Professional Overwatch players have expressed strong criticism of MLG's map pool format for their upcoming Vegas tournament (December 16-18). Instead of the traditional map drafting system, MLG has implemented a preset map pool, eliminating teams' ability to ban maps.

Key concerns raised by pros include:

• Forced play on unpracticed maps
• Ilios map scheduled for nine appearances, despite being rarely used in scrims
• Temple of Anubis and Route 66 set for five matches each
• Eichenwalde and King's Row scheduled for four matches each

"It's arbitrarily punishing teams for not choosing to practice certain maps when there was no reason to in the past," states Rise Nation DPS player Nathan "xRetzi" Telen.

CompLexity Gaming's support player Jack "Shake" Kaplan emphasizes that teams cannot realistically practice all maps in the game, making the format particularly challenging. The removal of map drafting also eliminates an important strategic element that teams specifically prepare for.

Anthony "harbleu" Ballo from CompLexity Gaming reveals that teams typically invest significant time in mock drafts to prepare for different opponents and situations. Fnatic tank Faraaz 'Stoop' Waris summarizes the community's sentiment: "Everyone hates it and it's a bad idea."

Despite widespread criticism from the professional scene, MLG is unlikely to modify the format given the tournament's imminent start date.

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