Baca's Mailbag: Champs & Challengers

From our pal Devon:  What teams are you expecting to see move from D1 into challengers ... 
and how do you think they will do? 
Also what challengers will be champions come the first event next year?

I admit to having only a passing familiarity with the D1 teams so the best I can do is go by the numbers and past performance. Given current rankings (and results) VCK appears very likely to move up with only Revo, Boom & Red Storm in the running for the other spot. Boom has been consistent but Revo and Red Storm have been improving. Right now whichever of Revo or Boom that finishes highest at Cup will take the second spot.
If you mean their results, I think they would be doing very well to finish middle of the Challengers or higher. How they do as a team though will depend on their expectations, leadership and team cohesion. Unrealistic expectations will begin to tear them down from within as will unsatisfactory results. The key is to approach each event as an opportunity to learn and grow and improve by focusing on a series of achievable goals within the process. Only strong teams can survive. Challengers is both reward and the next challenge and it will be difficult.
Assuming the league doesn't modify the process it will be the TonTons and somebody. In all likelihood it will be Vicious. It is clear from this season's results Vicious (and Upton 187) are the Challengers who are closest to delivering consistent Champions level play. All the rest are at present pretenders although I like the potential of both 'Shock and Royalty.