As the final day of the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup 2023’s Group Stage comes to an end, we say goodbye to both Team EVO and OutPlay.
headline photo courtesy of Moonton Games
After four days of gruelling Group Stage action from MSC 2023, four teams have had their tournament lives come to an end. On Day 2, it was the unfortunate ending for the Myanmar representatives, Fenix Esports, while Day 3 would see Team Occupy being the second eliminated squad. Today, Day 4, saw the final two eliminates from the Group Stages, as the eight teams moving through to the Knockout Stage have now been confirmed.
Fire Flux Impunity takes Turkey through
Group A had already seen ECHO blast through their initial two series, although having a small hiccup against Fire Flux Impunity. This left the final series between FIMP and Team EVO as the decider for which team would join the M4 World Champions in the next round. Bringing out the first Atlas pick for MSC 2023, FIMP took control of game one with ease, not worried about the Harith pick from their opponents at all. With an almost identical draft in game two, EVO suffered the consequences of that, as they slumped to an 11-minute defeat.
BURN Outplay their opponent’s
It was all about revenge next, as the home-ground heroes looked to get back at some of the North Americans who had knocked them out of the M4 World Championships. With both teams already losing out to ONIC Esports over the last few days, this series was the decider for who would join the Indonesian champions in the Knockout Stage. After poor performances yesterday, OutPlay still seemed lost, as BURN kicked off with a huge win, as DONUT’s backdoor easily took the first game. While OP fought well in the next game, BURN’s experience came through as they turned the tides and secured a stunning win, leaving the NA organisation on the outskirts.
Blacklist gut the Swordfish
Closing out the Group Stage was a magnificent series between Blacklist International and TODAK, two teams fighting for the top seed in Group D. The Swordfish seemed to play right into Blacklist’s hands, even though they allowed the Beatrix to go through. After the Agents claimed a swift series lead, CikuGais disregarded their domination in game two with a cheeky backdoor to tie things up. It didn't take long for game three to find its ending, as Blacklist finished what they started, destroying their opponents and claiming the top spot in their group.
With the Group Stage over, the teams now await the drawing for the Knockout Stage, which will see a single-elimination bracket with no second chances for a loss. Only three victories stand in the way of one of the eight remaining teams and lifting the MSC 2023 trophy – but all will be revealed in the coming days.
