CommunityFortress

I love how there are 40 teams in the league, only three of them technically dead, but somehow 20% of all matches so far have been forfeits. Maybe it is time for the admins to be a little more active in the scheduling making. If you are aware that 2 teams are going to play dead teams, maybe reschedule the two teams to face each other and the two forfeit teams against each other? Like I say every week, each team is paying over $100 to play in ESEA, admins need to ensure that teams actually play TF2 and not go through the first 2 weeks with 2 ffws.

The league took a nice break during the middle of last week due to stupid updates, but I commend most of the teams for rescheduling and getting the matches done on Sunday instead of dragging it out. This week, esea teams are introduced to a new map made by Icarus called coldfront. The first of three new maps that are in the league map rotations for the first time (rip follower and freight, eat a bag of dicks turbine). As a medic, I hated the first few drafts of the map where the mid was so open that getting spotted and hunted down was not a matter of if, but when. Obstacles were added in the middle to help prevent that, but I feel like diving for the medic is still the most efficient strategy for mid on this map. Other than that and the respawn time being a little too long, I really like this map, I feel like it could definitely find its way in future league rotations.

Let's get into the rankings. Not much change from last week, and I don't expect too much change until we get to granary, when the teams on the rankings will finally start playing against each other. So yea, didn't write too much, but enjoy!

Click READ MORE to see the rankings!

1. Hostile Faction - LW: 1 (4-0)

When I told you that 2 weeks in, Hostile Faction will have the most stable roster for any top open team, most of you will probably laugh at me. But it is true, these guys are sticking together, getting their chemistry up, and even have a very reliable backup in tehoreoz. Their first real tests come from Cause of Death and Have Fun. If HF is aiming for the open title, defeating both of these teams will be a necessity.

2. Vicious Gaming - LW: 2 (4-0)

Flew past a few lower skilled teams on gravelpit. Vicious Gaming is another team with a roster that has remained stable since the beginning of the season. VG's first real test is coming up against Harmonic on coldfront. Not only is that their first match against a team on my power rankings, but it is also on an unfamiliar map. Look for the combo of Daniel and Slardel to outsmart and outfrag their opponents.

3. Blight - coolstory - LW: 3 (4-0)

Shakey win against Fix It Freddy, a team that also gave VG a little trouble on viaduct, so it is not a big surprise. Picked up Deth to medic for them, a smart choice, I am not sure how much medicing Rayy has done at a high level. Facing two tough teams in PCGU and Unrestricted on coldfront, but should come out with two wins if they are the team that blackfoger and blight advertised.

4. Team Dynamic/Die Hard -LW: 4 (2-2)

Rather interesting week for the dynamic crew. They had to forfeit a match due to the lack of available players, but denied reports of breaking the team up. They came back on Sunday and ripped up Treason. Should be easier roads ahead for these guys as their record will bring them an easier schedule. But Dynamic's two real issues are not mysteries, will they be able to stick together for a while season? And will they only play as an invite PUG team or will they start scrimming? Shit, I need a die hard reference...um...maybe next time.

5. Have Fun - LW: 6 (3-0)

Very tight match against Harmonic, these guys held on and won it with seconds left. Interesting roster change as ChimpFeet leaves the roster and St Patrick moves to the medic role. I don't think St.Pat has ever played medic in a match since last week, but I am sure he'll do well since he's been playing at a high competitive level longer than all of the open medics combined. Two big tests on coldfront for these guys as they face two playoff caliber teams in Apoplexy Industries and Hostile Faction.

6. Lightning Bolt - LW: 5 (1-2)

Even after picking up smash, this team still couldn't escape the curse of the bolt as more roster issues arise with Lopert leaving the team to play backup medic for Complexity. This puts a reluctant blaze back in the starting roster until they can find a replacement. Same situation as Dynamic, Lightning Bolt will have a very easy couple of weeks, but their roster is still very shaky, hopefully they will be able to stick together.

7. eXpertise - LW: 8 (3-1)

eXpertise bounced back nicely from that loss against coolstory with a three game win streak including a very impressive win against Cause of Death. Not surprised considering Gravelpit has always been expertise's best map (4-0 last season including wins over Focus and Apocalypse Gaming). They will be looking to make that 3 game win streak into 7 games as they face 2 easier teams in coldfront and then two harder, yet winnable matches on granary. Laugh if you want about this, but DaishiKiller is the 2nd best medic in open behind DaveMD.

8. Cause of Death - LW: 7 (3-1)

With 11 on their roster and 8 active players, these guys are like Businessmen 2. Close win against an always improving Unrestricted team, but was embarrassed by expertise. Outfragged, outplayed. They'll be looking to redeem themselves against Hostile Faction on coldfront. A player to spotlight is dbw (death by water), CoD's medic, who is playing a very solid medic with a very small amount of deaths and no uber drops so far this season.

9. Harmonic - LW: 9 (3-1)

A very hard fought loss against Have Fun. Like I said from the beginning of the season, these are a group of experienced players that has a shot of taking out any team on the power rankings. They have a very tough match against businessmen coming up on coldfront. If they practice hard on coldfront, I wouldn't be surprised if they catch VG off guard and put up 3-4 points or maybe even get the upset win.

10. PCGU - LW: NR (3-0)

The win against Focus shoulda put these guys ahead of Focus last week, I finally decided to do that this week. PCGU relies heavily on bigwill and it looks like that strategy has been a success so far. However, they have some tough teams coming up in Have Fun, coolstory and Apoplexy Industries. Let's see if bigwill can carry again.

Honorable Mention

Focus Gaming - LW: 10 (1-2)

I still don't want to count these guys out yet. Still a strong team with a great soldier/medic crew and a top scout. They were ninja forfeit lost by Horizon (classy move gents), which could easily affect seeding in the playoffs. I really hope the admins do something about that since Horizon decided to break up on that same day, which means that ffw doesn't affect them whatsoever and they were just out to screw another team over.