Sunday, 10/5 - 8:42PM PST

WCG 2008 USA banner

The event known as the World Cyber Games 2008 USA National Finals is over. And if you didn't realize by now, Team USA's Counter-Strike 1.6 team is x3o. The team defeated EG.usa on dust2 - after slipping in the first half 6-9, came back with a vengeance taking it 10-3 and winning in an overall score of 16-12. The team will compete in Cologne, Germany at the WCG 2008 Grand Finals from November 5th to the 8th.

Until next time, ladies and gentlemen, it's been a real pleasure covering this event - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Last, but not least I would like to thank the guys on the CS team, Dust-Off, Razer and of course Nick Fitz for allowing me the opportunity to cover such a great event!

If you didn't see the WCG group draw from a few days ago, it looks like X3O CS 1.6 will have a fairly easy time advancing, the following is their WCG group as of 10/6:

Group F:
United States -- X3O
Indonesia -- Nextlevel
Yugoslavia -- Selectad
Uzbekistan -- Just
Sri Lanka -- TBD
Singapore -- ExsequoR


Sunday, 10/5 - 2:00PM PST

We're going to Germany!

x3o > EG -- COLOGNE, GERMANY.

Sunday, 10/5 - 12:59PM PST

Up close with SK in overtime against MiBR

Finally got a chance to go in the crowded ESL tournament area and got you guys an up close shot of SK. The last time I was over there, they just started overtime so if possible, I would like to head over there one more time to get you guys the full score. PGR4 is just about to end so x3o/EG will FINALLY, I REALLY MEAN IT THIS TIME, FINALLY face off.

Sunday, 10/5 - 12:49PM PST

SK with their newest member of zet in the corner - second map vs. MiBR

fnatic has joined the ESL party. They're watching from behind MiBR (well technically they're watching the big monitors/HLTVs that are behind MiBR, but still). Anyway, the x3o/EG match is literally within a few minutes. They're giving away free stuff on stage. OH THEY WERE - now there's a PGR4 final. OK, I'll update the x3o/EG score at half with whatever exciting is going on and of course... more pics!

Sunday, 10/5 - 12:34PM PST

x3o huddle before EG on stage

So this Guitar Hero final is taking a bit longer than I anticipated. Here's a shot of Nick Fitz and x3o in a huddle on the side of the stage. I'll get you guys an update on SK/MiBR now.

Sunday, 10/5 - 12:18PM PST

SK in second match against MiBR

By now you probably know SK beat MiBR on inferno 16-3. I caught a glimpse of their second map on train and MiBR was up 2-1 as CTs (and SK obviously as Ts).

x3o and EG.usa is FINALLY coming up next after the Guitar Hero finals. Here are a few more pics I happened to get.

Sunday, 10/5 - 11:58AM PST

EG after defeating POV

Well if you don't know by now, EG.usa dominated POV 16-3 or 16-4, not even POV was sure after the match (literally, I asked them).

MiBR and SK are taking breaks and at x3o/EG.usa half, I'll get an update from over there.

Anyway, x3o and EG.usa coming up next for the WCG USA Grand Finals! Here are a few pics I got from each.

Sunday, 10/5 - 11:48AM PST

MiBR struggling against SK

Just came back from the SK/MiBR match and it looks like it'll be a close one. I caught the end of the first half with SK as Ts and MiBR as CTs, 12-3 in favor of SK. I'll drop by there again, but here's a pic from behind MiBR.

Sunday, 10/5 - 11:35AM PST

POV after picking up their second round vs. EG

Looks like I'll get my prediction for EG.usa/POV somewhat closer. Last time I was at the tournament area, it was 8-2 in favor of EG.usa.

Sunday, 10/5 - 11:07AM PST

THE WCG trophy

Well my first prediction just got shot down like a bird. I just saw the last two rounds of EG.usa vs. SK and let's just say it was worse than a slaughter. First half: 14-1 SK, second half: 2-0 - just like that. Even though the score was off, what matters is that my predictions was correct ;) -- but I hope my predictions will get a least a few rounds closer... here's a pic of the WCG trophy, EG.usa vs. POV is UP NEXT.

Sunday, 10/5 - 12:51AM PST -- My predictions for Day Three!

ESL EM III LA Global Challenge (onFIRE Prediction)

(Consolation Final): 10:00AM PST || EG.usa < SK, 16-14 -- Both teams look real solid from their matches on Day Two, but I expect SK to pull out at the end because of their overall team experience and how they've had to deal with these situations more. There's a possibility that EG.usa may throw it all down on the line and go on fire (no pun intended) like they did to 16-1 fnatic - that is exactly what they'll need in order to beat SK - but I don't see it happening with the amount of matches they've (EG.usa) played in the past two days. But as my prediction says, it'll be a real close one.

