Game Changers Championship Day 4 Recap

In an action-packed day of gameplay, Shopify Rebellion secured their spot in the Grand Finals while two more teams ended their runs in São Paulo.

Team SMG vs KRÜ BLAZE (SMG 2–0 KRU)

In this knockout match, APAC giants SMG showed their prowess as they defeated the LATAM representative, KRÜ. Though SMG suffered a tough loss to G2 Gozen the previous day, the team looked strong as they locked in at least fourth place in the world championship.

On SMG’s pick of Lotus, it was evident why they selected the map as their first pick, winning 11 straight rounds. The team was firing on all cylinders, with enerii on Raze and shirazi on Viper picking up 15 kills apiece in the first half alone. Scraping together only two rounds in the second half, KRÜ were unable to rebound, losing the map 13–3.

Though KRÜ’s pick, SMG had already proven themselves more than proficient on Bind the day before, beating G2 Gozen 13–8 on the map. Against KRÜ, the game followed in a similar vein, with SMG closing out the first half 7–5. KRÜ were able to put up a more competitive fight than on map 1, but eventually fell 13–7, bowing out of the tournament with a 5th-6th place finish. Team SMG will play Team Liquid tomorrow for a spot in the lower finals.

BBL Queens vs Team Liquid Brazil (BBL 0–2 TL)

Sent to the lower bracket by two of the toughest teams in the bracket, BBL Queens and Team Liquid were hungry for the win to keep their tournament run going. On Ascent, TL started off strong on their own map pick by securing the first four rounds. The two teams traded off rounds, with TL ending their attacking half on top at 7–5. TL made short work of the second half, ending the game 13–8.

Haven for map 2 was a thrilling, hour-long bloodbath. Starting off with a nice 1v2 clutch by TL Joojina, TL again ended the half ahead at 7–5. BBL looked strong on their attacking side, bringing the score to 12–9 with a shot at taking the map. Cool under pressure, Team Liquid took the map to overtime where they were able to close it out at 15–13.

BBL, knocked out of the tournament, can leave with their heads held high as they end with a 5th-6th place finish. Team Liquid hopes to defeat Team SMG tomorrow to match last year’s 3rd place finish and keep their tournament dreams alive.

G2 Gozen vs Shopify Rebellion (G2 1–2 SR)

Perhaps the most anticipated series of the championship, fans were anxious to see if Shopify Rebellion could take revenge on G2 Gozen. Last year at the Game Changers Championship in Berlin, G2 were the opponents that sent SR’s meL and alexis to the lower bracket, ultimately resulting in their elimination. This matchup for a spot in the Grand Final was a chance for the two team’s core players to meet once again.

G2 Gozen started off the series with a bang, taking their pick of Breeze by a storm as they cruised to an 8–4 half. SR scraped a few more rounds together on their defensive half, but were eventually defeated 13–6. G2 showcased their heavy preparation, as well as their newly-relegated star duelist, Petra. Previously playing the initiator role, she stole the spotlight on this map on Jett as she proved to be an oppressive operator player, ending 24/10/0 with an impressive 13 op kills.

However, Shopify Rebellion recovered quickly as they dominated their map pick, Ascent. Leading throughout the course of the map, they emerged victorious with a 13–3 win, tying the series at one map each.

Map 3 on Sunset, G2 Gozen’s pick, was the closest map of the series. Though G2 was performing much better than on the previous map, SR was able to hold them at bay and finish the first half up at 7–5. The second half started with a 1v2 clutch by SR IGL meL, building momentum and ultimately leading the team to a 13–8 victory.

G2 Gozen will play in the Lower Final tomorrow in hopes of continuing their title defense, while Shopify Rebellion eagerly awaits the Grand Final on December 3rd for their first chance at the crown.

Bottom Line

Today’s matches determined the top four Game Changers teams in the world, and tomorrow’s competition will whittle the pool down to only two. Starting at 12 PM EST, Team Liquid and Team SMG GC will play, followed immediately by the winner of that matchup versus G2 Gozen.