The final weeks of competition in the ESEA Main have been full of excitement and have seen several key outcomes for our partner teams. In the closing stages of the regular season, every match mattered… both for the final record and for the league position, which could pave the way to the playoffs. The spotlight was on Nexium POLteam and Constrict Gaming, who were playing their final three matches of this part of the season. For one team, it was a battle to maintain a stable position and confirm their good form. For the other, it was an attempt to finish the season with the best possible result and secure a place in the next stage of the competition. Ultimately, the end of the regular season brought two completely different scenarios. One team saw their journey end at this stage, whilst the other secured a place in the playoffs and remains in contention for further victories.
The final matches of the ESEA Main regular season
The end of the ESEA Main regular season was a time when every team was trying to get the most out of their final matches. The fast pace of the competition and the large number of teams fighting for places at the top of the table meant that even a single victory could significantly affect the final standings. Naturally, during this period we paid particular attention to Nexium POLteam and Constrict Gaming, who were playing their final three matches of this stage. Each of these encounters was crucial for the teams’ final records and their positions in the table. In the following paragraphs, we will take a closer look at the results of both teams and how they fared in the final stages of the season.
Nexium POLteam – a difficult end to the season
Nexium POLteam’s final three matches in the ESEA Main regular season yielded mixed results and ultimately had a significant impact on the team’s final position in the table. The first of these matches ended in a walkover victory against Galaxy Gaming. This allowed the team to add another win to their tally without having to compete on the server. Although such a result does not allow for a full assessment of the team’s form in a head-to-head clash, in the context of the end of the season it was an important factor in building up their points tally. Therefore, even such a scenario was a significant step for POLteam in keeping pace with the teams in the middle of the table.
The next match was decidedly tougher and required a direct battle on the server. POLteam faced Strael-Bora on the Ancient map, where they ultimately had to concede defeat to their rivals, losing 7:13. The result itself indicates that the opponents were able to maintain their advantage at key moments of the match and dictate their own pace of play. For POLteam, it was a demanding match that showed just how intense the end of the season in ESEA Main can be. Meanwhile, rivals fighting for the top spots in the table leave little room for error. Despite attempts to mount a challenge, the team failed to turn the match in their favour.
Nexium POLteam’s final match in the regular season took place on Dust 2 against buried friends. The match ended with the same result as the previous one, namely a 7–13 defeat. This result meant the team finished this stage of the competition with a 7–7 record, placing them around 70th–71st in the standings. Such a result meant a solid position in the middle of the table, but it was not enough to secure a place in the playoffs. Ultimately, Nexium POLteam ended their season in the regular season. However, in doing so, they gained valuable experience in the demanding ESEA Main competition and competed against many teams of a similar standard.
Constrict Gaming – a solid season and a place in the playoffs
For Constrict Gaming, the end of the regular season also featured three matches that were crucial to the team’s final record. The first of these ended in a walkover victory over Oxuji, allowing the team to add another win to their tally. As we have already mentioned, such a result does not allow for a full assessment of the team’s form on the server. However, in the final stages of the season, every win was of great importance for the league table. Constrict Gaming displayed consistent form for the majority of the season. Therefore, maintaining a good record in the final rounds was a crucial part of the battle for the highest possible position in the standings.
The second match saw a direct clash on the server. Constrict Gaming faced Fortress Esport on the Overpass map, where they ultimately had to concede defeat to their opponents. The match ended in a 6-13 loss, which was one of the team’s toughest moments towards the end of the phase. Unfortunately, the result shows that the opponents were able to dictate the terms and maintain that advantage for most of the match. Thus, this clash demonstrated to Constrict that the level of competition at the top of the ESEA Main table remains very high… where even teams in good form must face tough opponents.
At the end of the regular season, Constrict Gaming secured another walkover victory. This time against DESYATKI. Combined with the solid results achieved in earlier rounds, this allowed the team to finish the phase with a very good 10–4 record. This result placed them around 18th–19th in the table, which was one of the best finishes and secured the team a place in the playoffs. Thanks to their consistent form throughout the season, Constrict Gaming were able to continue competing in the next stage of the competition and fight for further success.
ESEA Main Playoffs – a difficult start for Constrict
After the end of the regular season, Constrict Gaming entered the playoff stage. In the first round, they faced WeWillWin. Unfortunately, the match ended in a 0-2 defeat, although the two maps unfolded quite differently. The first, Mirage, ended in a clear victory for the opponents, who dictated the pace of the game from the very start, winning 3-13. Constrict Gaming struggled to find their rhythm, allowing their opponents to secure a lead in the series relatively quickly. The second match was played on the Nuke map and was far more evenly contested. This time, Constrict Gaming performed much better, putting up an even fight against their rivals and keeping the score close for most of the match. Ultimately, however, it was WeWillWin who kept their cool in the final stages of the map, winning 10-13.
Despite the defeat, Constrict Gaming’s league campaign is not yet over. The team has dropped into the lower bracket of the playoffs, where they will still have a chance to fight for further progression. Interestingly, the team received a bye in the first round. This means they will skip one match and return to competition only in the next round. For the team, this could be a valuable opportunity to catch their breath, analyse their mistakes so far and prepare for their next opponent. However, the next match in the lower bracket will be extremely important. A defeat would mean the definitive end of their participation, whilst a victory would allow them to continue fighting for the best possible result.
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