The dust has barely settled on the latest battles on the underground scene, and we can already get ready for another dose of excitement. This time, it’s the Ascent Legacy Series returning for a new season, kicking off with group-based qualifiers. The list of participants includes both teams that have already made their mark in previous competitions and brand-new teams looking to make their mark on a wider audience. Before we delve into an analysis of how the groups are shaping up and where the biggest surprises might lie, it’s worth pausing for a moment to consider the league itself and its new image. Why, exactly, has ‘Amateur Server League’ been dropped from the name? The league’s CEO provides the answer:
The name change came about mainly because the previous name explicitly indicated that this was an amateur league. And that was the case until Season 2, when stronger teams began to emerge. Many people pointed out at the time that the name no longer quite suited the nature of the league. And so the ‘Ascent Legacy Series’ was born. The name primarily reflects our commitment to always striving for the highest possible standards whilst building a legacy – something we value greatly in our league and which allows us to honour the legends from previous editions.
CEO of the Ascent Legacy Series — Axenik
Of course, you can follow all the results as they happen in the live coverage below:
What do the groups for Season 3 of the Ascent Legacy Series look like?
As you can see from the graphic above, this stage of the competition consists of four groups, each containing eight teams. The double-elimination format means that every team has a chance to bounce back, and a defeat in the first match doesn’t immediately dash their hopes of progressing. That’s why as many as four teams from each group will secure a place in the next stage of the tournament, and the competition looks set to be really intense right from the start.
The first round is always a special moment, as this is where teams get their first real-world test of their form. Meanwhile, we get to see who is heading into the season full of confidence, and who will have to quickly find a way to bounce back in the losers’ bracket. Often, the first surprises and stories that go on to define the season emerge at this very stage.
So what does the fixture list for the opening round of the group stage look like? Below you’ll find the full list of the first matches in each group:
Group 1
- North vs Victoria Nostra
- Chaos Esport vs Nyro
- NPK vs Gromaz Esport
- Ananaski vs Lunacy Gaming
Group 2
- 2Heaven vs Black Monkey
- Cigano Bulls vs Twilight Fury
- Zero Pomysłu vs Knagi Niebisza
- Do Chrzanu Esport vs Excurity Gaming
Group 3
- 404 vs Nisła Raków
- TUF Esport vs Zen Esport
- Team Fairus vs VoFoxen Esport
- Sportofcy vs 4 SPK
Group 4
- SevenSkull vs Horizon Youngsters
- RRISK vs Nigdy HLTV
- Esport Teritarials vs Aura Saturna
- Tenisufki vs Hybris E-Sports
From our editorial team’s perspective, Group C looks set to be the most interesting. This is because it features two partner teams: Team Fairus and VoFoxen. As luck would have it, they’ll be facing each other in their very first match. This clash will carry particular significance, as both teams know each other well, and the winner will immediately gain a psychological edge for the rest of the competition. Given the Foxes’ recent form, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which they don’t progress to the next stage.
Nor should we forget Excurity Gaming from Group B, who, given their performances so far, should secure qualification with relative ease. Of course, predictions are one thing, and the real test will come soon on the server.
The CEO of ALS shares this view; in a conversation with us, he emphasised that Group C is a real ‘group of death’:
In my opinion, Group C looks the most interesting, and I believe it’s the group of death; that’s where we’ll see the most excitement. However, it’s hard for me to say who will ultimately make it through to the main phase. In Group D, on the other hand, Horizon YG is the clear favourite. In Group A, Ananaski and Lunacy are likely to secure their place in the main phase, provided they don’t slip up. In my view, Excurity are a strong team in Group B, and I think they’ll make it through to the main phase without any trouble.
CEO of Ascent Legacy Series — Axenik
Looking at the group line-up and the opening matches, one thing is certain: there’ll be no shortage of excitement right from the start. Some will be looking to prove their form, whilst others will try to spring a surprise on the favourites and show that they’re capable of more than just playing second fiddle. And how will it all pan out in practice? We’ll find out in the coming days, when the Ascent Legacy Series really gets the qualifiers underway. For our part, we’ll be following the action and keeping you updated on the most exciting moments.
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