Crucial Rapier losses and thrilling decider matches: ESL One group stage has finished

The ESL One Los Angeles 2020 Online for EU and CIS starts its playoffs today, but the group stage already featured a plethora of highlights. Let's take a look at the participants and some of their most entertaining plays on the road to the playoffs. 16 teams originally entered the EU and CIS division of the ESL One. After nearly two weeks of group stage matches, the competition has boiled down to eight teams which will advance to the playoffs. From Friday till Sunday, the teams will fight each other in a best-of-three double-elimination bracket, peaking in the best-of-five Grand Finals.

The winner of the ESL One Los Angeles Online takes home the title as the best team in Europe and CIS – and the lion's share of the $200,000 prize pool.

The participants:

Highlights of the group stage

The road to the playoffs was rough for some teams. Even some top captains struggled to get their players to the next round. Now the first phase of the ESL One is over and what's left is a collection of great and also not-so-great plays.

Weirdly specific description of a farmed Troll Warlord

Matumbaman loses his Rapier after a few seconds

Matu about his Rapier loss

Tanner with big brain strategy

TI-winner displays incredible juke

Palantimos plays with OG

Surprise ending from NiP after 93 minutes

Alliance lose their Rapier, hope, and game

Sumail gets cocky

gpk Storm Spirit dives from fountain to fountain

Who do you think is going to win the ESL One Los Angeles Online?

Photo credit: DreamHack Adela Sznajder / ESL