In our previous article, we covered Excurity Gaming’s first match in the ESEA Entry Season 54 play-offs, in which the Polish team secured a comfortable 2–0 victory and progressed to the next stage of the tournament without much difficulty [link to article]. Now we take a look at the next two matches, which brought the team both a swift progression and a bitter lesson at a higher level of competition.
Second round – automatic qualification
The second round of the play-offs in Bracket B was scheduled for 4 September at 7.30 pm. Excurity Gaming were due to face another Polish team – cestlavie. Fans were hoping for a thrilling clash, but the match turned out to be surprisingly short-lived. The cestlavie team failed to turn up in the match lobby and forfeited the match.
As a result, Excurity Gaming advanced to the third round without playing, and a victory in their next match could secure their promotion to the higher division – ESEA Intermediate. The team thus found themselves in an extremely comfortable position. No effort required in the second round, extra time for preparation and a clear objective – a win in the next match would mark a historic step forward.
Clash with Russian side Emotionless
Standing in the way of their dream promotion was the Russian team Emotionless, known for their consistent style of play and strong teamwork. The match kicked off on 11 September at 7.30 pm, with direct promotion to ESEA Intermediate at stake. The Poles went into the match highly motivated, but unfortunately their opponents quickly demonstrated why they are considered such a tough opponent.
The match was played in a BO3 format, with both teams selecting their maps: Excurity Gaming opted for de_train, whilst Emotionless chose de_nuke.
Disappointment with their own pick
Excurity Gaming kicked off the series on their pick, de_train. The team had hoped that picking this map would allow them to dictate the pace and build a lead. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be quite different.
From the very first rounds, it was Emotionless who dictated the terms of the game. The Russians effectively blocked approaches to the bombsites, regularly punished the Poles’ aggressive plays and capitalised on every mistake. Excurity tried various tactical approaches, rotations and a slower pace, but their opponents remained unyielding.
The first half ended 3–9, and even then Excurity’s situation looked very bleak. After the sides switched, the team tried to close the gap and turn the match around, but Emotionless controlled the game right until the very end. Ultimately, the Poles lost 5–13, conceding their map and handing the initiative to their opponents.
Last chance to keep the series alive
The second map, de_nuke, was Emotionless’s pick. Excurity realised they were facing an extremely difficult task, but despite a poor start to the series, the team had no intention of giving up.
The start of the map looked promising. The Poles put up a fight and secured a few valuable rounds, but every time it seemed they were regaining their rhythm, the Russians responded instantly. The first half ended 4–8, which still offered hope of a comeback.
Unfortunately, after the sides switched, Emotionless proved their class. Effective retakes, superbly executed force rounds and dominance in one-on-one duels meant that Excurity were unable to score consistently. The match ended with another 5–13 result, and the series concluded 0–2.
The Poles failed to capitalise on their chance for direct promotion to the higher division, and their road to success has become considerably longer.
What next?
The defeat to Emotionless saw Excurity Gaming drop into the lower bracket. From this point on, every subsequent match becomes a do-or-die affair for them. Another defeat will end their hopes of promotion and force the team to remain in the same division for the next season.
The Poles’ next test is scheduled for 20 September at 7.30 pm. Excurity will then face the winner of the Theseus EsportS vs IC Soldiers ACA match. This match will be absolutely decisive in terms of promotion and is sure to provide fans with plenty of excitement.
Summary
Excurity Gaming showed in the playoffs that they can fight and progress, even though luck was on their side in the second round thanks to a walkover. However, the match against Emotionless highlighted the gaps separating the team from the top sides at this level of competition. Their own map pick did not yield the expected results, whilst their opponents confidently capitalised on their strengths.
The Poles still have a chance of progressing, but their path has become much more difficult. The next match will decide whether Excurity Gaming will achieve their goal and secure a place in ESEA Intermediate, or whether they will have to wait a little longer for their dreams to come true.
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