FaZe and NIP Stay Alive at XSE Pro League 2026 After Surviving Elimination Matches

Both FaZe and NIP kept their XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 campaigns alive after winning crucial elimination matches on day three of the Swiss stage. Following disappointing 0-2 starts, the two European organizations responded under pressure and earned another chance to fight for a playoff berth.
While FaZe comfortably dispatched SINNERS, NIP bounced back after a difficult loss earlier in the tournament to eliminate Luminosity. The results leave both teams with work still to do, but their tournament hopes remain intact heading into the next Swiss round.
Quick Summary
|
Item |
Details |
|
Event |
XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 |
|
Stage |
Swiss Stage — Day 3 |
|
Main Story |
FaZe and NIP avoid elimination |
|
FaZe Result |
Defeated SINNERS |
|
NIP Result |
Eliminated Luminosity |
|
Tournament Status |
Both teams advance to the next elimination round |
|
Playoff Teams Confirmed |
BetBoom, TYLOO |
FaZe and NIP Survive Their First Elimination Test
Day three of XSE Pro League was another marathon session, with technical delays once again pushing matches deep into the night. According to HLTV, the final series concluded after 4 a.m. local time, continuing scheduling issues that have affected multiple days of the tournament.
For FaZe and NIP, however, the focus remained on survival.
Both organizations entered the day carrying 0-2 records after difficult starts in Guangzhou. Another defeat would have ended their tournament immediately.
Instead, each roster delivered a composed performance when the pressure was highest.
FaZe Return to Winning Ways
FaZe entered the elimination match against SINNERS needing a convincing response after two disappointing opening defeats.
The European squad controlled the series and secured a comfortable victory, preventing what would have been one of the biggest early exits of the event.
While the tournament has not started according to expectations for FaZe, the win gives the team an opportunity to rebuild momentum before facing increasingly difficult opposition in the later Swiss rounds. 
NIP Keep Their Tournament Alive
NIP found themselves in a similar situation.
After suffering consecutive losses during the opening two days—including a narrow overtime defeat before being pushed into the elimination pool—the Swedish organization responded by defeating Luminosity in a best-of-three elimination series.
The victory keeps NIP mathematically alive in the race for the playoffs, although every remaining match is effectively a knockout series from this point forward. 
Background
XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 features a 16-team Swiss System group stage.
- Opening matches are Best-of-One.
- Advancement and elimination matches are Best-of-Three.
- Eight teams qualify for the playoffs.
- Three losses result in elimination.
- Three wins secure a playoff berth.
By the conclusion of day three:
- BetBoom had already secured a playoff place.
- Chinese representatives TYLOO also advanced.
- FaZe and NIP extended their tournament lives.
- Several teams remained one victory away from either qualification or elimination.
Why This Matters
FaZe entered Guangzhou as one of the tournament’s biggest names, making an 0-2 start one of the event’s biggest surprises.
Avoiding elimination prevents a disastrous finish and gives the roster another opportunity to recover confidence before the playoff race concludes.
For NIP, the victory is equally significant.
The organization has been seeking consistency throughout 2026, and surviving the first elimination round keeps valuable ranking points, prize money opportunities and playoff ambitions within reach.
Although neither team has secured anything yet, both remain capable of qualifying if they can string together additional victories.
Tournament Timeline
|
Date |
Event |
|
Day 1 |
Swiss Stage begins |
|
Day 2 |
FaZe and NIP fall to 0-2 records |
|
Day 3 |
FaZe defeat SINNERS to survive |
|
Day 3 |
NIP eliminate Luminosity |
|
Day 3 |
BetBoom qualify for playoffs |
|
Day 3 |
TYLOO qualify for playoffs |
|
Next Round |
Remaining qualification and elimination matches |
Key Details
|
Category |
Information |
|
Tournament |
XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 |
|
Format |
16-team Swiss System |
|
Elimination Record |
0-3 |
|
Qualification Record |
3-0 |
|
FaZe Status |
Still alive |
|
NIP Status |
Still alive |
|
Confirmed Playoff Teams |
BetBoom, TYLOO |
|
Remaining Objective |
Reach three wins |
Tactical Impact
The psychological value of these victories may prove just as important as the tournament standings.
FaZe were able to halt a losing streak before entering a sequence of high-pressure elimination matches. Winning under elimination conditions can often restore confidence and improve communication heading into tougher opposition.
For NIP, surviving another day offers additional time for the roster to build consistency. Best-of-three matches also provide more room for strategic adaptation compared to the opening Best-of-One format.
Without detailed tactical data from the matches, it is too early to conclude that either team’s level has significantly improved.
Tournament Impact
Neither FaZe nor NIP can afford another mistake.
Every remaining Swiss match effectively becomes a knockout encounter until either:
- three victories are achieved (playoff qualification), or
- a third defeat ends the tournament.
This creates one of the most demanding paths through the Swiss format, requiring consecutive wins against increasingly difficult opponents.
What Changes Now
Following day three:
- FaZe remain in contention for the playoffs.
- NIP remain in contention for the playoffs.
- BetBoom and TYLOO have already secured playoff positions.
- Additional elimination and qualification matches will determine the remaining bracket.
The exact next opponents were TBD at the time of publication.
What to Watch Next
Several storylines now become increasingly important:
- Can FaZe complete a full Swiss comeback after beginning 0-2?
- Can NIP build momentum after surviving elimination?
- Which additional teams will join BetBoom and TYLOO in the playoffs?
- Will tournament scheduling improve after multiple days affected by technical delays?
Related Teams, Players and Events
Teams
- FaZe
- NIP
- BetBoom
- TYLOO
- SINNERS
- Luminosity
Event
- XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026
FAQ
Why were FaZe and NIP facing elimination?
Both teams lost their opening two Swiss-stage matches, leaving them with 0-2 records. One more loss would have eliminated them from the tournament.
Did FaZe qualify for the playoffs?
No. FaZe only avoided elimination and must continue winning future Swiss matches.
Did NIP qualify for the playoffs?
No. NIP remain alive but still need additional victories to reach the playoff stage.
Which teams have already qualified?
As of the conclusion of day three, BetBoom and TYLOO had secured playoff places.
Who will FaZe and NIP play next?
Their next opponents had not been confirmed at the time this article was published.





