showing that he's all Smythe, so let's take a look here at the single elimination bracket.
First to three on all these matches besides the final, which will be a first to four.
And of course, we've got all the regular gamemodes available for you.
Yes, of course.
One Hirabana, a 13 per map as well. We'll show those in just a moment too.
We've not revealed that just yet, because obviously we know we're going to fall.
Less chance for a Winston, I will have to be I'll be keeping it real with you
Not yet, maybe shrine maybe shrine
You could maybe swing a little Winston. We were talking about this. There's not so much off-tank play you know
What's the sport? Yeah, the last few years
Who at this event is gonna bring out the Winston infected
People are hot. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, I think it's definitely
Jumbin? I mean look I wouldn't count it out because I feel like the previous event in 2023
China and Korea when they faced off in the semi-finals they both like handshake agreement
just like yeah we'll play with you yeah can we get a Winston handshake agreement in place here
for USA Korea oh wait the Jumbin versus Infective another play that smiling air to air all the time
I'm in fact this. I see him all the time man. He hasn't got a bad boat in his body.
Him and Kuffo. They're all smiles and so much energy. I love to see it.
And especially if you're playing on this stage at BlazCon, I mean this is a dream come true for so many of these players.
There's so much adrenaline, so much energy going into these matches.
So I love to see those players channeling it and really embracing it.
Yeah, we're in the big round as well. And I sent this so much history here with Overwatch League 2.
Dallas Fuel took the trophy in 2022, which was a pretty ridiculous series.
I think it's one of the best ones we've had.
It is the best finals ever.
Yeah, yeah, potentially.
It's up there.
Maybe top two.
Top one?
If you're going to be bickering about it.
No, look at this.
I'll get into that.
Mab7, Dallas Fuel.
Summer's the social.
Edison, Colise with the Sojourn.
Oh, here we go, though.
Here we go.
Spain.
Gepat Cat off the table.
Everybody's happy about that.
You see that?
Yeah, I'm not gonna say that.
No verticality.
Oh, it's Overwatch.
Big stretch.
Where's the back cat?
Alright, so, yeah, no cat ban here.
There's a cat ban rather, so no cat available in the Paul Air.
Let's take a look at...
Sorry, Arabia will have in store.
I mean, I think they're quite happy not playing the repacat either.
It wasn't that huge pillar of their compositions they were playing, of course.
So, we see the Symmetra come out here.
So this is going to be about as a linear of a matchup that we see, you know,
about esports over the CaliT and no teleporting around the map.
Honest speed from the most honest character in the game, Lucio.
Maybe, maybe.
I mean, Brig and Bab got buffs recently, Bab especially.
The lamp changes, hard scale, higher threshold, low CD.
Like that's pretty scary, like a Brig, Bab, immortal backline.
Yeah.
We might be led to that.
And if you're like, well,
Rigbath, they don't really go together.
We've seen that before, all right?
You cannot kill...
2023, Florida, Mayhem, the unkillable backline, the Rigbath.
You got a map, you got a rally, you got armor.
Like, it was just so much...
And the ore healing is just...
The ore healing is a little crazy.
We're open-minded here, going into this first match here
at BlizzCon 2026, the award world cup.
We could be in store for anything here.
Senyatta?
And he won't...
Oh, no, there's no way!
Zen game any play time. Okay circuit Royale defense like I mean maybe that's no offense office because
That's the one side only like time maybe you see a zen I mean come on we saw more a lie that we did then
We saw my on run that we saw Zen. Nepal sanctum little discords
feel so good as in but
They just run any kind of dive any kind of Winston ball you are okay, but you took away the Symmetra took away the cat
Yeah, so much mobility of the field if you wanted to play you are coping. I need to hard
Okay, is it coke or are we just having an open discussion?
Into the cope I like that trust me. I'd love to see a little bit of any other little bit of I want to believe
No, we're right click. No, but transcendence. Come on. You got can a langala like pull out a double flex
Yeah, double flex. This is this roster is perfect double flex never say never never say never indeed
Also, Santi did a fantastic job. She was so good at flexing to so many different tank heroes in Busan
That I feel like with this Spain roster, they're super aggressive. They're playstyle is super aggressive
But they're also really flexible to their opponent. And so if you really wanted to change things up for you, play something
Truly irregular like with the back line, then maybe you could pull out the Senyatta and have Santi play around
Your back line with something more defensive of the tank
I think that's what you need. You need an all-rounder tank at this moment
And Santi is that? Yeah all rounder and aggressive. Yeah, even some of the interviews with the players are saying like
If you're not being hyper aggro at the moment or just in general like you need to be you need to be going quick
You need to be going fast
That's why so many of these teams they flourished in Besson in the group stage
Like France for example is because they recognize that you just have to go like unusually aggressive
Yeah, to the point where like if you're a tank player you're like wait am I am I like screwing up here?
Am I just going too deep and like there's no such thing?
There's no such thing.
And hope that the cat saves you and gets you out of there when you've been in too much.
And that's why teams like France, for example, they really dominated South Korea in that reverse sweep, right?
And also why I think that Spain is a, you know, potentially a dollar-course team here that was super aggressive.
They kind of put sort of radio on the back foot here, but we'll have to see what they got in store.
You get the auto-tether with Cat now when you're over Death Blank, so...
What's up Reaper? How's it going?
With the hurt!
Yes sir!
That is horror, that is horror right there, love it!
After the cinematic too?
Oh!
I love it!
Yeah the cosplays here are always just fantastic
Regardless of game 2, Overwatch cosplays
The waterwarp ones, Diablo ones as well
One around the convention pool, always nice
Let's have a look though, Nepal first map
Cat off the table, Sim as well
as well should be getting into this in a second this double flex I think from Spain could be could be what
They used to keep the balance in their favor
Yeah, you need to get a little bit of playmaking going and just throw so sorry radio off guard here
And if you can place on one of those read your back lines
Maybe that opens to work for some individual paymaking that could make a difference
But realistically, I mean you talked about hoping with the heroes, you know, we were kind of arguing for Spain here
David going up against the reigning champions in Saudi Arabia as you can look at this beautiful map.
It now looks like we're about to head in. The first map of the 2026 Overwatch World Cup here at Lisbon.
Yeah, first-round opponent you don't want to see Saudi Arabia upsetting the balance in 2023 here in this very venue, taking that trophy home.
going up against Spain, the team sitting right across from them. New heroes
showing their roster too. They're looking to seek revenge as well for that
quarterfinals in 2023 where Saudi Arabia took them down 3-0. So much history
between all these countries who arrived BlizzCon and they compete for glory
event after event as we roll out here on the pop. There it is! We're finally in
Santi rocking the Sigma.
Karel even...Karel!
Oh, okay, all right, all right!
Okay, cast a good...
Can we restart?
A little reset, maybe?
We've got a little reset going.
I was going to say Karel on the weakened version of Kiriko here after that patch.
The server shed doing the same.
KSA taking an early lead here.
Going to cap the point first.
And you know that's Saudi Arabia.
They're going to push the temple here.
Playing with this Moga with the Juno as well.
Quad fight, another one.
I mean Spain are not even allowed into the map as of yet. Their journey at Vistron hasn't even started.
Oh, it's just running, it's gonna go.
Alright, why not? There's the storm, can't help it, see that?
Oh, okay, staying on a different level right now.
Looking mightily impressive, their mechanics, we've talked so much about already reaping their rewards.
I have to hold close to the Xodiel here.
What up on the Sierra?
Yeah, small buffries in here, so...
Got a small little change at least.
How are you actually going to approach this though without taking a million damage?
That six-shield is not going to be healthy.
It's all about the poke here.
And so you have to play the corners with the shield, try to maintain it, there's something
that's going to look for this walk up here.
But Xodiel, with so much damage out on Sierra, needs to make a difference, but don't already
down.
down, crumbling, unfortunately as port takes the high ground.
Melga not connecting, but doesn't need to.
That could be only towards our first ultimates wave here, 55% already for Saudi Arabia.
So if we're just going to have to continue rush,
can you sit back and wait now,
and look for the opportunity to drop the support ultimates?
Yeah, the ultimates are already going to come out as well in a moment from Zark,
so they've got a little score up and coming up, same to Spain though.
They've got the sanctuary, but they need to make it to the point first.
They've got some grunts.
They're trying, there's the edge, going to rush forward,
Oh, the slam on the side he's given. That is the sanctuary.
Sermosh, yeah, Brits, the rush, and Sarty already down. Look at those assists, too.
KSA just running over Svane.
Asgala fights for his life, Exodio gets one, sure, but it doesn't matter.
And it won't matter. KSA looking to take this first round as they go for the sad
stagon, Canale. Ends up falling, and there's going to be a
late touch here for the Kiriko.
Indeed, we'll be able to teleport to the rest of the team here.
I mean, see I can literally just step up whoever tries to get to the point first the cage is going to come down as bones tries to get
But there's the cage. Oh this year old doesn't eliminate cage luckily, but there's no extra touch
It is Saudi Arabia taking an early lead a hundred zero from that first round
And that feels so heartbreaking
When you start off this first map and getting picked repeatedly by quartz the big star player for the reigning champions and
You essentially only have one ultimate wave to fight with I mean it's 60% percent for Saudi Arabia by the first
Ultimate fight right?
That's already Arabia. They come out on top of that and already it's 1-0
You change up the combo
For this stage
Quartz and Labduke can just take so many different off angles too, you're basically funneled into kind of walking forward behind the six shield hoping you don't die to this Pope coming out from Quartz.
Looks like Santi's gonna stick with it here.
And look at Labduke's positioning here. Look at wide angle early, Pope down Bones, and because of that, Spain already on the back foot.
Nice Suzu really early on there, on Tagala saving his life, but unfortunately, yeah, those boots not taking him high enough to get over the top of the high ground.
doesn't have going down. They do trade though. With Seattle dead, this is a chance for Spain to just push on forward.
Trying to push off this soldier here on this high ground, but...
Simmerge is going to be pocketing in hand here.
You have to be careful of your shoulder rabie here. You don't want to die. You want to get a clean engagement in this next fight, even if it means surrendering the point.
Malcius is already back too. They're doing a hard cap in there, so actually Spain have to reverse that capture progress, meaning they can put themselves in a winning position here again.
here again. Nice pick off from Sox. Bones ends up going down. Hortz slides to the hellfack.
An aggressive push here from Canale. Oh, and he gets in two. Laughter though. Hots onto the
two-wheeler and runs him over. And now Exodio on the back foot has to retreat with Gala.
Santi and Tobe as Ziad gets a nice pick off. Yeah, so here maybe I'm reclaiming these angles
and now pushing the aggression out. Well, now that picks out Exodio here. And looking to get a
We got a couple of more bones already stuck in trouble here.
Oh, the bike.
Oh, there's just no chance to get away from laughter.
A worthy reset here for Spain.
But these look kind of competitive here in this round,
on this second round off in Nepal.
Ultimate being built, but not quite there if you're Spain.
Those bones swept over to the tracer.
Surrenders here in the flex DPS matchup.
to the left.
Sermajed, Zox, support ults,
ready and raring to go. Bones is
going to try and draw the team's
eyes. Quick touch on the tracer.
He's going to at least draw a
lab to down there. Already 30,
3 HP. Has to back off instantly.
Got headed by somebody, but we'll
see if Santi now with this high
ground can get a decent flux off.
Yeah, but who are you going to
They're not feeling better at all.
Rocks, Ziad just runs through it, there's the Flux, hits Sermosh, sure but where's the follow-up damage?
Speed Ring is going to get them out in time as well as Quartz ends up going down all the way to Ray gets popped.
Santi now trying to beat this wall in the front line, a nice little rock to assist in the kill onto Ziad.
Exodio picks up a couple and there's Spain with the bike back.
Finally, on the board here, with a slow and tactical approach to that fight, they get the value they need from Gala's orbital ray, Exodiel, capitalizes on that amplified damage.
And now, with an overclock available here, and the high ground, could you look at this quite early push?
Oh, what a shot onto latitude! This is the aggression you'd want to see out of Spain.
And we did in Busan. Zed tries to play an end to this chaos, and with Exodiel down, they're lacking the damage.
But a BOOM stick is going to make sure this isn't easy for KSA
Trading knuckles Saudi Arabia and Spain here as summer jet gets a pick on towards the tracer
Not enough members to really go for a contest here on the point, but they're taking angles all the same
Be very slow now do Saudi they've got three ults so they can't squander them as looks like Seattle's got to the point first
They're good rock to the face shield dancing now for santi and they're laughter trying to look for someone with the spree
Sox's already dead. It's been trapped by bones. It's a one-to-one. The santi is the focus for ksa
They pick up that bounty
As xodia now tries to go one-on-one with lab on that high ground
But it is ksa's fight and now the staggers are gonna come in
Exodio is so down low and they're not gonna let him get out without a very nasty stagger up to 89%
Spain trying regroupers fall. Yeah, it's gonna be a four versus five
But already Saudi Arabia putting the pressure on bones needs to be the one to touch
It's gotta touch gotta be the hero for Spain now does get it eventually
But it's gonna get taken out by laughter be triggered OT giving Spain a chance a stomp is decent garlic down
It's a flux for science. He put the support the back lines are dead
Quartz with a triple to finish it off already making highlights
As the ball goes out his way
The Rating World Champions taking things off with fire here in the opening match of the
2026 Overwatch World Cup.
And looking calm, cool, collected.
Not really too bothered about Spain had to throw a dare away.
Of course, already off on a heater.
So impressive on that hit scan.
And Spain, they got into the series a little bit there on that second round, but they need
to show a lot more if they're competing with a country like Saudi Arabia.
But that big pause too, I mean come on. That's got to play on your mind, play on the nerves a little bit here if you're Spain.
We're gonna grab the next map and the hero bands in a second is Saudi Arabia. Sure, a little hiccup maybe in that second round there, but
As dominant as you'd expect them to be. Oh, yeah, a hundred percent.
I mean we're and a lot of players as well they're talking about Saudi Arabia already
Of course the raiding champs but they continue to be the favorites even in this one. They look at the scoreboard here
See a couple of individuals on stain of course
They were trying to remain competitive the damage from something and the sodial but this was also your radio in this one
Yeah, but you had sitting on a clean one death as well. Let's see it. Let's see the back line sitting only three combined
You know you're doing job if that's the case
So impressive how Saudi Arabia just built up this generation of players. We're not
competing with the very finest of South Korea and USA here. Already world champions once
look at the running back here against Spain and they'll if they advance through this one
they'll face either Sweden or Germany in the semifinals of course. But that's a way ahead.
That series is going to be after a little bit later too, Germany and Sweden, but for
now we see Spain trying to lock in against Saudi Arabia.
Now if you're Spain, like even if you're the coach, like what you say around in the
country.
I mean, you've got to keep up the aggression.
That's what we loved about Spain in the group stage was the fact that they really took
you to teams like Germany and played with pace, right?
And that's what we've seen so many teams have success with when it comes to the demons
the jet-packed gameplay, but Spain obviously with the cat-bans showing that maybe they
don't really want to play that style, and so that brings questions into the second map
now. Okay, how else can you channel that aggression? How can you play with pace? I personally, as
a player, when I played, I liked being more aggressive, I liked being proactive, because
I felt like everyone was a little bit on the same page, like we're gonna be cracking at
this one, and really go for it. Whereas if you have to trade back and forth in the neutral,
It comes down to a lot of mechanics and a lot of individual skill of course, and that is an area where Saudi Arabia is going to be so difficult to capitalise and pick up.
Yeah, the mechanics are there for Saudi. We already knew this. This isn't new information at all.
And the fight that they did end up making, you know, kind of scrapping little three on three, but Spain managed to hold.
It was when they are going very aggressive with Exodio, Exodio's ult, sliding, hitting the OC, hitting a headshot.
Oh, we've already got a pick, and now we can go football.
go for ball. I mean it's scary. It's scary how good he is with his mechanics. I mean one thing
leads to another, you can just play so confidently because you're so good at the game and he just
like flips the entire game on its head really. So if you're spaying where you're going,
give me a prediction. Well they like going to flashpoint a little bit so if you wanted to bring
out something like the New York City you could, you could also replicate and play that composition
we just saw with this signal, of course. Maybe you want to take things to something like a Paraiso.
There are a lot of options in the pool. There are a lot of reworked maps, and a lot of maps we
didn't really see too much of in Busan either. We didn't really see maps like Aikamalda, for example.
Yeah, there are definitely some maps that maybe, sorry, will be a little bit caught-up
guarded. Usually in scrims, when these teams practice, there are more popular maps and there
There are less popular maps.
Some teams prefer just not playing some maps at all to be
frank.
And so maybe you're thinking, OK, well, let's go to a little
something unusual here, where we perhaps
grown our comfort.
That is another approach you can have if you're a team or a
player, and just be like, well, teams don't really like
playing this style or this kind of map.
And so we're going to specialize on that.
Like, we're going to make this our wind condition, right?
If we can grab the upper hand on a map that is maybe a little
bit less popular.
Let's see where the choice is. It lies in the lap of Spain as they did end up losing that first map
I mean even looking ahead too, I think
There's a lot of different teams are on the interviews with a Gavin dear and
They're talking about like who's this kind of underdog couple of saying, you know, maybe Germany
Maybe maybe Sweden the underdogs here, but it was like Spain really has that
It was like Spain really no bodies added no bias
Now you can say that by the next series.
Route 66 is going to be here and look, it kind of makes sense when you think about some
of the screens we talked about in Spain, you can kind of position that backline of
Gala and Camille and try to put them in a more safe place where they can have an easier
time playing some of the more greedy support here, of course.
So, let's see what they got in store.
Route 66, most of the map we saw a couple of times in Busan, it was quite a frequent
pick actually.
And so I'm not that spain a serious to the first losers pick here. Obviously I'm out. They feel really comfortable
Yeah, I didn't try to cast my mind back now. It wasn't that far long ago
But I think we saw much junk of town or I don't think we will at least here
If I was like Route 66 is gonna be the long ago to if you're like a rush team though
Chambali, I mean sorry Arabia looked so dominant on drunker time as well
Yeah, but it's like you saw what they were able to do against Great Britain and you're like, no
I'm good. Yeah, I'm good. I don't want to go there.
Let's not do that.
Yeah, for Spain, there's the first one's locked in.
Makes sense here. Try to protect your backline as well by removing a tank
that is so good at getting up close and personal with some of those greedier supports here, of course.
And Saudi Arabia want to ban the Ana instead.
Looking a lot better now considering the Kiri nerfs.
So, all right, removing that one.
Double flex support for Spain will be strong with Gala and canal
So removing the honor, you know, I like
And also you get rid of the honor here
It opens the door for so many kinds of compositions right to remove the anti-heal
And that could just be that's the other side. Okay. Well, I'll just play more mother
Not only do we have a Kiriko and a Susu if want to play it to protect against the potential anti-heal
but obviously changes the way you
the favorability of some heroes as well here but it definitely you know does
throw a spanner in the works here for Spain because they probably would have
liked to rely on a hero like Ana with all these long sidelines of Route 66.
Here we go, Route 66 has lock and load for the second map of the series the
first of three here no lower bracket one at series loss and you are out. Your
the hopes of sitting at that table and even claiming the trophy right now for
Spain dwindling a little bit of that flame far from out single elimination
bracket it's win this one or go home they're not facing a kind destiny here
going up against audio ray paint the very first quarter finals but no match
is going to be easy here at the World Cup Spain gotta make the most of this
moment. KSA, a very familiar spot for them to be in as well as we load into map number two.
Already taking on one trophy, that star above their jersey, meaning a whole bunch to them. And
a whole bunch for the region too. Korea have been so dominant. Three stars above theirs,
heading up there a couple of times here and there though. It must be said, USA 2,
but they start above their logo.
Winners go for 12 cuts past.
In South Korea.
South Korea, 2016, 2017, 2018.
That's a long time ago.
It's a long time ago.
They've been waiting a long time to get back on top here.
And they'll be playing USA later on today here,
Thursday and Christmas.
But for the moment, it's map 2 between Spain and Saudi Arabia.
for Zogs instantly.
Boom, Catnop banned, all good.
Sermoshed also rocking at the Kiroko now that the Arnav's banned.
And this is kind of a backline, I'd expect,
more out from Spain.
A Gala Alari, Knail on the Bap.
The new and improved Bap too.
Very aggressive and a lot of damage as well.
Wait, Bap is doing a lot.
And then, Tev' Alari, you're just seeing there poking people down.
Ziad can't stay as active as he'd want to
in the front line of the line.
I was gonna say, they all have guns,
I don't know what Sigma does either.
Double sniper real quick.
Yeah, nothing.
There's the Zen pick.
We saw it.
30 seconds.
Wow.
Pick up picked.
Finally.
But here you go.
Heavy poke here from Spain.
This feels like a composition for all of you.
Without the alarm.
100% but they got around this corner first to try and get some of those side lights.
Socks maneuvering this jetpack cap now has the potential to pick up the yard here and really throw the maga in deep here
Make things difficult for fans. I've got already down the board
Sharp shooter
By London to taking it off angle now, and this is gonna be the problem here vertical mobility of water on the double-head choice
gross
Okay, well Sandy back to school for you as well
If you're not familiar
This is Quartz, if you're new.
Welcome to Quartz stage.
He's Quartz.
He doesn't miss. He gets more headshots than he does body shots.
He is the best physical player in the game.
And he's got a dead eye with a Jeffhack cap.
You know what that means.
Are they going to expect him to have dead eyes as early?
Well, they're going to know now.
Oh, that's the shot.
Oh, what a rock though.
Beautiful stuff.
They deployed the lap pretty early on, however.
Seattle in the front line, overextending a little bit, expecting maybe that dead line to actually catch somebody.
Actually, Saudi Arabia here on the back foot, forced to retreat a little bit, and this opens the door now for Spain.
They got the Cyclones available for their whole heavy composition.
Quartz on fire, all good though. Can retreats, thanks to Socks picking him up and popping him down.
Back up on that high ground now, as that payload slowly moves.
Sherman's here with the rush, straight off the high ground as well.
Sasi's going to have to be very careful, although Saudi Arabia too now, uh-oh, uh-oh, good buy, off the map, bangled down, nice kill onto Exodiel.
He's going to go in for more as well, picks up the mini, now hiding around the rock here, a little bit of damage onto Canale, 50 HP and the team can do the rest.
Gala with a nice kill and the cat puts it into his life, Sasi also picks up another.
Here is Cleanup Judy for Saudi Arabia. After coming back in this one, it sucks just a thorn in the side on the cat, hovering below.
The ground just means that Spain they have to be present about what's coming out in front
But also the cat behind and now that's two minutes 30 brain of the timer here. They have quite a few ultimates here Spain
See what they can do with it captive Sun for Gala going to be really difficult to get value out of this one
Where's the bomb? There's the bomb. There's the captive Sun. Gala way too close to the ground there this free up in the sky
It looks good for the moment
The captive Sun finds at least one
Santi with a decent flux, not able to actually get the kill or meaningful
damage onto Ziad. Make sure that Ziad stays up and yeah just run, stop, there's
the kill and unfortunately here Spain only a minute to go. And something like
Majed picking out bones on the tracer with his Kiriko makes a tremendous
difference as well for Spain looking to push forward there. Again the push back
Axolio swaps over to the Casterly himself. That's just 45 seconds from in for Spain and
Alistair Ultimate Bank deployed. They're facing another Sky Nune here. How can they defend against
this one? You're gonna expect it this time around. Double support ultimate as well for Saudi Arabia.
Well they've got to get it moving. This payload should rest a little bit here. It's up to Bones
really and Santi to push this one forward trying to make this not final fight. Lapt of very low.
Bone spots his chance, but they're gonna rip the rush already onto the point here and here comes the Sky Nude.
Quartz has got one, his site already canel very low. That land doesn't save him. Not even after those buffs.
12 seconds to go now, Gala's been caught out too.
See how it doesn't have fallen down though, it's the DPS from Spain, they're coming up big.
Exodia with a couple, Sox keeping the payload moving here or keeping it alive at least for Saudi Arabia for the time.
But Eno T, Spain are gonna clutch up.
This is going to be a point capture for Spain and on towards the second point they advance.
Held firm against Saudi Arabia now, but what can they do to propel forwards here?
We know this second point here, it gets tedious quickly.
Sober little time remains in their time bank and they need to find a way to win consecutive
to find here, to gain ground, to make progress with this meelo, who gets the buff?
Yo, no skynet, no skynet, it's gonna pop towards the good spot,
as he adds his band of selfs in the cave system right now in the tunnel system.
There is gonna be a window, there's gonna be a...
Frustrating for them to deal with this, so do ends up getting two, but it's a two for two.
So, a three on three now, as this point, and Santi has to basically bend for herself
upon this high ground.
Garl is gonna provide a meaningful amount of heals here,
with a quick teleport, and as Susie's being used already, the focus fired from KSA is going to be good.
Gala gets caught off guard, but all that time,
Ziag's shot in the back of the head, as Boris picks up a double, and they get the payload moving again.
I mean, that was essentially perfectly paid by Spain.
Just two members alive, but they bought enough time for the rest of the team to get back,
and even though Gala goes down in the end,
Spain now is able to set up here, and they have ultimates to go as well.
They're actually moving this payload forward in a pretty good position here.
Up on Pygrams with little rock and there's a block straight away.
Cage is going to get deployed.
Santi out of it though. That Cage not very effective right now for KSA.
Or just a barrier for them.
Excludes.
Hainu not finding too much.
Proposed again.
Gets the stick force.
The TP surmesh it out down.
Sky Nuu, the quad gets one.
Of course he follows it up with another.
It's pretty healthy still as he force bones as recall.
A scrappy fight to be certain.
as Bones and Santi keeping this fight alive at Quartz.
He's just so damn dominant on this high ground,
taking the 1v1 versus Canel down to 40 HP,
but Canel wins out.
Now Zox goes for the kill on the back.
See you later, son.
And that's a play that makes a difference.
Bones now, fourth retreat on the Tracer.
It really felt like Spain was sticking around that one.
Getting the picks required, but it was not enough.
Now 20 seconds just remain,
and that was a lot of Ultimate's deployed for Spain here.
Now they need to find a way to make a pain once more.
Who gets the buff?
They have a looking to play spoiler.
With the spree hanging around the payload right now,
maybe looking for someone to actually go for touch first.
It's going to be thrown by the looks of things.
Now Dodio on a nice angle here on top of the gas station,
but unfortunately that brush is going to put Hindrance to his plant.
The spree already finds one.
Straight from the cave system, goes laptop, but no one in his sight.
OT still tricking here from Spain.
Sante ends up going down.
No more ults here for Spain.
They pop the window that's all they got left in their tank course ends up falling to those so Spain's reports are keeping them competitive
But now they have to dive on to the payload and unfortunately
There's just too many bodies too much help here to deal with and KSA
They're holding on the second point, but Spain they make a meal of it and at least get first point
Again Spain they're showing a couple of good things here and there
But progress is very tough to combine
What an accretion that was by something like this.
Oh, we got the multi-ang.
I love it.
Oh, we got another angle.
All right.
One more time.
That was for the Sigma players out there.
We got a triple replay going.
Our Sigma mains going crazy.
A little montage.
But still, Spain with a decent push on Route 66,
considering the caliber, obviously, of Saudi Arabia.
I think Bones actually did a phenomenal job on the Tracer when he hopped over.
Yeah, 100%.
And it's really difficult to get into the backline and
try to have that level of impact.
So Bones here, stepping up on the global stage, making plays here for Spain and also
allowing StoDiO to have a lot of impact on the hitscan as well.
I thought that Spain actually did thought quite well there in the neutral
on the attack once they got the payload rolling.
But they gotta keep that up if they're gonna
try to steal one of these maps away from Sorya Radio.
This is their first take, of course.
This is potentially their strongest map.
And if you want to win this series, Vayne now,
they got to step up on their own defense
and try to tie the series up.
Oh, what can you do, one headshot, Stasov?
Come on.
Zox.
Yum.
10 quarts.
Sky high.
We can just use the ground.
You see?
Here we go.
Ah, burn away!
Don't give me another shot!
Don't give me another one!
Oh my goodness, all right course almost ended up coming down there as well tracking the M race head
Not quite gonna give him a shot look at that a little bit of dejection in his face to expecting himself not to miss that many shots
What it is to shop to this like
That was good straight from canal
Spaniard holding quite aggressively actually look at the keep this payload contested not give anything up for free
This one is a classic forward hold on
Sanji's going to be careful in this position right?
I see time rock.
See I've taken a lot of poke damage already.
There's double time here for Zox, but way too close to the sun, way too close to Canale.
Good start from Spain, okay, holding close.
Sanji does end up falling over though, but with only one player going down,
it should be fairly safe to retreat to a gas station.
Yeah, they're going to be here for a little bit longer.
They're going to connect to a pick, but Zox gets a recall course as well,
and that's the signal for Spaniard to retreat here.
right here. Can't keep this payload contestant. It actually goes down. This is a mistake from
Spain here to go down like this. A bit of indecision whether to die on the payload or back all the
way up. And this is actually going to buy crucial time for Saudi Arabia to push forward, get this
payload around the corner. Typically, when you hold forward like that, you want three contests,
but now we're just going to get the two. It'll do though for Spain. Cernich here with a very early
rush again. Poxa on the high ground, what better place to pop it down and yeah, forces
Santi's position. Rock is gonna get denied again. So good a time in that. Just run straight
through his pose, gets his head ripped, clean off his shoulders. Santi with a good flux.
Lap to go down, but here comes the Sky News. Straight over the top and straight into the
two-piece. Alright, that'll be Santi taking this first point.
Unlike the tactical plan from Spain, but it all kind of fell apart there when
They couldn't get together on that opening contest and by the time Sonorabia had set up already, especially with that Kitsune rush,
it was just a little bit too late for Spain to get back into that fight.
And now already, 4 minutes 20 on the timer.
The Spain has to defend here on this second point.
Exertio can turn himself into a living weapon, so there is a chance here, especially when they try and move through these choke points.
There's heavy shots, there's flash damage.
Still not underestimated.
Scythe's taking a lot though, and also in trouble.
Bones again, harassing this frontline, hopefully giving him Zodiac.
Chance to work with this ult.
Scythe, no pain in the respect that he deserves, though.
So, Radio, think of the time she just waved out that override protocol.
They, of course, can face really patiently here now.
3 minutes 30, the auto-control was a real run.
Okay, Jens have come in down and here's the rush to try and support.
Xehan now has to deal with the land, the shield and everything in between.
Santi gets the kill onto court with the Rocker, Sox.
He picks up a cheeky one himself, and in fact, Sermon shed two.
These supports are just going fuck while right now in the frontline.
There's Gala and Santi trying to hold onto this point.
If Santi's just too down low, a teleporter sues you, but out of range there.
How small nerf. Really coming into Haunt, Santi.
As they try now, Johnny, and regroup for this final defense.
And it's going to be a tough one.
Getting back into things here against Thermalgete who's already built another kid's super rush.
And the Spree for Lava here as well. You gotta push through these jokes and find a pick early.
It's gonna be so difficult with some Arabia already set up.
It's gonna be a tough touch. Bones is gonna have to get in there real quick. There he is. Tracer.
Triple, play three, call on the point, but instantly, Cervus yet pops.
The rush. Flush from Zasi, he's good.
But Lava just straight in the face with the Spree.
Ends up going for the trade, goes Bones, picks up the kill onto Ziad.
And Quartz, the Sky Noon, just saves the day here for Sadi Arabia.
The Bones has already got another, straight down to the low, ends up hitting the flashbang, the right click's good enough for one.
It's just Quartz though, and he's going to go down as well. What a defense from Spain.
That was a really impressive point to hold strong on that defense.
And they started to dwindle this time down. They got a couple of ultimates on the board here as well.
How did they choose to deploy them here?
get this window with Exodia on this high ground is going to be rather nasty. It's where they
can actually get an opportunity to use it without Saudi Arabia instantly going for a
collapse. It's like Courses taking a little bit of harassment here again, Bowsing a good
job of kind of warding KSA away. So I'm going to really early kill onto Zox. Oh, what? Alright.
right, super bullet below, yeah already two down and Exodio ends up clearing quarts from
that low ground location and still doing an immense amount of damage to Zian as well.
Oh, Labdol the sky high, Bipod Kanell is there with the back up a little dash away too, Zox
goes in for the assassination as he goes from the camp up onto Sanzi and unfortunately Sanzi
cannot quite dart around the shield.
These teams are trading back and forth, two members alive here, forced Zox to die.
The payload is pushing forward and Sokka's buying time for the rest of his team here.
Sky Noon for Quartz too, in a couple of moments.
Scarlet's giving himself a life in the high ground.
Oh!
The Sky Noon completely denied thanks to that window.
Canal keeping everybody up on the point as well as actually contesting himself.
He's doing everything for Spain right now.
Sokka's going down.
The cage is going to get deployed, but Santi isn't more than happy to sit in here.
Use the smoke, use the grass to soak up all that damage.
A pick-off from Garlo as well, and Santi picks up another.
There's 40 seconds to go now.
It's KSA. They use a fair amount in that fight.
Cage and Hainu.
Four minutes. Spain has held strong here on this second point.
They can be so difficult to hold on,
but they've done a tremendous job so far.
Really trading blow for blow with one of the more mechanical skill teams at this World Cup.
Rush for Sermon, dead wall.
Took a random shot there, got 10 very low there,
he's going to dodge completely out of the way of that charge.
It's all picking up the kill on the left there as well.
It's a fantastic flux for Spain.
Can they actually transition this into more kills though?
Quartz is the next hopeful target here for Spain,
but on the point right now to the ad, it's going to get post-played.
She's so damn low, has to dash away.
Sermon's out of the here, he just can't get it done.
every time still chicken and Spain standing up to the best.
Okay, Spain is here to play and they are fired up.
What a tremendous defense on Route 66 to tie up this series.
Tie things up against the reigning world champions here.
back and forth they traded blows. Mechanical skill was really impressive from Spain there
and they showed that they can actually contend with a team like Saudi Arabia and they're
not going to go down easy here in the single elimination bracket. They got more to say.
This happened in this matchup happened in 2023, Johnny. The Saudi Arabia 3-0ing Spain
in that quarterfinals, to then obviously go ahead and win the entire competition, Spain
seeking that revenge. And now with a map win under their belts, you saw it, Santi Gala
like really fired up after that. And you can see the emotions almost kind of run high for
this team too. The collapse of Xodi or a couple of tears in his eyes when he's secured a spot
for himself and the team here at BlizzCon in Busan, they were playing in Busan. It's
Fantastic showing on route 66
There's now KSA you know
Unfamiliar spot if it was like having to choose this next map the stats on your screen right there
I mean when you're a team like Spain and
You just gotta believe that you can pick down sort of really you need a little something to hold on to a little bit
Of hope to hold on to
But to be able to prove on this second map that you actually can't compete with Saudi Arabia that you actually can win the map here
That is something that they can build on now.
That belief, when we saw this in the group stage as well.
You know, whether it's Mexico going up against Australia,
you get one France going up against Korea,
you get one map, and somebody's like,
okay, you get the idea that maybe you can get away
and win this series.
So this was a huge map here,
what's being to get on the board.
Bones is really impressive on the Tracer too,
and a very hard comp to play the Tracer into.
The Qirico, I mean, so much a pretty mechanical sound.
Zox who's going to be helping Quartz out, going up into the sky, just being kind of a target you can't really focus down.
And then Quartz obviously on the grass, like, he's a very hard cop to play the Tracer into, if you're poked.
But he's still finding those small, little openings to really exploit.
And there's your final moment at the end.
Fantastic win for Spain.
Now just kind of riding that momentum for themselves.
Let's go!
They are so tired up and you know they're going to bring that energy into map 3 as well.
And a small head in hands there as well from Saudi Arabia.
They're coming in as maybe the favourites or close favourites to South Korea obviously
Or if you're a joker, say you're a sailor for sleeper, come on.
I'm not taking his opinion seriously.
About this is a really big opportunity for Spain.
Yeah, a massive opportunity. I mean, World Cup, typically, we see so many upsets.
It's like unbelievable how many upsets we've seen as the World Cup.
Already.
And so you're almost like, you're sitting back every event and you're just like,
alright, well, you look at the schedule, like, okay, which one of these is going to be an upset right here?
And then you go down the list and you're like, oh, you know, sorry, Raybear, there's huge favourites.
It's of course they're not gonna be defeated, right?
Right? Like sorry, they can't lose in the first. Yeah. Well, no, maybe just
You saw the predictions eighty nine to eleven percent. Yeah, I did no way right. Let all the channel points on
And you're fine, right? That's the Overwatch woke up for you. They always finds a way to surprise you and this
First to three has turned into our first two
World Cup Special. Delivering moments that you can't quite get anywhere else. Oh, a Bastion
Band for Spain. Mizuki Band. On the other side. For Kezai. Your Bastion. It's gonna
be the same old story here, I think, Johnny. I think he's the ad still just gonna be running
the... running the Mauga. He's got the Mauga mentality, it feels like. I think with TVNT
sitting in the back lines as well. I'm curious if they're ever going to just throw TVNT in for the
Diva map, for the Heavy Dive map. It would be a very, it's like a kind of a scary hidden weapon
TVNT. I mean Seagod could bring out the Diva here. I also saw the band come out on Route 66 and so
you know in in 2026 the way over sea sports is being played bands are so impactful because even
even though a lot of these guys they have tremendous hero pools, even something we saw
she has a tremendous hero pool that Spain could build on in the group stage but one
hero band removing the best hero that one player has to offer that could really shake
up the dynamics of how these series unfold and so the diva being removed from Saudi
Arabia on rosy the 6th essentially became a must win map here for Spain as they look
ahead.
Icon Vulder is your next map. One piece here of Spain take route 66.
Okay, no substitutions either. For the side of care. Say we'll see how Spain deal with this.
Last time, look on the tracer, they rolled the bones, they came out with sixes.
They rolled the bones, they came out with sixes. I mean, the tracer play is exceptional,
but I still want to look at this back line. The garlic canal double flex on a map like this
and a game type like these two where you can be greedy.
