Super 16 Recap
Moist Esports Back on Top
Moist Esports had the best Split in European history in the Winter, winning two events and finishing second in the other, not to mention their incredible Winter Major run. With Team BDS on the verge of the first ever regional sweep for Europe or North America, Moist Esports was not going to be one-upped. They took down Team BDS in the grand finals of the Super 16, after Team BDS had won three straight following a loss to Endpoint CeX. Much like G2 Esports, Team BDS reached the grand finals from the lower bracket in an attempt to win their third straight. Unlike G2 Esports, Team BDS failed to win the first series, and the search for a regional sweep in the two major regions goes on.
Moist Esports recovered from their regional two woes, where their streak of five consecutive grand finals in all events was snapped. They still finished fourth, and were in strong position to clinch a spot in the Spring Major in London, but questions surrounded the team with the new giant of Team BDS. Moist Esports answered those questions in resounding fashion, as they didn’t drop a single series. Both Moist Esports and Team BDS will be top contenders going into London, especially with the European crowd behind them.
Looking to London
(image courtesy of Rocket League Esports)
For European teams, the London Major will be special. It will be the first live RLCS event in Europe with fans since the Season 8 World Championship, two and a half years ago. If the crowd is anything like Los Angeles, fans will be in for a treat with the new experience. Europe’s favorites going into the competition will be Team BDS and Moist Esports, who have won the last 6 events in Europe between them (three each), and have each reached the grand finals of a Major event this season.
Joining the two powerhouses in London will be Endpoint CeX, Team Liquid, and Karmine Corp. Endpoint CeX joins Team BDS as the only two teams from Europe to qualify for all three Majors this season, and they are two of only six teams in the world to achieve the feat. Team Liquid made their debut as a roster this split, but proved themselves almost immediately. They finished second in the second event of the split, and will be Europe’s #3 seed going into the Major. Karmine Corp failed to contend all season long despite being favorites, but the addition of Noly to the roster brought them the success they so desperately fought for.
Karmine Corp now has a shot to make it to the World Championship in Dallas, and winning just one series will lift them over Evil Geniuses and into a tie with SMPR Esports for the fight spot in the European rankings. Though Europe is currently only guaranteed four teams, they are highly likely to send six, and could even send eight if they dominate their home Major. Team BDS, Moist Esports, Endpoint CeX, and Dignitas have all locked up their spots. More will be clinched as results are solidified at the Spring Major.
Missing the Major
(image courtesy of Rocket League Esports)
Almost every team in the Super 16 was in contention for the Major, but only five could qualify. That means some teams missed out on qualification, and their seasons have come to an early end. Evil Geniuses and SMPR Esports both still have a chance to qualify for Dallas despite lackluster splits, but will be waiting to see if Europe’s Major representatives can send them through. Dignitas failed to qualify for the Spring Major, but will still be going to Dallas. Team Vitality technically remains alive, but will be waiting to see if Europe can send a full eight teams to Dallas, which is highly unlikely.
Luminosity Gaming and Misfits Gaming both saw their seasons come to an end, as both teams showed flashes of brilliance but could never put it together consistently enough to qualify for a Major. Guild Esports also fell short, after floundering through the first half of the season. Solary had an impressive Spring Split, including a top three finish in the opener, but ultimately fell short of London. The Split was their debut as a team, however, and they can take plenty of positives into the future.
The regular season of the RLCS has concluded, and only the Spring Major and World Championship remain. Seeding and teams will be decided for the World Championship during the Spring Major, which will be the best collection of talent ever assembled at an RLCS event. Matches will begin on June 29th!
