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DPP DPP OU 2025 Circuit Championship: Finals [Won by PDC]
- Thread starter Smogon Death Note
- Start date
7W / 1L, good as expected. As for this week, it's a very messed-up pairings that should have happened next week, or arguably at the grand finale...
1. Marshall.Law vs 8. Pideous (aka Eve) - 55:45
Seeing the Top 3 finalists from DPP Revival facing off so early doesn't feel right, though they fought against each other early in DPP Revival as well. With that said, based on last week and their last set, I think Marshall is the better player for controlling the pace. He seems to be the dominant one, while Eve reused teams, kinda got bailed in g2 vs Sossa(although that g1 was a PKMN moment), and she has those setplays sequence she always prefers(like in early turns she prefers spinning over attacking immediately), and I hope to see her making better plays than being too reliant on her team flowcharting for her. But what she always has over him is the mental game, and she is easily one of the best players who adapts to the opponent's playstyle mid-game, which is why she's one of the most difficult players to face against in a bo3 setting. Marshall has some slight flaws where his mentality is suspicious, especially if he gets unlucky in a game where he thinks he should have won. And she has gotten many bailout scenarios, and if he takes it to heart mid-set, he's more likely to lose in the next games. If he avoids that and keeps playing as he did vs Track, he's definitely winning this set.
As to how the match will go, Marshall avoids using niche or too many surprise-elements of his teams and goes for the optimal structures because she has a lot of innovative builds that don't really align with his game plan on teams when trying with anti-meta tricks. I definitely think Marshall is using one team with heavy paralysis to limit her movement, or more sub mons that punish the type-cores like Rhyperior or Mamoswine. Either way, I want to see Eve play her best to win her rematch against Marshall.
15. PDC vs 10. 199 Lives - 60:40
I wish both of them didn't play against each other so early mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
This is another personal matchup I'm looking forward to since I know these two from the insane amount of ladder games and discussions I have had with both of them this year. With that said, if I had to predict who is winning here, I think PDC is more than likely to win here over 199. The easiest reason is that these two are definitely going to have 100+ turns, one or two games minimum, and 199 is prone to make errors that may fuck him up in the long run if the game goes too long with many variables to think about. Vs PDC, you do not want to do that lmao. Well, this isn't the only reason. Based on my experience, how both progress and respond to the opponent's offense matters for me, and I think PDC is just slightly better than 199 atm. I'll say PDC should not underestimate 199 Lives, because fuck that guy when he decides to play the long game vs me on ladder, would rather play against Hugo's slop Blissey/Gastroden with no tspikes on my side at that point. Regardless, I'd go more in-depth on the prediction, but I think I don't wanna reveal too much about both of them, best wishes to you two :)
14. Tenebricite vs 6. Monchooo 51:49
Actually a super fire matchup because both are also extremely close. Only betting on Tenebricite because I think he may be the better player here for this week, even if monchooo is the better DPP player in hindsight. As for the match, both of them are more offense-oriented than trying to play defensively, and if they're playing slow-paced, I doubt either of them is going for stall, considering it doesn't align with their strength to progress, and at best, some Zapmie teams. I do think it can be a matchup depending on whether Tenebricite brings a team that responds well to Monchooo's DPP knowledge. But overall, another close set :)
4. Airi vs 5. pixie909 - 45:55
A side of me wanted to predict Airi to win, but then I saw what they brought, and I immediately went to Pixie. Not sure if I have met Airi on DPP Ladder, but I definitely know Pixie from our ladder games, and I approve her stuff until she plays in a very flowcharted way or slacking to say at least. Funny to see DPP's summer seasonals finalists early as well, and I hope to see a game 3 in here compared to their last set! Wish I could say more, but personally, I don't have much extensive knowledge about either of you two because I haven't paid much attention to DPP individuals this year, unfortunately.
Again, very absurd matchups given the context. But it doesn't take away how intense this week is, and I'll be enjoying the matches when I finish my exams this week.
1. Marshall.Law vs 8. Pideous (aka Eve) - 55:45
Seeing the Top 3 finalists from DPP Revival facing off so early doesn't feel right, though they fought against each other early in DPP Revival as well. With that said, based on last week and their last set, I think Marshall is the better player for controlling the pace. He seems to be the dominant one, while Eve reused teams, kinda got bailed in g2 vs Sossa(although that g1 was a PKMN moment), and she has those setplays sequence she always prefers(like in early turns she prefers spinning over attacking immediately), and I hope to see her making better plays than being too reliant on her team flowcharting for her. But what she always has over him is the mental game, and she is easily one of the best players who adapts to the opponent's playstyle mid-game, which is why she's one of the most difficult players to face against in a bo3 setting. Marshall has some slight flaws where his mentality is suspicious, especially if he gets unlucky in a game where he thinks he should have won. And she has gotten many bailout scenarios, and if he takes it to heart mid-set, he's more likely to lose in the next games. If he avoids that and keeps playing as he did vs Track, he's definitely winning this set.