You can run heavy damage and you can run honor.
Now, it's your canal.
Can you run Junkrat?
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
You can run Junkrat.
Junkrat's blizzard is even like small little buffs here.
It adds up.
Mid season patch after mid season patch.
Season after season.
Leave him where he is, man.
but definitely not coming out on the attack of Ikebalda, I can promise you that, in pro-play.
In my ranked games, but not in pro-play.
It's okay guys, I'm standing against one, shooting mines over the top.
Eventually, someone died.
I have like core memories of Jake on defense here, Houston outlaws, throwing out mines.
They're already out of mines.
This was Jake's best map, just like defensive junk grab.
I thought his messier was the mercy, but I could be wrong.
Alright, here we go.
Ziad's Santi, D.va versus D.mon.
And if you're Saudi Arabia now, a little bit of the back foot here perhaps, and all of a sudden, you've got a deal with a D.mon composition with this change up so much we know about O'vorn. This is a question to be devastating.
The only savage on the swing tier for the D.mon part. You're able to kind of get back in there a little quicker, the shield a little bit quicker as well.
as well. That was quite good. Nice little sleep onto quarts, but yeah, it's making sure his slumber is not disturbed.
That's how they rib here. They want to take their time. They want to build these angles. You can see now
being picked up, you're of course an angle. Wanted to swing wide here. Oh, what a sleep! Wow!
What was that sleep? Pure filth. And as well in the new change, Johnny, if you get slept in the sky,
You get dropped like a rock
Reliable counter if you can ale apparently I think they were just filming the trailer for the new patch
Oh, okay
Get into the replay. Yeah, get it. Why'd I find that three times at least
There was maybe even four replays for the
Impressive stuff to keep things off the story Arabia. No real momentum here after a minute and a half
Yeah, never mention at all. They got to reset completely. Fenty still holding down the poor here
Limit break coming up soon too. In fact, can now nanoproof.
Fine oom, Sky noom. Xodiel on the floor? I'd be okay though.
They're chasing them away from time being. One second left. No shot found.
Now Quartz peeking his head out again. Xodiel doesn't end up going pretty low, but oh no!
Yeah, even with the damage nerf, it should be enough damage to cleave someone in half.
Santi ends up finding Cervus yet. They do trade for Gala though, so his support versus support.
Skynoon from Quartens are coming in, Exodiel takes a lick of damage here, Knael's moving too good.
End up with Err, well, funniest way out of that Piper, a brief moment, because he ends up picking up the kill.
Looks like Saudi Arabia are going to eventually find control on this first point, with only Gala standing in their way now.
But I was really close and contested there, of course, Spain.
You just got a taste of the flavour they're looking to bring in this one, it's pure aggression.
First with the Sky Noon from Exodio, and then with the On and On boots onto something here as well.
Spain are going to throw everything they can here on Tony Rabia.
So, not left poor. It's going to be a comfortable position in this hit-scan role.
Sanjay is just going to rip this real quick too. They're going to go fast on this high ground.
Okay, they're cooking.
They've managed to catnap Sia, though. Can they actually get the teammate?
He's got the catnap, as well as Ox2. Oh, Exodio dunks into the river.
And, don't you guess how it is like as well.
So that is a good pickup.
Here for Sarni to start there. Point to two offense.
And with the Cacity gone here for Spain.
He's on HB!
Yeah, not quite.
Can't really do all this work by herself.
So just gotta wait for the Cacity to get back into this one.
But he's going to enable Sarni here but to set up here.
And they have a continued rush from this high ground as well.
I just feel like shooting with the cat it really does.
Sarni takes a headshot but here comes the rush.
Sarni's off all the way back but it's a safe avenue of exit.
you have exit they just can't afford to lose anybody there's like bones which
trying to mess with laughter on the point but going down anyway see add now
with no remit gets to the mega health pack room as it showed you also forced
to reset and the payload is pushing what all of this is happening it's
essentially going to be spamming to reset here and have one good fighter they
have an auto boost but you can't really push out against the sky noon this is
going to be so difficult to take over about yeah sky noon they're trying to
a drop, Santi in the back line, looks like Gala's found himself nice, he'll respond to
Bridge, but oh that's a lot of damage.
Santi loses, Metc walks up on the height now, Canale ends up going down too, but still needs
to get to the point.
Santi, there's just no way unfortunately for Spain to hold on to that, Gala's going to
come in for a final touch, but it will be KSA, they're going to get the third point after
the team kill, they've got four minutes in the bank now.
Yeah, Blone's opened the door a little bit, but it was slammed shut by Saudi Arabia, as
they continue on to the third point here. Spain really doing their dawn is here
with just super aggressive demon composition but Passive really found the
same level of picks that we were kind of hoping for with the composition like this.
They have four ultimate here.
There's the Clang that line who's going to get possibly Zodiac H trying to stem the bleeding.
There's a triple stun I think that was from Gala. He didn't have catnapping
somebody but Zodiac still ends up going down. Now Bones 3 HP hits the
but they are slowly losing this fight.
Pokes on the Tracer are going to be so less effective at this point as well, Johnny, in this stage.
Yeah, I was so much invested here.
And Bones is actually going to swap over to the Vendetta here, just looking for the damage output.
Just gonna try to slam down this D.Va mech here.
And they're basically going anti-Zat here with this bubble, and then straight-off Bones is just running through.
What a heads-up decision to swap to a story of Vendetta composition here.
Spining, Quartz, oh, Santi got one bubble left, they're going to wait for it to run out, but no he ends up popping it instead.
That's a whole lot of energy for Santi now to make use of, but actually locking down a target might be quite tough.
Slippery in KSA right now as they make their way to the back rooms.
Sir, my dad looking for the Kizilours, but Canela has to know on a boost. Who's going to be in first?
I mean, Nanna wants to find Shawley to overhead swing straight into the dash, but just gets kiting out.
a tragic end to this defense here for Spain, Santi and Bone dead and the rest
they're gonna follow as well. It's been a bit minutes for Saudi Arabia on their
first attack. Impressive how they dealt with Spain after all who placed this
unusual if you're talking about the worst history of course there's a cat in
the mix flying around and dropping in a demon who is so potent aggressively
Really impressive to see Sona and Arabia deal with that quite calm collected sat back
Played really patiently and then when they had the ability timings in their favor
They push momentum themselves. They pushed Spain back and gained that ground
They got so active on that second point right like how impressive was that like we're gonna take the high ground
We're gonna fight with Spain. Yeah. Oh, yeah, and all the while the payload was pushing
Moving along this like so I'm just telling talk talk
You gotta be hitting other people man, you gotta be getting more catnip.
You can't just be in the enemy backlight.
Help me out.
I don't want to heal all the time.
Yeah, I think you're right there.
I think it was, like they were turning on a dime when it came to that comp swap, you
know, you're just not going to have ults and that's the big worry because you just need
to fight out in neutral and you need to win, but nano boost onto bones.
There's just so many people up there, you don't even receive one bubble and if you're
Saudi Arabia if you're any team you're okay we shoot the bubble and then the
vendetta basically just sits there we have so much with ability to kind of run
away because she used us to get up to the high ground
It's obviously gonna die by the way
Maybe so it was crazy
Wait, no wait
You're not quiet
What for the attempt then?
Tracer again
And now Spain have a little bit of opportunity here to set up utilizing all this mobility, of course
You don't necessarily just want to walk straight up here
Can do some wide swings to the tracer try to get even into the back line somehow a lot more mobility
allowed here
The progress so far Spain
Here we go
You don't want to be facing them on that support's shore, but it's already dead, okay?
Well, really out of people.
Nice, Dave.
Okay.
Not being too much.
You can see that something has struggled a little bit, perhaps, with some of those mid-season patch notes, too.
They really tried to get this mech away from Seat.
Just smacking that little bit of damage that makes a big difference here.
And Seat has a lot of playing the limits perfectly here.
Asgama goes down the course.
That's gonna happen in a series like this. The Hitscam player from Saudi Arabia just
stepped in the Alps and trying to get picked before they fight him in the gap.
Yeah, sometimes you are just gonna get picked. That is...
It was never fun.
Son of a booster versus the Nair, yeah.
Don't go on too, maybe they're casting here.
So I'm locking on something. All fours are just rolling away. This guy's new.
They're gonna go first they want to go aggressive drops into the holes
Double shot, okay, so deal
Could be chance though for KSA to still touch
Playing fairly far forward, but it looks like they're gonna side against it
No, they're not gonna go for a scrappy little flight on point. It's gonna give over to them
Yeah, they prefer this high ground and said set up accordingly
No reason to throw your bodies there onto the point use their time
Nice dodge though from Spain getting out of the way of course on the high ground here now the attack is kind of commenced
Oh the Libby break, that's why they hit Long, it's not even nano too, that's just so much damage
Alright, do a little aggressive play
And crucially here now, they call Saudi Arabia, they went aggressive
They went before the payload was able to push through the gates
And so now Spain have to wait for this gate to open by some more time for the defense to get back accordingly
set up the high ground. So if you're a kind of a sort of rabier there, yes, you didn't contest the
point on the first point, but you allowed yourself another five seconds. Okay.
If Quartz can do it, Exodiel can as well. Really early pick, and Sanya and Rabia are still with a
whole lot of confidence in them. And if he's from the rush on this high ground, just stretch to low
level, space the catch and try and get away. Quartz is firing away, Exodiel, we'll add the head
shots, just have him do a push though, and it's gonna be Exodiel getting away. Bones with a kill,
And now the Scree can commence, latter in the small corridor against Sante.
Easy pickings on the DMEC, D-Bot.
Oh, like Sodeo's trying to fly out of there.
With the health of Dala.
Surely gets away now, yeah, it's just too much healing.
Yo, okay.
Reset, Sote goes down again.
Indeed.
And also on the way, we're already backing off there, missing the legit pack cap.
Both casted is past the dead-eye here, so it becomes a battle of which team wants to go first,
Are you going to be able to disengage hide inside your fortress if there's a skynem coming out?
Oh, the counter move!
It's a regular hiding car, a little bit too high.
Unfortunately, as you're going down to Quartz, there's...
So you've got nothing there and they even lose something's mech.
So this time, they're slowly evaporating for Spain.
Sorry, I'll be just staying contested at all times here.
Trading is blow for blow.
Like you say, it makes it so difficult for Spain to keep the momentum going here.
And look, pushing through this gate is as hard as it's still going to be to get through
this one.
It's still a very tough point.
That was like where are these bullets coming from man?
These damn cats.
Oh good done.
It's got about two minutes.
Look at the time.
You got a nana, you got a catnap.
Limit rate.
Oh good, that's double two minutes. Look at the time. You got a nano, you got a catnap, limit break.
Bones trying to keep this payload contestant here. Four sorry Arabia's moving here.
They suck his game background. They have a nano if they really want to commit but don't get them into it yet.
There's nano on the saunty again, straight to board but instantly there. The reaction from dog to get him out.
Limit rate is going to connect with the front line, so Yann has got a remake though.
Self destruct, pop.
Nobody is going to get killed though, luckily, but Bones or the payload is maybe at least in the matter of progress.
You need something bigger.
Oh, there it is! That is the pick that you want.
They've even got a Sky Nude too, but Savage yet still willing to fight this one out.
The Sky Nude locks into a TP away for Savage yet, but Zock's quite, not quite so lucky.
Pushing for Spain and now someone has to touch, but there's no one going to be there, not anymore.
He had chased away and is going to catnap two straight insults to injury.
We get it.
Pokes on Pop as well.
The drag down and the post bomb.
Why not?
That is going to be the second point captured for Spain.
And look, that pick on the course alone makes the big difference there for Spain.
They move this payload forward now.
They're not going to equal Saudi Arabia's time.
But if you could force overtime here, just give yourself a chance.
I'll put reset, and even maybe a commslock, phones might decide the stracer not the optimal
pick right now.
If you're spain, take a moment to look here at the heroes, as you're going to roll out
They're going to execute with the demon here this time. No, sorry. I know that I swapped here. So the radio they pretty far forward here
Well, you finally retrieve the Spain patiently wraps around to secure this high ground before they push indoors and they're building towards this
Not a boost here. So I mean one decides to push from Spain here and they could be looking at a complete capture
I mean that was the crucial nono that's gonna needed to capture out this map and with the
Naunaboo is deployed by Knael. Now much more of a difficult journey here for Spain as
again, so no getting staggered here in the end. The matrix is there, sox just refusing
to die. And now it's 60 seconds remain. Knael's going to swap over to this
Kerakoff. But that was a huge Naunaboo's deploy there. I mean look at the ultimate
the angle so it'll be rabious but this is uh this is an uphill battle here in Alcantara
it's two-tied and booted okay say rage off the bolts okay he's gonna get found out that was a
little devious and chandelier type angle oh get eliminated and that is gonna be a cat nap
on to lab the two that's two already dead but quick return fire here from service yet and
Quartz finds yet another, but they've managed to eliminate Ziad, so Quartz is not going to have that safety net at the D.VaMech anymore.
Santi gets a kill and they get this payload going, but overtime is the best they're going to hope for here.
One last opportunity here for Spain to try and force a draw, that's the best they can hope for now.
Here on Eichenwalde, but Quartz got a dead eye, he's looking to end things now.
No more upset in the fight for his dead eyes, Mike.
That's probably all that they need. It feels like a teleport away, but Labja's already down.
Exodiel finding the early pick yet again. No skulls, no one getting lit up here by Quartz,
but they found the Tracer, or sorry, the Symmetra from Bones. Ends up getting the TP away here as Exodiel's on a perfect angle.
Zad, very low. Quartz gets sniped by Exodiel too. A flashbang. Send Socks really as they de-mech Zad as well.
Overtime is by what they need as Johnny. They're bringing this payload all the way in.
Ladder on the venture, Sermosh yet teleports in, as soon as he's used on himself, a solo kill for Ladder, but he can't get back to the points.
A draw is the best they've got now, but they just needed another hope.
They just needed another hope. Spain showing that they're not going to fall flat here.
And let's start here, take the map win, could force a draw, which would extend
Saudi Arabia's ability to pick another map. It means that we could have a
potential six map if this series goes very long indeed.
That would make a tremendous difference. A little treat, a blizzcon treat, a blizzcon
a goody bag, a map six. Map six banger. We'll see. We'll see. They don't want to
count our forces. Just yet. No defense here. Two minutes and nineteen seconds.
Not, uh, not impossible. No, and I still like what Spain did there on the defense.
Like they're looking to play aggressive of course. They're on defense, but they're
looking to play proactive. And the way this composition works, you have a nice
nice flow when it comes to the ultimates. First you have the nano boost, you get the
sky noon, and then you got the limit break as well, and they all kind of like come one
after another, which essentially gives you three good opportunities if you're the defense
here. If you can get to those ultimates, it gives you three good opportunities to hold
firm, and that should be two minutes to go up here. So Spain, they can just get a little
bit more ultimate value after this initial ult roll. They got a good chance.
This is a support play, this is an army stream being lifted up to the high ground, oh it's
Skybox, sorry, not an eye-ground. And Canel needs to be out-hitting these. Just the left
place, but he needs to be hitting the sneaks too. That's what guaranteed him a couple of
fights before. Wow, he had it just... Just said to breathe in, goodbye.
I mean, maybe feeling like we've got 2 minutes and 20 here. You just want to go
address him just to want to give him that spane of guard, but they're not going to be caught.
Gala goes down here. I mean, it's always tricky losing the cat here. We'll get back
relatively quickly, but definitely opening the door for Saudi Arabia. See if they can capitalize
ever so slightly here, with these early faces. They got past yet again. Yeah. Oh, now he gets
picked off as well. The healing is going to get cut in half here, sadly. Oh, Gala goes down too. Only
33% score required. Someone's got to touch for Spain. Saudi Arabia get it done. Match points now
in this first of three. A valiant defense here for Spain but it is sadly that come out on top.
They clutch it out. Saudi Arabia they clutch things out and get the job done here.
On Ikebal they've got steel I mean this series this series goes it's been so much closer than I
think we expected going into this one so really impressive just to see Spain they can hang with
the team like Saudi Arabia and that will Saudi Arabia's map pick they're going to
Ikevalli of course so Spain another opportunity for them coming up to map
four here they get to pick where we are going next and see if they can force a
map five yes small little break for the players here just to make sure no one
needs the bathroom I'll be through the rest of this series hopefully for Spain
at least it's gonna go at the distance I have to bring it to a map five now still
hope though again look pushing Saudi all the way to that third point despite
finishing an OT fine also bringing down that time back to about two minutes
you're probably still smiling there if you're Spain yeah look you can go into
this fourth map and I mean you were riding higher momentum after route 66
you were you know this pumping and feeling good great energy but now you're
an opportunity to kind of like sit back and reflect on okay like what can we do
better against map 4 what does work for us what hasn't worked for us maybe you're
feeling after this I can model that okay like this aggression with the demon with
the honor it didn't really work in our favor here maybe something we don't
necessarily want to rely on moving forward here but the individual
playmaking has been there from Spain like there's like bones competing with
the likes of course and love that things we didn't really expect right and
that is what the awards work up provides gives the opportunity for some of these
more unknown players to make a stand make a name for themselves and I think
bones has been quite impressive on the Tracer so far. We know Knau is impressive on the honor
those sleep doubts on the defense just hitting ports a couple of times in the air like yeah like
in the air too it's not like you're slow in the air at all oh okay that was a spectacular delivery
look at that yeah that's frustrating like if i would give advice to over spares it's like
when you have these very long cooldowns like a sleep dart it's like you can't just like throw it
out before the fight begins right yeah like it's a critical cooldown so not just like throw it out
Like make sure you hit it first of all you get some kind of out make sure you get make sure you hit this
Yes, and it doesn't have to be like the biggest daddy, but now it's just like yeah, I'm just gonna sleep off this guy in the sky
Feel advice don't try that at home. Don't try to sleep the jetpack at at all
And then honestly is a pretty big change because before when we were seeing that happen
Normally the bastions the bastions is kind of like kind of live in the air like okay
They're taking a quick nap, a quick five, and then...
Big Skybox.
Yeah, he's just getting blown away.
It's like, okay, well, we can't kill him.
There is a pretty big change for the Jetpack cat.
Having those targets being dropped after they get CC'd.
And Ana is really the only one that has
kind of great access to the instant dial,
like an instant kind of CC like that, even in the skies.
Most people playing in the Skybox.
Looks like a quick discussion here between the two teams
and Gala peeking his head in two.
And where they want to go, and what they want to ban.
So we've already played the s2 map and the hybrid map here.
Push and flashpoint remains.
We've seen flashpoint picked before here.
Let's see if they want to keep up some of that energy on the first map.
We saw them play more of a sigma style.
Then it was more of a double flex style if you will on route 66.
And then it was also the Zeeman.
Oh, it's being played by Spain, so they've shown kind of what we expected from Spain.
It's like they're really flexible, they've had a lot of different stuff, B-Puripools.
Now they're taking us to Esperanza next, which of course, no Ana ban anymore.
I mean, I'm down.
Look, Esperanza, you can play hardcore, kind of double flex.
Well, people have shown that they like to play the demon and the Ana here, right?
Yeah.
And so you can just keep this style going if you are Spain.
look they didn't get away with a victory on I can only but hey just slow things
in there play aggressive if we get a little bit more value from our limit
break or none of us we can really take it to start radio you gotta play with
that productivity and the faith in your ability to get rewarded for it on a
a lorry
Cinema backline. Oh stop it
Wake up
It's not a dream anymore wake up. We're actually here at blizzCon in 2026. It's a just picker
It is but I mean Jeff Hancock super sick on this map, but of Spain now look look we want to play on yeah, we do
And Santi getting a bit of respect as well from KSA demon band taking away the pick that she did very well on in Busan
That tells me that, of course, Saudi Arabia, they know what's coming, yeah.
We don't want to let you get away with playing the demon on a composition, and I mean, that
is what France got away with against South Korea.
The demon band, the jetpacked hat band, they were deployed early in the series, and so
the last three maps of France versus South Korea, I was like, okay, like, Cork just just
running wild on the demon, like, there's no bands to deploy anymore, but in this opportunity
Right here
Yes
You get the event currency as well
I'm excited to see how Esparanza ends up panning out, but KSA, they know what's going to happen.
We know you don't play Ana.
We know what you want to get it to.
Now, does Spain expect the same thing?
I think it's still just going to be more cat.
It's going to be more Sermajed on the carry.
That feels inevitable.
Yeah, after staying here, what tank hero?
are we gonna see some on run? I got distracted. You did see some on run in
Busan. Well okay well what do you see some okay like let's say a lot not a lot
not a lot yeah that's right yeah let's set the expectations here we're seeing
on run maybe like three times yes so it is a rare it's a rare pick it's a rare
trading card if you if you got a little report card like meta report card like
hero pick part yeah that would be one of the rarest like one of the rarest ones
I agree yeah I mean it wouldn't be it would be a little crazy considering how
good like cast is right now as well you kind of need a linear map and you need
to play against heroes that you can really like dish out damage against you
know like a sigma composition or a diva composition if you can build up that
burn damage might be quite favorable you can get away with that but you're not
going to get away with that on Esperanto. If you are either Spain or Saudi Arabia.
Yeah, there's no way. So, let's dream on. Oh, I'll be dreaming. All right, Spain,
here we go. A map win here, taking us to a map five would be just so sick for our
open-air game at BlizzCon 2026 for the Watch World Cup. But Saudi Arabia, look
and they just want to just punch this one home. And being eliminated here, there's
no lower bracket, might I remind you, so you will be sent home on day one, two,
Which is not the best feeling but still also making it to blizzcon. It's got to be an achievement into itself
I mean if you're sorry Arabia, you probably went into this one knowing it that you're the heavy favorites
You're the reigning world champs, and you're like all right. Let's just get this serious done with
good a quick video
Grab some tacos at the food. Okay, really what damn this guy is hungry. It is
But now you face yourself this map for I guess Spain that's been looking really competitive and you're almost like a little impatient
Why is this series not over yet?
And that impatience could lead to mistakes,
a bit more proactivity than perhaps you need,
and that allows Spain to get back into this series,
and so it's a mental game as well.
It's what happened on Route 66, getting picked off a little bit too early.
I mean, Exodio now kind of heating up on the Stage 2 against Quartz.
Finding opening picks on the Cassidy is second to none.
It is the best thing you can do as the cast,
because then you can get, well, if you're in a sticky spot,
You can get airlifted to safety by your cat as well. We'll see how Esperanza ends up going
It's gonna be a pivot towards the Arnifer Canal. That's to be said
probably more cat too
And Spain really trying to make their own mark and shake their own destiny to after they get eliminated last year
Well, not last not 2025 but 2023 the last World Cup where they got eliminated 3-0 by Saudi in this exact same spot
I want to prove that they got more to show that just won the map win here against Saudi
Arabia.
This is win the match or go home.
And so backs against the wall here now for Spain in this series.
Let's head over to Esfrança.
A tough map to play to if you lose that early control.
The first fight is so important still.
the high ground just so disgustingly good for the team with control of the bot after
that first fight.
Oh, a rare Sermijer de Arnaud might be on the table too, wouldn't hate to either, and
even Bones kind of hovering bashing.
We saw it banned last map.
This could be where they pull it out, this secret weapon from Bones who's been pretty
Decent on this racer so far.
Date's unlocked.
Saudi looking to finish the series in the 3-1 faction.
Spain on the other hand, a map five is in their hopes.
And this bastion is going to be a surprise for Saudi Arabia.
I'll still see bones here getting picked up by Gala.
Going for these deep swings to turret mode activated.
That's something that CR has to be ready for,
saving up some of that matrix for the big bastion
to go aggressive.
So definitely a tactical adjustment here, but something taking a lot of damage early.
They're definitely coming off worse in the trade versus Ziyad.
A lot of that nade damage.
Good focus down, gives so much yet a bit of an opening too.
Both these Arnaz looking for instant nades, Quartz goes pretty low, but quickly healed up.
A rotation now for KSA.
They make their way back, like behind the bot's checkpoints.
Here comes the swing around though.
Quartz pushed away initially by the cat, they're now looking at Quartz.
the Nade not quite finding what he was looking for, the Quartz crawling forward, the aggressive push, but they've lost the Mechaziad.
That's the big issue with the Bastion.
If you can't get value from the turret form, it really flips the momentum for the favourites of the Reba.
Like, Sodial here, that's gonna pick up the Lava.
The most important fight here on this map is gonna be won by Spain, as they take control.
See, I'm trying to build up towards this Mechaziad, to be able to do it in the safety of the Mechaziad health back room.
But now they get high ground.
He's awesome. Denonibus already available here from Camille.
Whoa, what a game as well. Spanels go a hot start here.
Nanna, you just got to send Santi, it'll leave a pose. Looks like Santi is going to be the one open sleet from Sermas yet.
A little hindrance to those plans now, but a bit of a fake here for Santi.
Just going to run down the rest of them. And Gala and Santi are going to have to push the point now.
Well, Quartz, you're alone, buddy. Against the Teeba, Zox gets taken out by Gala.
Another clean sweep here. Spain with a two-man wrecking crew. I'm pushing the point.
And will they get the checkpoint here, or will someone be available for sorry,
or will they contest? See ya. Trying to push forward here.
At some point, surely Spain has to retreat here. It is contested after all here.
That is crucial. We have to hold that bot before the checkpoint.
Oh, they're gonna mind you. They really want this. Another sleep from Sermazed.
It's gonna get eaten by the Matrix regardless, but still, you gotta feel good about that one.
Here comes the nanoboost. The springback. Oh, but the catapult's so good!
Bones at least gets taken down though as they trade before. Self-destruct from Santi, but taken out by Labda.
The trades are kind of nasty. Spain have got their hits going up, but see, at the end of half, they use the self-destruct after he got anti.
After Spain you get a withdrawal here and be really careful not to lose a member if you can as well
Straighting back and forth, but it's for favorable for Saudi Arabia
Is it I don't think it is I mean look Spain now having a nano in about 40%
Which doesn't take too long to build these cops that take a lot of initial damage
They're gonna use the artillery for eyes to to push Saudi Arabia back
Taking control of that high ground again
Quartz, past the dead I hear though, one Katnub could be devastating.
There it is, Katnub, over the top.
No sleep coming in, oh the very end and it's good enough for a kill!
Bones, Katnub, again the trade comes in.
To DPS for DPS, a long range name, hits Exodiel but now they got a Sky Noon of their own.
Straight around the top, Seattle looking for somebody, those bullets eating up,
but straight for the back line, goes the Casper, straight back to Spawn.
as he's followed up by Sermoshed, but another one Santi, and you know what that means, chasing down
Lab through his Seattle, so turn tail and running.
Kane is looking really impressive with this composition so far,
trading back and forth and making a path. They need a checkpoint. Need a checkpoint here,
indeed, sort of raven pouring. Oh, you gotta touch, push it, you gotta touch, push it on. Oh!
Oh, contested, just in time for Saudi Arabia.
That two seconds of hesitation, a good sweep onto QW,
so it's then a pushing back.
Ziyan, the last player right now off the KSA on the point.
Great corner.
Now the boost is going to get deployed,
but then it gets easy.
So Ziyan's still at around 280 SHP.
Straight to the high ground here.
Sanzi holds on, keeping Bones alive with the Matrix,
as the Catman, Pagala might be what they need.
But Sanzi, self-destruct kill on Sermajet.
Bot though, is in control of Saudi Arabia right now.
Bones goes down here, and that is the moment
where Spain now has to withdraw,
having lost both their tank player and their basket.
And again, they didn't capture that crucial checkpoint.
Two seconds of hesitation,
they weren't touching the bot there, Johnny.
Call it one and a half, maybe.
I mean, the smallest of details, really.
And now Saudi Arabia, for the first time,
they get the opportunity to flip things here,
fight on the same side of the map.
Canale has to a whirlwind sleep dart onto quartz. They're gonna wait to rip this
high noon though I'd imagine. They don't really need to.
He's the Sky Noon. He's trying to find somebody in this gala but again a trade
it's another 4v4.
Don't want to push past the gates though. I'm gonna buy you a timer if you're a
Spain when I played pretty cool and collected.
Sodeo got another dead eye, but they're going to try and push in aggressively here as he
Sodeo ends up going down a catnap onto Santi's mech 2,
institutes the matrix of quartz, oversteps his mark, an overconfident push.
As Santi was basically put in that position by Sox to get that kill,
there is going to be Seattle being airlifted to safety,
his opponents are going down, the Spree finds a bit of damage onto Gala as KSA
managed to find a good early pick and that bot's gonna get moving and this checkpoint in their sights
yeah this is going to get captured and something's on a ton of trouble here on the debuff
we'll try to get out but i kind of doubt it's here okay
yeah the point's gonna get capped though as well johnny i mean this is again a small slip up pain
the price for it now is spain not getting the checkpoint of their own
It's going to brutal comeback for Saudi Arabia.
Stain it.
He needs to find a way back into this map now.
I knew it.
Over top, ports in front of standing.
He's ground there.
He's going to have the damage reported in two.
Oh, and it's just so good.
The matrix is so nice from Zad.
And Saudi almost instantly de-makes off the back of that.
This is a lead being extended now by KSA.
They are fully online here in Spain.
hasn't had anything going for the past few minutes at this point.
Ace is going to start building towards a hundred meters of progress for Saudi Arabia.
And Spain, they don't really have any ultimates before here either.
I mean, for course, I mean, in a sport like this, it's just too nasty.
And he gets out basically for free.
It's just disgusting work from Zox and Quartz right now as they personally need over a hundred meters.
Is this it?
Is this a dream? The Spain crushed in this moment, folks.
Goes in for the gap now, Pat.
Yes, Auntie again though, but oh, she gets DMG.
There's the focus fire. It's just so damn clean from Saudi Arabia right now.
And God also ends up going down.
I mean, it's Auntie dead. I mean, Johnny, is this it?
This, this, this might be over right here.
Spain, they're struggling to find a foothold here on their own defense.
They have a non-ahatic, so it goes down.
The last thing you can do with this guy, they're going to Saudi Arabia.
Approaching the point.
Just maybe from Canel here is what they need to get themselves back in this.
But Saudi Arabia are not going to make this easy.
Nano booster poids straight to the back.
Sarti is just going to get Matrix that entire time.
There's no backup here for Spain.
As KSA now can just spring back into this.
A loss of the neck, a loss of the life.
And Nano onto Quartz.
They're just running this one in.
And it's self-destruct killer as well.
Fireworks for Saudi Arabia.
Wow.
and sometimes heroes for Saudi Arabia end up coming up with this series with a
3-1 the champions that lifted the trophy in 2023 making their run once again
you're watching that series and through what you're thinking all right Spain is
hanging there they're really fighting back in Saudi Arabia is this Saudi Arabia
team as strong as you thought they were but they really shown that last map on
They took over after the six-minute mark and just dominated your position and that is what we come to expect from the reigning world champions.
Heroes downfall for Spain who they come in to this 20-26 Overwatch World Cup after losing to Saudi Arabia in 23 in the same position.
This time though, putting up more of a fight, they brought more five-house and more heroes to grace their team.
but the the sheer power level of Saudi Arabia cannot be understated right now
we'll see how far they end up going but a semi-final spot is locked in for the
team we'll be finding out next who they're going to face in that one as
Germany versus Sweden is waiting but great first match here to kick things
off at the 2026 World Cup here at Biscondt yeah I mean a fantastic
showing on RU I think everybody was kind of with Spain at the very start there
so we see the maps on your screen the 3-1 for KSA and you mentioned Germany
Sweden coming up that's the next series on the docket that series decides who
KSA will face in the semi-finals we know who you're written for Johnny obviously
No, no, no, no. I'm on by upstairs. I'm a professional.
It's going to be a really interesting series to see who's coming up.
Who will get the opportunity to face off against Saudi Arabia in a semi-final?
Slop here. That's a bit far away to Spain, of course, now.
They're road MCR in the quarterfinals.
They got one more map than the previous time against Saudi Arabia.
and overall been so impressed by a few of these pairs, something bones to individuals we perhaps didn't know as much about going into the World Cup this year around and they showed to us that they have a lot of potential, a lot of skill to deploy and maybe we'll see more of them in OWCS.
Yeah, I mean, look, getting better and better every year, that is what Spain are going to be looking for here, but with that, Saudi Arabia take the series three to one, let's jump down to the stage there real quick for it into me.
Thanks guys, I'm here joined by Quartz from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia getting the win against
Spain.
Three, two, one, big congratulations on getting the win, Quartz.
I mean, you were here in 2023 and now you're here again for BlizzCon again.
How does that make you feel?
How does it feel to be back here on stage?
It feels so nice, especially since the stage is nicer than last year, I would say, or 2023,
and especially since we're reigning champs, so I'm here to defend our title.
Yeah.
Talking about the defending title, I mean, because you guys were the champions, I feel
there's a lot more expectation for team KSA. Does that sort of like have a heavy burden on you?
How do you feel about that? For me at least. No, I think that motivates me to play even better.
Okay, and let's talk a little bit about this match. I feel like a lot of people expected
this to be a 3-0. It was a 3-1 victory for you guys. What were some of the problems that your
team had during the match and how did you guys resolve that problem? I think overall we played
really well. Only loss we had was to ourselves. We weren't playing good, we weren't listening,
But we managed to fix it and close it out in 20 minutes or so.
I'm just kidding. But we fixed it.
You guys definitely fixed it and got the win.
Anything you want to say for your fans that are watching?
That's my final question for you, Quartz.
Of course. Can I say it in Arabic?
Yeah.
Take them all, Falfa, Aafi, Hababi.
We'll see each other in the next video. This is the first round.
We'll see each other in the next video.
We'll see you in the next video.
Do you mind quickly translating that for me? Sorry, I don't speak Arabic.
I can do it. I said thank you guys so much for your support, hopefully we'll close it out.
We're playing tomorrow against Sweden and Germany or whoever wants to match.
And we'll make you guys happy with the trophy again.
All right, well that's it for Nervy Quartz, thank you so much.
That is it, thank you so much. Let's head back to the desk.
From handshake to seal the deal on our stage, thank you so much.
Adani and Quartz, that's a promise to the fans.
They will be lifting that trophy, but, you know,
other teams, something to say about that.
Let's talk about how this series should outdo,
because initially, Kasey came in very, very dominantly,
but Spain started to, like,
find themselves with the leg in the game again.
Yeah, I'm not gonna lie.
On that first map, I was starting to get worried.
I mean, Quartz immediately just opened up on them,
and this was a blitz of a map one.
But huge problems for teams playing
because they were able to kind of right the ship,
stabilize things, bring a map back,
can keep the series relatively competitive from here, but just the margin that the Saudis
are working with. Like, yes, they can drop a map. It's proven by Spain that they can
bleed, but he's got to do a lot more than that to actually win a series against them.
And this map one was really a showcase of that dominance.
It really was. And I think, again, the continuous different looks that we've seen from both
these squads. We know that both kind of like to play a little bit out of the meta. Of course,
We did see the demon coming in alongside that cat into map 2 and the fact that on Route 66
it was just an insane comeback there for the side of Spain to be able to win that one out.
But again, I think I really love to see the bite back.
The stanching was so impressive.
Canale there as well.
Of course, it's Odeo looking to pop off, but for the side of KSA, the depth is just too
strong.
individuals taking over in the server but obviously Quartz also being one of those
individuals who just can basically like turn the favor for his team at any given time and
it's so hard to shut them down. Meta-wise though and composition-wise what did you see here Jake?
Do we have a better idea of what we can expect for the next few days?
You know I really think Santi Sigma not just her individual prowess on the character but just how
effective it felt in this series. I think that's support 10 for the future here. I think we're
I think we're going to see a lot of these more comfortable flex tank players wanting to pull out the stigma more than they have in recent patches, but we saw a ton of versatility.
It's clear that Kat is still a very relevant pick, you know, they've been able to give that vertical mobility to your Cassidy, your Ana, your tank.
I mean, anybody who needs it, there's just incredible competitive playmaking potential there, but things still feel to me very wide open.
I still think there's a lot of opportunity for other teams to come and make their mark on this meta.
I think it's really cool how, again, we've just seen the dynamicism across these four maps here for the first quarter final of today,
and with how open things are, the more potential for upsets.
Absolutely, and once again, like, obviously, some teams have a very clear identity,
other teams are trying on a lot of different looks.
From Spain, for example, unfortunately, they're out here of the competition,
but in Busan and also here today, I feel like they've been able to play a lot of different styles
There's a variety of compositions, Jake.
Yeah, the Batiste, you know, Ash, you mentioned this on Rutsuichi6,
but I think that's a very much a comfort pick for Canale.
Worked incredibly well with the Sigma, with the Cassidy.
It felt like a style that could really work for Spain.
And I think we'll see maybe more teams experimenting
with some of those different picks, some heroes
that we really haven't seen in the mix too much lately.
But I think for me, that's the beauty of playing on a fresh path.
Even these pro players are innovating,
like they're watching these matches.
They're thinking about how that affects the matter,
what they want to bring into their individual approaches.
because with single-ealing, we talked about this,
it's the adaptations you can make on stage.
It's not just what you bring in preparation,
it's how you can develop over the course
of what's hopefully a long series for some of these teams.
And that's kind of how we saw the demon meta
starting to develop during the group stage of Busan, right?
We saw how teams were, there were some players
who were playing it a little bit more passive,
using that dash to get out, but then we saw the shift,
the aggression starting to come through,
and those adaptations, and I cannot wait to see
how things are gonna develop further this weekend.
Yeah, I mean, this was just the first of many more matches to come.
We will be having four quarterfinal matches just today.
But that also means we have to say goodbye to four teams already on day one,
which is obviously a bit of a heartbreaker.
Next up, it's going to be a big one.
It's going to be Germany going up against Sweden.
I think Germany really impresses us all so much.
Do you feel like there's a clear favorite here?
Would that be Sweden just based on like the, you know,
like the veteran players that we have on that team or do you feel like Germany has a real
chance for an upset? I think Germany has a real chance for an upset. I think that based
on what we saw, what we heard about the Scrimbox as well, a lot of people ended up being Sweden
killed, but Germany have been so impressive. And I think again, with what we're talking
about, when it comes down to that cat as well, guys, I'm such an accruble. You have no idea.
