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Live video game tournaments usually involve stages, fancy setups, and audiences, but such events have been merely pipe dreams back in the old days. Nowadays, esports has grown significantly with events like Major League Gaming, IGN Pro League, World Cyber Games, and so on. But once in a while, things have to be taken back to the days of LAN parties, when PC gamers would bring their own computers into someone's house for a fun weekend. This is what HomeStoryCup seeks to recreate.

HomeStoryCup IV is a different kind of StarCraft II tournament, where pro players can enjoy company and good food in between matches and even crash on the casting couch with Mr. Bitter and Rotterdam to help commentate on games. It's this relaxed atmosphere that makes HSC a unique experience for both the players and the online viewers. The whole event takes place in the flat of one Dennis "TaKeSen" Gehlen, the main organizer of TakeTV and the HSC. Not only does it make him look quite generous, but it also means that the production can be controlled by a smaller number of people compared to other events, which is quite an ingenious idea.

The format starts with 8 four-player groups, 32 total. Top two of each then play in another pool play with 4 four-player groups. Whoever comes out of that then goes on to a Ro8 single elimination bracket with Bo5 for each match. The grand finals will then be played in a Bo7 series to determine who will be the champion of HomeStoryCup IV, taking a large chunk of the $15,000 prize pool.

You can tune in to HomeStoryCup IV live on January 5-8, starting every 9PM Manila Time.

Player List:

Map Pool:

• ESL Metalopolis
• GSL Terminus SE (Official)
• ESL Shakuras Plateau
• ESL Shattered Temple
• ESL Taldarim Altar
• GSL Dual Sight
• GSL Antiga Shipyard
• GSL Daybreak
• GSL Bel'Shir Beach (winter)

Prize Pool:

• 1st $7,500
• 2nd $3,500
• 3rd $2,000
• 4th $1,000
• 5th $300
• 6th $300
• 7th $200
• 8th $200

Official Website