VCT EMEA Kickoff has finally begun in all its glory. VCT EMEA is one of the 4 leagues in the VCT Partnership League, with fans worldwide speculating which teams would make it to the playoff phase of this tournament. 11 teams in VCT EMEA Kickoff faced off against each other in a GSL tournament format. The 3 teams who have made it directly to the playoffs have been confirmed. Tonight the VCT EMEA Kickoff Play-In Stage will be taking place which is a single round-robin format between 3 teams. The winner of this will qualify for the playoff stage of the tournament alongside the other 3 teams. In this article let's take an in-depth look at all the teams who have made it to the Play-Ins and which team will qualify for the playoffs.

Also Read: Gen.G Defeated Paper Rex To Win The VCT 2024: Pacific Kickoff
 

Can Team Vitality Prove Why They Are Considered One Of The Best Teams In EMEA?

Since the start of the VCT EMEA Kickoff, Team Vitality has been noted to be one of the favorites. They were present in group C which consisted of teams such as FNATIC and Gentle Mates. One must note that FNATIC in 2023 had won VCT LOCK//In 2023 as well as VCT Masters Toyko in 2023. Due to these accomplishments, they were provided with a bye in the group stage that would just require them to win one game to make it to the playoffs.

This made things for Team Vitality much harder as they couldn’t get any prior knowledge of their opponents. Their first game was against Gentle Mates. Gentle Mates were the team that won VCT EMEA Ascension 2023 and secured a spot in the VCT EMEA League. The first match between these two teams ended with Team Vitality on top winning the series 2-0. This would result in their faceoff against FNATIC. The last time these two teams faced off Team Vitality lost against FNATIC 2-0 in both the BO3 series.

History did repeat itself as Team Vitality again lost 2-0 in the B03 series between the two teams. This resulted in the rematch between Team Vitality and Gentle Mates. This match-up was closer than expected as Gentle Mates went on to win map one in dominating fashion with the score of 13-4. The second match was a very close affair as Gentle Mates were at match point with the score at 12-9. Team Vitality secured the last 3 rounds to take it to overtime and won the map with a score of 15-13. The final map was on Sunset and this was a one-sided match. Team Vitality won with a score of 13-3 and secured their spot in the play-ins.

Can The French Giants Karmine Corp Secure Their Spot In The Playoffs?

If there is one team worldwide known for their incredible fanbase, it is none other than Karmine Corp. With such a huge and passionate fanbase comes a lot more expectations as well. Karmine Corp this year has a new roster core consisting of the likes of Tomaszy as well as N4RRATE. Their match with this new roster was against GIANTX in group A. They won that game in a score affair with a score of 2-1. In this game, we got to see quite a few changes to the player's roles when compared to their roles in their older teams.

In the second game, they faced off against Team Heretics. These two teams had previously faced off in the VCT EMEA League 2023. During that match, Team Heretics won the game with a score of 2-0. They next faced off against each other in a show match between the two teams. Karmine Corp won that game with a score of 1-0. Their game in the VCT EMEA Kickoff was a one-sided affair dominated by Team Heretics. They won the B03 series with a score of 2-0. They won each map with a score of 13-4 as well. These resulted in Karmine Corp not qualifying for playoffs but instead having to face FUT Esports to decide which team gets a spot in Play-Ins.

This match was a close and very long affair between the two teams. Karmine Corp won the first map with a score of 20-18. This made the first map the longest in the entire tournament. Karmine Corp then lost the second map in quite the one-sided affair, losing it with a score of 13-3. Finally, on the last map which was Sunset, Karmine Corp reigned supreme and won the map 13-7 securing their spot in the VCT EMEA Kickoff Play-Ins.

Can the Dark Horses Movistar KOI Esports Make It To the Playoffs?

