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CTF Season 2

News | Rules | Teams | Schedule | Ladder | Finals

Grand Final Review

25 Mar 2010, courtesy of rabs

And so our second CTF Season has come to a close. With 7 weeks of gameplay with 6 teams, we saw some great matches. Thanks to everyone for participating. We will endeavour to get the Grand Final demoes up sooner rather than later. Here is my take on the events this last sunday passing...

lzr: killquick, aurix, cuinnton | zero: harry_ftw, Charmander, ICEMAN

mIKEctf2 4:1

The first match of this grand final took place on the map mIKEctf2, and here was where my predictions started to go awry. Within the first 3 minutes lzr had already capped two times, knocking zero off balance and putting themselves into a prime position. zero kept fighting, but lzr showed why they topped the ladder stage and held off all the zero attacks. Another 2 captures to lzr, with some great co-ordinated attacks put them 4-0 up and zero was getting desperate. lzr were able to hold out until the dying seconds before zero took a consolatory capture.

dm_castle 12:2

dm_castle was lzr's map, and they were just favourites. Despite the lopsided score line this match was pretty close, with both sides in with a shot up to the 5 minute warning. The beginning stages of this map involved both sides feeling each others strategies, and they traded caps until lzr was able to extend their lead slightly. Then the floodgates opened with lzr able to pile on the captures late in the game, destroying hope of a decider and giving lzr their first tournament victory.


Once again, thanks to all who played (and the fish), as we now turn our attention to the final bracket stage of the Duel Invitational. We will also begin planning on the next Xonotic Australia tournament (whether it be nexuiz or xonotic depends on release dates).

Grand Final Preview

16 Mar 2010, courtesy of rabs

It all boils down to this. lzr are making their first appearance in an AussieNexers event final, while zero have made it to their 3rd straight. This time, however, lzr is the unbeaten team, leaving zero in the unfamiliar position of underdogs (though it is to a small degree). lzr have played very well throughout the season, their 'core' 3 really gelling, and they will be disappointed to lose cuinnton after this tournament (though they will pick up wayno and bones). zero, on the other hand have the chemistry of a unit dating back almost 1 and half years, when Australian Nexuiz was just being born. Should be a great game, with some very different maps picked by both sides. Here is the preview:

lzr v zero

dm_castle, mIKEctf2, (soylentctf/dance/hydronexb4)

killquick, aurix, cuinnton (Viktor) | harry_ftw, Charmander, ICEMAN (MDWGUNS, PAGEY)

dm_castle will definitely suit lzr, with their very 'crash bang' style of play, randomly lzr'ing around the map. All three will be able to use their strong hitscan abilities through the long corridor and base->nex. Having said that zero will have arguably the fastest player in Charmander and arguably the best in harry_ftw, with ICE MAN providing an incredibly strong defence. Despite the fact they will rage during this game, I think it will be a very close scoreline, the key middle 5 minutes will decide it. Conversely, mIKEctf2 (aurix's reaction said it all: 'lolmikectf') will provide a greater advantage to zero (unless lzr prac hard this week), especially after such a close game against pride last week. I don't want to underestimate lzr but I can only see zero losing if they have 2 players. More than likely this match will go to a decider, and this is where things get murky. Two stalwart maps dance and hydronexb4 have been played so much that neither team will really have an advantage on them (though I might tip zero), while soylentctf is a bit of an unknown (in tourney play) for these two teams, zero played it once as a 2v2 v pride. I think zero might just have the edge with this decider pool, loth though I be to predict against the undefeated lzr.

Prediction: 2:1 zero

Semi Final Review

15 Mar 2010, courtesy of rabs

The Semi-Finals showcased some amazing gameplay, especially the incredibly close and somewhat rage-fueled (as predicted) zero v pride match. This is what competition is all about, great matches leading to lots of endorphins. Read on:

lzr v Gallant

dance 10:0

hydronexb4 5:0

killquick, aurix, cuinnton v wayno, Ling, (bones_was_here/Rabbi)