She's just so talented and mechanically gifted at that hero and I could definitely see her
being a different maker today.
Yeah and her decision making on Kat especially has to just be really really impressive because
you really have to pick your battles right?
Like that's the most important thing because Kat can be everywhere at all times.
You really need to know where you need it and what position will have the most impact
in that match in the octwation.
Great proficiency in that in Boussa.
see if they can get the victory over Sweden.
First, we're going to head into a quick break.
And afterwards, we're back with our second quarter
final of the day.
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The 2026 Overwatch World Cup is brought to you by DHL.
Sweden.
What do you think is Germany's biggest strength?
Their tank player for sure.
He's just like a high quality player.
One of the best tank players in Europe.
Is Kevster still the top threat from Sweden?
Yeah, he's the best player on the team for sure.
I mean, they will for sure have a very strong side-fight
that we gotta look out for, but...
He's lapping the right side.
Yeah, let's not play. He's trash.
I'm trying to find one.
Most of the time, Soudi is the first to enter the team.
I don't think they are ready.
They have a good team.
They have Kessler.
Kessler is going to get close to the game.
I think he will be the third.
How many times have you been to one?
Kev is too good.
Kev is too good.
Kev is having a great tournament.
I think it's Sweden.
Sweden.
Sweden.
What do you think about Kessler?
What do you think about Kessler?
I think Kessler is really, really insane.
Also, Winnie the Pooh is a really good player.
And together, they support each other's playstyle.
What do you think the final score is going to be?
3-0.
Confident 3-0?
Confident.
And we are back for our second quarter-final match of the day.
There's going to be a good one.
Although in the piece we just watched,
It seems like most of the pro players will give the edge to Sweden, but let's hear from our desk here
If we agree with that sentiment
Jake and Ash joining me to set the stage for this one Sweden going up against Germany
Let's talk big picture first because obviously, you know when you have a team like Sweden with a kester in the mix
You're just gonna assume that they're gonna make it all the way on top kester is
is probably currently in best form ever.
And that's a crazy thing to say because he's never been in bad shape, right?
So, but like, he's literally at the tippy top right now.
But Germany, yes, they have ice cream.
He's our up-and-coming player from last year,
and he's really like solidified himself as one of the best tank players in the West
or maybe even in the world.
But really, his team has been like, stepped like right there with him.
And they leveled up so much in this competition as well.
So maybe there is an actual opportunity here for Germany to take this one.
How do you, do you feel like it's as lopsided as the interviews we just saw suggest?
So do you feel like this is for the big Germanies?
You know, I think it's fair to say that with a player like Kessler in the mix,
which you know, a lot of people see what he does in the server,
and it's just obviously he's one of the best players in the world,
especially on these very individualistic, very high performing DPS roles.
But if people don't realize it,
this is also one of the best communicators in the game.
He actually is an incredible team leader.
And to be playing Tracer and Xi'an deep in the back line
and somehow leading your team
when they're doing something completely different,
takes an incredible mind for the game.
And I think that has to really be looked at
for Team Sweden as one of their biggest threats.
I think for Germany to play this close,
I think they can,
but it needs to be a Herculean effort,
really from Eisenam as the player
with the most pedigree and experience.
But as we mentioned,
the rest of the team has to step up to that level as well.
I want to believe in this team from Germany, you know,
and I'm really hoping that this is going to be
an exciting and close finish.
I definitely have to agree.
I feel like it makes sense why we're seeing Sweden as a overdog, right?
But it's kind of crazy to think that Iceland coming into this event is now
considered the experienced player on the roster and the way he's been able to
lead them as well.
I feel like we've heard so much from his team about how much they've been
learning, how quickly they've been gaining that experience.
I think that is also something that can be incredibly dangerous.
Yeah.
And I mean, the group stage, it was a nail biter, right?
Like they ended up in this three way tie break with Canada and Spain.
in their group, and they ended up coming out on top of it all.
And quite frankly, I think Aislam, in an interview in Busan, did say,
he's just been so impressed with how well the team played,
how quickly they learned, and stepped it up to the competition.
Because initially, they didn't even think they could make it past the qualifiers,
and then they were in Busan, they're like,
oh man, if we just win a match here, that would be great,
but they didn't expect it, expected.
And now they're here. So at this point, he basically said on the platform that he feels like they're playing with house money.
Like if they managed to win a quarterfinal here, that would already be like this is already a career hike for all of us.
I think that's the other thing, right? Not really having that pressure on your shoulders for Team Germany.
I think that for Team Sweden, they do have that pressure.
They feel it a lot more with the expectations that are being placed on them.
This roster for Germany though, honestly, I am so excited to see this match up
because I think it's going to be a banger with the firepower and just general vibes and energy and mindset that they're bringing to the table.
Absolutely. But we know that Sweden will not underestimate Germany because what we've seen from them in the qualifiers and also in Busan,
like players like QR, they can take over a server. So Sweden cannot slack for this one, Jay.
I mean, what I really like about this Swedish team is how aggressive they are.
you know Kevser kind of sets the tempo, but the rest of the team is in right behind him and I mean Kevser has an incredible read on
Managing that you never being quite far enough in that you could punish him
But he's always keeping the pressure on you and I think for Germany the question is can they weather that storm?
Can they give eyes on the time and space to work where he can really develop an advantage trade in the tank matchup?
It won't be easy for team Germany and I think that
Aggressive pressure for teams reading is gonna be really the first pearl they've got to get over
But with the Swedish roster, you know, really putting the pressure on, I think Admiral as a breakout player on this team is an incredible asset.
I think he's one of the best Matesport players in the world, full stop.
And for him to be on the Swedish roster, coming from Estonia as a breakout player is a really great thing for Team Sweden.
I think he's a big reason why they've come this far and why they look so strong.
Yeah, I mean him and Skull have had great synergy in the server.
I think that overall though, for this team, it's also kind of crazy when you're thinking about the fact that Kevser is not even on his main role.
role and he's performing so well right? Yeah I know I know but exactly that's kind of the point
that I'm trying to make is the flexibility that and the mechanics that he's still consistently
being able to bring across an insane pool of heroes it's it's something that's definitely really
hard to go up against. Yeah I honestly it's no surprise that everyone is like ranking this team
at very very high that they should be considered the favorite in this particular matchup we talk
talk about Kevster so much, but yeah also Admiral obviously and Skyler I think his
Kyrie and his cat are really top notch like the cat's good. Yeah the cat's really
really good so I think that really gave them a massive edge to even make it
here because we got a little close there for the first seed against the USA as
well with them unfortunately they ended up second but still. So Sweden obviously a
highly rated team we have to talk about predictions for this one. I would assume
that you're going with Sweden because you're obviously a massive Kevster fan.
You know, I am a massive Kevster fan and it's a little bit crazy to do this, but I'm gonna go for the upset here.
You know, I think just talking with Akku last night,
I was really impressed with her composure and the way she talked about the pressure that you're under in like a big stage with
tons of people watching with the family tuning in at home. So I'm rooting for Team Germany.
I think it's that they're a big underdog, but you know, that's what the Overwatch World Cup is all about.
And we learned anything from the last match is that any given day anything can happen.
And if this German squad really shows up with their A game,
I think there's a chance.
Guys, if you know me, you know I love an underdog story.
And I think that's the craziest thing
is that my prediction following Jake is also
going to be a Germany win.
It's not that I don't believe in Sweden,
but honestly, it's my vibe right now.
I have nothing else to say other than that.
You're just in a German era right now.
I get it.
It's my gut feeling.
Yeah, this is actually I.
Wait a second.
I thought I was gonna be like the big break and the desperate is what I wear with Germany for a 3-2.
We all chose the same score line, you're joking.
We're the same kind of crazy guys. We're a good team up here.
But it's not crazy, crazy. I feel like this is unbelievable. This is not super out there.
Just based on what we've seen from Germany. This is reasonable.
I think this is an upset prediction. I think we really should say that Sweden are the favourites.
I think they've got more experience across the roster.
But Germany, I was looking at them in the group stages like,
hey, this is a team, I don't know if they're going to qualify.
And then they come on as the one seed.
And they put up some impressive match wins in some tough spots.
So I do think that if they can come out here and just show
that best performance here on land,
if a little bit of pressure gets the team Sweden,
maybe that's a run likely expectation,
but it's certainly possible.
Yeah, I think just how quickly they've
been evolving over the last couple of months.
It's been so impressive there for Team Germany.
But again, it is the underdog story.
I feel like it sounds so crazy for us to have these predictions.
After we watched the team interviews about how this matchup was going to go
and everyone was Sweden filled, I feel like we look insane right now.
Because I was so ready to defend my pick against the two of you.
So there's that.
But yeah, I don't know.
What about our audience in here?
Who thinks Sweden got this one?
Make some noise for Sweden.
Okay, I'm not impressed with the amount of noise I'm hearing, by the way.
But, okay, Germany, any team Germany fans?
Are they with us?
Are we with the crowd?
They're slightly against us, but I'm okay with that.
I'm okay with that.
I'll stand on business.
I'll take a risk with my friend.
I mean, and, you know, I think part of the fun of it is I love to see the underdog story
and maybe nowhere else but the Overwatch World Cup am I more excited to predict
that underdog and hope that they can, you know, make history and really make a name
for themselves.
I mean, some of the players have talked about this, right?
This is a genuinely the best opportunity for our players not currently competing at the highest level of overwatch to get their shot to play on land
You know your performance here under this kind of pressure is exactly what elite coaches want to see and so for a lot of players win
Or lose you can have a very strong individual game. It could change your life. It could change your career
Yeah, literally like people are scouting and these kind of events because this finally gives players who have been grinding tier 2 or
or even tier three, if you will, for quite some time,
but they never really go to shop in any of the teams.
But now they have an opportunity to play against the best,
and that also means to train against the best.
And that's why we see teams like Team Germany
leveling up so quickly,
like within just the scope of the Overwatch World Cup,
this is where diamonds are being forged.
Now we're heading into a very quick break,
and then afterwards we are back
with our second quarterfinal of the day,
Sweden going up against Team Germany.
Who do you think is the most aggressive team?
I think it's France.
I think it's France, wouldn't it?
I would say France.
France, because of Crocs.
Because they have Crocs leaving the team as the tank.
France.
France?
Yeah.
Yeah, that's France.
They have Crocs.
Who has the best mechanic?
Okay, on three. One, two, three, quartz.
Hello?
I thought you weren't meant to say team.
What about mechanics?
Who gets the best?
Saudi.
Saudi, honestly.
This is not a big obstacle for us.
We all have this kind of mechanics.
I would say Sweden.
I would say Sweden or USA.
I think it's hard to deny that it should be South Korea.
Three, two, one.
Sorry, I'm not sure.
Definitely not us.
Yeah, I was going to say.
Who's the most underrated team?
I would say Sweden, for a second.
I think they are really good.
Team Germany?
I mean, ask somebody else?
Us.
Yeah.
I'm taking any of them.
Maybe us.
I kind of want to say Sweden.
I think there's actually a good chance that if any of these are out, they could win that, for sure.
If your team doesn't win the World Cup, who do you think it will be?
Korea's highest probability, but both Saudi and US have a great shot at the World Cup.
Saudi, for sure.
Yeah.
Gigu.
Gina, Saudi, who are you?
I think...
South Korea.
South Korea.
South Korea.
I'll go with Saudi.
Saudi?
Yeah, I'll go with Saudi.
Team Saudi Arabia, the favorite swim for me?
I'm talking about the unpredictable maybe Schwanz-Gottas in their back.
We had a whole set of matches already, right?
A whole set of matches.
Yeah, probably a set of matches.
Akku, when did you start feeling comfortable competing at this level?
Probably started right after Team Germany was announced and we played a few games
and I can compete on the highest level.
I can pull out the jetpack hat and get some of the greatest players.
like out in the world and that's bringing a lot of confidence to me.
What do you think Akrima did as well as a support player?
I think she showed a lot of strength on the cat, like Jetpack cat.
When we were watching Germany, she was surprisingly good at cat.
I mean, like being able to play a lot of different heroes is pretty important as a support.
And like we scrim Germany, they'll play Lucio, they'll play Cat, they'll play Mizuki, they'll play Brig.
What about the Sancti, what do you think makes her dangerous as a tank?
I think she's quite strong mechanically as a player.
You can't really guess what she's doing.
Pure aggression.
Very aggressive, as a player.
Do you think aggression is good in this match?
It's always good in a match.
What's the difference between proving yourself to your teammates
versus proving yourself to the world?
Quite different because the world is going to see only like 40 to 50 minutes.
And with the teammates, it's like I have to be there daily
and like prove it to myself and to them.
Yeah, I think World Cup was like a super good opportunity for a lot of players, you know?
Like Team Turkey with the Umi, Team Germany with Acre, you know?
Like Team Spain with Senti, like a lot of different people got to show.
I think like teams do pay a lot of attention to World Cup, you know?
Like historically a lot of people in Q2 have gotten a shot because of World Cup.
Just for anyone like to be that early in their career and like play on a LAN,
I'm like this big of a stage is like a huge experience.
So it'll be interesting to see like where they take that.
It's just so valuable to have a player.
You can grow so much from events like these.
Okay, you can do it, you know, you can go out there.
You can compete on the highest level.
If you just like stay on the grind and try your best.
And I think it's a really important message for like every girl out there who wants to compete.
Happy to be here.
Looking back at outdoor events of the past, recent ones like Vault of ItaloTech for sure, but also older features like Community Feast or Time Rifts, even Scrap from Undermine, and identifying what's worked, what hasn't, with a goal of building just the coolest outdoor events we can make.
We're also prepping in some fun new wrinkles.
Radiant Screams, for example, has a massacre chain,
which increases your performance and rewards
based on how long you can keep a kill streak going.
Straighten it up to be really cool.
All right.
I've said this phrase a couple times now.
You might have picked up on it,
the battle between light and void.
Now, Xalataph is the void that makes us the light, right?
That tracks.
If that's the case, I think we'd better beef up our roster of holy warriors.
For that reason, the Paladin Order Hall is taking a cue from World of Warcraft
forever and opening up its doors to a new group.
We're Sakin' Paladins.
In addition to just this like killer combo,
there's also gonna be a really cool quest line that explores how these
Forsaken Paladins came to be.
So this was the plan.
Forsaken Paladins.
But after we put it together,
we thought, you know, this might not be enough.
Xalatath is too great a foe.
So, Darkspear and Night Elf can also be Paladins, that's it.
All right, let's move away from the battlefield a little bit, and more towards home.
I have any housing aficionados here?
On both sides of the room this time.
So, first up, we have a new mode coming to housing, and this is called the showcase.
Here's how it works.
You log into the game, you can open up your housing dashboard, and check out the showcase.
This will be a bunch of houses that other players have submitted for you to check out.
It could just be a general collection of cool houses.
I thought my house was really cool, and I want other people to see it, or it could be
a themed event.
Like, the one image here is a spring themed event.
You choose one that appeals to you, visit a few houses if you like them, you throw it
a heart.
You can see I gave a heart here to Endstravaganza, and I visited my springtime shop, but I didn't
give that one a heart.
Now if you're a housing efficient out of yourself as I mentioned you can also put your own house up there in the showcase
When you submit your showcase or your house to the showcase
It's saved off as a snapshot right there in that moment
So you can still continue to move things around in your house as well. You're not going to mess up your submission
It's still a public-saved space. There are the other people there
Walking around but it'll it will not be affected by what you do in your own home
And if you do really well in any showcase event, you can earn some cool thematic decor
You can also just take a snapshot at any time and generate a visitor code, and that is going
to be something you can share with your friends, share with your community, making it easier
than ever just to share your creations with others.
Yeah, I think that's cool.
All right, we also have a fun new way.
You can decorate your home using a collection you may already have.
Specifically, we're adding mannequins.
This is pretty simple, place a mannequin in your house, equip it with any gear or weapon,
or appearance that you've unlocked.
It's like transmog for a statue.
You can see a couple, you know, humans, body styles here, there's going to be a bunch of
body styles, a bunch of poses, a bunch of different races and whatnot.
Really excited to share this.
We're also adding a few new ergonomic benefits to housing.
First, a commonly requested feature has finally come to Azeroth's homes.
copy paste and multi select. If you know, you know. Copy paste will do exactly that.
You copy out a piece of decor and then paste the duplicate with the exact same properties
as the original. It's size, it's rotation, it's die, assuming you have copies of the
decor and the die to be able to paste it. Multi select is also exactly what it says
on the tin. You just select many items together, either through a click drag or a modifier
key and clicking multiple items and then move them or rotate them together around a single
pivot point. So say for example you made yourself this really cool grand piano with a 577 different
wooden planks and you want to move it from this room over to that room, it will not be
much easier for you to do that. Or you can just copy it if you like.
All right, housing folks, I got one more thing for you.
I'm particularly excited about it.
Have you ever been in a situation where you're decorating your home, decorating with some
pieces of decor that you purchased, and you felt like you didn't buy enough of them?
You wanted to buy more, but you didn't want to go all the way out to Desilis to the vendor
to get more of it?
Yeah?
Yes?
Okay.
Well, guess what?
In Eclipse, as long as you already own one of the pieces
at Decor, you could just buy more of copies in your home
as if you were buying it from a vendor.
No more making shopping lists of all the things
you need to do, no more breaking your flow.
Just get in there and have fun.
All right.
Listen up, folks.
We're going to be painfully short on time.
I've got a bunch more stuff to cover,
so we'll do some quick hits.
Housing is also coming in 12.2 with four new endeavors,
including the Stormwriters of Isle of Dorn.
All of these guys, they're great.
Now on the class side of things,
particularly excited about this,
we're introducing a feature called the calibration chamber
where you and your party or your raid, if you want,
can test your rotation.
With target dummies that have advanced features
like cool-down resets, full raid buffs.
It's also just like a really cool look in Titan's face.
PvP progression, this side of the room, where my PvPers are at.
PvP progression is also getting refreshed with a new journey that gives you cool PvP rewards,
even if you are a training grounds comp-stomp champion like yours truly.
And lastly, I want to give you an update of something that's coming in patch 12.2.5.
This is the one that's just one after Eclipse.
As you all know, Transmog is the true end game of WoW.
The way that you express yourself is just as important as those stats that are on the
gear.
The problem is, sometimes restrictions get in the way.
You might see the perfect helm appearance, but it's cloth armor and you don't wear cloth.
These boots will look fantastic with these pants, but the pants are leather and the
boots are male and you're a death knight.
none of that mattered. Starting in patch 1225, you'll be able to transmog your
gear across all armor types without restriction. And there you have it, the
The full roadmap revealed, our full midnight roadmap we've covered today.
Jake told you all about tail bounds coming in patch 1217, but as you can see, there's
a bunch more fun stuff coming in that patch as well.
After that, you and I got a big deep dive into Eclipse and a sneak peek into some of
the stuff coming in 1225, and if you look beyond that, there's also 1227, which has
its own features, and it sort of sits in that icy blue area, which makes you start to wonder
what could possibly be... hold on a sec.
You guys feel a chill in the air?
Do you hear the music?
Oh my god! Is that Arthur's Meneville?
No, worse. It's my beloved co-worker, Jake Miller, but he's been killed off stage
and raises a death knight, and now I fear he has some news for us.
What's up, Jake?
Fall, I've come back from another timeline.
One more, not even death will stop.
Here we go, match two of the day, Sweden, who have not graced the blizz-corn arena stage for seven years.
And now is their chance to make up for what they have missed.
Germany on the other hand, Joddy, have not set foot on this stage just yet.
But as they enter the arena, placing first in their group, they demand their seat at the table.
This is going to be a close one. You saw on the desk,
3-2 credits for Germany across the board and you told me before live here. Uh-huh. Who do you think's going this one?
No pressure
I'm not going with the desk. No, I am. I'm gonna go with Germany here
Come on. You can think first placed in the group tied three ways as well to one to one to one
I mean they look really good in this matter and
SSJ could probably get Danny for running his money. All right
Well, I think Sweden is gonna win this match up obviously
Let's go the distance with this one. This is for an opportunity to face off against Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals
Like you just mentioned y'all so much on the line here in Germany as the number one seed coming out of their group
They're gonna go ahead and pick Nepal Nepal. Okay back to familiar territory here
Do you think it's gonna be as close though Johnny? Obviously just protein three two
You think Sweden's gonna take it all the way or is it a one and done three oh onto the next look?
I'm kind of overworked and I want to see as much of what's possible so yeah, let's go to early LMAV 5 in this one
I do think that Sweden going into this one have looked mightily impressive when it comes to the demon composition
The wheelie system a tremendous drop so far and obviously Kevster forced to be reckoned with
But how did they adapt after this mid-season patch Germany with the first fan?
Gonna take away the honor
Yeah, I think honor right now is gonna be so hotly contested considering how weak Kira Koutte
Well, okay, I'm not gonna say how weak she is. She's still very strong, but the suit you know
So obviously I'm gonna put a damper in that big on is a perfectly fine band here
Cassidy to obviously, you know, that is gonna be a prime pick for for Germany who was loved running this cat as well for market
Yeah, let's see how these styles kind of compare between the two
Germany they don't really have the same level of the damaged player with as much input as
Kevster will from Team Sweden but they do have Ice-Nome Kevster's teammate from Virtus.Pro in OWCS
and Ice-Nome as a tank player for Germany will look to be this leader to organize the rest of the troops
provide all that communication and make sure that they're one step ahead of Team Sweden
and let's see how who comes out on top here it's going to be the tactical approach of Germany here
or the mechanical prowess of Kevster in Team Sweden. I mean I think that's it right I think Kevster
Even it's weird to say, but it's got a lot to prove on this stage. I mentioned seven years
And they've not touched this arena here in the round. I mean
For Sweden for yourself Johnny as well
I think the hopes and dreams of a lot of players that have watched
Kevster from when they were young now grow up to playing against Kevster have a lot of hope for him still
He's still one of the best to touch the game that can't be
Disgusted absolutely. He's one of the best damage players in the entire world and that says a lot
But you know as I'm finished like you said a lot of pressure on this team Sweden roster to come through here at risk
But as you look back to some of the rosters in the past
What they've been able to accomplish the fact that Sweden were unable to qualify for the main event last time around
That really left a mark a scar on team Sweden here at the Overwatch World Cup and now this year
They're back in full force here really took it to United States in the group stage in Busan coming in as a second seed here
They're facing Germany and this one, but they want to restore some of that glory that we celebrated from Sweden in the past
You'd got Admiral on the team too another real heavy hitter in the support lineup. I think I'm in scarlet done a
Good job of cementing themselves. I'm like look we are forced to be reckoned
We are a team that is going to take you the distance on this international stage gates unlock Willis
Well, we're back to demon. I start doing the same and we're going to see the Freya come out actually for sorrow
It is a hero, we've been seeing more and more in this hitscan role as the buffs have been coming in for this hero.
Go a bit of a step back though in the midseason patch, but sort of nonetheless, out here, releasing those bolts, a lot of damage to be wary of if you're a team Germany.
We're just taking the brand-new damage right now, is Vice kinda chasing with Sword, Vice and opening, no in Skyward.
No Swiss Step, no nothing there, both Gimons coming up with kills, but it's Winni-Slaid's objective from the mech, thanks to Aku's precision.
And now we see Germany with a very trivial cap on this first one.
And Demon is going to be the first hero that's kind of entering the battlefield here.
We've seen so many times how these Demon players, they excel at getting deep into the enemy backline.
And if you can find that first frag, that should usually propel you to a teamfight victory.
That time, Eissnomm, who wants to step ahead of Willis and earns Germany the teamfight win.
We're just having a hard time trying to clamber in these steps right now.
It's shield's gonna get deleted fairly quick, they're not careful though, it's Kevster.
Now find another point of contention in the back line.
QXU's gonna pop that turret for, Kevster very close to earning this pulse from as well.
Forced to teleport early on, 19 HP picks up the health back but already screened in retreat.
Yeah, no recall available, Kevster has to disengage and the rest of the team does as well.
40% and counting.
Loki is going to be slightly ahead here with the Kitsune Wars for Germany.
Now, Willis stepping up again, Kev's with a pulse, hits the ground though. Pancakes that one.
Still though, piling on the damage onto the Bastion, but they're just ignoring him in this case.
Hard to say most of the time is we do see a limit break come out in any Sky Wars life pretty quick.
Willis ejected two as Johnny. I hate to say it big man.
Sweden, they're not off to a hot start.
They are not indeed, but I feel like in the group stages,
Sweden were really good when it came to biding their time and buying enough time for Kevster to have a big impact on that tracer.
But so far, Benkutik Wyatt and his friends all Germany in this one, playing better around their demon.
I like this early bashing note.
Make them think, make them hide, make them tower and then go into this final fight.
Bola available here for 0-2. Willis again on the point.
There is a limit break here as they used the rush early on, but Germany with a really good disengage.
And now Kevster can get active in the backline, but Akku quickly turning tail and look at it, Kevster.
Tadawama is all botched out of the way, all good, still distracting Kevster in the backline,
but this time around, Sweden have find their footing. Eventually, Willis has come alive.
That's an ultimate that Akku would like back here as Sweden gains control of the character point.
training of all students available here as well. This is the setup Sweden need if they want to
make a comeback in this round. They gotta be perfect from here on out. Slow and steady now for
Sweden over usual. Good pick on to XHJ though. Probably gonna result in a fairly quick disengage.
There it is. All right. We're going. And this is gonna build up this percentage quickly here Jaws.
As we didn't turn back in this round now, just need a couple of team fight wins.
And they could get away with a victory here. CLS 4 Ultimates to go, Germany has none.
It's gonna take quite a bit here for Germany to have a real good chance at claiming this round.
High ground this time. Different angle.
Here actually, waiting for that turret for for an opportunity moment to strike.
Does he Kevster in the bottom left there or might have done?
Well, yeah, there's your back line.
Eventually now Kevster kind of turning things up a notch.
Ice is dead, they're gonna follow up with a kill on the ration. No problem, Sweden.
Still in it, and Johnny, they used no ult. No ult. No ult.
Critically because Kevster found that early pick, and it's patient play from Sweden,
who now suddenly are in the driver's seat here. This next fight is going to be absolute madness.
Germany looking to build five ultimates of their own. I have this final fight of the opening round.
I'm waiting for an opportunity for Zoro to send back down and then put QRXU in a better
spot.
Going to swing in for now, catch them with another pulse bomb, looking for an opening
pick again.
There is a cat map for Admiral, not sure who ended up cat mapping there but didn't really
mean too much apparently.
Limit break for Ice now, straight to the back, everybody's backing all the way up, that
rush overwhelming for Germany.
I should be able to get a decent Limit Break here.
It's a Swede, a little miss too.
Ice coming incredibly low,
his Apple Lens are getting a double kill in the frame.
Sweden, standing tall.
Germany get the point, flip short, but it don't matter.
Sweden are gonna claim the round one.
99 to 99, and there it is.
Sweden come back in a massive way.
They were perfect from there on out.
Really impressive comeback by the Swedes,
to just individual picks, bought themselves enough time
to build the ultimate necessary to kind of close things out
there.
In Germany, they just couldn't get a good team
fight going there after securing 96% to start that round off.
A little disappointing, they couldn't stay alive together
as they were pushing towards that point,
give themselves opportunity to at least put pressure on Sweden.
They didn't get any ultimates out from Team Sweden.
And that is a big mistake there from Germany, really,
Because if you have 96% already, there's a lot of pressure on Sweden to like,
hey, we gotta deploy ultimates, we can stay alive in this round.
But because Germany, they died early, they didn't even put that amount of pressure on Sweden
to make them hesitant, to make them feel forced to draw those ultimates out.
And Sweden back into the ground, thanks for the first one.
Okay, let's just back on the Tracer.
Very quiet to start off with though.
But this is a specialty here.
Ice on the Sigma, only one of his better heroes, but I'd say it's the demon Johnny, it's pretty
easy to take his aggressive angles and really push the Sigma back using what Sigma is very
good at which is holding an angle, holding this high ground.
And also if I'm Germany here like swinging out with the Bastion, it's going to be a difficult
thing because we just already wrapped around here and they got so much control.
This is Germany's time, Ice don't push towards the point, nice pick from QRX2 actually and
That should probably bite him in our space here.
Yeah, it's just basically gonna play wheels mode, right?
Sand behind the Sigma.
Oh, you wanna come at us? That's fine.
We can just guard you down, no problems. Turned you into switch cheese.
Oh, what is this, Trouble?
They're looking for something here. They're forwarding the side. They need to find a pink.
Yeah, they need to find it kinda quickly too.
They're actually on the point right now.
And they've managed to cap most of it.
So Ice is forced to actually stay in this position.
Okay.
Eventually ejected from the mech is Willis though.
A germany kind of struggling steel to deal with the ever looming presence of Kevster.
Sweden do get the point cap in the end, there's a hook, you're ex-you,
gets a double nade kill on the point, but Sweden still close that out.
How did they draw that one back?
Germany gets the opening pick, they have the point,
but as well played positionally from Sweden, they didn't over commit them,
forced their hand too much, then found themselves in a favorable position,
So great job by the Swedes there, claimed the point once more here and now they're set up, they got ultimacy in the bank, they're feeling quite happy.
Nice, and there's the kidnapped from Apple Law, it's a trivial kill there.
Oh and Zorro takes the credit, that doesn't seem fair, I'm gonna be honest, but hey.
Sometimes life ain't fair.
Zorro coming online here too.
Had a bit of a quiet opening round but this Freya dealing a lot of, having a lot of intakes so far.
We're so back with the Rhine Swing into shield, Rhine Swing into shield, Blade Swing into shield, like whoop whoop whoop whoop whoop.
Well some of these demons are capable of this, it's just ridiculous, what a kid this is, Willis now with the Limit Break.
The skill ceiling is just ridiculous on themon, feels like. Both rushes, here comes the Artillery Barrage though, from QRXU, now playing in this spot, where he can benefit mostly from that rush.
That rush. Limit break is going to be big.
This is an absolute massacre in this room for Sweden.
The Willys limit break there was just gross.
A flux is going to come out though for Ice.
Jeremy still thinks that they can win this in the 2v3.
Get shut down eventually.
A small sigh there from Ice too knowing that could be the ult that swings this round.
Germany haven't really been able to stabilize with this slower stigma composition at all.
Nice pick from QRXU, actually, Sorrow.
Not keeping score there of what heroes Germany swapped to in spawn.
90% for Sweden here. Germany have to get back quickly.
Yeah, this is a beautiful opening.
You don't see that every day.
Kessler's got a post one though.
He's going to be looking for that to be certain.
He's going to be with April actually.
Excites a pair up on a flank.
Point flip though. Germany in control.
Hellfors waning for Sweden now.
QRXU goes down to Sorrow.
Johnny has really come alive in the second round.
Kevster still with the post. Don't need it though.
No problem for Kevster.
That's the post on the met.
Goodbye, Ice. Goodbye, Matt.
Germany on their final limbs here.
As Kevster is forced to hit the recall,
and they pushed Germany all the way off the point,
and get the cap.
Germany's going to trickle back in here though.
No real big ultimates.
They've got a touch.
Akku gets in there luckily in time.
Overtime now, taking down as Admiral looks for a catnap.
There isn't even a polar shot here from Zorro.
He's just doing so much damage on the side as Apple comes out with one.
But S6J gets the trade. Any day of the week can take that if you're the cat.
Take that tracer out of the mix.
But QRXU takes down Zorro from the sky.
Another brief trade. There's now a three on three ensues.
Obeck and Cam on Willis now as he goes in for the 1v1 versus Ice.
But now Germany is forced to push Sweden to their limits.
Still 99% persuaded.
amazing close by SXJ means that Germany still contest this one they brought it
back let me break down from ice no can deploy it if he wants to but maybe
want to buy their time here a little bit force last fight if they could maybe
we'll just get to the rush can't not know fabo as soon as Germany end up getting
out of position I'm always gonna dunk someone in that death plane
Nice though. Aerial drop. Yeah look at the winners. A cadnap coming in.
Akku. Not fighting too much there. Oh and even his afril though. Okay both cadnaps were fighting
success but QRX he was off the map. SXJ comes up with a kill so we get a 4v4.
Limit breaks up from both demons. I've just carved the health bars in half and just so much pressure
on the supports to keep the tanks alive. Skyle caught off in the fray as Germany bringing
it to 99 as well. Can someone touch here? Willis on the point here. Kephs has got the
post, Sauros also going to launch in a bowler in a second. Post bomb misses, an uncharacteristic
whiff there from Kephs, but he's still piling on the pressure. SXJ with the post bomb in
the front as he just runs through Sweden. Am I going to a third? In one of those chaotic
sanctions I think I've ever casted. I mean what a ridiculous back and forth. The small details
indeed. It was the narrowest of comebacks from Germany when they hit that pulse bomb and they
had to touch in the middle of the round and then they hold on to that as well. They backed away
with the limit break. They played patience. Two didn't set up for the big engage as they looked
to recapture the point on that final fight but Germany held strong. They traded out
more favorably for them and they tie things up with Nepal. Really impressive comeback from Germany
in that one. So both teams really throwing haymakers here back and forth. It's going to be
close. We all know it. TP's out. Same style. Zoro with the Freya, QRXU Bastion. Very different
topography though. This Bastion has so much more room to move here Johnny, especially around the
Central pavilion looks like you're actually on the high ground. We'll just throw some nice fancy footwork there
Get away from the Bastion initially
Does the turret form the point here?
You see that Germany is withdrawing a little bit with this ability not available for them here Sweden now look to flank around utilizing
This prayer heart from Kessler
When it's going to explain up
Bro, Kessler is just faced him right now. No fork no knife. No problem
I mean, that's disgusting.
This is what you want from a catcher on a stage like this.
Sweden want to make it back.
Want to make it up to themselves almost in Overwatch World Cup.
They've been so good at setting up catcher for success here, taking their time to set
up the correct lanes, the right space for them.
This time it's Willys flanking around here. Kevster is operating on the other direction.
Oh, spawned for Kevster again. Oh, there's the liftoff!
Drop the point off the limit break!
Oh, dearie me. I'm like a bait almost Johnny.
Plating the trap, the fair trap, closes, shuts it.
Ooh, take that.
Decent percent.
I mean, the pipe, yes, it's a mistake there from Sweden.
They give up the point there, Germany gets some progress.
But it almost feels like Kevster is invisible.
And that is up to his timing. He's so good at fighting his time waiting for the right one with the strike
And then when he blinks in there Germany are fully committed to what's going on in the front line instead
Still though both teams training back and forth there. We've been with the four favorable alternate back at least
And SSJ live up to one of the best races against skedster they both have pulse to see how much value they can get
They managed to find a whole stick from Kevster, decent damage but no initial kill.
Limit break comes out for Ice as well, and this is just an old fest at the moment.
I mean there's going to be a rush on the point too.
The canap from Avril is going to secure the kill on to the Kiriko, a swift end for Germany's
off-entered.
A sweet enough to 70% Johnny.
Time is running out for Germany now to get back into this opening map.
They have a Kitsune rush in hand, which is going to give a tremendous advantage if it drops onto the warster point.
That will essentially mean that they can capture the point relatively freely here, but it's about what comes after that.
Because Sweden, they will be one teamfight win away from securing the opening map.
Oh, devastating!
That is the pick that you want to see if you're Sweden.
Okay, and now it's only Akku. She has so much weight on her shoulders right now to try and heavy with this team in terms of healing.
QXU is gonna go down, Ice gets ejected from the mech. It's just not enough.
Sweden, a 2-1 victory on Nepal. And Smile across the face of Zoro there too.
That opening pick. Beautiful.
They know their style so well, they've made this pink oriented style with Kessler waiting
in the wings for the tracer, Sorrow playing the Freya, a couple of bolts combined together
with the tracer wrapping around, that's enough to secure a pick, and Fiverr's is for scenarios,
so likely if most of those teamfights out, Germany.
Nice comeback on Sanctum but this Kessler is not going to disappear, there'll be a thorn
in your side the entire series long and they need to find a way to surpass it.
Thorn? That it? Is that what you're going to give him? A thorn? Not a lance or anything?
A small thorn? A lance in your side? Yeah, I was looking at other pointy objects that you
know. Well, I was thinking it's a bit sly. If you come around the side with a lance, that's not very sly.
Okay, not as quiet. If you are watching on one of our Playover Watch channels,
stick around if you want to watch Hero 54 panel, but if you want to keep watching the games,
head over to OWU underscore eSports and yeah we'll see you there.
As we get ready for the second map here between Sweden and Germany, see what
Germany has planned when it comes to their map choice now. They of course
pick Nepal but they get another go at it with all modes available to them now
besides control obviously. See what they want to play. Both teams committing to
demon at least for majority of the time in that opening map and see if that is
something Germany want to stick with in this one or if they maybe want to
swap over to something like the Sigma.
Trippiest coach competition and my opponent is Team Sweden's coach.
He's looking fly. I love that. Bring some fashion back, you know?
Bring some fashion back.
Where'd it go? Yeah.
What do you say in local fashion?
Meringue the Subwash?
Walk up jacket?
Yeah, okay. This jacket is looking fly, brother.
Yeah, it is.
Yeah, I'm gonna real clean get a good suit and going
Yeah
look, I
Think with how
Close this first map was it is going to be it's gonna be one of those series Johnny
I can already feel it
We're gonna win our map choice. You're gonna win yours
We're gonna win ours and we're gonna win yours and that is how the momentum is gonna carry this series forward
And I think if you're Sweden here, you've really got to start looking at Akus cat
which is one of the main reasons why Germany did so well in the group stage.
I feel like Germany is looking for answers in this one.
To me it's not obvious that Germany has a style to really deal with what
Suden is offering here with the Freya and Tester, I mean 35 and 30.
He's pretty good.
He's pretty good.
And so I feel like Germany, they need to show a little bit something here that they can hang.
We didn't get the first person to be able to do that.
Because they show that they can take it to Sweden when it comes to the front-line build,
between Icecombe and Willis.
Icecombe is obviously one of the best tank players in the game here.
