Second part of this
Adding new feature : Public rating... Put your ratings of these matches out of 100 and I will make an average of them and put them down under my ratings.
The matches will be rated on how long they went for, the storyline, how good the competition on both sides were as well as how exciting they were. Individual Stats don't take into account.
August 6
Match 9 : Heretics vs Gen.G
Map Score : 2-1
Round Score : 37-34
If I could relive this match, I would in a heartbeat. It’s easily one of the best I’ve ever witnessed, a perfect storm of storylines, history, stakes, and narratives that made it unforgettable. From the outset, Gen.G came in as the heavy favorites, riding high on a stellar year that made them look unbeatable. But as this Champions edition has shown us time and again, no one is truly invincible, no matter how daunting the challenge appears. Gen.G started strong, asserting their dominance on the first map, Abyss, where Meteor single-handedly decimated Heretics, leaving them with no room to breathe. It was a masterclass from the Korean squad, and they continued to steamroll through the early rounds of Lotus, looking set to close out the match with ease. But then, something shifted. Heretics found their footing and started to resemble the unstoppable force they were back in Shanghai. Boo, in particular, played out of his mind. Despite being down 10-5, Heretics rallied, losing just one of the last nine rounds to close out Lotus in an incredible comeback. The momentum carried over into Bind, where they never allowed Gen.G to settle. Even when Gen.G started to claw their way back, heroic plays from Boo, Riens, and Benjyfishy shut down any hopes of a Gen.G recovery, leading to a 13-10 victory and making Heretics the first team to qualify for the playoffs. Gen.G, despite Meteor’s impressive +28 performance, looked disoriented on Bind and couldn’t find their rhythm. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Heretics either. Woot and Miniboo have been underwhelming this tournament, and while they took down the tournament favorites, there are still areas that need addressing. In the end, this match was an all-time classic, the kind of showdown that demands a rewatch. It’s rare to see such a blend of high stakes and dramatic reversals, making it a true gem in the history of the competition.
Rating : 91/100
Public Rating : ?/100Match 10 : DRX vs Fnatic
Map Score : 2-0
Round Score : 26-17
DRX faced significant skepticism at the start of Stage 2, and I was among those who doubted them. There were valid reasons—whether it was the team experimenting with new strategies or dealing with internal issues, they simply didn't look strong. However, since then, DRX has silenced the doubters, myself included, and I couldn't be happier to admit I was wrong. Heading into this match, nearly everyone expected DRX to lose, either 2-0 or 2-1, and it wasn’t hard to see why. Fnatic had been in top form throughout Stage 2, bolstered by the addition of Hiro, which brought a new dynamic to the team. The hype surrounding this matchup was palpable, yet no one could have predicted the outcome that unfolded. DRX didn't just win—they dismantled Fnatic. On an individual level, Buzz went toe-to-toe with Alfa's heroic plays, and as a unit, DRX outclassed Fnatic in every aspect. The first map on Abyss was tightly contested, with DRX edging out a 13-11 victory on their pick. But the second map, Lotus, was a different story altogether. Fnatic fell apart, with Alfa trying to carry the team on his back, but there’s only so much one player can do alone. DRX dominated, crushing Fnatic 13-6 and securing their spot in the Playoffs, while Fnatic tumbled into the lower bracket. This match had all the makings of a classic showdown, but Fnatic didn’t look like themselves. Despite this, they remain an incredibly strong team. Moving forward, they'll need to refocus on their team dynamics, especially as they likely face Kru and Keznit in the lower bracket—a matchup they can’t afford to take lightly.
Rating : 67/100
Public Rating : ?/100
August 7
Match 11 : Trace vs Leviatan
Map Score : 2-1
Round Score : 35-28
I had high hopes for Trace eSports in the Champions tournament, and not just because their logo is cool. When they beat Vitality, it was a moment of pure joy. For too long, people have dismissed China as a "free region," and Trace eSports entered the group stage as the underdogs, with Vitality, Leviatan, and Talon all standing in their way. Even after their victory against Vitality, there were doubts about their true potential, with some calling it a fluke. But if the win over Vitality put them on the map, their match against Leviatan proved they are here to stay. On Bind, Trace eSports played a cohesive, team-centric game. No one posted outrageous stats, but no one was negative either. Every time Leviatan secured a frag, Trace eSports got one extra back, showcasing solid fundamentals. It’s a simple truth: no matter how skilled you are, you can’t win if you keep losing duels. The man advantage is crucial, and Trace eSports capitalized on it, finishing the map 13-10. The second map could have mirrored the first if not for Aspas going +10 on Neon in Sunset, keeping the competition tight. But on Ascent, Leviatan didn’t show up at all, getting rolled over 13-5. Remember, Leviatan was the top seed from the Americas and one of the best teams in the competition. Yet Biank, once again, delivered a stunning upset, making Trace eSports the first Chinese team to enter the playoffs of Champions through the top seed ever. A few months ago, few took any Chinese team seriously outside of EDG. Look how far we’ve come. This game was a testament to Trace eSports' skill and potential.
Rating : 84/100
Public Rating : ?/100Match 12 : G2 vs EDG
Map Score : 2-1
Round Score : 34-35
This match of the Champions was, in my opinion, the best so far. EDG, coming off a lackluster Stage 2, faced skepticism about their international prowess. Many thought FPX or even Trace were stronger, despite EDG beating both teams in regional playoffs. Being grouped with PRX, G2, and FUT didn’t help their narrative either. Though they defeated FUT convincingly, most believed EDG wouldn’t stand a chance against G2. However, that notion was dispelled from the first round. On Icebox, a strong map for G2, EDG took an early six-round lead and never relinquished control. G2 is known for slowing the pace and meticulously dismantling their opponents when they lead, but EDG never allowed them that luxury. EDG dominated Icebox, finishing 13-8, with four players ending +5 or better. Then came Haven, one of the most intense maps I’ve ever seen. It was hard to predict who would come out on top, but G2 found their rhythm, securing a 13-11 victory with a four-round win streak to close the map. Bind seemed poised to be G2’s map. They extended their lead steadily, reaching a 9-3 score by Round 12. EDG fought back valiantly, bringing the score to 12-11, but it was too late. G2 held firm and handed EDG a lower bracket defeat. In truth, it was anyone’s game. Had KangKang performed better on Raze on the last map, we might have seen a dominant day for China. Despite the loss, EDG still has a strong chance to qualify. They'll face the winner of the PRX vs FUT match, aiming to make history.
Rating : 97/100
Public Rating : ?/100
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