Liquid vs. 500 to Headline Birch Cup Quarterfinals

Liquid vs. 500 to Headline Birch Cup Quarterfinals

As the second day of the Birch Cup in Gdańsk concluded, the field has been narrowed to the final eight teams. All signs point to an intense playoff stage, with Liquid and 500 squaring off once again in a rematch of their Stage 2 encounter. 

Walkovers & Withdrawals Reshape the Bracket

The $15,000 Birch Cup has seen unexpected developments. Both Gentle Mates and ENCE withdrew after receiving last-minute invitations to ESL Pro League 22. 
Because of ENCE’s withdrawal, Liquid were awarded a walkover into the playoffs, bypassing their lower bracket match. Liquid had earlier defeated 500 by 13-9, before falling to 9INE 13-7 in the next match.

Quarterfinal Format & Matchups

The playoffs will follow a single-elimination, best-of-three format, with a separate third-place decider played alongside the grand final. 
Here’s the schedule for the final day:

• Liquid vs. 500

• fnatic vs. ex-Inner Circle

• 9INE and Monte also in the mix
  Losers of the semifinals will battle for third place.

Match History & Stats

In their Stage 2 meeting, Liquid eliminated 500 13-9 on Ancient. The rematch now takes place under more pressure and in a longer format. 

Liquid will remain a team to watch, especially after securing playoff entry and 32 VRS points thanks to ENCE’s withdrawal.