They've been doing tremendous stuff with Virtus.Pro and OWCS.
But it hasn't been enough on Nepal alone here.
So when you get the opportunity to do something like a ban, like you want to ban out the Tracer.
I think you're more than happy to kind of do that, although it does kind of put a handful on SXJ.
Okay. Oh, that's that is so also that's like make sure that it get back into round. Yeah. Yeah, the stick does it.
It's just you can see Zoro's face here at the end like look we found that straight up opening on the perfect thing you you kill the
Kiri and then it's up to Arky on the cat to heal everybody like it's just it's an impossible task like a
Sisyphus and Effort required there to do that for RQ.
It's really Sweden's ability to find early picks,
and that's what that comp does best, the Freya.
It's decent into the bashing,
because you can just take in, take in, take in the bashing
like over and over again,
but if you're not kind of covering your supports
as they're trying to make a rotation,
you can just get boop boop, little too pop.
I mean, I love the rollout from Team Sweden on Village
because they didn't go like the high ground, the top side, with the rollout at the very first fight.
They were like, okay, we're gonna sit back, we're playing the Freya Tracer, we're gonna sit back,
we're gonna rotate away towards the point instead and wrap around.
And then it was Germany who caught the opening capture point, but Sweden, they're not rushing,
they're not stressing things, they're taking the time, and we know Kevster is a big communicator,
big leader for this team as well. And so he's telling his team, like, take it easy,
Let me get into a good position, and then Soro commits as a free-up player as well.
And Germany just couldn't find the picks necessary.
We'll go back to Root. Oh boy. Already had a killer Root game today already.
So we'll see where Germany won a bad demon. It's going to be the choice.
Well that tells you.
It tells you everything you want to know.
That tells you everything you want to know. That this is a Germany team that is now
looking to shy away from this composition that Sweden plays so well.
It's going to be honor again man.
Not hate in there, but it's gonna be Germany who are gonna rely on probably the cat action again
Although with the cat, it's just so good with it
You literally just drop it and make it like whoop. There you go. Have fun. See you later
I'm gonna go do some accounts
Oh, here's someone else you can just chill out and throw out for a bit
Admiral who is having so much impact for teams with a snob Swedish, of course Stonia Estonia
which you for this year's edition of the awards World Cup if you're from one of
the more underrepresented countries around the world your opportunity to
compete for other nations under one banner and so admiral committing to
team Sweden here has their main support pair and has done so much impactful
stuff on the jetpack cap and it's been one of the big reasons why Sweden is
finding this level of success alongside some of the other big hitters like
I'm sorry guys the perfect pick-up if you're trying to fill that slot like for sure hundred percent perfect
perfect
All right route 66 yet again, we're seeing this in our second series
You know what and route I think it opens up a lot here too because the back line it can be very greedy if you want to
But at the same time I think the cam action also does exceptionally well the defense without a demon
it's gonna be the Sigma. I don't think you're running any kind of rush here on
the defense, this is just part and parcel of this map. But like you mentioned
how much ice has been doing in OBCS, the guys are monster. On the Sigma
especially, his hero pool is deep but his Sigma play is top tier. An ice storm
came onto the scene a couple of years ago and Shira replaced Vestola. Which is
insane. Who was the tank player for Virtus Pro? Vestola of course who
reached the semifinals with Team Finland in last edition to watch World Cup. So that tells you that's a fantastic
tank parry in Vesnola with a big resume, but Eissner as this young prodigy in EMEA came in, took his job.
Yeah, coach Smash
kind of having a hand in that and really believing in Eissner, but you can see how much it's paid off for Germany so far.
Nothing too crazy here for Q-Rex.
She
Not gonna give him another time on Widowmaker
I never really gonna complain about seeing widow. I'm gonna be honest
So we'll see some more little grapple shots. He's landing the body shots. No headies just yet. Come on
We just positioning here really good awareness of knowing where to win a race
nice
Alright, some more help in the front line, I think it's required here for Germany, so
QRXG is probably going to change from Widow now.
Oh, my armor!
It's going to be the Cassidy in the end here, but this is going to be a difficult opening
fight here for Germany.
Sweden already, this payload is now moving back to its starting point, which again means
you can have probably like three contestants here of the payload on the opening point.
That is so much time to win them off the time back here.
Oh my god. What a rock. Like we got sent back to the Stone Age, unfortunate or good, but the problem is that time bank is dwindling. Two and a half minutes and that payload has moved 12 meters.
And it takes time to fight as well. If you win this fight now if you're Germany, you still have to win a couple more.
What okay, that's an opening though. We take that
Don't add a boost either now
Times are ticking Sweden
Although Kepster still comes up with the kill on sx. Shade make that too. They're gonna keep going
They'll flux it for ice. They have to try and just hold on into this fight
But they're still trying to push out of the spawn
Kepster again, it's like feel at it. What is this? It's like his playground right now finally
Finally some relief for Germany here as they can round in this opening corner and
Sweden of course they're not playing with any speed support characters here
This probably will come down to a final fight here on the opening point Germany
They haven't on the boost in hand with Sweden more favorable in this one
Nana boost cat nap
On to ice as well. Oh there goes the nano on to catch that who better. That's the spring onto two already
the execution onto ice too. This is Sweden not happy with that first map. That was too
close for our liking.
They've been dominant so far on Ruth in Germany. Hasn't really had any momentum whatsoever.
They need someone to come in touch in this one. The good thing for them is they have
started to build up this open bank now. They have been on it for a while. QRXU, you would
love to see the Deadeye come available. Even just to play the Sentry, I saw a lot of my
Oh, they got a cannon! I mean...
Opening pick yet?
Damn, it's whoever.
Goodbye!
Ha ha ha!
Honestly, never gets old.
Germany as well, gonna...
Okay.
Nano-boost ice to try and crack this defense,
and crack they have.
50 seconds left in that time bank.
With a decent spawn, Kev's gonna teleport forward as well.
So, there's a chance they touched.
In fact, there's a big chance.
Only one on the point right now.
Fort Germany.
And that is what the opening contest of the spawn gives you.
This ability 3 contests now.
Sky knew a little bit later, hit the QRXU, dips away, lucky to escape with his life.
But there's the flood from Willis.
Ice picked out, and unfortunately that nade not quite hitting,
as Willis just chases down this DPS.
It's actually spotted the supports too.
That's a free kill for Willis, if I ever did see one.
Ten seconds to go for Germany now.
But their numbers, health bars, everything, even though maybe hope dwindling.
SXJ triple blink to the cards here but what's that even gonna result in recall force here? Who's next?
No help either
Flux well doesn't a pinning style. There's the cat up onto icing Admiral was like oh you want to touch the point
I'll drag you closer to it
But they don't get it in the end
Full hold from Sweden Johnny
looks so impressive throughout this opening start to get 90 seconds of the
timer that accretion from Willis is beautiful on the Aku man we gave I
love this repay back wow five different angles okay look at this from Kevster
though sprees nasty now look this is a Swedish team that has Kevster they've
They've got Admiral, they have Zoro as well, there's DPS Core, and then Admiral to kind
of facilitate them, that's, that is scary, at the best of times.
And now you're in an awkward spot where you're defending against this first point, and, SXJ?
Come on buddy, don't bait me.
I mean, Role is rolling out with the Forbidden right now, yes sir, let's go, can't, um,
throw the turrets nearly as far now, this is so sad, please.
please help my boy I I don't think we saw any tourbjörn in Busan so this is
this is welcome I'm always here for a little tourbjörn action it might not be
the most optimal pick at all times but hey we gotta embrace the little tourbjörn
gameplay we get to see he's playing this week for the Swedes he's doing it for
then. Alright Zarya what you got? Show me something special. Nope, no value. This is
not going to give you the time either. We have SA share on the tour. Ahamakila is all
I want. Ahamakila is probably not going to get that all good. It's okay? Don't worry.
He's got the movement, and he's quite stubby in stature, so he, you know, a lot of bullets
is just going to go over his head, so, honestly, it's a lovely pick.
Sure, mate. Sounds good. Good rationale. Good analysis from you there.
Sweden, already pushing around this corner. I mean, this is going to be essentially a one-done here for Germany.
They have to win all teamfights from here on out.
Yeah, heavy defense cop with this Ash as well as soon as they peek around the corner.
That's a dynamite, that's a sizable one.
Heard that?
And a little bit of elevation, nice.
Where's Antti again?
Let's go a little bit wide though.
This guy gets to sleep on the tourbillon.
And if you're Sweden here, could you just buy your time, build ultimates?
No need to rush into a teamfight here, look for an opening.
Yeah, that's the important thing I think.
We really got to talk about they do or they can just buy their time. They've now got nano
So slowly but surely here Johnny
We're gonna move up Kevster no one might not be a problem though
They're just not the tour viewer sx. Shake over the way from that QXU now in the sights of Kevster
But that nano doesn't have fading away turret and the tour dealt with nano
However for Germany now an aggressive flying straight on the man who onto the seat to and our ice could just
Colobbo will is in the front line. Oh, I just mullied into death almost there too many steps of the time back
That's a good two-fight winner from Germany
utilizing the non-amuse
But Sweden they only deployed the non-amuse that they're gonna come back into this one with a sky noon a scree
They got flux coming up here as well
So Germany on the back put on this defense feeding force to deploy ultimately that's going to lead to a disadvantage later on in this round
They've got the sick man on the team though this whole Nick coming out rather soon and there he is Bob. Oh
Well, he's gonna
Throw me into the fray but a quick
Diversion
Sweet is gonna land them with unfortunately it's a little will is so again the time bank is burning down and now Johnny
I'm starting to get worried
Okay, but if you're Sweden here, you gotta remain compliant
You still have all these openness available to you. You're draining the resources of Germany
But like you say with time dwindling here even more pressure on you to secure your own value
One big fight is all that is required and our coos
Can't just be this Trump. Oh, it's ace. That's a win
It is a win. However, so all the dodges out of the way, but there's the cat now
The Spree is going to come out as QX, he doesn't have going down.
Sweden are playing a dodge of the flux for Eistor, not in a place where he can defend himself.
Slowly but surely Germany have been whittled away.
As Sweden make their final approach on this point, on this golden box of victory.
SSJ4's Akku swings in for yet another touch, but that'll be Sweden going up to match point.
a tremendous uphill task for Germany to hold on to that first point after failing to achieve
anything on their attack round and Sweden now go up 2-0 in this series in a single elimination
bracket.
Germany now have to reverse Sweden if they are to continue their journey here at Lisbon.
This is a team Sweden that a lot of teams talked about going into this tournament, it's a
our course they were to be respected. Some might even say that they have a really good
chance where they can face Saudi Arabia in the semifinals and they're showing up here
against Germany in the quarters. And that is the opponent waiting for the winner of
this series, Saudi Arabia who ended up 3-1ing a little bit earlier on against Spain. And
now all the kind of emergency levels, the buttons need to be pushed for Germany, where
do we go and how do we kind of deal with what Sweden were throwing at us. I mean what was
What was the big sticking point for Germany here? What was the real thing from Sweden that was just unconquerable, like unwinnable against? What did it feel like to you?
I mean, as I know, I'm deciding to go with the Sigma in the time fuel instead, but Willis is showing that he's quite competent here as well.
I think Willis came into the scene in the O2CS and we saw a lot of hazard gameplay, primarily an off-time player here.
But the Sigma, I wouldn't say it is historically something that Willis is, you know,
been a preferable, you know, favorite pick of his.
So the fact that Willis is able to hang around here now against Ice Noem,
I think that's a good sign overall.
But this team Sweden roster, they're just two versus our Kepster,
on the she-on doing tremendous work.
Skylo wants to play the honor at all times.
And so this is a team Sweden that's feeling really comfortable in this meta.
And you can't ban the players, sadly. You can't ban Kevsters.
Get him out. Get him out. Get him off the stage. He's too strong. He's too powerful.
He's too good for that. Alright. If you're in Germany now, you got to pick Nepal. Didn't go your way.
You went over to Route 66 and now you have to reverse sweep. Not only do you have to win your last map pick here,
but you gotta win two of Team Sweden's mappings in map 4 and 5 if you're gonna make it the entire way here
They need a little something. I talked about after Nepal like I need to see a little something from Germany
I'm so sure they kind of gets it going for them because we've seen teams in the past like
Mexico versus Australia didn't work out for them with elemental guy
They made us meet a substitution
They found a composition that worked for them and that propelled them to make that series really close all the way to map 5 Germany
So far haven't really found that one thing
that they're superior on against Team Sweden.
Little spice, little summon that were added.
And unfortunately the tour was not that kind of spice.
It was right.
Okay, he did die in the insta-switch, but it got him to the point where like, hey, you know, it's close to OT, so...
That's actually what he's got a plan, though.
Still smiles across the board.
Spirit's got to be high here for Germany. Coming out of the group stage is the number one seed.
It's got to kind of live with them like we can do this even on a stage that a lot of us haven't played on before.
Neon Junction is the thing. Going to be Neon Junction indeed.
A hybrid map that is very narrow. It's favorite to play these brawl and these poke compositions.
We've seen Sigma Misuki here in the past. There's five manning to play brawl compositions.
less ability to play these plan-heavy approaches.
That being said though, if you're someone like Kevster,
you're going to have no issue operating with the Tracer on this one.
You can play the narrow corridors on the different lanes,
on the right side, the left side, and then work your way around Team Germany to combine still.
So maybe the map design a bit more favorable for Germany,
in that makes it a little bit more tougher here for Kevster to operate.
Okay, they're just going to get rid of it.
The Tracer entirely.
You can't back.
We're going to pick Neon Johnson and get rid of the Tracer.
Obviously, backs against the wall here, they have to win this map, they're deciding to go with two heavy choices of getting both through to the tracer and going to a map like Neon Jumpship, which might make it more tougher if they were to go to map for a fight.
I like this though, Sigma ban for Sweden, okay, even though Wurz is looking pretty clean on it, Versatize.
Can't ban the player, but you can ban the hero, Tracer out, no caps to Tracer, but Ovid shield, probable.
I'm sorry, Johnny, but yeah, could be something a little bit extra here from sweet.
Okay, well you say a little extra. What do you cook it?
I'm cooking a little bit of May. I'm cooking a little bit of a rush star with the May.
May is right. The one hero we haven't seen from Kevster or Rarity C.
Run it down on the May. He can do it, man. He can do it.
I believe in him. It would be a kind of a switch up for that playing right now, but you never know.
Neon Junction, one of our newest maps obviously and he's been kind of decided, you know, especially
without the cat kind of operates, he would have been experimenting a lot with their tank
roles, he's seen a little bit of Rhyne, Sigma has been a good one, Demon obviously has been
exceptional on this map as well.
So Sweden could bring something different to the table, match points though, map 3, Germany
requiring a reverse sweep and the pigeons are back.
What does Germany have in store for us in a must win map for them here on Neon
Junction to make their grand stand? Heistone's going to go back to the
demon here and showing perhaps in these opening couple of series here that
despite the fact that demon was nerfed in the mid-season patch notes still ever
present in the meta and if you are one of these teams that played the cat, played
the demon you might have a good chance here lifting the trophy as well got a
small little pause here see who's a little busy on stage I hope they're all
pretty busy on this stage get ready for the game yeah quick pause don't worry
about it we'll get into the map in just a moment she all know obviously Kev's on
the defense I mean it's a nice option I have a she on who's a relatively new
new hero to Overwatch here as well. So even though Tracer gets removed, you can still
play pretty flank heavy. Tracer Light. Tracer Light, kind of a mix between a
Hitscan hero and a flank hero like Tracer in that we've seen that some Hitscan players
play Shion and you can go with a Shion and a Tracer DPS duo and play really high tempo,
right? So a really interesting hero that's been introduced to Overwatch is Shion and with
Tracer bad if not available to play here for either team. That means that Kevser is going to operate that tempo heavy hitscan flank character
Let's make sure everything's good
That's actually over the thumbs up. So maybe we're jumping into this one in just a sec
Well, what a run this would be for Sweden here
And a very big kind of confidence boost for them. I can mention seven years Johnny
It's been a while since Sweden...
It's been a long time.
Yeah.
Graced the stage.
Gates are opening.
We're back.
SXJ on the bash and Akku on the cat.
The two targets here for Akku to choose from.
Whichever suits the situation most.
The casts or the bash.
Most likely the bash.
See how Germany chooses four codes in this one?
Holding quickly here with the turret form so we're not going to waste out this cooldown
and then look for the re-engage to reclaim some of this ground.
Yeah, kind of trying to subdue Kevster as much as possible.
Extremely difficult of course, but taking these kind of angles is going to make sure Kevster
has to fight more front to back.
I mean the honor from this angle is disgusting, no?
Yeah, okay, SXJ.
Back to the scrappy.
And Germany at least trying to operate these angles, they're pushing forward with the
transform, gaining some ground and then looking for tape, then left to the right hand side.
But they're being pushed off by Sweden, playing this very passive approach with this
Ana as well.
They can't really get used enough to contest the Ana, which means that the biode, the
rifle is just going to rain free from the sky here.
And Germany might need to try and look for a pick elsewhere, it's not the back line.
Here we go, S.H.J., swing it in, but a very easy retreat for Swede.
You're preparing for this most of the time, you know that's going to happen.
And if you're a Swede now, you can wait for the Narno Boost to become available, and then
try to look for the Recon Test as well.
Zoran's got a high noon almost.
Again, the Sky Noon first though.
Uh-oh!
Round the corner.
Oh!
Oh!
What was that?
Small step there from Skylo.
Big mistake.
Here comes the wraparound from QRXU, but almost on his lonesome now.
This has already cleared the rest of the map.
Only the Cassie left.
Easy pickage for Zorro.
That's a team kill with only two minutes left.
Sweden just didn't care.
Their honor goes down. They lose a lot of healing and an honor boost.
But they still find a way to touch that out
in the main battle between the tank players.
And they still look comfortable.
Four ultimates online for Team Sweden.
As Germany now.
Two minutes remaining on this first point offense.
They do have a Kitsune rush available.
They got four ults.
four holes. Maximum chilling. Well, they're going for the limit break. That's a bad place
to be if you're iced. Even on that rush, that limit break just tears right through you.
Absolute damage in your toast. It's almost a perfect counter to a rush
push like that. Hold the shield, hit the limit break. You got push.
The limit break and the nana boost. That's a lot of damage. That's a lot of damage.
Alright, well Swiven deployed those ultimates, so maybe a bit more favourable here for Germany now, can they get back into this one, a good first form, a good limit break of their own?
They could get this capture going.
Alright, I think he's actually getting in there though, there's a problem here.
Jostling around, tussling a little bit around this statue side.
Kev's just making sure he is drawing the eye out of the rest of the team.
They've already managed to pick off the castie now, as the artillery barrage from SXJ into coming in.
Willis is going to go pretty low, there's two supports, this is back.
All confidence now in the Devon.
A quick ejection from the mech onto ice, 45 seconds to go.
A Sweden are just making this puzzle so impossible to solve for Germany.
You can just feel the fate when you think here for Germany.
30 seconds to go, must win map for them.
To stay alive here at the Overwatch World Top
and they haven't really found anything to get going here.
This is a sky noon and a dream now waiting to happen.
There we go. Last this attempt you've got to imagine.
We're going to get a touch and they're looking for Skulls,
QRXU, can't find anybody.
High ground is the best he can hope for now.
Admiral's going to pay him a small visit as Akku tries to get him for a kill.
A quick assist there. Onto Admiral's going to be good.
The in the trading capstone, a flashbang onto SXJ.
The DPS for Sweden can now just run around Germany and no final touch.
Oh man, 0% on that point!
What a dominant showing this is from Team Sweden.
We thought this was going to be a close one, the desk predicting five mappers across the board.
You as well?
I did say I wanted the map five, I wanted as much overwatch as possible,
but Sweden are denying us that opportunity right now.
They've just been looking so on point, first point hold on Route 66,
first point hold here on the
adjunction. They're laughing,
they're smiling, they're feeling
good about themselves. They
feel a semifinal's waiting
against Saudi Arabia. Oh,
jumpscare. Did you get the
pigeons, little jerseys, honestly?
At this point, they got that
crazy look. They're like, too.
Staring to the eyes of the
pigeon. What's going on there?
When you stare into the pigeon's
eyes, it's like staring into the
abyss, but the abyss points
back. Oh. It's horrible.
Oh no, it's terrible. Sorry. Don't, don't clap.
I'm clearing. Clearing on the pigeon.
Don't clap for this.
It's still them. Don't clap for this.
You're telling me they're not demonic?
Look in. Come on. Come on, bro.
All right.
Oh, man.
Let the crowd go as wild.
Five seconds for those gates unlocked.
3% is all they need.
They're 3-0 in their sights.
Germany on their last lifeline.
No, what are we doing here?
Alright, behave.
Let's do it the honorable way.
Germany here, gotta be perfect on this defense.
Gonna let Sweden in here for a little bit.
That means that your anger's gonna be taken away from you.
They over-commit, it felt like there. The Barricade was good.
I said holding up the shield for the majority of the time there was all that damage and something to double for himself.
So in fact maybe, here's a gift he was limited instead.
Looks like Sweden are gonna be split up at this point.
Yeah, this is a really awkward spot to be, but I cannot now push in like they are way too far back to get a chase.
This is so scary for Germany because of course we don't go into that really favorable spawns here
And so you know a couple of members can pick from Germany that could just open the floodgates here for Sweden to swarm on towards the point here
Yeah, make sure you don't get picked in these fights. You can't just keep the trade out
I say she almost in the 2v1 these is damage down onto Kevser has dash away that over hill
saving his life at the time being
Force for reset though, QRX shoot as we're getting Suzu to now. Oh dear, Akku caught out.
Kester down though, one demon slain.
Sweden on the point, threatening the cap.
But a quick diesel onto Willis is going to make sure Germany is going to regroup to their full strength.
Everybody limit break job here. Limit break the point of course, feeling the pressure.
But they're hanging on for their life.
You gotta show us more though, we saw this same story on Route 56 for Sweden.
They played patiently on the offense, they drained these ultimates from Germany and then
they have the better ultimate bang, late run in the round.
Sweden here.
They've got to go straight into the pack.
Wok, you did have QRXU now.
Sky Doom will definitely do it.
And now, the real movement here available for Willis.
Up on the high ground for QRXU, they're gonna take the fight into the small room and
Kevster finds his opening though. The spree is good damage, but SXJ nothing more better
Not over quite yet SXJ finds a triple with the spree
Willis does find a pick here on the demon, but
Going to get back in time here
That's two minutes 30 of the timer and quite a couple of ultimates deployed from Sweden as well both the spree and the nano here
Germany though they've been forced to commit in this one Jaws
Big committal and now kind of a tighter wave of volts from Avril Willis and Zoro.
Sky noon into a catnap as everybody's kind of fleeing. A lot of options here for Sweden.
Sky noon first. They spotted two people and already they're in and there's the catnap
and QRXU puts in the dirt. Willis follows up with a kill onto the Kiri and that 33%
Looking ever so juicy now for Sweden.
I'm trying to stay alive on the point.
The last hope for Germany is just to completely decimated.
And that 33% is all they need.
It's been seven long years for Sweden.
They want to make a statement.
They want to sit up with some of the strongest
that have ever graced the game.
And this is a good start.
That was one of the most one-sided matchups we've seen so far at the Overwatch World Cup in the group stage and now here are the players at BlizzCon.
Sweden looking mighty dominant.
I mean, what is the point holding two maps in professional play? It's ridiculously hard, but they found their job to get it done.
We saw previously the waning World Championship in Saudi Arabia, they dropped a map to Spain.
They had to feel some pressure, but Sweden here in this one looking so dominant and maybe just maybe now you look forward to a semi-finals between Saudi Arabia and Sweden.
Could this open the door for another upset waiting in the wings?
We've seen upsets in World Cup history and we've seen them in this one as well. It is possible Sweden and Saudi Arabia obviously facing off tomorrow.
What was the breath of fresh air for the team?
I mean Johnny, back when they were playing before, I mean you could have been playing.
Oh, yes, could have been playing indeed.
You could have felt that tank rolling the problem.
But now this new generation of players, Johnny, kind of spearheaded by Kevster who is, you know, is an old head.
Yeah, he is the veteran, he is the leader of this team.
And not typically do we see damaged players like tracer players have fantastic communication and really
Communicate for their team, but Kevster proving that he's got the leadership to really guide this new generation across the finish line
And Sweden advanced to the top four
certifying
This opportunity to square off against the reigning world champs in Saudi Arabia
USA Korea France Australia coming up today as well that lower half the bracket is looking mighty scary
All match-ups here are just peak. They're so good, can't go wrong.
It's going to be a little bit of a different test though for Sweden coming tomorrow against the reigning champions.
It's going to be a good time. We still got two more matches though, so don't go anywhere.
But first, let's go down to the stage with Danny and Kevser.
Thank you, Mr. Pigeon Man. Yes, hi. I am joined by Kevser from Team Sweden, the myth, the legend.
Great job 3-0 victory against Team Germany. I mean we all thought that it was gonna be a little bit closer
But you guys looked clean. How did you guys prepare for this match?
You know we just practice like normal like we know to play very similar style to us
So we respond to them to take the skill matchup and win the game
Well, I have a very serious question to ask you kester. Why are you so good?
No, I'm just looking. You're lucky. I don't think that's long. I think there's pure skills, bro
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you.
Alright, let's talk about your next match, your semifinals, you are going up against
KSA, how are you feeling about that match?
They are the defending champions of the World Cup, so you know, they are a very strong team,
but they looked a bit shaky against Spain to be honest, so I think it could be a good
game.
I feel like it is going to be a very good game, Kester, thank you so much for the interview.
Best of luck moving forward, that is it for now, heading on to the BESC.
Thank you so much, Danny, and of course, Kastor, a convincing sweep here from Sweden.
Sure, I'm glad we all predicted that.
Guys, guys, we overcooked.
It's not a good luck.
It's not a good luck for the desk right now.
No.
I will give Germany a lot of credit, though.
They made some of those maps really scrappy, and the fact that they can, even something
like holding in there on a map like Neon Junction, where you're full held, the best you can
do is a draw, you're down 0-2.
A lot of teams just crumble under that kind of pressure.
It feels like series is over anyway.
It might as well let it happen.
But honestly, I got to give a lot of respect to Team Germany
that they fought it out to the end.
They made all these maps scrappier than I would have expected.
But I think it's fair to say we just
didn't give teams quite enough credit.
They looked so good in the group stage,
showing up against a team as good as the United States.
Maybe we should have expected that they would be a fiercer foe
here in the World Cup.
I think that when it comes down to how they ended up looking,
we also have to consider the amount of experience
on this team, also playing on a stage here as well.
maybe that comfort also can be a big factor.
But when it comes down to how this series ended up canning out,
it is just insane how clean it was.
We did see what, like what Jake was talking about,
that fight back there from the side of Germany,
especially on that second round of Nepal,
where they were able to get that cap back
just at the last moment, but it just wasn't quite enough.
It wasn't quite enough.
I mean, this was really a clinical performance
from Sweden, not that Germany played back,
They just couldn't really get any momentum going in any of the mats here, Jay.
Yeah, I was really impressed with Zorro pulling out the Freya, a character that's been kind of pulled back in the recent patch.
We saw a lot of it from him at Busan, but I wasn't expecting to see it come out here,
and certainly for it not to look so effective, so I think there's still a lot to be discovered in this meta.
These two teams, both clearly really believing in Dimon and Sigma, thinking them seem to be the key strategy so far in the World Cup.
Absolutely, and Ash, I think it's just so impressive to see
So such flawless gameplay from team Sweden because these players are not usually playing together, right?
So like a lot of these teams mean the same can be said for team Germany, right?
A lot of these teams were put together for the Overwatch World Cup specifically
So there was only limited prep time for a lot of them because they had to focus on other things like OWCS the circuit
So, you know, they come in from one tournament to another and they can look this cohesive and quite frankly for Sweden
Like this looks much more clean than KSA did in their match against Spain
100% and I think you have to give a lot of credit to a player like Kevster for that the amount of
Communication that he's bringing to this team is such a difference maker in these matches on top of how just insane
He is mechanically all as well now speaking of insane cool things
We have a special guest here joining us on that desk. It's okay
Please give it up for our guest who has brought us the Make History Remix, which has been such a joy to listen to.
Can you really tell us a little bit about yourself and how that collaboration came to be?
Yeah, definitely. Thanks again for having me. This is awesome to be at my second BlizzCon.
Let's go.
And yeah, so I've been playing Overwatch since 2016, right, when the game came out.
And I just fell in love with it, you know, in between touring and all this stuff coming back home.
was like the one thing I did to, just like,
I don't know, let loose, you know?
So that's kind of something that, you know,
I kind of brought into when I was working on this remix,
it was like, how can I bring in that like energy
and all that kind of stuff that like,
started my journey with Overwatch, you know, so.
I love that.
You bring that like personal touch as a fan to the remix.
And I think I want to hear a little bit more
about your Overwatch journey.
So you were talking about, you know,
how you were always happy to come home
and be able to play that game.
Yeah.
What, what, what did you mean?
Tell me a little bit more, give us a thought.
Show the top.
Oh yeah, yeah, no, okay.
You got a job planted too.
Really?
I got a job threat.
Wait, you're sitting under the right man right now.
That's what I'm all about.
I've got to get some more words.
I've got a job threat.
I've got to travel to my other home too.
Perfect.
That's definitely my main on GPS.
You're loyal to us.
Oh yes.
Where's your tactic?
That's true.
I've got to get the word out.
You're so open.
That's what I'm saying.
The memes are too much.
I need to keep them down, you know.
I can't be making that mark.
So this is your second BlizzCon, what was your first BlizzCon and tell me a little about
what this event kind of signifies to you, the community and all the while.
No, definitely.
Actually my first one was last year so I got to see Saudi Arabia land and just walk around
the grounds and see, I think that's when they were showing Venture.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, well, 2023 then.
Yeah, yeah.
Okay, yeah, yeah, last few years ago.
Time, man, we don't know anymore.
We don't know anymore.
It flies by everywhere.
But, yeah, so coming back again and to do something special here in the form of something
that I'd be best as music, so to contribute that way to the overwatch world and the World
Cup and everything is very special and very full circle as a gamer and as a huge overwatch
player.
I have a ghost listening right now.
The track is actually playing, painting in the distance.
That's right.
It's been so hype, honestly, to go together with that trailer.
What was the process like for you to work with the team?
It was actually great.
They sent over all the pieces of the song,
like everything individual, like all the drums,
and all the orchestral parts separated.
So I was able to go in and really add my flavor to it
and bring some dance music energy to the record.
Something that I even get to play in my sets sometimes,
which is really fun.
But yeah, in the middle of making the record,
I'm chewing for a game, okay?
I'll catch the vibe.
All right, make some changes and then like kind of use that as the essence to build the song out.
I love that, absolutely love that.
Now we're here of course at BlizzCon, the Overwatch World Cup.
Is there a team that you're supporting?
We can be friends, you can literally say whatever you want.
I know, as a Mexican I was root for Mexico, but I gotta bring it home for the USA team, you know.
All right.
You guys, I'm gonna give you guys a minute, we're each other.
I'm gonna give you guys a minute.
Now of course we have another...
Oh, we're here to chance for that.
It's going to be one at least per day.
You've got to hit that quota.
Ash, you're going to have a big one coming up as well.
Franz going up against Australia.
Any thoughts before we're heading into quick break?
Dude, I think the funniest and most fun part about this is that it's
the two upset match-ups going up against each other.
These two teams and what they're able to show in Busan.
It's going to be a scrappy one.
I think it's going to be pretty crazy close.
We love a scrappy one.
We do indeed. Okay.
Thank you so much for joining us here on the desk.
Of course, we want to get your insight as well here.
As someone who's that main in Chunkrat,
not going to see much Chunkrat in the midst, unfortunately.
How do you feel about the newer heroes that have been added,
and how much we've seen of them as well?
Yeah, I actually got the...
It's been popping off since you joined the squad.
Yeah, there's a lot of great characters.
I mean, I've been playing a lot of Mizuki a lot.
Definitely, Ana is always one of my favorite supports.
I've been taking more to the supports recently,
but it's funny to see how much Cat I've seen right now
at the makeup, so that's pretty cool.
The Contner for Out of Existence takes us not happening.
I mean, I think Cat's been an incredible hero
to really open the game up and bring back
a lot of legacy care to like,
Ana really wasn't being played that much,
and then now with some mobility from Jetpack Cat,
like, Sy will just put on a show for us.
Yeah, sweet and matchy.
We've seen a lot of that
from some of the top Korean teams in ODBCS,
so I think it's a pretty interesting time
to be an Overwatch fan.
a lot of creativity you can kind of bring onto the field and really make work.
Yeah, especially with all the reworks now that's just going on.
So I'm excited to see where like, you know, it goes and progresses further than this.
You know, we'll cut and see what happens next and how all the combinations will come to play, you know.
Yeah, we're all learning along the way together, which makes it so exciting.
So we really don't know what we're talking about here on the desk.
And that makes it so beautiful.
OK, thank you so much for helping us at this stage.
We're heading to quick break and then we're back with the third quarter final of the day.
So don't go anywhere.
Fanta. Lip smacking deliciousness.
Watcha Fanta?
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You definitely have become more of a favorite overall. Do you think that's a dangerous position to be in?
I think it's good. We're the top boys and what they're gonna do, you know?
They are scared of us, we're in-care of them. People are calling us like the dark horses of the competition.
Friends talk super strong, like just a few weeks ago in Korea.
They have quotes, everything goes out, they're feeling like really, really aggressive.
Crocs are just crocs, you know, fast women.
Yeah, we want a little sorrow about that beautiful friend and we're gonna catch him.
I think we'd prefer, like, a bit more lead back.
And we'll first share where we land the dogs.
And it's like, we can definitely just have fun and focus on our game.
Do you think France is getting too much credit for that one win?
Upsetting career versus winning in career is, like, a pretty special feat.
I think they've got pretty high expectations of where they are now.
Maybe they've got themselves a little too comfortable.
Nothing changed. Nothing.
We've come to pay the title and then, yeah, nothing changed.
So what do you think the final score will be?
We're getting slanked.
Let's go.
They're the best players in the world.
Welcome back everyone.
We're here at BlizzCon day one and we're going to be ready to jump into the highly anticipated match between France and Australia.
in just a moment.
I am so extremely joining me here on the desk
to break down the action and set the stage
for a third match of the day.
Are no other than Ash and Gavin.
Gavin, so happy to have you at the desk finally.
How has your day been so far?
It's been great.
You know, I got to do a lot of interviews yesterday.
I've been in the crowd today, you know,
doing some fan interviews and stuff as well.
It has been an absolute wonderful vibe.
It's my very first BlizzCon.
So extremely happy to be here.
Okay, let's go.
I'm extremely happy to see you two on the deck.
You're both first-timers.
We are.
That's so cute.
And I was here for it.
I love that from us.
Now, we're looking at those two teams, though.
It's not their first time.
France and Australia, they are, you know, they're familiar with this Overwatch World
Cup circuit.
Those are the two teams, as you said, before we headed into the break.
They're the two teams who pulled those offsets, right?
France, of course, getting that victory over Korea, which was insane.
We're quick to just like kind of you know, like put Korea down for the roster
But like I think you can't really take anything away from what we've seen France do in Busan
Absolutely, I mean talking to France yesterday as well
I think that victory just let them have so much more confidence coming into
World Cup this weekend and you know, I think they're going to pull some more upsets throughout
I gotta say I mean if you're thinking about the energy that they're able to bring to the stage
Namely being crocs. Yes. I feel like having a player like that on your team can empower you to do
Anything and I think that also he was the one that we really saw pioneering that demon meta
Yeah, I mean, I think it's fair to say that both of these teams very much, you know
They benefited from demon being so good while we were on Busan
Of course now we're dealing with a little bit of a nerf situation
So we don't know we haven't seen the two teams play since the latest patch
But regardless, it's both of these tanks who bring that kind of energy ash the crocs versus kafa battle is going to be nuts
It really is especially because they both have somewhat similar kind of those brawly type of play styles
They like to get aggressive kafa on that demon it looks so comfortable for him as well
But I think looking if this heads ahead
It also gets interesting when you're thinking about a friend who was really leading the charge there within crocs on that demon
He really set the p-thing and not just that everybody fell in love with this player in Busan
Absolutely, I mean we've known trucks right in the in the auto-business circuit already pull that stuff like the road talks
It's already been a fan favorite, you know like giving up that fan service
But what he was able to do on that demon in a reverse week as well, right against South Korea
Like that's something you have to be able to pull off and I you know
I think that star power, if you want to call it that, just the ability to be in such a high pressure situation and then pull it out.
Just really, you know, being the energy for the entire team as well just gives France an extra bit of, you know, what if power to take over the match, in my opinion.
It definitely does.
And it's enabled by the back line behind him, right?
FDGOT has also been playing pretty lights out.
It feels like the support cat.
It's been crazy, girl.
It has been, girl.
I mean, honestly, no.
Like FDGOT obviously also brings just a lot of veteran
experience to that spot because FDGOT has been around forever
in a few days, really.
So like having those veteran players
mixed with some younger players and having that young,
like kind of fearless energy, that's a really good mix here,
Gavin.
Absolutely.
I mean, just talking to them yesterday as well,
you could see Crocs and FDGOT together.
They just feel like they're going to win.
You're better.
Yeah, I mean, but not even just this match,
just like the entire weekend,
you asked them about teams like Korea,
about teams like the USA, about teams like KSA,
and they're just like, no, we got it.
It's fine, we're gonna win.
It doesn't matter who you put in front of us,
we're going to beat them and it's gonna be easy.
I love that kind of confidence,
but that's also like what they show in their play, right?
