Legacy eSports Article: Jish March 1st, 2015 06:14 GMT





Legacy eSports have proven themselves a fighting force in Australia, even showing the world a hint of what Oceania can bring to the table. A precarious year in 2014 saw their conception, their rise and their fall; bowing out early in Autumn, a stellar performance at Winter but falling short in the Regional Finals. Legacy would only ever move up and up, they are a team devoted to growth and amelioration.



Although imperfect, the story of Legacy is erratic and exciting, but above all, resilient. Oceania has only ever known a singular dominant team; Team Immunity. Legacy dented the impregnable armour of Team Immunity, they've pioneered the way into the competition and they're not slowing down.



ENTER AUTUMN



Under the moniker of Mindfreak, the young squad began their journey with an ardent lineup. The original iteration of the team consisted of Katy, Carbon, ChuChuZ, elvte and Zeforus. A few of these names have faded from the public eye, but their core remains.



Riot Oceania surprised the scene when they announced plans for the upcoming year, starting off with their Autumn Regional. Introducing a tournament structure consisting of three central events, each with their respectively onerous qualification processes, Oceania finally had something to compete for. Before anyone would see Mindfreak’s entrance into the upcoming season, the roster would undergo changes: elvte and Zeforus out, Harry “Cardrid” Archer and Bryce “EGym” Paule in. Had you have asked any informed spectator, they’d tell you Mindfreak weren’t to be taken lightly — despite being a new team. Faced with further tough choices, a decisive roster change saw Katy benched and cherished local, An “Minkywhale” Trinh, finalise the Avant side. With their roster established, they’d take this lineup to the end of the earth and back.



Qualification was imminent, but a more immediate change saw Mindfreak adorn new colours. Avant Garde: Ascension. Fighting alongside sister team Redemption, only AV:A would make it through to the LAN stage and final four of the Autumn Regional. Even through internet troubles plaguing their online run (birthing the social media explosion of #CarbonsRevenge), they would come back through the lower bracket in order to launch themselves into the spotlight of LAN at Gold Coast’s Supanova. However, it wasn’t to be. Despite their impressive qualification, their semi final set saw a timely defeat, dropping to Team NV 1-2, ending in a quick and sour departure.



AN UNEXPECTED USURPER











Perth, Australia. Although matching the season, Winter certainly didn’t reflect the intensity of the event. Easily the most prestigious event to its date, Winter offered its victor a seed into the Wildcard Invitational Tournament held in Cologne, Germany.



A crowded auditorium watched in awe and excitement as a moment was shared between spectators as they all drew in and held their breath. Every inch gained and surrendered kept the packed venue entertained. Cheers, gasps and roars of applause were emitted sporadically from the crowd; all in unison.



The best of five waged on, it was 2-2 as the reigning champions, Team Immunity, faced a revitalised Avant Garde. An impeccable display from both sides. The game clock read [42:00] in its familiarly, dull white. 7-4 in kills, both teams almost frightened into inaction. No one ventured dangerously, it was too important. Suddenly, Swiffer’s Ziggs would fall to Corki, piloted by Cardrid. A tower. An inhib.



Carbon, denying Spookz a chance to base, manages a solo kill at [42:30]. The taste of victory was palpable. A baron and a final push.



They’d done it. Team Immunity, the undefeatable giants, were dethroned. If any eSports story line were to typify David and Goliath, this would be it. Perth Supanova and its result left the region shell shocked. Punching their tickets, their impressive run wouldn’t end domestically. However, before they left home soil, they’d finally assume one last title. A little down in the dumps, the short break between events wouldn’t allow much time to convalesce. To aid their improvement, former competitive player Luke “Ottoke” Knapp, previously “shizaem”, was brought in as the team’s analyst. With a history in Korea, peaking high in their solo queue ladder, Ottoke was a respected fountain of knowledge for the group. Heading into the online qualifiers for Winter, AV:A once again blitzed through the competition and the online stage, earning themselves a second LAN berth.Perth, Australia. Although matching the season, Winter certainly didn’t reflect the intensity of the event. Easily the most prestigious event to its date, Winter offered its victor a seed into the Wildcard Invitational Tournament held in Cologne, Germany.A crowded auditorium watched in awe and excitement as a moment was shared between spectators as they all drew in and held their breath. Every inch gained and surrendered kept the packed venue entertained. Cheers, gasps and roars of applause were emitted sporadically from the crowd; all in unison.The best of five waged on, it was 2-2 as the reigning champions, Team Immunity, faced a revitalised Avant Garde. An impeccable display from both sides. The game clock read [42:00] in its familiarly, dull white. 7-4 in kills, both teams almost frightened into inaction. No one ventured dangerously, it was too important. Suddenly, Swiffer’s Ziggs would fall to Corki, piloted by Cardrid. A tower. An inhib.Carbon, denying Spookz a chance to base, manages a solo kill at [42:30]. The taste of victory was palpable. A baron and a final push.They’d done it. Team Immunity, the undefeatable giants, were dethroned. If any eSports story line were to typify David and Goliath, this would be it. Perth Supanova and its result left the region shell shocked. Punching their tickets, their impressive run wouldn’t end domestically. However, before they left home soil, they’d finally assume one last title.



