GamerLegion shut down B8 2–0 to claim ESL Pro League S22 Stage 2 spot

GamerLegion shut down B8 2–0 to claim ESL Pro League S22 Stage 2 spot

GamerLegion have secured progression to Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 22 by defeating B8 in convincing fashion, 2–0 in the Swiss Round 4 match. The Ukrainian side is now entrenched in the 2-2 pool, where they’ll face a final decider to surpass Stage 1 entirely. 

B8, after this loss, will drop into the 2-2 bracket and have one more chance to stay alive in the tournament. GamerLegion’s win ensures they bypass that danger and continue directly into Stage 2. 

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Match breakdown & key plays

The series followed a two-map sweep format (no decider needed): Ancient followed by Inferno. The maps and scores were:

• Ancient: GamerLegion 13 – 9 B8

• Inferno: GamerLegion 13 – 11 B8
  (No Dust2 match was needed since the first two sufficed.)

Ancient: establishing dominance early

GamerLegion’s Ancient pick was well-executed. They secured a strong 7–5 T side start, followed by a decisive pistol + subsequent eco rounds, pushing the half into their favor. The momentum further solidified with solid team play and utility usage to close out 13–9. 

Inferno: comeback resilience

On Inferno, B8 responded well in the first half, taking advantage of strong retake setups (winning 7 of 11) and tactical pushes. However, GamerLegion, led by Sebastian “Tauson” Lindelöf, turned the tides late:

• Down 9–11, they claimed the final four regulation rounds

• B8 lost the fourth pistol round (out of the four in the half), a turning point

• Tauson’s defensive impact was especially pronounced in the clutch rounds

The scoreline of 13–11 closed out the match and the series, sending GamerLegion forward without needing a decider map. 

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Significance for GamerLegion, B8 & the Major race

For GamerLegion: safety and momentum

• This win makes GamerLegion one of the teams to skip the 2–2 survival matches, giving them breathing room and map-win leverage going into Stage 2.

• It’s also a statement: beating B8 cleanly demonstrates that GamerLegion can close pressure maps and maintain composure in key moments.

• The move boosts their standing in tournament metrics and may help their VRS projection (HLTV often factors map wins in its Major invite models).

For B8: setback, but still alive

• B8 fall into the 2-2 pool, which means they must win a crucial decider next just to stay in contention for Stage 2.

• Their roster (headtr1ck, alex666, npl, kensizor, esenthial) remains intact, per their HLTV team profile.

• The loss underscores the thin margins—retakes, pistol rounds, and late clutch rounds can decide fate even when a team performs well early.

Broader context

• This match is part of the Swiss format structure in EPL S22: teams with 2–1 records clash in Round 4 for direct advancement vs forced survival matches.

• GamerLegion’s roster as of now consists of REZ, ztr, Tauson, PR, hypex and coached by Ashley “ash” Battye. Their HLTV team overview shows their current statistic and roster context.

• B8’s roster is well-known: headtr1ck, alex666, npl, kensizor, esenthial under coach maddened.

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Observations & critical notes

• GamerLegion’s ability to close matches shows growing maturity. In key moments they held firm: winning pistol conversions, defending critical rounds, and finishing strong.

• Tauson’s performance on Inferno was a highlight; his defensive posture in late rounds helped secure the comeback.

• B8’s retake strength on Inferno was notable, but ultimately unsustainable when GamerLegion restrained their economy and map control in later rounds.

• The format meant that GamerLegion needed just two strong maps; they delivered both, avoiding the fatigue or risk of a decider.