HGCCover

We finally made it to the start of the new 2017 Heroes Global Circuit (HGC). It feels like it’s been forever since the Heroes of the Storm Fall Global Championship at BlizzCon 2016 and when it was announced that the HGC would be the new format of Heroes eSports, I have to say I was pretty excited. So now here we are Week 1 of League Play where we see the best teams out of North America go head-to-head in best-of-5 matches. European team play also started on January 20th, but for the purposes of this round-up, we’ll only look at the North America matches.

Here’s a list of the teams in case you might have missed who’s in.

NORTH AMERICA

  • Team 8
  • Superstars
  • Tempo Storm
  • Gale Force eSports
  • Team Naventic
  • Team Freedom
  • No Tomorrow
  • B-Step

FRIDAY MATCHES (1/20/17)

Match 1: Tempo Storm vs Team Naventic (3-2)

Game 1: Tomb of the Spider Queen

Tempo Storm

  • E.T.C.
  • Malfurion
  • Tyrael
  • Gul’Dan
  • Greymane

Team Naventic

  • Tychus
  • Rehgar
  • Ragnaros
  • Thrall
  • Diablo

From the start it looked like both teams were evenly matched, but towards the end, Tempo Storm pulled away, reaching Level 20 well before Team Naventic did.  The game ended with Tempo Storm taking out Thrall, Rehgar and Ragnaros followed by a big push to the core. (1-0)

Game 2: Cursed Hollow

Tempo Storm

  • Zeratul
  • E.T.C.
  • Falstad
  • Kharazim
  • Tracer

Team Naventic

  • Malfurion
  • Zarya
  • Li-Ming
  • Medivh
  • Varian

Much like Game 1 Tempo Storm established a big level lead while Team Naventic made some small mistakes that cost them big.  Tempo Storm got a huge boost when they team killed all 5 Team Naventic Heroes, pushing them to 13-10 level advantage. For the rest of the match Tempo Storm dominated the map, taking mercenaries and bosses to help them on the offensive. In minute 13 Tempo Storm made their push, up 3 levels, and made easy work of the core. (2-0)

Game 3: Battlefield of Eternity

Tempo Storm

  • E.T.C.
  • Tychus
  • Kharazim
  • Greymane
  • Tyrael

Team Naventic

  • Malfurion
  • Li-Ming
  • Tracer
  • Tassadar
  • Varian

Based on their plays in Game 1 and Game 2, it was easy to assume that Tempo Storm would make quick work of Team Naventic on this map.  However Team Naventic was able to keep up with Tempo Storm level–wise and choosing to earn experience in some cases rather than quickly taking down the opposing Immortal. Tempo Storm wiped out Team Naventic during the 10th minute of play, with E.T.C. dropping Mosh Pit at just the right time. The turning point for Team Naventic came when Malfurion dropped a perfect Twilight Dream allowing Team Naventic to take out Kharazim, Greymane and Tychus and make a quick push to the core. In a 2v5 match up, Tempo Storm was unable to defend. (2-1)

Game 4: Infernal Shrines

Tempo Storm

  • Kerrigan
  • Zarya
  • Tyrael
  • Li-Ming
  • Uther

Team Naventic

  • Ragnaros
  • Malfurion
  • Gul’dan
  • Valla
  • Varian

Following their win on the Battlefield of Eternity map Team Naventic came out strong in this game, quickly gaining a level lead over Tempo Storm with some well-timed Hero kills. Early on it looked like Tempo Storm was a little off in their strategy especially with Hero match-ups and it continued throughout the game. Both teams traded off Mortar Punisher control, but Tempo Storm quickly had to go on the defensive during minute 15, when Team Naventic gained 2 levels on them.  By minute 19, Team Naventic was already at level 20 and a 3-Hero kill (Uther, Tyrael, and Kerrigan) with a devastating 1-2 combination of Gul’dan’s Horrify with Ragnaros’ Sulfuras Smash put an end to whatever comeback Tempo Storm was planning on staging. With 3 Heroes out, Team Naventic wasted no time in rushing to the core. (2-2)

Game 5: Braxis Holdout

Tempo Storm

  • Zarya
  • Valla
  • E.T.C.
  • Brightwing
  • Leoric

Team Naventic

  • Gul’dan
  • Lt. Morales
  • Johanna
  • Sgt. Hammer
  • Rexxar

Down to the last game of the match, Tempo Storm and Team Naventic kept it close in terms of levels, both reaching 10 at relatively the same time.  In minute 14 Tempo Storm took out Rexxar, Gul’dan, and Lt. Morales, its first 5v5 battle win, and gained a momentum shift.  However it was shorted lived as both teams kept pace with each other and traded Zerg Rushes. By minute 25, both teams were at level 21, but a well-placed Stage Dive by E.T.C. did some damage and a 2-Hero kill (Lt. Morales, Gul’dan) made it possible for Tempo Storm to take down the core. (3-2)

