TakeTV's Hearthstone Invitational has its first winners bracket finalist, DogeHouse's Jan "Ek0p" Palys. The German secured a 3-2 comeback against Vortex and put himself in the money as he's guaranteed a top 3 finish.
After two days of group stage play, the Krefeld tournament found its top 4 late last night. Going 3-0, Gnimsh made it out as the champion of Group A, followed by Netherlands' Vortex. The Dutchman, who had equal series score as Faramir and Sheepshooter, had the advantage of better map score and left the Germans out of the tournament.
In Group B, Gnimsh's teammate Ek0p also scored a 3-0 and joined his fellow Doge in the top 4 bracket. Second came qualifier winner Baddy who made for a complete German domination in the second pool. Czech Republic's Alesh came third with 1-2 in series and fourth finished IEM Katowice bronze finalist Sinex who didn't have the best weekend and walked out without a single series win.
The first WB semi final was also played last night and saw Vortex coming within hand's reach of a guaranteed top 3. The Dutchman opened with a Hunter against Ek0p and managed to shut down the Handlock and Druid of the doge to get to a comfortable 2-0.
This is where Ek0p's best performing class - the Shaman - came to his aid. Surviving the unfavorable Hunter match-up, Ek0p's momentum escalated into a 3-2 comeback including victories over Vortex's Zoo and Druid.
The event resumes today with the second semi final between Ek0p's team-mate Gnimsh and tournament underdog Baddy. Bets are now open with the series starting at 14:00 CET.
