The CWL Pro League continues and expectations for Midnight Esports and OpTic Gaming remain high. Teams like Evil Geniuses and Luminosity Gaming are yet to prove themselves.
For the first half of week one coverage, check out the previous article.
Day 3: Wednesday, Feb. 6
Gen.G vs. Reciprocity
Reciprocity came out of gates swinging in the first Hardpoint game. Captain Thomas “Tommey” Trewren had an amazing game, tripling up in scorestreaks. Unfortunately, he was the only one to get anything going with the rest of his teammates going negative. As a result, Gen.G nearly mounted a comeback. Despite winning the first Hardpoint, Reciprocity faltered in the next three games.
While the maps were close, Gen.G displayed their discipline with much more coordinated trading. Gen.G always came out on top in team fights, especially in the Control game. This was essential as it maintained map control for Gen.G. The final nail in the coffin was Reciprocity’s attempt to snowball the second Hardpoint with streaks and specialist usage. Gen.G, in comparison, had much more impactful utility use. Reciprocity look to bounce back in the upcoming week.
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 Gen.G
MVP of the series: Thomas “Tommey” Trewren
Luminosity Gaming vs. UYU
Coming into their second game, Luminosity Gaming still displays major issues. On paper, most gave LG the advantage to win the series. However, UYU majorly upset LG off the back of a monster performance from Anthony “Methodz” Zinni. While LG took the Search and Destroy, most of it was down to misplays on UYU’s side. In the respawns, UYU severely outclass Luminosity, which is surprising to see.
UYU used their streaks and specialists a lot more effectively than Luminosity. LG relied on their gunskill too much and individually challenge alone. There are many moments where an LG player was caught out due to over-challenging a gunfight, or pushing out alone. There are major pacing, role, and trading issues that Luminosity Gaming has to fix if they want to be a competitive team.
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 UYU
MVP of the series: Anthony “Methodz” Zinni
Red Reserve vs. Midnight Esports
In probably the best series so far, Red Reserve pushed Midnight Esports to the limit. Despite Red Reserve’s strong start, Midnight was able to earn streaks and use them to make a comeback for the win. Red Reserve kept their composure and won the next two maps. They had a slower and methodical pace that forced Midnight players to be singled out.
Despite Red Reserve taking the lead, Midnight bounced back. Carson “Brack” Newberry went big in the last map, earning his specialist twice. If anything was learned in this series, however, it’s that Midnight Esport can be held back with good setups. It was seen in the Evil Geniuses game that a strong and passive site hold can usually fend them off. Despite this, Midnight Esports sit on top of Division A at the end of the first week.
Series scoreline: 3 – 2 Midnight Esports
MVP of the series: Carson “Brack” Newberry
OpTic Gaming vs. Evil Geniuses
The final match of the day ended with a dominant OpTic Gaming performance. OpTic Gaming is started to get into the groove with their substitute, Tommy “ZooMaa” Paparatto. The Hardpoint was a close match, with both teams having good holds and breaks. The difference maker was crucial plays and kills from OpTic, mainly from the three-time champion, Damon “Karma Barlow.”
Ian “Crimsix” Porter stepped up again in the Search and Destroy on Arsenal, possibly his best map. The Control was closer, with Evil Geniuses displaying their coordination, but OpTic closed it out. OpTic are simply good at having dynamic pacing. While some play objective, some push out just enough to hold the enemies back, but also in sight to be traded. In the absence of their star player Brandon “Dashy” Otell, Karma has definitely stepped up.
Series scoreline: 3 – 0 OpTic Gaming
MVP of the series: Damon “Karma” Barlow
Day 4: Wednesday, Feb. 7
Midnight Esports vs. UYU
The final day of the week started off with the reigning top dogs. In a similar fashion to their first two matches, Midnight completely outclassed their opponents. UYU simply did not play the fundamentals well, and Midnight capitalized on that. The three maps were not close in score with Midnight making great heads-up plays and outslaying UYU.
UYU need to take a step back and play a little more disciplined. The team is starting to struggle with trading and pace issues. Many times, UYU players were caught out alone and singled out by the Midnight wolfpack. While Methodz would still put up high damage, the lack of follow up kills are indicative of these problems. As a result, Midnight Esports simply played their game and took a comfortable victory.
Series scoreline: 3 – 0 Midnight Esports
MVP of the series: Carson “Brack” Newberry
OpTic Gaming vs. Reciprocity
OpTic Gaming continues their strong performances on the last day of the week. OpTic look to have cleaned up their respawn game, having dominant games asides from the first Hardpoint. As well, the first game was mostly due to a strong start from Tommey once again. The Search and Destroy mostly came down to Reciprocity’s capability at small creative adjustments. These would help the RECPack into favorable situations.
Despite the second game, OpTic Gaming stands strong at third place in the division. Karma has been performing amazingly, almost like a flashback to his earlier days as a star player. Crimsix and Thomas “TJHaly” Haly also clutch up when they need to. Reciprocity’s woes still continue as Tommey and Zach “Zed “Denyer are the only ones performing.
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 OpTic Gaming
MVP of the series: Damon “Karma” Barlow
Luminosity Gaming vs. Red Reserve
The narrative remains the same with Luminosity Gaming. They are blown out in the first two maps, look great in control, but simply fail to get anything going. The issues are the same in this series as the past. Luminosity did show glimpses of the championship-caliber team they could be in game three. However, all that coordination and discipline completely disappeared in the other games. This allowed Red Reserve to simply take a comfortable win, with multiple players doing well.
At this point, LG needs to take a step back and look at their composition. Whether it’s down to players not listening to each other, someone has to take charge. It’s much to ask for individuals to fix their pacing themselves; LG would improve if someone took it in themselves to coordinate the team. It will be hard considering the personalities on the team, but at this point, it may be LG’s only option.
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 Red Reserve
MVP of the series: Joe “Joee” Pinnington
Gen.G vs. Evil Geniuses
Almost like history is repeating itself, Evil Geniuses start off the series looking like a top contender. At first, the Hardpoint map seaside seemed to favor them, holding smaller points effectively. While Gen.G brought the map close with effective specialist usage, Evil Geniuses closed it out with their first map win. A lot of eyes are on Brice “Faccento” Faccento in being the key factor to Evil Geniuses closing out series. Unfortunately for the team, he had a slow series with Matthew “Royalty” Faithful stepping up and carrying.
Gen.G dictated the pace of the rest of the series. Jared “Nagafen” Harrell and Colt “Havok” McLendon had outstanding performances throughout the series. Nagafen’s flanks plays and sniper picks were crucial to Gen.G’s strategies. Havok would always clutch up with his Grav Slam specialist or drop a three-piece to maintain site control. All in all, Gen.G currently stand second in the division for good reason.
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 Gen.G
MVP of the series: Colt “Havok” McLendon
The first week of the CWL Pro League has finished, and it has resulted in many exciting matches and stories. Keep updated with next week’s of the CWL Pro League here on Daily Esports.
