Game Changers Series 2 Main Event Preview

With some teams making the Main Event for the first time, we asked a couple writers to help viewers become more familiar with some of the newer teams to join the Main Event.

FaZe Clan

Previously known as hamboigas, FaZe Clan has qualified for a second Game Changers in a row, continuing to show why they are a top-tier team. After internal struggles with some of the team’s members during Series 1 and a recent addition of head coach c4lypso, it was put to question if FaZe Clan would give a better showing in Series 2.

They started out strong after two quick 2–0’s against Insomniacs and 10$ DM FEE in the Closed Qualifier with impressive performances from their controller player panini, averaging over 300 ACS in both matches. They advanced to face previous Game Changers winners Version1. However, this time the squad was not triumphant, losing 13–6 on Split and 13–1 on Pearl respectively, setting themselves up for a lower bracket run.

Filled with a renewed sense of assurance, FaZe Clan overpowered their final opponent, SOMETHING2PROVE in a 2–1 victory, qualifying to the main event. There they are faced with yet another challenge in the form of Evil Geniuses, who haven’t dropped a single map in their run so far. This is the first time FaZe Clan are going to face Evil Geniuses head-on, with the stakes at an all-time high.

Overkill Black

Overkill Black has made history in the 2023 Game Changers North America season, becoming the first free agent team to qualify for the main event since last year’s Series II tournament. After a clean run of comfortable 2–0 wins in the Open Qualifier and another 2–0 win over YFP Remix in the Closed Qualifier Round of 32, Overkill Black was set to face Version1, the reigning champions of Series I. The squad put up a good fight in map 1, winning seven hard-fought rounds, but was ultimately beaten 2–0 (13–7, 13–2). In the lower bracket, OVK defeated Yacht Club Pink in a 2–1 fashion and otter pops 2–0 before being pitted against Unspoken Rizz, a project roster that had previously upset the long-time veterans of Misfits Black in the Ro32. After a grueling series of nearly three hours, Overkill Black clinched the win 2–1 (13–10, 11–13, 14–12), defying the odds and proving their worthiness as a qualifying team.

Overkill Black is composed of korosu (Dart Monkeys), Angel (New Moon White), miyara (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot), oktina (Carleton Female), and ariel (Uplyft Esports). In their first match of the Main Event, the roster is set to rematch Version1. Overkill Black will be looking to produce another upset as they take on the #1 Game Changers team in North America.

Disguised GC

Disguised Toast’s gaming org, Disguised, has returned to Game Changers with a vengeance. Series I earlier this year was a fun-filled, but impressive, first run at the circuit with four content creators (QuarterJade, Kyedae, Sydeon, TrulyTenzin) and ex-Immortals professional player, tupperware. For Series II, Disguised has signed a roster of five professional players, a mix of veteran players and rising talent. The IGL of the team is Katarina (VersionX), alongside Hannah (Team Karma, Gen.G), lazylion (Moon Raccoons Black, sqn 2.0), unstable (noot noot), and misu (capuwu, Tactical Throwers). Although a newly formed squad, DSG has already proven that they are prepared to win against the best Game Changers teams in North America.

Disguised GC had a near-flawless run through the Open Qualifiers, claiming victories over Van Lyn Magenta (2–0) and BreakThru GC (2–1). The team then took a quick win against SOMETHING2PROVE (2–0) before pulling out a nail-biter upset win against Series I’s 4th place team, FlyQuest Red (15–13, 5–13, 14–12). In the next round of the Closed Qualifier, DSG fell short in their series against Evil Geniuses GC (10–13, 7–13). To qualify for the Main Event from the lower bracket, Disguised went head-to-head with the recently-signed Supernova Galaxy (formerly noot noot) in a thrilling three map series. After dominating the first map on Bind 13–1, the team faltered on Pearl with an 8–13 scoreline. However, they managed to regain their confidence for a solid 13–7 win on Haven, securing qualification. Next, DSG GC will meet XSET as they hope to continue their breakthrough run in the Main Event.

XSET

After a third place finish in Series 1, XSET participated in both the NSG Lockdown 2 qualifiers and four Knights Monthly tournaments in preparation for Series 2. They saw Panday depart, but filled their fifth roster spot with Soto, a player new to the GC scene, formerly of Team Fish Taco and Kitten Shelter.

They opened Series 2 with a bye into the Closed Qualifier, and they have looked impeccable throughout the six maps they have played, winning all, as they defeated Potter Posse, Gen.G Black, and Complexity GX3 on their way to secure their spot in the Main Event.

They will face Disguised GC in their first match of the Main Event. They field a roster of Rise, Bob, Bunnybee, Soto, and Katsumi, with head coach Danimal.