By Kurama
Looking at last season’s data, there are a few standout heroes that I expect to be heavily contested in the coming weeks. Coming in at number 1 will be Anduin, which was involved in a whopping 88.4% of drafts last season, seeing the highest pick rate of any hero. Coming in at number 2 will be Stukov, which was involved in 87.2% of drafts, seeing the highest ban rate of any hero by almost double. Next, we have Johanna with the fifth highest pick rate but also having the second most bans. Additional picks that were involved in most drafts include Brightwing, Dehaka, Valla, Leoric, Blaze, and Garrosh; all being involved in over 50% of drafts (either pick or ban).
As we continue to see recent balance updates, less popular picks may creep into the meta. I’m personally keeping an eye out for more Auriel, Imperius, Alarak, and Lili as we head into the season. Auriel did see an uptick in play near the second half last season and commanded a high win-rate at 61.1 percent.
Some additional less contested picks that performed very well last season include, Nazeebo, Sgt. Hammer, Gul’dan, Lunara, Tracer, Hanzo, Valla, Tassadar, Jaina, Fenix, and Tychus; all with above 50% win-rates.
Now that the “news report” is complete, lets start getting into some predictive analysis. With that I will bring you Kurama’s Power Rankings.
Division D East:
30 Seconds to Mosh: This team has been around for multiple seasons and was a dominant force in Division E last season. This is a well-polished machine that is a force to be reckoned with.
F.H.K. Marry Kill: This is a new team comprised of several veteran players, many of which have higher division experience. How well they do will depend on how quickly they can grow team chemistry. I expect a strong showing.
YCMYCCaST: (Meme)Andor(Win): This team, despite regular name changes, has been around for several seasons, has had a respectable show each time, and have managed to take some games/matches off previous division winners. Week 1 brings them up against F.H.K. Marry Kill, which I predict to be the most intense Division D matchup in week 1.
Wait Till 10: This team has been around for a while, but their players have drifted between other teams for a few years. We see them reunite for the first time since Season 17. Previously this team has seen competitive play in both Division C and Division D. Based on that alone their potential to be a powerhouse this season is there, but whether their skills and team chemistry remained polished over the seasons remains to be seen.
Out of Pocket: This team is returning for the first time since season 18 and had a respectable showing in Division E in both seasons 17&18. I’m curious to see how they have grown.
Crimson Cyber Squad: This team had a rough showing last season finishing with just 5 points on the season. With that, this is a new season and anything can happen. I’m hoping this underdog proves me wrong.
Division D West:
Cats On My Keyboard: This team has consistently seen play at the Division C and Division D levels. With many of the Division D teams this season being Division E teams that moved up (with the elimination of Div E) it is hard not to choose Cats On My Keyboard as a favorite this season.
COSMOS: This team has been around for several seasons (some of which I was a part of). COSMOS is a well-oiled machine and has proven their ability to compete time and time again. Given some history with their play against Cats On My Keyboard I can see a rivalry emerging. While I have COSMOS at number 2 for now, Cats On My Keyboard better watch their backs, as COMOS is coming for you.
Cream Team: This team is an anomaly and as such I’m unable to accurately predict their power. Only one player has previous NGS experience, and that player also happens to have previous SL ranks in Diamond, and MMR equal to that of most Master tier players. Given the rest of the squad is largely unknown, I’m putting them in the middle for now.
Phoenix Rising Amethyst: This team has played for several seasons but historically has struggled to rise as a dominate threat. Consistently finishing in the middle of the pack. Can they find that extra gear and rise to the top?
Habitual Line Steppers: This team has had a good performance in Division E the past few seasons; however, the teams above them in the power rankings have all been playing in higher divisions (except for Cream Team). They will need to up their game to remain competitive this season.
Trial By Annihilation: This team struggled alongside Crimson Cyber Squad last season in Div E, netting just 8 points in the regular season. Combining that with the fact that they will now be facing teams that have regularly been in Division D or even Division C, leads me to believe that this season may be more if not equally as difficult. I wish them luck, and as with Crimson Cyber Squad, I hope this underdog proves me wrong.
With the Power Rankings complete, it’s time to play Kurama’s Pick ‘Em. This is where I will predict the outcome of each match from week to week. If I predict the correct winner that will earn me 2pts, and if I predict the correct number of games (requires me to pick correct winner) then that earns an additional 1pt. If I do not choose the correct winner, then I get 0pts. At the end of the season, I’ll announce my final score. If you’d like to play along and see if you can beat me, well let’s just say, challenge accepted.
Week 1 Predictions:
Out of Pocket vs 30 Seconds to Mosh: 30 Seconds to Mosh (2-0)
Wait Till 10 vs Crimson Cyber Squad: Wait Till 10 (2-0)
F.H.K. Marry Kill vs YCMYCCaST: F.H.K. Marry Kill (2-1)
Cats On My Keyboard vs Habitual Line Steppers: Cats On My Keyboard (2-0)
COSMOS vs Trial By Annihilation: COSMOS (2-0)
Cream Team vs Phoenix Rising Amethyst: Cream Team (2-1)