Game Changers Championship Day 2 Recap

The world championship continued with two quarterfinals matches and and the first semifinals matchup.

Shopify Rebellion vs Chao Hui Edward Gaming (SR 2–0 EDG)

Opening day 2 of the Game Changers Championship, there was a lot to be expected from both SR and EDG coming into the tournament. Beating fan favorite ZETA convincingly in the East Asia finals, EDG was a lot of people’s dark horse pick to win the entire championship. As for SR, everyone knew what they were capable of — with a 22 match win streak in Game Changers, they were shut down only by one other team, Evil Geniuses, at the last minute.

Shopify played their cards well as they completely dominated Haven in a convincing 13–1 map with show stopping performances from their main duelist florescent, scoring exactly 400 ACS and an impressive 21/5/2 KDA.

In the second map SR showed up again, but this time it was their sentinel player Noia who cranked up the numbers, scoring 387 ACS and a 24/6/4 KDA. Yet again with a resounding 13–2 scoreline, Shopify came out on top to continue their run in the upper bracket. As for EDG, they still have an opportunity to prove themselves in the lower bracket, where they will face one of KRU or BBL.

KRU Blaze vs BBL Queens (KRU 0–2 BBL)

Being the first game of the championship for both teams, KRU and BBL were up next. KRU had a lot to prove, considering their performance from last year, not winning a single series, buy they were against the top seed from Europe — BBL Queens.

The first map, Sunset, started off strong for KRU. However, that quickly changed after BBL took the reins, ending the half 7–5 and later winning the map 13–7. Eva’s praise-worthy performance did not go unnoticed — with multiple clutches and a 21/8/4 statline she was the fuel BBL needed to secure the first map. Nevertheless, conir’s efforts were not for naught— with a 302 ACS and a 45% headshot rate she was one of the main reasons for KRU’s early map success.

Map two, Bind, looked like BBL’s map to win after a 9–3 half, but with such a score comes a dangerous curse. KRU took BBL to the edge and almost took them to overtime, however Felipa managed to clutch out the last round to win map two 13–11 and advance into the upper bracket, sending KRU into the lower bracket and putting them at risk of being eliminated.

Team SMG vs G2 Gozen (SMG 1–2 G2)

Finally to close off the day we had the victors of day 1, SMG and G2 Gozen. Whoever emerged victorious would have a spot in the top 3 and subsequently in the Upper Final.

With a championship win under their belt, G2 were expected to sweep both matches. However, they were proven wrong on map 1, Bind, where SMG showed why they have a 35–0 series record by beating the world champions 13–8 with amazing plays from both Kamiyu and Alexy.

The second map, Split, which was SMG’s pick would come down to the wire, as although G2 would reach double digits early in the second half, SMG would string together seven rounds in a row, but were unable to complete the comeback as Gozen would win in overtime, 14–12.

The series would then pivot to Haven, a map in which SMG shone in their opener. However, they were unable to recreate their success, as G2 put together a strong first half and a flawless second half, winning the map 13–4, and securing a top three finish by advancing.

Bottom Line

Tomorrow will see the first round of knockouts, as Evil Geniuses face off against Team Liquid at 9 AM PST, followed by KRU Blaze and Chao Hui EDG. The tournament will then return to the upper bracket, as viewers will see the first NA/EMEA matchup as BBL Queens and Shopify Rebellion cross paths to finish the day.