Shanghai Major regional qualifiers came with a different format than the one used for the Frankfurt Major and with so many CIS names in the European groups, chances are there will be more than two CIS teams advancing into the playoffs.
For those who are not familiar with this season’s Major qualifiers format here is a short look at the rules:
The ten teams from each region are spread in two groups of five with top two from each group advancing into the playoffs. The games in the first round are two game series, round robin format with a small twist. Instead of rewarding a 2-0 victory with three points the Shanghai Major gives one point for each game won. Meaning a 2-0 victory will be valued with two points, a draw with one point and no points given for a 0-2 defeat.
Top two teams from each group will advance into a double elimination bracket, best-of-three games where the winner and the runner up from each region will qualify for the main event.
With that being said let’s take a look at the European groups progress after the first day matches.
With four CIS representatives out of five slots in group A there is no surprise to see three of them in the top three. Team Spirit, Empire and Na’Vi, they all have a chance to claim one of the playoffs spots. Although Team Spirit is the leader of the group after the first day, with five points, the battle is still open because both Empire and Na’vi played only two series yesterday and here is where the new point system comes in handy for them. The two point difference can be easily adjusted in today’s games.
The only European team from group A, Mamas Boys (ex 4C&L) didn’t achieve any clear 2-0 victory yesterday and have already played three out of four of their match-ups. Chances for them to reach top two in the group are minimal.
The other two European squads, Team Liquid and London Conspiracy were seeded in group B and both have high chance to reach the playoffs.
Group B played less games yesterday and the race is still on for all the teams seeded here. But Ilya "Illidan" Pivcaev ‘s new team, Elements Pro Gaming is already in difficulty, with no series won yesterday and one loss in front of Vega Squadron. However, not everything is decided in group B and two wins today can propel Elements on top of the group.
Today’s EU regional qualifiers schedule:
10:00 CET - Empire vs Team Spirit
10:00 CET - Hell Raisers vs Na’Vi
12:30 CET - London Conspiracy vs Rox KIS
12:30 CET - Vega Squadron vs Team Liquid
15:00 CET - Na’Vi vs Empire
15:00 CET - Mamas Boys vs Hell Raisers
17:30 CET - Vega Squadron vs Rox KIS
17:30 CET - Elements vs Team Liquid
20:00 CET - Rox KIS vs Elements
20:00 CET - London Conspiracy vs Vega Squadron
