The second stage of the Lunacy Cup is entering its decisive phase. The third round is now behind us, and it has produced the first clear results. We now know which teams have secured their place in the play-offs, as well as those whose participation in the tournament has come to an end. The fixture list, based on win-loss records, means that with every round the competition becomes increasingly decisive. Meanwhile, the table is beginning to clearly reflect the form of the individual teams.
The first round of the Lunacy Cup – the start of the competition and the first distinctions
The first round of the second stage was a classic start to the competition. The match pairings, however, were designed to quickly separate the teams into winners and losers. Even at this stage, we saw some strong performances and the first indications of who might play a bigger role in the rest of the tournament.
In the opening match, Galaxy E-Sport defeated Panica Gaming, whilst Armitra Esports proved better than Nexium POLteam. Onyx also won their match, overcoming Strzał z Bonia. Gloris eSports showed good form, defeating TEB Esport PRO. Meanwhile, Lunacy NXT beat Brothers Bus. Another victory went to OSEVEN following their match against Husaria Esports, whilst KRULiczki provided one of the most interesting upsets by beating Lunacy Gaming.
Another match whose outcome was not clearly determined in the standard way was the clash between UPO Team and SH4RKS, which only confirms that some matches could have ended in walkovers. Such situations, though less spectacular, have a real impact on the league table and the teams’ future prospects. So there was no shortage of both solid, confident victories and more unexpected results. Even after the first round, a clear divide was evident. Some teams had found their rhythm and put themselves in a favourable position, whilst others had to prepare to fight to make up for their losses.
Round two – evenly matched clashes
The second round presented a much clearer picture of the competition. Teams were paired according to their previous results, which led to separate matches between teams with a 1–0 record and those with a 0–1 record. As a result, the matches were more evenly matched, and the results began to better reflect the teams’ actual form.
In the “winners” group, there were several very interesting clashes. KRULiczki confirmed their good form from the first round, defeating OSEVEN and securing their second victory. Armitra Esports performed just as well, beating Galaxy E-Sport and showing that they are aiming for the top of the tournament. Onyx continued their winning streak, this time defeating Lunacy NXT, whilst Gloris eSports added another victory following their clash with SH4RKS. Thus, four teams finished the round with a 2–0 record and found themselves one step away from qualification.
Meanwhile, in the ‘losers’ bracket, the battle was even fiercer, as the stakes were high to avoid a very difficult 0–2 record. Husaria Esports defeated Nexium POLteam and got back into the game. Lunacy Gaming redeemed themselves after their first-round defeat by beating Panica Gaming. The Autobus brothers proved better than Strzał z Bonia, and TEB Esport PRO beat UPO Team, meaning all these teams levelled their records. As in the first round, some matches were decided by walkovers, which was reflected in the round standings.
Round 3 – promotions and eliminations
The third round brought the first definitive results and was also the most important round of the entire stage. It was after this round that we learned both the first playoff participants and the teams that had to bid farewell to the tournament.
In the clashes between the teams with the best records, direct qualification was at stake, and neither side wasted this opportunity. Armitra Esports defeated Gloris eSports, confirming their excellent form throughout the entire stage. Onyx proved equally effective, beating KRULiczki. Both teams finished the competition with a perfect 3–0 record and were the first to secure their places in the playoffs.
However, the most action took place in the group of teams with a 1–1 record, where the competition was the most evenly matched. Brothers Bus proved better than Galaxy E-Sport, significantly improving their position. TEB Esport PRO defeated Lunacy NXT, whilst Lunacy Gaming beat SH4RKS. Husaria Esports also joined the winners’ circle, defeating OSEVEN. Thanks to these results, several teams finished the stage with a 2–1 record and remain in contention for promotion.
Meanwhile, the matches involving the teams with the worst records were do-or-die encounters. Nexium POLteam managed to salvage their campaign by beating Strzał z Bonia, whilst UPO Team defeated Panica Gaming. This means that it was Strzał z Bonia and Panica Gaming who ended their participation in the tournament without a single win, with a 0–3 record.
Time for the decisive phase of the Lunacy Cup
The second stage of the Lunacy Cup delivered exactly what was to be expected… Excitement, twists and turns, and the gradual weeding out of teams. After three rounds, the picture of the tournament has become much clearer. The best teams confirmed their quality, whilst those with lower performance had to accept elimination. Armitra Esports and Onyx deservedly made it through to the playoffs, demonstrating the greatest consistency. Behind them, however, a group of teams still lurks, having not yet had their final say. The upcoming matches promise to be extremely exciting, as the stakes are getting higher.
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