Starting late on a sunday night, Gallant once more had issues getting players to the game. I'm glad they these guys once more made an effort beyond the 'Call of Duty' though, as these games were entertaining. dance, the open map that it is, resulted in a fair amount of hitscan spam (MG) and nex whoring, and lzr had both advantages in aim and speed to take them to a worthy victory. Cuinnton once more showcased how much he has improved as a player. hydronexb4 saw an improved performance from GT (what with bones_was_here arriving back from 'farm'), but lzr were able to get 3 captures in a short 2 minute period mid game to put themselves in the Grand Final. Thanks to all the GT guys so much heart.


zero v pride

mIKEctf2 5:3 (triple OT)

vectorwars1r7 0:4

moonstone 2:0

harry_ftw, Charmander, ICEMAN v rabs, Hew, dog

pride had some unique difficulties getting players to the server, but once we had 3 we begun one of the longest tourney matches in Australian history. Beginning with mIKEctf2, both sides were able to dominate on defence, with pride playing 2 attack 1 defence against zero's 2 defence 1 attack format. This resulted in one of the most fun games I think I've ever played, and showcased how good a map mIKEctf2 really is. Dominated by strategy and co-ordination of attacks/defence and support, it was 2-2 at the end of normal play. With pride on the offensive as the match ended they were able to make a capture in the first 15 seconds, and only needed to hold on for 1:45m. This wasn't to be as a co-ordinated attack got Charmander away with just enough health to force us into double-overtime. Another period followed with no captures, taking us into the fateful triple OT, where Charmander was able to pull the final 2 captures of the game in the first minute, putting the result beyond doubt and giving zero a crucial 1-0 advantage heading into the second map. pride were then able to make a comeback on an old favourite, making a great offensive start and never letting go on vectorwars1r7. It was then 1-1, with pride having a good deal of momentum going into the decider. pride removed cu3ctf first, with zero choosing to get rid of soylentctf in favour of moonstone. And so the decider began. This was definitely my least favourite map, as I had some internet difficulties throughout the game. zero were worthy victors in the end, as pride weren't able to penetrate a very solid defence run by ICEMAN and harry_ftw, Charmander able to use his speed to pick off 2 caps.


Good Luck to both teams who have made the final, I may write a review depending on time constraints.

Semi Final Preview

9 Mar 2010, courtesy of rabs

And so the group stage of the CTF Tournament has finished. It was an interesting 5 weeks, and we definitely have more information on how to improve the way we run our tournaments. But now we enter the finals, the highest pressure stage of this tournament. Two large matches should be played during the week, and here is what I expect to happen:


(1) lzr v Gallant (4)

dance, hydronexb4, (cu3ctf/soylentctf/moonstone)

In a game between lzr and lzr's two newest recruits (+ling), it should be fair to say lzr will win. The 'actual' lzr team has had far more cohesive experience, and should be able to take the two maps. Thats not to say it will be easy (though it certainly will if GT don't show up), with Gallant having some fine, if unmotivated, players. And thats fair enough considering the history of the Gallant clan. This will probably be Gallant's last foray in Aussie Nexuiz, so be sure to stop by and pay your 'respects'. Should be a good natured game, with some humourous asides. Good Luck to both teams.

Prediction: 2:0 lzr


(2) zero v pride (3)

mIKEctf2, vectorwars1r7,(cu3ctf/soylentctf/moonstone)

This match will probably be the more interesting of the two matches, and with their last meeting fresh in their memories (zero v pride Round 5), we should see an epic encounter (assuming there is a mutually agreeable time). mIKEctf2, oft abused by non-canberrans for being 'too difficult to learn' will presumably give an advantage to zero, what with their having picked it. After the spectators are thoroughly confused the teams will move to vectorwars1r7, a staple map for over a year now in its various incarnations. I'm sure there will be an equivalent amount of prides rage from zero on this map. I think that vectorwars will be the key for both teams, for if pride can take a victory they have a somewhat favourable map pool (though the decider could swing either way), while zero will probably have already notched a win with mIKEctf2. Should be a great game, but I can't predict against the reigning champions.

Prediction: 2:1 zero


Remember to schedule your matches! But there is one last announcement that must be made, and that is of the MVP, as voted by a select board from the community (comprising of: Dusty_). Our MVP of this tournament is: DUST'N'BONES. CONGRATS.

