We're pleased to announce details for the XMG Balance Test: Pro Invite tournament, put together by Yoan 'ToD' Merlo, sponsored by XMG, and broadcast in English by Major League Gaming. This invite-only StarCraft II tournament will feature eight pro players locked in frenzied competition on the very same balance test maps that you've been using to help us test potential balance changes for Heart of the Swarm multiplayer.

Balance Test Map Pool
Bel’Shir Vestige LE (2.0.11 Balance v1.1)
Yeonsu LE (2.0.11 Balance v1.1)
Alterzim Stronghold TE (2.0.11 Balance v1.1)

Competition begins today with the single-elimination, quarterfinal bracket. Each match will be played in a best-of-three format until just two competitors remain for the finals, which will feature a best-of-five match. The event’s second place finisher will pick up a cool €50 (~$69 USD), while the player who stands undefeated after the dust has settled will earn the title of Balance Test Champion and take home €100 (~$137 USD) for his efforts. Without further ado, here are the XMG Balance Test competitors and their matchups for the round of eight:

Join shoutcasters Alex ‘Axeltoss’ Rodriguez and Nick ‘Axslav’ Ranish on the official MLG stream at 11:00 a.m. PDT (7:00 p.m. CET) on October 29 and 30 to catch all the action. The show kicks off with quarterfinal competition on Tuesday, while Wednesday will feature the semifinals and finals. Team Millenium has been kind enough to provide a French stream for the event, and if you’d prefer, you can also catch the show on EmpireTV’s Russian stream.

We hope you’ll tune in for two days of epic Heart of the Swarm competitive balance testing, and cheer on the players as they put each change through the wringer in their attempts to outwit and outplay their opponents.