NA Rivals Clash 1v1 #6: The Prince Dethrones The King

With only a few tournaments to go in the regular season for candidates to prove their worth, today’s weekly 1v1 tournament measured up to be an important one for a few contending players. The best in the region cemented their places at the top, the king was dethroned, and a few surprise runs provided for an interesting day of Sideswipe.

Hamid Simpson Begins Late Run For Invitational

If you didn’t know Hamid Simpson prior to this event, I wouldn’t blame you. But you will now. Not even predicted to make it out of groups, Hamid took down Pudiro, hot off top 16 from the previous week, as well as an in form Kneo to make playoffs through losers side.

But his run wasn’t finished just yet, and would only get more impressive. In playoffs, he conquered Emeric, a top 12 player from last week and consistent contender for top 8, before taking down Blossuhm, one of the rising players attempting to break through, in a 2-0 sweep, locking in a monumental top 8 finish that he’ll be looking to build on in order to snatch a spot at the upcoming invitational.

Top 4 Set In Stone

For a while, there’s been a rumored big 4 in North American Sideswipe; Alex, rayzoxxs, Amir and Aslan Bang. Despite some mishaps in the earlier events, particularly from Aslan and Amir, that top 4 is not firmly cemented as the big 4 of NA Sideswipe.

In last week, all 4 placed top 6, and this week, all 4 of them made up the top 4 in the event, and comfortably doing so. There are some challengers to the throne, with Axey on the rise, Beeps’ mechanics making him a dangerous dark horse and Blossuhm won’t go down without a fight, but it’s fair to expect a similar looking top end of the event next week, and at the invitational, if things continue the way they’re going.

Alex Takes The Crown

After rayzoxxs took back to back to back victories in weeks 3, 4 and 5, with Alex playing bridesmaid 2/3 times, it was Alex’s turn to return to the top of North America.

Despite some shaky games in pools, Alex turned it up a notch in playoffs, looking hungry for the win. Following a 3-1 clutch win over the rising Beeps, he demolished Aslan with superior offensive prowess, setting up a winners final match with long time rival rayzoxxs.

But having fallen to his top tier competitor so many times in previous weeks, Alex turned up today ready to play, and with ice in his veins. He was able to win not one, but two, game 7s against rayzoxxs, responding to rayzoxxs’ early series offensive dominance in grands with impeccable defence, clutching the decisive game with a pairing of goal line saves and patient offence.

Alex has now won 2/6 events, with rayzoxxs having won 3 and Amir one, taking home $500 USD for his troubles and a ton of confidence heading into the final week and invitational.