They're not scared to pick up different compositions,
different heroes that show us that in the past so I'm very excited to see what
they've cooked up for BlizzCon specifically especially after this
patch or if they're just gonna have an honorary demon off and they're just like
rolling with that one we don't know let's talk about the other side here though
Australia I just talked about you know the good mix of the veteran players and
the new guns and we're gonna have the same situation here in Australia of
course we have Kafa we have Collar Higgs they've been around the block for so many
years, but then you have players like Hamster and Soggy who are already bursting into the
competitive scene. It was really impressive to see a player like Hamster being able to
keep up with not just this roster, but the other teams in the Overwatch World Cup. This
upset up against Great Britain was insane. You always saw Kappa looking to stand up, yell
across, and I think that's going to be such a fun head-to-head with Crocs to see them bringing
that kind of banter to the big stage here at BlizzCon. Overall though, for Team Australia,
I also am thinking about the fact that there's so much flexibility in Kappa's tank pool going head-to-head against Krox.
We've seen a lot of the Sigma coming into the play here at the main event as well, especially with the patch that's gone through.
He's been looking really powerful against Black Cat.
Absolutely. I mean, I think the Kappa vs. Krox matchup is really going to be the crux of the two teams battling it out today, especially.
And I also think, you know, Australia also has a lot less pressure, I would say, than a lot of the other teams.
Australia, you know, getting here already was a big upset for them, whereas France, you know, was already kind of expected to get to the top eight.
So I think having, you know, that ability to just be fully confident that we're here already and just try to push it forward will be a big advantage going in this match.
I mean, both of these teams coming in with so much hype, they're both teams which are just well loved, even though we've never seen that really high placement in an Overwatch World Cup.
Cup or even in the OWCS circuit like we've been rooting for these players for so many years
So it's great to see both of them clash here, but it is a single elimination
Bracket so they got to give it there all in this very first showing here at BlizzCon
Looking at predictions for this one. I had a hard time. I gotta be real with you, but
You know, I'm gonna start with you
Start with me. Yeah, you go first. I didn't have a hard time. You did not know after talking to france
They told me easy to go and I believe them and Australia didn't say that
No, I mean I didn't talk to you
No, but just talking to Krox and FD got and just the any dip also as well like the entire team of France
Just felt so confident that it's contagious
You can just tell that they aren't looking to this match. They're looking to the finals, right?
I think you know that confidence that energy
I think they're gonna be able to actually go all the way and maybe even pull an upset in that semi-final and even the finals
I think what's been so impressive about France is their ability to
Translate that energy into the game. So I had to go with them for this matchup. I think that for Australia
They can definitely make this a close one. I'm a believer in that roster as well
I think they look great talking to slaggy during Busan was also so awesome to hear about like his experience getting to come
all the way to BlizzCon here but unfortunately I think France got it in the bag.
You know what? I think the desk once again is aligned with their opinions.
I'll always go with France though. They're my neighbors, okay?
Switzerland and France. So, a little blur, right?
I have to root for this French squad because we go way back.
We go way back. Maybe not these players specifically, but France is a channel.
But I generally think there's a big opportunity for this to be very scrappy but close match
And it is such a great opportunity for these players like Soggy and like other Australian players like this is a region historically
That just doesn't get to have that monster exposure
So something like the Overwatch World Cup is so important for these kind of players
Absolutely, and I mean that just goes to show you how important the World Cup is for all of these teams
Just the opportunity for new players to show up for new teams to really get their chance to shine
I mean even France like there's a lot of great players there
but not players that you've truly seen, you know, at the world stage, if you will.
So this is just a great opportunity to see all those players and teams really have their moment at BlizzCon.
That's right. The player are here giving it their all, and they're fighting for their countries,
they're fighting for their region, and you can too. That's right.
Because if you want to take a look at that, we're not just got fancy drops for you.
You can cheer in-game and earn additional rewards.
And also, you can cheer your conference on.
So what do you think?
Which conference is gonna come out on top of the end of BlizzCon?
We're gonna keep on making check-ins.
Come out on top of BlizzCon!
Let's go.
So you don't do this to me.
I just did it to you.
I was planning on keeping it a little bit more hidden.
Well, honestly.
Is there a bias?
Gosh.
I have an EMEA bias right now.
OK.
OK.
I like it.
I'm here for you.
I mean, the odds are good because you have quite the M.E.A. teams joining.
So, you know, while you're running the numbers, that's pretty sick.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I wasn't really running the numbers, but I also feel kind of crazy saying it
because I feel like I'm betraying the two other conferences that feel a little closer to home for me.
Yeah, I thought you were in a Chinese era of your life.
That's what he told me at the Chinese Cloud.
Unfortunately, Team China didn't make it here, and you really didn't need to remind me of that.
That's what I'm here for.
That's what I'm here for.
Which conference are you backing up?
I mean, my first event with Overwatch was in Asia.
I live in Asia, so of course I'm going to be supporting Asia.
I think Korea is going to take it.
I think the funniest thing would have been if Gavin said all of that and then went,
yeah, I got America.
Yeah, yeah.
Me and America, we go back.
True, since birth.
Since birth, 18 years.
Honestly though, I think the South Korea shout is obviously going to be a safe one.
We have a stacked roster, but also they're coming here with something to prove.
They do have a target on their back.
They want to redeem themselves from that loss against France and Boussard.
They want to show us that they came to play.
For now though, we are getting ready for France versus Australia first.
A quick break, but don't go anywhere.
Let's get this hype trade rolling.
And we'll see you on the other side of this.
If you were to make a super team, so one tank, two DPS, two supports, who would they be and
Why?
Let's start with tank.
Let's start with tank, yeah.
I'll take Asinone.
I'll take Zod.
I'll take Zod as my tank.
I would say Zod is the best tank.
I would pick Nexus tank.
Tank?
I think Jumblin, yeah.
What about DPS?
Quartz?
Quartz for sure.
Quartz. Yeah, Quartz is short.
Instantly.
I think I'll take Quartz.
Quartz?
Now you have Capstone here.
Capstone?
Capstone for sure.
Yeah, Cap.
Can we get Crofts on there?
Yeah, bro.
You signed us, flexed it past me a bit?
I'll send you and send you.
No, no, no.
Support now?
Support.
Get Ambul in there.
And then, simpler style.
And then, flex support is probably simple.
That's our dream team.
That's a team.
That's a super team.
That's a super team.
I'm not saying.
Final answer?
Yeah, that's a foul answer.
Happy with your game?
Yeah, very good.
California. Australia have crossed oceans, continents, and 180 milliseconds of latency
to come here to see just how good they can really be. France have done their own fair share
of traveling here to show them exactly where their limit is. It is time to solve the mystery
of who advances into the next of the top four spots.
I mean, France looked unreal when we were in Busan. I mean, Crocs playing that demon at like
another level that everybody else, they're so good, they need Korea there, which is like
Which is like unthinkable
They should be the favorite in this obviously there's some balance adjustments that happen post Busan
But still France feels extremely confident coming in this game
Yeah, look we talk about France's play style of what led them to success in Busan
It was his no respect run it down play style and the issue for Australia is they want to play the same way
Kappa wants to run it down brothers and play demon in five years
He well then started playing demon before she was good because he was quite a quick board of playing rematch run running it down
He just wants to get at this French team and this matchup is gonna be a matter of tempo and who can hold off under those conditions
That scares me for Australia though
Typically when there's two teams they're going against each other and they both want to run it down
We usually find out one is a bit better than the other at it early on and that team is able to kind of steamroll on through this series
But you better believe for hell of a good time. Oh, yeah, I mean it's what's gone. It's always a great time
They'll Grants, they obviously get map pick here, they'll take us to Samoa, a map that we saw them play a few times in Busan.
Now of course, there's been some discussion about Demo, we've already seen plenty of her, right?
There's a slight nerf, I think, with some smoothing out in terms of a shield uptime.
To expect to see plenty of that still, the Bastion ban here for Australia was pretty cut and dry,
trying to avoid that combination with Jetpack, that's still a decent option, and Hazard is definitely a go-to for Kuffer,
one of his preferred types of special maps that feature some of the verticality.
So, all that absolutely has to do with getting to downtown Fruzone.
Yeah, and the patch that we're playing on obviously comes in pretty recently, so
you know, we're kind of thinking in the back, maybe we don't see as much fury, maybe we don't see this that.
But it feels like teams that already like practice and drill a lot of the things, you know, post-boosts on,
and we're just going to kind of keep rolling with that as the meta.
So, Hazard, you know, we've seen Kuffa play that in the past, really good on that hero.
And hasn't had any balanced touches as well recently,
makes us still very much the same here and a lot of people were pretty high on
hazard I know even I think you remember the crowd I was gonna get
excited our players are getting more creative we got players they know that
the water on their mouse pads you get the Rubik's Cube on stage okay
possibly have a genius okay
Brad started to cheer for us. He was fast and he used to run it down in Lucia, mad respect.
Obviously this team, this French team has really lent pretty heavily into the
Jetpack hat for FD. Got a lot of the time right? He's come a long way I think from
being like a Lucia 1 trigger player that was over the aggressive really feels like
he's matured a whole lot and he's seen every era of French national
Overwatch. He was there in 2019 when they made the top 4. 2023 when they got grouped
0-3 and now in Busan helping this team get to a shocking upset victory over
the South Korea in a reverse sweep.
It feels like this is their most realistic chance
to win the Overwatch World Cup France.
I know in the many years that they've obviously been
close to the top four in the top four.
It feels like with this roster of younger players, right?
Players who've kind of played through,
I know now at OWCS, but tier two in the past,
it feels like this is kind of their time.
The one thing you would be worried about is,
like, do they come in a little bit too overconfident
with what happened in Busan, right?
They obviously win their group.
They look like the strongest team there.
Now, you kind of continue all that trash talk
that bands are coming on in.
If you get like punched in the mouth early here by Australia,
could be tough to bounce back from.
This is your team, France Roster.
Let of course by the illustrious Crocs
that's Keo and Dip of DPS and Zerion
and FD God to back this team up.
This is an extremely well-rounded roster.
Fantastic hitscan presence here, obviously,
from this DPS line and Zerion and FD God
can kind of play it all.
Zerion known mostly as a Kirikou player for quite some time in his OWCS tenure, but a very flexible individual loves to get in all chat and talk some smack.
Hey, that's what this game is going to be about.
Because we know the Aussies like to get a little bit loud as well.
Couple stand up.
He will point at you.
Kala Hex has lived in Australia for four years.
So in terms of absolutely.
So we like to see.
So Kala Hex is actually in Australia for a resident's purposes.
So he is not the breakthrough player.
That's Soviet.
Coach Hunter wanted to use their breakthrough player slot on someone who they felt could have the most impact.
And Soggy obviously was on that team's secret team alongside Kappa, a really impressive player out of Singapore.
What I'm worried is the backline here, right? Can they stay alive?
Because what France was doing in Busan is just playing hyper-aggressive with the demon, getting in, punishing backlines extremely fast.
It's like if you can do something for Australia to be able to either peel for them, if they can keep each other alive,
That's where you can definitely start to take advantage of maybe the hyper aggression that comes in from France something that it's work knowing about this
Australia team though is coming to Busan they really didn't have any time to properly practice until they arrived right really hard to get quality
Scrims out in that region
Especially these plays are pretty far flung from one another like soggy is obviously in Singapore right so already you've got latency issues
But they touched down and they were able to gel really quickly pretty well on coach standing behind them as well
Coach Smashers stepped in of course bringing those years of experience at the top level mostly over at EMEA recently to sort of guide them
And there's a question of how much use they've made of their scrim time here, but Team France
It's easy to get those scrims. They're based out of EMEA, right? It's just it's a region where you're it's an embarrassment of riches
I mean a lot of teams here are boys coming from EMEA, right? A lot of scrim partners
Coming through this event that they have to pick from where yeah, that's a great point
I mean Australia, you can get some scrims in but a lot of it's going to be like here going over some film
You know getting some scrims a day or two before now
So can you someone you should be watching watching for on a Australian team because actually what if he's best heroes is vendetta
We don't really know how vendetta sort of gonna play into the mix here
She did get a quality of life sort of boost in terms of how our combo works with the M1 slashes
But the recovery time off her whirlwind slash has been increased which makes it harder to act after it
Which does give you like it's like a quarter second, but that matters at this level of that vulnerability. So if you do see that come out
Choose to see how so he's able to operate typically we've seen been dead up mostly against like Symmetra base comps
They're also good against heroes who can't really mitigate any of that damage. You think like Sigma
Diva Sigma maybe a little bit less so with the accretion
You know kind of some hard CC in the mix
But with those heroes not being that prevalent even with like been deader
You know we did see a lot of them that are Busan. I haven't seen much of it here early on in Anaheim
So it's a new generation of French players looking to bring about our
Renaissance and make that top four once again versus the perennial underdogs
The dark horses the Aussies who are here to have a good time and show the world what their region can produce a wind here
Seems to be in the top four and the challenges unknown and it's clear to see
expectations have Australians as the underdog up against the odds it feels
like if they get into a mirror matchup against France that is exactly what
France wants to see what I want to see as well I also think Australia are gonna
be willing at least initially to play into this I just worrying that like
France is kind of really owned in on this playstyle they're gonna be too tough
to beat. Where's Khan? Make some damn noise! Let's play some Overwatch!
Off the downtown, Southpings off here on Samoa. Hip on the tracer, Keo on the
Cassidy. Similar cops, but we see Hamster picking up the Anakia, potentially
able to pressure that jetpack catch us a little more. Yeah, the ability, you know,
also like bios, sleep, crocs, potentially as you see, crocs already
deep into the back line. So I already picked up early, not a great look at FD God getting busy.
Pretty constant fighting over in the side room and Tafa's pretty mindful actually that he needs
to prevent his back line from taking too long. But how to respond to this, this burst of mobility
from Crocs causes Karla Hex to get run down while he's trying to play it off angle. And FD God,
we talked about like historically, right? Really strong with Alucio, more of like an offensive
focus player as opposed to being like kind of a supporter who's really focused on healing. Defensive
like Jetpack has the perfect technique here over here, and he gets in the mix, takes out the enemy tracer right away.
Obviously Jetpack has some nerfs in terms of damaging healing output, some very reasonable and still that prize mobility that you can give to a frontliner is something that you're playing for.
Cull Hex against once we have an off angle, but it's hard to have those safe spaces, good sleep there from Hansen that's going to slow crops down, but he's never far from the action.
Never far from the action. Again, punches forward, stab into Color Hex, and another easy pick-off on the Cassidy.
Frans, a pressie on the weak points here.
But that's also where you see the weakness, even of the Ana, right? Like, in theory, the Ana is good.
The sleep comes in there on the Crocs. A shot from Color Hex just wakes them up, and then he just kind of barrels on forward.
There's no real threat to Crocs at that point, and, you know, he kind of gets rid of Color Hex, turns around,
Aki has the focus on trying to kill Hamster, also by the way, you have Giff in the mix, who's, you know, pretty awesome on Tracer.
This has been dominant from France early on.
In order to give Color Hex the space he's looking for, you've got him in the mobility of this French front line.
Over the top sky noon, here's Mikiya, Aki's already gone down, a grim portent for the Australian squad.
B's Kiyo pushing up, people in the flash range didn't seem to mind, this Kaffir is going to be de-mechged yet again.
It feels like Australia have barely gotten off the starters block.
What's that?
Yeah, it feels like Australia, like you haven't even really got close to like winning fights, right?
No, not many kills exchanged, you know, even kind of trading early on here.
So, Zagi will get on, touch the point, but you already lose Akki.
Now you also have the Tracer with no recall here on the point, you're only 90%.
Zagi's doing the most here, but his team is basically being spawn camped.
It's a limit break here to take Kyo down and Kafa is going to be able to get a touch on this point,
but there's a question of whether they could flip it.
Crox is happy to fight here in the front line. Kappa likes to run it down, but this might be Walden,
even he can deal with Soggy eventually capitulates in that tracer duel that Crox is chilling.
Even with the Bionade on, he's happy to fight and Kappa is going to get overwhelmed.
Off the top comes Kala Hex, the dead eye does connect, here's the liver break from Crox,
though dipped out of the mix, but Kala Hex is picked off and that will do it.
Just the dead pack cat now to be cleared out and a grenade will make that a trivial task.
Tuffs down here as Soggy goes for a touch, but a recall off means that he is on the outside looking in.
It feels like you can't play this, Ana.
Like, just not having any mobility, like personal survivability,
against a team that wants to play this aggressive with France.
It feels like you're just kind of playing into it.
Like, France wants to isolate a target and then just being able to kind of collapse on it.
Ana, it's like, you know, she's got a big target on her back the entire time.
I feel like you're going to have to make a change here for Australia.
In terms of maps where you can actually get sightlines on the Jetpack Cat,
That's as good as it gets for this map.
Maybe, beach here you have more opportunities, but breaking line of sight with those buildings
is something that FD God's going to be able to do pretty easily.
The issue is the same, and the mandate for Team Australia is the same.
They've got to go after the mobility that allows Crocs to be whatever he wants in the blink
of an eye.
And this is kind of what we saw from France in Busan.
Like you just can't get rid of Crocs.
It's a really good idea of like how to kind of play the demon, but also knows how to push
it to like the almost limits.
How are we gonna think of like the yard where you're gonna push that diva to the absolute limit somehow able to live
I find this way to the back life of the peel is very good from Crocs
He responds almost instantly
Hamster also takes a beating and is forced to drop onto the low ground and Australia have the point for now
But they put that low ground they've got to push off and take a fight man. I like ditching the honor though
I think they're gonna have a much better chance of success with this lineup
Kio gets followed over pretty quickly couples able to get him
It's a question of whether he can get out shield up and he backs away
Hatch he's been picked off from Zerion out of the picture is cooking tough for France
This is devolved into a brawl, but look at Crox's health pull. He can do as he pleases right now
There's not a lot of pressure in the form of the opposing demon to stop it
Yeah, he's gonna get pretty low though
So they're gonna get Zerion and FD got back in the action here to kill him up
Australia does have control of the point putting down some of that damage on the Crox kind of buy some time for Australia here
We get tougher back in the action
Crosses in the back lane, no where is Cupford, there's nowhere to be seen, Hamster's gonna be forced out of the fight, so there's no healing whatsoever for the rest of this Team Australia squad.
Still, Aki at least haven't winned out in that Jetpack Cat duel, but it's two supports here and Crocs is feeling a bit peckish.
Yeah, just like any of you who don't have Xerion or a D-Guard alive, so you're not gonna be able to... Oh, Crocs actually limits Breaks here, they want to try and play this.
They lost his patience, it was good stall from Team Australia.
Cupford's gonna come back in the fight, look how low Crocs is, there might have been a D-Mac there from Dip, they're able to get him out of the suits.
I mean, France does flip, right?
But they give up France's mech for it.
And oh, that's a huge kill.
Sierra takes out Hamster on the comeback.
Still tough up with the point and a healthy mightful though.
If he goes, that's a post one that's
going to knock him down to size out of the mech now.
And it's a close fight.
Australia get that 38% but France drag it back.
You know, it looks great for France now,
but using that limit break and potentially not
flipping that point.
I mean, you're up at like 60% at that point
if you're Australia.
That kind of gives that point away.
So huge play there from Crox realizes like a 2v2 scenario, you're able to turn that does feel like his pulse form is pretty important with that
You know lack of burst healing available to both sides
Color hex has an off angle, but he knows Crox is gonna come from here doesn't have the mobility to get away
He is chopped to bits. It's there in a bit of chasing on him in Australia down to free instantly
Yeah, when Crox is taking up color hex his entire screen. It's a little late for the hinder grenade at that point
There's not much to hinder there as
as Crocs just kind of beats him down.
So, well see, maybe can you get like one of these like,
you know, high noons kind of flying through the sky?
It looks like it's going to be France the one who goes first.
It's a defensive high noon from Karlahecks.
The dissuade, Keo, but he's not interested in that exchange.
Karlahecks has picked off,
and this is exactly where France wants the game to be.
Australia in disarray, they're staggered out.
Look, they do get a flip, which is great.
But France will go back, flip it in their favor,
and Australia need to take some time to regroup here.
So, no, Australia, right?
you don't end up having that dead eye to use here who tried to use it defensively
could have been good to like clear out the point like maybe kind of force the
paint a little bit later I guess we so careful and that's the catnap to that
if he got fighting an opportunity to sort of double down to your texture ton of
damage for the healings gonna be there cuz fast are still intact a full fire
they think I find yet another elimination the catnap he goes a little way
with but hey closes the gap on hamster I guess he has to switch step away but
FD God has a nose for this kind of thing and knows what a carry is. Yeah, they know that I'll show you trying to wrap around here
Just to get it in a OT, but give it a right click to come on brutal stuff frat
We'll stand tall here as Samoa ends in a bit of a landslide a bit of a landslide and that is
Drubbing there from France on Australia where Australia wants to play that same type of playstyle as France
But France has been the team that's kind of been at the forefront of this hyper aggressive demon style
So I mean if you're a show you got it like try and get the demon either and once maybe you try and get rid of the
Jetpack cat right a lot of the stuff that enables props is the ability of FD
Got to try to drop him in that back line
So you do have some ways for Australia to make some impacts on this series moving forward for dropping the first map means that
God if they get to a map 5 a lot of things will be out of their hands
They won't have any more abilities to target the composite work for France. They also won't have choice of map
Tough break here team Australia, but France look fantastic
And this is really just them picking up where they're left off in Busan high tempo very coordinated
Hard for Australia to actually find opportunities to disrupt to isolate to stagger. They just
weren't available
Yes, you take a look at some of the stats. It is just all friends. I mean
Call of Hicks is dead. Tell the whole story. Yeah, I mean nine deaths. I mean we were I was kind of joking about it
I mean he's using hinder these entire field of view is just crocs in his face
That's the hard part, right? It's like you can't really get away from this demon when you have FD God doing such a great job
Just kind of moving crocs around the map
It allows crocs to save all of like that jet booster to be able to kind of close the gap on the people and then also use the jet booster
Like get out. He also has the god feels as the stab forward that gives him that little that little sort of gap close
So it's very very hard to get them on hockey. So I think when you look at this for Australia, right?
Really difficult to try and play on a into this setup. I think that's probably
Gotta go unless we see you know a map that you gotta get those balls in the same line like we're talking like the
Junkertown type of scenario. I think you you have to consider getting rid of the cat
I think the cat obviously you would put up you got on Lucio, which is very good at but no Lucio is not kind of dragging
You know the demon to the sky into the back line
So at least you can kind of see it coming and react and then I think you got to consider getting rid of the demon on one of
Those maps I think you have like a few bands here that
We're gonna throw friends completely off their game
But at least get it to a bit more of a fair fight
What this virtually means though is that Australian have to win the maps in which they've been demon
Yeah, and you're back then and there's no guarantee of that droughts play more than one cop
They do it quite well. I
I mean, we've also seen uh
No Crocs play some Roadhog, right? I mean, we know how good he is on that
Where you're dangerous to kind of see him just kind of pick that up as gonna kind of ruin a map at any moment
I think it's like puts a lot of pressure on a cup of that right like you're either gonna have to play the demon at that level and
Be able to kind of come back and win that way or like the map that you ban demon and if they keep Crocs in the game
It's a must win, right? I mean especially because you would say that Kappa has the deeper pool in terms of tanks
Release what we've seen displayed
Kappa has some pretty strong preference
This is though in terms of rocks on stage
He's trying to hide by the plans behind him as we're in advance
I guarantee you that French contingent is going to swell over these couple of days
Especially as they continue to find success if a part of me wants to know what he would do if they like won the whole thing
Like would he just jump through the table or
So, Shambali, this is a map that you can play a lot of like, Ramatra, Sigma, things along those lines.
So, this is also a pretty decent map. Like, you can't like Jetpack Cat, and, you know, even Jetpack Cat with like, you know, Ramatra gets scary here, right?
You can kind of bring Jetpack the Ramatra over the ceilings, you can kind of get like really weird angles.
I'm curious what Australia views as like the must ban here.
Whether it's like the cat, whether it's, you know, if you get rid of cat, right, you can then play some like, double flex support, take looks, right?
right you can still play here you see Baptiste kind of creep into the mix here on Chambali
so I'm curious what Smash has planned here for our strat. I think it's pretty audacious
choosing the very map that France reverse-swept South Korea to begin your choices. Well that's
true you know you do go back and look at that map and we were in you know maybe even fuller
whole territory where Korea held them even longer right so it is a win that goes down
or france there
uh... australia banning
okay so this is interesting right
what does france decided to do here this is uh...
it appears for it feels like australia might want to try and
play the anaconda might be where they feel the most comfortable this is like a
less high priority ban to use earlier on in the division i'd be like alright fine
sure
uh... to this feels great for france i mean
rematch is pretty strong in this map
You can still play Demon, you can still play Jetpack Cat.
You know, the one thing I will say is like Xerion
like plays like a lot of the cure.
Like what is the other support that you think Xerion
would go to pick up the Juno on this map, I think.
Juno, I think it may even be like, could you play Baph?
Like Baph with a cat.
Defensively.
Yes.
Yeah, I think that you want to really hold that space
up on the cart from the high ground.
It's a safer spot to be.
But obviously Baph, he's has the sort of limitations
that he's got no lateral mobility to speak of
unless he opts into it via a perk and so up until that point.
However, Immortality Field has been buffed,
so it's got more health there.
It's up to 175 health, which is not insignificant.
And also, it's just a quality of life increases
that it leaves you with a higher amount of health.
But Australia is playing so, like,
they have to play so reactionary
because France is playing so fast
that it would feel like Xerion's not even
under a ton of pressure at times, right?
Because like, it's soon, it always feels like, at least from that first map,
that Australia is just kind of waiting for Crocs to kind of come on in,
and then even then they're not able to react.
You want them to be reactionary, which is fine, but France, despite dictating the pace on Samoa,
we're also doing that.
Crocs is doubling back to his backline whenever Kappa steps in.
Yeah, he is peeling really effectively despite being the guy who's trying to set the pace in these games.
He's juggling a lot of different roles.
That's kind of the issue for Australia. It takes a lot of coordination to do that, right?
Because if your frontline is going to double back turning back on the opponents the DPS need to be pressuring support
You DPS need to be up to the screening for that tank to turn around and come back into the fight
That's what his levels to it
It feels like France are just that much more adept at playing this style and I don't think Australia are gonna
Turn away from it. I guess don't have these boys work. I guarantee you they're gonna run into the ocean head first
Did they have to you almost dropped a wee there? You almost dropped a wee there
What part of my career doesn't indicate the exact same thing?
Okay, so for instance, they're going to end up playing some cat honor on defense here as well. I mean, that's obviously another great option. We've seen this in OWCS, obviously, be a backline that has shown great results.
It just felt like at least from what we saw early on from Australia, the pressure was way too much.
much. Galax with the Hanzo Hover early. Obviously a really story player goes all
the way back to the... ah yeah. Boston Uprising. Let's see, had some pretty big
moments during that era. One of the most seasoned players on this roster by a
country mile. It's obvious of him, not much to see there. He's on the tracer so
again, felt maybe a little bit limited to express that skill. Dip definitely kept
to be checked for a lot slower will be a mirror matchup. It is the Anakai. It will be France
here on defense is Crocs just kind of gotten down there and you see okay they're going
to just peel over the top and that is nasty. So that's one thing though like I really love
like we kind of we don't get to see it right but a lot of the times when we're on color
hex if he's getting go right by that cat in the demon really like kind of focusing the
demon there. Keo is actually able to kind of just shoot the cat out of the sky. So it
Drunk's cuppa in which obviously you're not you know thrilled at the demons in the mix
But there's no way for a couple to get out at that point and also you lose a lot of healing to hit with a body grenade as well
I want to point out the honor is absolutely a Zerion hero as well something that I think he's still
Don't be looking extremely dangerous on so here's the risk you're covering this white expanse is ackee right now
When you're going up against like a top flight hit scan that is punishing you for a period of your time
And you can't let this happen
I mean, constantly, it's just the Tathamons are pigeoned to a hamster to just get flattened and covered. It's again, a second or so too slow.
Yeah, and I mean, well, also, like, Demons doesn't really have, like, really great healing abilities, right?
No, like, defense matrix or, like, a big wide shield, and then, and also, like, a lot of Demons' damage is coming from swings, right?
So even, like, having a shield, like, a Rhine or something like that, like, you're not really protecting anybody, so...
Come on.
They're gonna have to go back to spawn Swat, he's gonna lose some ult charge as well so...
Haki wants to be part of the pincy here I think.
Again here comes Crocs, here for the nanodracist, it's terrifying!
Cutahex is run into the ground!
And there's no escape from the Ana!
Still it's reciprocated on the other side, Xerion is just picked up, it's a nice bayonet from Hamster that sets that up before he goes down.
And that's with the demon filling his field of view.
Chiyo gets picked up now and FD God probably doesn't have a whole lot to do here except keep Crocs in the game as long as possible.
He has that limit break, but there's not a fight to be had here.
Yeah, they do get crocs out though, that's massive.
Australia finally able to break this first deep end seer on the corner.
The considerable amount of time is gone.
Two Jedi over the top.
Okay, not too shabby, but here comes number two, that is Big Kappa.
He'll be able to find a punish, but has to break that line of sight and find himself,
as usual, in a pretty awkward spot.
And now Kappa gonna try and stagger out the demon as well. The payload didn't get that far bitch
I mean, no typically if that happens inside this gonna be a little bit right here. Yeah, just trying to stay alive
Yeah, like that better movie shield element of the limit break is often overlooked
But Krokos doesn't stay on the battlefield. Yeah, I do worry about where we are in terms of the map with the clock
That's the nano already used for Australia as well
Well, the fresh run after he got here, he doesn't seem to be too bothered though, Crocs
does need some healing, everyone has a sightlight, that's a nice little sleep, and there's the
DMEC.
So if he finds the damage, Crocs is still going to be a bit of a nuisance here from this
high ground, but the card is starting to move away from him.
Can't really command much attention from this position with the most adequate of weapons
but Hamster gets flat, look, I mean you can see how far away Puffer is from Hamster, there's
just no help, but he's having a double back, he gets rid of Crocs before there's a remake
opportunity, so this card is going to be on the move.
Yeah, but the hard part is those Australia's had to like, you know, battle really tough.
I mean, trading kills back and forth just to get around this quarter.
And this is where Brant's is going to have great sight line advantage here from the high ground.
You're going to have Catnap.
And we only have 30 seconds on the clock.
Where you are right now is going to be really difficult to get back to if you end up losing this fight.
Brant is setting up just to stall and take some space here on the cart.
Some pressure in from Capri.
Has the limbrake available now.
Connection, let's see if it's to be desired.
I think a Catnap connects from FD God.
Capri going to be dragged away into the sun and riddled with bullets.
Xerion falls to the Xerion, he's able to get into the back line, there's more work to be done, he seems to be up for the task.
He at least forces, FD got away, so there's no help for Crocs, he'll eventually be brought down.
And that might be enough to get Australia there, in overtime I might add, they'll extend the map.
Massive clutch there from Australia.
Able to get that first checkpoint.
Almost into OT, and you're starting to get a little bit worried right when Cup against D-Mec, but it was actually some huge plays by Xerion.
able to take out Xerion up on the high ground. If you allow that honor to just kind of sit up there,
you know, being able to kind of free-heal and do some damage up the high ground,
there is no way Australia is going to be able to cap that. So huge play there by Sargi.
My legs under some pressure, but look at Crocs isolated, a little bit confident there,
peacocking out in the window, charged down by Kuffa. Yo, like body block there too, right? Couldn't
really get back out. Yo, I'm in comfort. It came up behind him in a costative year, so this is
France being forced to give up a fair bit of space, but a nanoboost here for Crocs means that he's
He's gonna be able to be that much more aggressive and run into this frontline
Part of continue to move couple gets the nano this is great early crocs slept here for much of the duration of the man of itself
So is everyone's I guess assistance isn't exactly going to go to the best use and stop you fighting on the couple
It's not both DPS massive and our crocs is forces sling on our way
Bit of a snowball starting to develop here for Team Australia that nano from hamster went to great use
Yeah, I mean, and I'll show you's getting the advantage in terms of the ultimate economy here as well
Nasty, oh, he'll get to though. Yeah, he picked off after the fact that dead iron response from kill was heads up
He was always a little risky in that spot and now there's no guarantee about his car connecting crocs into the backline goes for the limit
Break, it's not enough to keep him in neck though. It's soggy
He's proven to be a tough customer, but the car's being congested and copper is an absolute no man's land
and tries to back up and he'll get that cat healing.
Crocs ends up using that limit break
when he was hit with a pyos,
so he actually didn't even get the over health run,
he gets de-mecked.
No opportunity to even reset here as well.
Australia with their demon with a limit break,
a huge opportunity here to get this second checkpoint.
A cat nap on Crocs to drag him out of position
could be crucial.
He's not even in neck though, is that how you're worth it?
That's true, so I guess we've already gotten him
to the back ladder and a pyos does connect,
but it is all Australia in the kill feed
as it's forced to look on.
He just can't get close enough to the action for the time being with Keo down, and Strycer
feels the purpose.
Dip is dealt with, and Australia earned themselves another checkpoint.
Not a ton of time though.
Minute 40 on the clock, this is very difficult to attack.
This third point on Shambali, there's a lot of control around this first like main choke
that you're going to be able to have from France.
You see where after you got this point, like a 12-bit choke, really difficult to even
deal with a cat from that angle. Australia, maybe you can have some place from Saga,
even really kind of heating up in the last few fights. A lot of those key
ultimates have come back online though for France here. Australia maybe playing
around in nano here, right? Just trying to build up this nano, take some damage.
We're gonna see both tanks though, benefit from that endowment.
Nothing wants to fight with Crocs, here comes off second miss, but Hamster's having a pick off dip, he's taking a headshot.
Makes him that much more lethal to a tracer. Crocs wants to go forward now,
the nano and you can't blame him.
Livak right there from Kaffirno is going to be a problem.
That damage amplification is nasty.
But Krux is in a final on his own, back away.
With that held, the pulse bomb connection on his area though is through.
That's the armor now out of the game.
But Australia are limping.
It's going to be tough to get past Krux here.
But Krux is still in the game.
I don't know how Krux can connect to a jetpack cap, but that is brutal.
Yes, somehow, Dip able to kind of get Akki out of the sky there with a pulse bomb.
That is such a massive play.
You get Krux here over the wall.
Going to put some damage down.
FD got to kind of drag him back towards that other side
You saw the nanohere, yeah you saw the nanohere for Australia as well
You can nano even the Cassidy over the high ground and now you don't have to worry about the limo Craig
You're kind of canceling out the damage reduction of the nano we're gonna fly on him
But Kiyos have a sea ackee coming and plucks him out of the sky
I can't for realize is he can't come too much further forward as Crocs is starting to push at him
So damage here going over to FD go but he can just duck out of line of sight and get top back up
This has gone extremely wayward now for Team Australia as they're forced away
France hold them off. I
Been really impressed with Keo
Throughout our first map in our first half here in map number two the ability on the Cassidy when all of this pressure is coming down
It feels like every time while Shirley is going in trying to commit to a fight
He's able to get one it feels like a few times
We'll be able to get that jetpack cap really early out of the equation makes it really difficult for copper, right?
What do you see maybe copper gets a kill once he gets in the mix but DMACC instantly because you know that cat to get you out and you
Made the acetation in the first map that for color hex with his field of view filled up by a demon is hard for him to do anything
Chiyo is demonstrating now that he can find opportunities to at least trade go one for one or more
Even when he's being pressured by this demon and that is a I think off overlooked skill set here
That's so crucial in a metal like this
We also got to give some props to FDGOT as well, right?
One of the shittier kind of movement players we have, especially on the low-rise.
And then being able to kind of do that movement there on the jetpack count.
Really difficult target to kind of track down.
So, a decent push through the map, all things considered. Shambhali on the street.
It's quite the trek.
That's it. You see what France could do here? We know the pace that they play at.
They want a snowball advantage and run with it.
Kalang's pressured a lot in this map, but the same could be said of Keo.
Both Cassie with that limited mobility will always have a target on their back as far as Demon is concerned.
This wouldn't be crazy, because he's in out of the gates for a moment.
You find pretty good pressure in the air, I could right-click and set you straight, but...
Yeah, they're in and we're back to the honor.
And can Australia hold through this pressure from Brandt on defense?
Crocs already.
What's he doing?
He's dynamic 2 over here.
He got to get behind enemy lines.
Why is he there?
Kyo does end up falling here.
So, Australia realized they're going on a long flank.
They can be pretty aggressive.
So, how you trying to flank the flank is
if they got getting picked on first,
Kalaheke strikes gold with the capacity.
Hamster might have fallen, McCuff might have a chance
to make this into a trade.
Yes, Crocs is out of the mech.
A recall there, falls from a dip.
He has to get away from that questing blade.
Crocs out of mech and out of the game for now.
Now, the post supports down for Australia, it's going to be France, getting those players back off of the respawn
quickly as Croc's also going to get back into the action, Kappa needs to get back,
pull onto that net, an interesting color hex here, going to go over to the Emory.
So we saw some Emory, now back in Busan, a little bit better survivability obviously than like a Cassidy.
You don't have the sky noon opportunity, but you have your own way of getting up amongst the clouds
clouds and barrage in down. It's got to be soggy caught out there.
Wept he got, comes with a bit of burst that he was not expecting.
Cup of D-Mex so fast.
This is the snowball I was talking about.
This is a cracking pace for France.
Now you're going to lose Colorex here.
They're just trying to like stagger out this skill for a very long time.
Kroc's going to be able to get squirted back to that low ground.
This would be really fast here for Brans.
His Cup is going to go out trying to contest at least,
but it's hit with a bio.
He will get D-Magged, feels like inevitable for France to get this first checkpoint.
I sort of pick off there by Sokky, kills out of the game, but Akki currently can't test for so long in France.
They're gonna have what they came for here.
Slept as Crocs is, Australia trying to double back here, but Crocs is refusing to give them any space, and Hansen is gonna be gunned down.
Australia, man, it feels like they have really not...
No, they got a kill tray there on the first fight on defense, but...
with obviously the offensive spawn being so close, not ideal for what they want to do.
The same issues rearing their head as we saw on Samoa with getting out of these fights, nothing sagging.
It feels like this next fight must win though. Like, if you allow brands to kind of get towards taking that second checkpoint with like,
three plus minutes on the clock, turn into five, you're in a rough spot.
