Hak-Jun “Kranich” Baek of Team Dignitas has made history. By going out of the groups of the APAC Championship, the Korean is the first to qualify for consecutive World Championships.
Kranich’s trip to his second Blizzcon event was not an easy one. As the Hearthstone scene in Korea developed, new talent emerged to challenge the household names of 2014. Formed at the start of this year, the stars of team All Killers including OGN finalists Seulsiho and Surrender, the latter having amassed upwards of 500 HWC points throughout the year, were expected to crush the qualifier brackets with ease.
Their total defeat in the Top 40 round was one of the biggest upsets in Korean Hearthstone. Ultimately, the two seeds of the APAC Championship went to two old-school players in Kranich and Taesang.
As the Championship went underway in Taipei, Taesang faced elimination but his compatriot went on strong, pulling up excellent results in Group B. Finishing first above underdogs Kno, Chilly and FriedChicken, the Dignitas marquee inscribed his name in the Hearthstone history books.
While Kranich’s success is no doubt amazing, the APAC Championship was a landmark event for other players and regions as well. For the first time, Southeast Asia and Japan will be represented on the world finals stage through Lan “Neilyo” Tran and Kno, respectively. Pingpingho from Taiwan also ensures that Taiwan won’t miss back-to-back Blizzcon appearances as well.
With APAC done, eyes now turn to the European Regional Championship. By the end of Sunday, Hearthstone fans will know which four players will carry the flag of the old continent to Anaheim in November.
To catch up with our pre-event coverage of the tournament, check out our Player Power Rankings and Decklists preview. Stay tuned to the event with our World Championship Coverage hub.
