Another week of the 54th ESEA season has passed, and we’re finally taking a look at how Armitra NXT is faring in the Intermediate division. Unfortunately, their current results do not inspire much optimism. Although a 2–3 record may seem relatively balanced at first glance, it is worth noting that both wins were recorded without a fight. Once due to a bye, and once because their opponents’ squad was incomplete, resulting in a walkover. On the server, Armitra’s academy team is still searching for its identity, occasionally showing some interesting plays, but lacking consistency and a cool head at crucial moments. Ambition is evident in every match, but it is not yet enough to translate that into actual points in the table.
Armitra NXT are fighting to turn things around at the start of the ESEA season
Armitra NXT 1:13 GAMUZO eSports | Anubis
Their season opener was not a successful one. Armitra NXT had to concede defeat to GAMUZO eSports, who took full control of the match from the outset. The 1:11 score at half-time speaks for itself. The match was decided in a flash, and the second half lasted only a moment. It’s one of those matches best forgotten as quickly as possible. A harsh start can be demotivating, but it can just as easily serve as motivation for rapid improvement in future matches.
Armitra NXT 10:13 mXm-S | Mirage
In the second match of the season, the Armitra academy put in a much better performance. Although the first half ended with the opponents holding a commanding lead – the scoreboard showed 3:9 – the academy managed to rally and put up a fight in the closing stages. They came very close to turning the match around. Despite the defeat, this match showed that the team is capable of responding and finding solutions even in difficult situations.
bye round
It’s also worth mentioning that Armitra NXT had a so-called ‘bye round’ this season, meaning they automatically progressed to the next round without having to go online. To be honest, I didn’t realise that such a situation could occur as early as the regular season of the ESEA. A bye round differs from a walkover, which results from an opponent failing to turn up or fielding an incomplete line-up. Here, it is a planned element of the competition, particularly when there is an odd number of teams in a division. In Armitra’s case, this is one of those moments which, on the one hand, helps, but on the other, highlights that real success requires even harder work on the server.
Armitra NXT 1:0 5TARZ | walkover
Armitra NXT won their third match without even logging onto the server. The 5TARZ team were unable to field a full squad, and the match ended in a walkover. Although the point goes to Armitra, it’s hard to feel satisfied with such a victory. For the players, it would have been more important to test themselves in battle and gain experience.
Armitra NXT 10:13 R4G OLDSQL | Mirage
Another match and the same scenario all over again. Armitra NXT lost the first half 3:9, before attempting to make up the deficit, ultimately losing 10:13. This is the second time the team has come close to a draw but has been unable to turn the tide. The potential for comebacks is there, but without a stronger start to the match, it will be difficult to break the losing streak.
What lies ahead for the Armitra Academy?
The course of the season so far leaves no room for illusions. Armitra NXT must quickly learn from their mistakes and find stability if they are to join the fight for higher positions in the table. Glimpses of their potential in the matches against mXm-S and R4G OLDSQL showed that the team is capable of competing. But ‘almost’ isn’t enough when points are at stake.
This Wednesday, 6 August at 7.00 pm, Armitra will face another serious test. A match against the Russian team T-hamsters. This is a perfect opportunity to break the current run of disappointments and show their true character on the server. If Armitra’s academy still wants to make waves this season, now is the time to spring into action.
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