Match 2: Team 8 vs No Tomorrow (3-0)

Game 1: Tomb of the Spider Queen

Team 8

  • Auriel
  • Medivh
  • Diablo
  • Gul’dan
  • Ragnaros

No Tomorrow

  • Thrall
  • E.T.C.
  • Valla
  • Malfurion
  • Zarya

Both teams paced each other rather well early on in the match with No Tomorrow having the slightest level advantage over Team 8. Webweavers were summoned for both teams, but Team 8 started to gain momentum towards the end of the game, and by minute 15, Team 8 had secured a level lead over No Tomorrow and had some control over the game. In minute 18, with 2 Heroes down (Zarya, Valla), Team 8 was able to make a rather slow core approach and take it down with little opposition. (1-0)

Game 2: Infernal Shrines

Team 8

  • Medivh
  • Malfurion
  • Diablo
  • Sylvanas
  • Nazeebo

No Tomorrow

  • Tychus
  • E.T.C.
  • Gul’dan
  • Rehgar
  • Thrall

Much like the last match, Team 8 and No Tomorrow paced each other with level ups and were equally matched in team shrine skirmishes. By minute 13, NT gained an advantaged over Team 8 with a nicely placed Stage Dive by E.T.C., a Twilight Dream block and a timely Horrify from Gul’dan. In minute 14, Team 8 was able to repeal a push from No Tomorrow and with NT up 18-16 it looked as though they would eventually take this match.  By minute 19, both teams were at level 20 and it was anyone’s game. In minute 29 with No Tomorrow at level 23 and Team 8 at level 24, T8 was able to take down Gul’dan, E.T.C. and Tychus and with a final push to the core, they were able to take it down. (2-0)

Game 3: Cursed Hollow

Team 8

  • Malfurion
  • Ragnaros
  • Tassadar
  • Diablo
  • Tracer

No Tomorrow

  • Tychus
  • Rehgar
  • Tyrael
  • Illidan
  • Zarya

With a 3-game sweep in their sights, Team 8 decided to bring it and bring it early. By minute 4, Team 8 was up 2 levels and No Tomorrow showed signs of struggling in every 5v5 battle.  In minute 9, Team 8 was up 2 and a half levels on NT and seemed to have complete control of the map.  T8, even with their advantage, played it safe for most of the match opting to back off instead of aggressively taking keeps. However in minute 15, Team 8 took out Tyrael and Illidan, and made a push to the core. (3-0)

SATURDAY MATCHES (1/21/17)

Match 1: Superstars vs. Team Freedom (3-1)

Game 1: Towers of Doom

Superstars

  • Valla
  • Tassadar
  • Rehgar
  • Tyrael
  • Dehaka

Team Freedom

  • Ragnaros
  • Brightwing
  • Tychus
  • E.T.C.
  • Li-Ming

For the first few minutes of the match, Superstars and Team Freedom were matched in Hero strength and in level. Neither team played over aggressively opting instead to show some restraint. The tempo changed in minute 9 when Superstars took out Tyrael, Rehgar, and E.T.C. while Team Freedom took down Ragnaros and Tychus in a rather intense skirmish.  Superstars dominated altar activations throughout the match and by minute 12, Team Freedom’s core was down to 12/40 while Superstar’s core was a healthy 36/40. By minute 14, Superstars had control over 5 bell towers, and were able to activate the necessary altars for a quick GG. (1-0)

Game 2: Sky Temple

Superstars

  • Dehaka
  • Valla
  • Zarya
  • Muradin
  • Rehgar

Team Freedom

  • Ragnaros
  • Malfurion
  • Diablo
  • Falstad
  • Zul’jin

Even though both teams were relatively close in levels, it was clear from the start that Superstars was playing a little better than Team Freedom, controlling the temples early and getting in their shots. A push with a boss and a couple of giants during minute 8 boosted Superstars to a 13-11 level advantage over Team Freedom. Throughout the game Team Freedom was on their heels, being on the defensive more than offensive. By minute 12, Superstars were 4 levels up on Team Freedom with Team Freedom down multiple keeps and unable to capture temples. In minute 14 a 4-Hero kill (Diablo, Zul’jin, Ragnaros, Malfurion) solidified Superstar dominance on this map as the core goes down. (2-0)

