Num News: 20

E-Sport Entertainment, Ltd. officialy introduces Czech national representation to European Nations Championship in Electronic Sports (ENC – European Nations Championship).

You simply cannot ask for more than this highly anticipated rematch of last season's finals. The two competitors together combine to be the most successful teams in WC3L history. In one corner of the ring we have the solidity of mTw, fuming with eagerness to repeat last season's championship. In the other corner, the 2 time heavy-weight champions of the world, Schroet Kommando. The stage is set, the pieces are in place, now it's time to let the titans collide.

"I'm expecting a very close match, and I of course hope mTw comes out with the upper hand. All of our players are motivated to repeat the sensation of last season and we're trying our hardest to do that. SK is one of the most popular teams in the world, but the German powerhouse mTw will strike back," said the fiercly determined mTw|Rax.

The sheer magnitude of importance of this match can be felt just by speaking with the mTw and SK players. Both teams have prepared for this match more so than any other. "It's going to be a tough match, but we are preparing ourselves much harder than earlier. I really do think we will win," SK|DominatoR commented with confidence.

Although both sides feel they will emerge victorious, there's no doubt everyone agrees on one minor fact. It's going to be an extremely grueling and intense war ending with a close score. "I think it's going to be a tight war ending 3-2 for SK. I see SK as stronger on the 1v1 side and should get a 2-1 there. 2v2 is more unsure, but I hope we'll get atleast 1-1 there," said SK|SuRviVoR as he analyzes SK's chances. With their newly aquired SK.Sweet, their 1v1 lineup is looking quite fearsome, however with pLaGuE leaving SK for mouz, it's unsure as to what 2v2 teams we'll see out there for SK.

And of course armaTeam looks on with eyes wide open, awaiting the victor of this match. "I will follow this match with a lot of attention. I think that it will end in 3-2. My instincts tell me for mTw, because SK has lost a lot in a row. But, my heart tells me for SK, because it's hard to see SK eliminated by another clan other than aT^^" said LwL playfully.

Get ready for a saturday night showdown with all the special features including shoutcasts and even a videostream! Don't miss this outstanding event!


SK vs. mTw, saturday 6 pm

SK.ZeeRaX & SK.Insomnia vs. mTw-Ghostridah & mTw-Matzerg 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
SK.Dominator & SK.SuRviVoR vs. mTw-Tak3r & mTw-LasH 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
SK.Insomnia vs. mTw-Ghostridah 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
SK.SuRviVoR vs. mTw-Tak3r 0:2
Replays: Game 1 (must see!) - Game 2
SK.Seaweed vs. mTw-Lash 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3 (MUST SEE!)

Total score: 2:3

Now it gets really interesting as we start off with the Playoffs of season 4!
As you may know, the six best teams could advance to the Playoffs in order to fight for the championship. While 4K and aT due to their ranks #1 and #2 await their enemies in the semifinals, who will be the winner out of these quarterfinal-games, four other teams still have to make their wait into the next round starting in the quarterfinals.
First of all we will be able to see DSky vs. Team 64 AMD. The following facts make this clanwar kinda interesting: DSky was only two points in front of 64AMD after all regular wc3l-wars, at their clanwar happened on 7th playday DSky had the upper hand with only one win ahead, the result was 3:2, and both gave SK a blast in the two last playdays when they bet them with 3:2. It's obvious that there isn't much in between their strength, both can make it, both are willing to make it, let's see who will make it.

DSky vs. 64AMD wednesday 6pm CET:

Dsky'Chemi & Dsky'eNvious vs. 64AMD.BiZ'- & 64AMD.inFi 2:1
Replays: Game 1 (no replay) - Game 2 - Game 3
Dsky'Ouga & Dsky'Puffe vs. 64AMD.NitemarE & 64AMD.Fei 2:0 (forfeit)
Replays:
Dsky'Chemi vs 64AMD.Fei 2:1
Replays: Game 2 - Game 3
Dsky'Creepbom vs 64AMD.DeliCato 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
Dsky'eNvious vs 64AMD.BigEr 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2

Total score 4:1

The regular season 4 is over and the six best teams now have to compete each other in the Playoffs where they fight for the champion title, the gold medaille, honour and glory. On the other hand the six clans ranked from 7-12 have to qualify themselves again for season 5. But not on their own, 49(!) further clans wanted to participate in the upcoming new saison as well, only 23 are in our eyes good enough to do so. And those surely won't be an easy competition, from all over the world the best clans applied for this qualification to prove that they belong to the worlds best teams. Already now we can say, after reading the clanlist, that season 5 will be even more exciting, more close and more competitive than any other before.

