Magic Upsets 9z to Advance in EWC Playoffs

In a dramatic showdown, Magic has eliminated 9z from the Esports World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the rising team. The series featured intense competition, with Magic securing victories on Ancient and Inferno, while 9z managed to take a win on Dust2, leading to a thrilling decider.

Magic's Andrey "AW" Anisimov and Nikita "tenzy" Kochenyuk delivered standout performances, particularly on Ancient, where the match went into overtime. Despite 9z's efforts, including a clutch ace from Ignacio "meyern" Meyer, Magic ultimately prevailed, taking the first map and gaining momentum for the series.

On Dust2, 9z initially found their rhythm and took a lead into the second half. However, individual moments from Magic hinted at a comeback, though 9z's resilience ensured they forced a third map. The final map, Inferno, saw Magic establish an early lead, and despite a strong response from 9z, Magic's ability to perform under pressure sealed their victory with a close 13-11 win.

This result is a significant blow for 9z, who recently achieved a top-eight finish at the IEM Cologne Major and won the XSE Pro League. They now face a challenging period as they aim to regain their momentum in upcoming tier-one events. Meanwhile, Magic continues to rise in stature, adding this playoff berth to their impressive recent performances.