22:36 - bsl

This final post concludes our KODE5 coverage. We have seen some truly amazing games over the weekend, we've had an enthusiastic crowd and great moments to remember - we have also had delays, controversy and our share of technical problems.



During our coverage more than 24 hours of matches was casted - LIVE from the studio in Arizona. A huge hand goes out to the crew over there - with "Sirscoots" at the helm. The team went straight to bed after the final was over - due to staying awake at ghastly hours due to the time zones.

As for me this live running blog has been something of a experiment where fast updates, both regarding scores, teams, players, interesting anectdotes and the not to mention mobile pictures was meant to illustre the event - and give YOU a feeling of being here.

The rate of success we have had with this approach will be evaluated when we get back home - time and YOUR feedback will decide whether we do it again - or go back to more feature articles. Hats should also come off to Mark Cheben - who, despite a terrible motabolism and extreme stress levels, have been able to piece together everything we have been doing - from taking pictures, to making sure the broadcast worked from Russia to supporting tasks like doing art - riding the forums and in some cases even reporting scores.

Coverage is a team effort - and it is done with the intentions of the crowds the cannot be here in mind. Any feedback, good or bad, relayed to me will be greatly appreciated.

This is Jonas "bsl" Alsaker Vikan signing off from Moscow saying "good games..., and good luck."

22:30 - bsl

The prize ceremony just closed - and we conducted video interviews with "carn" from Fnatic and "whimp" from MTW that will be uploaded for you later in the week.




22:05 - bsl

The matches here at KODE5 are officially over. SK beat MYM. The final standings are:

1. MTW (Denmark)
2. Fnatic (Sweden)
3. SK Gaming (Sweden)
4. MYM (Poland)

21:58 - bsl

In the consolation final - where the teams are tied with 1 map win a piece - SK just won 12 - 3 as terrorist on de_inferno. It does not feel like MYM care that much anymore.

21:48 - bsl

MTW are doing all their victory interviews - and Fnatic are doing the rounds with the press on hand as well. We will try to get some video interviews for you guys with some REALLY INTERESTING QUESTIONS - but those will be a couple of days out due to traveling etc. For now - take a look at an estatic "whimp" - the player that joined MTW AFTER they lost two big finals - so far he has done nothing but win with his team:



21:30 - bsl

The last map being played at KODE5 2008 Global Final is de_inferno. MYM and SK are getting ready as we speak.

21:26 - bsl

As MTW celebrate SK took home de_train. Both teams look tired but refuse to let that third place finish slip away.

"TaZ" is trying to whip his team mates back into shape for one last power surge tonight.

21:23 - bsl

Danny "Zonic" Sørensen really put on a show on de_nuke as well. While "Sunde" impressed audiences with extremely solid play earier on "Zonic" was the star when MTW needed one to seal the deal.





He got the first pick during many of the rounds and looked like a champion with his dedication, concentration - and not to mention his constant antics to motivate his team mates.

21:20 - bsl

Fnatic got a couple of rounds to hold MTW off but the Danes were too strong tonight. It was possible to see that Fnatic did not have much left for the second half of de_nuke when MTW won an unlikely Glock eco.




Ultimatly the final was somewhat of an anti climax after so many extremely challenging and entertaining matches throughout the day. MTW are WORTHY champions though - it did not even look like the Fnatic players thought they had anything left to throw at the Danes.

Their third big final was indeed a charm.

21:06 - bsl

14 to 1 for MTW - this might be over VERY VERY soon.





21:04 - bsl

Make that 11 to 1.

20:58 - bsl

This is looking more and more like the de_inferno match we just saw. MTW are pummeling Fnatic's attacks into a pulp. Currently the score is 9 to 1.

20:58 - bsl

MTW with solid defensive play - again.

5 - 1 for the Danes right now.

20:57 - bsl

MYM started as terrorists on de_train and just took the opening pistol round.

