Cover Image Courtesy: Virtual Genesis Esports
The second SEA Open Qualifier for Berlin Major 2019 came to an end today with Team Maple & VG.Anthrax making their way on to the Closed Qualifier. They will be joining AOES & Beyond Esports, who qualified through the first SEA Open Qualifier along with the four directly invited teams.
Image Credit: Liquipedia
Indian Teams At The Qualifiers
A lot of Indian teams were seen at both the qualifiers to try and claim a spot within the SEA Closed Qualifier. The first open qualifier witnessed SRA & Signify reach the round-of-16 while God Particles & Iyati also managed to reach the round-of-32.
This time around the Indian teams put up a much better fight with Signify & God Particles reaching all the way to the semifinals while Mammoth Gaming who was eliminated in the very first round last time finished in the top 16.
It was a bit disappointing to see Global Esports get knocked out in their very first match-up in both the open qualifiers. But still, a great overall effort by the local teams as more of them were able to hold their own against their Asian counterparts.
Qualifying Teams
AOES was on fire in the first open qualifiers as they took down Recca Esports in their opening game. The Singaporean squad belonging to the Malaysian organization found great momentum as it went on to defeat BOOM.id and FrostFire as well on its way to the Closed Qualifier.
Beyond Esports continued its dominance in the region as one of the best upcoming teams as it took down the heavy contenders Team Maple in the finals in two straight matches.
It was not all over for Team Maple as they made their comeback in the second open qualifier by reaching the finals where they faced off against Team Recca. After a surprising early knockout in the previous open qualifier, the team once again could not see themselves through as Maple walked away victorious.
VG.Anthrax who was not spotted in the first qualifier had a great run in the second one which had a very odd ending to it. Their opponent in the finals, Exodus, forfeited the game inspite of winning the first map.
It was a bit disappointing to see teams like FrostFire, BOOM.id & Team Recca miss out on a slot but congratulations to all the four teams that made their way through the Open Qualifiers. It was not easy as a loss could have resulted in immediate elimination.
All the best for the road ahead and stay tuned as the StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 - SEA Closed Qualifier takes place from 22nd-24th May.