Rounds 2 and 3 Wrap Up

22 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

It has been pointed out that I have been falling behind in my Round Reviews, sorry. I have been busy moving house/city/state/etc. So here is a slightly less epic then usual round review of rounds 2 and 3.

Round 2

lzr v Gallant

kq, aurix, cuinnton v wayno, bones_was_here, fishman

hydronexb4 10:0

dance 20:2


Jihadi Joes v pride

ensign ricky, kaep, rabbi jihadist v hew, dog, trev

soylentctf_v1r7 3:9

moonstone 2:8


zero v Fart Hunters

harry_ftw, ICE MAN, Charmander v turkey_shoot, Chooksta, DUSTEH_:

hydronexb4 10:0

dance 20:2


Round 3

Gallant v Jihadi Joes

dance 10:5

moonstone 4:1


pride v Fart Hunters

Hew, dog, trev v chooksta, turkey_shoot, mickrip

moonstone 11:0

dance 14:4


zero v lzr

harry_ftw, ICE MAN, Charmander v aurix, killquick, cuinnton

moonstone 1:3

dm_castle 7:10

Round 2 Preview

12 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

Round 2 begins, and hopefully we'll see everyone show up for their matches this week. The decider pool is vectorwars1r7, dm_castle, cu3ctf. Once again, if you need a decider map, each team eliminates one map and the remaining map will be played as the decider. Please remember to PM me your selected map for Round 3 BY 10PM SUNDAY.


Match of the Round

lzr v Gallant

hydronexb4, dance

In the match of the round this week we have another great match in store. Assuming both teams show, this match should be very entertaining. Both these teams were given random maps, which somehow ended up being the maps they picked last week anyway, which will leave both teams fighting on skill alone. lzr have come off a big win against pride, and look to be shaping for a pretty large season, while Gallant will need to bounce back from a poor showing (in terms of attendance) against zero. There will be some big defence from the 'Gallant' team (though it appears to now be comprised of players from other clans), while lzr will again look to overwhelm with their attack. I think lzr will be too strong and cohesive this week, with Gallant just looking to build a sense of unity for the weeks to come.

Players to Watch: aurix, wayno

Prediction: 2-0 lzr


zero v Fart Hunters

dance, gasolinepowered

Two open, nex based maps confront these teams this week. This sort of map is definitely the favourite of the Fart Hunters, however zero should be able to express their dominance quite easily here. Favourites for the competition, they had poor practice last week with only 1 GT member and 2 zero members showing up, leaving zero to start their campaign this week (albeit with a win on the board). The Fart Hunters will be looking to have some fun, DAWSTEH will talk all game and Chooksta will just be pwn. On the other side, Charmander will be ridiculously fast, while harry_ftw will look to get back into the swing of things with a big game here.

Players to Watch: harry_ftw, CHEWKSTA

Prediction: 2-0 zero


Jihadi Joes v pride

hydronexb4, moonstone

With pride the only team to select a map this week, it comes as no surprise that they have two pretty good maps to play. pride will be looking to get a win on the board here after a tight loss to lzr last week, while Jihadi Joes will be playing spoiler after a big win over the Fart Hunters. Expect some big defence from the pride team, especially on hydronex, while ensign ricky will again be the biggest factor for JJ. JJ could provide some pretty tense moments during this game, and pride had better not let their concentration slip at any point, or they could find themselves in a pretty poor situation. Having said that, I expect pride to be able to get through this one, whatever team they field.

Players to Watch: ensignricky, Trev

Prediction: 2-0 pride


Round 1 Review

11 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

The first round of CTF matches were all completed last sunday, sorry for the delay in getting the review out. It was a pretty big start to the tournament, with all these games probably going to effect the final standings heavily.


pride v lzr

hydronexb4 4:2

vectorwars1r7 0:1

dm_castle 1:23

In what was always going to be the match of the round, we had an exceptional 3 map encounter. Beginning on hydronexb4, both teams started to sound each other out, but it was pride who got the better of the opening exchanges. Opening up to a 2-0 lead, pride kept pushing and were able to keep their lead comfortably for the rest of the map. This lead to an extremely tight encounter on vectorwars1r7, the map showing that despite its changes, the scoreboards will probably remain the same. Both teams struggled to get much in the way of attack going, and in the end the extremely tight encounter fell to lzr. The final and deciding map was dm_castle, and with pride no longer able to field 3 players (and the rules stating no mid-game substitutions) lzr were able to come away with a comfortable win.

zero v Gallant

hydronexb4 16:0

dance 13:1

harry_ftw showed up to my house for this encounter, which was unfortunately marred by a lack of commitment from both teams. In what ended up as a 2v1 in zero's favour, wayno fought gallantly for both maps. It was disappointing from both teams, I hope they do better for the rest of the tournament. zero walk away with a good for and against win, while Gallant must regroup for the rest of the season.