Many clans, a little number of available spots: only the top 6 of the qualification-tourney will get the right to play in the Warcraft 3 Championsleague. What's important to know? The first round will be single-elimination, those clans who lose here will be out of the tourney already. Beginning with round 2 double-elimination mode will be present. plan-B, OCRANA.D-Link and pro-Gaming have a freewin in round 1 because of their ranks in season 4, 7-9, they start with the second round their qualification games. The round 1 matches begin at 22.1. and will last till 1.2.2004

The following clans will participate in the qualifying round for season 5:

aDK

Id.Arcy

Rival

M5Team

-Darkswarm-

Myth

mousesports

Natural Born [S]killers

The Legion Clan

Revolution Sports Gaming

Team sTar

Netingame

Kitchen Cooking Crew

WarCraft Best

team9

e2sports

Advanced Online Losers.MSI

Uber-Gamerz

rewind

MeetYourMakers

aLternative

Au Fait

forExtreme

Schroet Kommando Germany

Deutschlands kranke Horde

The Elder Gods

plan-B [HeadZ]

pro-gaming.net

OCRANA.D-Link

The first qualifier round's games are:
aDK vs. Id.Arcy
Rival vs. M5Team
-Darkswarm- vs. Myth
mousesports vs. Natural Born [S]killers
The Legion Clan vs. Revolution Sports Gaming
Team sTar vs. Netingame
Kitchen Cooking Crew vs. Warcraft Beast
team9 vs. e2sports
Advanced Online Losers.MSI vs. Uber-Gamerz
rewind vs. MeetYourMakers
aLternative vs. Au Fait
forExtreme vs. Schroet Kommando Germany
Deutschlands Kranke Horde vs. The Elder Gods

You can also take a look at these wars in an overview, which can be found here. The tournament-grid is viewable by clicking this link.

As mentioned before, the tourney starts january 22nd. We wish all clans good luck, may the strongest ones win. We also wanna say sorry to all clans who applied for this but didn't get the chance to play. Let the games begin.

Although Plan-B gave the Kings a scare, Kaj stepped up when it mattered most, securing top honors for 4K going into the playoffs. aT managed to keep DSky winless in the solo department, leading to their subsequent 3-2 victory, which guaranteed them 2nd place. mTw tore apart Ocrana with a vengeance, making it clear they will be a severe presence in the playoffs. Their flawless victory pulled them ahead of DSky into the 3rd position in the clan table. SK continues to struggle, as they put up another loss, this time to AMD64 who reiterates their seriousness. Even without Delicato in their lineup, AMD was able to claim victory. With this win AMD64 slid into 5th, while SK takes the 6th and final playoff spot. DSky, losing only their first 2 and then their last clan wars, settles into 4th as their first WC3L playoff experience begins.

Plan-B and Ocrana showed promise towards the end of the season, but there's no question in anyone's mind that the six teams which are still alive certainly represent the best of the best. These teams have shown their immense adeptness and perseverence all throughout the season, and they've earned the right to continue on, as the post season of the greatest league in the world begins.

4K and aT have the luxury of skipping round one of the playoffs, while they watch their friends and enemies battle it out to see who their foes will turn out to be in the semi-finals. This luxury, however, came at no easy price.

4K finished the season with the impressive record of 8-2, only losing to aT and then Ocr as things became disorganized for them towards season's end. The thing that stands out about 4K isn't only their ability to win wars, but their total dominance in doing so. They aquired flawless victories against a-L and 64AMD, and allowed only one loss against rS and DSky. 4K also took down mTw and SK in close, dramatic fights. Their season has been woven in glory, which they hope to carry on into the post season. They await the match between DSky and 64AMD, with Grubby, Zeus, and Kaj at the top of their games, I'm sure they fear neither. However if they do face DSky, they must be ready to play an entirely different team than they rocked during Playday 1.

aT boasts the best record in all of WC3L at 9-1, only losing a close match to mTw. They earned solid victories over SK, 64AMD, DSky, and even 4K. Regardless of the loss of nearly 50% of their roster, aT continued on without losing a match. During the playoffs they'll regain Blatty and Intox back into their lineup, making them all the stronger. armaTeam undoubtedly is eager to rematch mTw if it comes to it, or take on SK once again if they make it through.

