Rival Esports isn't backing down

It's always good news when we get a new org - and this time it's Rival Esports, hailing from Singapore. They've made the decision to sign all-Japanese roster Never Back Down, composed of Milkreo, Melty, and Shu.

So far, the team has made it to 2 Monthly Finals, falling in the semi-finals in the first, and in the quarter-finals in April. As APAC continues to produce upset after upset, consistency has proved to be key, and by securing top 8 spots in consecutive months, NBD find themselves well in the race for LCQ, just 12 points behind Natus Vincere, who currently occupy the 4th and final international spot of the region.

As for the players, they have their fair share of experience on the international and domestic stage. Milkreo, the most experienced of the 3, has made it to 2 World Finals (2019, with Animal Chanpuru; and 2020, with JUPITER), as well as winning 2 Monthly Finals. Last year, he agonisingly missed out on a LCQ spot alongside Shu by just 1 point, as they lost out to Melty's Chasmac Gaming EA.

Meanwhile, Shu emerged onto the scene in 2022, in the team Cistlia. He played with Melty in this team, and together they secured a top 6 spot in East Asia. In 2023, Shu didn't have a proper team until he joined Aphelion eSports, where he unfortunately missed out on LCQ.

Melty spent most of 2023 with Chasmac Gaming EA, though for the latter stages acted as a subsitute, following the addition of I see to the roster. He was unfortunately unable to attend LCQ despite qualifying due to visa issues.

Together, this team has a good mix of talent and experience, and it is clear why this org has chosen them as their first roster in Brawl. Let's see if they continue to make Monthly Finals, and get that LCQ spot.