Harstem's GREAT Tournament Run.... So far

[@JudoStev]

I'm a huge fan of both you and uThermal. Hearing you say that you respect him and specifically studied to beat him feels really good. When I watched the game with the ESL commentators, they were dismissive of Marc. You weren't. You're both great players but you clearly showcased that you're a better competitor and deserved the win.

[@krz8888888]

I think they are both brainiacs so it would be dangerous to expect easy games

[@tambaz2276]

how do I find this tournament? whats it called?

[@aaabatteries9948]

Uthermal used to be one of the best Terrans in Europe and Harstem knows better than to dismiss him. He might be rusty and playing random now but he can still put up a good fight.

[@TheHadMatters]

​@@aaabatteries9948 I 'm not a StarCraft player, but judging from hidden context clues, I have determined that you might find something searching for ESL Spring Regionals 2024.

[@miza6]

@@tambaz2276it is live on channel ESL, past matches are on ESL Archives

[@oliround]

"They are all opponents on a challenging ship, but there is only one Captain." Good luck and strength to you, brother.

[@odo9954]

YEAR OF HARSTEM!

[@Angerytortoise]

Love hearing your analysis of these games, saw them in the VOD but totally worth the rewatch to get some insight into your decision making. Also, that first game against GungfuBanda was pretty wild.

[@cobble3231]

40:50 the referee is so slow at unpausing the little head shake is hilarious to me. That was my reaction too

[@maffin1012]

same :D

[@BuddyWudzyn]

Love to see it. After a long time away from SC2 I got back into it from watching uThermal, and then you so I have a lot of respect. Also its insane that you make great content and are also a SC2 top contender. That is a crazy level of work to be top of your game in both creative content and production, and also pro play

[@JM-pq1rs]

I love this format, pro fist person with a commentary on the thought process is incredibly helpful. I sometimes watch these at slower speeds so I can try to understand every click lol

[@Tmoy1124]

I am impressed with, and enjoy, and appreciate, that your after-the-fact voiceovers still contain almost perfect commentary of what you were thinking live, in real-time. It feels like you're commentating while you play, even though you're not. it's like you remember every little detail of what went through your head every single second lol

[@mihairo83]

I saw all the matches Live. They look so different seen in a first person view. I like how he explains the difficulty of playing Protoss vs. Random, also how calmly played vs. Gungfubanda, but the fact was that in the first match the opponent had a huge army supply, not to mention the late game army composition while Harstem was stuck on a mid-game army composition. The game was really unique. Harstem getting a "W" on that match was simply out of this world. Not many show us an actual Pro Level gameplay. Its so different from watching a stream as a spectator. Not to mention explaining the mindset, the build and the real vision he has ingame. I am so curious what will Kevin aka Harstem will do in the ESL Playoff. Sincere appreciation. Best of luck!

[@loraxak]

As I was watching the first game against gungfubanda I was like look at the brilliant captian countering skytoss with a gateway army. Harstem "I'm at idiot I should have transitioned much sooner and started air upgrades."

[@TheSuperappelflap]

You cant really counter airtoss with gateway units. You basically have to allin before he gets too many air units or you will lose the game.

[@leinis80]

This was somewhat of my initial reaction too (whoa, he is countering skytoss with stalkers). But I suppose that Harstem actually countered with superior economy and constant pressure, and the reliance upon Gateway units was, well, unfortunate at best.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@leinis80 gungfu put way too much supply in phoenix in that lategame army. if he had a solid comp i think he would have won just defending, because harstem had basically mined out his own side of the map.

[@JFox4587]

Just wanna say I really enjoyed this video. It’s nice to see you giving it your all against high level competition, especially when you’re playing well in an exciting new developing meta. Hope your results and videos like these continue.

[@StarcraftDr]

Love to see these kinds of first person POV vids with your background analysis. Wonderful stuff captain Btw, impressed you get out such good content while competing at a high level

[@kylepalaian]

Keep these videos coming! These voiceover videos of your hindsight of the game are super interesting and I always love to hear your thoughts!

[@Garethax]

Was really waiting for this to come online!!! Such a cool perspective!

[@בןשמס]

Captain - I started my first journy with SC2 in COVID-19 lockdown, then stopped completely in 2022. I recently came back excited to play, and tried to play Pheonix openers after watching your guide. IT DOES WORK! its amazing if you read the Terran moves like you describe. Thank you so much, its actually harder to follow then playing a Blink opener but its so much better and the Pheonix most of the time find good value.

[@wedgeantilles8575]

Gratz, that is a smooth run until now! And I love this style of casting, your explanations why you did this and that, your "arguing" with yourself why you didn't do some stuff. Fun to watch and good luck with the rest of the tournament!!!