Only two teams in the history of WC3L have been able to claim the championship of the league. Both mTw and SK know what it takes to be champions. They desire to once again take home gold. Nothing less would be acceptable by their own sky-high standards. 3rd ranked mTw takes on 6th place SK in the clash of champions. Although last season mTw got the best of SK in the finals, during Playday 6 SK had sweet revenge with a 4-1 massacre of the Germans. However, ToD and FaTC are no longer able to compete this season, which led to SK's rough ending. They barely hung on to their playoff spot. It's possible we'll see WWI winner MaDFroG or maybe HeMaN to aid SK's efforts. One thing is certain, SK's lineup wont be weak. As for mTw, their lineup is more stable than anyones, unchanging for nearly the entire season. Can stability conquere the less stable but overall more skilled team? Time will tell.

DSky and 64AMD grew right infront of our eyes this season. They went from inexperienced rookies to seasoned vetrans in a matter of months. The last time these two battled, DSky was near full maturity, while AMD64 was still in their GMPO stages of completion. Since then both their 1on1 and 2on2 lineups have been bolstered, and AMD64 is now coming off a big win against SK. DSky's solo lineup may be a bit discouraged after a terrible showing against aT, but hopefully they wont let that affect their performance when it matters more than ever. These teams are nearly mirror images of each other, both meeting their peak potential at the same time, and here it is: the huge collision between the two now mighty giants.

The matchups for the 1/4 finals are as follows:

#3 mTw vs. #6 Schroet Kommando (The winner faces #2 Armateam in semifinals)

#4 Destination Skyline vs. #5 Team 64AMD (The winner plays against #1 4Kings in semifinals)

Both matches have to be played between monday January 26th and sunday February 1st!

The beginning of the end now commences. The end of the greatest season in WC3L history now will be followed by the most exciting and skillful playoffs we've seen. Expect several close matches and infinite heart pounding moments. There will be the sweet taste of victory, recipricated by the sourness of defeat. The events that take place in just one moment of time could either make or break an entire season, can you feel the intensity?

I want to thank GeNThO once again for this hilarious piece of work! - Yvonne

This sunday is getting hot as we await the last three matches of the regular season. First of all we'll anticipate the Kings dealing with plan-B at 6 pm. The Swedes won't be able to reach the playoffs anymore but they can still spoil 4K's first place so we won't see any presents here on both sides. Anyway 90% tipgamers foresee a victory for 4K who have to suffer from Grubby's absence.

plan-B vs. 4K, sunday 6 pm

pB.SjoW)oOo( & pB.H4nk)oO vs. 4K.Fury & 4K.Lawn 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
pB.Limmet)oOo( & pB.Alven)oOo( vs. 4K.Kaj & 4K.Zeus 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
pB.SjoW)oOo( vs. 4K.Fury 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3 (must see!)
pB.Karma)oOo( vs. 4K.Kaj 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
pB.ElakeDuck)oOo( vs. 4K.Zeus 2:1
Replays: Game 1 (must see!) - Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 2:3


At 7 pm we're looking forward to another all German clanwar. The unlucky a-Losers will face even more unlucky pG to end their unlucky season. Both clans lost a lot of players in the past wherefore they lost a lot of matches and now compete for the ninth place. None of them has anything to loose, so we will probably see some good games. Due to that the tipgamers see even chances for both teams which sounds even more promising. Let's hope for a nice good-bye-spectacle!

a-L vs. pG, sunday 7 pm

a-L.MSI|Thomas & a-L.MSI|Chris vs. Allanon[pG] & BuTTerKeKs[pG] 2:1
Replays: Game 2 - Game 3
a-L.MSI|Dan & a-L.MSI|Mirai vs. Twinsen[pG] & Racor[pG] 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
a-L.MSI|kaefer vs. Twinsen[pG] 2:0
Replays: -
a-L.MSI|UC vs. Fisheye[pG] 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
a-L.MSI|Mirai vs. Racor[pG] 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2

Total score: 3:2


Finally at 8 pm we'll see the most promising match of this last playday. The US guys from armateam will encounter our Finish friends from DSky. Both clans still have chances to claim the first place of the clantable so we expect some merciless matches. The tipgamers are more or less undecided about this battle so let's look forward to a big blast as this great regular season comes to an end.

aT vs. DSky, sunday 8 pm

[aT]Shortround & [aT]GeNThO vs. DSky.Ouga & DSky.Puffe 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
[aT]Deco & [aT]hazeem vs. DSky.eNvious & DSky.Satiini 0:2 (forfeit)
Replays: -
[aT]Shortround vs. DSky.Chemi 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
[aT]Deco vs. DSky.eNvious 2:0
Replays: Game 1
[aT]GeNThO vs. DSky.Durandal 2:1
Replays: Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 3:2


***Shoutcast:
LwL will do a French shoutcast for aT's games.
A German shoutcast will be brought to you by Gamesports featuring Reaper.
Finally KidArctica shoutcasts in English from 8 pm on.
That's all? Hell no: pB.kajen will also do a Swedish shoutcast for 4K vs. pB.
The English and the French shoutcast are brought to you by B-Tuned.

