Dreamhack Bucharest 2014 This Weekend!

by JR Cook - 10 years ago     show comments

The weekend is quickly arriving, so I wanted to take this opportunity during the calm before the storm to remind you of the coming watershed moment in Hearthstone’s tournament life. I already revealed most of the details in my original post unveiling this massive open tournament. However, there were a few details that I did not have the answers to then and even as late as yesterday’s podcast, where we briefly discussed the upcoming tournament.

First, we now have the official casters of the tournament, which I know is important to many of you, given the stern criticism levied at IEM Katowice’s casting crew.

Casters:

• Octavian “Kripparian” Morosan – BlizzCon Innkeeper’s Invitational 2013 runner-up and one of the most popular HearthStone streamers on Twitch and YouTube
• Dan “Frodan” Chou – Daily News Anchor and Fight Night Host for ESGN
• Tudor “ptz” Pițigoi – PGL HearthStone and StarCraft II shoutcaster

There’s plenty to be excited about in that lineup based on their involvement with other productions in the Hearthstone competitive scene, so no worries necessary regarding inexperienced players trying to discuss high-level play. BUT! What I’m happy to announce is that we have confirmation of streamed games. I contacted Frodan for an answer and received this response:

@sastewart111 the 8 seeded players (amaz, reynad, strifecro, lothar, gnimsh, ekop, etc.) are all guaranteed to have their matches streamed

— Dan Chou (@Frodan) April 24, 2014

Excellent news for those of you who were hoping to catch these games live rather than waiting for VODs/replays. I know I always feel much more attachment to the games when I watch them happening along with friends and the Twittersphere in real time.

The tournament kicks off tomorrow, April 26th at 3:00 a.m. EDT (10:00 a.m. local time in Bucharest, Romania). This first day of competition will proceed for 13 hours, yet the second day starts even earlier. The Semifinals will take place Sunday, April 27th starting at 2:00 a.m. EDT (9:00 a.m. local time) with the Grand Final scheduled for display on the Main Stage one and a half hours later. For those of you here with me in the States, I hope you’ll be stocked up on energy drinks!

Every single possible bit of additional information you could need is here at the tournament’s landing page.