Hi Everybody!
My Name Is Liam and I’m proud to have been accepted as a guest writer to the Altador Cup blog! :D

Well what an amazing Cup! What initially started out as a major controversy eventually bloomed into possibly one of the most thrilling Cups in recent history.  In this analysis, I will seek to cover the individual plights of each team from the 4th and 5th tier. Despite these teams being oftenly overlooked and forgotten, (by analysts and players alike)  they have all shone brightly during this years cup.

1. Team Altador

It’s been a fairly fascinating tourney for the Gladiators this year! While entering the finals stage in 17th place may seem an ordinary and status quo result for the Gladiators, let us not forget that their entire standings were propped up entirely on SLSL and MSN scores! However, remaining winless in both SOSD and YYB for the entire DRR significantly sunk the teams hopes of improving upon last years 17th place finish.

Where to from here for Altador?: while 2011 proved to be a tough year for the gladiators, a 2nd overall placing at SLSL will go down well! If Altador can garner up a few more YYB wins next year while retaining their SLSL specialty, we could see an Altadorian rise. Altador could easily be a team to watch next year if they gain some more momentum! Their warm and inviting spirit is unmatched among the other teams and they are a team which surely will be able to glide up the standings with more support!

2. Team Moltara

For team Moltara, 2011 was the year with which they finally “got the machine up and running!” Moltara successfully proved that they could stand the heat of YYB, successfully beating AL twice during the DRR! Who could forget the eruption that ensued following the Moltaran triumph over the Krawk Islanders! (The same KI that’s playing in the finals NOW!) The Magmas proved that they have organisational structure, by successfully stealing wins from top teams on many occasions. It’s unfortunate that the Moltaran’s weren’t able to break free of the 5th tier (like Altador) but hey, someone has to be in it right? 

Where to from here for Moltara?: Like Altador, 2011 didn’t do the magmas justice. However, the upset over KI has proven the squads potential to become a YYB powerhouse, if they can consistently perform. Consistency will be the key word for the Magmas next year as they try to finally break out of the restricting 5th tier and really get up the standings. Watch out for the magmas next year! An eruption is on the way :D

3. Team Faerieland

The Faeries made history this year in being the first team to officially change their team strip and logo colour scheme! This rebranding unfortunately didn’t translate to a new team, as Faerieland retained a finals spot in the 4th tier this year. However, Faerieland successfully ended their DRR season with a highly commendable record in SLSL! It seems lower teams (such as FL) took advantage of SLSL to pick up many points! FL YYB result is also extremely impressive, picking up many wins and draws with teams such as Brightvale and Terror Mountain! The fluffers were only swept on 3 occasions during the DRR, (against TY, MD and TM) showing their intense potential to consistently gain points daily.

Where to from here for Faerieland?: The Faeries can leave the cup this year with their heads held high! Despite not quite achieving their desired standings climb, the gap they have between the 5th tier teams really is sensational. I see Faerieland really blazing with potential next year, and if they can pick up a few more YYB & MSN wins, there really is no reason they shouldn’t be flying into (at least) the 3rd tier!