20:55 - bsl

Fnatic just won their first terrorist round on de_nuke. Score: MTW 3 - 1 Fnatic

20:52 - bsl

The second map of the KODE5 final is underway. Fnatic is starting as terrorists on de_nuke. And they lost the pistol round allowing MTW the opportunity to gain some SERIOUS momentum - again.




20:52 - bsl

MYM won de_dust2 against SK quite comfortably making the score 1 - 0.

20:51 - bsl

MTW took the first map like it was nobody's business. Both teams go outside for a five minute break - Fnatic discuss what went wrong.

20:40 - bsl

Fnatic just won their CT pistol. MTW did well in the third round, particularly through "whimp" but it was not enough. The last remaining Fnatic player made sure the Swedes could claim another point and extend this half's lead to 3 - 0 (6 - 12 overall).





20:38 - bsl

MYM took the first half of the consolation final by 12 to 3 - SK are left trailing. With the Polish team taking their CT pistol round as well this match should be over. SK does not look motivated at all.

20:35 - bsl

Fnatic took some rounds towards the end of the half. The result still favors Danish MTW.

They have 12 rounds to 3 going into the second half.



The second half will prove "carn's" statement to his team mates right or wrong.

20:31 - bsl

In the consolation final between MYM and SK the Polish team is leading by 8 to 2 on de_dust2.

20:29 - bsl

I have been over watching the match on stage. MTW have been dominant on the CT side of de_inferno and were up by 8 rounds to Fnatic's 1.

Team captain "carn" tried comforting his players by saying "they are not good as terrorist's - we'll be fine."

From an HLTV in the tournament area the score now reads MTW 11 - Fnatic 1.

20:13 - bsl

Going live - de_inferno being the first match. Goodspeed to both teams.





20:02 - bsl

The Grand Final is about to go live. MTW and Fnatic are two great teams with a long and illustrious history.

Fnatic has racked up more titles, their latest victory came little over a month ago at the Samsung Euro Championships in Germany. MTW on the other hand played in two of the biggest finals last year. Unfortunatly they lost - firstly against PGS (now MYM) at ESWC 2 maps to 1. Some months later they lost a grand final again - this time at WCG against French upstarts Emulate - again 2 to 1.

It is the first time they face the Swedes in Fnatic in the final of an international tourney. Their track record in final games must be at the back of their mind though as they take on the monumental task of facing the best team in the world.

Personally I think we can expect drama, great shots and a close game that hopefully can come down to the wire and give the fans on hand something to scream about. For those of you watching at home go to Gotfrag TV from illustrious color commentary by "Midway" and "Vansilli" - AND STAY TUNED TO THIS LIVE BLOG for updates, reactions, interesting stories and pictures - as the events unfold.

Is three times a charm for the Danish players? Or will the Swedes be too hot to handle after ousting long time rivals from MYM?

Find out during the next couple of hours - here at Gotfrag.com.

19:52 - bsl

The KODE5 2008 Grand Final will start shortly - according to officials it's game on between Fnatic and MTW in five minutes - or sooner.

As always I'll let you know what you need to know and spice things up with pictures for your viewing pleasure!

19:32 - bsl

We are back and running again - the games are in what should be considered an esport first - somewhat delayed. Despite that fact KODE5 has made sure we do not get bored. Right now "Overdrive" - one of the players from the old ForZe - is rocking the stage area with his band called "FPS band" (First Person Shooter band)



Here's a picture to prove this is no joke - and they are not bad at all.

Russia R O C K S !

18:59 - bsl

We are going to take a short break from this live blog until the final gets underway. The official word now is that the final will get underway in thirty minutes.

SK will also take on MYM for the third place run-off match shortly.



18:57 - bsl

Seven straight CT rounds - a shut out - and Fnatic are victorious in this semi-final. MYM go home disappointed with their de_nuke play and Fnatic, who almost did not make it to the play-offs after the opening game tie versus Virtus. Pro, will face MTW for 25 000 dollars later tonight.


