Wait there's someone else who got 1/4. I was feeling completely idiotic.

Am I the only person to get less than half? I am truly a fraud.

Agree on G2 and T1. Meanwhile, EDG was my dark horse team this event but now it's looking like they're going out 0 - 2...

Really off the mark for this event. 1/4.

I had:
EDG > M8 (N)
NRG > XLG (Y)
G2 > PRX (N)
T1 > TL (N)

SEN son, by a mile. Toxic, yes, but at least they don't actively try to ruin player careers.

While that's probably true, I just think G2 are due for an international event win. They have plenty of experience that only EDG from China, PRX from Pacific, and no one from EMEA can rival at this tournament.

To be honest, I didn't even consider 2 EMEA teams in the playoffs...

The second is inevitable, to be honest. Just a matter of time.

Wow, that is indeed a hot take, in my opinion.

and rate each others!

This is my rate of your take.

Maybe I should clarify that NRG will beat XLG but their following 2 matches are dodgy. I don't see them grabbing a clean 2 - 0 unless there are a few upsets in the other matches and a lucky draw in Round 2.

Hard disagree, to be honest.

Worst player of the tournament is crazy.

Drop your hottest takes and rate each others!

Here are a few of mine:

1. Despite having the easiest first round opponent in XLG, NRG fails to make it past the Swiss Stage.
2. EDG exceeds expectations, not only making it to the playoffs but achieving Top 4.
3. G2 out-right wins the event.

Hello. I would like to kindly refuse that offer. Perhaps you'll find more luck with the GE fans? Warm regards.

Surely we buried a buy-back clause somewhere in the paperwork...!

Can they give us back ZynX please? Or I've always dreamed of a Lakia remontada, though I don't think he's worth dropping BeYN for.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind replacing either of them with a marquee signing. Though, I have always supported free1ng.

I'm also not too familiar with Tier 2 and I just don't know who is on the market right now. I think maybe discussing a swap with GEN in some way could benefit both parties, as well.

Is there a worse feeling than 0 replies...?

My head‘s cooled off but I still think DRX are making a roster change. Yes we were better towards the end of Kickoff but historically every missed international has resulted in a switch up. I just don‘t know what it would be. Thoughts? What realistic changes could happen?

Unfortunately not. Analysis is probably the hardest first-year course here (Toronto). People also frequently say Microeconomics and Macroeconomics is incredibly difficult, though I find it the opposite.

Analysis
Algebra II
Introduction to Computer Science
Principles of Macroeconomics
Conservation of Tropical and Subtropical Forests

As a Spurs fan, you might want to reconsider getting into football right now.

You forgot Split.

DRX purposely losing to get Flashback to feel sympathetic and rejoin is genius, to be honest.

Personally, I wouldn't mind giving Flicker a proper chance over Hermes. However, I also really want to see an ambitious move by DRX.

I know it's technically still possible but I just can't see DRX qualifying for Masters Santiago 2026 anymore.

Historically, DRX have always made a roster change after failing to qualify for an international event. So what (realistic) roster change do you predict/want to see happen?

Sure it's a huge factor and maybe the biggest as you claim. But there are hundreds of factors contributing to success and the total percentage importance of specific team comps is hardly the sole reason for success in the grand scheme of everything.

I mean, I'm astounded that I have to defend myself right now. All I did was make a small comment about a singular part of a coaching team's duties.

Good ragebait.

Are you hearing yourself right now? I genuinely cannot believe that this is a hot take. So you think if you gave any 5 stack the best team comp they could beat the likes of FNC running dysfunctional teams? Actual delusion, "you freak."

I didn't realize that championships are won simply by writing down a team comp...

I'm sorry that you've never had anything to celebrate from all your time watching this game. It must be a miserable mindset to have.

Look, I originally only referenced the "team comp innovation," which has nothing to do with anything else that "termi does to the team." However, I'll keep entertaining the roster change discussions because we barely make any changes, contradicting your claim. In fact, historically, they've actually done more harm than good.