I have everything that I don't feel good about at all.
Huff's gonna try and take the tempo, take the advantage, make use of that nanoboost to start the fight on his own terms.
For all intents and purposes, it appears to have worked, but Krox is going to extract his own level of damage.
And yeah, if he got trying to drag Kuffar out over the wait, he's a little bit low, though.
He's trying to drop some of that altitude and picked off in the end by the demon.
Kuffar doesn't really have anywhere to go here.
But Sonic is doing the work in his stead.
Well, I mean, if he actually gets rid of Kuffar, you're going to have Keo come back,
and then if Degard can just kind of escort the Krox right back into the fight,
This next fight is going to be pretty quick to kick off, and it's a really nice angle to get like a Sky Noon.
Aggressive Bionade there from Hamster doesn't really connect, so keep cooldown available for the time being.
Soggy has to follow up on whatever damage a Colour Hage can put down, but it's going to be Kyo starting early.
Sky Noon claims the cast, and we'll have an override, particularly from Colour Hage, but it's a pretty safe angle.
Still Xerion, Black Immobility gets caught, and an empty god, but marked up the wrong tree.
And able to get that cat out of the sky both supports down here for France
Crocs though still
Just feels like he is just unkillable here on the objective
I used to do a nice job just trying to stay alive
But that's gonna be our second checkpoint over to France with over four minutes in the time bank
It's gonna get about 55 meters here gonna be happy to be a legendary hole here from Australia team France are too comfortable
comfortable, too familiar with these kind of down conditions. This level of pace feels
like it's natural that Crocs also is sitting on another limit break. In Australia you have
to attract this. And I like the position he's playing from, right? Pushing out through the
choke, not allowing Australia to kind of play and dominate that space. I've been playing
for some free damage here, now it has to commit to some degree. Knows that Crocs is holding
a hammer over his head and having an elbow here as well. They're taking, Crocs taking
all this damage while he's here on the farm of this nano. Can this be asked with a catnap?
We'll see. Cox into the back line now. Limit break, fired off, and Culler-Hex is affected by it.
Hamster with that guarantee amplification. Folds like a lawn chair.
This postbomb goes wide, but Kappa really might not have much to do here.
He's essentially left alone as Akki is dragged down by FD.
Got him now. The last gasp of Australia on Shibali Monastery.
Just the dreg trying to hold some space, and Soggy finding Kio is just not going to be enough.
This team, France, are indomitable.
on real France able to look just as good without that carry in the mix at
Zerion is always playing getting into an on a mirror in terms of that back line
but it feels like just kind of a where this team finds a success is with fD
got on that cat playing with Crocs aggressively into the opponent's back
line I know Australia wants to play it they want to play that same type of
style but it feels like they got to kind of do something to target those two
players on France and the band from Australia going after the Kiri but
pretty conservative it's not really targeting the epicenter of this team
France composition right in Crocs is what 34 and 6 you look at like everybody
else in the lobby I mean just I think you have like 16k damage nobody else
really close to that nobody else close to 36 I know a limbs either so crazy
performance from Kratz yet again a lot of like a replay of what we saw in Busan. I think it takes a world-class background to support this kind of play
The fact that crocs only has six deaths
It's pretty significant whereas on the other side hamster and kala hicks are continuing to be targeted again as the two heroes that don't have that
Inherent mobility
It's all too easy to snap them up and look at the contribution from FD got there as well, right?
It was like I know 24 linds 27 assists
You have like a low amount of deaths compared to Acce. So FD God and
Crocs really just kind of the backbone of this France roster
Just cannot be stopped at least here early
In Anaheim I you've got to attack this right if you're Australia
I know you probably have a ton of pride about like well, you know, we got here playing this way
We want to kind of continue to kind of go play it we can beat them right?
I think everybody kind of starts to get taught themselves into that
But at least at the moment look you can't you can't finish the series and lose without trying to
Attack whether it be the cat or the demon and frankly, it's right
You're gonna have all the tools that they're disposed of to try and stack the deck in their favor
They get choice of map they get choice of bad first they can absolutely head out on this map too
Well, that's the problem, but I feel like again like going up to the Kiri's looks like it's half measure
Okay
But it looks anything but comfortable up against a high mobility frontliner that has like two dashes plus the jetpack cap
These guys have the time of his life and why not I mean this whole team is built around enabling him to just run it down
Maybe he'd be running it down and they are just playing with the utmost confidence right we heard from my no Gavin that like
Oh, France was just so confident talking about how they were going to make it to the finals run it down
And you kind of see that confidence playing out on stage
No, obviously here at blizzcon kind of like the pinnacle of all like I know Blizzard do like e-sports like the events of me the
Announcements everything and like they're just chilling there. They are no fear and on the other side tougher the epitome of Australian pragmatism
Says we're gonna get slapped
In the interview he's very very frank about how they thought their chances were looking
I mean look the way they emerge from their group they get put into a group with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
So first of all, it's like, okay, that's probably not a matchup
We can really it's not a bridge that we a gap that we could bridge the win against it
I think that great Britain squad is a huge feather in their cap
But can we see them struggle against this Mexican outfit that goes to five?
It's like all they almost sort of there's a risk of losing their spot in qualification if it goes
You know a little bit. Yeah, I really do like that
And frankly the limp in here saying yeah, well, listen, we're just gonna give it our best shot
They are gonna go after the demon finally
But they only get one map to do this one chance to put crocs on something else
I'm more interested in what now France decides to do. What do they get rid of right?
No, do you get rid of? I was gonna say honor. Yeah, there'll be a Juno van interesting
Could be map specific in fairness, but they also might be quite happy
With the lower mobility backliner to deal with my behalf going up against an honor
It is interesting because it's not a hero we've seen in this series, but obviously in
lieu of Demon, there's some comps like Malgo comps, for example, that really thrive with
like, you know, Juno's sort of proximity, you know, human from the orbital race.
So they might be sort of preempting the replacement for Demon here by targeting one of her key
supports.
Yeah, but I would say if you're Australia, right, like, you're not gonna play Hazard here,
like it's probably like what, Sig or Ram?
I wouldn't be surprised, like Croft's like, you know, outside of the Demon, when Demon is gone, we've seen a lot of Maga.
Like, Maga still always seems to kind of find his way back into the meta, where you can play the Maga with the Kiri and the Cat, and just kind of play the same type of playstyle.
Maga, I mean, the change in the last patch was really just about the chaingun spread.
I mean, Maga's still extremely good, right?
It's like one of the only tanks that feels like can be really like self-sufficient
Like just kind of Morgan can play on an island he'll himself feel like I gotta keep himself alive damage reduction with the charge
I mean indomitable as well
Just feels he got great all around her especially here on neon junction a map that we do see it typically a decent amount of
Moga play we've seen a lot of Sigma right that was something that you know team China Lee means pretty heavily
Also way by gaming
That's right, but again the same teams like both of them is you see Sigma look on this map at times
Bastion comes back into the equation. Obviously was playing the first map or a jetpack cat
There's still an application for that hero while burying Bastion around the map
Symmetra might be a consideration as well
Shambali is a pretty good fashion that where I think if you didn't see it there
You may not see it throughout the rest of this but okay, so it'll be the Risa here on defense for France
Shion Bastion in play. We have seen Arisa creep into the meta a bit more.
Really, I think our last EWC event and then going into the group stage.
We've seen a little bit more Arisa.
For Australia, talked a little bit about at the start of their series.
The Vendetta Fusugi is probably one of his most standout heroes.
Now, against this cop, there's not a simple target to go after.
Also, Eris's ability to displace you as a Vendetta is quite disruptive and if you can't be what you need to be, i.e. in your opponent's face, Vendetta's efficacy falls off a cliff.
And the Bastion can just mow through the Vendetta, right? So, if you look like that won't be what we see.
Are they going to try and play like a hazard? So, I was going to say, if we're going to play Ryne, are we going to see some sim action? But sim is obviously, I know, had some adjustments which make her not as effective.
So Australia have to be mindful of the bastion flybys.
And also Kia just being a nuisance here on a flank.
How does Kappa survive though, with the displacement of the Orisa and the Bastion damage?
It's a lot for Hazard to deal with.
By God it's going to be tested to its very limits here.
You can see Kappa just has the blank line of Cyclox.
He's going to be able to apply this constant pressure with threat of displacement.
Two things that Kappa doesn't want to deal with.
They end like an interrupt as well.
Let's see that. Slam dunk.
Kuffer from the top, bro, but damage has already been done.
Kroxy knows the hazard overhead
and goes after the backline. And once again,
it's Hanser and Kullahecks that get targeted first.
Now, Kuffer lacks the element of surprise. He doesn't have that impulse
to jump into the backline.
Australia had to regroup, but they have that spawn advantage
at least to leverage here. Yeah, you're going to get everybody back.
Oh, nice spear there.
From Krox. We couldn't have reacted differently to that.
That is nasty. Well, I mean, yeah, you're...
You see the hometown, hometown team here and there.
It is tough.
Dip their lines, cap her up, and he doesn't have a way to break line of sight.
And what can Sofi do here? He's ideal targets.
I doubt that she, I guess you've got to respect the burst damage from her.
Go after the Bastion out of tank mode.
But now, he's biting his time right on the periphery.
It just feels like Kafa under so much pressure.
I'll leave news there. That's gonna be a knee that connects on the soggy so devastating
That was the plan Australia had to get embedded inserted towards that backline and try to make use of it later in the fight
But he gets sniffed out
Not good two minutes left keep team Australia
They've eaten through half of their initial time bank and they're no closer to the objective than they were at the beginning
Yeah, this just doesn't seem like a comp that France running is great for the hazard to play into right
Now you would almost want to say something like a diva, right?
But that's like a hero that may be covered as a player as often.
That is a defensive Katsune rush, folks. You don't see him often, and there's a reason for that.
Kaffir's kept alive in the Barad-East, but a Terrasurge could be a problem.
It's disruptive, it displaces, and it does a heck of a lot of damage.
Here's the tank mode from Ditt making sure he screams.
Now this is going to set the Australians scurrying in the back line here with a joyride,
trying to get in their face.
Kaffir's going to get chunked down, and again, Australia have lost the tip of their sphere.
Yeah, I mean, Kavus ready to use that Jagged wall there of the hazard to be able to stay alive and double kill there, both supports.
This team is just too good.
I mean, we're below a minute here.
On Australia, their map pick, they finally get rid of the demon and does not really seem like it has made much of an impact here.
I mean, you're looking at Saag yes to do something heroic here in the back line.
Catnap there for Racky. That can be shrugged off so easily by the Orisa. It's almost pointless.
Oh, not a spree!
Keogh brought down my cut-hat straight away. Australia respond.
And in fact, FDGOT, fully committed behind the Shion, is picked off 5v3.
And the best opportunity we've seen this map for Australia to capitalize.
Man, it was so much damage that Keogh puts on down with that joyride.
Rally thinks he's going to have a highlight of his career there with the spree.
It's taken out, but Braz is going to be able to step up here, full point for a period of time.
Here's the downpour. If you'd get caught, unclear. Looks like Braz is still loose from that. The Suzu would have cleansed it.
Zarian always taking down Akis, able to draw blood finally.
Colour Hex up on the point. Loud and proud, Team Australia. Half their two ticks and change.
Soggy's brought down, but Dip can't get any purchase here on the point, and FD God has a bead drawn on him by Colour Hex.
The Akis capitalizes on.
But nine seconds left in the round. Australia still breathes for now and once they get Xerion down, it's just kind of you bleed out over time there for France.
Jetpack Cat can provide obviously a good amount of healing, but not like to a really going to heal an entire team on her own.
So once you get rid of that, Kiri becomes a lot easier to move and get onto the objective and clear it out there for Australia.
But, bitch, not a lot of time.
It'll be high ground control here for France.
They do make a change.
They're gonna play like a double hit scan look here
with a Cassidy in the Bastion.
Maybe we see a swap off the Bastion, but not now.
And I did close to another ultimate
that can really force positioning errors
out of the Australian squad.
So as you guys come to the response,
the Javelin was not allowed to hit.
Cubs trying to get forward.
Crocs wants to try and break these projectiles up.
It's Suggie's having to get in there
and the Sky Noon delivers!
Zarians picked up and Crocs knows
She's going to run forward and get this over with quickly.
A huge fight win there for Australia.
Feels like they needed that one to give themselves a chance to stay alive in this map.
Now, an opportunity here to get second point.
It's an extra time in the mix.
Dipp is going to end up using the artillery strike here.
France have some excellent tools to defend here.
Keraso around the corner.
Here's the catnip tip there from Aki.
No catch though.
Half of them are a little bit low. This is the problem for Australia now. They want to keep the momentum going, but losing their front line of means they might just have to double back in time. It's not on their side.
Kiwin did collapse on them, and a regroup's going to be required with only a minute left on the attack side.
They say Kitsune rush plus a catnap there though for France and their artillery so a really costly fight
For them to hold that second checkpoint at that moment. You've got a downpour nothing really else like highly impactful here for Australia
Keep an eye kid Kios all charge here because if they go put together a quick scan, you know, I think it
Australia are gonna struggle to have an answer. They don't have that projectile mitigation like even cons might
Cross doubles back. No need to overextend of this early point. A downpour for Kuffer could be massive. They can catch Kiri
before the Suzu cleanses it off.
Key over the top, already in position for the Sky Noon. Kuffer has to know what's coming. Here's the downpour, but a dead-eye is going to be a response.
Aki gets around the corner just in time, but Kuffer is not so lucky. And once again, Australian are going to be sent packing this time.
There are only 10 seconds left in the round. The terror surge!
feels almost malicious at this point.
Hamstrand, Kullahecks, R-Court out and it looks like Team Australia's momentum has all
dissipated.
Aki's forced to run for the kills and the touches are there at least to get overtime.
Soggy prolongs around and Kuffa comes back in on his legendary wrecking ball to keep the
game going.
Keo is taking down Kullahecks, disrupted and that's a javelin that ends the dead eye before
it gets off.
Kullahecks is too far away to intervene and he's too low.
Crocs can just keep him under his thumb.
And I mentioned to Cassidy, we'll be picked off.
One checkpoint and 87 meters for Australia.
If France is able to win maps like this,
where the demon is banned,
they are going to be very difficult to beat here.
Apple is conned.
I really like the confidence they came out with all this.
So I think it's a good breed having an idea
that Kappa would want to play something like the hazard.
Really a difficult comp like a high damage output from where she on fashion and then also the displacement of the Orisa
Makes it really difficult for kappa to get close to back lines and stay there for an extended period of time
This is that second consecutive fight win for Australia
That's China
More than France could respond to that a good time. It's all cut from the next flight trying to set this down poor up
But getting taken down by a dead either for kill like company where nobody goes
How is it such an old full committal hero?
Well, what in the world do they play on defense, right?
I mean, you're not going to play hazard on defense here.
It's got to be Ram.
It's got to be Ram.
But what I would be scared about, potentially, here,
if I was Australia, was, OK, you come out on the Ram.
Do we see them just kind of go and play Moga?
And we're just going to have Moga just kind of
charge down the Ramatra.
And we're going to play that.
I mean, you can play that Moga with like a Bastion, right?
you play Bastion, Shion, with a Maga and that's a comp that's been awesome.
You're also not running it down in Nemesis 4 when there's a Bastion in Willsmote, just
being led at you.
It's a comp that's still going to be pretty careful.
Play outside the windows of Bastion's damage spikes.
Make sure you line aside.
That's your changes they make.
I mean you could see like Maga, Shion, Bastion, I mean that's kind of what I would think they
end up going to and we're going to just see like a, okay they're going to play Cassidy
here and they're going to continue to play the Orisa.
Toughest given a chance to build that annihilation up. It's going to be tough to deal with.
Even with the hindrits potential, 4x1 on the point. Crocs is very deep.
Very, very deep. That perhaps was a bit of a miscommunication.
See, doesn't have the excuse of being catmatched out of formation to lean on there, sorry.
No, and like, Arisa kind of loses in some of those like, like, Arisa's pretty good at like, pressuring constantly on the Rematra.
on the Ramatra, like Orisa doesn't want to get into like a close quarter kind of brawl against the Ramatra.
Here comes Dip.
Tachronade's roundable to back line, Hampton's actually affecting that side room,
it might have to double back, it was a pretty early suzeruse, all things considered.
Crocs is low, Dip's also under some degree of pressure now,
and Nemesis form is giving a lot of space for Australia in these side rooms,
he's just gonna buy them a ton of breathing rooms.
Skydune over the top, looking for the happy little skulls, and Keo is the recipient.
Dix just gonna be run over in Australia. Happen to solidify here.
Yeah, I mean that is a really fast dead eye there that comes in from Collarhats.
I'm interested to see if Brantz decides that he can go down. Just pull those over with this counter if they want to change back.
That's not gonna be a Katsune rush here from Hamster. They're gonna go for it.
They're gonna go for it. They're gonna go for it. A cat that was going to be disruptive amidst it.
Soggy taking down. If he goes though, is the trade.
Australia trying to jockey back here as France want to put some pressure down with their own Katsune rush.
Cutler hex nowhere to go cheers ever to pick him up
But it would have been the best in all through the claims in any way
And I like to be held on to by Kappa, but there's no use case for it here none whatsoever
And France will begin the cap on this first checkpoint. I
Australia was really under no pressure to get that aggressive there with their good Suni rush, right?
They had already gotten a kill they had a few members of France pretty low
They decided to kind of push around that corner with their rush. It's a Russian cereal
I'm just gonna have a response right back and there's no way it's a nice artillery from dip that puts down some serious damage
Feels like that one. They just got a little bit too over-aggressive now
It gives France a ton of time here to move through the second part of the map
There is still a question of how they play into this annihilation, right?
It's gonna be tough to cover knots to get value off of it France are playing a pretty compact composition
Perhaps Kia wants to operate on an off angle and maybe dead eye into the rematcher
but that will take quite some time.
I mean, you can spear that remark back.
Nice there.
That was dangerous there for empty.
Got a little bit close to the sun.
And Soggy is going to command this space,
but those kunais are scary.
And a involuntary lobotomy delivered to Soggy.
Now making Australia, force them into give a bit of this ground
and now allow the antipass to be taken up by the attackers.
Australia is just getting bullied back, though,
by this pressure of the Orisa.
You may only end up getting one fight here.
Dead ice neutralized entirely by the Jaffelin stick.
Taneis can't get past it. Here come the Terrasurge.
Can he be knocked out?
Up in the sky is Keo and Kalaheks.
He's gonna get caught like a clay pigeon.
Drop in there and Hamster is already dealt with.
And here is Frans now building a true head of steam.
The golden box of victory is with Insight.
Yeah, you're gonna have this artillery here with this bash
and you're gonna be able to get the bash up to the high ground.
It's gonna be Kava back on the wrecking ball.
Oh, look at this, Haki behind enemy lines.
Catnapped here, but they know.
He won't make it, he's caught out by a flashbang, and that might well do it.
Kaffir now gonna drop on in with the wrecking ball, but the card is getting ever closer.
0.26 meters with Kaffir down.
It's all France.
From the wreckage in 2023, they've rebuilt a contender.
A new generation restores an old ambition.
Le Bleu are back in the top four.
What a dominant performance here from France.
Obviously, they are great in Busan.
They've been talking themselves up since they got here to BlizzCon in our first game.
They most certainly bagged up that top.
A six series here against a pretty good Australia team, right?
Australia could be difficult for a lot of other teams to take down,
but Ranche just ran through them today.
It's a pretty big, stylistic mismatch for Australia in that France
want to play the same brand of Overwatch they do.
They just do a little bit better, a little bit sharper, a little bit cleaner.
And it's all about his backline here.
Shastasarian and FD God enabling Crocs to play the game the way he always dreamed.
And the biggest thing is like, if teams are going to have to use a D-mon ban against France in some of these longer series,
if they can somehow win those maps, I think those other teams are in a lot of trouble.
I mean, France, if you can just like, hey, if Crocs can kind of put up those different points on the research or MAGA,
things like that you're able to win those maps. That puts a lot of pressure on opponents coming into series.
I mean, that also makes like banning the demon maybe not as impactful as you originally thought.
I think it answers one of the big questions we had about France is if they have more in the tank outside of like that,
you know, the demon and the cast. They definitely do. It seems like at least now, right?
You're able to play Maga, Orisa. We know a cheeky Roadhog here and, you know, once in a while from Crocs,
but you know, he pretty dominant, you know, start to finish.
I mean, Chambali was close, like the closest, I would say, of the maps,
but it never really felt like, you know, Australia got had control at any moment.
It always felt like France is to lose.
And in the end, they did walk into the ocean.
The Australian knew what they were going up against
and knew that they probably didn't have an edge in any aspect of their game.
Missed in France.
We've seen them in the top four before, but previously that was where it ended for them.
But after they're showing in South Korea in Busan, who would have started to realize that this new generation of team France could go all the way?
The issue though is that they would face either the United States of America or South Korea in their semifinal.
They've already beat South Korea in Busan, so I think if you're France, you have to be extremely confident.
It's kind of like what we were saying a little bit earlier in the series.
France, they've been in the top four before, right?
They've had great performances at the Overwatch World Cup,
Overwatch World Cup, but they've already spelled like, okay, maybe there's like a team or two
That's just way better than us. So we're not gonna be able to get through. I don't think that feeling is here there
I think there's something special about this team where they feel like they with this meta at this time with these players
They feel like they can be the team that hoist trophy at the end. See you up next
South Korea versus team USA. We're gonna step aside for a moment. We'll be back in a bit. Don't go too far, BlizzCon
This is the Overwatch World Cup
Now we're just getting started.
We're gonna head down to the stage, of course,
and here, from Danny, and a very familiar face.
Thank you so much, Rich. What's up, everybody?
I'm here joined by Crocs from Team France after a clean 3-0 victory.
Crocs, we were just talking about your win,
and also you saying that this is your first BlizzCon,
your first win, that you're moving up to semi-finals.
A lot of things that you could be, and you should be, happy about.
How do you feel right now?
I feel amazing, but we just beat Australia.
Next opponent, Korea or USA, we're coming for you and for the title, as well.
I mean, since you're on the subject, let's talk about it a little bit.
I mean, you are, for the semifinals, we'll be going up against either Team Korea,
which you guys have already beaten in Busan, or it's going to be Team USA.
Krox, who do you think you're going to go up next?
I would prefer USA because we already beat Korea in Korea.
So we want to beat USA in USA as well.
All right. One final question, Krox.
Okay. I feel like Team France and you, of course, you guys have this, like,
really big energy. You guys are very confident. And you guys have crazy fans over there.
Very a lot of energetic fans. Like, do you feel like Team France's biggest strength is
your energy? Is your confidence your biggest strength?
I believe craziness is your energy. We have so much fun. I love the fans. Shout out to
them. And yeah, I think we're going to beat everyone we want to have.
You guys are looking very good. Crocs, thank you so much for the interview. That is it
for now. Let's head back to the desk.
Team France made that one quick and convincing.
Pretter life as we redeemed ourselves perhaps.
I don't know. We have Jack joining us now.
Bonjour.
Bonjour. What do I mean?
Welcome.
How are you feeling about this one?
I know you were rooting for Australia.
Okay.
Okay.
I'm a little bit sad.
I'm going to be honest.
I thought Australia would pack a little bit more of a punch,
but you can't not get behind France at this point,
especially after their performance in Busan, like, come on, man.
The crowd, the little French collective down there,
is going absolutely ballistic as well.
Yeah, it's a good time.
I know, French crowd always shows up, Ash.
They really do.
And it's just insane, the energy that they are always bringing to the table.
Those fans are loyal.
Yeah, and rightfully so, right?
Because they're behind a team that is showing up on matchday as well.
They made it convincing today.
And that's kind of what they promised.
New Heartrocks there.
the confidence obviously there saying like you know USA South Korea we're
coming for you we are ready they looked ready they seem to stop never change
perhaps never change they have such a good grasp on what's working for them
it's the deep like cross is insane although he did promise he played
brohawk at some point so I'm still waiting for that okay we're counting down
yeah yeah I have like a jump in play brohawk at one point like you can pay
I think this is a good thing.
I think the way he plays against
Korean play that I think this
demon pick is just so good.
The changes to the character.
I don't think they impacted any
type of like meta viability.
What's working for them is
working for them.
Australia had to ban it out here,
but didn't matter again.
It didn't.
I think that it's definitely tough
there for Australia to lose out
on that final map once that band
did go through, especially with
how good we know that hazard is
there for kappa as well.
driving this style of gameplay and it really does come down to Crocs. He's the one setting
the tempo on the side of Team France but it's not just that, like the backline was
so good at providing that support that he was looking for, FD God in particular with
some insane plays coming out.
Yeah, my guy FD God, carrying his teammates with the cat and then probably Cuban in the
other hand, just solving the Rubik's cube on the fly. No, he looks really, really good
right now. This comp is clearly what they've just practiced. And not to say the team is
one dimensional, because you kind of can be in this meta. I think with the cat, with the
demon, it's still so strong. You can mix in the honor a little bit there if you really
want it. I think I'm pretty good still, but yeah, this comp is going to send France super
fine as comp is.
Yeah, and even if the demon has banned, you know, like Trox is not one trick, we know,
he can play all this stuff as well. And he has those weird pocket picks that can definitely
throw another team off if they're caught off guard. Even though they know that he can
pull those kind of things out, it would still be a surprise.
I love that they continue with the Demon.
It worked so well for them in Busan, and I was a little worried, obviously,
with the patch changes coming in, was Busan just a fluke, or can they do that again?
It's great to see them still in form.
It really is.
And I think it says a lot the fact that we thought that it might be a little bit
scrappier, a little bit closer.
We're still expecting France to be dominant in this matchup,
but how clean it was, I think, is a true display of this team.
Overall, Eurissa was cooking there for Crocs too.
Like, he makes it all look good with this kind of playstyle
that I think is really working for the current meta.
Yeah, and it will. And it will continue to work.
I think the level of confidence that they're playing at right now
is just on a whole new level.
I think this might be the best French team they've ever put forward
onto an Overwatch World Cup stage.
So the question still remains, I think,
if you look at down the other half of the bracket,
Korea and USA, both pretty scary teams.
Korea won't revenge. They're probably pretty pissed.
They reverse swept like that in Korea, isn't going to sit right with them.
So, yeah, they've been they've been driven.
Yeah, well, listen, USA doesn't want to go down in front of home crowd, right?
So, like, I think both of these teams will have everything to play for
when they're facing off against France tomorrow.
But for that next one, obviously saving the best for last,
we have former champions taken to the stage in our last match of the day.
How I'm sorry for this one.
very I want to see Jake's smile turned upside down completely.
Wow.
Oh, oh.
Why did he take a shot at Jake?
What has he done to you?
He can't even hear.
I think he does.
He's, he's a gloating.
Yeah.
He gloates so much in the green.
You guys don't understand at home.
You don't understand.
Yeah, he needs to be humbled.
You need to be humbled.
So, Zachary, yeah, maybe working in your favor for this one.
What about you, Ash?
Do you feel like there's a clear favorite in this one?
I don't think there's a clear favorite.
It's so hard to say that.
these teams have so much that they're fighting for so much pressure on their
shoulders. They do indeed, they get fans rallying behind them as well. We're
heading into a quick break and then afterwards we are back with our last
match of the day.
BlizzCon is brought to you by Fanta, lip-smacking deliciousness. Want to Fanta?
Nintendo Switch 2, Nvidia GeForce RTX Game Changer.
I
Wait, what?
Are you gonna kill me?
Really?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Let me go.
Joe, what happened?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
you
you
you
you
you
Bye.
I kind of want the US to win, but I don't think it'll happen.
The stars need to be aligned for them.
When you hear team USA, does it still carry that extra weight?
I think South Korea's roster is obviously like historical players.
Many of them are like legends of the game and have achieved a lot of stuff.
They'll always be like a good team no matter what but I still don't think they're like unbeatable by any means I think it's going to be South Korea
That's funny. They're really really scary. Does the history between your two teams feel like history or do you think it's so relevant?
Historically speaking those are the two regions and the countries that produce the most like top-tier talent in the game
So I think no matter what it'll always be like an insane rivalry
That's going to be chose creatively about them. I also have a DSA
I always like when the underdogs win, so I'm going to place my bet on the US.
South Korea definitely have like the crazy record in the court.
Do you think that makes them stronger?
I think it can be disadvantage.
I think the USA has benefited a lot from having like five different teams that we're all from.
I think that's actually one of the reasons that's like made us so good,
because we have so many different players from like so many different teams
and like the opinions and all that like put together.
It really changes the way a lot of people think about the game and the way people play.
And I actually think that's like an advantage that maybe they're missing out on
because it's like more so just 13 by themselves.
I think South Korea is really hungry for revenge.
France was able to defeat you in Busan, so does that hurt the team mentality or does
to help you guys identify weaknesses as a team.
I think it's a big accomplishment for the French national team.
I think they were able to catch Korea off guard pretty much.
It might be close, but I think Korea is the winner.
I think Korea...
After the game against France, they won't be able to play in the same level.
I think South Korea are going to win.
I think it's going to be a tough match, but I think South Korea is probably the upper hand.
I have to be different now, so let's go. Go USA!
It's not even about playing different heroes and being flexible.
It's about playing different styles of the game.
And just being able to adapt and change our play style,
not just change our characters.
And I think that's what makes Team USA interesting.
We can throw a lot of stuff at you, you know,
and make the game really, really scrappy.
We're certainly saving the best for last today.
We have a matchup of champions.
The 2019 Champions United States going up against the three-time champions.
South Korea here at BlizzCon Day 1.
The Overwatch World Cup finals.
The teams are getting ready and so are we on the desk. I am joined by ash and the lovely dear
Who was the general manager for South Korea in 2023?
I want to hear what your experience was like to be the general manager for a team with such pedigree so much pressure
Just such a storied
Region really. Oh my god. It was such a wonderful experience. We had a Dallas fuel core team with lip and thin
My core memory of it is actually when they just pulled out the full Lacerapim comp out of nowhere.
It wasn't even practice, but they won comfortably during the group stage.
And I hope that the current South Korea team can actually carry that comfort into Team USA,
although we are surrounded by Team USA fans.
Your enemy territory, I'm telling you that the USA chants were already going strong and rightfully so,
So because we heard already early today, Ash,
that the StreamBox are telling us that USA is really,
really good right now in practice.
Yeah, that's been not even whispers.
Actually, it's been quite loud,
that information that they've been passing on to us.
But I think overall,
I really loved hearing what Landon was saying.
I think it really hits that identity
and encapsulates that team USA,
that ability to be so creative in those concepts
when you have someone like Mucomino
in that support line, man.
And how aggressive they've been getting, it's gonna be fun.
Yeah, and the winner of this matchup will, of course,
be facing France tomorrow, who, as we just heard from Krox,
he is ready for that battle.
Now, these are two very historic teams.
We have a lot of players, of course,
that we are very familiar with,
but also some newer players coming into the mix,
especially looking at the team from South Korea here.
So it's gonna be an interesting one.
Historically, Team USA and South Korea
are actually 2-2 right now in the Overwatch World Cup.
I actually didn't know that.
I was shocked to see that.
I don't know why, but somehow in my head
I felt like the Team USA has not actually performed
that well in Overwatch World Cups,
but maybe I'm just like blinded by the pedigree
that we saw from South Korea.
I mean, you're three times champion,
and that's hard to beat.
It is hard to be kind of crazy for you to admit this
on home territory for Team USA.
I'm keeping it real.
I'm keeping it real.
I don't matter respect girl, I'll always respect that.
But it is insane to see like the history
that these two teams have had overall.
Absolutely.
Now, if we're looking at the players
and the mentality coming into a match like that,
if you have so much history, there's a lot of pressure on you.
You have a target on your back.
How do the players deal with that?
Like, do they crumble under this kind of pressure?
Because I know, South Korean fans are very passionate.
They want to see gold being brought home.
But Silver simply won't do.
Yeah, I mean, South Korea has always been
such a competitive country that brings the most competitive players.
So I, you know, ever since the River Suite from France,
I think South Korean team, the players have actually woke up.
And they, it was like a wake-up call for them.
So they're walked in.
I feel like they are going to do really well under pressure,
especially against USA Today.
Yeah, it's going to be so much pressure on their shoulders,
playing in that enemy territory that you were talking about,
and wanting to be able to show what South Korea really can do after what happened on their own home ground there in Busan.
I think that for this Korean roster, I really love seeing Songjin in with the mix.
I feel like overall, he was definitely someone that we had our eyes out for when it came down to Busan.
But unfortunately in that France matchup, we just didn't see Korea being able to pack that punch later on into the reverse sweep.
They played it for sure.
Quiet honestly, I felt like this was most of all, it was a bad meta read.
I think they picked it up after that, I think they kind of stumbled over it and, to be fair, we did too.
We went into this Busan event thinking like, T1 is not going to be played that much, but it was in fact nothing.
Korea, of course, corrected over the Busan group stage and obviously they made it here, not in the fashion they wanted to,
But now they can do the same thing to the USA and beat them in front of the home crowd.
So I'm sure that we feel like there's a little bit of redemption.
And of course, France will be waiting on the other side of that as well.
So we get to see if they will manage to do just that.
But USA also a team that they were actually taking really, really well to this meta.
I think Demon is definitely one of those heroes which fits Hawks playstyle so well
because he's such an aggressive tank and he can shoot.
He's got aim and Demon is just perfect for that.
Do you expect to see them keep unrolling out with the demons, just like what we're going to saw from France?
I honestly think so. I feel like there might be a little bit of that flexibility on the side of Team USA,
where they might also want to take that opportunity to catch South Korea off guard.
Once again, maybe with some sort of pocket pick there.
Overall, I feel like with Team USA, minds really get drawn to that support line.
When I'm worried thinking about Lukamino and Landon, Landon brings up so much communication.
He's always leading the charge, different ideas that are being put into the server there for Team USA.
And then, Lukavino brings the aggression that can match Hawk in the server there with how he likes to play that support.
Alright, there you go. They're not going to have an easy one here though, because they're still going up against an absolute insane roster.
I mean, Chorong from South Korea, probably the best main support to play the game.
Like I rank him so highly than stalker so flexible. Yes, literally can play anything
So jump in also like has been a phenomenal standout. She's like pound for pound
It's hard to stack up against this team. How do those Korean players deal with playing in front of the, you know
The home crowd from the opponents. Do you feel like that's gonna give them more?
Incentive to maybe defeat them. I got a few but this kind of situation. Oh, yeah, I think they're definitely fueled by this
I think they're just going to want to crush Team USA even more here at this.
It's like different kinds of energies fueling both of these teams.
Exactly.
Which is so cool about, like, that's what this clash is all about.
Yeah, I couldn't agree more.
I do love to see that.
And yeah, I mean, the crowd can get pretty rowdy and loud in here.
And even though they're wearing those, obviously, like, noise canceling headset,
you can still hear the rumble.
You know you're being supported.
And you also know that you're being booed at right now.
So you know that can do something to some of those players, but most of the players taking to the stage is just a little bit
There are veterans of this for they've been around town like they are known to thrive in these kind of situations
For predictions for this one in particular. I literally did it
coin toss
This is a tough one, I don't know but dear you go first
It's not gonna reveal what the coin said a little later. I'm gonna assume you're biased, but maybe you're proving us wrong
Yeah, I'm sorry
Today I am predicting it three one
Because they're in their home ground
So so guys I'm not going for team USA on this one
I am so sorry. I know I always got my homeboy back, but I have to go 15 USA with this
I think the different books that they can bring to the table really could be the ace in their pocket for this matchup
That's fair. That's fair. Dear, I'm with you here South Korea
I think the lost in Busan and lit a fire and I think that's a 3-0
That's okay. You can hate all you want. We're gonna check back in with the audience after this match is over
And we see you know I might be eating my words definitely made a friend over there
So that's good to know but yeah, listen, it's always so hard to count South Korea out
Obviously, I know what the caliber of team USA is on that stages
It's not gonna be an easy road for our Korea, but I just feel like that awesome in Busan right?
I think that did something to them. I have to agree with you and that is also why
Okay, hold on hold on. I'm like cooking myself
I'm not flipping. I'm not flipping it, but I think that team USA
They do need to win 3-1 if they want to win this series like I think if it goes to five maps it
I would lean more towards Korea. Let's go that way, but I believe in Team USA here. Okay. We have a true believer
Yeah, you're not alone. I've got a lot of love. How are we feeling about Team USA in here?
They even got bubbles that Sean's are coming in the fans already.
So are we.
We are about to head into our last match of the day off a short break.
You don't want to miss it.
You
If you were to make a super team, so one tank 2 DPS 2 supports, who would they be and why?
Let's start with tank.
Yeah, I'll take Asinum.
I'll take Ziyad.
I'll take Ziyad as my tank.
I would say Ziyad is the best tank.
I would pick Nexus tank.
Tank? I think Jumbo did, yeah.
What about the DPS?
Quartz? Quartz for sure.
Quartz. Yeah, Quartz for sure.
Quartz can instantly.
I think I'll take Quartz.
Quartz.
I'll go Capster.
Capster? Capster for sure.
Yeah, Cap.
Can we get Croft somewhere?
Cap, Croft.
You signed us Flex DPS, maybe?
I'll send you and send you.
No, no.
Support now.
Support.
Get Admiral in there.
Then, simpler style.
And then, quick support, probably simple.
That's our dream team.
That's a team.
That's a super team.
That's a super team.
Final answer?
Yeah, that's a problem.
Happy with your team?
Yeah, very good.
Who do you think is the most aggressive team?
Apple has gone.
I think it's France.
I think it'd be France, wouldn't it?
I don't say France.
Germany, Falky.
France.
France because of Crocs.
Because they have Crocs leading the team as the tank.
France.
Right?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Also France.
They have Crocs.
Who has the best mechanics?
Okay, I'm three.
One, two, three, Crocs.
Yeah, hello.
I thought you weren't meant to say a team.
What about mechanics?
Maybe the...
S.O.D.
This is Sweden, honestly, this is a big obstacle for Sweden.
