EU Challenger Series recap

This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

The top amateur teams in Europe were almost at the finish line. With two matches left to go, Reason Gaming, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Cloud 9 Eclipse and Denial eSports were all looking for the best possible seed in order to get into the LCS. Let us dive right into the first match up played on Friday.

Cloud 9 Eclipse vs. Denial eSports - Cloud 9 Eclipse win 2-1 - Overall match score: 3,5 out of 5

The first clash seemed very one-sided on paper to those not versed in the Challenger scene. However, the experience which the Denial roster has garnered during their entire career had a big role in the upcoming clash. Unfortunately, due to a school trip, starter support player p3rmm was replaced by veteran SuperAZE and that did seem to affect the Poles.

Best match: Definitely Game 2 takes the cake. A roller coaster of comebacks and throws, this game offered a ton of action and nice plays from both teams. Denial exhibited incredible composure and ability to create opportunities under pressure, while Cloud 9 did their best in their efforts to try and shut the determined Polish enemy.

MVP: Dutch rising talent Febiven is the MVP of the match. The youngster was merciless and made the best of all the chances k0u created, eliminating opponent after opponent to ensure objectives and map control. One thing we can all take from this match - ban Nidalee when you meet Febiven!

Trivia: Given the rise of Feral Flame, the new jungler item which adds quite a nice mix of offensive stats to your jungler, Master Yi was picked in all three games. Unfortunately for the expert swordsman, he was always on the losing side.

Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. Reason Gaming - Ninjas in Pyjamas win 2-0 - Overall match score: 4 out of 5

The titan in the Challenger scene was ready to go against Reason Gaming and justify all the praise from pro players, coaches and analysts. The featured match-up here was Trashy versus Hulberto, the battle of the junglers which could potentially decide the fate of the lanes and consequently, the game.

Best match: Given how one-sided this game turned out to be, the intricacies and mastery of the game flow, champions and map control from NiP raised the game score by 2 points. If you want to see a "perfect game", then the first match is for you. The ninjas completely obliterated the opposition, never lost a tower and all five members managed to stay alive the whole time. On the other hand, if you want to see devastation and non-stop action, then Game 2 will supply all that you need. A crushing victory for NiP left no hope for a higher placing and Reason were left to battle for the third spot.

MVP(s): It was a sight for sore eyes to see how easily a mid laner like Nukeduck can outplay an opponent and maintain lane control. However, the stars of this match were on bot lane. Mithy and Freeze exhibited a synergy like no other - crushing Krislund and BarneyD and completely outclassing them in every aspect. Unmoved even when outnumbered, the duo was always prepared, thus making all attempts by Trashy in vain.

Trivia: Nukeduck played an incredible set. The Norwegian ace never died during the match.

Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. Cloud 9 Eclipse - C9 win 3-1 - Overall match score: 4,5 on 5

The match everyone expected was upon us. Standing tall, NiP were eager to avenge their previous losses against the boys in white. Cloud 9 on the other hand seemed shaky after a 2-1 win against Denial and subtle signs pointed towards an NiP win. One thing was for certain, we were in for a show!

Best match: One of the best things about a powerhouse final is that it yields more than just a single interesting game. In this particular case, we had even distribution of "endless bloodbaths" and "tactical outplays". If you require edge-of-the-seat plays and godlike mechanics in combination with multiple kills and non-stop fights, then take a look at games 1 and 3. Conversely, if tactical dominance, calculated objective control and targeted shut down of a certain lane is your cup of tea, then games 2 and 4 will not disappoint you. Overall, NiP and Cloud 9 delivered a great series and have once again exhibited LCS worthy qualities.

MVP: Without a doubt, the prize goes to k0u. The Norwegian jungling beast was on fire during all four games, leaving Hulberto shocked and unable to assist his teammates. The youngster is a complete package - a deep champion pool (Evelynn, Shyvana, Lee Sin, Xin Zhao, Elise among others), calculated aggressive play style and creativity like non-other. Time and time again, k0u successfully bullied Hulberto around his jungle and was still a lane factor. The best player on the map for C9, the Norwegian was instrumental in their challenger campaign.

Trivia: We saw quite the number of Season 3 picks in the match: Twisted Fate, Rumble, Nocturne, Ahri and Fizz.

Final standings

1. Cloud 9 Eclipse - 16,000$ EU Summer promotion spot

2. Ninjas in Pyjamas - 10,000$ EU Summer promotion spot

3. Denial eSports - 8,000$ EU Summer promotion spot

4. Reason Gaming - 3,000$

Potential outcomes

The LCS system function as follows: the 6th and 7th placed teams in the LCS will have to choose between the top three Challanger teams (Cloud 9, NiP and Denial, respectively). Below, we will detail the possible scenarios for relegation teams which will be determined in just a week. Given that there is no team in 6th place as of yet (the team will be determined as the EU LCS playoffs commence) we will use team X. Keep in mind, team X can by any of ROCCAT, Gambit Gaming, Alliance or Copenhagen Wolves.

Team X's choice options

Sixth place gives you a choice of opponent, a key component in surviving relegation. Unfortunately, the choice is between a lesser of three evils. The most likely choice for them would be Denial. Although the Polish squad boasts in experience, they are yet to play such an important match and this time, the opponent will be incredibly prepared. Definitely an obstacle for a Challenger team.

The second option would be Cloud 9 and the reason is simple - k0u will be ineligible to play in the Summer promotion given that he will be 16 at the time. This means that the winners of the Challenger League will be at a heavy disadvantage as one of their main play makers is not to take part. We are yet to see whether this is sufficient to potentially deny Cloud 9 an LCS spot.

Supa Hot Crew's choice options

As Team X has (in the most likely case) taken Denial, the only option for the Crew is Cloud 9. Although they are the winners of the Challenger tournament, the departure of k0u is enough of an argument to prefer them over the Ninjas. In addition, one could argue that Supa Hot Crew will have an easier time dealing with C9's solo laners given their lack of LCS experience. Thorough preparation and hard work are the only solutions for the Crew in this match.

This most likely leaves Millenium with Ninjas in Pyjamas. Many have stated on numerous occasions the impressive scrim record of NiP against LCS teams. Two factors can swing this match in either side - Kottenx's status and NiP's mental form. There were rumours going around the scene which whisper of a potential unnamed replacement of Kottenx. If this turns out to be true, then MIL will simply complicate their task even more which, in turn would be greeted with open arms by the Ninjas. The latter's mental status, however, has been their downfall not once or twice. Despite being an excellent squad of talented and capable players, the quintet has shown that mistakes on the big stage take a great toll on team morale. Unfortunately, this is the only thing MIllenium can hope to rely on.

The LCS action continues in just three days! The countdown continues as we are yet to see who will become the EU LCS Spring split champion.