Following with tradition, Orena will once again host qualifiers for the Electronic Sports World Cup for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a competition which has seen Bravado Gaming represent our local community on two consecutive changes. This year, should Bravado win again, they’d be accompanied by a second South African team.
South Africa has a rich history with ESWC. It started back in the day in 2003 when Damage Control travelled to compete against the world’s best in Counter-Strike 1.6. They did it for the next three consecutive years making four appearances at ESWC in 2004, 2005 and finally in 2006. After a short break, and an explosion in esports, Energy Esports sent their Dota 2 team in 2013 to compete. The following year they sent their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team before Orena jumped on board with Qualifiers in 2015 and 2016 (both won by Bravado Gaming). Things are going to be a bit different this year as Orena will host two qualifiers at the newly announced Rush Esports Expo and the Electronic Gaming Expo (EGE). One in Johannesburg, and one in Cape Town, offering two teams a chance to qualify and compete at ESWC.
Damage Control (somewhere in the crowd) at ESWC – Image provided by Riaan ‘style’ Van Niekerk
In previous years online qualifiers were held, and the final offline leg saw teams from all over the country travelling to a set destination. The change here, which is great for a lot of teams, is that they’ll have equal opportunities to compete in Joburg and Cape Town, and their attendance is not limited to either one (unless they win). Teams can take part in both offline qualifiers to try to secure their spots at ESWC, while the winner of the first one gets to sit around and wait.
Bravado Gaming at ESWC 2016 – Image courtesy of Bravado Gaming
When?
The first qualifier will take place at Rush in Johannesburg on the main stage. Registrations for that are unfortunately closed as the 16 team limit has been reached.
- Dates: 21st to 23rd July 2017
- Venue: RUSH Expo, Sandton Convention Centre.
- Team Limit: 16
- Tournament Format: Double Elim Groups, Single Elim Playoffs
- Match Format: Groups & Playoffs Best of 3 – Grand Final Best of 5
The second qualifier, which has four spots left, will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at EGE.
- Dates: 28th to 30th July 2017
- Venue: EGE Expo, Cape Town International Convention Centre.
- Team Limit: 16
- Tournament Format: Double Elim Groups, Single Elim Playoffs
- Match Format: Groups & Playoffs Best of 3 – Grand Final Best of 5
More details will be released closer to the time regarding where to watch, but all games will be live streamed from the venue, and there will be a live spectator area at both expos for your enjoyment. This will mark the first major tournament for Orena this year who have had a relatively slow start. Their recent announcement of the Orena Fight Nights will also be happening at the Rush Expo, including a few more events lined up for the rest of the year such as the Orena Championship Series.
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Last Updated: June 27, 2017
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
June 27, 2017 at 14:31
Awesome, so we will officially have 2 teams going to ESWC – this is epic news to the CS players and teams.
Skyblue
June 28, 2017 at 20:24
Geographically limiting teams in SA is a terrible idea.
Easyfrag
July 10, 2017 at 09:37
how are they geographically limited?
Skyblue
July 10, 2017 at 09:42
I have no idea what I was thinking when I made that comment. I take it back.
Easyfrag
July 10, 2017 at 09:47
lol mssa flashback moment maybe 🙂