The Return. EU

VPL is here.

Image taken from vainglorygame.com

Right on schedule with the NA announcement, EU followed. EU has been having a little more difficulties than the NA scene in aspects of teams and players. EU has always been seen as the “little brother” to NA and struggled to compete with them. When you first see the announcement, you immediately notice that only six teams will be participating. A lot of questions are being thrown around about this decision and why SEMC did not select eight full teams. While it is disappointing, maybe this is the right decision.

One thing I remember reading along the way of the many tweets and reddit posts I consume, is that SEMC wanted to make sure that they picked the right teams. This is the biggest stage in the Vainglory Esports ladder. It is crucial that the teams involved will have the dedication to play the game. 5v5 is still so new that teams may not be prepared to compete against the few teams that have been practicing. Maybe adding two more teams to the EU scene would not be the right choice if the players on the team cannot practice a lot together. They would get destroyed by the other six teams and it wouldn’t be fun to view. Before we discuss the other issues being raised, let me just review the six teams that were selected.

Team Queso

CHEEESEEEE. The cheese is back and I am pumped going into this season with them. While it hurts not having SK, G2, and Fnatic, at least we have the cheese. This team went through some major changes when SK Gaming backed out of Vainglory and dropped five of the best players in the scene. The combo of Palmatoro and Tyruzz is interesting considering they were top two junglers in EU. Tribe figured it out in NA, so I think Queso will too. This team will be the favorites heading into the preseason with the most overall talent and experience. PRZ is the only returning Queso member and it will be interesting to see how they mesh.

2. Qlash

Qlash is a team that has been in and out of the official Vainglory8 competition. This roster is especially interesting since it has members of many rosters forming together. We have some old members from Fnatic and Mouse on this team. It is also particularly interesting having L3oN, who was seen as one of the most mechanically gifted players back on the Fold, back competing. Originally I thought he was not competing this year, but we see him find himself a place on a team.

There may have been a little drama behind the scene between nettetoilette and Palmatoro. It seems that Palmatoro was going to compete with Qlash but then left to join up with Queso. Nettetolilette did not take it to well and took to twitter to call out Pal. Bottom line is money talks and people want to win. If Palmatoro thought Queso was his best chance to win then that’s where he should go. I guess it just gives us a little more of a story line with former teammates becoming foes.

Sometimes you can’t hold your tongue and it seems that nette has new motivation to make sure his team is ready for the VPL.

3. Rising Lotus

They are making their way back into Vainglory! Lotus was a team that had a lot of changes throughout their 3v3 days. I am very glad to see them back in the scene being a “grassroots” team. Who will be playing for them? One big name that will be able to compete on this team is KeanuNakoa, formerly from G2. He will be one of the veterans to lead this team in 2018. Sub Nomad could be an interesting piece as he has been in the scene for a long time.

4. SaltyPotatoes

For those that were around in 2017, Salty has been a team that continuously fought for a secure spot in the VG8. Having been around for sometime, this original roster from 3v3 was actually extremely talented. Returning members Sn3aky, TheJoKeR, and KLast were able to make a lot of great plays and even upset some of the top orgs during 2017. While I recognize the other three names, I am not aware of there past competitive besides AeOn, who will make for an interesting sub.

5. Equinox Esports

Well….I know nothing about these players. Let me VGPRO them real quick, hang on. Well they seem to be a bunch of POA gold members. Those reading this may be more aware of the EU scene as a whole. During 2017, I did not follow the challengers in EU as much, so I am not aware of these players. Good news is that they have been playing together so it could be a team to look out for!

6. Wolves Esports

Hey! Here are a few players I recognize. Reddix, Chrysior, and Keygasza. As a whole, this is another team entering the top competitive scene as a first timer. Wolves, along with Equinox, will be the new guys on the block with a lot to prove. I do have faith in SEMC in that they picked these six teams for a reason.

Alright that is it. Nothing else to talk about. Well, there is one thing that seems off about EU. Maybe KValafar?? Wait you are right!? Where is KValafar? Other people noticed as soon as the teams were announced and his name did not appear on any team. Maybe he is a little upset about SK not getting franchised and leaving the scene. It seems he is still in the SK organization doing things for them. It could be a FlashX situation and KVal takes a position within the org. He also tweeted out something after I wrote this article and I HAD to add it. This could be very interesting and a historical event in Vainglory. He congratulates his past teammates and mentions the NA scene. If KValafar leaves the EU scene and joins up on a NA squad, it could make for an interesting team.

Last but not least, we say goodbye to one of my favorite junglers in EU, DarkPotato. He was an extremely talented player and an even better Lance. It was a pleasure watching you over the last few years and good luck!

Thanks for reading my EU overview! If you missed out on my earlier article covering NA, check it out here. NA Article. If you want to join in on the conversation, follow my personal twitter @endless55vg or the Time For Rolling esports podcast @tfr_esports.

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-Endless