The opening rounds of the ESEA playoffs are never easy and Season 53 is no exception. Competing in the Intermediate division, Traker Esport kicked things off with a loss. Still, all is not lost. The double elimination format offers them a second chance, and this team isn’t ready to pack up just yet. With the dream of promotion still alive, Traker Esport is fighting to climb the ladder and prove they belong in a higher division.
Rough start, but Traker won’t give up – The fight for promotion continues
Traker Esport 0:2 PHAZE
11:13 | Train
The first map began in dramatic fashion, with Traker Esport getting overwhelmed by PHAZE, losing the first half 1:11. The opponents controlled the pace of the game, dictating the flow and effectively throwing Traker off rhythm.
But after the side switch, something shifted. Traker showed real determination and nearly pulled off a comeback, picking up 10 rounds in the second half. With more aggressive plays, better decision-making, and flashes of individual brilliance, hope started to build. Although they ultimately fell short of forcing overtime, Traker proved they had heart, leaving a much stronger impression after a rough start.
8:13 | Mirage
The second map was much more balanced from the start. Traker Esport looked more confident and managed to respond to PHAZE’s plays, staying within reach throughout the half. The scoreline at the break was 5:7, leaving room for a potential turnaround.
Unfortunately, after the switch, it was PHAZE who took control and steadily closed out the map. Traker kept fighting and showed glimpses of resistance, but couldn’t regain the upper hand. PHAZE maintained better map control and sealed the deal with a 8:13 win, securing the series.
decider | Anubis
The third map, Anubis, was set to be the decider, but it wasn’t needed as PHAZE secured a 0:2 victory. With the series already decided, there was no reason to play the final map. Some fans might have hoped for a showdown on Anubis, but the match wrapped up earlier than expected.
Across the series, Traker showed glimpses of quality, especially in the second halves, where they managed to mount comebacks and challenge their opponents. Despite the 0:2 loss, the team proved they won’t go down without a fight, a strong message heading into the lower bracket.
bye round
In the first round of the lower bracket, Traker Esport didn’t receive an opponent and the system granted them a bye round, allowing them to automatically advance to the next stage. It’s a lucky break that gives the team a chance to reset after their last match and better prepare for what’s ahead. The fight for promotion is far from over, and every step forward brings them closer to the goal.
Traker Esport now faces another test in the ESEA Intermediate lower bracket. Later today, they’ll go up against the Russian squad CYBER KUBAN, who are also fighting to stay alive in the tournament. The stakes are high, the loser is eliminated, and the winner keeps their promotion hopes alive.
Traker will need to bring their A-game and learn from the mistakes of their previous match. If they play with the same determination they showed in the second halves, they might just pull off an upset. One thing’s for sure, today’s match promises to deliver plenty of action.
Traker Esport (x.com – twitch.tv)
