In a thrilling finale at the Esports World Cup featuring Rocket League, Team BDS showcased their defensive prowess to secure the championship, overcoming the hometown heroes, Team Falcons. This victory is a significant achievement for the Swiss organization, marking a stellar performance in the inaugural EWC ft. Rocket League tournament.
How Team BDS Clinched the Victory
Team BDS, a seasoned roster with M0nkey M00n and ExoTiik from France, and dralii from Morocco, has been a major force in the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS). Their past successes include winning the RLCS 2021-2022 World Championship and finishing as runners-up to Vitality last year.
Their journey in the EWC ft. Rocket League started with a hiccup as they fell to G2 Stride in the Group Stage. This setback led to an elimination match against PWR, which Team BDS navigated with ease, securing a 3-0 sweep. They then advanced through the single-elimination playoffs, defeating Space Station Gaming and Gen.G Mobil1 Racing to reach the Grand Finals.
Notably, Team BDS avoided a potential showdown with their rivals, Team Vitality, thanks to Gen.G’s dominant 4-0 sweep of Vitality in the first round of the playoffs.
On the other side of the bracket, Team Falcons demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament. They remained unbeaten in the Group Stage and Quarterfinals and bounced back from an initial loss against G2 Stride in the Semifinals to win the series 4-1. This set up an all-EMEA Grand Final clash between the hometown favorites and Team BDS.
The Grand Finals Showdown
The Grand Finals began with Team BDS taking the lead, courtesy of a spectacular aerial goal by M0nkey M00n. However, Team Falcons responded strongly, winning the next two games—6-1 on Forbidden Temple and an overtime victory on DFH Stadium—to take a series lead.
Despite this setback, Team BDS demonstrated their resilience and tactical superiority in the remaining three games. They edged out Team Falcons in a series of tightly contested matches, winning by a single goal in Utopia, Aquadome, and Neo Tokyo. Team Falcons fought valiantly but could not regain their lead, allowing Team BDS to claim the championship.
Prize Pool, MVP, and Player Bounty
For their efforts, Team BDS will return to Europe with the $200,000 top prize. Team Falcons earned $80,000 for their second-place finish, while Gen.G Mobil1 Racing and G2 Stride each took home $40,000 for their top-four placements.
The MVP award, along with $50,000, went to Joreuz from Chiefs Esports Club, who, despite his team’s elimination in the Quarterfinals, impressed with 10 goals, 51 shots, and 31 saves. Additionally, RW9 from Team Falcons secured the $50,000 player bounty for the most demolitions at the tournament.
Team BDS’s defensive masterclass and strategic gameplay in the Grand Finals not only secured their victory but also solidified their reputation as a formidable force in the Rocket League esports scene.