**Thought of the day**
Survival is no birthright, but a prize wrested from an uncaring galaxy by forgotten heroes.
So, by special request I’m writing a daily recap as we get through LVO, you’ll see some coverage to the weekly articles but tailored to a daily format. I’m going to cover some big/key matchups and their results as well below. I’ll also just highlight some of the bigger matchups with big names facing off or upsets!
My predictions prior to the event were (so let’s see how I do!):
– 60% win-rate for custodes is a thing
– Crusher Stampede crushes the competition, but doesn’t quite take the win
– Anthony V taking the trophy (I also originally thought that John Lennon could win, but you’ll see why he’s not here below)
– Top 10 consisting of Custodes, Drukhari, and a lot of Crusher Stampede or Forces lists.
However, after round 1 and a surprise Siegler appearance I wouldn’t put it past Siegler winning the whole thing.
Predicted Top 5 for the event:
– Anthony V
– Jack Harpster
– Richard Siegler
– Brad Chester
– Mani Cheema
If I extended to a top 10:
– Evans (the guy who beat Lennon)
– Alex M
– Malik
– Sean Nayden
– Jaime Paris
Overall undefeated after day one:
Faction breakdown:
Golden boys are making a run for it jumping up to second highest faction count behind Drukhari, Tyranids are only 3 players behind. Then Grey Knights and Orks round out the Top 5 factions that are undefeated at the end of day one, we’ve also got a handful of GSC players at 6th by one. So far not many surprises in the most represented factions, but it’ll be interesting how day two goes. Is the top 5 just the factions who will be represented once we cut down during the shadow round?
Day One Matchups of Interest!
Round 1:
John Lennon – 59 (Custodes) V Matt Evans – 92 (Crusher Stampede)
One of the favorites to win it all (and the overall ITC championships) John ‘the Boy King’ Lennon goes down to Matt Evans. Matt Evans is not a complete unknown by any stretch either and is just out of the top 50 in the ITC rankings and placing in the top 5 of several large tournaments (and a 21st place finish at the Atlantic city open). Crusher stampede with a solid pilot is no joke folks, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Matt Evans brings for the rest of the event (as of now he’s ).
Brad Chester – 84 (Crusher Stampede) V Mark Hertel – 83 (Mars/Lucius Soup)
A very close matchup between two high-ranked players in round one! Brad Chester (#3 overall in the ITC) continues to prove that Crusher Stampede is no joke even when admech heavy weapons and shooting efficiency are in play. However, there’s no doubt it was a struggle and Mark Hertel (#17 in the ITC) left nothing on the field with only one point being the difference in this match.
Round 2:
Steve Trimble – 100 (Custodes) V Tom Ogden – 45 (Black Templars)
Just because Lennon lost doesn’t mean that Custodes aren’t a good faction. People shouldn’t be sleeping on Black Templars either in a tournament setting despite the not quite so close result. In this one, two more high-level folks face off with Steve Trimble (40th) coming out on top over Tom Ogden (22nd).
Round 3:
Mani Cheema – 96 (Drukhari/Thin City) V Brad Chester – Forces of the Hive Mind (66)
We’re getting a Sunday top 8 match on Day one with the #1 in the ITC versus #3 in the ITC, and it looks like #1 won the match taking another step towards a potential Championship run? Maybe Nottingham was just a warmup to get the wracks ready to swarm the board?
