[NEWS] Vatic Debut Strong, LOUD's Reign Continues at Preseason Invitational

BSC26 kicked the Preseason Icebreaker, hosted by ReddySet and Wigglyspoo. If you missed the action, we've got you covered with a recap of North America and South America! Missed EA and EMEA? Check our our recap here!

Semifinal 1: Tribe Gaming vs STMN Esports

After an unexpected run at the world finals, STMN Esports faced off against the first-place seed in North America. STMN Esports started off strong with a quick ball interception for an easy goal, making for a quick 0-1 in sets. In BasketBrawl, both teams went back and forth scoring goals for their teams, but due to an outstanding defense from PaiN, Tribe Gaming couldn't manage to take the set, losing 1-2. STMN was looking to get a 3-0 win against Tribe Gaming and managed to do so with some good plays from Juan Carlos, making for a clean sweep against the first-place seed in their region. 

Semifinal 2: Vatic Esports vs KDS Esports

After a devastating defeat for both teams at LCQ & Worlds, both teams are back for redemption. Vatic Esports was already at a disadvantage due to the absence of Ezlivi, so they had to play with Duckie as an emergency sub. Set 1 started off strong for both teams, but Duckie managed to intercept the ball to make the scores equalized. In overtime they managed to make the winning goal. In Treasure Hunt, Vatic Esports show a lot of dominance, making it a swift win for them. When they arrive at Present Plunder, once again, Vatic Esports managed to clutch it swiftly, securing the Grand Finals

Grand Finals: STMN Esports vs Vatic Esports

Set 1 opened with early control from Vatic Esports, and the team managed this same control for the rest of the match, taking a swift 2-0 in games. In Brawl Hockey, Tacos made a great shot just in time for the buzzer and got the momentum going for STMN Esports, taking set 2. In BasketBrawl they go with a score of 1-1 already. STMN Esports started strong, but it wouldn’t last for long, as Vatic Esports clutched up, making the score 2-1. In Present Plunder, Vatic Esports was already on match point with 1-1, but STMN Esports was not able to turn the tide. Vatic Esports proved that even with a substitute they aren’t to be messed with and are your North America Preseason Icebreaker Champions!

South America 

Semifinal 1: Familia Nunes vs LOUD

Kaiodog, Firecrow, and Edinho started with an excellent win in Brawl Hockey. With LOUD up 1-0, Familia Nunes hoped to show their promise as we moved onto BasketBrawl. After great displays of skill by Familia Nunes, they managed to take the set. Now with the score at 1-1, Present Plunder would be a turning point for both teams if either could secure the set. LOUD took the set, putting them on match point in the final match of Treasure Hunt. Once again, it was another match that came down to the wire, but after a stunning display of Kaiodog on Pam, LOUD managed to barely take the set, giving them the match. 

Semifinal 2: Skcalalas SA vs Eternal 

SKC managed to get a goal off quickly, along with a second one followed shortly after, putting them up 2-0 in goals in Brawl Hockey. Eternal managed to get one goal in, but it was not enough to tie it up. However, in game 2, we saw a different story, as Eternal managed to snag a single goal in overtime, winning them game 2. Game 3 was very close, taking us to an intense overtime. Pekka made the most shocking goal of the day so far, with a clean ankle breaker goal slotted in, winning them the set. 

Set 2 took us to BasketBrawl, where the draft was seen to be about 50-50. However Eternal managed to make quick work, leading to an amazing 3 point shot by Cauebr. It was not long before the same happened with Cauebr, managing to score another goal, this time a 2 point shot which gave them the game. With the score at 1-0 now on games, SKC hoped they could bounce back. SKC managed to make an early 3 point shot. This time, however, Eternal could not bounce back, making it 1-1 now in games. Game 3 was the closest of them all, with both teams having scored an impressive 3 point shot. Pekka managed to sneak down the map and score a 2 point goal with Moe. This gives SKC set 2 as well, putting them up 2-0 in sets. 

We headed into Treasure Hunt, a match point set for SKC. After a strong draft showing from Eternal, they managed to barely win the set after a very close 3 games. For set 4, we moved onto Present Plunder, where both teams managed to snag water mobility brawlers. Eternal sweeped the set, bringing us to a set number 5. Our final set brought us to a familiar mode, Hot Zone. After a clean display on Stu, Cordelius, and Pam, Eternal managed to give themselves set 5, securing the reverse sweep.

Grand Finals: Eternal vs LOUD

The first set opens with Treasure Hunt, and after quick plays and amazing teamwork, LOUD managed to barely snag the set. Set 2 was Present Plunder, where once again, water mobility brawlers would be the key, or so Eternal thought. After many, many ties, showing the even skill between these two teams, LOUD managed to win the set. This put them up 2-0 in sets now. LOUD’s match point set took them to Brawl Hockey, where they mobilized quickly and managed to win two quick games, making it 3-0 in sets and winning them the match.