ESEA – The time has finally come, the playoffs are here as the four remaining teams battle for ESEA supremacy.

Tonight will mark the beginning of the ESEA Counter Strike: Source playoffs for Season 3. Here is a quick rundown of the teams remaining:

Mike Gaming (13-3)
Roster: clown, mOE, Mustang, p0s, Ramb0, Warmach1ne
 
Mike Gaming or otherwise known as the newly sponsored Cyber Revolution has received the #1 seed by going 13-3 in the regular season. Cyber Rev is the core roster of the old SF Optx with a few other former CGS stars thrown in there. Skill wise, this team is above and beyond any other team in ESEA, but their teamwork is in question. If they put in any practice time at all, this team will become a real big problem for anyone in their path.

X3O (12-4)
Roster: AZK, Legend, nicKn0it, PEX, solraK, TN-

Fresh off a CEVO Pro Finals appearance, resulting in a loss, redemption will be on the mind of all the X3O members. When it comes to team chemistry X3O definitely has the best among the remaining playoff teams. All the members have been playing with each other for a long time much like the core of Mike Gaming, the only difference being that this team puts in the practice hours. One question remains for the x3o roster however, will nicKn0it play? The team says they do not need him up until this point but I disagree. I don’t think X3O has an awper that can go head to head with some one such as mOE or DaZeD without n0it in the lineup but only time will tell. Do not be surprised if X3O walks away the title, however.

Vitriolic NA (10-6)
Roster: caseyfoster, CHewbacca1, DaZeD, frozt, shaffeR-, tck

Topping X3O in the CEVO Pro Finals, these guys are playing with a full head of steam. Coming off an impressive record of 22-1 in CEVO Pro and another great record of 10-6 in ESEA, confidence is what will lead this team throughout the playoffs. DaZeD has been out of control lately and as of now he has the best AWP in the game. This team has the number 3 seed but they could easily take the number 1 spot if not the runner up. Look for this European sponsored team to try and reign supremacy over here in North America.

Team Dynamic (9-7)
Roster: adreN, ER1cc, Moses, NoObler, Demonic, nosey

Dynamic got into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth by going 9-7 in the regular season and will be the Cinderella team of the playoffs. The second half of the season, Dynamic really showed they have the talent to be a top team in source as well as the chemistry. Much like X3O these group of players have been around each other for quite sometime. However, I just don’t feel like Dynamic has the same explosive play as the teams mentioned before them. They will keep their matches close and make them interesting but unless they practiced their butts off (which is difficult in the summer) and are very determined to make the finals, I do not see them winning Season 3, but hey I’ve seen many Cinderella stories in my life (Boise State anyone?).

The first map will be on de_contra. It will be double elimination style playoff with the losers of the first round being sent to the loser’s bracket.

The first match will be Vitriolic NA against X3O, a rematch of the CEVO Professional Finals. How is that to kick things off? This will be a perfect way for X3o to get redemption. The second match is Mike Gaming against Team Dynamic. This will be the ultimate test for Team Dynamic.



Stay tuned to Insider eSports as we follow the ESEA playoffs.