Nouns make a statement, NRG avoid embarassment

Some started out sleepy, but others, like NRG, needed an immediate wake-up call as they very nearly lost in their opening match to an ESEA Advanced squad, which had a last-minute stand-in due to a family emergency.

Nouns, on the other hand, did not need anything extra to wake up as they came out of the gate roaring in their matchup against FLUFFY AIMERS. The DAO-supported squad were clinical on their T-side of Ancicent as they captured eight rounds to set themselves up for success. They quickly ended things once they switched to defense as they came away with a 13-8 victory.

NRG were fighting for their lives against Akimbo as the Mongolian squad were surprisingly strong against the Americans to open up their Closed Qualifier campaign. It was a constant back-and-forth match with NRG taking a slight lead at the half 7-5. Things went from already "not great" to "concerning" as Akimbo suddenly found themselves in the lead, 9-7.

However, NRG were able to make the stand, comeback despite a crucial 1v2 by Marco "Pol0" Hernandez, and will head to the 1-0 pool.

NRG and Nouns head into the 1-0 bracket while both FLUFFY AIMERS and Akimbo will play in the elimination matches later on.