ESL One Raleigh 2025: Day 2 Playoffs Recap

Team Liquid vs. AVULUS

The playoffs kicked off on April 10 with Upper Bracket matches: PARIVISION vs. Tundra Esports and Team Falcons vs. Team Spirit. On April 11, the Lower Bracket playoff matches took place — and that’s where we’ll focus our attention. It’s worth noting that all playoff matches — except for the Grand Final (bo5) — are played in a best-of-three (bo3) format, meaning fans are treated to more thrilling games compared to the group stage.

The first match of the day was Team Liquid vs. AVULUS, where Team Liquid were clear favorites. This became evident right on the first map — Liquid made the surprising decision to pick Tiny as their carry, and the strategy paid off. Team Liquid dominated AVULUS in Game 1 with a 36-15 scoreline in a 42-minute match.

AVULUS needed a fresh approach for Game 2 to bounce back. Their pick of Terrorblade as carry was solid, but the rest of the draft raised eyebrows. Choosing Windranger and Tinker as supports proved costly in the late game. Team Liquid edged out AVULUS in a close second game, winning 28-23 after 49 minutes of play.

With this result, Team Liquid advance to the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals to face PARIVISION, while AVULUS exit the tournament, finishing in 7th-8th place.

BB Team vs. Nigma Galaxy

The next match in Lower Bracket Round 1 of ESL One Raleigh 2025 featured BB Team against Nigma Galaxy. While there wasn’t a clear favorite, BB Team had a slight edge. Nigma Galaxy started the group stage strong with two wins, but then suffered three consecutive losses.

Game 1 was completely unexpected. Despite BB Team drafting for the late game, they dominated Nigma Galaxy from the very start. The game was one-sided and quick — BB Team secured a 31-5 win in just 28 minutes.

The second game turned out to be more competitive, lasting 51 minutes. Nigma Galaxy clearly adjusted, with Dragon Knight and Sand King holding their lanes well. However, BB Team had their own game plan, with Lifestealer and Timbersaw proving decisive in the late game. BB Team claimed victory with a 33-21 score and move on to the Lower Bracket Quarterfinals, where they will face Team Falcons. Nigma Galaxy are eliminated from the tournament, finishing in 7th-8th place.