In Rainbow Six Siege the GSA League is back, the big e-sports series for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. MeinMMO and GameStar are accompanying the spectacle for you and explaining why watching is worth it – even if you are not familiar with e-sports.
The most important points at a glance:
Meanwhile, the GSA League 2021 has concluded, the grand final has been played, and G2 Esports emerges as the winner. We have summarized all the results for you once again. Here are the key points about the league:
- 8 teams from the pro and amateur sectors compete for 14 weeks for €40,000
- Every matchday at 5:00 PM, the Weekly Breach summarizes the previous matchday and gives you insights into the games
- Matches begin at 6:00 PM
- Each match is streamed live on the official Twitch channel of Rainbow Six
- You can find more information on the official website of the GSA League
- You can watch the livestream by UbisoftDE:
GSA League Playoffs: Results and Winners
Semi-Final Results:
- Sissi State Punks 0:2 G2 Esports
- Rogue 1:2 GoSkilla
- Sissi State Punks 2:1 (Lower Bracket)
Final Results:
- G2 Esports 2:0 GoSkilla
- GoSkilla 1:2 Sissi State Punks (Lower Bracket)
Grand Final:
- G2 Esports 3:0 Sissi State Punks
Top 3 and Prize Money:
- 1st Place: G2 Esports – €10,000
- 2nd Place: Sissi State Punks – €8,000
- 3rd Place: GoSkilla – €5,200
- All results
GameStar and MeinMMO are media partners for this year’s league for Rainbow Six: Siege in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We will regularly report on our websites and channels about the league, matches, and teams in the coming weeks and months.
Nevertheless, the changes show that Rainbow Six is continually evolving. So much so, that the game really doesn’t need a sequel, says MeinMMO author Benedict Grothaus.
Why should I watch the league? In the GSA League, amateurs and young professionals compete, many of whom have little experience with e-sports. You can watch them grow and gather experience together with them or learn from their mistakes.
The GSA League is thus closer to the players than one of the international professional tournaments, whose skill no “casual” or even competitive player will ever reach. Instead of the “best of the best,” you see rookies on their way up.
At the same time, well-known teams like G2 Esports and Rogue are also in the mix, which are even known worldwide and have been able to secure victories. This creates a unique mix that makes watching really worthwhile:
- Competitive players and casuals can closely observe the playstyle and issues of amateurs and newcomers and learn from them
- Experienced players see what they can improve at with the professionals – especially when a professional team faces a newcomer
- The matches take place one night per week, so even if you have little time, you can watch or catch up on the videos
- On MeinMMO and GameStar, you can also regularly find the most important information and summaries
- The entire league is broadcast in German
In the GSA League 2020, players were able to learn a lot from the professionals and amateurs – such as teamwork, the most important aspect of Rainbow Six Siege. One of the professionals from Rogue explained in an interview, how to actually win every round.
Watching on Twitch – Here’s what you need to know
What you can see at the GSA League: In the GSA League, teams from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland compete over several weeks for victory and a prize pool of €40,000.
These include well-known names like G2 Esports, one of the most renowned e-sport organizations in the world, but also smaller teams and absolute newcomers who have qualified for the tournament.
The most successful newcomer who does not yet play in the professional league will also receive a spot in the European League. On April 9th, the kickoff will take place, and from then on, you can watch over 14 match days and weeks as the teams compete for first place.
Where can I watch? All matches are streamed live on the official German Twitch channel of Rainbow Six (via Twitch).
How can I prepare? Basically, you don’t need much prior knowledge to enjoy the GSA League. The experts guide you through everything that is difficult to understand and help you analyze properly.
However, it’s helpful to at least know the basics of Rainbow Six and tactic shooters. This way, you learn more and can improve just by watching. Here are some useful guides for preparation:
- 4 tricks you can learn from the top teams
- 5 things you need to know if you want to start with Rainbow Six Siege
- Rainbow Six Siege 2021: “I’m a bit afraid of it”
German Professionals and Newcomers in the €40,000 Tournament
What is the GSA League anyway? The GSA League is the successor to the Nationals and the “Clash of Nations,” which represented the regional tournaments for the DACH region until 2019.
