The new format being run by GOMtv will see the usual bi-monthly Global Starcraft League (GSL) individual competition being run concurrently with an extended Team League (GSTL).
Monday through Wednesday will feature GSL matches from 64 Code S and Code A players. Code S players will be vying for the US$46,000 first place prize. While the first prize for Code A is only US$1,500 the best performing Code A players will be eligible to play in up-and-down matches against the least successful players from Code S at the end of the tournament and break into the premier code for the next season. Given the strong performances by several Code A players in the recent GSL Super Tournament where they openly competed against Code S players you can expect blood on the floor come up-and-down time.
While that's going on the GSTL matches will be played on Thursdays and Fridays. 12 teams will be competing against each other for not only the US$28,000 first place prize but also team pride and bragging rights. This first season of the new GSTL format runs until October so it'll be interesting to see how it develops over such a long timeframe.
Anyone who has watched previous GSTLs will know that it's a very exciting competition given the "King of the Hill" format along with the meta-gaming and psychological warfare that takes place among the players and coaches of each team.
Making their debut in the GSTL is team FXOpen which could arguably be called an "Australian" team. Despite having a mixture of nationalities on their roster, FXO features several Australians in competitive and management roles.
Tune in tonight for the beginning of the GSTL and tomorrow night to watch FXO compete in their first match against StarTale. The GSL matches start on Monday.
To watch the games get along to http://www.gomtv.net and register an account. You can then tune in when the stream starts and watch the standard def stream for free.
Stream goes live at:
Perth - 5.10pm
Darwin/Adelaide - 6.40pm
Bris/Syd/Mel - 7.10pm
Also signed up for the Team Liquid Fantasy GSTL along with a few workmates in the office.. Looser buys lunch after the GSTL is over..