(Grand Final): MiBR > SK, 16-12 -- Although SK got stomped on by MiBR 16-6 in the Semi-Finals, I think SK will be able to bring their energy from the first match to make their second go around with MiBR closer, but in the end, MiBR looks far too strong this tournament to lose in the end. I think they should be able to do what they've been doing all weekend - start strong and close strong to take the championship as many expect.

// ESL Winner: MiBR


WCG 2008 USA National Finals (onFIRE Prediction)

(Consolation Final): 11:00AM PST || EG.usa > POV, 16-9 -- EG.usa will play POV after their match with SK and after being slighted by SK (my prediction), I think they will have some anger to release and unluckily is POV there to take the beating. In addition EG.usa lost 4 straight overtime rounds against POV yesterday (Day Two) and will want to seek redemption.

(Grand Finals): Right after the EG.usa/POV match - so I'd say 12-12:30PM PST || x3o > EG.usa, 16-14 -- Even with two tournaments running at the same event, the two American powerhouses - x3o and EG.usa - have still not had the chance to face off. So, there isn't a better time than the match that decides who represents the United States in Cologne, Germany (WCG 2008 Grand Finals). My opinion might be bias, but take it as you want. x3o started Day Two terrible with losses to SK and POV (in the ESL EM III LA Global Challenge), but since, has won matches against 50 Calibre and POV by a fairly decent amount of rounds so they'll have momentum coming into the final. There is also that possibility that EG.usa is somewhat burnt out by playing the amount of matches they have, being a part of both WCG and ESL tournaments.

// WCG USA Winner: x3o


Saturday, 10/4 - 7:55PM PST
Well this is a late update, I meant to update it at the event, but they were kicking people out and stuff. Anyway if you don't know by now... we beat POV 16-11. The team is going to be in tomorrow's grand final match (WCG 2008 USA National Grand Finals) against the winner of the EG.us/POV consolation match. That consolation match is scheduled to start after at around 10:30-11AM PST with the grand final match after. Expect more photos because I'll have my camera with two batteries :)... now I gotta catch a bite and come back to the room and study for my four exams coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday :|...

Saturday, 10/4 - 7:03PM PST

Derrick (impulsivE) as the first half ends vs. POV

The half ended at 9-6 in our favor. The overall match score as Jeff Smeagol is commentating from a few feet behind me is 12-6 x3o.

Saturday, 10/4 - 6:40PM PST

x3o huddle before Upper Final vs. POV

Oh my bad, I thought it was EG.usa beating POV 3-0 for the first half of overtime, but it was the OTHER WAY around. POV ended up taking the fourth round so it was 3-0, 1-0 with POV winning the match. Anyway as I'm typing this, x3o and POV just started their match. Nonetheless, I'll be back at half to update.

Saturday, 10/4 - 6:28PM PST
And now there is another change. Because the event is supposed to end at 7PM tonight, they felt it would be faster/easier to have the match off stage and in the tournament area. From the last time I was there, EG.usa was up 3-0 in the first overtime. So unless EG.usa fails horribly and POV comes back, I expect it to be x3o vs. EG in 20-30 minutes. I'll update at half because I don't want too miss too much of this Upper Bracket Final match ;)...

Saturday, 10/4 - 6:17PM PST
So as I'm posting this on stage, we are still waiting for the EG.usa/POV match to finish. It's gone into overtime, but they still for some reason, have not started yet. So it'll probably be another 20-30 minutes until the winner of that match is determined.

Saturday, 10/4 - 5:57PM PST
OK, I thought the matches for the day were over lol. It's not. We are waiting for EG.usa/POV winner for the Upper Bracket Finals. That match will be happening on stage so I'll be running back and forth from the stage throughout the match.

Saturday, 10/4 - 5:44PM PST
Sorry for no update on all throughout the second half, I didn't want to out on the action either! Well if you don't know by now, the team beat 50cal 16-12. They're done for the day and will wait for the EG.usa/POV winner for the Upper Bracket Finals. Note that this will be a double elimination bracket format so the loser of that match and 50cal can still fight their way through the lower bracket. In addition, I posted last night that it would be a best-of-3 AND double elim format, but apparently they changed it back to one match with double elim. I'll try to get a few pictures up tonight, but due to the low battery on Nick's camera I only got a few shots in. I'll make sure to get more taken tomorrow (Sunday).

Saturday, 10/4 - 5:24PM PST
The half score was 8-7 x3o, but 50cal managed to pick up the first round of the second half so at the moment, it's an 8-8 tie. Back to the tournament area!

Saturday, 10/4 - 5:10PM PST

Right before the start of x3o vs. 50cal

x3o starts off strong 50cal and the score is currently 5-1 x3o on inferno with x3o as Ts and 50cal as CTs.