18:52 - bsl

MYM have tried everything here - but it is not working. "kuben" just lost a one on one against "f0rest" in the lower bomb site. The total score is 14 - 6 for Fnatic.

18:46 - bsl

Massive crowd reactions here - Fnatic took the all important pistol round.

18:43 - bsl

Fnatic came back strong and have - once again - the advantage going into the last half. This time they are up by 9 to 6 after their terrorist half. 15 more rounds and we'll have a winner - and MTW's opponent in the final.

MYM are back at their computers after a short time out for some replenishing energy drinks.

18:37 - bsl

7 - 6 Fnatic now.

18:36 - bsl

The score is 5 to 4 for MYM. It will be so important now - late in the match - that both teams's captains can step up, both strategically and as motivators. "TaZ" just had an amazing game on de_inferno while "carn" has been playing well throughout the match without going to extremes - yet.



18:33 - bsl

The match is moving forward with big rounds from both teams. MYM are back to their usual loudmouthed antics while Fnatic are cool as ice - their spectators are presently trying to support them by clapping their hands and shouting words of encouragement.

18:27 - bsl

Fnatic wasted no time getting back on the horse. They have 3 rounds so far as terrorist - MYM have two. It's going to be another close game between these two fantastic teas.

18:21 - bsl

After a short break we are back live on de_nuke. Fnatic has to attack - the already lost the first, and momentum defining pistol round.





18:11 - bsl

Both teams are catching their breath after two incredibly close maps (14 - 16 and 16 - 14) - the tie-breaker de_nuke is coming up within 10 - 15 minutes.

18:01 - bsl

MYM did the impossible and came back from the initial 3 - 12 onslaught to win the map 16 - 14. Martin "Guddo" Cording and MTW still have the chance to face MYM as the Polish team is still alive.



Map MVP - without the shadow of a doubt - Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas.

17:58 - bsl

WIKTOR "TaZ" WOJTAS! AGAIN!

MYM have Fnatic on the ropes after an incredible comeback - 15 to 14 and map point.

17:55 - bsl

Another close round but MYM wins again - this time at the A site. They now have 14 rounds as well - all tied up, these last two rounds of the last half will decide everything.

Spectators can't ask for more.

17:55 - bsl

D * * *!

"TaZ" took care of a one on two situation with two extremely well placed headshots showing that the team's strategical centerpiece can do the nasty as well. MYM are getting closer.

17:53 - bsl

9 - 2 and 3 - 12 comes out to 12 - 14 (Fnatic), I'm sorry about the mix up.

17:50 - bsl

Another round win for the Polish team, they have 11 rounds total now to Fnatic's 13 - not to mention the initiative and back roll to back that up.



17:48 - bsl

MYM bounce back and pick up their 7th round as two of Fnatic's players save out instead of attempting to re-take (and risk losing weapons) the A site.

17:44 - bsl

Negative, the Swedes bought and won the round. It's 6 - 1 (13 - 9 total) - should MYM take this round though, Fnatic's financial resources would be severely depleted.

17:43 - bsl

MYM took an unlikely round victory in B to push the score to 6 - 0, and Fnatic into a save round - probably. The Polish players just started screaming again for the first time in one and a half map.

17:42 - bsl

5 - 0 for MYM - and an extremely important round just started.

17:38 - bsl

I'm watching MYM - Fnatic with Martin "Guddo" Cording, MTW's manager. He just confessed that he would prefer to face MYM - as the Danes have unfinished business with that team.





Right now MYM have 4 - 0, but are at 12 - 7 deficit in total.

17:34 - bsl

Hold the champagne - MYM won the opening pistol - if they can come back like they did on train it would make for great entertainment - HOWEVER - how come they do not start to play like it's a KODE5 semi final before it's nearly over?

17:30 - bsl

The keyboard that died on stage was killed by SK's "Tentpole."

17:28 - bsl

12 - 3 for Fnatic. This is over (?)



