Playoffs set after Esports World Cup open qualifier

The group stage of the Esports World Cup open qualifier concluded with 32 teams advancing to the playoff phase. Notable sides that progressed include Fluxo, SAW, 1win and Iberian Soul.

The advancing teams are the winners and runners-up from 16 qualifying groups. They will compete in the playoff bracket for four available berths at the main Esports World Cup event. Organizers have published the full list of playoff teams and will confirm match schedules and pairings before the playoffs begin.

The final set of group decider matches produced mixed results. Iberian Soul lost the opening map Ancient to 6666, then won the next two maps, Inferno and Mirage, to close the series 2-1. Most other decider matches finished as 2-0 victories for the pre-match favorites.

ASTRAL and INFINITE advanced with 2-0 results after their scheduled opponents did not appear and forfeited the matches.

Organizers have not specified whether the playoff rounds will use single-elimination or a series format. Teams that advanced will prepare under the format and schedule set by the event organizers.

The open qualifier is one stage of the wider qualification process for the Esports World Cup, offering regional and open-entry teams a route to the international tournament. The upcoming playoffs will decide which four teams from this bracket join the main event.