We are a little over a week away from BlizzCon, the final stop for the Hearthstone Global Games. After a small controversy, the eight teams and the groups have been finalized. Two groups will lead into a four team playoff for the name of best country in the world.
There is also an opportunity for a nice prize, as the first place team gets $50,000, second $40,000, with third and fourth getting $30,000. Here’s what to expect when the final eight countries throw down at Hearthstone Global Games BlizzCon.
The first set of matches for Group A will be Spain versus Hong Kong, and New Zealand versus China. None of these teams were the strongest during Swiss play, all earning a 4-2 record.
Spain’s AKAWonder
Spain and Hong Kong have yet to play heads up, but Spain is 0-2 against other top eight teams. Hong Kong has the 2018 Asian Games winnter, Lo “kin0531” Tsz Kin on their side. Spain has the fan favorite Esteban “AKAWonder” Serrano leading their top flight talent. Hong Kong has the slight edge in the matchup, but given the format, anyone can win.
New Zealand and China also have yet to play each other. New Zealand is the team on the hottest streak right now, losing only one game in the round of 16. Both teams have lost to other top eight teams still remaining, but definitely tightened up their play going into top 16. New Zealand has the slight edge here, with one Tour Stop winner and 2017’s Asia-Pacific Spring Champion.
The number one team.
Group B has Brazil going up against Bulgaria and Singapore versus Norway. This group has all of the teams with better records throughout Swiss play.
Brazil is probably the favorite of the group, as they went undefeated in Swiss play. They struggled through top 16, but made it here and face Bulgaria. Bulgaria has been the surprise dark horse of the Global Games, blasting through their opponents with what many would consider to be a weaker roster.
The Singaporean team qualify in place of the disqualified Taiwan. Singapore has been given adequate time to prepare for the tournament, but will they be good enough to take on this stacked group is a question yet to be answered.
Norway’s Hunterace
Norway is probably the favorite to beat Brazil and take the entire tournament. They are a group of four teammates that all play for the same organization and have Casper “Hunterace” Notto to lead them. Hunterace is arguably the best player in the world right now.
The action begins on November 3, so don’t forget to tune into the Twitch channel and catch the action.
Images courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment via their official website.
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