Saturday, 10/4 - 4:10PM PST
Update on the 3 way tie with Guardians and POV, us (x3o) and POV advance to bracket play. As the higher seed, we will face off against 50cal while EG.usa will play POV in the other match. Map to be determined, the players are setting up as I type this.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:53PM PST

x3o after dominating FD

Not knowing how many rounds they needed, x3o just got every round they could. Even with a few TKs (goodfornothing), TMP and knife kills by FD (g4n AGAIN lol :P), the team ran over FD with an overall score of 26-4. I'll give you an update on the status of the 3 team group tie (WCG Group B) - it's between us, Guardians and POV.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:33PM PST
Game, set and match. OK I'm sorry, this is CS, not tennis. Anyway, the score is 16-3 x3o, but the team needs every round possible because of the tie in W's by Guardians and POV.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:29PM PST

The whole stage - x3o vs. FD

Nick's camera's batteries are dying so I'll get these last few pictures up. Keeping on with the momentum, x3o finishes the half strong. 12-3 x3o. As I type this, x3o picked up the pistol round as Ts. 13-3 x3o.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:20PM PST

The audience spectating x3o vs. FD

x3o continues to roll against FD with Derrick (impulsivE) giving us a "Let's go!" scream. 7-1 x3o.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:13PM PST

x3o after taking an eco vs. FD

x3o takes the 5th round as I type this. The map is dust2 with x3o as CT and FD as T for the first half. Score: 4-1 x3o.

Saturday, 10/4 - 3:01PM PST

x3o waiting for FIFA to end before their final WCG group match against FD

x3o's final group match is about to start in like 5 minutes, here's a quick photo before I head back to the stage.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:40PM PST

After x3o/POV

16-7 POV. POV will move on to face the winner of GamePlay/fnatic in the Lower Bracket.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:33PM PST
15-7 POV, x3o's gaining some heat...

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:33PM PST
15-5 POV.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:30PM PST
14-5 POV, but x3o's gaining some momentum.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:26PM PST

x3o huddle at half against POV

Nick Fitz and team huddling, right before the second half is about to start. POV 12-3.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:23PM PST
11-3 POV. Last round of the half.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:20PM PST
9-3 POV. From their (x3o) mm2 talk, it looks as though they're ready to win out.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:13PM PST
x3o just picked up two in a row. Now a comment made about "online kids" were made. You don't want to know who. 6-3 POV.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:08PM PST
x3o got their first round and I heard a comment like "Don't come B, b*tches" ;). POV just picked up the next in a close one. 6-1 POV.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:06PM PST
Some words exchanged before this one, not ones your mom would want to hear of course -- x3o as CT, POV as T -- POV up 4-0.

Saturday, 10/4 - 11:58AM PST

x3o right before their LB round 1 match against POV

Picture right before the Lower Bracket Round 1 match between x3o and POV. They just finished the knife round as I'm typing this.

Saturday, 10/4 - 11:48AM PST

x3o during their match against SK

Sorry guys I just got in and watched the last few rounds of our very own x3o vs. SK. In addition, I'm taking photos with my iPhone because Nick didn't have his laptop and I wanted photos for you guys. The match ended in 7-16 (in SK's favor). Up next on SERVER 1 is x3o vs. POV, who lost to MiBR 16-9. The match is about to start as I type this.

Saturday, 10/4 - 12:50AM PST
About to head for bed after finishing Life (a TV show on NBC), but I'm sure there are some of you on right now that want to know about the times of the matches tomorrow (technically later today since it's past midnight :P). From what I've heard, most of them are scheduled to start at around 11AM-12PM PST.

WCG 2008 USA Finals -- More information at GotFrag.com
x3o vs. Frag Dominant -- This will be the final match for x3o in group play. After group play, there will only be 4 teams left (2 from each group), and due to that, it will be best-of-3 for each match in addition to being a double elimination bracket.

ESL EM III Global Challenge LA -- Bracket at ESL-World.net
x3o vs. SK Gaming -- This will be the first round of bracket play after yesterday's group stage where x3o finished second in Group A behind fnatic. It has been announced that it will be a double elimination bracket.

Friday, 10/3 - 8:36PM PST
Sorry for the lack of updates, it's just that I got in late and did not have my laptop with me. In addition to that, the press/media lounge is not in the tournament area as it is at most events. However I definitely expect to have some stuff up tomorrow.

Friday, 10/3 - 1:48AM PST

My dorm setup

Although I'm still at my dorm at CSULB, I'll be heading to Los Angeles sometime in the mid afternoon. Here are my predictions for both events' group play:

WCG 2008 USA Finals

Check out the groups at GotFrag...

