The first phase of ESL Pro League Season 11 came to its conclusion on the weekend. No unknown quantities made it through to the second phase, but some big names did fall, most notably Team Vitality.
Vitality eliminated from ESL Pro League Season 11
There was ESL Pro League Season 11 action going on in both Europe and North America. The final round of games in Europe’s Group C decided that mousesports would be advancing straight into phase two while FaZe and OG ended up in the Play-In places.
With them in the hat, the three Play-In matchups were ready to go. FaZe Clan, who were one foot out the league just a couple of days earlier, took the chance against the definitive outsiders forZe and beat them comfortably 2-0.
Ninjas in Pyjamas were sitting on the opposite side of the emotion spectrum. The Swedes choked hard in the group to drop into the Play-In and as it often happens in esports – it cost them dearly. Local rivals Fnatic kicked the Ninjas out of contention with a 2-1 victory. The match was notable for the total of 12 rounds the losing side accumulated over the three maps. NiP obliterated Fnatic 16-2 on Overpass but put up five rounds apiece on Mirage and Train themselves. This rivalry has seen better contests.
The final clash in Europe saw Nathan “NBK” Schmitt go up against his former team. The sole Frenchman on OG came out victorious versus the French legion of Vitality and top fragged to boost. It was definitely one NBK enjoyed as his squad overcame a map deficit to win 2-1 and end Vitality’s participation in ESL Pro League Season 11.
It's over, no #ESLProLeague finals for the CSGO squad pic.twitter.com/9yyJMC3DrE
— Team Vitality (@TeamVitality) April 4, 2020
Made in Brazil make it through in the last moment
The League was not limited to the Old Continent. North American teams were almost too close to each other to separate, but the rule of competition is that someone must always lose. Swole Patrol and 100 Thieves were the martyrs on this occasion. Both squads held their fate in their own hands on the final day of play so they can’t throw blame anywhere else.
Swole Patrol got ousted from the Pro League by a determined Made in Brazil. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and co. started with a couple of losses and looked dead in the water but two victories in their final three games ensured they would catch the final boat to the playoffs. Swole Patrol performed better than expected in the group and would have advanced should they had won vs. mibr. The Brazilians knew what they needed to do and did it, though, securing the vital win with a 2-0 result.
The other direct fight for advancement was between 100 Thieves and FURIA Esports. The Australians had the W in the bag after a split on the first two maps and a 10-5 T-side lead on Nuke. FURIA had other ideas however and spoiled the party with an immense offensive half where they only conceded two rounds.
One of the best matches in the entire ESL Pro League season so far was played at the same time. Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses gave it their best as if it was the last match of the group. North America’s finest teams at the moment outdid themselves with each passing map. A 30-round EG win on Dust2 was followed by a 29-round TL win on Nuke and it all came together in a double-overtime Inferno that was ultimately won by Liquid. Good stuff.
Moving on to second phase
With the final results of phase one, the second phase group in Europe and the playoffs in North America are set. Here’s how it all looks:
Europe
- Astralis
- Natus Vincere
- mousesports
- FaZe Clan
- Fnatic
- OG
North America
- Team Liquid – Evil Geniuses
- FURIA Esports – Made in Brazil
Play in Europe has already begun with Na’Vi, Fnatic and mousesports achieving first day victories. The North American playoffs will be played April 9-12.