On Saturday at 6 pm the clash of the persecutors will take place. SK and 64AMD will joust for one of the few playoff spots. Both teams would reach the playoffs as yet but 64AMD can't lay back - ocr.D-Link can still steal the coveted sixth place from them. Both clans have to deal with a lot of missing or banned players so we'll probably see some unusual lineups. Still 84% tipgamers believe in a win for SK.

SK vs. 64AMD, saturday 6 pm

SK.Dominator & SK.Insomnia vs. 64AMD.BigEr & 64AMD.Enrique 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
SK.pLaGuE & SK.SuRviVoR vs. 64AMD.inFi & 64AMD.BiZ`0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
SK.Insomnia vs. 64AMD.Fei 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
SK.SuRviVoR vs. 64AMD.BigEr 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
SK.pLaGuE vs. 64AMD.Four20 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2

Total score: 2:3


At 8 pm the all German battle between ocr.D-Link and mTw will start. ocr.D-Link have to win as much games as possible to secure their chance to reach the playoffs and displace 64AMD. On the other hand mTw has to show us that they are able to keep up with the other great clans that already reached the playoffs. Ranking fourth at the moment they could easily sit back and play with half effort but you don't really expect such behaviour from a champion, do you? 87% tipgamers predict a win for mTw which would probably end ocr.D-Link's season.

ocr.D-Link vs. mTw, saturday 8 pm

ocr.D-Link*Zyrano & ocr.D-Link*vOor vs. mTw-LasH & mTw-Tak3r 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
ocr.D-Link*Xyron & ocr.D-Link*blaze vs. mTw-Ghostridah & mTw-Matzerg 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 Freewin
ocr.D-Link*kookian vs. mTw-Ghostridah 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
ocr.D-Link*Diaz vs. mTw-LasH 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
ocr.D-Link*TaKe vs. mTw-Tak3r 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2

Total score: 0:5


***Shoutcast:
We will have an English shoutcast by KidArctica and a
German shoutcast with Lybra from Gamesports.

It can easily be agreed upon that there has never been a more exciting WC3L season in the history of the league. The ferocious Kings linger atop the clan table, with the sensations of aT and DSky nipping at their heels, closer than ever as we approach the end of a magnificent season. It is intriguing to ponder that almost anything can happen based on what results we see in the coming days. Nothing is certain, no team is able to relax. It's the calm before the storm as teams prepare for their most important matches thus far, and what a storm it's going to be. There's never a dull moment in the Champions League.

The #2 ranked armaTeam goes up against the #3 ranked Destination Skyline. Both teams have shown impossible amounts of skill and determination throughout the season, overcoming numerous obstacles each. aT boasts the best win/loss record in the leauge at 9-1, while DSky hasn't shown a single sign of weakness since Playday 2.

"Im expecting a clean 4:1 vs aT. Just because we need that score, and DSky always fights with fire when we need to. We're able to bring on all our lineup to this clanwar, and I'm more than sure we can put up a good competition against aT.US players," commented the fearless DSky`Durandal, as he dismisses aT's amazing success. There's undoubtedly no lack of confidence coming from the Finish.

LwL, the beloved team leader of aT, spoke his mind, "I feel sad that the sanction is too hard for a 8 month old faults, though, it's thanks to this punishment that aT.US was able to show their skill. Thanks to it, we have the best linepu we have ever had. So perhaps it will be good in the end, so just wait and see." Truth be told, aT surely will be much stronger in the playoffs than they would have been if no penalties had been given. However, with Wizard in Korea, another blow has been taken to the French-American team. The question is, how many members can these guys lose and still continue to win? It's going to be a tough battle with less than 50% of aT active against a deadly and full DSky army.

rS`RaGe seems to still have confidence in his American peers, he said "I think aT will win vs DSky, but it will be close. The american side with Deco is a lot more surprising then most thought." No doubt about it, this match is going to be a close one for either side. And the importance of this match could not grow any greater. Two points for aT would garentee them rank 2 as well as a bye in round 1 of the playoffs. Whereas a victory could even boost aT above 4K. DSky has a serious shot at becomming top 2, if they're able to fight with fire as Durandal says they assuredly will.

If that doesn't cause enough tension, don't panic, there's more. World reknowned Schroet Kommando steps up to the plate against the quickly advancing AMD64. SK only leads AMD64 by 1 point, making this match of clear importance. Furthermore, Ocrana's surprise win over the top dog Kings has made things even more interesting. AMD64 only leads Ocr by 3 points, giving them no room to breath.

