The first CIS open qualifier for ESL One Rio is over and it’s Nemiga and Espada that advance to the regional closed qualifier.
How the first CIS open qualifier unraveled
Nemiga were like the CS:GO equivalent of Lionel Messi out there and stomped each and every opponent they faced in this open qualifier. A 16-1 over S-Gaming in the final Bo1 was the highlight of Nemiga’s run in the online event, a feat they followed with another easy win in the Bo3 decider against Team Unique.
Espada were challenged better on the other side of the bracket. A couple of 16-11 victories against Revolt and DreamEaters got Espada to the Bo3 final. Once there, they needed a comeback against the monstars of the colorfully named team Space jam. What Espada needed is what Espada got and with this 2-1 win they can now relax and wait for the closed qualifier to arrive.
Before that happens three more open qualifiers are going to be played in the CIS region, the last of which is scheduled for next weekend – February 14-15. The closed qualifier will take place in early March – on the 5-6, with the top 8 teams advancing to the CIS Minor.
