The Olsztyn Gaming Series has come to an end, and this year’s edition provided Counter-Strike fans with plenty of thrilling matches. Among the top four teams that made it through to the LAN finals were several well-known names on the underground scene. Following successful qualifiers, Vandals Clan and VoFoxen Esport – the latter having taken over the former Gloris eSports line-up in recent weeks – entered the fray for the title.
Of course, both teams began their campaigns in the semi-finals, but their paths took completely different turns. VoFoxen had to concede defeat to a formidable opponent at the very first hurdle and finished the tournament in joint third and fourth place. The Vandals Clan players fared much better, however, securing their place in the grand final after an incredibly thrilling semi-final. There, another tough challenge awaited them, with the OGS championship title at stake.
Although ultimately only one of our partners could return with a medal, both teams left a good impression. One team showed real character in one of the most spectacular matches of the entire tournament. The other, meanwhile, proved that, despite organisational changes, they are still capable of competing with the top teams on the national scene.
Vandals Clan turn the match around and reach the grand final
Vandals Clan began their LAN phase campaign with a clash against Dom Towarowy. From the very first rounds, it was clear that neither team intended to give up their place in the final without a fight. The series began on Mirage, chosen by their opponents. The Vandals started on the defending side. The first half was incredibly evenly matched and ended in a 6–6 draw, leaving the outcome completely up in the air. After the sides switched, however, Dom Towarowy took the initiative, effectively repelling the Vandals Clan’s successive attacks. Despite the occasional successful round, they were unable to turn the map around, and Mirage ultimately ended in a 10–13 victory for their rivals.
Nuke proved far more thrilling. Vandals started on the attacking side, and the opening stages of the match certainly did not go their way. Although they quickly managed to secure four rounds, the following minutes belonged almost exclusively to Dom Towarowy. When the scoreboard showed 4–12 in favour of their opponents, it seemed as though the fate of the entire semi-final had already been sealed. At that point, however, the Vandals Clan players staged one of the most spectacular comebacks of the entire tournament. Round after round, they closed the gap, levelling the score at 12–12 and forcing extra time. A single extra round was not enough to decide the winner, and it was only after several extra rounds that the Vandals tipped the balance in their favour, winning Nuke 22–20.
A match on Ancient was to decide who would progress to the final. Here too, the start was far from easy, as the first half ended with the score at 4–8 in their opponents’ favour. Despite further difficulties, the Vandals once again showed tremendous character and prevented their opponents from closing out the match within regulation time. For the second time in this series, extra time was needed, and even that did not settle the contest straight away. It was only after further extra rounds that a winner was finally decided. Ultimately, Vandals Clan triumphed 19–15, completing an impressive comeback and winning the semi-final 2–1. It was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling matches of the entire Olsztyn Gaming Series.
VoFoxen Esport put up a fight against the Vampires but were knocked out of the tournament
A much tougher task lay in wait for VoFoxen Esport. In the semi-finals, the Foxes came up against a familiar core of players who, in recent seasons, had represented TNC, then Project 91, and now compete under the name Wampirki. It was clear from the outset that this would be an extremely tough opponent, and the course of the match only served to confirm this.
The first map of the series was Anubis, selected by Wampirki. VoFoxen started on the counter-terrorist side and, from the very first rounds, put up a close fight against their favoured opponents. Both teams traded points regularly, resulting in a 6–6 draw on the scoreboard after twelve rounds. The second half was just as fiercely contested, with neither side able to build a comfortable lead. The map’s outcome was therefore decided in overtime. There, the Vampires’ players kept their cool better, winning 16–19 and taking the lead in the match.
The second map saw the contest move to Ancient. This time, the opponents took the initiative from the outset, effectively limiting VoFoxen’s attacking options whilst on the defensive side. The first half ended 4–8 in favour of the Vampires, and although the Foxes tried to make up the deficit after the sides switched sides, the lead built up earlier proved too great. VoFoxen went on to win a few more crucial rounds, but their opponents maintained control of the match and closed out the map with a score of 10–13.
Ultimately, the semi-final ended in a 0–2 series victory for the Vampires. Despite the defeat, VoFoxen showed that they are capable of competing with one of the strongest teams on the Polish underground scene. The first map in particular could have gone either way, and the final result was only decided in extra time by their opponents’ superior form at the most crucial moments of the match.
The Wampirki gave their opponents no chance in the final. Vandals Clan finish the tournament with a silver medal
After an incredibly gruelling semi-final, Vandals Clan found themselves with the chance to claim the Olsztyn Gaming Series championship title. In the grand final, they once again faced the Wampirki, who had previously knocked out VoFoxen Esport.
The series began on Anubis, chosen by the Wampirki. Vandals opted to start on the defensive side, and the first half went very well for them. Solid defensive play allowed them to build an 8–4 lead. As a result, they were the ones closer to victory before the sides switched. Their rivals, however, had no intention of letting up and, after switching to the attacking side, gradually clawed back round after round. Ultimately, overtime was required once again – a recurring feature of the Vandals’ performances throughout the tournament. This time, however, the Vampires’ players handled the extra rounds better, winning 16–19 to take a 0–1 lead.
The second map of the final was Inferno, chosen by Vandals Clan. The start offered hope of levelling the score, as the Vandals quickly took a 3:0 lead. Moments later, however, their rivals made up the deficit, and the match was interrupted due to technical issues. According to information appearing in the broadcast chat, there may even have been a power cut in the arena. However, the organisers did not officially confirm the reason for the lengthy break. Once the match resumed, the Vampires were almost entirely in control. The first half ended with them holding a clear lead, and after the break, the Vandals were unable to turn the match around. Despite a few successful plays, their opponents steadily marched towards victory, closing out Inferno with a score of 5–13 and the entire final with a result of 0–2.
Although they missed out on the championship title this time, Vandals Clan finished the tournament with silver medals. Their semi-final comeback and numerous extra-time matches, however, will certainly remain among the most memorable moments of this year’s OGS.
Two partners, one medal and plenty of reasons for optimism
The Olsztyn Gaming Series proved to be a very successful tournament for both Polish teams, although each may view their achievements from a slightly different perspective. VoFoxen Esport’s run came to an end in the semi-finals. However, simply qualifying for the LAN finals was an important step for the squad, which has only recently begun representing its new organisation. Their match against Wampirki showed that the team is capable of competing against established sides and will certainly want to put the experience they’ve gained to good use in future tournaments.
Vandals Clan have even more reason to be pleased. Their path to the final was full of twists and turns, spectacular comebacks and multiple extra time periods. Their eventual second-place finish, however, is a testament to the team’s excellent form. Although the Wampirki proved the better side in the decisive clash, the Vandals left a very good impression and proved that they belong among the teams capable of regularly challenging for the top honours.
Vandals Clan
VoFoxen
Source: x.com (Vandals and VoFoxen organisations) and the OGS live stream
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