Team Empire edged out Vega Squadron 3:2 for the final spot at The Summit 7 scheudled from June 14 to 18.
After seeing their dreams crushed by Na'Vi two weeks ago in a devestating 3:0 grand finals in the European qualifiers, Team Empire was given a second chance to redeem themselves when the Loot.Bet Invitational was announced to fill the one remaining LAN slot.
The CIS team didn't let this opportunity go to waste. They started out as strong as they could have hoped for, with two consecutive sweeps through Mousesports and then Gambit Esports before knocking Vega down 2:1 in the Upper Bracket finals.
Vega's loss was merely a minor detour for the team as they stomped Prodota Gaming in the Lower Bracket finals to re-emerge in the upper brackets against Team Empire for the Grand Finals.
Their second showdown was touch and go for both teams - with the pendulum swinging back and forth before finally settling on Team Empire as winner. Vega's consulation prize will be a spot in the upcoming WCA EU regional qualifiers.
Team Empire will also be competing today in the Galaxy Battles EU qualifiers - the LAN scheduled to take place at the same time as Summit 7 June 14-18th. With US visas often being problematic for teams with short notice, it appears the CIS team won't waste a single opportunity at alternatives.
Summit 7
Announced to take place once again in the Los Angeles area, The Summit 7 LAN playoffs will take place just a few weeks before The International 7, from June 14 to 18. Eight teams - invited and qualified - will be competing for a slice of the $100,000 prize pool.
Virtus.Pro, VGJ and Team Secret have been the only invited teams while Clutch Gamers seized the qualifier spot for SEA, CDEC for China and Na'vi for one of the EU spots.