17:27 - bsl

What I said about MYM ten minutes ago looks more and more like truth or fact. They are not speaking and losing round after round. Fnatic on the other hand are communicating loud and clear - they have assembled 10 rounds.

MYM look broken.

17:24 - bsl

I want to thank all our visitors for your interest, but I am having a hard time keeping this live blog going ;)

17:17 - bsl

I know this may be premature - and come back to haunt me but MYM seem to have completely run out of steam. Fnatic are up 6 or 7 to 2 as t's on de_inferno and the Polish players are hardly communicating at all.


17:16 - bsl

MTW's late surge just put them over the top! They got their 16th round and earned a spot in the final!

I was standing in the tournament area so I could not see the stage but someone banged his equipment up following the loss. Everyone in the convention center here heard three very loud smashes.

17:14 - bsl

The Danes have 15 now - "Sunde" is wreaking havoc with his AWP. MTW have a couple of rounds to seal the deal and make it into the big final match.

17:10 - bsl

MTW seems to have turned it around. They have 14 rounds now - to SK's 11.

17:06 - bsl

SK - MTW are at 11 - 11. Both matches are coming down to the wire - it must ALMOST as entertaining on Gotfrag TV as this is in the flesh.



17:04 - bsl

The Swedes took the pistol round and the opening momentum.

17:03 - bsl

MYM starts on the defensive side of de_inferno in a half that will determine who gets to play the KODE5 final this year.

17:02 - bsl

The third map between SK and MTW has been a close one. MTW got 7 rounds as CT thus giving SK the half time advantage - the Danish team even lost the opening pistol. They will have to dig deep to come back.

It also seems that SK have won the crowd - they are cheering wildly with each SK Gaming frag now.

17:01 - bsl

Here's a short recap of what you have missed.

Fnatic quickly took 14 rounds against MYM - but the Polish team fought back valiantly. In the end it came down to the last round, where Fnatic had 15 rounds to 14 for MYM. The Swedes pulled out in the end and won the first map.

It is 1 - 0 for Fnatic and the second map - de_inferno is about to go live.

16:59 - bsl

Due some technical difficulties - our site being swamped with visitors - I have not been able to upload any posts the last half hour. Sorry about that - but it seems to be fixed now.

16:16 - bsl

SK just beat MTW on de_nuke to force a third map. The result was 16 to 14 and the Swedes have rallied the crowd behind them - that can be the key to keep up their momentum.

16:14 - bsl

MYM are struggling early on in their terrorist half - and they do not have many rounds to waste. Fnatic even took the pistol round. And "f0rest" has taken off the bandage on his hand as he goes up with perhaps his rival for the title as "best player in the world" - MYM's "Neo."



Right now the total score is 3 - 1 (14 - 5 total).

16:12 - bsl

There is some serious crowd action going on over at the stage. Is SK back in the game?

16:08 - bsl

First half went to Fnatic after a commanding 11 to 4 half. Can MYM come back? They are literally two meters away from me and they sound very disheartened.

16:05 - bsl

Fnatic up 10 - 3 and still as terrorist on de_train. "Dsn" just had an incredible AWP round.

SK is gaining on MTW and that score is 12 - 9 for the Danes at the moment.

16:00 - bsl

Meanwhile MYM got their first CT round - only to lose the next. This means their money situation is in some SERIOUS trouble - and at a 1 - 7 deficit they are in a perilous position early on here.

15:56 - bsl

MTW are up 11-5 on the second map, de_nuke, against SK. The Swedish team just started the second half by winning the opening pistol round as counter terrorist.

15:56 - bsl

The Swedes took the first five rounds in dominating fashing. MYM is bound to be low on cash now.

Yep - they are saving which should result in a 6 - 0 score.

15:51 - bsl

Fnatic won the opening pistol and mockingly screamed "KURWA NICE" to MYM.

15:50 - bsl

Uploaded a picture of "f0rest's" broken hand - scroll down. This is one of those matches you certainly DO NOT need a handicap - even if you are one of, if not the best player in the world.