We all know it, maybe Sweden is our home.
I'd say Sweden, I would say Sweden.
Would you say Sweden or the USA?
Maybe.
I think it's hard to deny that it should be South Korea.
3, 2, 1.
Sorry about that.
Definitely not us.
Yeah, that's what I was going to say.
Who is the most underrated in you?
I would say Sweden, personally.
I think they are really good.
Team Germany?
I mean, that's to be honest.
Yeah.
How's it?
Yeah.
I mean, 20 million.
Maybe us.
I kind of want to say Sweden.
But I think there's actually a good chance
that if they need Saudi, they could win that, for sure.
If your team doesn't win the World Cup,
who do you think it would be?
Korea's highest probability, but both Saudi and US
have a great shot as well.
Saudi for sure.
Yeah.
Diku.
We're going to go to Saudi.
Like South Korea.
Korea. South Korea.
Korea.
I'll go with Saudi.
Saudi?
Yeah, I'll go with Saudi.
Kim Saudi Arabia are the favorite swimmer for me.
I'm talking about the unpredictable maybe strong spot
that they're back.
Yeah, I wanna say Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia.
Yeah, probably Saudi.
South Korea built the first empire at the Overwatch World Cup.
The United States were the first to tear it all down.
And now, seven years later here in Anaheim,
an old rivalry returns with all new faces.
A legendary matchup for your viewing pleasure.
It's just Destiny here in Anaheim that these two teams,
they have to clash. They have to battle.
This time in front of the Team USA home crowd.
And I think Team USA, I think we're right to call them the underdogs,
but I think this will be the closest match of the day.
both teams have fielded incredibly strong rosters, full of tier one professional players.
Whoever wins this is really looking at a shot at the gold medal.
That's incredible stakes for day one, Mitch.
These teams have a habit of knocking each other out of competition too.
In 2016 and 2017, South Korea sent the United States out of a competition.
But in 2019, USA swept South Korea in the group stage
and then beat them in those semifinals.
Before they, of course, went through the finals and held the trophy aloft.
A lot of history between these nations in Overwatch.
And it's always a very hotly anticipated matchup.
And the only way that a matchup like this in a quarter-final is possible
is because South Korea were not the top seed out of their group coming out from Busan.
Whereas the United States were, one thing's for sure,
only one of these teams were advancing to the top four.
I mean, and that was a shocking result, Nec. No one expected that.
You know, it looked like an opening shot series.
South Korea opened up 2-0, and then France had to nowhere.
found that signature aggression.
It brought them back to pull off the reverse sweep.
But as we've said, as a lot of folks have said,
maybe that's more dangerous for Team USA
because this is a career that has been awoken,
that has been challenged, pushed to the limit,
shown that they cannot expect easy wins
in the Overwatch World Cup.
The world is feeling many, many competitive teams.
Team USA, similarly, pushed by Sweden.
These are teams that know they need to deliver at 100%
to get these wins.
And as you can read on a South Korean news outlet
down after their loss in Busan, specifically Jun Bin picked up the Demon and was studying her
extensively. The messaging from South Korea was that their preparation for that meta had been
pretty inadequate and that's fair enough. Considering that patch, Demon dropped pretty close to when
that tournament happened. We've also had a pretty recent patch as well that teams have had to adapt
to but coach Moon doubled down after Busan and said no we are going to commit ourselves to this
We won't be making a slip up like that again.
And of course, if you're watching over on any of our viewing platforms,
make sure to link your account,
knowing yourself some fantastic drops for those watch hours.
Stay with us all we can here at BlizzCon.
The fun just keeps coming.
A lot to go for here, even here today.
If we have a long series, you might be able to make up that eight hour reward.
And then tomorrow as well, we're giving out eSports loot boxes.
OWC branded skins, it's all there.
You got to have the account link. We got the in-game cheers now.
So it's really a peak moment for drop for so many people watching here in the arena all over the world from home
This is a momentous occasion and overwatch esports. It comes around once in a blue moon
But when it arrives seemingly it always delivers a banger
I think that's what the fans are really hoping for Mitch
I can feel the energy is already reaching a climax for the day
Yeah, both of these fanbases are hungry for another big win another World Cup gold medal
And of course you can support everything we've got going down here on please come by checking out our fantastic
crowdfunding bundle we've got there on store
Three six skins that you can get your hands on and support everything we're doing here at the Overwatch World Cup
Cassidy certainly what I expect to see featured a lot on the stage today and when you think about that hit scan dual
Mitch I think for me that really is a huge cast for both of these teams
Stalker, a veteran out of Korea, one of the best in the game.
I think when you talk about best hitscan,
I'm sure Quartz is the first name off of everybody's lips, Joel.
But Stalker is right behind in many of those conversations I'm having with the top pros.
For me, though, Trey has shown himself to be not just an elite player,
but one who can provide under this incredible pressure, right?
Who can kind of rise to those moments when he's called upon to deliver a different kind of performance.
And I think this is one of those moments, Mitch, going up against Korea,
you've got to fight like hell, if you're team USA.
And frankly, it wasn't a perfect run for the United States to get here to BlizzCon, either.
In terms of series, yes, they merged at the top seed, but they dropped three maps over the course of their run here, right?
Showed maybe some instability, some cracks emerging.
Hawke here on your screen has waited his entire career to have the chance to wear the USA Coles.
This is his first World Cup, despite being a household name in USA Overwatch eSports.
And it couldn't be more of an American challenge because he's taken us out of Korea in Anaheim in his first quarterfinal up here on stage.
So many years of experience there behind him, such a level-headed individual.
Perfect person to lead this USA team in the next generation.
Better in C in the support line too in this match.
Tra-la.
It's been around for a long time, two thousand, you want it in the crowd.
Looking amazing.
It's one of Simphl's best heroes.
I don't know if it'll come out in this meta, but it could be a spice one.
I think a lot of people have said Simphl is one of the best Zens in the world.
It's been a little bit off the meta, but you never know, who's gone.
Well, we had a Hobbit in the previous series, but ultimately, not looking to get it in that game.
Coach Moon, of course, was pretty public about what happened to Busan and the slip-up that they experienced.
Like I mentioned, Double Down says he's committed to providing a result that those South Korean fans can be proud of.
He's our top-end hero so far, so no surprise, straight to see Dimon definitely getting a bunch of looks.
Some teams still trying to circumvent that kind of, you know, forced mirror in some cases.
Ana also catching three dents.
Honestly, surprises the Jetpack cap so low down this list with how much she's been played, how important she's been to the current meta,
especially with what it enables hit scan players in particular to do, but teams have been elected to take that mirror heads up.
I think that's a big question for both of these rosters because these are two teams that are very hard to predict.
I wouldn't say they're aggressive. I wouldn't say they're defensive. They almost defy that kind of simplicity.
They play to what the moment demands.
And that flexibility is going to be called into question in a series such as this, I'm
sure they've well prepared and brought their own secret strategies and now we finally get
to see them clash.
So most of the time, I mean, Jetpack Cat was USA's most banned hero in the group stage
with four bans.
Sack3 are actually going after Bastion and D.Va primarily.
They're two pretty different looks.
Okay, I'm here for the swim suit.
I'm still here for the swim suit.
I have actually seen a number of people in like Swim Suit Overwatch skin cosplay, which
It's been fantastic. You guys always impressed us.
There's something truly special about getting back to BlizzCon,
getting back in touch with you guys,
sharing a level of the game with one another.
Trian's there, man.
Man, these two young guys, like, the pressure that they're under.
I mean, but these are the type of players
who have risen to this moment for the precise reason
that the pressure only brings them to a higher level.
It only brings the best out of them.
Trian has shown that he really wants to be in that conversation
with Quartz, with Stalker.
A win here would really, I think, really amplify those kind of voices and saying,
he may be one of the best young players in the world.
I mean, a lot of professional players have been saying that about this guy for years.
And finally, it feels like he's really getting his birth on the pro scene.
But as we said, you know, I have a long career, maybe a short one, but it comes down to this.
Can you deliver an in a quarter final in a single elimination match against a long time rival?
You've got potentially five maps to show the world and South Korea that you've got what it takes to advance here to the top four.
of our 20-26 Overwatch World Cup.
Samoa are going to be the first pick here for Team USA.
And don't forget, not just Trian Zera coming over
from that Liquid Core.
It's also Castro is in the coaching role.
Putting those two in the spotlight, though.
Two young players, well positioned.
They make some big strides in this generation
of USA Overwatch.
D-Lon is going to be targeted immediately.
I think I expect both of these teams
to actually put their flexibility to the test
by banning a lot of the meta heroes we've seen the most of.
So if you've been enjoying some of the meta we've seen so far in the tournament,
expect to see something new and different in this series, perhaps throughout this series.
Because I think both teams are going to try to attack one another's strengths,
rely on their flexibility.
For me, the Demon Band coming out says maybe Hawk could bring out something like the Sigma,
which is a ridiculous strength for Hawk in particular.
He can create a 1v1 kind of scenario, play to his mechanical skill.
I think he can really stand tall for Team USA in the form.
Hawk obviously with a pretty wide hero pool, right?
There's a potential to see like a bunch of those different picks here sessions. You had to control
Samoa again in the previous matchup shutters a lot that demon
So that's just our little window pretty much straight away
Do you have good applications for your jetpack cat in this matchup? Are you leaning into bastion setups?
There's a ton of directions that you could take this
For South Korea
We now know that they probably tried to adapt to this better game as quickly as humanly possible
That means a lot of hours a lot of work a lot of theory crafting a lot of preparation to make sure
They are squeaky clean on their run to another gold medal. It's not been since
2018 that the most dominant nation in Overwatch eSports has held a lock that world cup
This kind of arena makes some noise
Seven years in the making
Time to renew a rivalry that is defined over what's eSports since its inception. It doesn't get any better than this
Jundan teasing us, the Wrecking Ball, a genuine consideration, he's one of the best pilots on this hero in the world.
He's doing it!
And he's coming out of the spot.
Right, this throws a lot of things into chaos now.
Korea have a very disruptive tank here.
You were saying that you have potential answers.
Look, Mino and Ultraviolet, certainly they're going to have targets drawn on their backs.
Wands into aggression from Korea, a stalwart defense, an incredible poke damage from the United States.
It's already low, fairly early on, but a lot of this extra utility's been dealt with.
What's how he feels?
Healing Pylon out of the mix.
With Mino also being brought down, and there it goes, Sonjin.
Looking to pressure this frontline, but tough to stand tall against the Orisa.
He's having to escape with a sliver of health, and now the second support for the USA is
down.
Oh, incredibly well piloted by Sonjin.
Goes in, pulls a ton of attention to himself, and slips out with USA, and I'm the wiser.
Swaps instantly though out of the USA, they're going to go to the Kiri Mizuki.
Good start for South Korea.
whole sale changes here on the USA side. Meeting or feeling like they need a bit
more mobility. Stalker already trying to control these flank angles. Will we
pitch stuff against Zera? Many an encounter. That's about USA trying to get their ducks
in a row. Trying to make a draw. Being where Junbin is, but Songjin already trying to get at them now.
Connection onto ultra vital entry is already falling. It's gonna be too much for
Hawke to bear. USA have nowhere to go. Get caught up on their own side of the map.
South Korea, mean business.
Oh, this has been looking rough, team.
I say I've been trying to bait these dimes in and survive them.
And so far, that has been a flat failure, man.
I've been flanking them surrounding, hitting from all sides.
And Haku's over to the road hog.
I mean, I will say, this is actually a ridiculous amount of lockdown.
Sanjun and Junbin have to be so cautious.
They have to make the perfect call about when to engage.
This is something we still emerge to answer.
Junbin back in 2024, if I'm not mistaken.
Can Hork control those these ball movements?
So that is the question, Luke Minow is really picked up here.
Tsunir, Rashed for simple,
smooths over some of the rough edges that this USA composition can present.
And it's another walkover fight.
I mean, this is a bloodbath match.
Like, we thought, team, you know what I say, we bring a lot more fight in this opening control round.
It feels like that maybe it's nerves, maybe it's a little bit of imprecision
in the comp they've selected, but team Korea are coming out in force.
And now Hork is just trying to revolve in the war of different heroes,
trying to find something that fits.
The pass will put in front of him.
Legendary. On this year of it. It's going to be enough at this late point.
Here's the catnap already. A catch on this one for the Vines.
Oh, Giovanna drive out in the open. It's jumping, catching in with what he left in his wake.
Shunk and Joe is picked up and we notice he tries to climb the outcropping.
He really has nowhere to go. And Orc makes a swift exit voluntarily.
Yeah, she certainly feels like this match is starting with a whimper from Team USA.
Zara's going to get the touch for the OT, but this looks almost impossible.
Dangerous fight up against simple dare any one of those two guys could lay him loads of pulse bomb to point and nowhere in particular
And there is force off the point that's free to try and step up
But he doesn't know where to put himself just a flash of the woods dream being told he's picked up by ultra fire
But it's too much pressure on the capacity still
Three eventually falls but this is enough time for all to get back to the fight the issue is that he doesn't have the healing
Tries to touch down look me. They also wants to take some space, but this is the USA trying to dig their heels in
They are extremely shorthanded. They are overwhelmed by these South Korean numbers, but they've bought enough time to fight for the rounds.
Flipped out for the team USA, Song Jun caught out by the binding chains, got nowhere to go, and Lukmino is picked off.
They'll buy this Shion. Eventually South Korea banned, but they don't break.
And they'll assert their dominance here on this first round.
There might be a touch. There might not. South Korea are poised to answer any of these threats, and Jun Bin is picked off.
It's tough a treaty at the touch and it'll have to be Xero to keep the round going.
This is getting slimmer and slimmer though these margins are getting tight.
Simple picks Xero off of the Kunai.
Another wave of USA players come on into fight for this.
Hall's gonna make some space, it's gonna be Fungin getting picked off.
Sport, Storka trying to play for X, but it's still a straight away.
Who'd need to get back in?
One of the most ridiculous stalls into a flip from the USA.
And for now, air ride!
I mean, what a show of force from Team USA to play that deep into the overtime.
Picks better in hands.
And the chance began. It only took a little bit of a start to get this crowd excited.
But Team USA, they're going to need a lot of energy to bring this round back.
And it's a long way to 100%.
We haven't got the question to answer about whether they have taken the appropriate measure of this wrecking ball composition.
But for now, they're going to have a chance to show their research is yielded.
Jundin is in the periphery right now and pops up with a minefield over in the Castley's position.
That's going to be pretty dangerous.
Dead Eye though.
Tree is extricated.
Skynoon, gotta be dodged away from for the most part and Junfin is just able to get the safety.
That is pretty slick stuff. Drops down, Trianon will low-press, but gets him good with a burst healing now.
Sundering Blade comes down, Hawke is very, very low and Trianon is gonna be picked up by Junfin.
Self-destruct! Fly a little bit of space and come down through into the battle!
Self-destruct! So Junfin is picked off! Junfin very low, but Lukmino is already fallen.
Stalker is running straight through them on this shield. Hawke's trying to answer that threat
and Xeribor will keep the round going for the time being.
being Hawke is healthy enough but the flip now goes away a team South Korea and Hawke has to commit again to this face
Looking for simple early Suzy used it by the killer code, but there has to recall the way the pulse bomb
There could be critical to give him a foothold
USA's in here
They're looking on a flip back shake
Stalkers having a dodge away from the pulse bomb though and that might just be too much trees found simple
That's all well and good and look me know there on the point with the cat and hawke is only gonna have that one support to keep him in this game
He's the Paul Drive, hook getting lower and lower,
that defense matrix stretched to its very limits.
Eventually he's gonna be desuited.
The overtime week is done.
And a drag-out round for the USA.
Crumb was in the final moments.
And Mitchell, though Korea take that first round,
I really feel like TUSA really got a grip on that one.
One that they should have by all rights
not had a chance to do.
And some of those deathmatch wins coming up clutch
in the moment is really what you need to mentally stay focused
in this kind of match. To stay believing that you can overcome up against
Choon Bin's Wrecking Ball. I mean, that is a fearsome foe to play against on the
land stage, under the pressure, under the bright lights. But I like some of those
Cassidy plays at a tree that the diva and the tracer stalls from Hawk and Zera
were phenomenal. Still a lot of ways to go to bring this control map back. They're
down one up. You would say they'll have the quality to keep that Cassidy alive
under extreme pressure. That'll serve the well now. Going to Wolf Volcano.
Tondren still on this vendetta. Still in a problem. We're over the maugage here for
Hawke. Looked me on the backseats with the mid-jump, been dropping in yet again.
Stalker now. Six to get involved in the fight. Immortality kill is going to be used and took
great effect might I add. USA topped back up but not in a position to fight for the point.
Great patience from Korea. Now Stalker goes in so deep in the backline for
the tree.
The cut players down one by one.
The phenomenal support from the 10 USA back line.
They lose nothing.
This is much in keeping with the previous round.
USA want to play reactive here.
They're hoping to bait those dives,
and they actually get what they came for here.
World class back line.
Lukmeenow and Ultraviolet keep the USA fighting fit.
And they'll take the first flip.
And this map is a lot more choice and a lot more difficult
to get those wide angles to flank from all sides.
So Jun Bin is going to hop off the wrecking ball,
take a straight forward tank matchup.
A lot of opportunity for Luke Mino with this ant matrix to re-tear apart Korea.
Something tree in Zera.
Will wanna make extensive use of it.
With Mino in safe position, trends back, doesn't want to stand in the open for too long.
He just dropped a shot, a bit of a wrinkle in that plant, and his stalker switched over to the Soj.
Binding their time.
The Odyssey's on South Korea here.
Start to fight.
Mino coming in on this flank, ant matrix is out.
Binding chain! That's a big one!
Stoppable there for magazine allowed him to walk away from a Jake pretty close to a dead. I
Know sky new potential on this particular map and he had cut to continue up some simple yet again setting jump in form
But he's moved absolutely boy
the spitterings
century
But a bit of that drip healing and once again the USA
deflect the thrust
And I got the same niche
I mean what does the jetpack cat offer in this kind of a cock USA front to back just burning down
John been in Korea left scrambling for answers. It feels like round one, but with the shoe on the other foot
Sarah getting close to a screen
Tree in keeping with the defensive approach of the USA could certainly use that that either make some space to dissuade any advance
To try looking for an opening cut up here could be devastating for USA
USA running the clock playing for time his high move could be powerful defensively oh see from stock
Already picked up Ultraman, no good to get turned around.
Satharik is really cut relatively short by Zera, by simple.
Zera gets flattened, Hawks hitting on a K-5, but might not be a use case for a year
if a matter of buying that extra time, stalling out until the USA,
only need to win one more fight to take the round.
And yet, 3-invested in a Veti,
forces South Korea back off the point, but can they actually fight for this game?
Fies them a fight with the house catchment,
and now they're back with the air matrix breaking through the key!
K-5 goes in for it, doing the spin the ring,
I think a lot of the fans were starting to sweat in that first round.
But this is a resounding answer to the crowd here in Anaheim, California.
One to one in a first map that feels freighted with meaning,
given the history between these two teams.
The fact that the winner of this series has so often gone on to great lengths in this Overwatch World Cup event.
South Sea told much of the story.
Tree is enabled to pump damage out and he does not die in that round. Not once.
Grateful backs here for Team USA.
Luke Mino's back-tease has certainly been instrumental.
Can they get away with it though as we head to downtown?
South Korea on the Shion and the Vingetta once more.
Korea, they've got to get aggressive.
They've got to find this backline.
Luke Mino and Ultra Violet are on notice,
but they have been so hard to punish with this flexible backline.
Now without the dream of wrecking ball,
it's going to be tough for Korea to get past this choke.
It's got to feel much more telegraph from South Korea,
which is exactly what USA want.
Time!
This buffs to Baptiste, starting to add a...
Tree, not scared to take some risks on the flank, but Luke beat all the first one under pressure!
Yeah, he wants High Field Revival to be deployed quite in time!
Something that can return to the rest of the point, and this leaves the USA at the mercy of them as you keep healing!
It's not gonna cut it!
This goes to show as powerful as this Team USA comp can be.
If you're able to find that opening pick on Batiste, it seems like everything falls apart from there.
There's incredible pressure on Luke Mino. I mean, he's acquitted himself well over the Overwatch World Cup, but this is perhaps his toughest test yet.
There's a lot of setup to this for South Korea. It took Jun been a while to get in position to make that charge.
Just as they can see this stuff coming, there can be an archer! Big stop, though!
Zero's out to pick himself back up, but what about the rest of his team?
Ultra Violet's had to slither away just a little bit of life, and he does get out!
with Sohnjin maybe extending too deep in order to pursue him down once again.
USA playing reactive, find success.
They're hard to catch off guard, Sohnjin's trying to stall out though,
has double support behind him, but with the binding chain keeping him left,
should be a matter of time.
So you're gonna say considering a fraction, but maybe thinking better of it.
Sohnjin back up the spawn.
Don't take a wad of your Sohnjin fighting feet,
and now they're gonna take an opportunity of that window,
but they bait a charge in, Hawke just goes around the world,
returns to the rest of his team, and they get a continue rush out of them,
But he's the cage fight simple diving in those that need to keep jumping alive stalkers dropping low as well
Take our sanctuary throwing into the mix and treat from the outside looking in gets a ton of damage enough to help Zera
Push Churong over
Jump shooting for the answer three is gonna find his way in the back line, and it's a target rich environment
Sure shall fight for 10 USA to win a huge and big ultimates though Mitch
Sgt. He's been struggling in this round with the Sundering Blade, with Chorong ready to set up with the Sun.
I mean, this could be a scary one. It's just Lupino's Amplification Matrix standing in the way.
Often a weak tool when it comes to a defensive fight.
But a tool that could burst Jundin down before he can become a problem.
It's all about the right sideline. No one's out there trying to play outside of it.
Quick roll all the way because he doesn't want to be in the game.
once or ever a catnap dragon in the middle of it.
Look at that! It's the straight from Stalker!
It's a running riot!
Four kills from the shield ultimate.
South Korea are back in the game with a bang.
Quick fight for Team USA Korea. They blow the entire bank of ultimate.
So as powerful as that fight was, now it's their turn to be faced with some difficult questions
as USA go for this retake. This looks very winnable for them.
The last walk-ups have been successful.
John Mitchell on a dive, he crosses past Hawker, shifts in the night with the Amplification
Matrix, could be a bit of a wrinkle in his plan.
It's a trade up though for South Korea.
Jerry getting picked off as the cherry on top.
They'll be able to get themselves now into the lead on this deciding round of Samoa.
Oh that stomp from Jun-Din feels like it changes everything.
That was supposed to be a more difficult fight for Korea, but Jun-Din just gets right into
the heart of Team USA and without the ability to back off in those smaller rooms they struggle.
Might be the last chance for Team USA to assert themselves on this first map.
Sky noon, ultra-violent on Cat.
On the top, goes 3, he's ready for it.
Hits that dead eye, jumped in nowhere to be,
but the team is gonna get picked off by the Spidey,
but it's hardly still being deployed.
That's a pretty decent trade for USA though,
getting rid of jump in this massive,
but now they're gonna put themselves on the point in a position
to try and take the round away.
Zondra is out of there, trying to chase on R with a tree,
but he might have over-extended, getting again tree!
Kata in twine, Sunjoo returns to the point now and he is looking good.
The whole South Korea behind him as if World wins into this USA backline.
And over time just won't be picking up.
What a fine way in.
Joe wrong with the Cat map to deny the final overtime touch.
And it will be Team South Korea coming away with Dasper.
That first map win, but if Cat map is any fourth then this series is gonna be spicy.
Two teams really setting the stage for a really a flash of styles here,
the U.S.A. wanted to slow the game down,
play for those supports,
and South Korea refusing to get from that opportunity.
At some point, you feel like South Korea
are cottoning on to the game plan of the United States,
who don't necessarily want to be the instigators.
They don't want to stick their necks out.
Very good at playing reactively, being defensive.
But not every map, not every fight.
Not every context is going to allow for that approach.
South Korea cotton on, fight back in a competitive first map,
You said it that map has a hallmarks of what could be a legendary series between these
famous fanbases and nations
And in a series like this match, I mean the map pick the band controlled so crucial
Get up and think that this demon band is actually going to be pretty a significant one for Team USA
I'm acting really would have loved to take
Because we've seen team France is any proof that you know wanting aggression behind the demon looks very good right now
Certainly seems like something that could fit exactly comfortably into the South Korean style and Team USA
How are they gonna be able to maintain this slow pace these types of comps while they can be incredibly powerful?
There's a ridiculous execution difficulty. I mean you make one mistake
You take one bad death in the round and things fall apart
The demon band is really important context to how this map played out
And you're right has Hawk been able to adopt this new hero like he has so many others before
4 to a level that allows the USA to stand on even putting the South Korea, even on maps
where she is not banned, which is going to be all of them if it's right.
I'm going to say that Vendetta is looking pretty good.
Obviously, the way her combo works, where then one has been smoothed out a fair bit,
recovery time in a world that has been increased, but still seems like it's a pretty potent
tool in the right pair of hands, and Sondren seems to be that guy.
He is absolutely such an exciting young player out of Korea.
It's a huge honor to be a player, given the nod to a team like Korea.
I mean there are so many players competing for these slabs and for it to wear a fine
hand like Sondra and I mean this is a real statement for where he's going in his career
you know the estimation that his compatriots have of him and his ability and in a comp like
this I mean when you go this aggressive the flex deep gas often is the tip of the spear
needs to be on perfect synergy with the tank as good as John been I mean man that's a lot
of pressure to bear.
The team you say approached this first map with a bit of an unexpected comp in fact they
come out of the gates with the Baptiste Iari. Look, one we've seen in the past in the Virtus
Pro back when Gagala and Canale were on that roster. A comp that's been labelled a bit greedy.
One that maybe lacks the mobility to deal with potent gap closing tanks. Wrecking Ball is that?
Vimon is that as well. Ropter Roots 66, USA. Choose home ground for our second map.
I mean, definitely a map with some tighter corridor for Team USA. If they want to slow the game down,
This is one where the double flex sport style has been quite popular
They could go with the support band that kind of pushes the game in that sort of direction
A lot of options for someone like Hawke as well. We know the diva's been pretty effective here
Not sure how much he wants to sort of lean into that hazard and let's bear in mind South Korea have a stacked roster
Multiple options of tank
To max and jump in you basically got the entire roster covered. You're in very good shape
simply gets the nod to sort of join this predominant crazy raccoon core.
There's someone, you know, coming from the outside into this system,
the system that's coached by Moon, a crazy raccoon, coach himself.
It's been given time to integrate into this system, which I'm sure is quite different from what he's used to.
I mean, Simple alone as a player is just, is an embarrassment of riches.
I mean, he is one of the best players, period, full stop in the world.
playing for Twisted Minds, fitting into a really unique style,
then joining a lot of these crazy raccoon core members.
And I mean, he just doesn't miss a step.
Like, this guy is perfectly clean on the flex support.
There's a ton of Curie for this team.
It really is suiting their style, letting him push the pace.
But what's so scary is how deep that pool goes.
I mean, you can't find a flex support,
but this guy isn't one of the best in the world on.
So we speak to that depth.
And there'd be some roster swaps actually coming out for Korea
based on this first 66 pep.
I'm here to transfer he's saying to step up to the plate.
Now as we head over towards a escort map.
Talk about simple, his opposite number is the only player on
that stage that was here in 2023 ultraviolet.
The only one remembered how brutal that year was 14 USA, not
one that be framing and putting on their mental piece.
Side wager.
It's been a while since then.
But I'm sure he would love to wipe those memories away.
Here it is. It's official. He's saying he's going to be subbing in for Sondre.
He's saying Stalker front line or the DPS line rather is certainly a thing to be feared.
You know, a lot of teams, it feels like if they go to the bench, you're feeling good.
Maybe you've got them on the ropes. Against Team Korea, it is cold comfort.
They are bringing in star after star. There is not a player on this roster.
Starter sub, it does not matter who isn't world elite. It's just what they're working with.
if anything it's almost surprising that it's been so long since there's been a
gold medal for Korea I mean we talked about the dynasty but that's what eight
years ago Mitch I mean that is a long time for a country that feels like 50%
of the elite professional players in the world. At one point the Overwatch League was like 60% from South Korean nationals. Max also coming in for
jump in so already South Korea are showing their flexibility and depth of
roster. Obviously you know he's saying this addition here opens up that tracer prospect now right. We did see
We see on actually trade hands between both of the South Korean DPS in the first map,
but I mean that's, I think that's just where you want him saying to be, in a role just
like that.
Thera's going to be put on notice that he's going to have to step it up yet again against
a different face.
And again, the winner of this game will advance.
Take on France.
On one hand, USA vs. France has a legendary matchup in its own right, on the other, a
a chance for these saltiest of runbacks.
The South Courier after they were handed an L
and maybe a dash of humiliation in Busan.
I think France, they've got to be hoping
for a competitive series here.
One that really forces both of these teams
to go to the limit, to show the strat book,
to go for broke really, right?
In a single elimination tournament,
you can't afford to hold anything back
in a match as difficult as this one.
Neither team is going to have that kind of confidence
knowing the history,
Knowing that anyone can win in USA, they can open with the Curie Band, which signals they may want to go for this double flex sport style.
Makes sense. Got some broad sidelines.
But like we just discussed, that doesn't necessarily put Sinclair at any kind of disadvantage.
Got the kind of hero pool that many players would absolutely dream of.
He's so bad from South Korea. Just as I said, he's the same who would be doing that scene.
I mean, he's insane on the Tracer, but I think what really makes him stand apart from a lot of other flex DPS players is
He doesn't lean on the tracks, he doesn't need it.
You know, the Genji, the far right, like he plays a lot of characters that we don't see as often in current professional overwatching.
He makes them look very modern, very impressive.
That's not to say that this puts Zehra necessarily at a disadvantage.
In fact, we got some of his most memorable moments, we've been on the Genji of all things.
Yeah, an opportunity to see just how extensive his hero pool runs at this stage of the game.
The literal village here on the South Korean side of the stage is two players get subbed on our
Ready to show us the fruits of their labor the excruciating number of weeks between Busan and now
Again, you can afford a loss there. You can accept it. Yeah, your pride gets scratched. That's fine
This team has made it very clear that they have one mandate that is to lift the gold medal and trophy
That is something that's very well within their grasp still one zero up in a series against the United States
We're here to see the last of our teams to join the top four.
Route 66, home turf, on the home turf, but so much is asked of Team USA in this moment.
And I honestly think Team USA 3 looked very prepared.
It was like bringing Max in.
They saw this carry band coming.
They saw the slower style out of Team USA on map one.
They expected something similar on map two.
So you put in Max, someone who is more than confident on the Sigma, on a slower poke
style in his mechanics second to none now we had a chance to catch up with the
United States and South Korean rosters yesterday and get their thoughts like
their temperature on their upcoming match let's have a listen in
I kind of want the US to win but I don't think to have the stars need to be
alive for them when you hear team USA does it still carry that extra weight
I think South Korea is rostered like historical players, many of them are legends of the game and have achieved a lot of stuff.
South Korea will always be a good team no matter what, but I still don't think they're unbeatable by any means.
I think it's going to be South Korea.
South Korea?
They're really, really scary.
Does the history between your two teams feel like history or do you think it's still relevant?
historically speaking those are the two regions and the countries that produce the most top tier talent in the game
So I think no matter what it'll always be like in the same rivalry
Could they be chickeny top for them? I mean, I think what do you know, that's gonna make those Korea religion out there
I also have a big I say I always like when the underdogs went win
So I'm gonna make my bet on the US South Korea definitely have like their crazy recommend core
Do you think that makes them stronger? I think it could be disadvantage
I think the USA has benefited a lot from having like five different teams that we're all from
I think that's actually one of the reasons that's like made us so good because we have so many different players from like so many different teams
And like their opinions and all that like put together
It really changes the way a lot of people think about the game and the way people play and I actually think that's like an advantage
That maybe they're missing out on because it's like more so just 13 by themselves
I think they are different from each other, but I think they are very good at playing against each other, so I think they are very good at playing against each other.
I think South Korea. I think they are really hungry for revenge.
was able to defeat you in Busan. So does that hurt the team mentality or does it help you guys identify weaknesses as a team?
It's definitely a big accomplishment for the French national team. I think they were able to catch Korea off guard pretty much.
I feel like Korea is going to lose a lot of money in the next stage.
I think South Korea is going to win.
I think it's going to be a tough match, but I think South Korea is probably going to stay up against.
I have a few different lads, so let's go. Go USA.
It's not even about playing different heroes and being flexible.
It's about playing different styles of the game.
And just being able to adapt and change your playstyle, not just change our characters.
And I think that's what makes Team USA interesting.
We can throw a lot of stuff at you.
and make the game really, really scrappy.
For the substitutions for the South Korean roster, there's a couple of moments that are needed for them to make sure they're set up, their peripherals are ready and so are they.
Obviously this finally gives us the glimpse
what we've been waiting for to see Tree and Zera, that team liquid DPS line go up against the crazy raccoon
He sang versus Stalker do what not often you get such star started matchups not
often to get them in such games of consequence like this one it is win
and make the top four Jake lose and go home.
A painful journey for either team if they're forced to bend that knee in this first quarter final.
Hearing Tree talk about that playstyle adaptation I can't help but think
that's gonna be called for at some point in this series I mean historically in
overwatch these slower defensive styles they can work but you yield a lot of agency in terms of how
the game goes it feels like the aggressive team and they can just execute perfectly they can
manage to push that advantage they can manage to get those team fight victories
there's a lot of them on the first control but it wasn't one-sided I mean there's there's
clear evidence here that probably will keep the team USA from fully abandoning their chosen style
But you're starting to touch on something that's important, is that in 6 out of 10 of these fights, the team that is being the aggressor, that are being proactive are finding success and that for South Korea is all they need to advance.
Is this a game plan for team USA that is going to get them through a series like this?
These are the kind of gambles, the kind of decisions that keep you up at night as a professional
player, the ones, the moments, the fights that you'll just keep replaying in your head
over and over again.
Beautiful teamfight execution here on the Highlight Team South Korea, just flexing what
is possible for this team.
But two fresh members coming in off the field, that's an interesting decision from South
Korea, right?
Yes, you're bringing in superstars, but there's something to be said for rocking with the
in modern Overwatch and adapting, you know, come what may,
when you make these players swap, people are coming in relatively cold off the bench.
Yes, they are phenomenal players with incredible veteransy, and maybe the right heroes for the job,
but adapting to those kind of mid-series changes, it sometimes is a weakness for teams.
We'll have to see if it ends up being one for South Korea in this map.
It's been a defining characteristic of the team that this roster was mostly built from, right?
Right? Crazy Raccoon have had this Max and Jim been combo for quite some time.
We have spent a lot of time filling while they swap them in and out of games.
They've used them obviously to really diversify the array of options available to them.
This is what makes this team kind of hard to read, kind of hard to prepare against.
What? You know you're going to pick Roo66 if you lose.
Are you being forced to guess what tank teams after we're going to put in the game?
Is there something we've been bothered trying to theory craft around?
is not maybe not worth it.
Hawks is, I mean, come what may, I'm the guy.
I'm gonna sit here and try and play the video game.
I've seen Infected East on this roster,
but hasn't, you know, had much for an opportunity
to show what he's made of here.
It's definitely been Hawks that,
we've seen the investment in from Cassara saying,
no, we feel like this is our ticket to success.
And so far, no complaints, but in this series,
it is the USA that start from behind.
And you know, Sokka obviously really leads his mark
on Samoa.
Truly one of the best and someone who's been doing it quietly for years and years
He's probably one of the most veteran players on this Korean squad having success as far back as the Overwatch League
But in my estimation, I mean when he was playing alongside the offer I kept watching this guy and saying why don't I keep noticing stopper?
He is phenomenal as at times flown under the radar, but now I don't think that can be an option anymore
You've got to respect what he offers as one of the true best in the world
No surprise to me that he's representing Korea and that's not just because he's not playing alongside proper of the time either
It's not as if he's finally removed from the shadow that was passed over him
He stepped into the spotlight in his own right
Brode matured into a player that can really you know command attention dazzle fans all on his own
And it's a it's a no-brainer
You know not only you sort of building this team around a crazier. I couldn't rust a bit
It's a no-brainer to put some like stalker in the mix. He's consistent
He you know doesn't require like huge amounts of investment
So it would have that level of output you need from player at this level, and yeah, many of you at home
aren't South Korea taking this game. Many of our members of the desk panel also felt similarly.
But I think if that first map is anything to go by, there's a heck of a lot still below the surface,
still to be discovered in this series, not just what South Korea are looking to try and produce with a two-player substitution,
which, by the way, he's saying he's just making sure his settings are all hunky-dory and ready to go.
The crouched button has to be bound, Jake.
Sure you know that well.
Oh, of course I know, Mitch.
It gets a lot of work out.
Deep history.
You got to let him know.
Love the cosplays out at BlizzCon.
It's amazing to see all the fans,
so many different franchises coming together to celebrate.
No, shut up, nightmare.
That's what I'm talking about.
Yeah, it's an incredible experience.
That's the like coming home in many ways.
This is for Overwatch eSports, this is our mecha.
This is the beating heart of it all and getting the return back to the place that kind of
sidled all with that World Cup in 2016 that really showed us what Overwatch eSports could
be.
It's pretty magical.
But check back in every now and then, you know, as time goes on, it's new faces that
are filling this stage that have sort of populated this rivalry.
But the hearts of the fans still beat the same way.
The hopes are still the same.
years since the USA were able to hold that gold medal a lot.
Looking at another one to the collection, but it's going to be an uphill climb after losing that small map.
Bruce66 was a selection and a reminder, but a carry ban for the USA, and Tracer was taken off the table by South Korea.
Does this feel like we're looking at Shion versus alongside some hitscan, double hitscan looks, especially with these longer sightlines?
We're about to find out.
I think that doors are so wide open for both teams right now.
I mean, Tracer and Kiriko are like two arrows of Overwatch.
These heroes dominate professional competitive play
because they have so many options for synergy, for coordination.
