NiP to the semifinals at IEM Fall Europe

Starting the playoffs.

As the last chance bracket has finished, it was the time for the top eight to enter the server at IEM Fall Europe. Ninjas in Pyjamas, who have already guaranteed a spot at the hometown Major for themselves, faced off against an uprising Movistar Riders lineup, seeking its debut at the biggest competition of the year.

Back and forth on Ancient, NiP won both halves by the narrowest margins, as they won their own pick in the last round of regulation, “16-14”. Inferno looked to be going the way of the Spanish team, however, as Movistar Riders led “15-12”, but could not close it before the overtime, where they ultimately prevailed, “19-16”. Nuke, however, did not end up as competitive as the first two games, as the Scandinavian mix got to start on the defensive side after a won knife round before shutting out the Spaniards out of their offence for a “12-3” score at the halftime and the “16-5” finish, as NiP won the series, “2-1”.

Movistar Riders still need to win at least one series in the 5th-8th place playoff bracket to qualify for PGL Major Stockholm, while Ninjas in Pyjamas have advanced to the semifinals, where they will face a winner of a Copenhagen Flames against Team Vitality matchup.