Manuel "Grubby" Schenkhuizen

Grubby is the most recognized WarCraft III player outside of Korea and could even be considered a household name, being known amongst gamers who do not even follow the WarCraft scene. He's spent most of his professional gaming career with the powerhouse that was 4Kings, but with their recent demise he's joined up with his former team's arch rivals -- MYM.

Regardless of being rivals with them for so long, Grubby finds a renewed spirit with his new squad. Around the demise of 4Kings, Grubby started to have trouble keeping up with the Korean players at tournaments. Now equipped with some of the best practice partners in the game today, and no longer having to worry about managing his team, Grubby seems to be returning to his top form.

Strengths: Grubby is considered one of the most experienced players in the pro scene. Having attended arguably more LAN tournaments than any other player, combined with his abililty to adapt quickly to his opponent, gives him a sheer advantage.

Weaknesses: Inconsistency. Grubby has been under performing lately according to his masses of fans and haters alike. They will quickly tell you that it's because of his girlfriend; however, Grubby will be sure to let you know that isn't the case. Hmm.

Recent Results: 1st Dreamhack 07, 1st KODE5 Netherlands, 3rd ESWC 2007

Predictions: Third. This really could range all the way up to first, but he has yet to prove that he's back in top shape, and might have a hard time against Lyn and ToD.

Yoan "ToD" Merlo

Together with Grubby, ToD was known as the best European player for the past year or two. They were the dynamic duo, invited to all of the Asian tournaments, and dominated the online leagues. His recent falling out with his former friend and the 4K team changed all of that, and the Human player found himself playing for Mousesports. The sudden change in team is attributed to the lack of salary paid by 4K, as well as ToD feeling that Grubby stole all of his spotlight. The fact that he is rooming with SaSe in China made it an easy decision for him to join up with mouz.

As far as tournaments go it seems as though he has been out of the limelight for a while. He didn't partake in ESWC, and was the victim of a surprise upset match during the WCG Round of Sixteen. His only notable achievement in the past six months comes from a first place victory at IEF in December. He also happens to be the reigning Extreme Master's champion.

Strengths: ToD's strengths lie in his ability to fast expand and manage large armies better than anyone else in the game. He likes to wait until he has his optimal 80 food army before crushing his opponent.

Weaknesses: His weakness is the exact opposite. ToD almost never does any sort of rush or push, making him quite one-dimensional and predictable.

Recent Results: 1st Extreme Masters 2007, 1st IEF 2007 Winter

Predictions: Second. While ToD will be able to make it out of his group with ease, he will have a tougher time in the brackets. I expect him to make it to the Grand Final but eventually fall to Lyn.