Gentle Mates edge out Legacy to reach ESL Pro League S22 Stage 2

Gentle Mates edge out Legacy to reach ESL Pro League S22 Stage 2

Gentle Mates secured a 2–0 victory over Legacy (13–11 on Ancient, 13–4 on Mirage) to advance to Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 22. The Spanish side, who entered the tournament as a last-minute replacement for Lynn Vision, now keep their Major hopes alive. 

In the opener on Ancient, Gentle Mates built momentum with a strong T-side and overcame a late push from Legacy to close out the map.On Mirage, the Spanish squad dominated, surrendering just four rounds.The turning point came in a second-round forcebuy when Alejandro “alex” Masanet found an ace, a clutch play that tilted momentum decisively in their favor. 

For Legacy, the defeat puts them into the 2-2 Swiss pool, where they will face stiff competition including teams such as FURIA and G2. 

Related stories & context

Gentle Mates replace Lynn Vision amid scheduling conflict
Earlier in the tournament cycle, Lynn Vision had to pull out due to roster issues, and Gentle Mates were slotted in per ESL’s last-minute replacement policy.  Coach Eloy “deLonge” Suárez publicly addressed a scheduling conflict, noting that Birch Cup (another event the organization was committed to) refused to allow a replacement, thus placing the team in a difficult position. He commented:

“From our perspective, allowing a replacement would actually protect the competitive integrity … no team should be penalized for getting invited to a higher-tier event.” 

Gentle Mates’ mindset and development
Earlier this month, alex (Masanet) gave insight into the squad’s approach:

“We are not focusing on the ranking, we are focusing game by game.” 
“We didn’t give up at any time, so I think we deserve to be where we are right now.” 

Given their relatively fresh lineup (they acquired the roster from Iberian Soul) and rapid ascent in performance, the team has earned attention as a rising contender.

Other qualified teams in ESL Pro League S22 Stage 2
Gentle Mates join a field of teams who have already clinched advancement:

3DMAX defeated ENCE 2–1 (Dust2 11–13, Nuke 13–5, Ancient 16–14) to secure a Stage 2 spot. 

HOTU made a clean run (3–0) through Stage 1, including a dominant 2–0 win over ENCE, to reach Stage 2. 

Inner Circle also locked in advancement with a 3–0 record, besting M8s in a close series and denying Gentle Mates additional VRS points in the Major race. 

GamerLegion secured their Stage 2 berth by defeating B8 2–0. In the process, Hypex remarked:

“We won 2:0 vs @B8esportsGG which means we are through to stage 2 of EPL. Major sticker will come one day don’t worry :)”