The Opening Sortie – Chiefs’ First Test at eXTREMESLAND Shanghai

Lead by MoeycQ, the recently formed squad had high hopes for the Shanghai-based event, with texta telling HLTV earlier in the week they “would be pretty happy with [a] top four” spot, but that making playoffs was “a must” for the Oceanic team.

While it was clear the team placed high value on a final-four finish at the Chinese event, expectations from the community were also at a similar level.

“[The] Chiefs coming into this were hunting for at the very least a top 4 finish,” eXTREMESLAND caster ManicMunday said “They had only lost 3 or 4 [matches] since forming…however it was going to be no easy task.”

To add to the pressure already building behind the veteran organisation, the squad had only been fully formed three weeks prior, and there were concerns from all parties the squad wouldn’t be ready in time for the international tournament.

The campaign started off well for them despite the multitude of worries however, as they stomped Taiwanese squad Sad Story 16-3 on Mirage, hardly even breaking a sweat as they kept all but one of their opponents to single figure kills.

Their next game against Flash Gaming was a different story altogether.

While the Chiefs did have early momentum and lead for all but one round (at 3-3), Flash showed why they are the number two team in China, continuity putting pressure on the Aussies.

The problems continued to mount for the Chiefs as they headed onto T side, with Flash taking ten rounds off the Australian representatives – including a six-round streak at the death – before the Chiefs were able to finally put the nail in the coffin and secure their playoff position 16-14.

After a days break for the Chiefs (where there was something about a word document?) the playoffs began with the Aussies taking on NASR to try and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

The Chiefs were expected to win this matchup, with most people tipping them to make it to the semis from it, and on Train, most pre-game predictions seemed like they would hold.

 

Excellent flick from @InfrequeNtcs to secure us our 7th round on Train in Map 1!https://t.co/uVNboZKobq#eXTREMESLAND2018 | #WeAreChiefs? pic.twitter.com/jAaWA0QHY8

— The Chiefs Esports Club (@ChiefsESC) October 20, 2018

In a map where texta dominated the scoreboard (27-14), the Aussies never really seemed to struggle, securing a 10-5 CT half before dropping just the first three rounds of the second half to secure a 16-8 victory.

From there, the Chiefs looked to take Nuke – a traditional stronghold for the organisation – but in a weekend where upsets were plentiful in the esports world, the Chiefs were not immune.

NASR stormed out of the gates to take a quick 11-4 lead at the half, but with Nuke being one of the CT sided maps in CS:GO, hopes were high that the Chiefs would be half a chance to stage a major comeback.

However, to quote Manic, “starting on T side Nuke is like a bank robbery; how much can you get away with, without being caught” and NASR stole every last gold bar in the vault before the Chiefs could raise the alarm, winning the map 16-4 and forced a decider on Inferno.

Inferno saw NASR all but dominate on the same map they nearly took from ORDER in July, only dropping four rounds on T side.

In a final glimmer of hope for the Chiefs, InfrequeNt dug in to rack up 23 kills overall, but the Herculean effort was in vain as the Chiefs crashed out of the tournament with the 16-9 defeat.

 

After a dominant Group Stage, our #CSGO Squad fall 1-2 against @NasrEsports in the Quarter Finals of #eXTREMESLAND2018 in Shanghai, China ??

We know our lads will be disappointed, but we’re super proud of the brilliance they have shown this comp. Heads up for a bright future! pic.twitter.com/CTpWUPRFR2

— The Chiefs Esports Club (@ChiefsESC) October 20, 2018

Overall, while missing a semi-final berth was disappointing for the new squad, the Chiefs did well considering the conditions, including facing a NASR that “defied all expectations” according to Manic.

When you compare how long these teams have been together for and the maps they played being heavy for coordination and strategy, you can see how the stars aligned for NASR, with Manic adding the squad’s quarter-final berth was “more a testament as to the performance from the Middle Eastern team than anything else.”

For the Chiefs, eXTREMESLAND will be a minor success for them as they focus on tournaments both at home and abroad, and the organisation will look to improve on a pleasing opening sortie with the new-look roster.

Follow The Chiefs Esports Club & ManicMunday on Twitter.