In an Esports period the place the manufacturing worth of a LAN match is a must have, the DreamLeague S19 stood out as a serious contender.
Present standings in DreamLeague S19 | Supply: ESL
DreamLeague S19 managed to garner a peak concurrent viewership of 40,000 viewers on a Sunday evening group stage match, in order that’s a telltale signal that they’re doing every thing proper.
With the primary Group Stage accomplished, eight groups had been eradicated from two teams. The fallen groups embrace a number of notable powerhouses, akin to Talon Esports, Group Spirit, Group Aster, and ex-HellRaisers. Adopted by Entity, Execration, nouns, and Nigma Galaxy.
We at the moment are deep in two second Group Stage, and it’s excessive time to recap what went on within the preliminary spherical and the way are Playoffs shaping up.
DreamLeague S19 Group Stage #1 Recap
Solely the Western European and American groups superior to the second group stage. The remaining eight embrace the WEU groups, Gaimin Gladiators, Group Liquid, Tundra Esports, and OG. Whereas North American groups, Shopify Insurrection and TeamSoloMid, alongside their South American counterparts, beastcoast and Evil Geniuses are additionally current.
Not like the primary group stage, the place rounds are round-robin best-of-two, the second group stage contains a best-of-three single round-robin as an alternative. This can be a nice twist to the group stage, as the highest eight groups have a supposedly smaller ability hole, making it extra impactful to have best-of-three matches all through the group stage.
DreamLeague Season 19 Group Stage 1 Closing Standings
Sudden rise of Americas groups
The American groups are definitely not in anybody’s books to be on the high of their A recreation on the DreamLeague S19, contemplating their final pitfall at Lima Main 2023. Apart from Shopify Insurrection and EG, the opposite American candidates had been underwhelming.
But, these very American candidates surpassed the likes of stronger opponents on paper, akin to Talon Esports, Group Spirit, and even Entity. That stated, it’s turning into extra evident that the WEU rivals are on a better enjoying area, notably the Massive Trio in WEU.
It simply goes to indicate that Gaimin, Liquid, and Tundra nonetheless have an edge towards most regional representatives. And certain, we’d simply see one American group come out on high of Group Stage 2 on the finish. OG is the one WEU group that seemingly struggles to comb its American rivals.
Western Europe guidelines the DreamLeague S19
Whereas we wish to see extra variety within the high eight contestants, akin to Group Spirit, Aster, or Talon. Sadly, the WEU trio will doubtless have a WEU Division 1 rematch of their doubtless Playoffs bracket.
In fact, they deserved each little bit of their promising efficiency to say the highest 3 (once more). Nevertheless, if there’s one oddball to probably problem them, it’s Shopify Insurrection. The NA group continues to be persistently on the high, so that they is likely to be the area’s solely hope for a top-three end.
We now have seen Shopify snatch a clear sweep off Gaimin Gladiators, the champion of Lima Major 2023, in order that’s a superb signal. Simply want one other victory within the Playoffs to seal the deal and win bragging rights towards Gaimin.
Nevertheless…
Alternatively, the South American prodigy squad doesn’t look too shabby themselves as the brand new face of EG. Certain, they sometimes get caught in blatantly oblivious errors, however there’s no denying that their supply is at its peak. If the percentages favor EG, they’re a powerful candidate to probably change into the highest three at DreamLeague S19.
Regardless, Group Stage 2 has solely begun, and we should catch the motion dwell to see how effectively the American underdogs truthful up towards the WEU favorites.