15:48 - bsl

"LUq" started doing his usual pregame yelling - to a resounding "KURWAAAA" coming all the way over from Fnatic's part of the tournament area.



A knife round is currently on and MYM won it. They will be starting as CT on de_train.

15:45 - bsl

SK and MTW are back at it. MTW is currently CT on de_nuke and the score in the first half of the second map is 3 - 3.

15:39 - bsl

I just talked to Sam Matthews from Fnatic. Apparantly "f0rest" smashed his hand into the chair after HE WON. These Swedes get everything wrong don't they - you're supposed to do that when you lose.

He just went to the supermarket to get some ice on it - and Matthews said he taped it as well.



15:28 - bsl

Over in the tournament area status quo has not changed since all the teams moved out. MYM and Fnatic are warming up though and a very disappointed MIBR are loitering around - some of the Brazilians are watching HLTV while others seem to want to go to sleep.

This also holds true for Roccat who are crammed in front of the HLTV as well.

15:24 - bsl

MTW's first half was waaay to much to handle for SK - and they probably knew it. SK racked up four rounds before buying it to a total map score of 16-5 for the Danes.

MTW 1 - SK 0

15:18 - bsl

WOW - MTW won the first half 14 - 1.




The second half starts now - if SK can come back it will be nothing short of phenomenal.

15:16 - bsl

The maps for the MYM - Fnatic match are de_train, de_inferno and de_nuke - in that order. Fnatic picked inferno - MYMY picked train.

15:10 - bsl

SK is struggling on the stage. They can't seem to find a way through the Danish defense right now. MTW is up 7 to 1.

"Sunde" is pulling off a tremendous performance so far - a couple of rounds back he won a one on one situation by shooting off his AWP while completely blind. I guess luck favors the brave.

14:59 - bsl

SK and MTW started their match on stage - I'll head on over and bring back photographs, reactions and scores.

Stay tuned on Gotfrag TV for the upcoming behemoth of a match between MYM and Fnatic.

14:54 - bsl

MTW was the first team that could take a breather. It looks as if they have used their time well:




"whimp", "ave" and "Sunde" was seen sitting on some steps - browsing through SK demos to prepare for their upcoming semi final.

14:51 - bsl

The fantastic conclusion to the MIBR / Fnatic match deflated the tournament area somewhat. The losers are packing up their equipment while the four remaining teams get some air, revel in their victory and get set up for the remaining matches.

And these are big:

Fnatic - MYM
SK - MTW

14:43 - bsl

MIBR took the banana bombsite at a two on three disadvantage. During the after plant Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg came running in - racking up two headshots as he's done so many times in the past.





Fnatic progress to face MYM in the semi-final - a replay of the ESWC 2007 match:

"A rematch of epic porportions," said Gotfrag's Mark "jESUIT" Cheben.

14:43 - bsl

Fnatic got their 15th round. MIBR need the 30th round to tie the game (again).

14:39 - bsl

My bad. It is 14 - 14 between MIBR and Fnatic. Wow.

14:33 - bsl

Fnatic are up 4 - 3. That makes the total score 12 - 10 for MIBR.





14:30 - bsl

Intense rounds here in the tournament area. MIBR went up 3 - 0 (12-6), but Fnatic came back with two rounds of their own (12-8).

14:24 - bsl

A considerable piece of "Archi's" keyboard just came off. He lost a one on one in the vital pistol round against MIBR and pouneded his fist into the poor piece of technical equipment.





14:22 - bsl

The Brazilian's came back strong and took the half time score to 9 - 6. This after having been dominated in the early phases of the match. It is all on the line now as the teams play their last half - the half that will decide who loses and who goes on to face MYM in the semi-final later today.

14:16 - bsl

It's 6-5 now - still for Fnatic.

14:15 - bsl

Fnatic are up 5 - 4 as t on de_inferno against MIBR. "Archi" almost pulled off an amazing one on two with 5 health points but "b1t" could take him out in the end.

