Medal Esports' odyssey in ESEA Pre-Season Circuit 2023

Amidst the Skyesports Masters event, Medal stood as the sole participant in the ESEA Pre-Season Circuit 2023: Asian Final. Although the outcomes fell short of their aspirations—having secured a bye, they were eventually eliminated in the BO1 Quarter-Finals—the team put up a valiant effort. Let's delve into the match to uncover how the game unfolded.

Playing against FYR Esports, a team comprising 5 Russians, Rossi kickstarted Inferno by getting a 3K on the pistol round. However, the joy of the initial victory waned quickly as they faltered in the second round, resulting in a 1-3 scoreline. A crucial opening from SH4DY in round 5 and Rossi taking the mantle as the spearhead in subsequent rounds, allowed Medal Esports to regain the lead at 5-3. Despite a 1v2 clutch loss by Rossi that granted their opponents another round, he compensated by continuing to thread the needle with openings.

Medal was playing reactive as well. They were able to read the 3 B setups early on and weren't afraid of taking charge by rushing through the mid-smoke. As a result of the swift adaptations to the information they got, they managed to secure a commanding 7-4 lead. While their decision to feint an A push and then shift to B on the second round was accurate, an unfortunate loss set the stage for a reversal in FYR's favor, leveling the score at 7-7.

Nonetheless, Rossi remained a standout performer, securing a double opener and concluding the final round with a 4K, ensuring that Medal had the lead going into the second half.

Unfortunately for Medal, FYR set the tone for the second half by converting the first two rounds. But with Rossi displaying a remarkable individual form, the team clinched a 2v3 on the buy round to secure their first CT round. However, this success came at the cost of four team members, leaving Medal's financial situation in disarray. As a result, a loss in the subsequent round prompted a series of economic struggles, extending FYR's lead to 9-13.

Medal's resurgence hinged once again on Rossi's contributions. A stalwart defense on the B site enabled them to chain some rounds and close the gap to 12-13. A critical turning point arrived when SH4DY secured a crucial 1v2 clutch, ensuring Medal the much-needed endgame momentum. Poised to go over the line, adversity struck Medal. Their attempt at a B aggression backfired, resulting in a loss in the subsequent round. This setback triggered a series of partial buys, which FYR capitalized on, ultimately securing a 16-14 victory.