Renegades and NRG Esports are the two newest challengers going to the IEM Katowice Major.
Both contenders secured their spots in the upcoming Polish Major by placing first in their regional Minor championships. Renegades breezed their way to first in the Asia Minor, while NRG Esports took the top spot at the Americas Minor.
Related: ESL introduces changes to the Valve Major format ahead of IEM Katowice
Per usual, Renegades had a relatively easy road to the Major compared to its international counterparts. The Australian side topped their group with a 2-0 record after beating Aequus Club and Grayhound Gaming. In the playoffs, they trumped Vici Gaming in the semifinals and later Grayhound again. Against Grayhound, they went to three maps and closed it out in a tight 29-round game on Cache at 16-13 to secure their spot in the Major.
It was a much different story for NRG Esports, though, since the regional Americas Minor was a bit more rigorous compared to the Asia Minor. They opened up their tournament run with two convincing victories over Imperial Esports and Bravado Gaming, and they later swept their way to the No. 1 qualifier spot by defeating Team Envy and Furia Esports.
The final two qualifier spots from the Asia and Americas Minors will be determined tomorrow. Then, the Third Place Play-In event will take place on Sunday to decide the final qualifier team from all four Minor championships, including the EU and CIS Minors.
