The new iteration of HEROIC faced a disappointing early exit from the ESL Pro League Season 21 Stage 1 tournament, failing to qualify for the main stage after a series of unexpected losses.
HEROIC, under the guidance of a fresh roster, came into the Swiss Stage with high hopes but quickly found themselves in dire straits. Their opening match against the Portuguese side SAW ended in a crushing defeat, which set the tone for the remainder of their campaign. From there, the team’s struggles continued, with subsequent losses to 3DMAX and Nemiga, further denting their chances of advancing. In fact, the only bright spot for HEROIC in the Swiss Stage came in a matchup against Housebets, which they won, but a 1-3 record on Day 4 was simply not enough to make it through.
This early exit comes as a major disappointment, not just for HEROIC’s fans but also for the team’s ambitious goals heading into the tournament. The pressure is now on for the squad to regroup and figure out what went wrong, especially as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in other competitions.
Five teams out
HEROIC wasn’t the only team to bow out early. Lynn Vision and NRG also failed to make it past the Swiss Stage, both exiting with underwhelming performances. Along with HEROIC, these three teams join Mindfreak and Housebets, who ended the stage with 0-3 records, sealing their fate outside of Stage 2.
The Bright Spots: SAW and GamerLegion Shine
On the other end of the spectrum, SAW and GamerLegion made headlines with flawless 3-0 records, cruising through the Swiss Stage to secure their places in Stage 2. The Portuguese side, in particular, will be feeling extremely confident, having dispatched the likes of HEROIC and other top-tier opponents. For GamerLegion, this represents a massive accomplishment as they continue to rise as a force in the competitive CS:GO scene.
Meanwhile, Eternal Fire, 3DMAX, and MIBR also secured their spots in Stage 2 with strong 3-1 performances, further adding to the unpredictable nature of this year’s tournament.
Looking Ahead: Final Matches and the Road to Stage 2
With just a few matches left in Stage 1, the next round of games will determine the final three teams to advance to the main tournament. Today’s schedule is packed with must-watch matchups:
The winners of these games will secure the last remaining spots in Stage 2, where teams like Spirit, Vitality, The Mongolz, MOUZ, Falcons, G2, and NAVI have already qualified based on their VRS ranking points. With $250,000 up for grabs for the winners, the stakes are high, and these final matches could prove pivotal in determining who ultimately makes it to the top.
A $1,000,000 Prize Pool Awaits
The ESL Pro League Season 21 has an enormous prize pool of $1,000,000, with $250,000 awaiting the victors. The tension is palpable as teams continue to battle for their share of the prize money and the prestigious title of ESL Pro League champions.
HEROIC’s early exit, coupled with other surprising results, shows that this tournament is wide open. With new challengers rising and traditional favorites faltering, the path to victory in this tournament will be anything but easy.
For now, all eyes are on the final matches of Stage 1 and the teams that will be pushing for a place in Stage 2. Will we see more upsets, or will the veterans bounce back? Only time will tell.
