The July 'Vampir' battle royale is fast approaching. Before the chaos unfolds, it is high time we scrutinise the current server matchmaking and analyse the clans expected to join the fray. To offer a sneak peek at the findings: there is a significant divide in points between the Platinum and Gold tier clans, largely thanks to the mass server migrations that took place last June. Let us dive into the analysis.

General Group Matchmaking Forecast

First up, let’s look at the initial charts for the 'Vampir' general servers. The Diamond tier is split into five groups, and the atmosphere in groups 1-3 is noticeably different from groups 4-5. While the former expects match-ups between clans with relatively similar records, the latter shows a gaping void in points between potential participants. In group 4, Jeontuminjok boasts 12 total victories, while Cheongyeok in group 5 holds 15. That said, Jeoju has caught a bit of luck with this bracket; despite a loss in the previous battle, they have been bumped up a tier for matchmaking purposes. A victory here is now non-negotiable.

Clans like Jeoju and Jingun, who are facing off against opponents with double-digit wins, may have fewer points, but their momentum is far from lacklustre. Ever since they first appeared on the 'Vampir' victory chart, they have been on an undefeated streak. One can only hope for a miracle upset against these titans.

The Diamond Group 1 match-up is equally compelling, featuring Kizia 2 and Nell 1, where Guisin and Gimyohan-saramdeul are currently active. Both clans are hitting their stride, with 3 and 8-game winning streaks respectively. Guisin has hit a 3-game win streak in the past but has never managed to push past it. It will be fascinating to see if they can finally secure their first 4-game winning streak.

As I hinted at the start, the point gap between the Platinum and Gold tiers is stark. The second chart confirms this, with Platinum groups 2-7 packed with clans holding only 1 to 3 battle points. We are seeing a mix of scenarios: veteran multi-win clans have vanished for various reasons, while previously weaker servers are slowly creeping into the upper echelons. A prime example is Dollingen 2's RoyalFamilyA, which shifted between Platinum and Diamond after securing their first win in May and adding three more since. The crux of the matter is whether these clans can maintain consistent activity to bolster their server's standing.

Of course, the Platinum tier isn't exclusively for novices. Group 1's Chilhon, with 6 wins, was matched in the Diamond tier back in June, while the likes of Seolhwa, Cheohyeong, and Death occupy groups 8 and 9. Notably, Cheohyeong’s server, Razbi 2, hasn't tasted victory in their last two matches, yet like Jeoju, they’ve been bumped up a tier.

Most clans expected to participate in the Gold tier have no victory records to speak of, with the exceptions of group 4's Razbi 3 Gamgak and Kain 3 Jeongui, both holding 2 wins. However, this does not mean all these servers are permanently weak. Olga 1, Shima 3, Razbi 3, and Milla 3 were all impacted by the 'Vampir' server migration last June. As point-holding clans moved out, these servers spent the last two battles in a slump. Who will step up to break this cycle and rescue their server from the doldrums?

Streamer Group Matchmaking Forecast

Moving on to the 'Vampir' streamer group matchmaking, the Diamond tier expects fierce competition in both groups 1 and 2. Group 1 pits Sashin against SpartaA; Sashin currently shares the top spot for total points among active clans alongside Gimyohan-saramdeul, and they are riding high on an 11-game winning streak. SpartaA, having just secured their second win, is immediately thrown into the lion's den.

Group 2 is set to be a clash between ROYALdanaekkeo and Sinhwa. While Sinhwa leads in total career points, ROYALdanaekkeo has the better recent form, as Sinhwa suffered a defeat in the final battle of June. If Sinhwa fails to secure a win this time, they face the very real threat of being relegated to the Gold tier in the next event. The pressure must be immense.

In the Platinum tier, Ridel 2 Heupyeoldan stands apart from the other servers. While Heupyeoldan boasts 10 wins, the rest are hovering between 1 and 4. Among them, Wolhadan has been following a predictable '2 wins + 1 break' pattern since their debut on the winner’s chart in April. Phantom, meanwhile, is eyeing a Diamond promotion after securing their first win in late June, followed by a 2-game winning streak.

Finally, the Gold Group 1 clan Harusari is known for its long gaps between victories. With 5 total wins—a pair from last December and January, another in March, and one in May—it remains to be seen if they will return to the fray to hoist another trophy or choose to extend their hiatus.