NERV LAN #2 is complete, finished and over after an exciting match between Team EG and Pandemic many people predicted and wanted to see. Although there were very few upsets or overtime matches, the few good matches that did take place were definitely exciting to watch. Additionally, at the end of the event there was a ton of free goodies being given away by both E-REV TV and the NERV center staff.
Day Three bracket breakdown
Upper Bracket Round 5 Winner
Team EG
This upper bracket match between Pandemic and EG was EVERYTHING the kids at home hoped it would be: a neck and neck battle with the winner narrowly squeezing out victory in overtime. Pandemic played an extremely good throughout the match, and at one time had the lead 11-9, however, they were simply unable to close the match out, a punctilio that proved an Achilles heel throughout the tournament. This was probably, without a doubt, the most exciting match besides the grand finals between these two teams.
Lower Bracket Round 2 Winners
MoB Gaming
x3o Gaming
sinister
Dynamo Gaming
Round two of the lower bracket eliminated a number of halfway decent teams, however, like previously stated, no real upsets. Probably the only other thing worth mentioning about this group is that muse of MoB gaming came dressed for success with his infamous purple jacket.
Lower Bracket Round 3 Winners
MoB Gaming
Dynamo Gaming
Although once again round 3 went like predicted, we saw two of the more exciting matches of the event take place. x3o did a fantastic job against MoB being the underdogs throughout the match. Furthermore, sinister taking Dynamo into overtime was just fantastic. Sinister may be a good team with a lot of LAN experience, but many predicted this to be a slightly easier win for Dynamo with the Canadian combo of elek and nicolas.
Lower Bracket Round 4 Winners
MoBdeep
Dynamo Gaming
unfortunately the all-star Minutemen pug team was eliminated in this round. Interestingly enough, however, they didn't make it easy for Dynamo, bringing the score to 8-13 before Dynamo won. The real talk of this round, however, was MoBdeep's victory over MoB Gaming. Although I personally think MoB gaming is the better team, you couldn't tell from the match. MoB Gaming looked confused, bewildered and simply not playing together. Good games to MoBdeep though.
Lower Bracket Round 5 Winners
MoBdeep
A pretty interesting match between Dynamo and MoBdeep, however, without frzg, it was pretty obvious MoBdeep was winning this one riding their adrenaline rush from their previous victory over MoB Gaming.
Lower Bracket Round 6 Winners
Pandemic
Anyone who watched Pandemic and EG playing at NERV knew who would win this match. Essentially there were three groups of teams at NERV: the pugs, the teams, then EG and Pandemic. It's sad to say it, but EG and Pandemic were playing at a level far above the other competitors that is was painfully obvious MoBdeep was going to lose. Fortunately for them, however, they were able to pick up a few rounds to stop the match from being a complete blowout.
GRAND FINALS RECAP
Map 1: Citystreets (EG's choice)
Pandemic
Everyone watching this match could only muster one word, "wow." Although Citystreets was EG's match choice it hardly looked like it. From round one, Pandemic took the lead and never let go. From grenades, to awesome shots, and amazing teamwork, Pandemic did EVERYTHING right the first half, moving on to the offense with an incredible 11-1 lead! Needing only two more rounds to win, Pandemic took their time working EG's defense and was eventually able to close the match 13-7 to advance to a sudden death, make or break match on Vacant, Pandemic's map choice.
Map 1: Vacant (Pandemic's choice)
Team EG - Event winner
The final result of NERV LAN #2 all came down to a single match on mp_vacant (very funny to think about actually). The rules of the game were simple, winner takes all. Pandemic had chosen vacant due to their absolutely amazing play demonstrated against x3o earlier in the upper bracket, hoping to also clinch a victory against EG. Unfortunately, it didn't carry over too well as EG started on offense working a very slow methodical push, contrary to how x3o played. What was the real highlight of the first half, however, was that although Rob-Wiz was sniping, he had a ratio of two more kills with a Deagle than actual sniper rifle. (There were a number of rounds Rob-wiz killed 3+ Pandemic members.) Moving into the second half with a 9-3 lead EG felt good, however, Pandemic answered back on the easier side with an extremely well coordinated A bombsite push. Unfortunately, EG's excellent defense in the B halls and around bathroom area pushed them over the edge to halt Pandemic's comeback, win the match 13-9, and finally the entire NERV LAN event.
Storylines
On time - The event concluded today around 4PM EST, something must be wrong. What are pro gamers to do with their spare time waiting for flights?
Free giveaways - Everyone likes free stuff, which is why at the end of the event it was PACKED with gamers trying to get free shirts and other random apparel.
No casa - Because the event ended early, some teams decided to leave earlier for home. My team in particular, (control pug) left only one player in our room today. Fortunately, hackett, part of MoB, and some other Lost Prophets needed a place to crash. Therefore, instead of putting 8 people in i-rev's room, we let them crash in our room with our one player staying the night.
21 to enter???? - I go to try to get into the club next to one of the hotels and the bouncer tells me I can't go in because its only 21 to enter (most clubs in PA are 18 to enter, 21 to drink). We're in the middle of nowhere PA and we find the only 21 to enter club in state, perfect.
E-rev video timing - without going into too much detail the e-rev video cameras caught a certain player in a awkward position shaking someone's hand and of course people took it once step further. See CAL forums for more information.
prize money - Supposedly the prize money was something like 1st - $3k, 2nd - $1.5 and 3rd - $500? Who knows really. What is certain, however, is that CEVO is offering way more money for finishing 1-3 this season of CEVO-P than NERV.
snakeboots - I was so busy running around trying to keep track of all the matches I unfortunately did not get to say hi to snakeboots, who was casting today. Its good to see the old caster back in action even though he's not following the scene as diligently as before.
Hot or Not
EG - they won afterall
Pandemic - beat everyone with ease and was the only team to defeat EG.
E-REV's live casts throughout the weekend
Free stuff
Event running on or close to schedule
MoB Gaming
Only in PA - still deserves a mention
Getting beat badly by EG or Pandemic
Going home
Condition of certain teams' hotel rooms
