ESL Pro League S20 is hurtling towards its Grand Final, with the conclusion of the Quarter-Finals. Four teams are locked in for the Semi-Finals, after four intense matches on the server. We’re taking a look at all of the clashes, to see what exactly went down in the ESL Pro League Season 20 Quarter Finals!
MIBR squash M80 momentum
Credit: Viola Schuldner | © ESL
MIBR vs. M80. South vs. North America. Both teams were surprised to find themselves in the Quarter-Finals of ESL Pro League S20, but it’s hard to argue that either didn’t deserve their spots. When the time came for these two to duke it out, MIBR severely outclassed M80, with the Brazilians winning out a 2:0 series. 13:10 and 13:8 maps flattered M80, who only pushed it that close thanks to some big individual moments.
MIBR will look to a monster performance from saffee as a big reason for their win here. He put forward a 43:19 series, including a crazy 30:8 map one. With those kinds of numbers, how was M80 supposed to compete? M80 were undoubtedly harmed by a tough day at the office for Lake, the young rifler who has made waves at EPL S20. This M80 team are so exciting though, and we can’t wait to see how they bounce back in the coming months.
Eternal Fire surprise Vitality
Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
Eternal Fire vs. Vitality produced the biggest surprise of ESL Pro League S20 so far. This Playoffs bracket was supposed to be a free run to the Grand Final for Vitality on paper, but Eternal Fire had other plans as they edged out the toughest of 2:1 series’. The Turkish team have reinvented themselves ever since their early-year slump, with this latest victory proof of how far they’ve come.
This match was all about XANTARES and woxic. These two veterans were on top form for Eternal Fire, both managing over 70 kills across the series. For context, no other EF player broke the 60 mark, so this was a real carry. XANTARES has always been an underrated star, and it’s always good to see him performing on LAN.
NAVI demolish Team Spirit
Credit: ESLCS on X.
NAVI vs. Spirit was supposed to be the banger series of the ESL Pro League S20 Quarter-Finals. Instead, it was hardly competitive, with NAVI romping to a swift 2:0 win. This squad is more than ready to stake their claim as the best CS2 team in the world – we have no doubt about that. NAVI’s dominance here could be undermined by the other side of the narrative, which is just how poor Spirit were once again. They’ve looked better throughout EPL S20, but the break in play before the Playoffs appears to have somewhat hindered their momentum.
The difference between the two squads can be highlighted by the performances of their star riflers. Young star donk was absent throughout the series, whereas jL went nuclear with several highlight reel clips over the two maps. You’ve got to feel a little for sh1ro – his showing deserved better from the players around him, but Spirit go home after another tough CS2 tournament.
G2 / Liquid
Credit: Igor Bezborodov | © ESL
G2 were able to trade blows with Team Liquid to emerge victorious in an explosive 2:1 series. G2 and Liquid stole each other’s map picks, before the former could dominate the Nuke decider in 13:3 fashion. Incredibly, none of the maps were even remotely competitive, as both teams went hell for leather to get the win in this series. Out of all the ESL Pro League S20 Quarter-Finals, this was by far the most entertaining to watch. If you missed it, catch the VOD before the Semi-Finals.
Simply put, this was a m0NESY masterclass. Forget donk – G2’s young AWPer is the best CS2 player in the world right now, illustrated by a monstrous Nuke in which he finished 23:8 when all was said and done. And yes, m0NESY had help. It was a good series individually all around for G2 (minus poor Snax), but it was m0NESY who will understandably take the plaudits going into the next round.
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