SK's results of late have been a dissapointment and a surprise. Back to back loses against aT and DSky is not what their organization is used to. SK|DominatoR explained, "The last season has been pretty difficult for SK, a lot of lineup changes (4 players to korea, 2 that became unable to play) so it has been hard. But things are definitely starting to look better, I really think we will do well vs the AMD team, especially after their recent loss of 3 players." To SK's credit, it's very rare to find a team that can lose their top players and still continue victory (although I'm sure if you think for a moment you can also think of a team which did this). Even without Madfrog and Heman SK still contains several capable and extremely skillful players. The recent loss of Didi8 for AMD64 will make it increasingly difficult for them to achieve more than 2 points.

Durandal questions which team Delicato will be playing for! "We might actually see SK.Delicato :) At least I see that as Nuke's best move, use the sponsor card." A light hearted joke, which I'm sure the Machiavellian leader of SK will enjoy, but in reality Delicato won't be playing for either team in this match.

Speaking with Delicato it came to my attention that he won't be able to assist AMD64 as they take on SK. He told me, "I wont be playing because I already played vs SK as a member of aNc. I just wish 64AMD good luck, and beat them!" This is a tough hit for 64AMD's lineup, making it much more difficult for them to accomplish an already challenging task.

sTar|ArMoR decided to toss in his very important opinion, "By my programer instinct I say AMD64 will win 3:2." So there you have it, pro gamer instinct, he must be right. On a serious note, this clan war won't be taken lightly by either side, both know exactly what is at stake.

Most people, including myself, had written off Ocrana for the season. Seeing as their remaining opponents were 4K and mTw it was clear that their chances of any points were minimal. However, with a little help from CxG and some skilled wins, David slayed Goliath. Coming off their unexpected victory, even to themselves, Ocr has new life only trailing AMD64 by 3 points.

Only 2 clan wars would have to go Ocrana's way, as Ocr|v0or dictates, "It's not easy to reach rank 6, SK has to own 64AMD, and we mTw, neither is sure." Indeed he is right, their percent chance is not exceedingly great, but it exists.

While Ocr shocked us with success during Playday 10, mTw confused us with an extremely close result. Barely escaping with a win over pG could imply problems against Ocr, but Tak3r has clear reasoning, "I don't know if you saw Lash's game, but be sure that he wont play such a %#@$ again:)" With Tak3r's garentee that Lash won't cause trouble again, Ocrana must be exceedingly frightened!

Four Kings seems to be more confident than ever, regardless of their recent loss to Ocrana. Infact, when I spoke to Zeus, he was not even aware of Ocr defeating his team, nor did he seem to care. Kaj says it best, "I guess it doesn't really matter, for me that is, because I'm sure we can win WC3L even if we don't finish as #1 in the season." Although 4K is only 1 point ahead of aT, they have a much easier match going up against the Swedish Plan-B. If a-L is able to defeat them flawlessly, surely the grubbyless 4Kings can.

I had a few words with 4K^FuRy about their unexpected loss, and I asked him if it was true that even Kings are human. "Only temporarily", said FuRy.
"Although Grubby is a hit to our lineup we still have enough quality to get a decent win over plan-B and keep our 1st spot. The fact that #2 team aT faces #3 team DSky in last playday is also in our favor," said 4K^KiKo. And he's very accurate in his statement. 4K is much more than just a one man show. A swift 5-0 victory over Plan-B would ensure a first place seeding in the playoff bracket, which nobody can deny the importance of.

a-L vs pG may not be of much of importance in the overall scheme of things. But both teams have been playing better in the past weeks. The Online Losers are coming off a 5-0 beating of Plan-B while pG gave mTw quite a scare. It's important for them both to continue to perform with excellence so that they requalify for the following season.

And of course in the final and perhaps most exciting match we have team sTar once again taking the free slap in the face. However, even though it's obvious that sTar has been banned from WC3L it seems that 30% of the public still believe sTar will triumph.

It's a week which promises to be one to remember. The hard work and ingenuity of each team will be rewarded or discarded based on the events that transpire in the next few days. This is where true champions shine through.

Woah, what a busy weekend! The eyes of the WarCraft III community are aimed at two big cities: Las Vegas and Berlin. In Germany’s capital the majority of our staff and the best German players have a little liaison at the NGL Finals. Well known players like SK.Plague, mTw-Tak3r, DkH.Eve, mTw-LasH or ocr.D-Link*kookian fight for a cashprize of 5.000 € (about 20.000 € in total).