As to how the match will go, Marshall avoids using niche or too many surprise-elements of his teams and goes for the optimal structures because she has a lot of innovative builds that don't really align with his game plan on teams when trying with anti-meta tricks. I definitely think Marshall is using one team with heavy paralysis to limit her movement, or more sub mons that punish the type-cores like Rhyperior or Mamoswine. Either way, I want to see Eve play her best to win her rematch against Marshall.
15. PDC vs 10. 199 Lives - 60:40
I wish both of them didn't play against each other so early mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
This is another personal matchup I'm looking forward to since I know these two from the insane amount of ladder games and discussions I have had with both of them this year. With that said, if I had to predict who is winning here, I think PDC is more than likely to win here over 199. The easiest reason is that these two are definitely going to have 100+ turns, one or two games minimum, and 199 is prone to make errors that may fuck him up in the long run if the game goes too long with many variables to think about. Vs PDC, you do not want to do that lmao. Well, this isn't the only reason. Based on my experience, how both progress and respond to the opponent's offense matters for me, and I think PDC is just slightly better than 199 atm. I'll say PDC should not underestimate 199 Lives, because fuck that guy when he decides to play the long game vs me on ladder, would rather play against Hugo's slop Blissey/Gastroden with no tspikes on my side at that point. Regardless, I'd go more in-depth on the prediction, but I think I don't wanna reveal too much about both of them, best wishes to you two :)
14. Tenebricite vs 6. Monchooo 51:49
Actually a super fire matchup because both are also extremely close. Only betting on Tenebricite because I think he may be the better player here for this week, even if monchooo is the better DPP player in hindsight. As for the match, both of them are more offense-oriented than trying to play defensively, and if they're playing slow-paced, I doubt either of them is going for stall, considering it doesn't align with their strength to progress, and at best, some Zapmie teams. I do think it can be a matchup depending on whether Tenebricite brings a team that responds well to Monchooo's DPP knowledge. But overall, another close set :)
4. Airi vs 5. pixie909 - 45:55
A side of me wanted to predict Airi to win, but then I saw what they brought, and I immediately went to Pixie. Not sure if I have met Airi on DPP Ladder, but I definitely know Pixie from our ladder games, and I approve her stuff until she plays in a very flowcharted way or slacking to say at least. Funny to see DPP's summer seasonals finalists early as well, and I hope to see a game 3 in here compared to their last set! Wish I could say more, but personally, I don't have much extensive knowledge about either of you two because I haven't paid much attention to DPP individuals this year, unfortunately.
Again, very absurd matchups given the context. But it doesn't take away how intense this week is, and I'll be enjoying the matches when I finish my exams this week.
Seven months have passed since Eve and PDC last played, and PDC threw a crazy tech in the last game that secured a close victory, had it not been for that. And seeing a rematch again excites me because you'll have some of the highest quality games and team preparation ever shown in DPP OU. For me, having a good matchup only matters in the key positions + sequences rather than winning against the playstyle/team, and therefore makes this more of a who makes the plays that gains the upper hand in a way that makes actual progress, and makes sure they get the secured win in the end. Or you could simplify it as the better player and making better, but that's a bit boring to shorten things like that :P
To summarize what I think about their status at the moment, Eve's dominance + consistency in DPP OU Bo3's has made her one of the best players that I don't really bet against her unless in very specific circumstances. However, PDC has made a strong statement in his effort in 2025, with his optimization and innovation, which has given him success. Not only did he win the classic and got a strong performance for himself, but he also helped others like Marcop/Gilbert Arenas to win the DPP Invitational, who also beat Eve in his bracket path [G1][G2][G3]. To say this couldn't be a more awesome way to end DPP for this year would be an understatement, personally. I find it hard to decide who I want to cheer. Eve deserves a new custom avatar as a reward for her consistency through her career, while PDC's work has made me a big fan of him, and it would be poetic for him to end this year.
If I were to guess how the match would look based on this tournament, Eve's the better player to push her offense to maintain advantage, especially to punish passive or retreating turns[vs Pixie G1, T10-15], and since her teams tend to favour longivity, I'd say it's one of her traits that can make her win the set. While PDC is better at reacting to the opponent, even at its worst positions, can clutches it out (check him vs 199 Lives G1) and win the game. I do think both of them will approach each other compared to others, to avoid complacency. Though I think there is a chance to have a bulky balance vs a balance team, and Eve has consistently shown to bring a Starmie offense or Zapmie slop, or Breloom in her games, while PDC has abused Donphan spinning and preferred balance through his games. Not like what helped them to win will be immediately worse vs each other, but I do think they will adjust their gameplan and approach differently against each other, which makes my guess not as accurate IMO.
I do think Eve's the better player and could continue to be that due to her strong adaptation, but PDC is better than her in the other areas and can easily keep up with her strengths. So if I were statistically betting, PDC should be the predicted winner, but honestly, I have a feeling Eve is winning here and therefore is betting her to win. Maybe she may get those critical lucky moments where it fucks PDC's movement, but I'd be more confident in her showing for this week, and I am just cheering for her to win. Sorry, PDC, but this is where my bias matters; I'd be happy if you won as well. In the end, it's just a win/win for me and it will a entertaining set for anyone.
