New ESL Premiership Autumn Champions Crowned: RAPTORS EC Triumph

In a thrilling showdown that had esports fans on the edge of their seats, RAPTORS EC emerged as the new champions of the ESL Premiership Autumn tournament. The British esports sensation, led by Marco "MMS" Salomone, etched their names in history with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the formidable Endpoint squad in a thrilling final. Not only did they claim the prestigious title but also walked away with the lion's share of the $5,964 grand prize. Additionally, RAPTORS EC secured a coveted spot in the ESL Pro League S19 EU Conference, solidifying their status as a rising force in the esports world.

RAPTORS EC's remarkable journey to championship glory began with a challenging open qualifier. There, they clashed with a star-studded Into the Breach team, featuring notable names like Owen "smooya" Butterfield and James "bevve" Slinn. In an electrifying display of skill and determination, RAPTORS EC secured victory, not only advancing but also establishing themselves as a team with a strong British presence.

As the tournament unfolded in Birmingham, RAPTORS EC faced their initial test against Invictum, a challenge they navigated with remarkable ease. Their next hurdle was the formidable Verdant, and once again, RAPTORS EC proved their mettle, earning a coveted spot in the grand final.

Waiting for them in the grand final was none other than Endpoint, a team that had long dominated the British esports scene. Endpoint's journey to the final included dominant victories over Overpowered and ex-Coalesce, setting the stage for a thrilling clash against the underdog RAPTORS EC.

The final showdown played out as a true spectacle of skill and strategy. Endpoint came out strong, securing a commanding 16-6 victory on Ancient, RAPTORS EC's map pick. However, RAPTORS EC demonstrated resilience and adaptability. They clawed their way back into the series, securing a nail-biting 16-14 win on Vertigo before sealing the championship with a 16-13 triumph on Inferno.

Throughout the tournament, Slaven "AwaykeN" Lyubenov, formerly of OG Academy, stood out as RAPTORS EC's star player, consistently delivering exceptional performances and boasting an impressive 1.26 rating. He was closely followed by teammate Rasmus "zodi" Frølich, who maintained an impressive 1.18 rating.

For Endpoint, this heartbreaking loss marked their second consecutive failure to capture the ESL Premiership title, following their defeat to Into the Breach in the previous season. Despite their dominant showing in the tournament, Endpoint once again fell agonizingly short on the final stage, leaving them hungry for redemption in future competitions.