[@samueltemple9113]

Thanks for posting the commentary, its great to get your perspective after watching it live. Good luck in the next round!

[@chir0pter]

Game 1 vs Lambo was very well played, love the spread of units, commitment to runbys, use of HT, good micro decisions, decisive attacks. High level stuff

[@AbgarMusayelyan]

That first game against gungfu was amazing. I love the zerg like approach you took with out expanding and hitting both sides constantly to clear his bases. When I was watching this live I think at one point you had him down to 20something workers.

[@Scherbyy]

Once again - the two most enjoyable hours of SC2 content I have seen in a while! Love your commentary and love to see you succeed.

[@bennif8120]

The first game against gungfubanda was so much fun to watch!

[@opasfda]

Loved the format!!! The level of detail of the thought processes was extraordinary. I learned a lot!! Sometimes it looked as if you were casting someone else, you could tell us what you thought in the moment and what you think now in retrospect, so it was double the information!! Still you are missing the signature winks!! ♥

[@matth1005]

My family also traditionally puts up a Xel'naga watchtower as our Christmas tree

[@Geuzenviking]

Really enjoyed this video because it gives insight into your decision making and is nice change from pure commentating a game.

[@meksh.2329]

Very well done, go for it. Thx for playing and casting, gg gl hf.

[@balazshajdu4612]

GG WP thanks for walking throught your thoughrt process, and Gratz! excellent run! Nice preparation! GL !

[@lilalunex]

This was really interesting. I would love to see more such videos.

[@chir0pter]

1:33:33 I agree very cool strat till this point, the aggressive bait base was great. Could maybe have won there but still managed to transition to carriers after your opponent already did so

[@ezequieltellez9082]

the format was great, fun, entertaining, great matches you got it all. GGs!

[@jambootful]

Feels fantastic to see you coming out with some top performances there Harstem! Good luck and may you continue to prosper my captain :)

[@Catmarine-t5n]

All the best ! Love your gameplay and casts!

[@WebbChannel]

I like these long format videos, keep it up!

[@truthless4720]

Good games dude. Good luck in the playoffs, will be cheering for you.

[@ItsNickolai]

"I slept like a beast" - Harstem 2024

[@mar_sh4617]

YEAR OF HARSTEM YEAR OF HARSTEM

[@phib4107]

Great job so far! Keep it up, rooting for you!

[@Spaminator3000]

55:59 Reynor with 964 APM???

[@lukiv3]

i spotted exaclty same thing, just how. Ai level of apm

[@BrohunGaming]

this was so good i watched all of it over 2 days

[@DanielPodlovics]

Can you (or your editor) post when you're playing? I want to tune in but I can't seem to find a schedule anywhere!

[@miza6]

yeah i wish he would promote his upcoming matches more…but until then check liquipedia under starcraft 2, it’s has the schedule for this tournament. Harstem is in ESL Masters Spring Europe

[@markluijten4291]

check liquipedia

[@TheStreakify]

Me too! I've felt this way for years. No idea when the games are or how to find them, and I've looked online before.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@TheStreakify He streams on twitch and youtube but not really that regular, just when he feels like it. Harstem is a busy man, also making videos and competing at the top level besides streaming.

[@DanielPodlovics]

@@TheSuperappelflap we're mainly just wondering about when he'll be on stream for ESL sc2 masters. I've seen the stream pop up, but it runs for like 7 hours during the day and I mainly just want to watch harstem's games 😅

[@ThueJanusKristensen]

37:59 : "I am blind as a duck" :)

[@TheSuperappelflap]

That was a really interesting pvp at the end!

[@DFGdanger]

Really enjoy this type of video! 2hr runtime might be a bit long though. I watched it in 2 sittings.

[@binaryvat]

What about family and other creatures of the sea?

[@TheRoCkHaRdOrDiE]

i watch a lot of uthermal and i gotta say it was interesting to see him play from the enemies perspective. ggwp

[@aidancaldwell1266]

good format interesting insights great games won tournament

[@kakashi1150]

question, why make a cybercore as the emergency wall instead of a gateway?

[@derbisi9755]

It's the YEAR OF THE HARSTEM !!!

