The Hearthstone Global Games is back at BlizzCon this year with eight teams competing for the champion’s seat. Not only will the winning team obtain bragging rights, but they’ll also bring home their share of the record high $410,000 prize pool. This year’s matches are taking place in the Anaheim Convention Center and Group Play began earlier today with the Finals wrapping up tomorrow November 3 between the four remaining teams.
There is a Group A and B where each will have four teams compete on Day 1 with the following bracket formula. Winners in the first round will meet while each loser will fight it out in an elimination match. The winning team of the Winners match will advance while the loser will face the winner of the Elimination match winner for the last spot in the Finals.
Hong Kong and China came in as the favorites and both both won their first matches to face off against each other only to give fans a thrilling 3-2 match in favor of China, advancing to the Finals. After losing to China, New Zealand was able to prevail against Spain in Group A’s elimination match.
After not making the top eight last year, Bulgaria joins Group B this year only to be swept in their match against Brazil. In a tight match, Norway prevailed over Singapore to send Singapore to the Group B elimination match against Bulgaria. In an upset, Bulgaria was able to snag their first victory against the Singaporean team. Brazil advances to the Finals after defeating Norway, thus setting the stage for the showdown between Bulgaria and Norway, where Norway ultimately prevailed to move on.
The Semifinals began on the second day of the tournament, pitting China against Norway and Brazil against New Zealand. Both China and Brazil shut out their opponents handily. In the final, China dominated Brazil and won the Hearthstone Global Games 3-0. The champs didn’t lose one matchup the entirety of BlizzCon, deserving the prize and title at the end of the day.