As much as things change, they stay the same.
In a tournament that seemed destined to see a non-NA or EMEA team win for the first time, OpTic Gaming swept the Brazilian challenger, LOUD, in the Masters 1 Grand Finals.
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Riot Games
Although OpTic were in control for most of the series, LOUD kept it close the whole way following a tough attacking half to start.
OpTic – formerly Envy – were knocking on the door for most of last year, and finally took their turn at the front of the pack to start 2022.
The win was revenge for OpTic as well. LOUD sent them to play an extra game in the lower bracket after the Upper Finals. OpTic didn’t lose a single map after that.
The biggest takeaway from Masters 1 remains the level of international competition.
This is the first time that we’ve seen teams outside of NA and EMEA look to take control of the tournament. OpTic were the only of five teams from “major” regions to make it to the final four.
Japan, APAC, Brazil, and South Korea are all walking away with moral victories. These regions are officially on the map.
Can’t wait to see what they have for us next time.
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