CROSSFIRE at EWC 26 Champions: BaiSha Gaming show no mercy

BaiSha has battled their way to the finals against plenty of regional rivals, especially their competition from the Chinese Pro League. KINGZONE-eSports, the eventual third-place team, had earlier in the tournament forced BaiSha to the lower bracket. But the champs avenged that loss, and advanced to the playoffs.

Dominant champs

After a flawless run, BaiSha found themselves head-to-head with hopefuls Team Liquid. The NA-based team’s potential final hopes of another title victory at EWC 26 rested on this game.

But BaiSha refused to allow Liquid even the space to breathe. The opening set on Black Widow went 10-1, Liquid scoring just a single victory the entire map. Map 2, New Compound, went little better, with BaiSha securing the victory in a similarly dominant 10-4 score.

With tournament survival on the line, and on match point for BaiSha, the map switched to Ankara for the final round. Liquid showed signs of life early, but ultimately, another 10-4 victory materialized for BaiSha, lifting the trophy and crushing Liquid’s key.

The victory showcased the gap between the very top of the Chinese CrossFire scene and the rest of the world. Team Liquid were one of the very best rosters from Brazil, perhaps the best South American team in the tournament. Against BaiSha, they looked to be on a much lower level. KINGZONE’s similar demolition of Stallions in the third-place matchup also showcased this divide.

Tournament star player

BaiSha’s victory was in large part orchestrated by star player Wang "N9" Hao. On multiple days, N9 had been the top fragger, kill leader, and overall best player on both BaiSha or indeed any roster.

Perhaps unsurprisingly N9 was awarded the MVP award, alongside the $25,000 bounty for the title. A skilled rifler, clutch closer, and utility master, throughout the finals there wasn’t anything N9 couldn’t do.

With the victory, BaiSha Gaming secure $750,000 in Prize Money, and 1,000 club championship points, although the organization as a whole will not score highly in the Club Championship rankings. Team Liquid, on the other hand, will be thankful for the 750 points which will help them rise through the CC ranks.

In the Third Place matchup, KINGZONE-eSports delivered a clean sweep of Stallions, securing their bronze podium in 3-0 shellacking of the Filipino roster.