Maru is once again victorious, wins GSL Code S Grand Final

Coming into the Grand Finals of this year’s 3rd season of the GSL, Maru would be facing up against Ragnarok. With 4 GSL Titles on his name already, Maru was the clear favorite in the matchup. Maru even stated in the pregame interview that Ragnarok was the easiest opponent he could face out of the top 8. Harsh words, but could the South-Korean Terran back those words up in the game?

Stepping on the gas

Coming into the first map, Maru immediately turned up the heat for Ragnarok by sending out some early cloaked banshee towards his opponent. This allowed him to get an early worker advantage together with strong map control. Maru played it by the book and made sure Ragnarok could never get a proper 4th base up, allowing him to eventually overwhelm his opponent taking the first map. On the second map Maru started to go even harder on his opponent with early hellion harass followed up by a 2 base all-in at the 8 minute mark. While Ragnarok looked like he was holding on initially, his Ling Bane flanks didn't do the damage it needed to do in the end - allowing Maru to finish off the second map, with a second win in the series.

Drone BBQ

For the third map of the series, Ragnorak tried to take the initiative by choosing to go for one of his signature Roach Ravager pushes. Maru however held on strong and turned it into a proper macro game. As Ragnarok struggled to deal with Maru’s marine splits and his own inability to get overseers to deal with cloaked Ghosts, Maru eventually grinded the Zerg player down and took the 3rd map of the series. With his back up against the wall, Ragnarok now needed to stabilize to get the series back under his control. However, Maru didn't give his opponent a moment to think when he roasted over 30 drones by performing a strong blue flame Hellion push followed up by speed Banshee’s. There was a glimmer of hope when the Thor Tank based army of Maru didn't pack the punch it needed. But eventually Maru still took the game because of his superior control, allowing him to take the series victory, and the GSL championship.

Making history

This victory gave Maru his 5th GSL Championship ever. A special number since this meant Maru was now the only player to ever win 5 GSL Championships, an impressive feat to say the least. Because of this he has also been granted the G5L award, a special reward only for those who have 5 GSL titles on their name. Maru showed confidence with his words in the pre-game interview, and backed it up by making history.

Image source: Inven Global