Fart Hunters v Jihadi Joes

dance 6:11

gasolinepowered 1:18

Jihadi Joes got a win in their debut match, with the experience of ensign ricky and kaepora pulling them through against the Fart Hunters. Both teams again used the first map to sound out their combinations, and those of their opponents, before the second map was more of a rout. This match should put Jihadi Joes in good stead to try and cause a couple of upsets, while Fart Hunters will continue to play for fun and hilarity.

Round 1 Preview

6 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

The first round of the second AussieNexers CTF Season will finish this sunday night, and it will start with a bang with two massive matches. These two big matches will have implications right down to the last round, and will probably affect finals placings dramatically. The decider pool this week will be dm_castle, moonstone and cuctf3. If a decider is required, teams will take turns to eliminate a map, with the remaining map played as the decider.


Match of the Round (Sunday 6:30)

pride v lzr

vectorwars1r7, hydronexb4

Match of the Round, and definitely a match with implications for the final spot of these two teams. Whichever team wins should finish in the top 2, so they will both be going hard at the beginning of their campaigns. These two clans will be looking to put to rest talk about their respective faults. pride have been known as a predominantly defensive team throughout their existence, and will look to show their attacking strenghts (despite two pretty defensive maps), while lzr have most of the attackers in Australia and New Zealand playing for them. Clearly, whichever clans strength is the better on the day will decide this match up, and it is sure to be a very entertaining struggle.

Player to Watch: Trev, aurix

Prediction: 2-1 pride


zero v Gallant

hydronexb4, dance

zero, the favourites for this competition may be off to a rocky start with their (arguably) two best players potentially unavailable. This should give Gallant a great opportunity to cause and upset, and place them in great shape for a top 2 finish. zero will not be easy beats, and should showcase their depth with PAGEY, ICE and MDWGUNS all very good players, despite all coming off a bit of a break. Gallant are not without inactivity either however, and it will be interesting to see what team they are able to field, as their team captain bones has been without internet for a bit. The biggest factor in this match will be each teams attack. We've seen stellar defence from these teams before, but with zero's lack of attackers and Gallants unproven lineup, the team whose attackers fire will decide the match.

Players to Watch: MDWGUNS, Ling

Prediction: 2-1 Gallant


Old Farts v Jihadist Joes

dance, gasolinepowered

This will probably be a battle for the wooden spoon, if we are honest. But that shouldn't detract from what should be a very close match, and potentially the most entertaining of the weekend. Old Farts have had an unstable lead up to this match, which could work in JJ's favour. Jihadist Joes, though the newest clan in existence, still have some experience in their ranks with ensign ricky, kaepora gaebora and Chezerian all playing in previous tournaments. The Old Farts are in a similar situation, but are just generally older people. I think that for this game, dedication will be the deciding factor, and JJ seem to be the more active and committed team for this tournament, looking to cause some big upsets and stir up the rankings a bit.

Players to Watch: DAWSTEH_, ensignricky

Prediction: 2-0 Jihadist Joes


Tournament Preview

1 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

And so, the second AussieNexers CTF season commences. In what promises, I believe, to be the closest season yet, a number of old rivalries are renewed. We see the return of the top 4 of the medley tournament, with zero, lzr, pride and Gallant all participating. We also have a few new teams spoiling for an upset, with a Bounty Hunters/Old Farts amalgamation, and new clan JJ. Will zero be able to retain their crown, and win their 3rd team season in a row? Or will we see one of the other teams take their first CTF season victory? Here are MY predictions:


6th - Jihady Joes

Rabbi Jihadist, Kaepora Gaebora, Alex, Chezerian, ensign ricky

The new kids on the block, these guys will have to get some team chemistry quickly for the start of the season. There are some reasonably experienced players in this line up, as well as some up and comers, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them causing some headaches for the top teams, and ending up 5th. But seeing as they've never played together before, it falls to them to be the predicted wooden spooners.