Movistar KOI Esports since their announcement to VCT EMEA have always looked at the dark horses. A team has the potential to run riot against other teams and cause a lot of upsets. Their first match in VCT EMEA Kickoff was against Team Liquid. They were one of the favorites to win the event. These two teams previously faced off against each other in VCT EMEA 2023 where Team Liquid won the series with a score of 2-1.

In their first map in this tournament, Movistar KOI Esports lost to Team Liquid with a series score of 2-0. This match was a close affair between both teams as each map ended with a score of 13-10 and 13-11. Movistar KOI Esports then had to face BBL Esports in thier next game.

In their previous encounter in VCT EMEA 2023, BBL Esports defeated Movistar KOI Esports 2-1. Not for a second during their match did it feel like history would repeat itself as Movistar KOI Esports won the first map with a score of 13-4 and then the series 2-0. This win resulted in the rematch between Movistar KOI Esports and Team Liquid. Was history going to repeat itself or Movistar KOI Esports were truly the dark horses?

Movistar KOI Esports won Map 1 with a score of 13-11. Team Liquid was on match point with the score being 12-10 but Movistar KOI Esports won 2 rounds in a row to take it to overtime. Team Liquid won map two with a score of 14-12. Game 3 was another close affair going over 20 rounds but Movistar KOI Esports won the map with a score of 13-10. This win secured their spot in the VCT EMEA Play-Ins as well as proved that Movistar KOI Esports could take down one of the giants.

Movistar KOI Esports have now two other favorites to take on which are Karmine Corp and Team Vitality. Movistar KOI Esports do have the potential to secure their spot in the playoffs. The only worry for them is Team Vitality who have been on an incredible run of form since VCT Convergence. It must be stated that currently, Team Vitality does look like the team that will go forward and qualify for the playoffs in VCT EMEA Kickoff 2024.

The first game is between Karmine Corp and Movistar KOI Esports. If Movistar KOI Esports can secure the win against them, it will put a lot of pressure on Team Vitality in their game against Movistar KOI Esports. If Team Vitality doesn’t win that game it will secure the spot for Movistar KOI Esports in the playoffs. If Movistar KOI Esports can win against Vitality, they will be able to take down two other favorites in their run to the top and prove why they cannot be underestimated.

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The semi-finals of BMPS 2024 have begun with 24 teams competing for a place in the finals, which will take place in Kochi, Kerala. The teams played six matches in a day and the ones who remain a part of the top 16 will make it to finals. On day 1, TWOB, led by Prince clinched first place with 49 points. In second place was Team XSpark with 38 points and the highest finishes in the game: 27. 

Extremely seasoned teams like team iQOO Soul and Global Esports failed to make it to the semi finals of the Rs 2 crore prize pool competition.  

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TWOB Tops Points Table on BMPS 2024 Semifinals Day 1

The first match of the day was won by Reckoning Esports. The squad comprising of young lads was able to get a 22 points chicken dinner. The second match of the day was played in Miramar. It was Medal Esports' lineup that consisted of experienced players that won by game with a 17 points chicken dinner. The third match od the day was won by Team XSpark. The team managed to get a huge 17 finishes chicken dinner, taking their total of a whopping 38 points at the end of the day. Here is what the points table for the first day looks like: 

1. TWOB - 49 points

2. Team XSpark - 38 points

3. Reckoning Esports - 34 points

4. Ignite Gaming - 34 points

5. Phoenix - 33 points

6. Orangutan - 32 points

7. Numen Gaming - 30 points

8. Medal Esports - 29 points

9. WindGod - 28 points

10. Silly Esports - 25 points

11. Team Versatile - 25 points

12. Team Limra - 24 points

13. Gods Reign - 22 points

14. Team 8Bit - 20 points

15. Hyderabad Hydras - 19 points

16. Blind Esports - 15 points

17. GodLike - 14 points

18. RTGxIND - 13 points

19. CarpeDiem - 11 points

20. MOGO - 11 points

21. Team Bliss - 10 points

22. Sarkar Gaming - 5 points

23. Inferno Squad - 5 points

24. Team Dragons - 1 point 

The fourth match of the day was won by Orangutan, who owned the snowy caps of Vikendi with a 19 points chicken dinner. TWOB won the fifth match of the day, with this, they also became the first team to get a double chicken dinner in the semi finals. Wingod Esports won the last match of the day and they got a total of 25 points from the match. 

