Following two Grandmasters seasons and six Masters Tours, we are gearing up to conclude the year with the Hearthstone 2021 World Championship! With $500,000 (USD) on the line, the top eight players in the world are set to meet this weekend on December 18-19 to see who will join the Hall of Champions and finish off 2021 as the next Hearthstone World Champion.
We recently asked each of the competitors a series of quick-fire questions to learn more about them ahead of the weekend’s tournament. Let’s get to know the two Americas contenders!
Nalguidan - The Legionnaire
A mainstay of the competitive Hearthstone scene for over six years, Nalguidan first picked up Hearthstone during the game's initial closed beta. It wasn’t long before he made a name for himself, calling his qualification to IEM Katowice in 2015 one of the most significant moments of his competitive Hearthstone career. He secured his spot in the 2021 World Championship after a 3-1 defeat of fellow Argentinian player Rami94 during the Season 1 Finals. Nalguidan has already cemented himself as a legendary player.
HS Esports: In one word, what is your greatest strength at Hearthstone?
Nalguidan: Preparation!
HS Esports: What has been the highlight of 2021 so far?
Nalguidan: My mage specialists runs and last game of finals vs Rami when I drew a perfect hand to kill him turn 6.
HS Esports: Other than yourself, who do you think has the best chance to win the 2020 World Championship?
Nalguidan: Frenetic.
HS Esports: Why do you think you are going to win the 2021 World Championship?
Nalguidan: Every year since 2013 I managed to improve my results from the previous year, jumping from nobody to national dominance, to great results in LATAM circuits, to an awesome performance in 2018 Americas playoffs, to eventually regional champion after some GM seasons. Next step is very clear!
HS Esports: What does becoming the World Champion mean for you?
Nalguidan: It would be an achievement for life, something I could look back in decades and be proud of. Though, I think I will be able to do that regardless of being the champion.
McBanterFace - The Fresh Face
The new kid on the block enters the 2021 World Championship with something to prove. McBanterFace began playing competitively in 2020, quickly reaching 68 at Masters Tour Madrid before a Top 16 finish at Masters Tour Ironforge and promotion to the 2021 Grandmasters Season 2. Though new to the scene, he quickly proved himself a formidable opponent, ultimately besting veteran Muzzy to secure his spot at the 2021 World Championship in his very first season.
HS Esports: In one word, what is your greatest strength at Hearthstone?
McBanterFace: Foresight.
HS Esports: What has been the highlight of 2021 so far?
McBanterFace: Game 5 vs Muzzy in the Season 2 Final.
HS Esports: Other than yourself, who do you think has the best chance to win the 2020 World Championship?
McBanterFace: Gaby.
HS Esports: Why do you think you are going to win the 2021 World Championship?
McBanterFace: When I am passionate about something and motivated, I am going to do everything that I possibly can to ensure that I succeed. I will be preparing practically non-stop to learn the new meta and ensure that I bring the best lineup that I can. I also have some amazing practice partners and supporters that I can rely on to help me along the way.
HS Esports: What does becoming the World Champion mean for you?
McBanterFace: Proving to others and myself that many years of competitive experience is less important than a strong work ethic and a focus on self-improvement. Additionally, showing everyone that a positive attitude towards the game, as well as kindness towards other people in the Hearthstone community, is a precursor to success.
Be sure to watch the 2021 World Championship on December 18-19 to see if one of these players can secure the title for Americas, only on YouTube. We’ll see you in the Tavern!