[@Erebus2075]

58:51 he double expand off 6 lings again; do heavy adept pressure; leave 1adept+bat at home and when it's space to tech go for DT (archons but also instant win if he didnt tech to T2 which he prop didnt with heavy adept pressure and attempting to double expand early off 6 lings

[@Erebus2075]

1:03:25 again stalkers to counter ling+queen is just a horrid trade, no reason to push stalkers out, do adepts and created zealots for tanking and counter to queens. also you didnt punish him at all for going very greed early and being scouted at it. if you insist on stalkers, bc damn a good trade there, then more batteries for defense

[@Erebus2075]

1:03:47 you see another push comming in with like 40+ lings up already and you having literally zero counter to ling, and you go for robo? should have massed those adepts first and have DT out soon for archon. storm is sooooo late; if you can survive untill then, the extra time for building a DT first makes no difference.

[@LittleRainGames]

Wow that one PvP with stalkers vs carriers was crazy, cant believe you won that.

[@Athanasia8818]

This is my favorite type of content

[@HungTran-gz5em]

32:00 Man you're not tight with the supply blocks today huh. Anyways, good run!

[@J.D.KOfficial]

Greetings Captain, I'd humbly like to put forward an idea. Why not add forward batteries or add in batteries when you add in your late game cannons. (Especially when you start to develop a mineral bank) Use them like Zerg uses creep? Maybe after the tournament you could play with the idea? I love your content it really gives an incredibly interesting perspective.

[@FidelisRaven]

The year of Harstem is coming! :D

[@svenrieckmann2541]

love, seeing you happy....keep going!

[@Erebus2075]

with the first adept push, 2 adepts, try sending the scouting probe with them, built just 1 pylon and 1 battery and keep exchanging shield for unit hp, even queens, think you can force favorable exchange; and when 4 adepts throw down 1 more shield and keep trading positively; shield for hp. can switch into blink stalker for even more fav trades, and even slow warps in early is better than passing through the entire map speed wise.

[@Erebus2075]

if built correct you can make a 1 ling spot outside queen range, making it impos to ling engage it

[@Erebus2075]

maybe 24:59 built wall for ramp; set 1 archon+1bat to hold it, leave it there. (it also stops the efficiency off a cheeky muta attack and all kind off baneling burst) put 2 archon into an extra prism, move it on top off ling groups and drop them to continually decrease his ling numbers and larva numbers; can be used to warp in zealots to flank pushes as well. 1 battery per archon as well when holding a hard defence; archons will last forever if in choke and before lategame with a shieldbat; even if you hold position them at max distance it's an amazing tank vs. attack and ensure their amoves constantly focus the archon; which is healed by its personal shieldbat ;P

[@Erebus2075]

27:30 well since probe already there throw a pylon for a cannon behind his min line ;)

[@Erebus2075]

28:53 dont send it to the one place your are 100% sure has AA, send it directly to main; where he properly dont have proper defenses bc he need all he has at the gold.

[@Erebus2075]

29:42 4.40 is your first scout on the nat and you don't scout his main before 38:24 13.30 when you do a blink drop into it. that's wayyyy too late, especially when you know his heavily invested early into the goldbase, and his entire strat depends on holding it.

[@xxjackirblackbloddxx7377]

best of luck rest of the tournament!

[@Sontraid]

Have you watched the commentary of the stream for your games? What do you think about ESL so far?

[@niquil7800]

Nice set of games Harstem!

[@jdhprogames]

Hey what tournament is this ? And how can I find the results? Thanks

[@truthless4720]

Do you regret not getting a prism instead of more immortals in the 3rd game vs Reynor? If you could juggle your immortals to keep them alive I feel like you'd have a better chance against the ling/ravager setup, since he didn't have any queens with it.

[@Protoceratops]

gl in the rest of the matches captain!

[@MeuTrade]

Man, I really love your work bro. Just go on. Up Up Up.

[@ChingueSaganaki]

Cringe "bro" shit... Don't call people who are not your brother(s) "bro"... Its a cringe, weirdo like and toxic behavior 🤦‍♂👎🤦‍♂

[@MeuTrade]

@@ChingueSaganaki miminiimimimimimi democrat trash talk mimimimimi BRO.

[@MeuTrade]

@@ChingueSaganaki Are you gay?

[@ChingueSaganaki]

@@MeuTrade 🤦‍♂ *shaking head*

[@Erebus2075]

54:10 he sacrifice sooo many lings, built 6 early, lost 2 drones; just go mass adept glaves as this point and force him to constantly trade badly untill he dies; he shield be down by a large amount off resources, not have drones and his double expanding and pushing aggressively; no way he can hold a full 2 base aggression switch

[@Erebus2075]

54:32 see, so like 20 lings; you got 4 adepts, you could have built 2 more instead off stalkers; thats 5+ adept vs. 20 lings, should win with little micro; so forced him to produce more lings which again no eco behind, just keep pushing adepts, why even built stalkers yet? they aint good for anything that can remotely come, they are countered by lings and you built them into mass ling, its not good

[@Erebus2075]

55:49 why leave? you should be way up in workers, you barely lost anything in main, his push is being held now; and you can rebuilt easily on third. should have crawled it back ;D also have a pylon to scout that side location ;) GGWP

[@rh0q915]

I will enjoy every minute of this 2hour masterpiece

[@persperspersp2866]

storms around 26:30 are ridiculous

[@marketingsimpler]

Playing the Raynor meta picking off ling run by was awesome.