Game 3: Tomb of the Spider Queen

Superstars

  • Artanis
  • Valla
  • E.T.C.
  • Rehgar
  • Thrall

Team Freedom

  • Ragnaros
  • Auriel
  • Gul’dan
  • Diablo
  • Tyrael

Looking for a 3-game sweep, Superstars came out strong but Team Freedom kept up the pace.  Team Freedom claimed the first Webweaver phase, which tilted the momentum TF’s way. At minute 13, TF defended a 4v5 push from Superstars with a 3-Hero kill (Thrall, Valla, E.T.C.). It wasn’t until minute 15 that Team Freedom found their opening, summoning the Red Webweavers and making a huge push forward, killing off E.T.C., Valla and Artanis in the process. With a healthy Team Freedom at the core, they made quick work of it. (2-1)

Game 4: Battlefield of Destiny

Superstars

  • Artanis
  • Malfurion
  • E.T.C.
  • Zul’jin
  • Nazeebo

Team Freedom

  • Li-Ming
  • Tychus
  • Ragnaros
  • Johanna
  • Lt. Morales

Hoping that some of the momentum of the Game 3 win would carry over to Game 4, Team Freedom had a slight advantage over Superstars during the first few minutes of the game. Superstars claimed the first Immortal, which cut into what small lead Team Freedom had.  At minute 8, Team Freedom was able to claim an Immortal, after a tough battle against Superstars. The result was a 1-level Team Freedom advantage that lasted for a good chunk of the game. However, well-placed heroics by Superstars brought them back into the game at minute 16. By minute 18, Superstars enjoyed a 1-level advantage, which they capitalized on in minute 22 with a core push. A Ragnaros-less Team Freedom, despite their valiant effort to repel the push, were unsuccessful in defending their core. (3-1)

Match 2: Gale Force eSports vs. B Step (3-2)

Game 1: Battlefield of Eternity

Gale Force eSports

  • Rehgar
  • E.T.C.
  • Alarak
  • Valla
  • Tychus

B-Step

  • Malfurion
  • Zarya
  • Li-Ming
  • Muradin
  • Ragnaros

An equal match at the very beginning, Gale Force gained a level advantage over B-Step by minute 3. Gale Force maintained their level lead over B-Step well into minute 21, which only increased after a big Immortal advance.  Fortunately for B-Step, they were able to defend their core, taking down Alarak, E.T.C., and Valla, and forcing Gale Force to retreat. In minute 25, both teams were almost equal in level, with B-Step reaching level 20 just before Gale Force. At minute 30, with B-Step up 22-21, they took down 2 Heroes (Valla, Rehgar) and gained a fully shielded Immortal who made easy work of the core. (0-1)

Game 2: Braxis Holdout

Gale Force eSports

  • Zul’jin
  • Lt. Morales
  • E.T.C.
  • Tychus
  • Ragnaros

B-Step

  • Zarya
  • Valla
  • Auriel
  • Varian
  • Dehaka

Game 2 started off much like Game 1, with both teams gaining their levels and testing the waters. By minute 4, Gale Force had a slight level advantage, which they maintained through the game. By minute 10, GFE had the backing of a Zerg Rush that led to a decent assault on B-Step’s towers. In minute 11, a major skirmish left Gale Force up 2 levels and B-Step playing catch up. B-Step did their best, but a Zerg Rush from Gale Force in minute 15 evened the series. (1-1)

Game 3: Infernal Shrines

Gale Force eSports

  • Tychus
  • Diablo
  • Zarya
  • Kharazim
  • Illidan

B-Step

  • Artanis
  • Malfurion
  • Greymane
  • E.T.C.
  • Sylvanas

Now with the series tied up, both teams looked to establish themselves in this game, but again they matched each other in Hero kills and level gains. In minute 6, a skirmish led to a 3-Hero kill (Artanis, Greymane, E.T.C.) for Gale Force and a huge push with a Mortar Punisher caused some significant damage to B-Step’s structures. By minute 11, Gale Force had a 2-level advantage, and with the Mortar Punisher taking out most of B-Steps keeps and towers. A Gale Force push was repelled with B-Step taking out Tychus, Illidan, and Zarya and bringing B-Step back into the game. In minute 14, a 5-man Mosh Pit from E.T.C. followed by a Twilight Dream from Malfurion made easy work of the entire Gale Force team.  After that the core went down quickly after. (1-2)

