(GotFrag) - It's been some time since the end of the CEVO season, and the combination of an intense fall run (Pro-Am + CEVO), a stacked season of game releases (L4D, WotLK, Fallout 3, etc.) and a visit from a freak in a red suit left little time for teams to stay at that match-ready playing level. But the time has come to dust off that mouse, find that medic key and work out the kinks of those rocketjumps as the GotFrag TF2 Invitational heads our way.

With 8 of the top teams on the continent participating, the stage is set for an intensely competitive run from the first match to the last, with a wide selection of teams having a shot at the finals (at least).


Team Dynamic

A team that showed flashes of potential during the mid-stretch of CEVO Season 2, Dyanamic really fell apart towards the end of the season, as yet another victim of roster issues and player availability (RL's a b*tch) bit the dust. But I really think this tournament could be one heck of a rebound for them. After reforming with some older members and a few free agents who've been looking for a home, they just might have something to show in this tourney and any future endeavours (ie. CEVO, and maybe ESEA?). I think we all know the first match will be a wash out - Pandemic being Pandemic - but it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities to see them bounce a team in the lower bracket (perhaps a team that may or may not just be showing up on match nights, eh?). Even one win in this tourney would be a solid showing for Dynamic, and give them a little confidence heading into CEVO S3.


iDemise

The argument can be made that Pandemic is really the team with the MOST to lose, since if they don't come out at the top of the podium then all hell will break loose, but with the addition of carnage and the return of glue, I really think iDemise is feeling the pressure. They've been a "pretty good but not cream of the crop" team for far too long a time, never achieving that rival-team status with Pandemic that eMg did which had made the fall such an exciting season. They've been in the ring with the same core through 2 name changes and a whirlwind of activity around them, but have never taken that next step and really put on a show - and at some point you have to stop applauding the fact they haven't died yet and start wondering why they haven't stepped up. Meeting Pandy in the finals - and putting up a good fight at that - is really about as low as they can allow themselves to go, otherwise those questions will never really go away.


Xensity

Coming off a great run through the Lower Bracket to meet Pandemic in the CEVO Season 2 Grand Finals - especially after just barely making it INTO the playoffs - Xensity's gained a great deal of support from the real reason we all play this game, the fans. And while there might be a bit more pressure on these guys now that they've shown they can play, I still feel like Xensity comes in under the radar while more attention is given to their peers - something they benefit from greatly. Either way, I think this tourney will be a good thing for a team that's trying to establish a new identity for itself.


Frag Dominant

As impressive as their CEVO-A victory was, I think it's safe to say that most of us expected them to win, especially when snL ran into trouble. FD, possibly the hardest working team in the tourney, have officially entered the octagon and are ready to go - so are we gonna watch them put up the good fight, or get pummeled like a fat kid on a stairmaster? Only time - hours, really - will tell, but I personally like to see them make a bit of a run. There's something to be said for a team that puts in the time to practice, which is what FD (then vPo) did during their CEVO-A run, regardless of how favoured they were or how much higher above the competition they seemed to be. Granted, the holidays no doubt cut into their playtime a little bit, but I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in hopes that their teamwork abilities can overcome a bit of a shortfall in individual skill. Plus, I <3 Dave.