EPS UK Season 2 LAN Finals - Introduction

3 and a half months, 4 dropouts and 28 games of CoD4 later, we have finally reached the grand finals of the ESL Pro Series UK Season 2. It has definitely been a memorable season, with it's fair share of upsets and shock results. However, at the end of the day, only 4 teams can qualify for the LAN finals in the Trade Congress Centre, London. Let's take a look at the table:

STANDINGS
	# Team M W D L Pts. 1 ButtonBashers 7 6 0 1 18 2 Reason Gaming 7 5 1 1 16 3 Team Darkstyle 7 5 0 2 15 4 Team Dignitas 7 4 1 2 13 5 Team YoYoTech 7 3 2 2 11 6 Team Sypher 7 2 0 5 6 7 Team Infused 7 1 0 6 3 8 Die-Indianer 7 0 0 7 0

Your first thought might well be that there are a grand sight fewer teams in the EPS UK than the EPS DE. This is due to the multitudinous drop-outs in the competition. From a starting group of 12, teams dropped out, were replaced, only to have their replacem ent drop out aswell. The rather meager final today is a striking image of the instability in the UK scene. However, there are a few teams who managed to complete the season with very few lineup reshuffles, and this has generally paid off for them, landing them better results and in several cases a spot at the finals.

The Finals themselves will feature the best of british talent, as well as a few overseas players dotted around the place. As you can see in the table above, the 4 teams that have qualified are ButtonBashers, Reason Gaming, Team Darkstyle (who are actually Team Coolermaster, playing under the pseudonym Team Darkstyle) and Team Dignitas.

With such a stellar cast of teams and players, it is sure to be a very competitive and very exciting event. All 4 teams are capable of winning the event, and all 4 have a lot to gain from it, other than the prize money. ButtonBashers h ave a team made up of Call of Duty legends, but have still yet to properly earn their place in their organisation. Since winning the ButtonBasher cup and claiming the spot in the organisation, they have yet to win any major events, and will be eager to start filling up their trophy cabinet. Reason Gaming were widely regarded as the world's best team, until several days ago when they finished 4th at the UKeSA finals, losing to Team Darkstyle and ButtonBashers. Team Darkstyle (aka Team Coolermaster) have had extremely consistent performance levels over the past few months, finishing Top 3 in pretty well all the events they entered. Their stability and consistency paid off last weekend when they won the UKeSA premiership, and they will definitely be looking to continue their winning streak. Last but not least, Team Dignitas were, a couple of months ago, practically unstoppable. However, the team lost their footing at LAN79 and their subsequent lineup change has rocker their boat slightly. Dignitas are definitely after returning to their winning ways.

So, what are all the teams playing for? Well, other than the glory there is a substanial prizepurse of over £7,500 for the event, distributed as follows:

1st Place £4000
2nd Place £1600
3rd Place £800
      4th Place £300

For the game previews, as well as results and in-depth interviews, see the rest of this coverage item.