SPOILERS FOR WEEK 4 VCT GAMES (EMEA, NA & KR)
EMEA:
Due to unfortunate circumstances only 3 matches were played this weekend in the EMEA circuit.
No major upsets happened between these matches.
BBL vs. SMB (2-0)
After a rough start to their group stage run, this match was predicted to go in SMB’s favour. The map vitos didn’t necessarily go in either teams favour, BBL banned their perma-ban bind and picked Split, SMB banned their perma-ban of Fracture and picked BBL’s worst map statistically with only a 33% WR since June. During the matchup, BBL won the first map split pretty convincingly with a 13-7 scoreline, the second map of Icebox was closer but BBL managed to close it out, 13-10.
G2 vs ACEND (1-2)
The reigning world champs Acend were of course the favourites in this matchup but there was some uncertainty surrounding them after their 2-1 loss to Guild in week 2.
In the first map Bind, which is Acend best map with an 85% WR overall so we expected a showing from them, but instead we saw a stellar performance from Nukkye dropping 30 kills in 20 rounds, with his help G2 won the map 13-7. The second map was ascent. Acend have an 11-5 record on this map in the last 9 months, they looked strong and took this map 13-9. The final map split was a showing from Acend and they crunched on G2, winning this final map 13-5, ultimately winning them the series.
TL vs LDN UTD (2-0)
Team liquid came into this match looking to reassert their dominance in the EMEA scene. After falling to Gambit in the first week they were looking to build a streak. ALthough LDN isn’t a top 5 team, this matchup was still important for TL. First map we saw was Haven where once again we saw TL bring out the Neon pick, they won the map 13-8. In map 2 Split, the first half was pretty even with LDN edging forward with a 7-5 scoreline, They began to pull away a bit in the second half garnering a 9-6 score but that’s when TL really turned on, everyone was
snappy but the MVPs imo really were ScreaM and Jamppi.
NA:
Similar to EU there were no major upsets (V1 coulld be considered upset) overall but there were a few very tight games.
SEN vs Rise (2-1)
NA’s 'ex-kings' are yet to see sunshine and rainbows on the first map of a series, commonly dropping it and having to reverse sweep. This match qualified SEN for the playoffs and makes Rise’s run a lot more complicated.
C9 vs LG (2-0)
NA’s ‘last hope’ Cloud9 are seeing similar success this year as they did at the end of the last. They currently have a 4-0 record and are locked in for the playoff stage. LG have more of a rough look as they must wintheir last game along with their future and fortune relying on other teams.
V1 vs OpTic Gaming (2-1)
A match-up between titans, V1 have been named by some, the underdog best team in NA, and OpTic are highly regarded as the most talented team in NA. We saw lots of clutches in this matchup specifically in Icebox where we saw an Ace clutch from yay and a 1v3 from effys on low HP. This match was nerve wracking but a banger for sure. Sadly for OpTic fans, V1 pulled away on Icebox as members of OpTic struggled.
KR
OS2 vs DRX (2-0)
Sweet, Sweet revenge for k1ng as he 2-0s his ex-team with his new god squad! This match really shows how the top korean teams are starting to read and adapt to DRX's plays. It will be interesting to see if this stinging matchup effects either of the team's performances.
T5 vs DWG (2-0)
After a tough year of teetering on the edge of the top of KR Damwon are starting off hot with a 4-1 record, on the other end of the spectrum, it is looking pretty rough for T5 as they have a reversed 1-4 record. This matchup wasn't expected to go in T5's way but the first map told us the whole story anyway. A 13-2 loss on Bind could've broke the mental of T5 yet it didn't and they powered on into Haven where they couldn't breakdown Damwon and suffered a 13-8 loss
Week 5: Matches to Watch!
EMEA:
No further elaboration about EMEA games week 5 but these are scheduled
GMB vs LDN UTD
This should be a wipeout from the CIS giant that is Gambit, it will be interesting to see how both sides react to each other and their playstyles.
G2 vs GUILD
A battle between two undeniable forces in the EMEA scene, GUILD have been looking very strong notably taking a win from the reigning world leaders in ACEND. It will be interesting to see if G2 can match Guild's energy,
FPX vs TL
FPX have looked very strong in all their games so far, winning all of them. Even beating out the EMEA heroes that are gambit. TL did suffer a loss against Gambit but have since recovered, beating both NaVi and LDN UTD.
ACE vs. BBL
This matchup is heavily favoring Acend as the world champs, BBL have been looking decently in form. Hopefully it's a good game but I don't have too many expectations.
NaVi vs BIG
Coming into this game NaVi are looking stronger, as they took a map from liquid and 2-0'd LDN UTD. On the other hand BIG struggled in their first 2 matches, losing to LDN UTD and FPX but they managed to take maps off both. We have to see how each team plays.
FNC vs. SMB
FNC are looking to get back to Reykjavik for their second round, they've been looking solid, winning their matches versus G2 and BBL. SMB just came off their loss to Turkish rivals in BBL and also suffered losses to both Acend and G2. Could this be the beginning of their comeback?
NA:
Although some are just for seeding, we have some banger matchup between the top of each group as well as some others!
V1 vs SEN
The top 2 of Group B, although only a seeding match it will be good to watch the 'old' topdogs vs. the 'new' ones.
C9 vs GUARD
The top 2 of the other side, again for seeding, this match will be a challenge for the underdog bosses of The Guard, this could prove them as a top 3 force of the NA scene.
OpTic vs Knights
This is a vital matchup for the side of OpTic, if they win they are officially through to the Playoffs but if they come out with a loss and rise wins, rise gets that important spot. It will be cool to see some up and coming talent play the NA powerhouses of OpTic
Sorry for the long post, I don't expect anyone to read it ^_^
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