CRAFTING A LEGACY









A palpable, bitter-sweet scent pervaded the homecoming air. Though the region was elated, the players hung their heads low. Falling short of their own goals, they had still exceeded the expectation of many. Tears were shed and the inner competitor mortified with their close defeat. But, if their year’s result would be indicative of anything, it’s that they wouldn’t be held down — they wouldn’t give up.



Fast-forward to November, 2014. Usually scattered across the Australian scape, Legacy convened once again in Melbourne for PAX Australia. A further roster change presumably enhanced their strength, but no one was sure. James “Tallywhacka” Shute, an untested player, replaced the venerated Minkywhale.



With a rehearsed ease, they cemented themselves a third LAN appearance with a rematch of the Winter finale. Watching in awe, Legacy comfortably held their title as they conquered a tenacious Chiefs and penned a finals match against their former home - Avant Garde. Providing viewers with a prodigious final, Legacy would yet again be capitulated in an intense best of five. Losing it in the decider, Avant exacted revenge on their predecessors and claimed the crown of Oceania.



As stated, 2014 proved to be invariably precarious for the team. Their journey through the year saw numerous players, managers and title sponsors, but the same core tenets remained. Grit, determination and an impeccable work ethic ensured they’d grow beyond anyone’s expectations. Legacy eSports has become Oceanic vernacular. The name alone incites a concoction of fear and respect. 2014 hosted a serious rift in Australian League of Legends.





Prior to his departure, Jungler and Captain of the troop, Tim “Carbon” Wendel, stated,



At the highest level of play, we can be competitive. And I hope that within this in endeavour to Germany, and hopefully to Worlds, we can show people that OCE does have something to offer.



Although a volatile year, Legacy made it clear upon their entrance to scene they weren't to be underrated. Growing with each passing event, it's clear the cohort have proved their namesake true — they've created a legacy. Leaving the Avant name behind in Australia, Legacy eSports was born. Relinquishing the chains of an overarching organisation, the newly titled squad impressed us once more with their assault on Europe and their domination on day one. Cologne held host to some very talented competitors who, with a new sobriquet, brought a different tactic to the stage. Oceania’s trademarked aggression surprised their adversaries. Sent off to showcase the region, their performance was nothing short of emphatic. Admitting they felt unsure about their preparation, they weren’t entirely confident going in. Even with some high level practice against the EU LCS teams, Legacy were worried that they didn’t have a handle on the latest patch — this was the first competitive event played on 4.13. Although having an assertive first day, a few power picks would spell their collapse. Nidalee and Tristana proved troublesome and our Oceanic heroes fell short of their ambitions. They returned home, having only been inches from a Season 4 World Championship seeding.A palpable, bitter-sweet scent pervaded the homecoming air. Though the region was elated, the players hung their heads low. Falling short of their own goals, they had still exceeded the expectation of many. Tears were shed and the inner competitor mortified with their close defeat. But, if their year’s result would be indicative of anything, it’s that they wouldn’t be held down — they wouldn’t give up.Fast-forward to November, 2014. Usually scattered across the Australian scape, Legacy convened once again in Melbourne for PAX Australia. A further roster change presumably enhanced their strength, but no one was sure. James “Tallywhacka” Shute, an untested player, replaced the venerated Minkywhale.With a rehearsed ease, they cemented themselves a third LAN appearance with a rematch of the Winter finale. Watching in awe, Legacy comfortably held their title as they conquered a tenacious Chiefs and penned a finals match against their former home - Avant Garde. Providing viewers with a prodigious final, Legacy would yet again be capitulated in an intense best of five. Losing it in the decider, Avant exacted revenge on their predecessors and claimed the crown of Oceania.As stated, 2014 proved to be invariably precarious for the team. Their journey through the year saw numerous players, managers and title sponsors, but the same core tenets remained. Grit, determination and an impeccable work ethic ensured they’d grow beyond anyone’s expectations. Legacy eSports has become Oceanic vernacular. The name alone incites a concoction of fear and respect. 2014 hosted a serious rift in Australian League of Legends.Prior to his departure, Jungler and Captain of the troop, Tim “Carbon” Wendel, stated,Although a volatile year, Legacy made it clear upon their entrance to scene they weren't to be underrated. Growing with each passing event, it's clear the cohort have proved their namesake true — they've created a legacy.





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