Game 4: Towers of Doom

Gale Force eSports

  • Brightwing
  • Falstad
  • Valla
  • Tassadar
  • Zarya

B-Step

  • Artanis
  • Zeratul
  • Li-Ming
  • Kharazim
  • Muradin

B-Step, looking to take this match from Gale Force, came out swinging. In minute 4, B-Step had already taken out 6 Heroes to Gale Force’s 0 and had a level advantage. Things started to look a little grim for Gale Force after B-Step secured 4 towers to GFE’s 2 towers, however by minute 10, the game was evenly matched, and eventually Gale Force surpassed B Step in levels. The momentum shift for Gale Force was clear, but B-Step had the GFE core down to 15/40 by minute 12. This didn’t deter Gale Force in the least, who played their game and chipped away at B Step’s core. By minute 15, Gale Force’s core was at 9/40 but B Step’s core was at 14/40. By minute 18, Gale Force had B Steps’ core down to 8/40 with 5 towers under their control. A skirmish in minute 21 was not enough to stop Gale Force from taking out the core. (2-2)

Game 5: Sky Temple

Gale Force eSports

  • Tassadar
  • Zarya
  • Valla
  • Rehgar
  • Muradin

B-Step

  • Brightwing
  • Ragnaros
  • Tyrael
  • Tychus
  • Varian

With the match on the line, B-Step and Gale Force started this game off slow. Harassments were frequent with neither team really making much of a move on each other’s bases. By minute 5, GFE and B-Step were close in level, but Gale Force had better control of the temples.  Through minute 10, Gale Force had better control of the game and the map, with B-Step losing their structures without any sort of retaliation. In minute 19 a 5v5 skirmish to gain control of the boss resulted in Gale Force taking out Ragnaros and stealing control of the boss with a well-timed interrupt of Brightwing’s Emerald Wind and a wasted Holy Ground from Tyrael. With Ragnaros on cooldown, Gale Force was able to make the push to the core. (3-2)

SUNDAY MATCHES (1/22/17)

Match 1: Team 8 vs B-Step (3-1)

Game 1: Cursed Hollow

Team 8

  • Malfurion
  • Zarya
  • E.T.C.
  • Ragnaros
  • Azmodan

B-Step

  • Tassadar
  • Brightwing
  • Valla
  • Leoric
  • Tyrael

With Team 8 enjoying a 2-match win streak, B-Step needed to bring their A game.  In the early minutes of the game, B-Step kept up with Team 8. In minute 7, Team 8 executed a 4-man Mosh Pit, resulting in a 3-Hero kill (Valla, Tassadar, Leoric), which gave them their first tribute. The match remained close well into minute 11, with Team 8 leading in levels 15-14 but each team having 2 tributes apiece. Trading curses, the game remained close going into minute 17. With both teams at level 20, B-Step went for a core push, and succeeded in taking out E.T.C., Malfurion, Ragnaros, Zarya and the core. (0-1)

Game 2: Battlefield of Eternity

Team 8

  • Artanis
  • Diablo
  • Ragnaros
  • Kharazim
  • Sylvanas

B-Step

  • Li-Ming
  • Malfurion
  • Falstad
  • Zul’jin
  • E.T.C.

Coming into Game 2, B-Step needed to keep the win streak going, but Team 8 had other ideas. Both teams paced each other in levels, but B-Step had an Immortal advantage. The advantage didn’t mean much to Team 8 even with B-Step dealing structural damage with each push.  However in minute 15, Team 8 gained control of an Immortal and made their push with a 5v4 Hero advantage. Taking out E.T.C. and using Sulfuras Smash to take out Falstad, the path was clear for Team 8 to take down the core. (1-1)

Game 3: Tomb of the Spider Queen

Team 8

  • Ragnaros
  • Tassadar
  • Valla
  • Rehgar
  • Johanna

B-Step

  • Malfurion
  • Artanis
  • Greymane
  • E.T.C.
  • Sylvanas

B-Step looked to dominate early by summoning their Webweavers first.  Team 8 responded in kind, but B-Step made quick work of their Webweavers.  A skirmish in Team 8 base during minute 11 resulted in 2 Heroes killed (Valla and Ragnaros) by Team 8. Despite the loss, B-Step remained ahead of Team 8 in levels 15-14. In minute 13 Team 8 took their push to the top with their Webweaver in tow, but B-Step defended well, taking out Ragnaros and Johanna in the fight. With Webweavers summoned, B-Step made another move, but the opportunity was wasted by costly mistakes.  In minute 20, a skirmish in the middle of the map allowed Team 8 to turn in their gems and summon their Webweavers with B-Step without E.T.C. and Artanis.  This gave Team 8 the opportunity to take out the core. (2-1)

Game 4: Sky Temple

Team 8

  • Ragnaros
  • Malfurion
  • Zarya
  • Li-Ming
  • E.T.C.

