The Summer StarCraft II Open Online Qualifiers have finished (view final bracket), and we're deep into the Invite-Only Qualifiers. The top finishers from each Region will be heading to NYC on July 20-22 for the Summer Arena, where they'll compete against each other and our Spring Championship Top 8– DongRaeGu, Alicia, MarineKing, SaSe, Stephano, Puma, Polt and Inori.
As the Invite-Only Qualifiers draw to a close, we'll be showcasing one player from each Region. For Europe, the choice was clear; SortOf, aka Rickard Bergman, of team WesternWolves, who triumphed over the field to come in 1st Place in truly decisive fashion.
SortOf's Open and Invite-Only Online Qualifier Stats
SortOf has made waves in Europe, but has yet to take the Finals of a major tournament. You may not have heard of him yet, but if he keeps playing this way, that could be changing soon.
We sent his two best matches to Apollo and JP McDaniel to cast. Check them out and treat yourself to fantastic play by a great up-and-coming player.
Winners Finals: Sortof vs Real
Watch full match on MLG.tv
Finals: SortOf vs Nerchio
Watch full match on MLG.tv
Wondering what it's like to be just weeks away from playing in the Arena, against names like DongRaeGu, Stephano and MarineKing? We went straight to the source to find out.
MLG: So how does it feel to know you're playing in the Arena? Who are you most excited to play against?
SortOf: Im very excited to play the Koreans in an offline setting; I've done fairly well vs good Koreans online but it's very different on a LAN, so I'm excited to see how I will do vs them.
MLG: You've had great runs in previous tournaments but have never won a major title. Think the Arena will be your time to take the Gold?
SortOf: Taking first place would be extremly difficult, especially since I dont have that much offline experience. I would be happy with a Top 16 finish, and if I do better, then that's great.
MLG: What's your strategy going to be?
SortOf: I'm just gonna try to focus at one game at the time and try to stay calm. I think that is what I need to be able to play my best.
Best of luck in the Arena to SortOf, and all the other Online Qualifier winners! Stay tuned; over the next two weeks, we'll be putting the spotlight on two fantastic players from the North American and Korean Regions.