The GSA is classified as a “minor” tournament, smaller than the major “major” or “premier” tournaments like the Six Invitational or the Pro League. The differences summarized briefly:
- At the Six Invitational, teams from all over the world qualify in their respective regions and compete once a year for millions in prize money
- The Pro League has divisions in various regions and now takes place semi-annually. The teams qualify, and the two best from each region play in the finals
- The GSA League takes place only in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Participants must come from Europe, and there are specific rules regarding their residences in these countries
What makes the GSA League special: In the GSA League, you not only see world-renowned professional teams but also players who could be your neighbors. Newcomers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland compete here against each other and the “big guys.”
This makes it easier to find access to e-sports or identify with the teams. They are not as “unreachable” as the professionals, but could be the friends with whom you always play ranked together.
As new teams qualify for the GSA League every year, you can use the matches to prepare yourselves and participate in 2022 if you dare.
Schedule, Tournament Rules, and Prize Money
When do the matches take place? On Friday, April 9, 2021, the first match day takes place. From then on, you can enjoy an evening with four matches every Thursday:
- The stream starts every day at 5:00 PM with the Weekly Breach, the pre-show
- The matches start at 6:00 PM
- There will be 14 match days with home and away games
- The last match day is August 5, 2021
- After the match days, the final matches of the four best teams will take place in the playoffs
Note: Due to a COVID case in the production team, the second match day has been postponed for the time being (via Twitter). We have entered the new dates for the respective match days in the table for you.
| First Half | |
| Playday 1 | April 9 |
| Playday 2 | April 27 |
| Playday 3 | April 29 |
| Playday 4 | May 4 |
| Playday 5 | June 3 |
| Playday 6 | June 10 |
| Playday 7 | June 17 |
| Second Half | |
| Playday 8 | June 24 |
| Playday 9 | July 1 |
| Playday 10 | July 8 |
| Playday 11 | July 15 |
| Playday 12 | July 22 |
| Playday 13 | July 29 |
| Playday 14 | August 5 |
What is the Weekly Breach? In the Weekly Breach, R6S experts summarize the last match day, explain particularly strong plays, and provide their predictions for the following games.
Additionally, you will regularly see interviews with players and coaches of the competing teams to gain deeper insights into the process.
What are the rules? The teams compete in best-of-one matches on a map and play for seven round wins. A tie is no longer possible in the 2021 rules, so there will always be a clear winner and loser.
The map is decided before the round by bans from the teams. In the round, both teams then ban two defenders and two attackers each. After selecting their operators, each team has the option to switch one of their operators with a “Sixth Pick.”
What is at stake? In total, there will be a prize pool of €40,000, which will be distributed among the teams:
- 1st place: €10,000
- 2nd place: €8,000
- 3rd-4th place: €5,200
- 5th place: €4,000
- 6th place: €3,200
- 7th place: €2,400
- 8th place: €2,000
Participating is definitely worth it. The amateur team that performs best will also gain access to the EU League, the professional league in Europe.
Teams, Ranking, and Standings of the GSA League
These teams are participating: A total of eight teams were invited or qualified for the GSA League 2021. Among them are well-known players from international e-sports:
- G2 Esports
- Sissi State Punks
- Ovation eSports (previously: Looking for Org)
- Team Secret
- GOSKILLA
- GC Esport
- Rogue
- PENTA
G2, Team Secret, and Rogue are well-known professional teams that also participate in international tournaments. Those who followed the GSA League 2020 might also recognize some players from GOSKILLA, PENTA, and Sissi State Punks. Players like Denis “BZ” Duplijak, Taha “Sadrzm” Yumak, or Daniel “Exp0” Massierer play for them.
You can find out more about the teams and players on the website of the GSA League.
Here’s what the ranking looks like: We have integrated the current table here for you:
- 1st Place: G2 Esports – €10,000
- 2nd Place: Sissi State Punks – €8,000
- 3rd Place: GoSkilla – €5,200
- 4th Place: Rogue – €5,200
- 5th Place: Team Secret – €4,000
- 6th Place: GC Esport – €3,200
- 7th Place: PENTA Sports – €2,400
- 8th Place: Ovation eSports – €2,000
PENTA Sports and Ovation eSports are thus in relegation. They must qualify again for the GSA League 2022. All other teams receive an automatic invitation.
For Sissi State Punks, the placement means that in addition to the prize money, they advance to the EU League. The team can thus participate in future professional tournaments of the higher league.
Shortly before the GSA League, Season 1 of Year 6 in Rainbow Six started. This is the ideal time to take a look at the game – especially for former players who want to return:
That’s why it’s worth taking a look at Rainbow Six Siege now – especially for returnees
