In the upper bracket final of the Worlds 2024 Play-in, two powerhouse teams faced off: MAD Lions from Europe and PSG Talon from the PCS region. The stakes were high, with a direct spot in the Swiss Stage on the line for the winner, while the loser would still have one last chance in an elimination match. This intense best-of-three series kept everyone on the edge of their seats, with both teams showcasing top-tier gameplay across all three maps.
Map 1: A Close Battle, Decisive Play by Alvaro
The first map was evenly contested from the start, with both teams trading advantages back and forth. However, the game turned on a single team fight around the 28-minute mark. PSG’s support, Alvaro, playing Rell, found a perfect initiation that wiped out MAD Lions and gave PSG the victory. His brilliant engage gave PSG Talon a crucial lead, securing the first win of the series.
With this momentum, PSG Talon took the early edge, going into the second map with boosted confidence.
Map 2: Elyoya’s Early Mistake and PSG’s Methodical Victory
The second map, however, was anything but smooth for MAD Lions. Early on, MAD’s jungler Elyoya made a critical mistake by forgetting to buy his starting jungle item. This almost cost him his life to the red buff and put him significantly behind the opposing jungler on Vi.
This early setback for Elyoya meant that MAD Lions were constantly on the back foot. PSG Talon capitalized on this with a textbook performance, slowly building their lead and executing their strategy flawlessly. With growing control over the map, PSG easily closed out the second game, leaving MAD Lions one game away from elimination.
Map 3: LeBlanc’s Mistake and MAD Lions’ Comeback
The third and final map brought an unexpected twist to the series. For the first 20 minutes, the game remained tight, with PSG Talon leading in kills and gold but MAD Lions still holding their ground. The game’s balance could have tipped either way.
The turning point came when PSG’s mid laner, playing LeBlanc, made a crucial misstep. She distorted too close to MAD’s Alistar, who immediately flashed in and initiated on her, resulting in a quick kill. This opened the door for MAD Lions to win the ensuing team fight, taking down four members of PSG and securing Baron Nashor. This 5,000-gold lead proved insurmountable for PSG Talon, and MAD Lions closed out the game, completing their comeback in the series.
MAD Lions – The First Team to Qualify for the Swiss Stage at Worlds 2024
In the end, MAD Lions emerged victorious, becoming the first team to qualify for the Swiss Stage of the Worlds 2024 Play-in. The fact that they achieved this on their home turf in Berlin made the moment even more special. Their resilience and ability to turn the tide in the third game demonstrated their strength and determination.
Now, MAD Lions will look ahead to their next challenges in the Swiss Stage, while PSG Talon still have a chance to fight their way through the lower bracket in a final elimination match.
Conclusion: A Battle Worth Remembering
This match was a true showcase of skill and determination, with both teams delivering memorable performances. MAD Lions proved that they are ready to compete at the highest level and will be a team to watch in the upcoming stages of the tournament. Meanwhile, PSG Talon will need to regroup and prepare for their last chance to secure a spot in the Swiss Stage
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