The finals just finished and once again SK.Plague could get the upper hand against mTw-Tak3r after beating him already in the winner brackets. You can find the whole grid here.
The 2on2 finals between mTw and DkH have also come to an end and Team mTw (LasH & Tak3r) could claim this title and another 5.000 € for them. Warcraft.de has a lot of great (German) coverage about the whole event.


The even more stunning event on this weekend is the Cyber X Games in gambler’s favourite city: Las Vegas. The world’s best players compete for 10.000 $ cash prize (about 25.000 $ in total) and the finals are already approaching.

Our good friend 4K.Grubby managed to reach the finals in which he could beat armateam’s American legionnaire [aT]Wizard.
The whole grid can be found here. Some nice and up to date coverage can be found at armateam.net and schroet.com.

**Update**

Just a reminder that the deadline to send applications is tomorrow.


WC3L season No4 comes to an end in a few weeks and we are getting closer and closer to the playoffs.
Thus we are also approaching the qualification week and even the start of the next season.

Of the clans currently in the WC3L only the best six are automatically qualified. If your clan wants to participate send me an application by email to Baschi@go4wc3.de until January 9 (09/01/2004) at the latest, containing at the very least the following information:

The Clan
• Clanname
• A short clanhistory
• Clanhomepage
• IRC Channel
• Clan accomplishements

The Players
• A list of the currently active players (at least 5) including the dates the players joined the clan
• Links to ALL the player's ladder-profile
• Individual accomplishments of the players if available

Please note that the WC3L is a highly competitive league. Clans with no high-level players (>30 TFT) will most likely not be able to compete on the WC3L level.

Keep in mind, that as one of the world's most important clan leagues we expect a somewhat professional attitude from clans as well as from players.

You could call this clanwar between a-L.MSI and pB a fight at the tablebottom, both don't have a realistic chance to reach the playoff-spots as they are ~ten points behind rank #6, anyway none of the two teams is going to give up already.
a-L suprised the audience on last playdays fight vs. mTw, where they closely lost with 2:3, pB even won their match against OCRANA.D-Link, so it seems that both clans aren't in a really bad shape. As the two teams are ranked on #8 and #9 with a difference of 2 points, we expect a really close and exciting fight tomorrow. Our tipgamers absolutely agree to this, 51% are on pB's side while 49% are on the opponents one. May the stronger one win.

***Shoutcast:

Reaper from Gamesports will cast the match in German.


a-L.MSI vs. plan-B [Headz] wednesday 7pm:

a-L.MSI|hAsU & a-L.MSI|Dan vs. pB.H4nk)oOo( & pB.SjoW)oOo( 0:2 forfeit
a-L.MSI|thomas & a-L.MSI|chris vs. pB.Limmet)oOo( & pB.alven)oOo( 0:2
Replays: Game 1 (n/a) - Game 2
a-L.MSI|KaeFeR vs. pB.SjoW)oOo( 1:2 forfeit
Replays: Game 1
a-L.MSI|ThurisaZ vs. pB.Duck)oOo( 0:2
Replays: Game 2
a-L.MSI|uc vs. pB.Karma)oOo( 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2


Total score: 0:5

Due to the technical difficulties mentioned before we also had to cancel the Go4WC3 Tourney #75. As a little compensation we hosted an Invite Tourney.


**Update**:

Finals

NG19-Jayce vs. mouz-Spell 1:3

NG19-Jayce vs. mouz-Spell (1)
NG19-Jayce vs. mouz-Spell (2)
NG19-Jayce vs. mouz-Spell (3)
NG19-Jayce vs. mouz-Spell (4)

**Shoutcasts**

Khaldor will cast the finals in German, while KidArctica from WarcraftReplays.com provides us an English Shoutcast.



**The Players**

Kurioos[iP]
nsK)Morph
DkH.WoO
DSky`eNvious
SK.SeaWeed
DkH.dev
Goderator
mouz-Pun1sher
SK.ToD
NG19-Jayce
destre[aot]
DkH.Domain
crafty[aot]
aT-Deco
4K.Fury
DkH.Zentric
Racor[pG]
e2s.Pey
SK.SuRviVoR
ArT-era
MYM]Bjarke
4K.Bond
a-L.Mirai
TeG-Dreamboy
DkH.EvE
aT-Shore
mouz-spell
mouz-HasuObs
sTar]Armor
L_Clan.ugnis
rS.Maestro
DkH.Galeth



**The Grid**

Find the grid here.



