Tomorrow the anticipation is finally over as Day 1 of HomeStory Cup IV begins. The 32 player tournament begins with 8 groups of 4 players each, where the top two advance. Day 1 consists of groups A-D. This tournament is wide open and anyone could pull out a gold, but here’s a possible outcome of tomorrow’s matches.

Group A: ThorZaIN (T), Socke (P), Nerchio (Z), iNcontroL (P)

After establishing himself as one of the top foreigners at TSL 3, ThorZaIN has been relatively quiet, though playing well at Dreamhack Valencia and NASL 2 finals as well as considerable success in team leagues from the GSTL to IPL. However he’s still one of the strongest players in the tournament, and is a big favorite in the group. Both Socke and Nerchio are proof of the talent that fills the European scene, though neither have had breakout LAN wins that they’re capable of. This could be their chance to prove themselves. INcontroL has been notoriously unsuccessful since his 4th place finish at MLG Dallas, but could be a surprise in this group, based on reports of hard training.

Prediction: ThorZaIN, Socke, Nerchio, iNcontroL

ThorZaIN looks poised to take 1st in Group A.

ThorZaIN is the clear favorite and iNcontroL is anything but in control. It’s a tough decision between Socke and Nerchio, but Socke holds the experience with solid play in numerous tournaments, especially since Nerchio has supposedly been practicing less due to school. Expect Socke to play well so if Nerchio isn’t up to scratch he’s unlikely to advance.

Group B: MarineKing (T), HasuObs (P), viOLet (Z), Delphi (Z)

One of the best Korean Terrans (and that’s saying something), MarineKing is a clear favorite in the group. The championship success that has eluded him could be his here in Germany, as he has only recently entered the foreign tournament scene. HasuObs is playing extremely well recently and can never be counted out in any tournament. Since dropping out of the GSL, viOLet has not had any large-scale success, though has been performing well online tournaments. Delphi is a successful European online player but has not proven himself in any large offline event.

Prediction: MarineKing, HasuObs, viOLet, Delphi

It's tough to bet against MarineKing in Group B.

MarineKing is the clear favorite in the group. With how well HasuObs (and the rest of mousesports) has been playing, he’s looking good to advance, though it’s always hard to count out Koreans. Delphi is a great player but will be fighting an uphill battle to take out the likes of MarineKing or HasuObs.

Group C: DIMAGA (Z), Attero (P), Adelscott (P), ReaL (P)

DIMAGA is a big favorite in the group, due to his longtime success since Brood War. Though always performing well in online EU tournaments, he’s looking for one of his first premier wins in awhile. The rest of the group are all Protoss, which could lead to some interesting matches. Attero has played well in many online tourneys but is unproven in LANs. The same could be said of ReaL, a Korean player living in Germany. Adelscott has had considerable online success but has more offline experience than either of the other two, taking 3rd place at Assembly Winter 2011.

Prediction: DIMAGA, Adelscott, ReaL, Attero

DIMAGA's famous emotion likely to surface when he takes Group C.

Protoss play is the name of the game in this group. Assuming DIMAGA’s ZvP is up to par, he’s likely to cruise through the group. With the wonkiness that is PvP, the second spot is anyone’s ballgame, though Adelscott has considerably more experience than ReaL or Attero.

Group D: MC (P), ClouD (T), AureS (T), TBA (replacing White-Ra)

MC hardly needs an introduction. The two-time GSL champion took 3rd place last HomeStory Cup, and despite his recent inconsistency is still an easy favorite for the tournament. White-Ra is one of the oldest and most popular players in StarCraft 2, and has results to back it up (which include 1st place at HomeStory Cup 2). ClouD and AureS are both very strong players in the European online scene, but neither have proven themselves at premier tournaments. With veteran White-Ra not attending, a yet to be announced player will be taking his place, which will shake up the group considerably.

Prediction: MC, ClouD, AureS

The Obamatoss is looking a likely candidate for Group D.

The Kratos Protoss is the easy favorite for the group with his incredible success in StarCraft 2. Without White-Ra, the group is considerably opened up. Of the two Terrans, ClouD is looking good to take the second spot. However, with an unknown player stepping in, this group could go anywhere. MC is still firmly entrenched as a favorite, but even his spot could be threatened.

HomeStory Cup IV Day 1: Groups A-D
January 5th, 2:00pm CET (8:00am EST)
Stream: TaKeTV

As the new year begins, so does the first major SC2 tournament of the year: HomeStory Cup IV.  Hosted by Dennis “TaKe” Gehlen, the HomeStory Cups are a series of tournaments held by TaKe in his own home in Germany.  This provides a fun, casual atmosphere not quite like any other tournament.  The progamers present hang out and relax in between games, and often contribute casting.  The past three HomeStory Cups have left us with some fantastic games and some hilarious moments, and this year is looking no different, with the 32 player list just announced.

Taking place over 4 days from January 5^th-8^th, the tournament boasts a $15,000 prize pool.  In addition to the financial rewards, the results have IEM implications.  The top two players are directly seeded into the IEM Season VI World Championship in March, and the top 16 receive IEM ranking points.  As with many ESL related events, TaKe will be joined by casters MrBitter and RotterdaM.

The tournament map pool features a few changes from the qualifiers held last month, with the removal of small two-player maps Xel’Naga Caverns and Crevasse.  The final 9 map pool consists of ESL Metalopolis, GSL Terminus SE, ESL Shakuras Plateau, ESL Shattered Temple, ESL Tal’Darim Altar, GSL Dual Sight, ESL Antiga Shipyard, GSL Daybreak, and GSL Bel’Shir Beach (winter).  The removed maps were the subject of significant scrutiny by players and fans alike for their small and exposed nature which discourage longer macro-oriented games.  As it stands, the map pool is a solid combination of the most popular maps and should serve for an interesting tournament.

In what is normally a Protoss-dominated tournament (the last two finals were both PvPs), this year appears no different.  13 Protoss players will appear, with 10 Zergs and only 9 Terran.  In sharp contrast to the Terran-dominated GSL, the unusual success of Protoss players looks ready to continue.  While no Zergs have ever placed in the top 3, a strong Zerg roster including Stephano, DIMAGA, Ret, and Nerchio could easily make HomeStory Cup history.

While Korea offers the most participants of any single country at 7, Europe boasts 21 of the 32 invites, led by Germany with 6 players.  Often considered the second most talented region, Europe looks ready to prove its readiness to compete on an international level with Korea.  With 13 nationalities making an appearance, the atmosphere at TaKe’s home studio in Germany should be quite eclectic.

Over 20 pro teams will be represented this year, with none having more than a few players attending (Team ALTERNATE brings in the most, with all four players on their roster attending).  Normal foreign powerhouses like EG, Liquid, and mousesports only offer a few players each, leaving the tournament wide open for the smaller and talented pro teams to prove their worth.  Many notables are absent, including last year’s winner HuK, due to commitments with the GSL in Korea.  Despite these absences, the player pool is exploding with talent and many of the the less-known progamers will have a chance to prove their skill on a huge stage.

With only a few days left before first round of the Group Stages, the anticipation is building.  If you’re like me, Thursday can’t come soon enough.  To tide you over, here’s DarKFoRcE getting a lap dance, one of the great moments from last HomeStory Cup.