ECL reaches playoffs

ESL Challenger League 44 has reached its playoff stage with eight teams making the cut. Recent ESL Pro League attendee's MIBR and ATK find themselves on opposite sides of the bracket, whilst Detonate find themselves in the post-season due to paiN pulling out, after their surprise run to the Pro League playoffs.

Probably the most intriguing opening match-up will be Nouns against oNe. oNe finished the regular season with one win less than their opponents, but likely would have had the same record as they were heavy favorites to beat Limitless before having to forfeit due to travel obligations.

So in theory you have two equally matched teams playing against each other in the opening round, a worrying prospect for fans. However, supporters of either team will not have to worry about being knocked out as the playoff stage is set to once again utilize a Double-elimination bracket.

Reigning champions MIBR will have to avoid a dangerous underdog in a Detonate team that recently made an impressive run to the BLAST Paris Americas RMR. Whilst ATK will be looking to use their recent European experience to overcome Strife and EG Black will look to continue their upturn in results since picking up Paytyn "junior" Johnson. junior has been on fire since returning to competition, with his 1.33 rating in ECL only topped by MIBR star Felipe "insani" Yuji.

All the playoff action is set to kick off tomorrow, with the teams fighting for the lion's share of the $50,000 prizepool. The opening playoff matches are as follows:

MIBR vs Detonate
Nouns vs oNe
EG Black vs timbermen
Strife vs ATK