The final day of the EU playoffs of ESL Major League Season 2 brought us a rematch from Day 1 as well as a thrilling bo9 Grand Final. Other than the standard Jaina, Kael and Sylvanas picks, Abathur and Azmodan once more snuck into some games, and we also got the chance to see the Boss of Ratchet himself, Gazlowe, in the action.
Kinguin vs Gamers2
The loser bracket game determining the team to meet ASH in the Grand Final was a rematch between Kinguin and Gamers 2. The bo5 series turned out as good as Day 1 when the two teams met, with Games 2 overcoming Kinguin 3:2 once again. The series started good for Gamers 2 who won the first 2 games, the first one having adrd on Abathur and Jowe on Illidan and the second one having Kinguin's GerdamHerd on the Evolution Master. When we thought Gamers 2 will close it at a 3:0, Kinguin fought back and snatched a game on the back of a Muradin/Anub'arak composition. In the 4th game Kinguin knew they had nothing to lose so they brought Illidan, Zeratul and Kael'thas to the table and once again, the risk paid off. Just when Kinguin thought they gained momentum though, Gamers 2 picked a "protect the Jaina" composition with Muradin, Johanna, Tyrande and Rhegar backing Nicker's Jaina. This strategy paid off and Gamers 2 managed to secure their place in the Grand Final where they faced ASH in a bo9 with ASH having a 2:0 winner bracket advantage.
A Best-of-9 grand final
ASH once again used Gela as a standin and she continued with her solid performance on non-assassin heroes. The Grand Final started well for Gamers 2 who took the first 2 games to even the series to 2:2. In the 3rd one ASH went all in with Illidan, Valla and Kael and this paid of as the took the lead to 3:2. The 4th game was a breathtaking Haunted Mines one in which ASH managed to close the game out as Gamers 2 were collecting the skulls in the mines. WIth the series being at 4:2, the 5th game featured the two teams at the Blackheart's Bay. ASH were in the lead for most of the game, until a terrible Boss fight happend in which adrd's Zagara landed an amazing Devouring Maw securing a boss steal and 26 coins. Gamers 2 however did not manage to ride on this momentum and ASH took control of the game, snatched the next boss and finally punished Gamers 2 and their greedy bottom lane push, by invading their core and ending the game to become the winner of the ESL Major League Season 2 European Playoffs.
From the looks of it, the European scene has a new contender with ASH showing solid play in the last few tournaments they took part in, as well as dominating throughout those playoffs. Gamers 2 are finding themselves on the other extreme as this is yet another tournament at which they made a final, but ultimately finished 2nd.
Overall those playoffs were filled with amazing action and further proved how competitive the European scene has shaped to be. We can't wait to see what will the teams have for us when time comes for the European Heroes of the Storm World Championship Qualifiers.
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