Team Liquid appeared to be an unstoppable force for the majority of the European Winter Cup. They had the biggest +6 game difference of any team in the Group Stage as they finished 3-0 in a group that included Team Vitality, grand finalist of the Winter Open. They defeated MoistEsports and Quadrant, two Fall Major teams, 8-0 in their opening two playoff games. Eventually they came upon Karmine Corp, a firm fixture in Europe. Karmine Corp won their second consecutive Regional, their third of the season.
With five straight appearances in the Regional grand finals and victories in three of the past four, the French trio has now established a European record. Their single setback this year was losing in the quarterfinals of the Rotterdam Fall Major, which would have been a fantastic outcome for almost any team in the world. Its star, Alex #Vatira Touret has rapidly become one of the best in the world, and his recent performance has supported that claim. Vatira is a star, but he’s not the only one on the squad, Amine #Itachi Benayachi had the highest Rating 1.275 and all three players had ratings over 1,00.
Karmine Corp is the first team to confirm their attendance in the Winter Major this season, where they will be one of the favorites. They have secured their spot in every Regional for the rest of the season because they are 30 points (more than a Regional victory) ahead of the next-closest team in the rankings.
Thirteen teams are still running for the last four spots in the Winter Major that are given to Europe. Ten of those teams are in complete control of their own fate, including Team Liquid, Oxygen Esports, and Team Vitality, all of which must advance to the semifinals in order to win the tournament on their own. With a grand finals participation, German Amigos and Quadrant can both clinch, and G1, Williams Resolve, Moist Esports, and Soniqs can all clinch with a Regional victory. The current World Champion, Team BDS, are the most noteworthy team that requires assistance despite a victory. The team missed the Fall Major and finished 9th to 12th in each of the two previous competitions. After winning the 2021-22 World Championship, they are now in risk of missing a second straight LAN tournament.
What’s next?
Keep up with coverage of the Winter Cup and all of the Rocket League happenings, as North America will compete the following weekend!
