ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Winter: Schedule, Format and Overview

StarCraft II

14 Dec

Andre Guaraldo

The ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Winter promises to be an electrifying season, bringing together top StarCraft II players worldwide. With a revamped format, diverse map pool, and a talented lineup, this season is set to deliver intense competition and thrilling moments for esports enthusiasts.

Quick recap of the Summer playoffs

Before talking about the Winter Playoffs, we just want to quickly review how the ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Summer Playoffs went so you can refresh your memory on how each player ended the previous encounter:

Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals witnessed intense clashes, defying predictions and setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament:

In a nail-biting match, Solar from Onsyde Gaming secured a 3-2 victory over Dark from DKZ Gaming, defying Aligulac predictions.
GuMiho showcased his prowess by defeating Cure from ABYDOS with a 3-1 score, again proving predictions wrong.
BASILISK's Reynor faced off against ByuN from Shopify Rebellion, emerging victorious with a thrilling 3-2 score.
Serral continued BASILISK's dominance, securing a convincing 3-0 win against Classic from Twisted Minds.

Semifinals

The semifinals elevated the competition, with standout performances defining the path to the Grand Finals:

GuMiho displayed exceptional skill, sweeping Solar 3-0 in a clash of titans.
The all-BASILISK semifinal saw Serral securing a 3-0 victory against Reynor, setting the stage for the Grand Finals.

Grand Finals

The Grand Finals featured an epic Best of 7 showdown between GuMiho and Serral, adding to the tournament's intensity.

Serral's exceptional performance culminated in a thrilling 4-2 victory, securing the championship for BASILISK. Serral's triumph solidified BASILISK's dominance in the ESL SC2 Masters Summer Tournament, leaving fans eagerly anticipating for this upcoming Winter season.

ESL SC2 Masters Winter tournament format

Open Stage

The competition begins with the Open Stage, featuring 32 players in 4 brackets. Employing a double-elimination format with Bo3 matches, the top 2 from each bracket advance to Knockout Bracket Round 1.

Winners Stage (Masters Groups)

The 16 players advancing from the Open Stage enter the Winners Stage. Boasting a double-elimination format with Bo3 matches, the top 2 from each bracket (both from UB) move on to the Playoffs Quarterfinals.

Knockout Brackets

Four single-elimination brackets, incorporating 4 Rounds each, feature players from both Open and Winners Stages. Matches in the Knockout Brackets are Bo5, with winners progressing to the Playoffs Quarterfinals.

Playoffs

The top 8 from the Knockout Brackets enter the Playoffs, a single-elimination bracket with Bo5 matches. The Finals are a Bo7 series, determining the ultimate champion of ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Winter.

Map Pool

The map pool consists of 9 diverse maps, each offering unique challenges and strategic opportunities:

Alcyone
Equilibrium
Goldenaura
Hard Lead
Hecate
Oceanborn
Radhuset Station
Site Delta
Solaris

Talent Broadcast Team

The English Main Broadcast features a stellar lineup:

Hosts

Kaelaris (James Carrol) - United Kingdom
Seltzer (Rachel Quirico) - United States

Commentators

BeoMulf
CatZ
feardragon
RotterdaM
Steadfast
ZombieGrub

Talent Pool for the ESL SC2 Masters Winter 2023 (credits: Dreamhack)

Prize Pool

The ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Winter boasts a substantial prize pool:

1st Place: $15,000 + 1,500 EPT Global Pts
2nd Place: $8,000 + 1,000 EPT Global Pts
3rd-4th Place: $5,000 + 600 EPT Global Pts (each)

2023/2024 ESL Pro Tour Standings

Europe Top 5

Serral - 3750
Clem - 1772
Reynor - 1439
MaxPax - 1419
Spirit - 965

Americas Top 5

Astrea - 1278
Kelazhur - 787
Scarlett - 700
Trigger - 512
SpeCial - 479

Asian Top 5

Oliveira - 935
Firefly - 529
Coffee - 500
Cyan - 465
Has - 335

Stay tuned for the ESL SC2 Masters 2023 Winter, promising an action-packed season of StarCraft II. With top-tier competition, diverse maps, and a global mix of talented players, this season is sure to captivate esports fans worldwide.

Feature image credits: ESL SC2 Twitter