SuperJJ, Xixo, and Zalae among top 16 qualifiers at DreamHack Austin

After nine gruelling rounds of swiss across two days, 16 players have advanced to the DreamHack Austin Hearthstone Grand Prix playoffs.

A strong mix of experienced pros and relative newcomers have advanced from the field of 175 players to the single elimination round. There, they’ll have a chance at the $8,000 first prize.

The first round, played tonight, will eliminate a further eight players, before the top eight return tomorrow for the finals.

Jan “SuperJJ” Janssen, Sebastian “Xixo” Bentert, Paul “Zalae” Nemeth, Jon “Orange” Westberg, and Keaton “Chakki” Gill made it through from the large contingent of experienced pro players taking part.

Among those up-and-coming players who are looking for a breakout performance are David “JustSaiyan” Shan, “Fr0zen” of Team Hearthlytics, and Gale Force Esports‘ Terrence Miller who topped the table after the nine rounds.

Pavel “Pavel” Beltukov, Anthony “Ant” Trevino, and Zhang “Payton” Peiyang of Team Celestial and Alexandre “Odemian” Leadley of Team Millenium also secured their spots with a few upsets along the way.

The top 16 isn’t without a few unknowns. “Jasm,” “Vinz,” “Insanity,” and “JBillyB” will be looking to complete a Cinderella story against the heavily favored opposition.

Among those who failed to qualify are world champions Sebastian “Ostkaka” Engwall and James “Firebat” Kostesich, as well as Wang “TiddlerCelestial” Xieyu, Jason “Amaz” Chan, and Aleksandr “Kolento” Malsh.