Gyu claimed a 3-2 victory thanks to Rainbow Mage, Hound Hunter, and Enrage Warrior.

After a weekend of esports action, player gyu won the 2023 Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship! This victory earned him the lion's share of the tournament's $50,000 USD prize pool. It also secured him a spot in the Hearthstone World Championship 2023 event. Read on for his journey to the top!

Gyu won the 2023 Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Gyu won the 2023 Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Gyu at the Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship

The Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship ran from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20 and featured the top 16 players from the April, May, and June ladder. Under the conquest with a ban format, competitors brought four decks into the fray. The ones who had the best score in the best-of-five matches advanced to the next stage.

Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship players (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship players (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

After the first day of the Hearthstone esports event, the top two players from each group duked it out under a single-elimination bracket. This led to the semifinals where gyu was placed in a group with Meati, PocketTrain, and DreadEye. After sweeping DreadEye 3-0, gyu fought PocketTrain in the finals.

The semifinalists (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
The semifinalists (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship 2023

The first game in the Hearthstone Masters Tour Summer Championship finals showcased gyu's Rainbow Mage against PocketTrain's Nature Shaman. During the game, gyu played cards from different spell schools to increase Sif's spell damage. He also ensured that he had enough burn in his hand to take down PocketTrain. After dropping down Sif, gyu played Flame Geyser and Hellfire for lethal.

PocketTrain versus gyu (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
PocketTrain versus gyu (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Next, PocketTrain opted for Outcast Demon Hunter while gyu went with Hound Hunter. While gyu had a slow start, PocketTrain didn't relent as he peppered face with damage that quickly led to lethal and tied the score 1-1. The player earned another point when he played Rainbow Mage against gyu's Hound Hunter.

Rainbow Mage versus Hound Hunter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Rainbow Mage versus Hound Hunter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Gyu didn't give up as he went with Hound Hunter again. This time, it fought against PocketTrain's Nature Shaman. While gyu created aggressive boards, PocketTrain opted to clear it with value trades. During the late game, gyu played Hydralodon to clear his opponent's side of the board and threaten lethal. PocketTrain was unable to answer it and the impending King Krush, which resulted in a 2-2 score.

Nature Shaman versus Hound Hunter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Nature Shaman versus Hound Hunter (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

The final game showcased gyu's Enrage Warrior versus PocketTrain's Nature Shaman. While gyu built up a board and dealt damage to face, PocketTrain responded with Lightning Storm and Taunt minions to stop the bleeding. However, it wasn't enough as gyu leveraged Sanguine Depths to break through his defenses, push damage, and go face with a weapon for lethal.

Gyu claimed victory with Enrage Warrior (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)
Gyu claimed victory with Enrage Warrior (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

With this 3-2 victory, gyu will head to the 2023 Hearthstone World Championship!

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