The Swedish star pounded his fist into the table, despite the bad cards he was given that round - I guess the adrenaline is pumping.

13:51 - bsl

The first semi-final will according to Thomas Kuhlenbach be MTW against SK - battle of Scandinavia. The second is MYM against the winner of MIBR and Fnatic.

These two matches are going to be ABSOLUTELY crazy.

13:49 - bsl

It's all over for EG. They go home after losing 2 - 0 to SK Gaming, and beating some pretty good teams in the road leading up to the quarter final.

Fnatic won de_nuke and we are currently waiting for the team to break before the final map.

13:46 - bsl

Someone from EG screams "Green ladder - Green ladder."





The American team had a tremendous run yesterday but seem to have lost their steam. SK took the first map easily and on the de_train the score stands at 13-5 for SK. Things are looking meek.

The same holds true for MIBR. Fnatic are dominating on defense on de_nuke and need only one more round to win the map - tie the game - and force a tie-breaker.

13:42 - bsl

MTW are comfortably in the lead against Hellraiser. I think it's fair to say that they are a shoe in for the semi final. The only other team presently qualified is MYM.

13:36 - bsl

EG has 4 rounds to SK's 6 on the defensive side of de_train. Fnatic are up 9 to 5 against MIBR on the attacking side of de_nuke.

13:32 - bsl

"NIIIIIICEEEEEEEE" (screamed in broken, Polish-English)

MYM prevail by taking the last round in style for a 16-14 de_dust2 map win and overall quarter final score of 2 - 0 over Roccat.

13:31 - bsl

Roccat failed in attacking B - MYM have 15 and their boot on their throat. In other news: Fnatic are pummeling a weak MIBR, it's 8 to 2 on de_nuke.

13:27 - bsl

An important two versus two went in MYM's favor. They have 14 rounds now - as do Roccat.

13:25 - bsl

5-1 in the Fnatic-MIBR match. The Swedes are cruising on de_nuke and the Brazilians need to fix their defense.

13:24 - bsl

"Neo" lost a one on one situation to bring the score to 11 Finnish rounds to 13 Polish rounds. MYM are forced to save weapons - this will be a very, very close map.

13:22 - bsl

"Lurrpis" from Roccat is the tournament area's loudest player - and in Finnish which means it sounds like he is screaming with a chicken entangled in his vocal chords.

Oh well, we are all for passionate gaming aren't we?



13:21 - bsl

Fnatic and MIBR are back at it - this time on de_nuke. Fnatic won the T side pistol and are currently running the show.

13:20 - bsl

"LUq" has been furious with his team mates for slacking off and allowing Roccat to eat away at their lead. MYM just won a round - it should render him more content.

13:13 - bsl

Roccat have extended their lead to 4 - 0 for a total score of 11 - 8 MYM.

13:09 - bsl

The first map is over on stage. MTW are up 1 - 0 over Hellraiser. Roccat took the pistol as T on de_dust2 and MYM are currently on their second save round.

SK won their first map of the day - EG will have to bounce back on de_train to stay in the tournament.



13:04 - bsl

4 for SK and 3 for EG so far. De_inferno is slipping through the fingers of the American hope here in Moscow.



13:02 - bsl

Things are going MYM's way on de_dust2 as well. Score right now is 10 to 3.

12:55 - bsl

MYM are fighting Roccat on de_dust2 - the score right now is 4 to 3 for the Polish team during their Terrorist half.

12:54 - bsl

In what was an esport SHOCKER Fnatic lost de_dust2. Meanwhile EG got six rounds on the offensive side of de_inferno, SK won nine.

12:53 - bsl

MTW won 10 - 5 first half and were up 3 to nothing. They got the first map against Hellraiser.

12:47 - bsl

MYM won their offensive pistol round on de_dust2 against Roccat after rushing B.

12:46 - bsl

EG took their fourth round as T on de_inferno. The defending SK team has five so far.

