Two days into the competition, this edition of the EMEA Masters has yet to produce any major upsets. On Wednesday,
as with the previous day, the opening matches
in Groups B, C, F, and G played out largely as expected. Defending champions Los Ratones (NLC #1) made a strong debut in Group F, dispatching Kaufland Hangry Knights (PRM #3) with a 2–0 victory, handing the German league its first loss of the tournament. In the group’s other match, Barça eSports (SL #1) faced a scare against Axolotl (LIT #2),
but the Spanish champions ultimately prevailed.
Following ULF Esports' (TCL #3) defeat on Tuesday at the hands of Karmine Corp Blue (LFL #2), the Turkish league bounced back convincingly. The two finalists from last spring secured commanding 2–0 victories: BoostGate Esports (TCL #1) dominated Gamespace MCE (HLL #2) in Group B, while Misa Esports (TCL #2) overcame Zero Tenacity (RL #1) in Group G, propelled by an exceptional performance from Baek "Mihile" Sang-hwi, widely regarded as one of the ERL circuit’s most promising prospects for a future LEC slot.
First Teams to Qualify or Be Eliminated Will Be Known on Thursday
Three regional leagues remain undefeated after two days of play. France’s LFL preserved its perfect record — albeit narrowly — thanks to Gentle Mates (LFL #3), who edged out Crvena zvezda (EBL #1) in Group B. Similarly, NORD Esports (NLC #2) followed Los Ratones’ lead with a win in Group C over ZennIT (ROL #1), maintaining the Northern League’s flawless run. Finally, building on FOG Esports' victory the previous day, both representatives of the Arabian League secured opening wins: Geekay Esports (AL #1) defeated GMBLERS Esports (LIT #3) in Group C, while GnG Amazigh (AL #3) triumphed over Team Phantasma (HLL #1) — a semifinalist in the previous edition — in Group G.
EMEA Masters Spring D Schedule. Credit: Sheep Esports
As a reminder, the opening phase of
the competition follows the GSL Group Stage format. After the initial round, teams face others from their group with identical win–loss records. Two wins secure qualification for the playoffs, while two losses result in elimination. The EMEA Masters continues on Thursday with both qualification and elimination matches on the schedule. Several compelling encounters are expected, including BK ROG vs. BIG and Boostgate vs. Gentle Mates. Los Heretics (SL #3), champions of the 2022 Summer edition but defeated by BIG (PRM #2) in their Group E opener, will be fighting to stay alive in a do-or-die matchup against For The Win Esports (LPLOL #2).
Header Photo Credit: EMEA Masters/Riot Games
