What a Weekend
WCS Finals Quick Summary
Coming into the final day only four players remained. The methodical
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Terran (T)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Ticon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
The first semifinal played out between
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![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finals1.jpg)
Classic is overrun in game 5
The second semifinal was a far less exciting affair.
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finals2.jpg)
Rogue threw everything at sOs but came up wanting
This set up probably one of the most fitting finals to send off HotS.
![Zerg (Z)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Zicon_small.png)
![Protoss (P)](https://tl.net/tlpd/images/Picon_small.png)
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finalssnap.jpg)
From the beginning, the Grand Finals was a special performance that only sOs and Life could be responsible for. While none of the games individually went the distance, the action hardly ceased and each map was a spectacle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats in one of the closest series of the year. sOs, having brought his usual bag of tricks into the finals, pulled off a successful zealot + cannon rush and followed up with a proxy stargate and gateway all-in to take an early lead 1-0. Not to be outdone, Life opened 9 pool in game 2 to level the series 1-1 and 14/14 in game 3, transitioning into a fast burrow roach max with two roach warrens in the former game. Game 3 didn't go his way and sOs reclaimed the lead 2-1, but fortunately caught sOs trying to play a macro game in game 4 and tied the series.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finals6.jpg)
A clutch DT hatch snipe gave sOs a shot at winning game 2
The score was level at 2-2 a piece. With the end of HotS and a world championship depending on the last three games, sOs decided to open with tempests on Dash and Terminal. This had the effect of forcing Life into an uncomfortable spot, as he was forced to deviate from his normal composition of low-tech units to get corrupters. This gave sOs an advantage going into the mid-game, where he patiently wore his opponent down with blink stalkers.
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Tempests were key in putting early pressure on Life
sOs then attempted to go in an entirely different direction with the infamous soul train, but Life sniffed it out and forced a Game 7.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finals8.jpg)
Life put everything on the line with a baneling bust in game 7
On Iron Fortress, Life attempted to conclude the series with a risky baneling bust, and while he successfully broke the primary defenses, sOs held on with remarkable tenacity, sacrificing his natural and walling his main completely in order to save as much as possible. From there, he eventually secured his expansion again and defeated Life with a blink stalker attack before he could recover economically.
![[image loading]](/staff/Plexa/wcsfinals/finalssos.jpg)
Your champion!
The sOs-Life final was the perfect send off for HotS and the perfect setting for the beginning of a new chapter in Starcraft's life. While many things will change in Legacy, the passion and excitement that we saw during these grand finals will surely carry over and give Starcraft it's second wind. But before then, we have this moment to celebrate what has been and all the joy that HotS has brought up. Congratulations to sOs, commiserations to Life. You both showed why Starcraft is the beautiful game.