With the APAC LCQ wrapping up and several others just getting started, this following week is no doubt gonna be full of action and most importantly surprises, here's the rundown.
Asia-Pacific Last Chance Qualifier
Over the past 8 days we have had one of the most entertaining tournaments ever, I personally stayed up to watch every single match, but after it has all wrapped up one team has come out victorious, congratulations to BOOM Esports on becoming APACs third and final representative at Champions, joining Paper Rex and XERXIA. BOOM has had an nearly flawless tournament only dropping three maps throughout the four series' they played. ONIC G did come second and don't be surprised if they come back next year stronger than ever!
North America Last Chance Qualifier
We had an exciting past few days here in North America, with some thrilling matches all around the Board. The Guard and FaZe Clan will meet for the second time in the Upper Finals, FaZe will be wanting revenge after losing 2-1 to The Guard in the first Open Qualifier of the year, yep that's a few months back. We waved goodbye to Shopify Rebellion and Evil Geniuses as they lost to Sentinels and NRG Esports over the weekend. Cloud9 and 100 Thieves round out the final six. FaZe Clan and NRG will both be looking for a chance to get onto the international stage for the first time ever as The Guard and Sentinels look to reclaim the crown. 100 Thieves and Cloud9, both once representing NA at Masters 3 and Champions last year respectfully.
South America Last Chance Qualifier
We saw the first round of the South American LCQ wrap up just earlier today. Ninjas in Pyjamas took a shock early loss to 9z Team 2-1, and will need to run the gauntlet down in the lower bracket if they want to return to the world stage. KRU Esports took a routine win over TBK Esports but it certainly was not easy, narrowly winning a 14-12 overtime on Map 3. FURIA and Keyd Stars both won in 2-0 fashion, taking down FUSION and E-Xolos LAZER respectfully. We will return tomorrow with 9z Team vs FURIA and KRU vs Keyd Stars.
Europe, Middle East, Africa Last Chance Qualifier
We saw our first two matches just 12 hours ago, with OG LDN UTD taking a shock 2-0 win over G2 Esports, and it was a beating! With 13-5 and 13-6 wins, that's not even enough rounds to secure overtime for G2! In a Champions Final rematch, Gambit (now Masters 3 Champions), took down Acend in a close 2-1 series. We will have Team Liquid vs BBL Esports and Guild Esports vs Natus Vincere very soon. 5 of these teams have competed on the world stage but only one can join FunPlus Phoenix and Fnatic at Champions, or will we have a shock underdog win the whole thing?
East Asia Last Chance Qualifier
The East Asian LCQ will be kicking off in just under two hours with the Chinese first seed EDward Gaming facing the Korea third seed On SLa2ers, Maru Gaming vs REJECT will follow that in around 6 hours. Not much to say here, you can check out my last post for more.
As we only have a few more weeks until the final 5 are decided and just a few more for Champions it will be exciting to see the talent that will be playing live at Istanbul. Cya soon.