Group A was an odd one at the least, with TCM-Gaming not really promoting themselves that well by losing quite "easily" versus Western Wolves and eSuba, two teams they will need to be on par with if they want a shot at the TOP 3 or even Grand Final. Group B seemed to me like it would become quite a bore, but oh boy, was I proven wrong.

Not even one round into the whole group and some of the favourites were already dropping the ball. TeamESPC was still getting used to the cramped sitting area, it seemed, as they drew both of their opening games, versus Team ESF and REFUSE. At this point, I was calculating what the Finns needed to do to at least make TOP 2.

But about an hour later, my calculations were nullified once more, when first AIRBORNE Gaming and then even TeamESPC themselves took charge of the situation and dismissed of the ultimate group favourite, Anexis eSports. Both games were a testament to how out of touch the Hungarians were with one another, not getting the teamwork going which they are so renowned for.

You could see the frustration build in the Hungarians' small quarter, being angry at themselves more than anything else, knowing these were the games that should give them easy points. Right now, Anexis eSports needn't do more than simply save face and get as many games as possible.

For some reason, I could never fathom Anexis eSports losing to Project Grunex, regardless of what the team is worth. I was joking with wW cHoObiE that technically it was still possible for Anexis eSports to not reach the 4th spot and thus the playoffs, but I never imagined it realistic. In all the scenarios in my head, Anexis would take the game of Project Grunex and either land themselves a 3rd or 2nd finish in the groups, humiliating enough already.

Right before the first round went live, I dropped by the Anexis playing room and they were discussing quite angrily what would happen if they lost these three points as well. At this point, it became clear to me that they had their priorities all wrong. Anexis should never have been thinking of that, right before a game - you should never start a game pondering over what'll precisely happen should you lose. Wrong mindset, wrong mentality.

Mostly thanks to Marco Vip3r Vogt, the Germans had a great opening each round. Kill after kill were written down and Anexis eSports seemed to have no more tricks in them, no more epic comebacks and wasted their timeout too early. The only outcome that could happen this late at night was a world of difference for both teams, Anexis losing and dropping from the tournament alltogether and Project Grunex winning to their own astonishing amazement. Never were Germans so happy in a bunker as these lads.

After having skimmed through the comments, it's unfortunate to note that so many of you are so loathsome to kick a team when it's down. No one flamed TCM-Gaming (back then: NEVO) that much when they lost versus "easy" Herr at SAGE like this. Sure, the situation is different and sure they lost quite badly, but is this not what you were all gunning for, for so long?

Is this loss not the result of countless pressure? Cheating accusations to a team that went to more LANs in one year than the biggest legends of Call of Duty 4 Promod, it's absurd to think this a reality. Heck, if it turns out they did cheat their way to six straight European LAN wins, I'd let them keep their medals and prize money, simply for having the biggest balls out of eSports history and the composure to never make an obvious mistake.

Give the team a rest, they lost and now it's up to them to reclaim their throne. This is how it works, no team can keep on winning endlessly. Even Reason-Gaming's CSS team lost eventually and so will the current VeryGames. At least thank them for making your Saturday night full of WTF and see them at the next event.

11		13
Map: mp_strike
Anexis eSports Tamás kZstaR Ádámszky Dávid Stormy Fézler Csongor FUTUREEE Beder Roland z1koX Kosztyu Attila Boco Árvai		Project Grunex Felix spooN Schwarzlose Alexander Ghostiii Fleischer David rYDA Reiter Max mAx Hartmann Marco V1p3r Vogt

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