The MSI Masters Gaming Arena in PAX Prime Seattle will have its StarCraft II Grand Finals on August 30-31. As early as now, the groups have been drawn for the 16 participating players.
To see the complete order of draws, check out the video below:
The group stage will make use of the GSL format, meaning each group will undergo double elimination with all matches being best-of-three and first matchups being seed 1 vs seed 4, and seed 2 vs seed 3.
Group D looks to be the scariest having 3 Korean players (although can be considered as "semi-foreigners" due to them competing outside of Korea). All four groups are stacked with good matchups despite the heavy Zerg presence.
French caster, Yoan 'ToD' Merlo, who hosted the group drawings pointed out that the non-Korean Asian players may pull off some upsets, "There are a few favorites here and there [...] we might see a few surprises [...] I'm looking in particular at the Chinese and Taiwanese players which I think will probably be looked at as underdogs."
Merlo also acknowledges the presence of the sole representative from Oceania, "Even Petraeus in Group D, I do think he's capable and has what it takes to put a good performance."
After the group stage, 8 players will advance to the playoffs stage which is single elimination. Matches for the Round of 8 and Semifinals are best-of-three while the Grand Finals match is best-of-five.
For more information about the MSI Masters Gaming Arena, check out the links below.
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