Shopify Rebellion and Team Aster secure the last two remaining upper-bracket spots.
The Lima Major Playoffs bracket is set.
Twelve teams proceed to the Lima Major Playoffs, while six teams bid adieu as the group stage finally concludes.
Shopify Rebellion and Team Aster secure the last two remaining upper-bracket spots in a gruelling contest, especially in Group B -- the Group of Death.
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North America's only hope: Shopify Rebellion
Tal "Fly" Aizik-led Shopify Rebellion was, more or less, guaranteed an upper bracket spot after their clean 2-0 victory over beastcoast in the last series of the group stage. Despite a promising start in the group stage, they won only three series, drew four and lost one, including a draw against the underwhelming Knights. Shopify Rebellion's only loss came against Team Liquid, the eventual group leader. They are also North America's only hope at the Lima Playoffs since TSM's early exit from the Major.
While Shopify seems to be struggling to find its identity, it is also admirable to see them experimenting with different strategies and heroes throughout the group stage. Point in case: Artour "Arteezy" Babaev playing fifteen different heroes in eight series.
The real question remains: Can Shopify Rebellion redeem North America?
Team Aster's struggle to secure the upper bracket spot
Team Aster is the only Chinese team showing promise at the Lima Major and is way ahead of other Chinese teams like PSG.LGD, EHOME, and Knights. However, it has been a real struggle for Team Aster as they had to go through a nail-biting tie-breaker series to secure the upper bracket spot. The tie-breaker was between four teams, Team Aster, beastcoast, HellRaisers, and Geek Slate. The first half was fighting for a place in the upper bracket, while the latter half was fighting for survival.
An excruciating series ensued between Aster and beastcoast that went to three games. In the end, the Chinese prevailed over the South Americans and secured the final upper bracket spot for the Lima Major Playoffs.
Team Aster's performance can be described as wobbly since they've only won two series against weaker teams, lost two, and drew four.
Find out who are the other teams who secured the Upper Bracket in Lima Major.
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