In 2021, we made the Lakia addition to create a 6 man roster which ruined our year. 2022 and 2023 featured zero roster changes other than a short Foxy9 cameo at Masters Tokyo 2023 (our worst placement across all international events in those 2 years). Yes, as I acknowledged already the end of 2023 had our only ever double change and it was our first and only year with only 1 international event qualification. In 2024 and 2025 we were unfortunately plagued with Flashback personal issues which forced roster changes. Nowadays, look at what's going on. Estrella and Hermes? Really? So not only are there a scarcity of changes, each one only weakens our results. You complain about podium finishes but would you rather not qualify at all?

Furthermore, I'll talk about other teams, too. How could you compare these recent DRX editions with the likes of T1? They have the biggest budget and can always build superstar teams filled with established players. Meanwhile, practically all of our members and ex-members were brought up by the scouting. Again, are we going to count Estrella? Was he our VCT veteran? I mean if you think he's on the level of Meteor and Munchkin, "that's on you."

Do you have short term memory perhaps? If you're disappointed with 3rd at Champions after coming in as the underdogs and having failed to qualify for the previous international event then I suggest you change your expectations. Besides, I was merely highlighting the boldness of the innovation. Also, "50 different rosters?" Seriously? Open your eyes. Compared to most teams we are an extremely constant squad. How many other teams in the world have never made more than 2 changes in personnel at a time (which has only every happened once at the end of the 2023 season)?

Ah, you must be new to VCT. You weren't there for a lot of their older ideas, such as their accelerated Astra usage and counter Jett picks during the Chamber dominance.

Also, this "only good comp" is probably the biggest statement innovation in recent history. Cooking up an absolutely fresh composition from scratch ahead of the largest competition of the year? After failing to qualify for the last international event? Then sticking by it the whole way through and placing 3rd? You don't need to undermine it. There's a reason why DRX are universally recognized for their specific compositions, set pieces, and playstyles.

An incorrect assessment.

DRX finally not playing double duelist for the first time in 26 consecutive official VCT maps. It's been almost 6 months since the last time!

Also, I know the DRX coaches get a lot of hate but you can't deny that in terms of team comp innovation, they are the best in the business.

A shame that the finale to a meta-defining streak consisted of 3 losses in a row.

Not thinking Flashback had at least top 5% mechanics truly exposes your ball knowledge.

Flashback is multiple tiers above almost every pro on almost every weapon, to be fair.

MiniBoo on Neon terrorized me, man.

Flashback.

Don't mean to be pessimistic but I agree, as a DRX fan. Flashback was different.

Amen. Rehashing old drama would be the opposite of what Flashback wants but I can't shake off the disgusted aftertaste from the appalling behavior of certain people.

First off, what a tragedy to see Flashback go. I truly hope he finds success outside of eSports. His time here was extremely rough and so-called VCT Pacific '"fans" really gave him a tough time. While his personal issues were outside of the game, the toxic inner environment couldn't have made it any better. Good luck to him in the future. One of the players I have cared the most deeply about.

Now, to talk about the future of this roster, I am just as devastated. He was the most special player on this team and I predicted that his presence would be the catalyst for an international trophy. And I mean, for DRX supporters, it really did feel like 2026 would our year right? Ending off on a high note at Champions Paris 2025 with massive potential, I can't help but feel we lost that momentum. I know I shouldn't write off Hermes this early but Flashback was one of those irreplaceable gems. Frankly, I genuinely don't have high expectations at the moment, for Hermes or DRX. We'll see what happens and obviously it's still pre-season but again, we really lost a world-class star.

Nobody said that?

He was the best player in VCL, prior to Tejo's release. He's shown flashes of his former self and clearly has the talent. It's just about maintaining his form and consistency throughout the season.

EDG are the 2024 Champions Seoul winners, thank you very much. They have a deep heritage and Esports tradition. This history is even better than T1 in League of Legends, one may argue.

Real ones know free1ng isn't a Tejo merchant.

Excuse me? Just one map? This is the biggest stage with the brightest lights for goodness sake! Are you disrespecting the renowned China Esports Festival Super Champions Cup? Give free1ng his credit for performing in such high pressure moments. How dare you!

Pure instincts. Another day in the office for someone of his caliber.

New prime incoming. He belongs in this team. Haters stay on that side.