1. Eien
The first rank player is the tier's very own leader who was unanimously ranked first. He consistently delivers positive records in current gen monotype while being one of best builders. This is only proven by his very dominant 5-0 record in MWP at the moment.
2. Chaitanya
One of the newer players in the Monotype Tournament scene, Chaitanya has been delivering positive records in team tournaments while always having deep runs in seasonals. His sometimes unorthodox teambuilding and team choice makes him difficult to anticipate. However, his peculiar picks can just as easily backfire on him.
3. Wincon
In third place, we have Wincon who is returning to exhibition after his amazing 9-0 record last year. Despite criticism of luck, he showcased a great ability to properly prepare for his opponent. Albeit his great past run, he is no longer running through everyone like he was last year and is just returning from a long break. Nonetheless, with proper motivation, Wincon will definitely do well in this player pool.
4. Harpp
Like Chaitanya and Wincon, Harpp is another fresh face in the scene who has proven his ability to perform at a high level. Boasting an impressive 6-1 MPL debut, he demonstrated great playing ability and preparation. One of his best strengths is his motivation, he will definitely put in his 100% to prepare for a game. Despite this, he has had a rather average MWP which might mess with his mentality.
5. Wanka
Despite having been out of the game recently, Wanka has managed to get the fifth rank. Having been one of Monotype's top players for a few years, he definitely knows what he is doing in the metagame and can deliver a great performance if he is adequately motivated. However, we cannot ignore the fact that his MWP has also been quite average this year. Also, his absence might have affected his ability to build teams in the current metagame.
6. Waszap
Waszap is a very consistent player, having gone positive in SM/USM Monotype for every team tournament he has played in. However, he generally has a small pool of diversity, generally using distinct variants of the same types. His usual variety comes from sharing teams with Chaitanya, which he won't be able to do as easily.
7. Sabella
Very much like Wanka, Sabella has always been known as one of the best in Monotype but he has been quite out of the metagame this generation. USM Monotype is not something he is as comfortable with and he might not even enjoy it. This lack of motivation might hurt his performance. Moreover, it is unsure if he really builds USM Monotype. While all this may seem negative, he is still a player that is known to deliver and he did have a strong 6-2 last Exhibition. It would not be surprising to see him deliver a similar run this year.
8. Attribute
In eight place, we have Attribute who has showcased unique and efficient teambuilding and preparation. Although he is a great player, he has failed to provide a great record in a team tournament, mostly highlighted by his bad MWP1. He is definitely capable of delivering, but his mentality needs to be strong, not letting his past records effect his current performance.
9. trash
While not being a Monotype player like most of the people of the list, trash has competed in the Monotype Tournaments several times and often delivers a strong record like his current 3-1 in MWP and his 6-2 in MPL, playing SM and ORAS. His main advantage in this tour is that he is paired with LAX, who has been his support during all these great runs.
10. Empo & Arifeen
In the tenth rank, there is a tie between Empo and Arifeen. Just like Wanka and Sabella, Arifeen is another top player who has simply not kept up with the current generation of Monotype. While he had a tremendous MPL, he has a weak record in MWP2 where he is playing purely USM Monotype. The main problem with him in that tour may be his lack of building support, which continues here in Exhibition. If able to make it past that problem, he can have a good run. On the other hand, we have Empo who is an overall strong player with a little bit of Monotype experience. Having played in a Monotype tournaments beforehand, he has some understanding of how the metagame works which will greatly assist his playing skill.
11. Vid
Despite being a recognized player in BW and ORAS, Vid does not really play much in USM Monotype. His last time playing it, besides the BO3 in MPL, was MWP1 in which he struggled. However, he has still kept in touch with the metagame and thus understands how it functions. If he's able to become more comfortable in playing it, he can definitely go positive.
12. z0mOG
z0mOG is overall an excellent player thus he should be able to perform well in Monotype if he has good team support. Also, he did get some experience with tier by playing it last year and ending positive. However, his lack of involvement with actual Monotype can be very problematic. The main issue with non-Monotype players who compete in the tier's tournaments is that they have trouble determining what the Pokemon run. Thus, he may struggle too identify sets during matches which will heavily throw off his game.
13. smub
This is smub's first time to play USM Monotype in a team tournament, thus he will have a lot to prove. Regardless of that, he has shown in seasonals that he is capable of beating even the best players in fair games. Also, he has somewhat abandoned the mentality that he should exclusively use Ice and Rock. With that gone, he will be a much more unpredictable player.
14. Chras & Havens
In last place, we once again have a tie, this time in between Chras and Havens. Chras has simply not really played USM Monotype much and has had rather rough records in the past. On the other hand, Havens is a newer player who has not yet been able to make a big splash in the competitive scene, only having a negative MPL4 record and a bland MWP2 one. He will be looking forward to use this chance to change people's opinions.
Ranking of the Monotype pairs
1. Striaton City Snackers
Harpp (4), Attribute (8)
With two solid and motivated players that are also competent builders, this core will be hard to break.
2. Relic Castle Fossils
Wincon (3), Empo (10)
With both of these players ability to perform well, as well as Wincon's ability to build effectively to support Empo, this pairing is expected to do very well.
3. Luke Valor Guardians
Wanka (5), trash (9)
The biggest worry for this core is their ability to build, however they also have lax as a teammate. If he is motivated enough, they will not have to worry about the teambuilding.
3. Mauville City Magnets
Chaitanya (2), z0mOG (12)
Chaitanya's teambuilding will make or break this core. If he takes this seriously and provides his teammate with properly prepared teams that aren't completely insane, they can be a big threat in the tour.
4. Victory Road Elites
Eien (1), Havens (14)
This pairing is quite unique since it's a mix between the highest ranked and the lowest ranked. The biggest worry is if Eien will be able to produce teams for both MWP2 and Exhibition every week. It is very possible that he ends up recycling things he had built during MWP2.
5. Dragon's Den Drakes
Sabella (7), Vid (11)
The main flaw with this core is that both of them are more comfortable with the older monotype generations, which may affect their playing and building. Some would even jokingly say it's a "stay ORAS" core. However, both of them obviously know how to build and thus should be able to produce interesting teams if they have the motivation to do so.
6. Cinnabar Firedogs
Waszap (6), smub (13)
This pairing's key issue is chemistry. It's hard to imagine both these players working together to prepare against the opponents. The most likely scenario is smub ignoring anything Waszap suggests while the latter spends his time complaining about his partner.
7. Alolan Island Hoppers
Arifeen (10), Chras (14)
This is another pairing of players who have been out of the metagame. Similarly to the Drakes, they simply don't have a top builder to support them. Their bench support Jase Duken and Cam are decent builders, but it is unsure if they can produce anything special for a team tour setting.
Sorry for the delay with the rankings! Just a heads up, these do not reflect the results of week 1 as the rankings were compiled during the week.
