We covered Gloris eSports’s final match of the current ESEA Intermediate S54 season here. As a reminder, the Polish team were due to face off on 6 September at 7.30 pm in the second round of the lower bracket of Playoff B. Unfortunately, the players forfeited the match. As we have established, this was due to squad shortages. Is the issue with player availability simply a matter of an unfortunate scheduling clash? We don’t know that yet. What is clear, however, is that the walkover has closed the door on their promotion to the higher league – ESEA Main. In the upcoming 55th season, we will therefore see them again in the Intermediate league, but in what line-up? That will only become clear in the coming weeks.
A solid regular season
Despite a disappointing end, Gloris eSports has had a really decent season. The team finished the regular season with a 9-5 record, which gave them 73rd place and a secure spot in the playoffs. Looking at the results, it is clear that the Polish five-man squad was able to hold its own against both lesser-known and more experienced opponents.
It is worth taking a closer look at the course of their campaign:
- CRSNT ROZE – 6:13 [de_ancient]
- Take Flyte EU – 4:13 [de_ancient]
- HAVENs – 1:0 [W/O]
- PENTA – 13:9 [de_anubis]
- Rheinkirmes – 9:13 [de_inferno]
- Antimaito – 5:13 [de_ancient]
- Pesujakivaus60 – 13:4 [de_ancient]
- average 30yo – 13:8 [de_mirage]
- HELL YEAH – 8:13 [de_mirage]
- R4G OLDSOL – 13:9 [de_ancient]
- NoSurrenderGG – 13:10 [de_mirage]
- YUYIETTE – 13:9 [de_overpass]
- Jonixal – 13:14 [de_mirage]
- Geny GG – 1:0 [W/O]
The team started with two defeats, but they quickly bounced back and showed their character. Victories over rivals such as PENTA and R4G OLDSOL proved that they can compete on equal terms with strong teams.
Playoffs not going to plan
Unfortunately, the knockout stage proved less fortunate for Gloris. They failed to secure a victory in their first match and had to drop down to the losers’ bracket. Another chance awaited them there, but the match scheduled for 6 September at 19:30 never took place. The Poles forfeited it due to a lack of players.
That was the only reason officially given. Were there really not enough players to field a team, or did the players simply not fancy the date? It is difficult to say for certain. The fact remains that the match did not take place, and the team’s season ended sooner than anyone could have expected.
Season review
Despite the disappointment regarding the playoffs, the regular season should be viewed positively. Gloris eSports showed that it can win, gained valuable experience and maintained consistent form for the majority of the campaign. A 9-5 record provides a solid foundation for thinking about further development.
The biggest problem, however, turned out to be the finish. Forfeiting a match is always a disappointment – for both the players and the fans. All the more so because what was at stake was a place in the ESEA Main, the tier above. A single setback knocked the team off the track they were on and forced them to reflect on the future.
What next?
Up next is ESEA Intermediate S55, where Gloris eSports will try their luck again. The key question is: will they play with the same line-up? We won’t know the answer until the start of the new season. If the team decides to make changes, it could be a fresh start. If they stick with the same line-up, they’ll prove they believe in themselves and want to learn from the painful end to S54.
It’s certainly a shame that the end of the season took such a turn. However, looking at the bigger picture, Gloris eSports have taken a step forward – they reached the playoffs, racked up nine wins and proved they have potential. Now they face new challenges that will show whether they can turn their ambitions into promotion to ESEA Main.
Gloris eSports (x.com — team profile)
English 
Polish 