P.S the ratio based on what I said should be 55:45 for PDC's favour, but I always feel like it's a 51:49 just because how their playstyle and gameplay are super dependent on who has the key sequences, and outplays. It's like the wincon of their teams is less straightforward and therefore has a lot of flexible ways to end the game, which makes 55:45 kinda fraudent ratio in my mind.
P.P.S They're playing <t:1766250000:F> (Saturday, 5 pm GMT+0). Both deserved to be the finalists, and best wishes to you two, Eve and PDC :)
To summarize what I think about their status at the moment, Eve's dominance + consistency in DPP OU Bo3's has made her one of the best players that I don't really bet against her unless in very specific circumstances. However, PDC has made a strong statement in his effort in 2025, with his optimization and innovation, which has given him success. Not only did he win the classic and got a strong performance for himself, but he also helped others like Marcop/Gilbert Arenas to win the DPP Invitational, who also beat Eve in his bracket path [G1][G2][G3]. To say this couldn't be a more awesome way to end DPP for this year would be an understatement, personally. I find it hard to decide who I want to cheer. Eve deserves a new custom avatar as a reward for her consistency through her career, while PDC's work has made me a big fan of him, and it would be poetic for him to end this year.
If I were to guess how the match would look based on this tournament, Eve's the better player to push her offense to maintain advantage, especially to punish passive or retreating turns[vs Pixie G1, T10-15], and since her teams tend to favour longivity, I'd say it's one of her traits that can make her win the set. While PDC is better at reacting to the opponent, even at its worst positions, can clutches it out (check him vs 199 Lives G1) and win the game. I do think both of them will approach each other compared to others, to avoid complacency. Though I think there is a chance to have a bulky balance vs a balance team, and Eve has consistently shown to bring a Starmie offense or Zapmie slop, or Breloom in her games, while PDC has abused Donphan spinning and preferred balance through his games. Not like what helped them to win will be immediately worse vs each other, but I do think they will adjust their gameplan and approach differently against each other, which makes my guess not as accurate IMO.
I do think Eve's the better player and could continue to be that due to her strong adaptation, but PDC is better than her in the other areas and can easily keep up with her strengths. So if I were statistically betting, PDC should be the predicted winner, but honestly, I have a feeling Eve is winning here and therefore is betting her to win. Maybe she may get those critical lucky moments where it fucks PDC's movement, but I'd be more confident in her showing for this week, and I am just cheering for her to win. Sorry, PDC, but this is where my bias matters; I'd be happy if you won as well. In the end, it's just a win/win for me and it will a entertaining set for anyone.
P.S the ratio based on what I said should be 55:45 for PDC's favour, but I always feel like it's a 51:49 just because how their playstyle and gameplay are super dependent on who has the key sequences, and outplays. It's like the wincon of their teams is less straightforward and therefore has a lot of flexible ways to end the game, which makes 55:45 kinda fraudent ratio in my mind.
P.P.S They're playing <t:1766250000:F> (Saturday, 5 pm GMT+0). Both deserved to be the finalists, and best wishes to you two, Eve and PDC :)
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8. Pideous vs 15. PDC
PDC seems to have received the mandate of heaven and has embarked on a mission to lead the DPP meta into a cheese fest akin to the heights of psych up swagger rachi. He is a man possessed by the building gods and has been spewing innovation in every corner of the generation. From the northern shores of turbo shadow ball bliss to the southern wetlands of fling light ball flash uxie HO.
Starting from the last SPL all his game have been a joy to watch, not just for the many innovations but also for his in game ability to drag out a seemingly 0/100 matchup to a 300 turn masterclass on the art of war. A true display of his warrior spirit.
Pideous on the other hand has been reusing the same 3/4 teams since DPP Revival. Earlier in the year they had a great run in DPPPL using all sorts of unmons to great success and while that teambuilding spark of innovation seems to have fizzled out the results haven't. Even without the element of surprise they have shown that with just solid teams they can outplay any opponent reaching 3rd place in invitation and finals here. Seeing them sign up for SPL is also proof of their motivation to further cement their legacy in this gen.
Rooting for PDC but should be a great series regardless. Hope at least one game goes to >300 turns
PDC seems to have received the mandate of heaven and has embarked on a mission to lead the DPP meta into a cheese fest akin to the heights of psych up swagger rachi. He is a man possessed by the building gods and has been spewing innovation in every corner of the generation. From the northern shores of turbo shadow ball bliss to the southern wetlands of fling light ball flash uxie HO.
Starting from the last SPL all his game have been a joy to watch, not just for the many innovations but also for his in game ability to drag out a seemingly 0/100 matchup to a 300 turn masterclass on the art of war. A true display of his warrior spirit.
Pideous on the other hand has been reusing the same 3/4 teams since DPP Revival. Earlier in the year they had a great run in DPPPL using all sorts of unmons to great success and while that teambuilding spark of innovation seems to have fizzled out the results haven't. Even without the element of surprise they have shown that with just solid teams they can outplay any opponent reaching 3rd place in invitation and finals here. Seeing them sign up for SPL is also proof of their motivation to further cement their legacy in this gen.
Rooting for PDC but should be a great series regardless. Hope at least one game goes to >300 turns
Congratulations! Awesome final