The ArrMY Open has kicked off, and with it come the first thrills of watching the teams from our partner programme in action. Right from the opening rounds, it’s clear that the standard of competition is very high. However, our teams have no intention of giving up without a fight. In the tournament, we are seeing both teams that have set the pace from the start and are dominating their opponents, and those that are still finding their form after more demanding matches. It is only the beginning of the competition, but the initial results clearly show who can be counted on in the fight for the top honours.
A strong start for ArrMY Open and complete dominance from the very first rounds
Constrict Gaming started the tournament in absolutely perfect style. The two matches played on the Nuke map ended in total domination. First, a flawless 13-0 victory against Pogolita, followed by a very confident 13-3 win over Awaken Esport. The results alone demonstrate a huge gap in quality and complete control over the course of both matches. Constrict not only wins, but does so decisively, giving their opponents no room to spread their wings. Such a start can give the team a great deal of confidence for the upcoming matches. If they maintain a similar level of effectiveness and consistency, they could very quickly establish themselves as one of the strongest teams in the field.
Nisla Rakov also had no intention of wasting time getting into their stride and set a very high tempo from the very first matches. Victories of 13:4 on Mirage against Fuszerka and 13:2 on Anubis against KunaiTeam demonstrate great control and consistency in their play. The round differentials clearly indicate that their opponents struggled to put up a fight on equal terms. Importantly, Nisła managed to put in a solid performance on two different maps, which may indicate the team’s versatility. Such a start to the tournament not only builds up their points tally but also establishes the team’s image as one of the most stable and predictably effective squads in the entire competition.
Carpathian Roja can also be pleased with their opening performances in the ArrMY Open. Both matches played on Ancient ended in victories… 13-3 against VantaGaming and 13-8 against P0PEYS. Although the second match was clearly more evenly matched, the team maintained control of the score throughout and did not allow their opponents to pose a real threat to the final result. It is clear that Carpathian feels at home on this map and is able to exploit its strengths consistently. This is important at the early stage of the tournament, where stability is often crucial. Two wins to start with provide a solid foundation on which to build further success.
Confident victories and favourable circumstances
PEST Esport has had a very successful start, albeit under somewhat unusual circumstances. Their first match ended in a walkover victory against XD5, meaning the team did not get the chance to show their stuff on the server straight away. In their second match, however, they left no doubt as to their form, crushing Iron Bulls 13-0 on Mirage. Such a one-sided result clearly demonstrates a significant advantage and excellent preparation. Although they have played fewer rounds than some of their rivals, their start to the tournament can be considered exceptionally strong. If they maintain this level of performance, they could quickly become one of the most difficult teams for opponents to face.
Avalanche.gg experienced the reverse of events, but the final result remains entirely satisfactory. First, a confident 13-4 victory over RMS on Anubis showed that the team can control the flow of the match and build a clear round lead. The team then added another win thanks to a walkover against Spel Esports. Although one of the matches did not take place in the standard manner, it is the first match that gives a better picture of their current form. Avalanche look like a well-organised side capable of capitalising on their opportunities. Such a start allows them to look forward to the next rounds with confidence and build their position in the tournament.
Visionary Veil has been steadily building its position since the start of the competition, relying on solid performances on the Mirage map. Victories of 13-4 against Parabolic and 13-8 against Aesthetic Esports show that the team feels at home in this environment and is capable of maintaining control over the course of matches. Although the second match was slightly more demanding, the team did not allow their opponents to turn the game around. Consistent results may indicate a stable style and good preparation. If Visionary Veil can maintain this form on other maps as well, they could become one of the more predictable yet effective teams in the tournament.
Mixed results and the quest for stability
LHG have had some of the most thrilling matches of all the partner teams at the start of the ArrMY Open. Their first match against INKUSP on Mirage only ended after overtime, where they ultimately had to concede defeat to their rivals 13:16. However, this shows that the team is capable of competing on an equal footing and fighting until the very end. In their next match, they responded in the best possible way, completely dominating S-TIM with a 13-0 scoreline on Nuke. Such extreme results point to the team’s great potential, but also a certain inconsistency. If LHG can stabilise their form, they could be a very dangerous opponent.
NSQ began the tournament with a solid and convincing 13:6 victory against CWL Gaming on Ancient, which suggested a strong start to the competition. In that match, the team demonstrated control and efficiency, building a comfortable lead over their opponents. The second match, however, presented a tougher challenge. More specifically, a 10-13 defeat to Zjednoczone Snowidza on Anubis. This result shows that NSQ can put up a close fight, but lacked a bit of effectiveness at crucial moments. This is a team with potential which, with greater consistency, could realistically join the fight for the next stages of the tournament.
ArrMY Open is just getting started
The opening rounds of the ArrMY Open have produced many one-sided matches, but also a few more evenly matched encounters that have revealed the character of the individual teams. Some teams are already asserting their dominance, whilst others are still searching for their best form. However, this is only the beginning of the tournament, and as the rounds progress, the competition is sure to become even more demanding. One thing is certain, though… All teams have the potential to play a very important role in this competition.
Constrict Gaming
Nisla Rakov
Carpathian Roja
PEST Esport
Avalanche.gg
Visionary
LHG