[@kallebertz4408]

lovely commentary!

[@hvip4]

That game 1 vs GungFuBanda was so insane 😮

[@markluijten4291]

love watching the cam on harstem after a victory haha

[@eulefranz944]

Vs uthermal why did you wall in the highground game 2 as he is random? Wouldnt PvZ be terrible or is this map special?

[@rekt4guud134]

Well played. As for feedback, think i'd prefer watching your cam as you comment rather than the cam as you play or have both if there's room?

[@ford24680]

Congrats on your win!

[@douglasbessette6045]

At about 50:04 your saying that your not having great success against high tier players. It is my humble opinion that your builds are fine, but they are on to you. What I have noticed is that in the high tier games that you end up winning its your interceptor play early on that gets you the win. I believe that its more about scouting then anything else. If you can fake them out with two adepts, and then do some light cheese, then your transition into mid game will allow you to win with proper scouting. Your getting so good that your approaching perfection. keep up the good work and bring home the victory for the fam, and the fans.

[@douglasbessette6045]

Against zerg I believe that mid game air is their biggest weakness.

[@Edward-d5f]

year of harstem

[@arodreth]

1:46:31 as a zerg player i would love to have more options than building drones and queens but... i dont.

[@yanishine9021]

go mate good stuff nice work

[@walterytbe8214]

Really nice vid!

[@drassisback2949]

Great content cap’tain

[@Jeed92]

isnt it easier to have all production on 1 hotkey?

[@tjfirhfjejUTH24]

such an awesome video thanks

[@gyulajakab5852]

While Harstem may be insecure about adepts I myself am adept at being insecure.

[@maneljuanola]

Ggs very entertaining!

[@justindastar]

el capitan! great work keep kickin arse

[@krz8888888]

Captain firing on all cylinders, GGs

[@Kingslayer-gr2gw]

I was confident in my crap!! Quote of the century...

[@chir0pter]

Uthermal takes away a lot of his random advantage by stipulating all his gameplay becomes content

[@vsnkqfo8]

It's of course very easy to provide backseat commentary, but it seems quite logical to expect cheese/all-in from an opponent with high ping, since they will be at a disadvantage the longer the game goes on.

[@Yoxs]

I think It'd be nice to have some time stamps or something. Spoiler free though. Something like "SERIES 1, MINUTE 30" or something like that to let me know where to skip to. I can't watch the 2 hour thing but I rlly wanted to watch the Reynor and the PvP games

[@Amoeby]

The year of Harstem!

[@widksshdklsc]

Why is only Protoss doing this mineral denying thing in the beginning? Because they don’t need their workers for the buildings?

[@J.D.KOfficial]

That and probably also because Zerg usually scout with their overlords and lings, whilst Terran usually have a Reaper, or they scan cause they don't really like minerals lol. #YearOfHarstem

[@Tadiken]

So as a casual non-versus starcraft player, thinking about your recent Protoss versus Terran guide, I'm not surprised at all that other pros would reference it. It's so comprehensive, I can barely keep up with it, so it genuinely feels like the type of guide that is continually more useful the better the learner is as a player. Pros seem like the ideal demographic for the video.

[@martinwinther6013]

Dafuq Cpt Hamster. Youre legit at the very top NICE!!

[@Nathanael_Forlorn]

Time stamps would have been real great! Almost impossible to find again, where I was.

[@miza6]

looking forward to this one

[@Axehilt]

_"Sometimes in life, you need to make stupid moves."_

[@truthless4720]

Isn't cannonrushing the gold on Alcyone really strong? I guess it's a gamble as you're probably behind if they don't take it.

[@michaellevin1400]

waiting for your inevitable W, captain

[@AntiDoctor-cx2jd]

Most people who don't play zerg seem to hate zerg. Probably because they don't like seeing themselves lose to a disadvantaged race, so they lash out in denial. But Harstem can admit it that zerg is the least powered race (at least after the first 6 minutes). He's a very objective and open minded person.

[@ThePhilipish]

Year of Harstem?

[@thesultan1212]

upload the rest of the tournament pls!

[@tatotato85]

wishing you many more wins