The playoffs of ESEA Season 53 have only just begun, but it’s already clear that Saturlity Esport’s journey has come to an end. As we mentioned in our previous article, the team was placed in the A bracket, which secured them a promotion of two divisions, meaning they’ll start next season in Intermediate. Although the squad surely hoped for more and wanted to fight further in the playoffs, after a hard-fought match they had to concede defeat. Perhaps now is the right time to begin preparing for the new chapter awaiting them next season.
Eliminated but not Defeated – Saturlity Esport ends ESEA season with promotion
Saturlity Esport 0:2 Not So Team
7:13 | Inferno
The matchup kicked off on the classic map Inferno, where Saturlity immediately had to face the well-organized and disciplined playstyle of Not So Team. Although the game seemed balanced at first, and Saturlity managed to grab a few key rounds, their opponents showed better coordination and capitalized on their chances in the most crucial moments.
The first half ended with a 5:7 scoreline, which still left some room for a comeback. Unfortunately, after the side switch, Not So Team quickly took control of the game’s pace, preventing Saturlity from rebuilding their economy or putting together a string of rounds. The map ended 7:13, giving Not So Team the early lead in the series.
13:16 | Anubis
There was much more excitement on the second map, Anubis. From the very beginning, both teams played on equal footing, which led to a 6:6 scoreline at halftime. Saturlity showed greater determination this time, with more effective use of utility, cleaner rotations, and better overall teamplay, every round was fiercely contested.
The second half remained just as balanced, ending again in a 6:6 draw, which brought the match to overtime. Unfortunately for Saturlity, a few minor mistakes during the extra rounds cost them dearly, as Not So Team edged ahead to close the map 13:16. Despite the loss, Saturlity delivered a solid performance on Anubis and proved they could hold their own against tough opponents.
decider | Ancient
The third and deciding map, Ancient, was ultimately not played, as Not So Team sealed the series with two straight wins. After a dominant showing on Inferno and a much closer fight on Anubis that went to overtime, the outcome was already decided. While Saturlity showed clear improvement and determination, it wasn’t enough to push the match to the decider. Ancient remained a missed opportunity, one that might have shifted the series momentum. Despite the result, Saturlity left a strong impression, especially with their performance on the second map. With the upper bracket journey over, the team would now have to regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
Bye round
Following their initial loss, Saturlity Esport advanced to the next round of the lower bracket without playing, thanks to a bye round. This automatic progression gave the team a brief moment to reset and mentally prepare for their next matchup. While such rounds offer no competitive experience, they can serve as a valuable breather in a high-pressure tournament environment. Unfortunately, the momentum gained from this free pass wasn’t enough to carry over into the next match. Still, the team remained in contention and had one more chance to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Saturlity Esport 0:2 VIBEmix
forfeit | no veto played
Unfortunately, Saturlity Esport’s playoff journey came to an unexpected end in the following round, as the match against VIBEmix was not played and resulted in a forfeit. The game did not proceed to the veto stage, and no rounds were played, suggesting a walkover win for the opposing team. While the specific reason for the forfeit remains unknown, it marked a disappointing conclusion to Saturlity’s lower bracket run. After showing promise in their previous match and advancing through a bye round, the team had one final opportunity to stay in the tournament. Sadly, that chance slipped away without a fight. Despite the early exit, Saturlity still walks away from the season with a promotion to Intermediate, which opens the door to new challenges ahead.
Despite the early exit from the playoffs, Saturlity Esport has plenty to be proud of this season. Securing a promotion to the Intermediate division is a significant achievement and a solid foundation for the team’s future growth. The matches showcased their potential, resilience, and teamwork, proving they can compete with strong opponents. Now, with valuable experience gained, Saturlity can focus on refining their strategies and preparing for the challenges ahead. Fans and supporters should keep an eye on the team as they aim to climb even higher in the next season. This is not the end but rather a new beginning for Saturlity Esport.
Saturlity Esport (x.com)