B-Step

  • Tychus
  • Artanis
  • Falstad
  • Leoric
  • Rehgar

With Team 8 one game away from winning the match, B-Step needed to step it up.  Both teams were evenly matched going into level 10, but a triple combination of E.T.C.’s Mosh Pit, Sulfuric Smash and a Twilight Dream made easy work of Tychus and Rehgar. This proved to be a tempo changer.  By minute 12, Team 8 had a level advantage over B-Step and had done significant damage to B-Step’s towers. In minute 20 Team 8 had a 21-20 level advantage and were able to capture the boss and take out Leoric, Artanis, Rehgar and Tychus. This was all Team 8 needed to advance on the core. (3-1)

Match 2: Gale Force eSports vs. Team Naventic (3-0)

Game 1: Battlefield of Eternity

Gale Force eSports

  • Malfurion
  • Tassadar
  • Valla
  • Muradin
  • Tracer

Team Naventic

  • E.T.C.
  • Li-Ming
  • Tychus
  • Thrall
  • Rehgar

After their loss to Tempo Storm, Team Naventic needed a big win against Gale Force. Both teams were even to start, but a clash at the Immortals during minute 3 showed that Gale Force might have the upper hand. Taking out Tychus, Li-Ming, E.T.C. and Rehgar in quick succession gave GFE their Immortal first and a level and a half lead.  In minute 8 Gale Force had a 2-level lead, with their Hero kill count at 12, compared to Team Naventic’s 2 kills. By minute 12, GFE increased their level lead to 14-11, but this lead was eventually whittled down as Team Naventic caught up on levels by minute 17. Still this all proved to be futile as Gale Force took down all 5 Team Naventic Heroes in minute 19, which allowed them to take the core. (1-0)

Game 2: Braxis Holdout

Gale Force eSports

  • Gul’dan
  • Zarya
  • Valla
  • Auriel
  • Thrall

Team Naventic

  • Malfurion
  • E.T.C.
  • Tychus
  • Li-Ming
  • Ragnaros

This game was a hard fought matched between the two teams. Team Naventic needed their Zerg Rushes to do damage to Gale Forces structures, but it was Gale Force who got their Zerg Rushes and made the most of them. Hero kills were not as plentiful as in Game 1, which kept Team Naventic in the game. But a skirmish in minute 15 gave Gale Force a 4-hero kill (Zarya, Tychus, Malfurion, E.T.C.) and control of the Beacons. In minute 18, with Gale Force up 18-17, they were able to take out all of Team Naventic’s Heroes. The result was a win for Gale Force. (2-1)

Game 3: Towers of Doom

Gale Force eSports

  • Falstad
  • Brightwing
  • Zeratul
  • Muradin
  • Dehaka

Team Naventic

  • Zarya
  • Rehgar
  • Li-Ming
  • Varian
  • Ragnaros

With a 3-game sweep in their sights, Gale Force had a slight edge over Team Naventic early in the game. By minute 6 GFE had a 2-level lead with the Team Naventic core down to 24/40. This 2-level lead increased by minute 10, and Team Naventic’s core was down to 16/40 (compared to GFE’s core at 32/40). Skirmishes were plentiful, but Gale Force proved to be the master Hero killers with their kill count at 14. In minute 13 it looked as though Team Naventic was done for, but good defense and timely Heroics prevented Gale Force from activating the altar.  By minute 16, both teams were at level 20, but Team Naventic’s core was at 1/40. A possible comeback was in their sights, as Team Naventic wore down GFE’s core to 3/40. Unfortunately the comeback was unsuccessful as Gale Force came out victorious after an intense 5v5 skirmish. (3-0)

HGC NORTH AMERICA STANDINGS

1. Team 8

  • Record: 2-0
  • Game W-L: 6-1

2. Gale Force eSports

  • Record: 2-0
  • Game W-L: 6-2

3. Superstars

  • Record: 1-0
  • Game W-L: 3-1

4. Tempo Storm

  • Record: 1-0
  • Game W-L: 3-2

5. Team Freedom

  • Record: 0-1
  • Game W-L: 1-3

6. No Tomorrow

  • Record: 0-1
  • Game W-L: 0-3

7. B-Step

  • Record: 0-2
  • Game W-L: 3-6

8. Team Naventic

  • Record: 0-2
  • Game W-L: 2-6
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