A shocking piece of news is coming from GodLike Esports' camp as their EA FC athlete, Saransh Jain took to X (formerly Twitter) and informed his audience that he has decided to part ways with the organisation. Saransh had joined the organisation in October 2022. Since then, he has represented the organisation in various global competitions. However, because of not receiving his fees for the last six months, the pro player decided to leave the organisation. 

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Saransh Jain Leaves GodLike Esports Almost 2 Years After Joining The Organisation

In a post on X, Saransh said that he is a free agent for EA FC 25. In addition to that, he also added that if there is an organisation who will be willing to get him onboard as an athlete, they can message or email him. 

Curious about his sudden departure, one of the fans confirmed whether he had left GodLike Esports, to which, he replied "yes." He also added that he hadn't received his dues for over six months, which is why he had to take the decision to leave. 

He also posted the same message on Instagram, and wrote: 

FREE AGENT for FC 25!!
Interested teams / orgs please DM or email me at : [email protected]

For now, it is unclear where Saransh will go next. It has been a while since he posted on X. For now, it is safe to assume that he is still a free agent and is still looking for a time. In addition to this, GodLike Esports has not reacted to the whole situation, neither have they given out a public statement with regards to Saransh's exit. Normally, GodLike Esports posts a farewell post for their athletes, but this hasn't been the case for Saransh. 

Round 3 of BMPS 2024 will see 48 teams compete to make it to the final round, which will take place in Kochi as a LAN event. These 48 teams were the top performers from the second round, which had 64 teams. From Round three, only 24 teams will move to the semi-finals and eventually, 16 teams will play in the finals. Here are all the teams playing in BMPS 2024 Round 3, match schedule and more. 

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BMPS 2024 Round 3 Groups and Teams

Krafton hosted a draw to pick the groups that the 48 teams will be a part of. Karan Pathak, the Esports Head of Krafton India Esports took out the teams' names from the pot and decided their fate. Here are all the teams and the groups they are divided in: 

Group 1

1. Team Insane

2. Blind Esports

3. IMPRNT

4. MOGO Esports

5. RTGxIND

6. Team Crow

7. FS Esports

8. Hyderabad Hydras

9. Team Lolzzz

10. Team Versatile

11. Reckoning Esports

12. Honoured Rivalz

13. Gods Reign

14. CarpeDiem

15. Global Esports

16. Team Soul

Group 2

1. TCW

2. WSB Gaming

3. Karunaadu

4. Legacy Esports

5. TMG

6. Team Dragons

7. Inferno Squad

8. R4W Official

9. Team Bliss

10. Team Limra

11. Silly Esports

12. Genxfm

13. Orangutan

14. Team 8Bit

15. TWOB

16. Phoenix

Group 3

1. Rivals Ape X

2. GlitchxReborn

3. Sarkar Gaming

4. Autobotz

5. Team Cosmic

6. 4Merical Vibes

7. Medal Esports

8. Ignite Gaming

9. Numen Gaming

10. WindGod

11. Gujarat Tigers

12. DO OR DIE

13. THW

14. Carnival Gaming

15. Team XSpark

16. Team GodLike

Round 2 of BMPS 204 will begin today with 64 teams competing to make it to the top of the leaderboard and make it to the next round. To announce the groups of the second round, Krafton India Esports hosted a live stream to pick the draws. The thrill of seeing their favourite team was so great that a lot of fans joined the stream. Here is what the groups and all the 64 teams that have qualified look like. 