The best players in the world get ridiculous mileage out of these two
and taking them off of the field really is going to go deeper into the strat for both teams.
Expectancy, I think, supports in particular,
be able to get into the fagging with these heroes off the field.
I'm expecting some bloodthirsty backlines in this one.
An important question though, one that needs to be answered.
But it's got to rain out.
Are you still with us?
CHEERING
I never had a doubt.
For defensive, we're going to see Max start with a deep, great flexibility,
but it's simple on the same data that really catches my eye.
Oh, I talked about this, you know...
Full shattered in the crowd.
Back in the day,
J.Jonek, Nade was whispered, and maybe not just whispered, in fear maybe as a player, when you go up against him.
Zen has been out of the meta for a long time, but the name I hear attached to that hero these days, it's simple.
He is an absolute monster on this hero. I doubt Team USA see this one coming.
No tracer would get to the back line. Who can stop Zenyatta?
Free aware, of course, of the D-Vac and his wave. It knows there's an opportunity for pressure on simple.
Has some of his shield stripped off for a stand on Light of Light briefly, but this is going to be annoying.
It's hard for me to want to play a pretty deep defense here, with Max in a position to dive only when they get isolated.
Is Sera going over to the Genji? Another one of his legendary Cartre of Heroes.
Mr. Modern Brothers unite again this time on Route 66 for Team USA Simple with a confident peek up here on top.
It's not going to give a bit of ground here, the sight lines can be hard to come by and
it certainly hates for Xero to come knocking when he is unassisted.
Hawks happen to opt into a Diva matchup I think.
Certainly he's prepping butters, but that Discord Hawks is going to make it a little
bit challenging with that defense matrix just an operational.
Truly weird pumps from both teams here Mitch.
Both teams trying to feel one another out.
I don't think EO have seen this matchup before.
The patisserie line is kind of vulnerable to just this kind of pressure.
Stalker sat on the winnermaker, not just to give it out of the gate, team means business.
And he's already drawn blood.
At any moment though, 0.
One pick, one dash reset to blow this defense wide open.
The Korean squad, they know it, playing defensively far back off these angles.
Although it's a losing fight, USA have pushed cart meaningfully here.
Wow, infraside already.
90 seconds into the round.
Dangerous here for the USA. There's nothing they can hide.
Ooh, jump shot.
Doesn't quite get a click on Lutlina.
Captain Sun is now ready.
Kind of tough to get good purchase with it though.
His career of playing pretty sparsely distributed.
Not touching up.
It's also that chance as well. It's not going to be easy to break the backline
instead of now.
Oh, God.
In a huge number, they boomed down.
So narrow that too much from Tree. Just the burst.
That was enough to bring down the jetpack guard.
Pop at the seams, Xerra and Tree lead the way.
Look at the full house.
Full of the nations.
What critical team play from Team USA to turn on Chorong's cat
before he can get off the edge of the map.
And that was a big stun from Chorong.
Everybody had to hit their shot to keep that player alive for Team USA.
Big regroup here for South Korea.
Of course, still an opportunity to contest.
Transcendence is going to be huge for that.
Getting him out in the open is no.
80, he'll move by and they can disrupt that at all.
Heading up to the hard ground, putting that pressure down on Lukmino and he's simple trying to chase, trying to follow with his transcendence and paid off, blade coming on in, simple trying to fight for his life but Holt gets the job done.
He's standing up next on the menu by second before Max stops there as Rampage.
Ultravali got to be picked off though in a remake now for Max and South Korea hold up under the pressure.
That is a critical retake behind the transcendence.
USA dropped everything committing to that fight.
That were forced up from them doubt. They'll find all the minutes in the rest of this round
It's in Korea still with gas in the tank USA really on the ropes right now, Mitch
Maxi get a nuisance in the way
Contesting the high ground the healing pilots gonna make that tough the USA will be allowed to advance
There is waiting for his chance to spring for here like you mentioned no big ultimate available to the team USA squad
He sang with a self-derivative spree though.
He was a pioneer, that's pretty problematic.
Sarah's gonna cut him short.
He goes so deep, Ziffle now knows he's called upon
to deliver a kill, they're down one,
but they're still pressing for fights.
Max, he's self-destructing.
What a play!
One man by two longs, Cat, insane five.
And USA now, just the drags, 32nd from the block.
There's no escape from that, around the hairpin turn,
dragging that self-destructing met.
The United States blow to Smithereens.
Last chance to loon.
But these young Cowboys, to get into the game,
12 seconds left, that card is more than just a stone throw away.
And Hawke is already en route,
presenting his way to Stalker in that choke,
putting pressure down on the demon.
Hawke's having to get through,
but at what cost can't that now in play for Chorong Zera,
taking down by a joyride of all things,
and there was nowhere for Hawke to go.
De-suited, and ultimately,
an anemic attack side for the team USA squad.
The fear of the Widowmaker, the Zenyatta,
It just caught USA in the mud, and then with one huge retake,
Dean Korea resurged back on first point and hit the full hold.
Team USA have to be reeling on their heels now,
but the full hold on Route 66 is deceptively achievable.
This is still a winnable scenario for Team USA,
and these players, they're veterans, they know it.
There was another swap there for Team USA,
to respect the setting out of pick.
Comes a little bit too late in the day,
despite the fact that it does get elimination on the shield.
Ana has her own vulnerabilities that can be exploited with high mobility front lines.
So what's the plan here for the defenders?
Tree considers the Han Zone.
It'll be that easy to Yari, so a lot of hope damage here.
Tree in a very comfortable role on this Cassidy.
Batten your hatches, folks. It's going to be a long winter if the United States are going to come out of this map on top.
Max, still considering he's gonna go for the counter pick off the spawn, but, oh, Nano
Blade.
It's looking tempting here for Simple, and he's saying, and with not too far to push,
I mean, one of the most historic Ultimate combos in Overwatch could very well range
it freeing here on Route 66.
Yeah, tough when your backline doesn't really have the ability to escape that.
and without a hill can mitigate it for a time.
The Nanoblade is Nanoblade, that stuff's terrifying.
We don't make a start to Stalker.
Once they punish this aggressive back line,
no line of sight really given.
They'll make a switch over to one of the Cassidy himself,
though the Shion in fact is ulted by the Dazz with a biodecrenabredness.
Having a fall back, there is still a lot of loss of ground
and the use of an immortality field.
Team Grid, they have to earn their space.
They are going to get to this first corner.
Not much strategic depth here for Team USA, you gotta fight for every inch, Hark knows it.
Hawking contests while also breaking line of sight at the same time, but he cannot fully commit to the cart.
He's gonna go for a dive though, he's hanged to flex, a little bit low.
Ultraman trying to draw a beat on him, it has to outburst away, dangerous now here with the Vonic Grenade.
Another amount of Tartacluid has to be used, and Ultraman it returns back to its zone of influence.
These Nades from simple, they're stacking up the Nano so damn quick, up to 90% right now, this could break the back of Team USA.
He's shooting too. He's getting his damage, not just from healing, but putting out plenty of his own.
Ultraman is off the healing pile on now, that's going to cause a drop in healing output for Team USA.
Here's his say, no play here, but no play required!
He dashes straight through Ultra Violet, and there's no way for Zeru to run.
This one in the Bleeckland, I folks might not be over.
Longer, the team South Korea has sucked their players into them for them to play the darn match.
But now the opportunities to touch are slim.
SimTP used earlier to get them out of spawn.
South Korea looking to ride this one on in as Ultra Violet falls in a streaming heap at their feet.
Dominance from South Korea.
Oh, they did not just come to play next.
They came to win now up to 0 in the series and it is eerily quiet here in the arena.
I have to team USA. I mean, think about how the hero bands went down.
It seemed pretty reasonable. It seems like in theory they'd sit at the table for a comp
that could suit the pork on the diva. Sarah gets to play games.
You sure the tracer band could be a little disrupted, but they're not ready for simple.
The Zenyatta in 2026. How long has it been since we have seen a Zen takeover an elite-level game like this?
I was setting it up in the pre-match, but I did not really expect to see it.
And then there it came, like a ton of bricks, simple.
What a superstar for this team.
It is very hard to stand out on the Korean national team, and yet he's done it,
especially here on Route 66.
Playing a hero with some pretty distinct vulnerabilities, right?
I'm going to play around them.
That constant discord or pressure on Hawk made it hard for him to take that space aggressively.
And then a huge transcendence to get them back
for an insane retake off the map. Very very hard to pull that off. On route 66
you've got to filter through these chokes and look what Simplas to do. Turning
himself inside out to be in the right position to protect his team mitigates
the impact that there is Dragonblade, as much as one reasonably can, and allows
it to get back in the saddle for it ends up being an insanely powerful defense
side. He's saying on the Genji we never got the nano blade, didn't need it bro, didn't have
the time to look at that having with 230 here is a statement another statement made
is from Max coming in absolutely rock solid on this guy giving up nothing and
in a devil flex support comp the device is critical right you need to be gobbling
up all of those threats from the enemy support line one death in the entire map
that's nuts and it's a discipline team fight that's after they give up and
immediately win the next retake like they have not really been in danger in
quite some time and you got to think some of those delays something players in like team USA
they're hungry for a win but it has been a drought despite South Korea's struggles with the real
final boss which is the capacity limits of the human bladder and every gameplay aspect they've
looked to be the better team coming back with the vengeance fire lit in their bellies after what
happened in Busan not pleasant getting reverse whipped in front of a home crowd not pleasant
giving up the top seed. It's not pleasant having the scrutiny of the fans. Criticism about the
way the team was formed, about the way the team was led. But quickly I think those concerns
as misgivings are going to evaporate, especially up against a plucky young USA team that had
nothing to say on Route 66. That long drought, gold medals for the Republic of Korea,
It's starting to feel like this could be the year.
I mean, the way you come up here against Team USA,
and Team USA in every team here, ask them.
They're top three.
This is a serious foe.
If you can dispatch Team USA like this,
I mean, who else can stand in your way?
Even the Saudis, as strong as they are,
they're holding onto that championship trophy.
This green squad is just on a different level today.
certainly sets us up for some very interesting semi-final matchups, South Korea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Don't occupy the same side of this bracket, so there's potential for them to run into each other in a grand final.
But let's not forget, let's not overlook the fact that waiting on the other side of this game is rough.
We would look to be one of the most dominant teams in that group stage, but in their defence, Saudi Arabia weren't really tested.
I don't think there were any matches where they looked to struggle.
it was very clean, sweet for them, all things considered, and it's reasonable to say we've
hardly seen the depth of what they're capable of doing. So many questions still to be answered
here in Anaheim, and USA have a big one in front of them. Do we get to play more than
three maps today, this weekend?
That's a painful question, Mitch, but you'd be remiss not to ask it, given the tenor of
this series so far. USA are going to take us to Neon Junction, a map that seems to suit
their chosen style but so did Route 66 to be honest and Korea proved that okay
they bring out wanton aggression on map one and then map two they slow it right
down they 180 the style and they almost beat USA at their own game that's a
painful one to have in map two USA and get rid of the jetpack cannon but for
Chorong hero versatility it's not a question it's not a question put them
on put them on DPS he could he could hang in this match right like that is a
Rarity on that role. Chorong was probably one of the defining faces
aesthetic as it is of that late era of the overwatch league 2023
So much so that he was nicknamed for the amount of salary that he purportedly commanded
The guy was a hot prospect band and even more so now it's a diva band here
Interesting call
Considering that frankly South Korea look quite comfortable, but I suspect we have a substitution in the works
There might be that Jimman comes back in doesn't fancy taking that mirror against Hall
They're on the stage. It might be indicated that.
Kasra is here. Done now.
Giving his parting words to this team. Hoping that he has another chance to check in. Hoping.
He has a chance to react to what South Korea's map pick for map
four would be, but there's no guarantee of that.
Nothing. Nothing is guaranteed. Everything here
on this stage, within Overwatch Esports in general, is earned.
U.S.A. know that.
Ultramarov knows that well after what 2023 ended up being for Team U.S.A.
The heroic return to form is what's called for here for Team U.S.A.
After that last map, a lot of veteran players, they've seen tougher matches than this even,
but nonetheless, the bright lights, the fans all around you, it's hard not to let those
questions, those whispers start to creep in. TNUS, they want to run this one back
though. They can't be looking down that long stretch about just how far away
a reverse sweep might be. It has to start with one. It has to start with a map
victory. Jun been coming back in, still looking focused. You can tell this
Korean squad, they've got that reverse sweep still in the back of their minds.
I don't think they're gonna give up an inch in map three. Think back to that
first map here for Team South Korea Jun been showed it's a wrecking ball out of
the gates, all right? Demon was banned. Got the option to show us that again.
Proportedly, he's the one on this team that really put his nose to the
grindstone, got his head in the books and tried to master Demon after what
happened in Busan. We also see him in Mirrola Maoka pretty well, even though
that Volcano matchup on, you know, Samo was honestly the best hook we've seen
from the team USA in this series. And if we head to a hybrid map, right?
Then Neon Junction, for example, that is way like you've got a vast array of Jun Bin's more ground-born heroes that he likes to bring out.
Malga, Orisa, Demon, you name it.
And a deeper band might just suit him perfectly.
Jun Bin to me is a player who wants to push the pace. Whatever you can put him on any hero, he's going to find a way to get active, get into the action, and be that tip of the spear for the team.
So bringing him back in says, you don't want to slow down on de-injunction.
You want to step on the gas and the series here and now, and I think South Korea, they'd
be wise to do that.
You do not want to let these Americans start to get a little wind in the sails, start to
get a bit of momentum that so far has been lacking in this series.
Anything is possible in these best of fives.
Probably big oak Brigitte skin.
I'm going to put that out there.
We are dazzled by everybody's fantastic cosplay offerings here in the crowd.
And the special part about being here at BlizzCon, getting to connect with all of you guys again.
Overwatch, we're blessed with some fantastic events all around the world, but something's a little bit different when you come to BlizzCon.
Back in 2022, we're in this very arena for an Overwatch League Grand Finals.
Dallas Field finally took it all, multiple BlizzCon before that.
The magic kind of seeps out of the cobblestones here, so to speak.
Team USA have better hope that that can serve them well.
Going to this next map, they look grim but resolute.
Their last chance to show what they're capable of here.
In this famous arena.
Still some energy here in the crowd.
Still some believers despite the dark situation presented to these American players.
It starts to feel like though if you can just get one, it changes everything.
And the player on these stages, if you can start to feel that energy, whether it's from one teamfight, one pick, one map win, you could build on that. That's a start.
Obviously, Jetpack Cat banned on this particular map.
Look, Mino will look to show us something a little bit different.
We got a treat for you guys. We got Danny Lim down on the floor to get the pulse of the crowd.
Danny, take it away.
Thank you, man. Yes, Korea is up 2-0 guys.
One map away to go into semi-finals.
But hey, I got a big treat for you guys.
Dookie Watch is happening very soon.
We got some amazing cosplayers behind me.
me. Everyone give a round of applause for Tokyo Watch cosplayers.
That's one of the many things that are happening around the place here at BlizzCon.
Some fantastic announcements and I'm just like I don't know about you but I'm
I'm pretty excited about the newest hero addition to Overwatch.
Also, Sombra receiving the support designation now as well. Big changes coming.
It's been a great year for Overwatch, man. I mean, it's just, it's really, it feels like we're back.
That huge drop of heroes just injected so much life, not only into the competitive game, but to so many fans as well.
Making this BlizzCon, I think one that is particularly special, one that both of these teams would love to be standing tall around that closing ceremony.
But it has to start here for Team Korea, a long drought of gold for a country that almost expects them.
I mean, what a ridiculous kind of pressure to be entering into an arena like this under the weight of, and yet, they see the shoulder with ease.
Yeah, certainly drooling into the mud, I think, especially so many of these players
achieving great heights in Overwatch eSports in general. But you don't just,
you know, put the jersey on. You don't just inherit the badge, you inherit the
expectations, you inherit the history, the legacy of your country in Overwatch eSports.
And I think back in 2016, the world didn't really know just how potent
tapering and Overwatch could be. And they found that very, very quickly. From
moments like Zumba, using Zarya right clicks to put himself through random
windows and into the fight.
You know, Rujihong showing his mastery of, you know,
aim-based support, so they honor it.
Yeah, there's a lot of expectation from these fans.
With USA, though, it was retreated to that.
They in 2019, they got past South Korea.
They swept them in the group stage, swept them.
And there was a feeling about that year.
I feel like it would be a special year.
Stepping into the semifinals, they beat them there,
and then they swept away Team China to win it all.
It is a dissamble, I wouldn't say it feels like what it is.
It's been quite some time.
The game's changed, the faces have changed.
But that stand for Korean dominance hasn't.
I'll tell you that much.
National recap of the series obviously, it was only Samoa really that showed us I think
what this team USA are capable of and that's got a lot to do with the fact that, look, it was a short route 66.
It was an attack side that fell flat.
I forget if this is sort of very bizarre, we don't make this in Yara composition with South Korea.
The fact that they're able to lean into some of these quirky comps here should tell you everything you need to know about them.
how comfortable they're feeling and obviously they're a team that love to make substitutions folks.
That's the hold up here at the moment as Jun Bin is making sure all of his settings are cooked
to perfection. It helps to kind of ice you the kicker from honesty because Team USA have been
sat. They've been sat in the muck and mire of an O2 score line and a pretty disappointing map.
No bit of energy though. Still in the arena in Anaheim and I honestly think a Team USA are
They're going to have Amy shot and bring this one back, kind of has to start with the sixth man.
We're going to need some energy. We're going to need some cheers.
But these players, their vets, they won't give up until the bitter end.
But the Korean squad, they can absolutely taste this victory.
I mean, you could just hear it in Stocker's voice in that clip.
He's starting to feel this win is coming.
And like everything we heard from them in the lead up to this game is that they've frankly,
you know, this might incense some people, treated this like a stepping stone
on the way to the greater goal, on the way to greater opposition.
USA here come in looking for a competitive, they do top their group, but there are questions about the level of competition they themselves face where they really put to the test.
We had other groups that looked terrifying. Saudi Arabia had a comfortable way through, but there were certainly some groups that felt looked a little bit more stacked.
It's a different vibe, man. We were in a fantastic arena in Busan, right? But nothing really compares the atmosphere in here to big crowd.
You feel the ground rumble whenever I start to get rowdy.
Now we are hopefully moments away from jumping into our next map in this series.
I see you've been looking a bit more settled down.
Jetpack cap banned in this map, mind you.
Continue to say.
Diva banned from South Korea.
I mentioned that sets the stage for potentially slightly more static compositions
without the Jetpack cap to ferry a demon into the fight.
But in the previous series, right? We saw the Orisa find a lot of value on back slightly on Neon Junction, which we may well be headed to here
Huxing that is work cut out for him this one needs to match up against Joanne Vinon
Two players have quite different styles quite different perspectives on the game. It's not perspective
It's that team vision the USA need to pull together right now need to rally around the flag
To really deliver a unique look
It feels like if Team South Korea can build momentum in this, you are getting behind the
eight ball at this point.
Stunt to feel a rumble.
Woma.
Woma.
I'll tell you Mitch, I've been there.
I've heard these chants.
It means something.
You start to feel something.
And these players, they need to feel that.
They need that energy, that belief, that almost insane refusal
to give in to the weight of expectation.
That's why we're here.
That's why we play.
For Team USA, an attack side,
maybe a preferred start for them.
One that lets them set the tempo, set the tone.
Getting off to a quick start.
Team Korea have selected a very defensive setup here.
Potentially even, you could call it passive.
Team USA, that's an opportunity.
Team USA fans, you better hope this isn't the last time
you see your team out there on this stage.
BlizzCon Arena, get loud and proud.
USA and South Korea are about to clash
in our third map of the series.
Trio going to start on the Widowmaker.
Little grapple shop, see what's what.
Seeing Parker on the Ember and Tree might look for the mirror.
This is really his signature pick if he goes to it, but instead it will be the cast.
And always the risk of being run down by this demon on the front line, but you don't have to contend anymore with the Jetpack Cat.
See, ultimately going over to the Wugang here, who actually, you know, gets an increase in the passive healing that he can put,
but if you break one off site, you lose that passive healing buff from him quicker. Three seconds instead of five now.
So you've got to get active on this Wugang and make sure you can see your tank.
Great pressure from Team USA, jumping really right now on the back foot, but Xero goes down to Stalker.
The Siphon Blast, it must have been an up close personal encounter, maybe off towards the left-hand side, but that's going to take the wind out of the sails.
Nanos coming online for both squads, should be a key moment, a key flashpoint, especially with Dimon.
We've seen what she can do, amped up by this Nanoboost.
Zimbal desperately trying to get towards that last percent. This is to sleep and hold on.
Huff into the back line. It's got a chance.
Huff though just looking to create some space for him to dive in. He's done so, but still not one ticket for Team USA.
He looks to double back. He's actually knocked out a mech in that window.
There has been able to accost he's saying and come off better in that matchup.
It's 3 under Churrong and Huff out of the game though with 3 missing.
This is going to get tight here. But after violent emergence, but Junbin now accosted on all sides.
T-USA, and broken through.
And if we have seen a lot of bull holds on Beyond Junction, this one is not for T-USA, earning it, and earning also a bit of energy here in the arena.
Plenty of time to work with here.
with here.
And we've got Lux been good for Ultramaner, Tidal Blaster at the ready, he's built that
quite quickly and a big Bionate there for Lupino, it gets past the Demon Shield.
Tidal Blaster, the darey's sleeping it off, that's not going to have any effect.
From simple, Stingy's the aggression card, still rolling though, man.
Okay, we're going to have a trade here over Limit Breaks, Horto has a double back now,
look over to what's jumped in, he's with another Bionic Grenade, this is massive from Lupino,
Pipe in the wave with some comfortable kills.
Back in the corner again, there's no way Sifu's getting out of here in one piece.
Nissan's a cherry on top.
It's the unconventional support selection from Team USA. It's Luke Nino on the honor.
Typically the main support for this squad.
Different teams with different reads, but Team USA, they look very comfortable on their chosen selection.
Despite that long ice out of the player squad, they look hot in this one.
Override protocol after ready here for stalker.
Still gotta be careful up on those sight lines as the arm of a castling can pepper you with shots.
Coming from the side boost is pretty dangerous here, but it starts to ricochage and power by a nanoboost.
But no targets for the looks of things.
Stalker dumps altitude and fights himself face to face with a backflip at three.
Takes him out of the picture.
Pressure now though on Hall.
Thick and fast, he's gotta be knocked out of the mech and Sifl can sit back on this nanoboost.
Wait for a rainy day.
Great hold from Korea, they're gonna get an additional stagger onto ultraviolet
and you're a long way from home on Woo-Yang.
They're gonna delay this, you see some brutal body box, Jung Min.
If you give him in, he'll take a mile.
Team USA, they've got three minutes though, some good progress so far on this map.
This is a tough hill to climb though, one in which Korea have full control of where they
want to take these fights.
Literally and figuratively, for you a sight.
He's a long way from horror, man.
Jukvim sees an opportunity going to the back line.
Doesn't want to overextend, but doesn't have to either.
Looks like the game has come to him.
Let's get out with his life, with the supports now.
Aggression to Max the front line.
Team USA looking dangerously close to a spawn camp.
Hock trying to hold onto the next dude.
UV goes down.
Look at how elegantly South Korea punish a positional error there for Hock.
He just gets too far away.
Charges out of the open.
We saw the same happen to Kaffir against France.
against France. It should be immediately snapped onto an opportunity to drive that
backline without having to deal with Hawk. This is stifling fashion, Korea are
getting so much out of one fight minute off the clock and the poke is still
pouring in. Team USA is struggling on the walk-ups here. Yeah, it's looking
excruciating. Really putting pressure on that human load here, Team USA.
Ultimately needs to do damage to really empower that human. That's hard to do with
There's Sarah Popps, like a balloon.
Tidal Blast on He-Sang made it impossible to fight back.
And this kind of aggressive dominance
in front of the Team USA squad
is causing that cut to roll back inch by inch
every second down from Team USA.
Jumin has he over steps though?
Somehow it seems he hasn't.
Gets back to safety just as his shield buckles.
And he'll probably just rinse and repeat this approach.
Now that we enter a whirlwind nanopoosts,
may dictate the pace of the fight.
Both Luke and Simple have them locked in low to bits.
The limit break is for Jumping.
Then I'm looking at it, getting the nano.
He's going to go for it.
Simple looks like he's circling around elsewhere.
Ultra pilot against the nano.
Okay.
Bold strategy, Copnik, but who say so?
Minute 15 left on the clock here.
The T-USA squad are in utter disarray.
Oh, the aggression is really coming back
into the Korean team now.
Every time they're taking the fight on their own terms,
Simple getting deep on these planks,
initiating with Nades into the back line.
And with every fight winly, sweep USA back to the roots.
Tree though, a big pick on the Chorong.
He's sitting deep behind this one,
getting a little bit weird with that pick on the support.
Caca, we are certainly behind enemy lines here.
Jordan Ryder, 10-30!
Executioner for He-Sang gets him in elimination,
but it's traded out instantly.
Somehow, Ultra Violet is just headshot
by S1mple across the map, continuing to throw this fight
the question. Jundim out of mech, and eventually out of time. Big shots from Hark, blocks the sleep as well.
Damn, I can't finish on that one, but simple as none of the ones yet. Trying to jockey back, but again.
Yeah, that perfect use drive was scary. Big damage coming in from the demon at range.
And so, with 10 seconds left, the USA have a golden opportunity to continue to fight
for their World Cup position. But again, as you said, Jake, an uphill battle.
Salka has it over on Chronicle under ready. It's going to be a limit break fight up by Hawke there.
Looks like it's concomit, but Zell is going to dive in as free!
It's about to use the damage out of the vacation!
Fights two. Trader back by Symbol with a headshot now, but Hawke has found a little what-on-one tie with.
He's saying nothing the shield can do until the card continues to green towards the objective.
It's just been diving out. Nano Boost here to make some space, but it cannot take too much damage.
to make use of the shield to buy time.
Moments for his team to get back into the fight, but that could be easier said than done.
Title pass instantly going to be dispensed over towards Junbin now, the knockdown for the over shield.
Even more important, over clock at the ready-go for three.
Look at the petroleum in the backlight as Speed Ring comes out for the USA,
but his override protocol is a problem for Hork.
Knockdown and mech, Stalker doubles down and finds the Judo,
and it's all but done here for USA's attack side.
Poppling over as Stalker finishes off Sarah.
And the USA will be held to one singular checkpoint on neon junction
It's got to be a deflating fight for team USA
It was such a strong start Zara into the back line hop following suit
The team Korea with just two members alive holds so deep into that fight getting the supports back in
Stalling things out and as the clock runs down
So to the hope for team USA a winnable situation, but through second point
You would have loved to found it on to third. I mean on neon junction
Well, this looks too winnable for the South Korean team.
We said that already in this series.
Route 66 though are much more difficult outing for the USA.
We said it was possible, chances were slim.
Here, yeah, sure, they've got their ways out.
But it's going to be a tough one.
It's going to have to be an extended hold, and ideally...
Want to see the team USA shave off two minutes on this first checkpoint.
Give themselves a little bit of a buffer.
South Korea, I imagine expeditiously we'll take the fight to them, especially if it's
a Rissa for Jun Bin on deck.
Perhaps the toughest test yet.
All these American players and for the fandom of the pigeons.
Any ornithologists in the building?
the dazzling plumage of our avian friends on the map. We must cast their eyes to the
scoreboard. And off we go. Jombi is going to be on this Orisa look. Jorong on the Juno
once more. The very different backlines. Team 3 are they going to bring some of the signature
aggression. Closing the gaps. Here's the speed ring. The spear goes wide. Hork at risk of
being encircled here. Jombi looking dangerous. Hork sees an opportunity to go off the stalker
but it's a slim margin at best, and eventually has to retract.
Juminu dies for the high ground, one javelin connection on the squishy
could equal an easy kill, and break this fight wide open.
Defensive posture from Team USA, this backline is critical.
Both armor skills aren't cooled down in 2-3, they're pushing their advantage.
Both dives in, but Juminu's a tough customer, tough to break through, Orisa.
He's already in the backline here, has to find a recall,
and will buy this tie from the purge, it's Zera falling first, though.
and they'll omen here for Team USA, they've lost their shield and they've lost their right hand in tree.
They've got to give this up. There's no one where they can hold this surely.
Hawke will attempt it, but it seems token of best to checkpoints and change.
Hawke eventually forced off and South Korea up to the races.
Droodle find stalker just cutting the enemy to pieces. No mercy here for the Korean hitscan.
And why should he offer any gold medals on the mind right now for Korea a
Consequential quarter-final to earn them the chance at a rematch a salty run back
against the French
Certainly a tantalizing prospect here
If you ask the fans seeing the red white and blue up against the French squad might be even more excited around a long way from that
Applied to see that someone else will need to bring the watering can
Speaking of which, title boss on deck here for ultraviolet, four ultimates ready for
team USA.
Junbin is so deep here on this position, pulls a ton of attention to himself in the rush,
puts so much of his assay on the back foot.
He's so deep, Hawks in travel corner side, the Terraser nowhere to hide, his little
Mino is flattened.
Within that seismic zone, knocked to the ground, though, is Junbin dealt with by Hawk down
here, continue to push up.
We see the box of victory.
The comp is going to get some extra mileage before South Korea, let it rest for a time.
Great finds from Hawkins Zera, that looked like the beginning of the end for Team USA.
I was getting scared, but Hawkins Zera find the trades to buy a new lease on life for Team USA.
They're still though in the doldrums, this ultimate economy looking tepid at best.
Pulse ball opportunity for Heesank here and that orbital ray is going to be extremely
empowering.
He's saying he might have done it all himself.
Ultraman and Zera taking a task by a singular pulse bomb and the USA behavior threatens
to collapse it for our very eyes.
Hawke with the next cap off the rank and Lukmino knows he's in deep trouble.
Doesn't want to be staggered for a potential retake but doesn't have the mobility to get
out.
It's dragged out with the finale of it rings through the arena
They're trying to get in South to Ricky's free for some time, but he's got a big cut short
Two meters away and closing his walk dice rock back on it is dealt with yet again so close
You could taste it and a high was where the career
dynasty
Faulted but seven years later a new generation breathes life back into it
A statement victory from Team South Korea over the hometown crowd who are silenced in
this match.
A win like that sets the standard for gold.
Not that there was ever any option for these Korean players, but now it feels real.
Now it's going to be the other side of the bracket that is starting to sweat.
Team France, any teams left in competition, this is the beast you will have to face down.
leave this back one of the top three teams with extreme pressure.
And on the other side of the bracket, Team Saudi Arabia, I can imagine salivating
the prospect of taking on potentially a renewed, a rejuvenated, a revitalized
South Korean roster who are up to date with the meta and looking good.
Looking comfortable out here in the BlizzCon arena.
Stuff again to bid farewell to the journey for Team USA.
We made a stunning run through our qualifiers and group stages with promise.
Put the station back on the Overwatch World Cup map, but it was not to be.
I look back over the series series, Samoa gave us some really spirited competition.
Some decent back and forth, but ultimately, Zachary emerged from that map,
and then they make short work of USA on Route 66. That was a gut punch.
And the way this series played out, it's a testament to how many threats you have to worry about on this Korean team.
map one I felt Sanjin, Junbin, Wonton, aggression, ridiculous threat, any supports in the series
are on notice. Stalker coming alive in the third, Max, simple looking, phenomenal on
route 66. There's too many problems to solve against this team. I mean, I don't see a way
to beat them not yet. Someone's going to have to show us something really different if they
want to stop Korea from taking the gold.
For now, we have a chance to hear from our victors down on the stage standing by with
Danny Lim.
Thank you so much. Yes, I am here joined by stalker from team South Korea. Everybody make some noise for stalker. Let's go
Fantastic job 30 victory today stalker. How do you feel?
Congratulations to the winner for the 3-0 win. How do you feel?
I was very nervous, but I won easily. I'm glad to win in front of the fans.
USA is not an easy team to beat, but you guys did beat them and it was very clean for you guys.
I feel like we really prepared for every scenario that could happen and going into the first map, we kind of wanted to figure out what team USA wanted to do and from there, we sort of picked our roots and it really worked well for us.
Alright, I feel like the most important thing I feel like is tomorrow's match for the semifinals. It is a rematch! South Korea vs. team France, Stalker, how do you feel about that one?
That one.
It is going to be a 3-0.
Alright, thank you so much for the interview. I love the confidence.
That's it for the interview.
Thank you so much, Danny.
Fincing sweep from Team South Korea and I have reinforced and asked with me to break it all down
Now not everyone in this room got their prediction correct
Okay, my salty for gloating
We got up I know we have a home we have a home
I just want to throw it out there now. We can now we can
Exactly I did some sparkles my face to celebrate victory
You know how it is, but no honestly this was so dominant
I generally expected a closer match even though my initial score prediction would not indicate that
Reinforced what was your prediction looking like because I feel like with this kind of showing South Korea more than redeem themselves
Yeah, a hundred percent because going into the group stage in Busan
Korea there were a little lackluster. They were a little bit impatient or like they didn't really seem that
Composed things considered and that's obviously why they got to reverse sweat by France in the group stage
got the number two seed going into this match up against USA just the pace in
which they came out with and played so determined here on Samoa very impressive
how they broke down this slower approach from team USA and then to bring up like
the Senyatta here as well on root C to 6 and really just create so much chaos here
for the side of team USA I thought this was the South Korea we expected to see
come out at the group stage already because they are superstar players
across the board they just didn't show us that in the group stage which caused
some hesitation for us of confusion like how good are they or their favorite
compete at all and I think they showed with this three august USA they are one
of the favorites with the entire thing they absolutely are I feel like overall
when it came down to the conversation we were having heading into this match
we also talked about the dynamicism in comps that both of these teams can be
bringing to the table we saw them start off off meta in that first map but then
being able to show that diversity as we continue to roll through and leaning
into the demon. It as the series kind of went on there. And I feel like for the side of South Korea as well within that crazy
of our group for having he saying and stalker in the server being able to also interchangeably swap off that she on so that you
can have the have the Emory come out on the other side and having that ability to be so adaptable really was such a huge
difference maker on top of obviously the vengeance I guess that they were looking
for. But they were fools by that. 100% no stalker absolute boon for this team so much
flexibility being able to play that hits skin but also everything else like I
won't be surprised if he rolls out and support is good at that too because it's
stocking now he can do it he can do it and now they're moving into the semifinals
where they might get their revenge against bronze. I know we're on home soil so
It would have been a great story for the USA to make it into the semifinals or even go further and into the finals
But the script writers are not off here either. I feel like that France versus Korea rematch is going to be one to look out for Johnny
Yeah, a hundred percent of course and France take they're looking to hold on strong to this demon composition that they did upset with of course
But this time around the way Korea just looked on stage the way they flex around as well
I think they're looking so impressive that even though France you did get the upset in the group stage
you still have to go with Korea being the favorite in going into that one.
Which are you excited for tomorrow?
I'm excited for all of it, truly.
That was the correct answer.
Hey, I chose...
Of course!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Typically, you would say no wrong answers here, but...
Yes.
I appreciate you talking me on that one.
Overall, though, I feel like also that KSA Sweden matchup, seeing KSA bleed up against
Spain earlier today, they're looking as the most human that they've really looked.
I feel like all of that.
I can't speak on the Swedish matchup.
No, you can't.
I'm biased.
You are literally paid to talk on this there,
so you please speak on that.
I do have a preference for Sweden winning that matchup.
That's crazy.
I can't believe it's coming down.
You know, there's a chance.
There's a chance.
There's a chance.
A tiny bit of chance.
Were you impressed with just how smooth it looked
like for Sweden today?
Because honestly, that was kind of a flawless, serious one.
Yeah, of course.
I mean, I think the way they're able to play around
Kevster and just like taking his time to set up accordingly on the tracer and then
Sorrow as well doing a great job on the Freyja. I love this kind of tactical slow approach
for Sweden but the thing is they were able to pull that off against Germany being able to pull
that off against Saudi Arabia who definitely did get a good look at that as well and just like
okay well how do we adapt going into the semi-finals we kind of know that Kevster is always going to
be lurking in the flanks now we kind of know that soon he's going to sit back and give up a
a lot of space. How are we going to adapt to that? I think Saudi Arabia is going to
come into tomorrow's match with a great game plan and make things way more difficult for
Sweden to pull off them playing their game.
Now, any last thoughts, any takeaways from day one, especially in terms of the meta?
Do we feel like we have a better idea of what to expect or do you feel like today already
just showed that teams like France are still just leaning into what they're good at and
what they were comfortable with in Busan?
I think it's a little bit of a mix because again, we did see a lot of more of these brawly
competitions being pulled out. The Sigma has been a really strong pick across the board for a lot of
these teams here. So I think it's very small shifts, but really nothing crazy yet. Yeah, I think we
can see a lot of different compositions tomorrow. I mean, we saw Korea, they just pull out Senyatta,
like no one had that on their bingo card. Okay, true. The cheers in the audience when we got to see
some Senyatta gameplay was just off the charts. And so obviously I'd love to see more of that. And I
think we're in a meta right now, especially after the mid-season patch, where if you get a good hero
ban in and you get to go to a map where you can really set up the right map design for
your composition preference. Like you can throw a few curveballs in there and really
shake things up. And so what I think we're seeing, like we did on Neon Junction just now,
that Demon, Jetback Cat, like those are some of the two best characters in the game right
now, you can game plan different kinds of compositions to really throw your opponent
off guard. And so I think we're in for a really fun day tomorrow. We're going to see a lot
different to what heroes. We are indeed with two semifinals, a grand final, a bronze medal match,
we also of course have a halftime concert on this very stage with Yaw Sobi and everyone at home
gets to enjoy more Overwatch lore, so much more to come, but even today is not quite over yet
because the sparkles were not in celebration of that game, the sparkles were a little preview
of all the magic that is about to go down on that stage because we'll be talking Doki Watch,
You don't want to miss it for now. It's good night from this desk. We're moving over to the stage. Don't go anywhere
Next up don't give watch pop
I don't know what to do with him.