Following a successful group stage campaign, Viperio is set to face Illuminar Gaming in the playoffs of Exort Series 5. With a closely contested head-to-head history, both teams are coming out of the group stage hot with a goal to make it to the semi-finals and beyond.
Group Stage Recap
Viperio
Viperio demonstrated remarkable adaptability during the Swiss format group stage, finishing with a solid 3-1 record. Despite a rocky start (forced to forfeit their opening map against ex-Team PeeP due to scheduling issues), they bounced back to take that series 2-1. Although a 2-0 loss to Anonymo Esports set the team back with their first loss in the group stage, Viperio progress through to playoffs after victories against BC.Game (2-0) and Monte Gen (2-1).
Illuminar Gaming
Like Viperio, Illuminar Gaming also concluded the group stage with a commendable 3-1 record. They began strong with consecutive 2-0 wins over Lilmix, but fell to Betera Esports (2-0) in round two. Illuminar regrouped and delivered a commanding 2-0 wins against PeeP and Anonymo Esports to lock-in their playoff spot.
Rosters
Viperio
🇩🇰 Rasmus “zodi” Frølich (Captain, IGL)
🇳🇴 Tobias “shyyne” Sæther
🇸🇪 Rasmus “dezt’ Nyström
🇪🇪 Denis “swicher” Baranov
🇧🇬 Dimitar “Skrimo” Yanulov
Illuminar Gaming
🇵🇱 Damian “Furlan” Kisłowski (Captain, IGL)
🇵🇱 Tomasz “phr” Wójcik
🇵🇱 Maciej “b1elany” Biliński
🇵🇱 Adrian “Kadziu” Lis
🇵🇱 Adrian “SpavaQ” Stojek
Head-to-Head
The rivalry between Viperio and Illuminar Gaming is as even as it gets, with each team winning three of their six previous encounters. However, Illuminar holds a slight edge in the total map score, leading 8:6. Their most recent clash occurred during the United21 Season 23: Division 1 on 26 November 2024, where Illuminar emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
Prediction
While Illuminar Gaming holds a slight historical advantage, Viperio’s recent form should not be overlooked. Viperio made ESEA Advanced playoffs and have recent wins against Monte Gen, Endpoint and Verdant. Viperio’s well-rounded roster led by zodi and guided by coach papp, position them as the team to watch. With betting odds favoring Illuminar, Viperio will be looking to cause an upset to continue their run in this season of Exort Series.
Prediction: Viperio to win 2-1.
The stage is set for an epic battle, and Viperio will look to cement their place in the semifinals. The fixture will take place on Monday 2nd December 2024.