5th - Fart Hunters

Chooksta, Turkey_Shoot, DUST'N'BONES, Mickrip, Turdman2.0

This team will without a doubt be the most loved at the end of the season, with a wealth of community favourites in this team. After a season away, the Old Farts have returned with a couple of new recruits, and a slightly different name to try and cause a couple of upsets, while being ridiculously awesome at the same time. This team will be fairly unpredictable throughout the season, the one constant will probably be chooksta rocket jumping around the maps. Unfortunately, with the strength of the top 4 teams this season I can't see them making it into the finals.


4th - Gallant

bones_was_here, Ling, wayno, Fishman, shaggy

Gallant have been a regular fixture in the finals of our AussieNexers tournaments. I think they have their strongest team to date, with great defenders in Ling, bones_was_here and shaggy, complemented by attacking strength in wayno and fishman. This team may risk being too hitscan-based, but will provide a great many frustrations for every team they face. I think they have the ability to knock off one of the three teams I have ahead of them, as shown by their CTF win against zero in the medley finals.


3rd - lzr

aurix, killquick, Viktor, Cuinnton

A powerhouse on the AussieNexers scene, they have had a slight reshuffle since the Medley season with the addition of Cuinnton. This team has shown they have the ability to beat the best, and I think they could make any of the top 3 positions, but are placed third because of the way the Medley season finished. This team will be very strong in attack, but look a bit light on defence, which should make for some high scoring entertaining matches. If they keep an active team they will definitely be threatening for the title.


2nd - pride

rabs, Trev, deathdoG, Hew, 2stan

After a narrow loss to zero in the Medley tournament, pride will be coming back with the same team aiming for the title. A very strong defensive team, pride will be looking to create more attacking opportunities this season. Again, I can see this team taking any one of the top 3 positions, but they are placed here due to their Medley season finish. This is another team thats position will be determined by whether they can remain active through the entire season.


1st - zero

harry_ftw, Charmander, MDWGUNS, PAGEY, ICE MAN

The reigning champions (and runners-up in CTF with 'uno') will be looking to add another title to the cabinet. Once more they field a strong team on paper, though with harry_ftw potentially out for the first two weeks, and extended breaks for a number of their players questions circle their ability to take the title once more. They do, however, have to be favourites, with the past showing that they will rise to the occasion when it is needed, and push every team to their absolute limit.

Round 1

1 Feb 2010, courtesy of rabs

Round 1 Schedule:

The site will be fully up and running ASAP, probably on the 4th or the 5th. Sorry about the delay, but Hew is away :(. Anyway, pick your map for this week by Private Messaging me (rabs) on the forums or on IRC. You must do this by MONDAY MIDNIGHT. The map pool is as follows:

vectorwars1r7, soylentctf_v1r7, moonstone, dance, hydronexb4, gasolinepowered_v1r2, mIKEctf2, dm_castle, cu3ctf1_v1r1.

Good luck to all teams!

Current Teams

29 Jan 2010, courtesy of rabs

Sorry that I haven't been able to update the 'Teams' section, that'll happen as soon as Hew gets back (Feb 4 I hope). Currently, these teams have successfully applied: pride, zero, lzr, Gallant, Fart Hunters. Hoping for at least one more :P

Schedule

23 Jan 2010, courtesy of rabs

The Schedule for CTF Season 2 will be announced on the 1st of February. The Map Pool will also be announced on this day. Teams will have until midnight that day to select their map for the first round of competition, which will end on the 7th of February.

Registration Close

4 Jan 2010, courtesy of rabs

Team Registration closes on the 30th January.

Welcome

3 Jan 2010, courtesy of rabs

It gives me pleasure to announce CTF Season 2! After a successful couple of Team based tournaments, the community was really looking forward to another. I hope this one is just as successful and fun as the last two! This season will be run in a very similar manner to Season 1, with each team playing every other team in a ladder, before the top 4 go through to single elimination finals. You are able to register on the forums, and check out the full rules here.

GLHF