We’re about one week away from the annual rAge expo, and one thing gamers can look forward to the most is a jam-packed esports schedule. VS Gaming (formerly Digital Gaming League) have used the rAge expo for their annual championship since the inception of competitive gaming. While it used to be hidden in the basement, for the past two years the VS Gaming Masters has taken center stage at the rAge expo and helped create a competitive gaming spectacle. Last year we saw both the CS:GO and Dota 2 Masters, hosted by international host Paul “ReDeYe” Challoner, which was the culmination of the first-ever Masters program. This year, with the Dota 2 Masters being completed at EGE, CS:GO will be the main attraction for the Masters Program at rAge.
“Our CS:GO Masters tournament is where we have always seen the very best of best compete. We are proud of this heritage and we are excited to be able to bring this level of competition to the esports-loving public” said VS Gaming CEO Cambridge Mokanyane via NAG.
rAge is a significant partner to VS Gaming and with them we are committed to grow the professional side of esports in South Africa. The VS Gaming Championships is where the next stars will be found and where the up and comers find their feet in a large-scale tournament. This will be an exciting event and now as the headline sponsors, we are excited to be such a large part of it.[/quotes]The CS:GO Masters will see eight of South Africa’s best teams go head-to-head over the weekend for a prize pool of R550 000. The prize pool breakdown is as follows:
- First place – R220,000
- Second place – R99,000
- Third place – R55,000
- Fourth place – R44,000
- Fifth place – R38,500
- Sixth place – R27,500
- Seventh place – R27,500
- Eighth place – R27,500
With the notable absence of both Bravado Gaming and Energy Esports, this year’s masters program is widely contested by several top organizations. Two teams, Goliath Gaming and Big Five, will also not be competing as they’re two of the newest organizations who weren’t formed in time for the Masters. This leaves teams such as Damage Control, Veneration Esports, XTC Gaming, Exdee, Aperture Gaming, Ventus Gaming, White Rabbit Gaming and Pulse Gaming battling for the prestigious title of VS Gaming Masters Champions. Bravado Gaming won the July split after qualifying through the various cups offered by VS Gaming. Damage Control are strong contenders to take home the win this year, but in reality the competition is wide open.
Damage Control, this year’s top contenders for the Championship.
Although Big Five and Goliath Gaming won’t be featuring at this year’s Masters, they will be offering up some broadcasting talent for the main event. Ashton “Golz” Muller from Goliath Gaming will be joining myself on the commentary desk, while Thulani “Thulz” Sishi from Big Five will be joining Etienne “RecoiL” Forster. The on-stage panel will be hosted by Devin “Hellbird” Rigotti and joining him will be Ryan “Parker” MacQuet and Gregory “Fingers” Robinson.
Running alongside the VS Gaming Masters will be the annual Championship featuring teams who have competed in the various online leagues throughout the year. Dota 2, CS:GO, Rocket League, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Overwatch and Battlefield will make up the full roster of games to decide who will be crowned the VS Gaming Champions.
The online league and subsequent Championships act as an introduction for many teams with the aspirations of competing in the Masters. The leagueS on Championship act as a feeder for the Masters program with teams who show promise often being pulled up into the big leagues.
Like esports?
Check out esports central
Last Updated: September 28, 2017
Magoo
September 28, 2017 at 14:29
How about some love for the other VS championships at rAge? 😛