In a groundbreaking achievement for the esports scene, Alliance has emerged as the first-ever Esports World Cup: Apex Legends champions, overcoming 40 top teams from around the globe to claim the title. Their triumph is further highlighted by their victory in the longest Apex Legends Grand Finals in history, marking a historic moment for both the team and the sport.
Alliance’s Journey to the Grand Finals
Alliance, a stalwart in the EMEA ALGS scene, has long been known for their strong group stage performances. However, their playoff showings often fell short of expectations, leading to the notion that they were merely a "group stage team." This perception was put to the ultimate test at the Esports World Cup: Apex Legends Grand Finals.
During the Group Stage, Alliance demonstrated their dominance, finishing as the top team in Group B with over 100 points, despite securing only one game win. This performance was in line with their reputation as a formidable group stage competitor. The real challenge awaited in the Grand Finals, where they would have to prove their mettle in a high-pressure environment.
The Longest Grand Finals in Apex Legends History
The Grand Finals utilized a Match Point format, requiring teams to accumulate 60 points through a mix of kills and placement to advance to “match point.” Once a team reached match point, winning a game would secure the championship.
This format led to an unprecedented 13 games over seven hours— the longest Apex Legends series ever. Early on, Team Falcons made a strong push, reaching match point in Game 6. However, their momentum stalled, giving room for other teams like Gaming Gladiators, Team Liquid, Aurora, and Mizuchi to also reach match point by Game 9.
The competition intensified as DMS won Game 9, setting up a dramatic final stretch. By Game 10, several teams, including Alliance, were in a position to win the championship. Despite numerous teams being on match point, none were able to secure victory in the subsequent games. Games 10 through 12 saw wins from non-match point teams, creating a tense and unpredictable finale.
In the decisive Game 13, after a grueling marathon, Alliance emerged victorious. With strategic positioning and crucial gameplay, they secured their first win of the finals at the most critical moment, silencing their critics and cementing their place in Apex Legends history.
EWC: Apex Legends MVP and Final Earnings
Alliance’s victory earned them the first EWC: Apex Legends trophy and a substantial $600,000 prize. Team Falcons, who were strong contenders throughout, finished as runners-up, taking home $375,000. Luminosity Gaming rounded out the top three, securing $200,000.
The MVP of the tournament was Alliance’s IGL, Hakis, whose game-changing calls and strategic leadership played a pivotal role in their victory. Hakis’ performance in Game 13 was instrumental in securing the championship, earning him a $50,000 cash prize and the MVP title.
Alliance’s triumph at the Esports World Cup: Apex Legends is a testament to their perseverance and skill, proving that they can perform at the highest level when it matters most. Their win not only marks a historic achievement for the team but also for the EMEA region, as they become the first EMEA team to clinch a LAN championship in Apex Legends. Congratulations to Alliance for their remarkable journey and well-deserved victory!