Several hours ago, the first season of the Overwatch Contenders came to an end. The champions of Europe and North America are now known. But without issues getting into the USA, the outcome might have been different.
Overwatch Contenders NA – Straight Forward!
Both the group stages and semifinals in North America were very one-sided. In the final matches, EnVyUs decisively defeated FNRGFE 3:0 and FaZe Clan won against EnVision 3:1.
This set up a final between the two favorites in the region. With a clear 4:0, EnVyUs claimed victory – winning $40,000 in prize money and the attention of talent scouts.
Overwatch Contenders EU – Nordic Showdown!
It was much closer in Europe. Among the top 4 were three Nordic teams: Team 123, Misfits, and Team Gigantti – who eliminated the underdog 123 with a 3:0.
As the underdogs of this “Nordic Showdown”, though not unknown, Cloud9 entered the competition. However, they lost 3:2 to the favorites Misfits.
The final itself couldn’t have been closer. The mostly Swedish team Misfits lost in a very tight match 4:3 against the Finnish team Gigantti – formerly known as “Ninjas in Pyjamas” or “Rest in Pyjamas” and thus a well-known name in the scene.
The Misfortune of the Underdogs
However, the results in Europe could have looked different. Team 123 had quite significant issues with their roster – which they had to fill with a nearly inexperienced tank. Main tank Denis “Tonic” Rulev did not receive a visa for the United States.
In his place, the team quickly signed the former tank from Immortals: David “Nomy” Ramirez. The remarkable thing is that Nomy had the same problems. In the Overwatch Winter Premiere, where he still played for Immortals, his visa was also denied.
Especially bitter: Immortals won the tournament – without him. Shortly thereafter, the team parted ways with Nomy, who has since been playing for various teams until he was invited by Team 123 for the Contenders Finals. For him, playing in front of a large audience was “a dream come true.”
Benedict says: A general misfortune for the team that they did not win the tournament after all. With a semifinal appearance and a very happy substitute player, they were certainly the winners of the hearts. I look forward to the upcoming tournaments, especially the smaller ones where rising teams can show what they are capable of!
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