BOOM Esports are writing a Cinderella story at their first international LAN tournament in 2024.
PGL Wallachia Season 1 marks the team’s first LAN presence since the roster was formed. The first few months of the new year brought mixed results and a couple of roster shuffles. Less than a month ago, BOOM Esports were at the bottom of the groups at Elite League and they were eliminated in the 12th-14th place. They didn’t make the cut for DreamLeague Season 22 nor for ESL One Birmingham. And since they will have to sit out DL Season 23 as well, PGL Wallachia truly represents their only shot at making a splash this spring.
With that in mind, BOOM Esports managed to secure three victories in the modified Swiss group stage to secure a top 8 finish and a spot in the playoffs. However, they were immediately knocked down to the lower bracket by Team Falcons.
The elimination rounds didn’t look any easier for BOOM, who had to face off against last year’s three-time Major champions, Gaimin Gladiators in their first lower bracket round.
BOOM Esports vs Gaimin Gladiators
Gaminin started the first match of the series with a first pick Lifestealer, which gave BOOM the time to formulate a beefy draft and a plan on how to deal with their opponents. They gave Crhistian “Pakazs” Savina his signature Templar Assassin and went for a five protect one type of play to start the match on the right foot.
They put all their faith in Pakaz in the second game as well and reserved him the last pick, which was a Troll Warlord to answer Gaimin’s offlane Axe and carry Clinkz. Boom had once again drafted around their carry and had all the tools necessary to save their Troll if needed. Between Tusk’s Snowball and Phoenix’s heals, Pakaz became immortal.
Pakaz delivered his best carry performance this year so far and executed Gamin Gladiators with a 16/0/15 K/D/A performance.
“We feel like we are doing more steps forward than backwards,“ said Melchior “Seleri” Hillenkamp, Gaimin Gladiators captain, in the exit interview for the official English broadcast. He also mentioned that in this particular series, none of the GG players played their best. Unfortunately for his team, this is the fifth tournament in a row when GG fails to make it to even the top 4.
But, on a positive note, the top 8 finish at PGL Wallachia is an improvement from the last place finish at ESL One Birmingham last month.
With their victory over Gaimin Gladiators, BOOM secured themselves a top 6 finish at the first LAN of 2024 for the new roster. Their journey at PGL Wallachia resumes tomorrow, at 09:00 CEST when they will be pitted against the loser between Team SpiritvsBOOM Esports upper bracket semi final.
