Apocalypse Gaming (11-5 -- 4th seed)
Roster
- Indust (Medic)
- Rando (Pocket)
- Boink (Roamer)
- Sweater (Demoman)
- Kapoww (Scout)
- Squid (Scout)
Performances vs. LAN teams
- High Rollers Gaming: 2-5 L (Process)
- Classic Mixup: 5-2 W (Badlands)
- Classic Mixup: 2-5 L (Metalworks)
- Tri Hards: 1-5 L (Snakewater)
AG's rebound season certainly paid off, and now they're LAN-bound. Even amongst one of the easier schedules in the division, they've played a solid game from start to finish, putting on strong showings against teams like the Mad Men and Classic Mixup. They've also kept a stable roster throughout, only needing TLR to sub in for Boink during Gravel Pit week. While AG have proven they're the top of the LAN bubble, will they be able to take down the dominant showings of HRG and Tri Hards?
The Scout pair for AG is Squid and Kapoww. In terms of consistency, the AG Scouts have been very solid week after week. Squid has really impressed, and he and Kapoww have traded off monster games. It'll be interesting to see how they'll adapt to the LAN environment, as again, they're the consistency and general playmakers of the team. People will be quick to remember the S11 Shrugger and S12 Weeble who had much to be desired, but don't forget Seanbud who had a strong showing for his LAN debut. I have my faith in the AG Scouts, that they'll put on strong showings to propel AG to some good performances early.
Rando is known for being a pocket that doesn't play without his 300 HP. He's also been pretty inconsistent throughout the season, which is a worry if you're AG (or at least Indust). Rando will receive the ping upgrade, but in comparison to the other pockets in Platinum and Lansky he's got to bring more to the table, and on every map. Boink, on the other hand, hasn't really disappointed. Whether it's through his bombs or offclassing, Boink has been a part of the fantastic roamer show. He, like Rando, will certainly enjoy to zero ping rockets and I'd expect both the AG Soldiers to play better than what we've seen online.
Sweater will continue to do his Demoman thing, and will be one of the more solid players given his previous LAN appearance. Lastly, we have Indust we trust. Out of the various Medics playing in Invite this season, Indust has performed admirably well, arguably one of the top four Medics. His ubers and positioning have been good, and you've heard many a cast where someone comments on Indust being Bob the builder. Indust's does have a tendency to drop, whether it's on his own or because people didn't check stickies. This is something dangerous as the Soldiers will be upgraded at LAN and as someone who hasn't been to one yet, he'll have to be more prepared.
The main concern I have surrounding AG is the lack of LAN experience. Excluding Sweater, none of the team has been to an ESEA LAN. Honestly, there's some major disadvantage and pressure on AG compared to the other teams. HRG is bringing the exact same six. Mixup has been with everyone except Seagull who only gets better on LAN. Tri Hards have Dummy and Clockwork, and the remaining teammates are coming up to their 3rd or 4th LAN. When the pressure comes, how will AG be deal with the jitters?
UR1 vs. High Rollers Gaming
Indust went from Open to LAN, which is an incredible accomplishment. But they'll be playing quite the accomplishment themselves come first set of LAN, as HRG has rolled off two perfect seasons and I don't think they're stopping anytime soon. The only matchup these two teams had was during Process week, where HRG topped them 5-2. Indust paled in comparison to Shade in surviving and ubers, while Boink and Rando struggled to put frags on the board. If both those things change, I can see a better showing, but the result shouldn't change.
AG has played strong through the season, definitely. But up against the perfect (and near-perfect) runs from HRG, Tri Hards, and the tough exchanges against Mixup, will the LAN newbie team be able to turn heads and make upsets happen?