I wouldn't expect from them when it's come to these tournaments that are still early for the TI. I am not trying to defend them or what, but this Elite league doesn't have points for qualifying into the bigger tournament and that's why I think that they're falling shortly. But without having any reasonings, the other teams are just better than them. It's like they are becoming on their 100% when the tournament is having a lot of prize pool and qualification for the bigger tournament. This Elite league has got a $300k prize for the champion and that's still a lot of money but knowing that these champs, they can win or just play as if there is nothing to worry about as there's no points and that prize pool has a place for everybody even at the lowest placers.
My thoughts are the same on the other teams struggling in the group stage. There's no urgency for them to go all out as there are more important tournaments like the ones from ESL and DreamLeague since those tournaments are the only road for the Esports World Cup, which is becoming like the replacement for TI.
True, despite the prize that they've got. They can't just go all out with the best or strategies that they've built over the period of time. Time flies so quick and soon, we're going to be in the TI and its qualifiers again and with those teams that have gathered enough points will have time for them to restrategize. They just can't give the idea to their opponents that they have something prepared for them for the grander events and tournaments. I am not saying that this Elite League is no grand but it's also one of them and it just so happen that there's no points on it. It's just all about the money but teams like TS can't put that at stake but, I hope that I am wrong but when it's come to respect, TS has gained it and they sure are a veteran and know how to act on these tournaments easily.
Anyway, at some news. I can't imagine Taiga was even doing his 322 when he was still at OG and that's why there's something off with OG at that time. Too much addiction really can cause you a lot of breakdowns and can make you lose your career. He's one of the best supports out there but he's gone out of the career due to addiction in gambling and no team will take him at this time. Props to his former teammates coming from Alliance, to Liquid and to OG. His teammates at Liquid are doing good but him, he's left behind.
The unexpected thing about his case was rigging the first blood, as he already admitted his gambling addiction before, and the community only gave him nothing but positivity.
He's still playing for a team in the SA region, but there's no chance for them to qualify as Boom, Heroic, and beastcoast are always fighting at the top.
Yeah, that first blood thing and many have been followed. I can't just think of it that he had accepted such offers like $1k and having some commission with that. He can earn more with his career and being on an SA team, I don't think that he'll be able to recover from being in a tier 1 team going to a tier 2 or even 3. That's just so sad but I guess that living lifestyle in his country is quite high and this made him do that.
On the other hand, here's the recap of what has happened for day 5 and the standings of the teams. Those teams that have red cross marked are surely eliminated. While with the green one, sure to move to the next stage which is the playoffs and will be placed on upper bracket.