Key Takeaways from ECS Season 1 Finals
The ECS Season 1 Finals have concluded, and now we look forward to ESL One Cologne. Let’s take a look at the important things we learned from the event.
North America’s Continued Improvement
In the past, OpTic Gaming showcased great play at ELEAGUE and the major qualifier. This time, it was Cloud9 and Team SoloMid who surprised us with their performances. Cloud9 defeated Astralis in a best-of-three series, and TSM managed to win against both Astralis and Cloud9. TSM also had a close game against Fnatic and put up a solid fight against Luminosity. North America’s future in esports looks promising.
Pistol Rounds Still Matter
Many believe that pistol rounds are no longer important, but that’s not true. Winning pistol rounds can still give a team a chance for early leads. TSM, for example, won 88% of their pistol rounds before their loss to Luminosity. Having skilled pistol players can give teams an edge, especially in best-of-one group stages.
G2’s Rise to the Top
G2 has shown consistent success in recent tournaments, making them a contender in the esports scene. They defeated top teams like NiP, Liquid, fnatic, and Luminosity on their way to winning the ECS Season 1 Finals. G2’s map pool has expanded, making them a threat in the map veto process.
Fnatic’s Vulnerability
Fnatic, once considered unbeatable, did not win the ECS Season 1 Finals. This shows that they are no longer invincible. However, Fnatic has the potential to bounce back and perform better in future events. Losing before a big event can be a valuable motivation.
Astralis’ Struggles
Astralis, known for their consistent top-four finishes, has been struggling in recent months. They have exited tournaments in the group stage three times in their last four events. They face immense pressure to perform and may lose their elite status if they continue to make poor decisions.
ScreaM as the MVP
ScreaM, a fan favorite, delivered an impressive performance at the ECS Season 1 Finals. He had a career-high rating and was the best player in the grand final. His exceptional play contributed to G2’s success. It will be exciting to see if he can maintain this level of performance in future events.