Title image courtesy of ESL
Virtus.pro have withdrawn from participating in ESL One Birmingham 2019 set for next month. Gambit Esports will represent the CIS region.
Set to kick off at the end of May, Virtus.pro will not be on hand at ESL One Birmingham 2019 to defend their title. Virtus.pro took the ESL One Birmingham 2018 title after sweeping through Optic Gaming 3:0.
According to the CIS powerhouse management team, the players need a rest and time to focus on gaining a spot in the hometown EPICENTER Major and TI9.
We won't be able to defend the title in front of our English fans. The best teams in the world will battle on Birmingham stage and we were looking forward to thrilling and challenging games against them. However, the current DPC season schedule has taken its toll and as we approach the peak of the season we need to focus on preparation for home Major and The International. Sometimes it means sacrificing events. We will work hard to perform on highest level and ensure the best results in these two tournaments
-Roman Dvoryankin, Virtus.pro general manager
In their stead, Gambit Esports will be making an appearance at the event.
ESL One Birmingham 2019
Twelve teams will be on hand in Birmingham to fight for a slice of the prize pool of $300.000 between May 28th - June 2nd, 2019. Eight teams will be directly invited and four teams will qualify from NA, SEA, China, and EU.
ESL One Birmingham 2019 Format:
- Group stage matches will be played from May 28 - May 30
- Two groups of six teams
- Round Robin bo2 format
- The top two teams in each group will be seeded into the Upper Bracket Semi-Finals
- 3rd and 4th will play in the Lower Bracket
- 5th and 6th will be eliminated
- Playoffs will feature eight teams
- The Arena Days, on May 31 - June 2
- Playoffs will be bo3 matchups
- bo5 Grand Final
ESL One Birmingham 2019
Twelve teams will be on hand in Birmingham to fight for a slice of the prize pool of $300.000 between May 28th - June 2nd, 2019. Eight teams will be directly invited and four teams will qualify from NA, SEA, China, and EU.
