“We had a game plan, and we executed it perfectly,” said Copy, the captain of Rune Eaters, after their stunning victory over Virtus.pro. The Esports World Cup 2026 saw Team Liquid, Rune Eaters Esports, and LGD Gaming progress following an intense day of competition in Paris. Each team fought hard to avoid elimination, with Rune Eaters delivering the most surprising result by knocking out Virtus.pro with a 2-1 scoreline.
The Survival Stage kicked off with 12 teams vying for four playoff spots after the Group Stage concluded on July 12. Team Liquid managed to fend off Xtreme Gaming with a narrow 2-1 victory, setting up a challenging match against Team Spirit on July 15. Liquid, consisting of players like miCKe and Nisha, demonstrated their ability to regain control after a shaky start in the Group Stage. The match showcased their strategic coordination, particularly in the decisive moments of the final game.
In another upset, Rune Eaters capitalized on their aggressive early-game strategies to dismantle Virtus.pro. Their effective drafting and decision-making led to crucial victories in team fights. This remarkable performance positions Rune Eaters for a matchup against Aurora Gaming, with a chance to secure a place in the playoffs. This victory marks a significant opportunity for the underdog team, aiming to join the ranks of the world's elite Dota 2 squads.
Meanwhile, LGD Gaming secured a straightforward 2-0 sweep over MOUZ, demonstrating effective map control and coordinated teamfights. This result rounds off a day that left three teams eliminated, including Xtreme Gaming, Virtus.pro, and MOUZ, each taking home $20,000. With a total prize pool of $2 million at stake, the pressure intensifies as the tournament heads towards its final stages.
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