Group Here: advances as top seed / second to advance
Group A: MoB / EG.usa
Pretty much the teams that everyone expects to advance and get a shot at being Team USA @ WCG in Cologne, Germany. Although their opponents in the group are formidable with teams like 50cal and MNM, who both are talented enough to cause an upset, I don't think MoB and EG should have a problem advancing with the way they have been playing. Both teams have been playing well as of late even with fairly new additions in both the GotFrag Revival Tour/Tournament #3 (won by EG.usa) and CEVO-P Season 9 playoffs (won by MoB), which both took place in the past few weeks.

Group B: x3o / POV
This will be interesting group with what happened last week during the CEVO-P playoffs with POV slipping past x3o (who played with a substitute in Adrenaline - gfn went on vacation ;]). With the way x3o (with gfn) played at ESWC Grand Finals 2008 and throughout the regular CEVO-P season, they're pretty much a lock for at the very least a spot in this group. In addition to the must watch match-up of x3o vs. POV, there is a team that some seem to have forgotten - Guardians - they may very well be the taker of that second advancing spot. I have it like this at the moment, 51% for POV and 49% for Guardians; I think it'll be close with POV getting those extra round to barely advance.


ESL EM III LA Global Challenge

Check out the groups at GotFrag...

Group Here: advances as top seed / second to advance
Group A: x3o / fnatic
Me putting x3o ahead of fnatic might seem extremely bias and crazy, but if you look back to the ESWC Grand Finals 2008, x3o took the top spot above eSTRO in the first group stage while fnatic finished second behind Alternate. If you've followed fnatic at past events like I have (I don't know why, but they're just an interesting team to watch, I sat behind them for like a total of an hour at ESWC :P), you'll see that fnatic likes to start at a slow pace and pretty much do JUST enough to advance to the next group stage or in this case, bracket play. They gradually gain momentum and by the second or third day of the tournament, they're next to perfect, which is the reason why they are so consistent with a plethora of top 3 placings. Although I think Guardians may be an upset just waiting to happen, x3o and fnatic may just have too much experience to falter at such an early stage.

Group B: SK / EG.usa
Well SK may have switched out SpawN for zet, but I really don't think it matters. SK's roster is talented enough to go far in this tournament even with a majority of the top 10 teams in the world at the event. IMHO, they're a lock for the top advancing spot. So that means, the rest of the teams will have to fight for the second spot. 50cal could possibly slip by EG.usa, but the chances of that happening are pretty slim because EG understands what they need to do and after dropping the ball last week in the CEVO-P playoffs, they're going to do all they can to do well this weekend in LA.

Group C: Roccat, now known as GamePlay.TV / mTw
No one really expects a different result because Roccat and mTw round off the top 5-8 teams in the world depending on your list. Roccat has always been a team that looks dangerous, but have not ever finished the job. They've gotten their fair share of sub-par to decent placings and this may very well be their chance to shine and prove they deserve their new sponsorship in GamePlay.TV, which is why I see them coming out strong and advancing ahead of mTw. As for mTw, they were extremely successful prior to ESWC and got unlucky playing a hot fnatic during bracket play. From the looks of it, mTw looks like they're ready to place at the very least a top 3 and show that they aren't a team that's behind MYM and fnatic - they're right there with them.

Group D: MYM / MoB

As surprising as they may look, I really feel that MoB can really get past MiBR. MiBR may be that team that does well whenever they have this CGS-CSS-switching-to-CS-1.6 team every few months (with cogu and company), but they replaced ton with btt a few weeks ago and that could definitely affect the overall team chemistry. Even without the change, I think MoB has the talent and experience with the addition of evolution and Lim (who have both been performing at a high level) to play at the top level this tournament requires. If MoB can play the consistent game they've been playing online (2nd - GRT #3 and 1st - CEVO-P playoffs) on LAN, I think they have just enough to get past MiBR. And for MYM, well they're... MYM. They're a lock for the top advancing spot like SK is for group B. I mean, after winning ESWC Grand Finals 2008, they must have a sky high level of confidence. And even if they don't, you realize they have one of the best, if not the best player in the world in Neo -- after seeing his double glock kill on stage at ESWC, there is denying how much he can single-handedly change the pace of the game.


CU@E4ALL :)


This is Chris "confire" Luong live from the Los Angeles Convention Center, giving you the latest updates from the E for All Expo where both the WCG 2008 USA Finals and ESL EM III LA Global Challenge are being held. Aside from the HLTVs, you probably won't have access to too much of either events. And if you've ever been to an event, you know there is more to it than the matches! Through this blog, you'll get the scoop on the latest stories and happenings as they happen in both writing and pictures. So make sure to keep this page up on your browser all weekend.