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BMPS 2024 Round 2 Groups

The tournament started with 128 invited teams and half of them have been eliminated from the competition. All the 64 teams have been divided into four groups of 16 and all of them will compete against each other in a pre-decided schedule and map order. Here are the groups: 

Group 1

1. Team Cosmic
2. Hyper Rush
3. LOC Esports
4. DO OR DIE
5. Eye4Eye
6. Dragon Esports
7. Karunaadu
8. Legacy Esports
9. Phoenix
10. Revenant Esports
11. Genxfm
12. CarpeDiem
13. Silly Esports
14. Carnival Esports
15. THW Esports
16. Honoured Rivalz

Group 2

1. IMPRNT
2. Blind Rippers
3. Team Lolzzz
4. Team Dragons
5. GlitchxReborn
6. RTGxIND
7. Team INS
8. Numen Gaming
9. Team Captain
10. Angry Swain
11. Inferno Squad
12. Rivals Ape X
13. Team Soul
14. WSB Gaming
15. Team GodLike
16. Team Insane

Group 3

1. Sarkar Gaming
2. Global Esports
3. TMG
4. K9 Squad
5. Error Esports
6. Autobotz
7. 4Merical Esports
8. FS Esports
9. Ignite Gaming
10. Reckoning Esports
11. Blind Esports
12. Team Versatile
13. Gujarat Tigers
14. MOGO Esports
15. Team 8Bit
16. TWOB

Group 4

1. 4Aggressive Men
2. Aerobotz
3. Team Crow
4. TCW
5. Team Elevate
6. Bliss Esports
7. Medal Esports
8. Team Limra
9. WindGod
10. Team XSpark
11. Astrokids
12. R4W Official
13. Orangutan
14. Hyderabad Hydras
15. Vasista Esports
16. Gods Reign

The teams will be playing six matches in a day and they will begin from 3:00 PM onwards. The stream will be live on Krafton India Esports' YouTube channel. You can join the live stream and chat to root and cheer for your favourite players and teams.

Skyesports has announced the roadmap for the 2025 CS2 esports tournament. The roadmap includes two huge tournaments that have a combined prize pool of $1.75 million. The tournament will have Tier 1 events and Tier 2 events, which will see national and international participation.

The Tier 1 tournaments will have Open Qualifiers across India; Europe; the Americas and the Rest of Asia, which is in line with Valve's vision of having a more open sporting ecosystem. 

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Skyesports Announces 2025 CS2 Esports Roadmap with $1.75 Million Prize Pool

The four CS2 tournaments will start in February 2025 and from there, the ball will get rolling for other Skyesports' CS2 events. Here is the schedule for all the Tier 1 and Tier 2 events:

• Skyesports Souvenir 2025: Feb. 17 to 23, 2025 ($250,000 - Tier 2) 
• Skyesports Masters 2025: May 26 to June 1, 2025 ($500,000 - Tier 1) 
• Skyesports Championship 2025: Sept. 15 to 21, 2025 ($500,000 - Tier 1) 
• Skyesports World Tour 2025: Nov. 10 to 16, 2025 ($500,000 - Tier 1)

Skyesports Souvenir 2025 will not have open qualifiers but will have online Closed Qualifiers, which will take place from January 20 to 26, 2025. Skyesports Souvenir 2025 will have a $250,000 prize pool., which will be split as follows: 

● 1st place: $100,000 
● 2nd place: $50,000
● 3rd place: $35,000 
● 4th place: $25,000 
● 5th-6th place: $12,500 each 
● 7th-8th place: $7,500 each

The Tier 1 events, Skyesports Masters 2025, Skyesports Championship 2025 and Skyesports World Tour 2025 will have open qualifiers, which will see 256 compete in the competition. Here is the prize pool for the same and its distribution:

● 1st place: $200,000 
● 2nd place: $100,000 
● 3rd-4th place: $60,000 each 
● 5th-8th place: $20,000 each 

Skyesports will also be providing a lot of facilities, which are in line with the tournament hosting guidelines set by Valve. These include points like not including players who have previously indulged in cheating, misconduct or other infractions.