CommunityFortress

It’s awesome seeing the good maps come out, and it’s at an important time for many of the Invite teams. The Invite records this season are closer than ever and it’ll be extremely interesting to see how it all turns out. A shot at the prize money and a chance to go to the LAN is what’s on everyone’s mind, and teams will need to work extra hard to obtain it.

Gravel pit is a great spectator map as it often comes down to the last minute and one mistake can easily cost a game/round. This map is less about death-matching as it is about coordination and strategy which is a reason that some love it and others hate it. There are so many different strategies to be seen and every few seasons it seems that teams decide to switch up the norm sentry spot. Almost all classes are extremely important on this map: Snipers get a lot of action; scouts can dominate in the open areas if engineers aren’t present; spies are oftentimes seen in stalemates; demomen sticky traps are a hassle to deal with and soldiers jumping shack on B/C is important as well. Pyros and Heavies are also seen from time to time at the C site. The dynamics and diversity of this map will add to the interest in easily one of the most fun maps to spectate, and for many, to play.

EG v Loaded

At the top of the leaderboard currently is Team Evil Geniuses. Their remaining schedule doesn’t seem too tough, with just two difficult games left in their season; this gives them a definite playoff spot unless they start performing subpar. Loaded is also sitting with a solid record (7-2) but their remaining schedule is probably tougher than any other team in the division right now. They only have one match that I feel is beatable (Dynamic), but even that one will be difficult to pull off. With the schedule they have, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Loaded finish the season (9-7) or (8-8). Anyway, this map plays to EG’s strengths, as they have the better sniper of the two teams and stronger heavy classes. Strats play a huge role on this map, and with EG’s experience on this map after playing together for countless seasons, they should be able to pick up a win. I’d watch out for a good sniping matchup between Hell and Syckness. If Hell does work or Syckness fails, the game could get that much more interesting.
2-0 EG

Complexity v Blight

I guess Complexity will have two tough matches this week on Gravel Pit, yet this one is probably more important. Blight KNOWS they need to almost win out if they want to make it to the LAN, so they’ll be more focused than ever on winning this match. Complexity is also feeling the pain after losing their last few matches, and playing under the coL tag, Carnage knows his team needs to step their game up as Jason Lake doesn’t play. Seagull will be the obvious strength for Blight, but their medic situation is still a huge unknown. TheNoid’s constant death was a big reason for their loss last week on Badlands, and Grieve was benched after their loss on Turbine? Anyway, it should be a good game, but when you have one player trying to carry on Gravel Pit and it happens to be a soldier, well… good luck.
2-0 Complexity

Dynamic v Muscle Milk

Muscle Milk, according to the Alienware brackets got 2-0d by Team Pandemic on this same map. Maybe it was a close game or maybe it was a roll; regardless, it shows that they aren’t as strong on this map as on previous ones. If Bloodsire and Ducky do well than MmM has this in the bag, but if they’re handled then Dynamic could come out with a big win.
2-1 MmM

Pandemic v Complexity

This is my match of the week, as two equally matched up teams face one another. Neither team has been scrimming as much as they should and both teams are almost guaranteed a spot at the LAN. The last time Complexity played this map, they rolled EG on it in the Season 4 Finals, so it’s obvious this is one of their better maps. Carnage v Justin at sniping will be an eye-opener on a map so sniper-dependent; should make for a great faceoff between the two best snipers in North America. Which team wins comes down to which combo does better. Relic has had trouble keeping Pure alive and supporting the rest of his team, while TLR needs to position himself in areas that aren’t just best for him, but best for the team. It’ll be real close all the way to the end, but I’ll have to give this to Complexity.
2-1 coL

EG v Dynamic

Dynamic’s main job right now is to be a pest and pester the other teams by trying to pick off teams and screw opposing teams’ dreams of making the playoffs. They’ve actually done well so far, taking off two wins versus two powerhouses in Invite. They’re definitely a team to watch out for next season, but on a map like Gravel Pit, their lack of practice and chemistry will be their downfall.
2-0 EG

Blight v MmM

This is probably the most important game thus far in the season for both teams. They’re both in contention for that last playoff spot, and their main opponents are each other. Winning this will put them within a leap of gaining that spot and losing almost guarantees that they’re out. These two teams scrim more than any other, yet haven’t managed to play at the same caliber in matches as they do in scrims. Experience will win this game, as the Blight players have been playing tf2 at a high competitive level for a long time. I expect alexwut to quietly do well, and of course seagull will be standout.
2-1 Blight