**Replays**

Quarter Finals

DSky`eNvious vs. SK.SeaWeed (1)
DSky`eNvious vs. SK.SeaWeed (2)

aT-Deco vs. NG19-Jayce (1)
aT-Deco vs. NG19-Jayce (2)

SK.SuRviVoR vs. MYM]Bjarke (1)
SK.SuRviVoR vs. MYM]Bjarke (2)

DkH.EvE vs. mouz-Spell (1)
DkH.EvE vs. mouz-Spell (2)

Semi Finals

DSky`eBvious vs. NG19-Jayce (1)
DSky`eNvious vs. NG19-Jayce (2)

SK.SuRviVoR vs. mouz-Spell (1)
SK.SuRviVoR vs. mouz-Spell (2)

Finals

mouz-Spell vs. NG19-Jayce (Tuesday)

All Replays can be found in our Replay DataBase.

Judgement day approaches for two top teams. Schroet Kommando prepares for their most important match in the season thus far. It is imperative that they score a good result against the sizzling DSky squad. However, DSky already leads this match 1-0. Envious, who himself is seemingly unstoppable after an array of victories, has defeated the American Kommando member, Smurphet in a close 2-1 battle. DSky isn't showing any signs of cooling off, their streak may just continue straight into the playoffs, giving them what they need in terms of a great playoff spot, and the physicological advantage. The rest of this crucial clan war will be completed Monday at 19:00 CET.

Not enough excitement yet? Not to worry, that's not all. The number four ranked mTw goes up against the ever-challenging pG on Monday as well. mTw only trails DSky by one tiny point in the clan-table, a good result could bolster them into the top 3 going into the final playday. This war too, has already begun, and it's a great start for Taker and Lash, defeating Allanon and Butterkeks 2-1 in a grueling series. mTw must not let down their gaurd, nor lose any intensity, because this is for all the glory.

We will also see the first games of 4K vs ocr.
Ocrana needs a clear victory to still have a chance for the playoffs. However this won't be so easy as 4Kings is currently on top of the Clan-Table and we can be sure they want to stay there.

***Shoutcasts:

The first clanwar SK vs. DSky is going to get casted by Khaldor on a german stream while Zolex will cast in english.
Reaper is going to do a german shoutcast regarding the second event of this day, mTw vs. pG.


SK vs. DSky monday 7pm:

SK.pLaGuE & SK.SuRviVoR vs. DSky.Chemi & DSky.Envious 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
SK.Dominator & SK.Insomnia vs. DSky.Ouga & DSky.Puffe 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
SK.SuRviVoR vs. DSky.Chemi 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3 (must see!)
SK.Miou vs. DSky.Creepbom 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 (must see!)
SK.Smurphet vs. DSky.eNvious 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 2:3


mTw vs. pG monday 7pm:

mTw-Tak3r & mTw-Lash vs. Allanon[pG] & BuTTerKeKs[pG] 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
mTw-Matzerg & mTw-Ghostridah vs. Twinsen[pG] & HoRRoR[pG] 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
mTw-Ghostridah vs. Twinsen[pG] 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
mTw-LasH vs. HoRRoR[pG] 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
mTw-Tak3r vs. Racor[pG] 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 3:2

4K vs Ocrana monday 8pm:

Tonight we will see 2x 1on1, maybe even 3x1on1 - the rest will be played at another day.

4K.BonD & 4K.Junior vs ocr.D-Link*TaKe & ocr.D-Link*Harty 1:2
Replays:
4K.Lawn & 4K.Fury vs ocr.D-Link*voor & ocr.D-Link*zyra 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
4K.Zeus vs ocr.D-Link*Kookian 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
4K.Grubby vs ocr.D-Link*TaKe 2:0
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
4K.Fury vs ocr.D-Link*Diaz 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 2:3

Due to technical difficulties parts of our site may not have been entirely available in the past few days. We are working hard to get a grip on them and hope to get everything working again within the next 24 hours.

During that period you may encounter error messages in various parts of wc3l.com. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The WC3L is back in action for the first time in the year 2004! Today at 10 pm we will have the 1st match of playday 10 coming up, between 11th placed rS.Gaming and 2nd placed Armateam.
This match is quite important especially for aT,as they urgently need any point in order to defend their 2 point advantage over 3rd placed DSky in the Clantable. As you know the 2nd place is very important, since it automaticly qualifies a clan for the playoff-semifinals.
rS on the other side wants to use their very last chance to win their 1st match this season. They are currently on a 0-9 loosing streak,but surprisingly 16% of our tipgamer's believe in them to stop that loosing streak.


