Virtus.Pro have announced on Facebook that due to a busy schedule they will not be able to attend IEM Oakland. As a result of which the newly formed team Heroic will be attending the competition in their place.
The announcement comes a few weeks before the CS:GO tournament, IEM XI Oakland, that is due to take place on November 16-20 in the Oracle Arena. It was certainly a tough call for the organisation, as they are often warmly welcomed by the American fans and a $300,000 prizepool is certainly not something to be smirked at. However, with lots to prepare for, the Polish team have decided their time is better spent elsewhere and will likely be going under heavy preperation for upcoming events, which is strongly hinted by their statement.
General Manager of the team, Roman Dvoryankin had the following to say:
Virtus.pro will be entering the ELEAGUE playoffs as the upper bracket winner of group B, having beaten their final opponents Ninjas In Pyjamas 16:7 securing their position of top of the group. With Virtus.Pro withdrawn from IEM Oakland the tournament holders have announced that team Heroic will be standing in their place. Heroic will gladly take the opportunity to redeem themselves after a disappointing finish of 7-8 at the European Minor.
Should the groups not be redrawn, the teams will be arranged as follows:
Group A | Group B |
---|---|
Team Liquid | Heroic |
Natus Vincere | NiP |
G2 Esports | SK Gaming |
Astralis | mousesports |
iBP Masters Seed B1 | iBP Masters Seed A1 |
iBP Masters Seed B2 | iBP Masters Seed A2 |
Image courtesy of Virtus.Pro's Facebook