Even if they go 5-0 in this next stage, NRG need this to happen to make champs

KRU or MIBR get eliminated in their first lower bracket game

Then that team misses stage 2 playoffs by losing 3 games

OR

They make a miracle run through stage 2 playoffs for a top 2 spot.

Yeah.

Classic GenG throw

Realistically NRG needs to tear it down again. There were a lot innuendos of how disinterested this team was about their future in their podcast before the year started, with Ethan being okay with retirement if he didn't make a LAN and with s0m/fns alr having successful streaming careers. Even if Ethan's comment wasn't supposed to be taken seriously, it shows the uncertainty that this team had at the beginning. Build with people who have potential and actually want to be there long term (aka Mada and Brawk) makes the most sense in the long run than this team grasping at straws for Masters Toronto. This team is the Valorant version of the KG/Paul Pierce Brooklyn Nets. Desperately trying to force talent together while sacrificing the long term future and gaining nothing from it. Teams, even in esports, are not made to win champions in that style, the only exception is the 2017 GSW, but the team is as close to that as is me getting to be a billionaire.