Shoutcasts:
For our german listeners r4v3n|pinky will be online at Eventstream 1 of Gamesports FM, LWL will do a french shoutcast and KidArctica from Warcraftreplays.com will be online for our Englisch listeners.


rS vs. aT saturday 10pm:

rS.Hyper & rS.Maestro vs. [aT]GeNThO & [aT]Shortround 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
rS.eTched & rS.Pillage vs. [aT]Wizard & [aT]Deco 0:2
Replays: Game 1
rS.Maestro vs. [aT]Deco 0:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2
rS.eTched vs. [aT]Shortround 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3
rS.Pillage vs. [aT]Wizard 2:1
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3

Total score: 2:3

The clanwar between proGaming and mortal Teamwork is scheduled on monday 7pm, anyway the 2on2 A was already hold up today. BuTTerKeKs/Allanon from pG had to face the mTw-members Tak3r/Lash, results and replays can be found below.

pG vs. mTw monday 7pm:

Allanon[pG] & BuTTerKeKs[pG] vs. mTw-Tak3r & mTw-Lash 1:2
Replays: Game 1 - Game 2 - Game 3

The Lineups will be visible around 30 minutes before the matches begin.

Total score: 0:1

On behalf of the entire ESL crew, I would like to wish all of you guys a Happy New Year! 2004 will be an interesting year for the ESL; not only are we starting this year with the European Nations Championship, we also have lots of other exciting projects at hand.

Of course, where would we be without your input? We would be grateful if you could give us some feedback for the next year.

So please go ahead and drop us a message, enjoy the cups and tourneys, and most of all... have fun!

We promise to do our best to keep the ESL spirit high, the leagues thrilling and the projects hot!

At last we delve into the double digit playdays, Playday 10 is upon us and it promises to be action packed. The end of the season approaches and teams are beginning to struggle for a spot in the playoffs. 64AMD and Ocrana battle for that valuable 6th and final playoff spot, while 4K, SK, DSky, aT, and mTw are in a grueling fight to decide who will take top honors. Every point counts, every game is worth fighting for, because this is the Warcraft Champions League, the most respected league in the World. Just one game can change the fate of a team at this point in the season, there's no fooling around and there will be no easy victories.

Seventh place Ocrana sits one spot out of playoff qualification, and you better believe they are bitterly aware of this. Regardless of the fact that they are going up against the wrath of Grubby, Zeus, FuRy, and LaWn, now is the time for Ocrana to step up and aquire some much needed points. Rest assured, 4Kings has other plans. There's no way these guys are prepared to relinquish their throne. Sitting atop of the WC3L Clan Table never gets old. There's not a weak player in the bunch, 4Kings not only intends to run over their Playday10 opponents, Ocrana, but they set their sights on the league championship.

4Kings cannot let down their gaurd, not for a second, because the strength of armaTeam is nipping at their heels. aT lies just 3 points out of first place, and look forward to continuing their rampage by destroying their Playday 10 opponents. Revolution Sports are in dire straits. Although they are far from playoff contention, they continue to fight for pride, and hope to aquire their first win. Their eyes were fixed on Playday 10 as the day to defeat the Frenchless armaTeam, but now that aT has proven their worth by defeating SK, rS's confidence may be dwindling.

Schroet Kommando licks their wounds and prepares to take on the red hot talent of Destination Skyline. DSky stands tall with 30 points and in 3rd place, barely trailing aT. The match is of great importance to both sides, and will be no easy task on either front. SK uncharacteristically isn't currently in the top 4, ranking 6, however only with 2 fewer points than DSky. A convincing win from SK could shoot them up into the top 3, whereas brilliance from DSky will further secure their current ranking as they prepare for post season competition. No doubt about it, this is the match of the week, and I look forward to seeing how this one plays out.

The Advanced Online Losers gave mTw a bit of a scare during Playday 9, nice to see them working hard regardless of their rank. Plan-B also holds no distant hope for a playoff spot, but continues to battle diligently. This match may not be as exciting as some of the others, but you can be sure that we'll see some great effort from both sides.

Taker's crew find themselve's barely behind DSky in 4th place. Only losing 2 clan wars so far, mTw looks to repeat their gold medal performance of last season. They certainly will go in with confidence against the less prepared pG squad, but they must make sure every game is played with the utmost intensity. A flawless victory at this point in the season would be extremely rewarding for mTw.

64AMD sits back and relaxes as they laugh at sTar and receive their free 5:0. However, they must realize that they have no garentee of a playoff spot, Ocrana is still within striking distance of the former GMPO. They'll most likely use these 2 weeks of vacation to prepare for SK on Playday 11.

This is the time when true skill emerges. The players with the ability to come up when clutch play when it's needed most are the most valuable. We'll begin to see a foreshadowing of what events might occure in the post season of WC3L. Now we must wait and see what is to happen as teams draw their swords and march into combat, for yet another war.