With HTC happening in two days, why don't we get some general thoughts + predictions out in the open?
Despite what Leffen has said about PAX and Paragon being "practice" for HTC, I personally think he will underperform yet again, as he has already talked about being sick on twitter (prejohns?) and I think he cares more about getting bodied by M2K than he lets on. I put him at around the 3rd - 5th range, and maybe he can get 2nd, but I think 1st is a long shot for him at the moment.
As for other Big 6 members (Mango, Hbox, M2K) I think Mango is looking like the clear favorite to take the whole thing. With Leffen slumping and Mango historically being able to run circles around Hbox, he doesn't seem to have much competition other than Mew2King, who he soundly defeated at Paragon. As for Mew2King, he's been going on a huge upward trajectory as of late and has a chance at actually winning, though I still think Hbox is a HUGE obstacle for him and with Mango could honestly go either way (giving the edge to Mango though)
As for the Sheik players, I fully expect Plup to make top 8 at HTC. In Paragon, he unfortunately had to face two gods (Mango/Hbox) due to Hbox losing to Prof Pro and had to settle for 9th, but Plup has shown that he has what it takes to beat both of them. Unfortunately he's going to have to prove that he has what it takes vs M2K in the Sheik ditto if he wants the W because last time they met, M2K hit him up with the 6-0. With Druggedfox he has shown that he can destroy fastfallers with his brutal punish game as seen with close games with Leffen and Mango at EVO, as well as beating S2J at EVO and destroying DJ Nintendo at Xanadu. However, he has recently shown that he struggles vs floaties, losing to MacD and HugS at Paragon for a surprisingly low placing at Paragon coming off of 9th at EVO. And with Shroomed, I think top 8 is feasible for him.
Predictions (take with a grain of salt if you wish):
1. Mango
2. Mew2King
3. Leffen
4. Hungrybox
5. Plup
5. Westballz forgot that he was at DHLondon
5. Axe
7. Shroomed
7. PewPewU
And of course I think DHLondon will be pretty easy to predict (hint - ARMADA)
I'm pretty hyped for TBH5 too - with the compendium going down and Juggleguy as the head TO, it looks like it'll be an amazing event