Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Shudderwock mayhem and an uncooperative Ragnaros power highlight day 2 of the Hearthstone Global Games

Things went very wrong for a couple of teams.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

The second day of Hearthstone Global Games action saw some of the craziest games in competitive play in a while, with a few upsets thrown in to boot.

Recommended Videos

In the final broadcast game of the day, New Zealand nearly threw it all away against Portugal in the fourth game of their series thanks to some deeply unfortunate Shudderwock turns.

After drawing Shudderwock, Grumble and other crucial combo pieces very early on, New Zealand were greatly favored against the Control Mage of Portugal. As they tried to build to a Shudderwock turn, however, they played Hagatha—and that passive Hagatha hero power created problems. With the hand constantly being filled with spells, New Zealand had to take turns in between Shudderwock plays to empty their hand. That included playing Hex on their own Acolyte of Pain, and then Hexing the Frog twice more.

But as the Shudderwocks went off, the ordering scuppered New Zealand. Grumble went first twice, leaving just a nine mana Shudderwock copy from Zola. Then in the final Shudderwock turn, Grumble and two Zolas went off before the Saronite Chain Gang and Shudderwock was gone. New Zealand were able to close it out in game five, recovering well from the craziness of that game—perhaps the most bizarre Shudderwock game seen on the competitive stage so far.

Related: Hearthstone Global Games Swiss stage schedule, results, and standings

Meanwhile, Russia were left to rue a missed opportunity against Brazil. The Quest Warrior had a route to victory against Shudderwock Shaman in game five, but Russia whiffed on hero power hits four times, instead hitting totems. That bought Brazil crucial time and allowed their Shudderwock to build to an insurmountable position.

Off-stream, the format caused controversy for the United Kingdom. The pick and ban process is considered to be very strategic, but many players and analysts think that the blind pick ordering negates all of the skill involved. The U.K. believed they had won the pick and ban phase, but played their decks in the wrong random order and hit bad matchups. That led to a 2-3 loss. The U.K. players aren’t the only ones dissatisfied with the blind pick part of the format, but it’s unlikely it will change mid-stage.

The United States, looking to do better than a 2017 semifinal finish, came up short in their first match. They lost to China, one of the stronger teams in the bracket.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Callum Leslie
Callum Leslie
Weekend Editor, Dot Esports.