12:42 - bsl

There's a lot of screaming from the stage area where Hellraiser take on MTW. I'll go see what that's about - meanwhile MYM are getting ready for their second map with Roccat.

MIBR screamed and got their first round as terrorist on de_dust2. The score is now 4-2 for Fnatic, 12-9 for MIBR in total.



12:40 - bsl

Scores right now are 3-0 for Fnatic and 3-0 for EG. Pictures are coming.

12:35 - bsl

SK and EG are going live now. Fnatic and MIBR should restart to play the second half on de_dust2 as well.

12:33 - bsl

10-5 for MIBR first half on de_dust2 against Fnatic.

The Brazilians put up a great defense on the map Fnatic dislikes the most. "Cogu" were driving the Swedes crazy with his AWP.

12:28 - bsl

MYM is currently 1-0 on Roccat and there is a break between the match. Fnatic are live and SK are getting closer to starting as well.

12:26 - bsl

I added some pictures - scroll down.

12:25 - bsl

MYM'll take this first map if something weird doesn't happen. They already have 14 rounds and are looking strong on defense.

12:17 - bsl

Roccat are in good shape - they won the pistol round and have the momentum if they do not mess up during the Polish save rounds.

12:16 - bsl

Boy is this a fight!

MYM with the upper hand after the first half - 8 rounds as T to Roccat's 7 CT rounds. We are currently live with the second half pistol round.


12:11 - bsl

"LUq" ate his vegetables for breakfast. The heart and soul of MYM is putting on a show for the audience right now, standing up, screaming, high fiving - he's doing it all right now as MYM's offensive half on de_train is looking very effective.

12:10 - bsl

I do not speak Polish - nor do I speak Finnish. I can still understand that these teams (MYM and Roccat) do not like each other.

12:07 - bsl

KODE5 official Thomas "Kul1" Kuhlenbach informs us that the highly anticipated match between EG and SK is five minutes out - stay tuned to our great crew working Gotfrag TV for some exciting play by play by "Midway" and "Vansilli."

The match will take place on de_inferno (EG's choice), de_train (SK's choice) and, if necessary, de_nuke.





12:06 - bsl

Sam Matthews, Fnatic's manager, is also watching Finland vs Poland. He notes that "every other word is Kurwaaa" - and is absolutely right.

12:05 - bsl

Fnatic and EG are watching the MYM / Roccat affair. "LUq" stands up to "speak" some words of wisdom to the Finnish guys sitting 10 meters (30 ft) across the tables.

It's 4-2 now for Roccat

12:02 - bsl

MYM and Roccat are live.

The Fins took the pistol round - flawlessly as CT on de_train. "KURWAAAAA" rings out as the Polish team fights back with weapons winning their first round of the match.

11:20 - bsl

Brought SK in - safe and sound.

The Swedes start to set up. We stroll by MTW who is playing Hellraiser on stage and catch a glimpse of MYM as they talk about their match against Roccat - who they lost to at WCG in Seattle.



10:40 - bsl

Friends in need eh. We hook up with SK again after a failed attempt, on their part, on getting a cab. They decide to follow us into the subway and we help them find their way.

Gotfrag not only bring you the coverage from this event, we are a multipurpose site so we actually deliver the teams as well.

10:30 - bsl

the entire SK Gaming delegation (team + team leaders + coverage people) was standing around the lobby looking pretty bewildered. They were originally scheduled to play at 11:00 and had not been able to get a taxi. The debate was whether they should go on the subway or wait until someone could finally drive them.

They decided to wander off to look for a taxi.

10:15 - bsl

Breakfast in the banquet room at the hotel. Breakfast is about the only real meal we have during this tournament. With its many twist and turns (delays) we are bound to get too busy to go anywhere to feed.

My American friend went on record saying the bacon was "too greasy" - and that's taking a piss in the wind considering where he's from if you ask me.



07:50 - bsl

Wake up call - time to work out. And this time ONLY to spite "jESUIT" as he went on a rant last night telling me that I couldn't do it.