The 6th edition of the ESWC. In order to attend to the final in California, all champions will have to qualify through ESWC national selections from January to June 2008.
Here the list of the players who are already qualified/invited for the ESWC 2008 Finals in San Jose during the NVISION 08 event. For all we know, the Canadian Quake 3 qualifiers are still to be played (4-6th August).
I'm slightly amused that czm is yet to qualify considering all the interviews i saw with him saying 'I'm so awesome I always qualify, no matter who little I practice!' Unless of course he was trying to be sarcastico!
I always thought that arQon was making something that he didnt have a clue about what he was making untill i realized that it's, yep, quite nice. CPM duels are most of the time atleast 2x more fun to watch than vq3 duels.
I still believe that it is Cooller who will be defending his title. Its Q3 competition and Anton is present ESWC Q3 champion, though Avek has got the slot.
I hope this time Cypher will somehow manage to get visa cause the US embassy in Minsk doesnt issue visas since april...Otherwise tjis is the only way for Cypher not to win ESWC. \0/
i was just going to write the same. I really hope the apply in adequate time. And get to america a while before euroes, else you'll have some heavy jetlag :)
1. Cooller (if he prepares, he is god)
2. Av3k (fastest impovement, very high potential)
3. Cypher (clearly a top contender, but av3k/cooller's full potential is higher)
4. Jibo
Cypher plays this game as naturally as I've seen anybody play Quake 3. Unlike Avek he plays to his potential. I think he will win, and I hope he wins.
Cooller was born to play FPS games.
Cooller also plays with purpose. Contrast this with Jibo who is ultra CS like in his play (see no dm9 gamegune). Cooller is always doing something. Always planning. Always busy. I think Cypher has usurped Cooller.
Avek is a very strong player, but will not ever play to his potential. Not like he gives a rats ass.
Fox is always solid. Always competitive. Always a joy to watch.
As for the Americans:
Rapha has a very refined technique. He has crazy aim. He has the tools, but I think he needs a bit more experience. If he sticks around and this game sticks around he could go anywhere with his skills.
Zero4 is like Rapha but with more experience.
CZM I think has the most potential out of the americans, but he seems to be going along for the ride and fun of the experience. He clearly is not up to form.
I haven't seen the other Americans enough to comment.
Anybody considers Hunter as a potential contender? I remember Chip (also ukrainian) finished third at WCG 2003 absolutely unexpected, correct me if I'm mistaken...
P.S. Cypher will be first, anyway. Go-go Cooller!