APAC's underdogs show up again

In our Monthly Qualifier recap, we talked about how the underdogs had their chance to shine as they qualified for the Monthly Finals. Well, they've gone even further in their journey, with one even reaching the grand finals. Let's have a refresh of the March Monthly Finals before the MQs. 

You know the competition is heated when 5/7 matches need a 5th set to decide the winner. We start the day off with Revenant Esports vs Gohan Oishi. While GO picked up multiple individual games, it wasn't enough to secure them a single set vs the world champion Ken-G's roster. A convincing 3-0 victory for Revenant Esports sealed the deal for GO.

Simultaneously in stream B, we had Angelic and HOW fight it out for their lives. With both teams being relatively new to BSC they each had a statement to make. And they did - despite 5 sets of constant back-and-forth matches and a match point against them, Angelic managed to come out on top with their superior drafts and mechanics in the end.

Next up on the menu was Crazy Raccoon vs Octopus Primes - the titans of APAC maintained their dominance for the most part, though dropping a set in the process with multiple close interactions. Perhaps their dominance isn't as rock solid as we all assumed it to be, which we would see late on in the competition. The quarter-finals was a routine victory however, and they progressed to the semis. 

On stream B, NBD vs S1 was up next - an experienced veteran vs a dark horse. NBD were the public favourites here having more experience and accomplishments in the scene. Team S1 started with a 2-set deficit as many would expect but they still kept their composure and forced the match all the way to set 5 after multiple set points for NBD. However, they ultimately dropped the ball in set 5 to NBD whose drafts seemed to consistently give them an edge over Team S1. A super close series overall with an expected outcome but a wildly unexpected scoreline. Perhaps there's more to this story than meets the eye.

The first Semi-Final between RNT and Angelic was a big one. With super close games, key outdrafts and a ping advantage, Angelic clutched the victory in 5 sets and managed to cause a huge upset, stopping the fan favourites Revenant Esports from reaching the finals. They defeated the public opinion, with only 6% of the viewers predicting them to win. Angelic moved ahead to the Grand Finals in their very first month causing some huge upsets all the way from qualifiers. However, they now faced one of the biggest sharks in the sea in the grand finals - a roster filled with champions - Crazy Raccoon, or the experienced Never Back Down.

Crazy Raccoon have always been the titans of APAC despite the ample number of times they've got outdrafted and this time was no different. NBD picked up the first set convincingly with 2 clean games, however, their advantage was short-lived as Crazy Raccoon maintained focus and clutched the 2nd set in the 3rd game, despite the hard outdraft. They continued the momentum into a dominant set 3 with a good draft. Never Back Down lived up to their name, persevering despite the scoreline and missed opportunities, they made a close comeback in Set 4, forcing it all the way down to the 5th and final set. Crazy Raccoon managed to outdraft their opponents with a last-pick Mortis to slash their way to the Grand Finals.

The Grand Finals did not disappoint. In a shocking turn of events, the rookies of Angelic took the first two sets against the kings of APAC and looked to be set to take the first Monthly Final, in only their first appearance. After gaining a set point in Center Stage, the game seemed to be sealed, but Crazy Raccoon's experience came in clutch. They took Brawl Ball, and from there, would not drop another game, clutching victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a heartbreaking loss for Angelic, but with 4 more opportunities this year, they certainly can make amends for the grand finals.

These monthly finals certainly did not disappoint, and we'll be hoping that April can produce just as many magic moments.