Wings soar to Grand Finals in ESL One Manila playoffs

Wings Gaming outplayed Fnatic, 2:1, eliminating the Malaysian team in the ESL One Manila playoffs. Wings has advanced to the Grand Finals. The action continues with the ESL One Manila semifinals between Team Liquid and Team Empire. at 09:00 CEST.

Once again, Wings Gaming were able to stage a comeback after a one-game deficit.

After taking the loss to Fnatic in the first match, in what seemed to be a stomp, Wings struck back. The Chinese team took the second game – overtaking Fnatic after being behind in the early game.

During the last match, Wings dominated the game, shutting down the Enchantress and using the Treant Protector extremely well to minimize damage and casualties.

Wings Gaming continued to exude confidence and flair in their game play. Bringing forward new drafts, smooth execution and stellar performances, this team has soared above the competition at ESL One Manila, after flying under the radar for months.

Fnatic have demonstrated continued top notch performances and tremendous improvement in execution and team play. The Malaysian team will take fourth place at ESL One Manila.

ESL One Manila Playoffs

Fnatic vs. Wings

The first game was all Fnatic, from start to end. The Malaysian team was always one step ahead of the Chinese team and maintained their advantage and lead at all times. Djardel Jicko B. “DJ” Mampust had a stellar game on Enchantress – 12:1:10, paving the way of Fnatic’s success. In a convincing fashion, Fnatic took the first game.

TIL don't give DJ Enchantress #ESLOne https://t.co/DWvrOJioJG

— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) April 24, 2016

During the second game, Wings went with a greedy lineup and did a great job executing their strategy. The Chinese team was doing a great job keeping the pressure up and, around 14 minutes in, they started to gain an edge and eventually pulled away with incredible speed and force. Zhou “bLink” Yang Phantom Lancer was spectacular, going on a rampage towards the end of the game. Wings Gaming’s victory forced a deciding third game.

RAMPAGE by Wings Gaming! They are turning things around! #ESLOne
https://t.co/ZgNbVLyrX6

— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) April 24, 2016

The deciding game gave Fnatic Enchantress once again and Wings grabbed a roaming Treant Protector. Fnatic secured first blood, coming out strong with DJ’s Enchantress on the bottom lane. The slight edge the Malaysian team gained, Wings Gaming squashed with great pick-offs and rotations. In a very one-sided last game, Wings dominated Fnatic to take the victory and series.

Wings Gaming's Witch Doctor dropping some sick beats! #ESLOne
https://t.co/dQKw5qo9iz

— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) April 24, 2016

ESL One Manila playoffs: Fnatic 2:1 Wings Gaming. Wings continues to the Grand Finals. Fnatic eliminated.

ESL One Manila playoffs format

• The group stage was played in a classic GSL format.
• The eight participating teams were split up into two groups of four.

  In each group, the teams played best-of-three matches, as shown below:

  Match one: Team A vs. Team B
  Match two: Team C vs. Team D
  Winners’ match (WM): Winner of match one vs. winner of match two – winner advances to semifinals
  Elimination match (EM): Loser of match one vs. loser of match two – loser drops out
  Decider match: Loser of WM vs. winner of EM – winner advances to semifinals and loser drops out

• Four teams – Team Secret, compLexity Gaming, EHOME, and Mineski, were eliminated in the group stage.
• Four teams – Fnatic, Wings Gaming, Team Empire, and Team Liquid – have advanced into the playoffs.
• During the playoffs, the four remaining teams will play a single-elimination bracket.
• The Grand Finals will be best-of-five series, with no winners’ advantage.

ESL One Manila playoffs prize pool

The base prize pool for this tournament is $250,000.

• 1st place – $100,000 – TBD
• 2nd place – $50,000 – TBD
• 3rd-4th place – $25,000 – Fnatic/TBD