Day three of the fourth week of the CWL Pro League is halfway done. The last few matches will dictate the final standings of Division B as well as the seeding for the upcoming major open, CWL Fort Worth.
For coverage of the previous days, check out this article.
Day 3: Wednesday, Feb. 27
Enigma6 vs. Excelerate Gaming
Series scoreline: 3 – 1 Enigma6
The first series of the day was a decidedly easy win for Enigma6. Enigma6 played a comfortable game of Hardpoint Gridlock, constantly maintaining the lead and ending 250 – 163. The Search and Destroy was closer though, going to Excelerate Gaming 6 – 4. Enigma6 shook the loss off, playing a one-sided Control Arsenal. Although they dropped one round due to failed execution, E6 handily won 3 – 1. Finally, the Hardpoint Seaside was a complete blowout, with a dominating Enigma6 100-point clubbing Excelerate, 250 – 61.
"These guys are just easy kills" – Anonymous pro player on Excelerate 😶 pic.twitter.com/aeZ3j3CrSG
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) February 27, 2019
Enigma6 played a solid game all-around. Their reliance on 50/50 solo plays from star SMG Matthew “KiSMET” Tinsley continues to be their downfall. Despite that, E6 had solid to amazing performances from everyone. However, this could be a case of E6 outclassing their opponents. As the talent put it bluntly from discussion with pros, “Excelerate are easy kills on the map.” Excelerate Gaming have completely fallen into a lower level of play. With the roster change, the team doesn’t play fundamentally correct and look closer to an amateur team than a Pro League squad.
MVP of the series: Matthew “KiSMET” Tinsley
Splyce vs. Denial Esports
Series scoreline: 3 – 2 Denial Esports
Going to game five of the series, Denial Esports pulled off potentially the biggest upset of the season with arguably the best team in the division facing off against the worst. Despite falling behind early, Splyce took the Hardpoint Hacienda 250 – 207. The Search and Destroy Arsenal was a comfortable win as well, with Splyce going 6 – 3. Denial flipped a switch in the Control Arsenal, surprising Splyce 3 – 0. Denial continued this momentum into the Hardpoint Frequency with a strong 250 – 147 win. Finally, the French boys took an early lead in the Search and Destroy Payload. Despite Splyce’s efforts, Denial closed out the map 6 – 3, claiming their first series win.
.@DenialEsports stun @Splyce with a 3-0 in the Control, they get a map on the board.
Splyce still leads 2-1 in the series: https://t.co/NKHQSgV6Gh #CWLPS4 pic.twitter.com/tsShctey1i
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) February 27, 2019
Splyce looked like a fragment of the dominant team they were in week one. Players who performed massively went quiet this series while Denial came out guns blazing. Throughout last week, Splyce had glimpses of complacency which allowed teams to put up a fight. This weakness was showcased throughout the entire series with Splyce not matching Denial’s pace. Another factor was that Splyce played their weaker maps this series, indicating a veto strategy for other teams. For Denial, Payload may be a map to avoid the French squad on, as they looked completely comfortable on that map.
MVP of the series: Lucas “rizk” Derambure
100 Thieves vs. Team Heretics
Series scoreline: 3 – 0 100 Thieves
In another upset of the day, 100 Thieves handed the Spanish squad their first loss of the league. Although Heretics had a strong start, 100T caught up and won the Hardpoint Hacienda, 250 – 226. The pace of the Search and Destroy Arsenal was largely dictated by 100 Thieves, with Heretics almost making a comeback. However, 100T closed out the game 6 – 4. The Control Frequency was a close match with rounds coming down to the wire. Both teams made massive clutch plays, but 100 Thieves edged out the win 3 – 2. This marks Team Heretics’ first loss in the CWL Pro League.
.@100Thieves shut the door! They take an intense opening Hardpoint vs @TeamHeretics! https://t.co/NKHQSgV6Gh #CWLPS4 pic.twitter.com/vO9KEZxiqa
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) February 27, 2019
100 Thieves look regimented and disciplined. They are far from the chaotic team at the start of the season. While a lot of emphases is placed on playing around star player Preston “Priestahh” Greiner, their AR support have found their footing. Strong map wins are in large part due to consistent performances from Sam “Octane” Larew and Austin “SlasheR” Liddicoat. These two were known for being star players on previous teams, and being able to maintain that play on this team makes 100 Thieves a dangerous roster. Another key component is Octane’s comfortable sniping, always managing to make high-impact kills. Team Heretics did not play bad whatsoever. Like 100T, multiple players are capable of going off and the individual talent is present. Unfortunately, it came down to 100T coming out just a little bit hotter.
MVP of the series: Sam “Octane” Larew
eUnited vs. Team Envy
Series scoreline: 3 – 0 Team Envy
Following an abysmal two weeks, Team Envy have finally started to look better. The Hardpoint Frequency was fairly back and forth with eUnited taking the lead for the most part. A perfect hold on the final hill won Envy the game, 250 – 200. They then had a comfortable Search and Destroy Frequency, throwing up a decent lead before closing the map out 6 – 3. The Control Seaside drew out a better performance from eUnited, displaying dominating defensive sides. Off the back of snowballing streaks from Justin “SiLLY” Fargo-Palmer, Envy bullied their way to a 3 – 2 win. With a 3 – 0 series, Team Envy end their victory drought and defeat eUnited.
SWEEP: @Envy get a much needed win in dominating fashion, it’s a 3-0 result over @eUnitedgg! #CWLPS4 pic.twitter.com/wJu52VS8mY
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) February 28, 2019
Throughout the series, Team Envy looked far more comfortable on the map. There have been role changes with SiLLY trading his SMG for an AR with Bryan “Apathy” Zhelyazkov. This change was crucial as Apathy played much better while SiLLY maintained an MVP-level performance. One of the many criticisms was a dropoff in his performance, but that doesn’t seem to be the case today. Team Envy capitalized on eUnited lacking in firepower. Two of their AR players – James “Clayster” Eubanks and Alec “Arcitys” Sanderson – went quiet this series. In the void of the slaying, increased pressure was placed on their SMG frontline. This typically ended with a strong trade balance and Team Envy winning map control. Coming out of today’s matches, Team Envy looked a lot better and closer to what many expected.
MVP of the series: Justin “SiLLY” Fargo-Palmer
One more day remains in the CWL Pro League before the upcoming major open, CWL Fort Worth. The final day will dictate next weekend; keep updated here on Daily Esports.
