Our ESL One format underwent some changes for ESL One Manila – check out the new group stage.
ESL One Manila is just about two months away and we have switched up our usual single elimination ESL One format in favor of a GSL style group stage ahead of the knockout rounds. In Dota 2, this format was last used for the Frankfurt Major and it will enable us to add a double elimination facet to our ESL One Manila event, as we’ll as provide an easier to maintain schedule.
For those unfamiliar with the GSL style group stage format, take a look at the example below.
Match one: Team A vs. Team B
Match two: Team C vs. Team D
Winners’ match (WM): Winner of match one vs. winner of match two – winner advances to upper bracket
Elimination match (EM): Loser of match one vs. loser of match two – loser drops to lower bracket
Decider match: Loser of WM vs. winner of EM – winner advances to upper bracket and loser drops to lower bracket
The addition of a double elimination group stage will extend the tournament by one more day of competition, starting on Friday, April 22nd, with the initial group stage games. The games taking place on Friday will not be hosted in the Mall of Asia Arena, but they will be viewable on Twitch, casted by our yet to be revealed broadcast team.
The new adjusted schedule will look as follows and fans at the venue will still be able to catch every team live and in action.
Friday: Initial Matches + Winners’ Matches
Saturday: Elimination + Decider Matches (Decider Matches will replace the quarterfinals)
Sunday: Semifinals and Final
James Lampkin, VP of Pro Gaming at ESL, had to following to say about the format change:
“After discussing the event calendar and format with some teams we decided to extend the format of ESL One Manila by an extra day to reduce the risk of travel for teams. We think that in the current dota ecosystem, that this gives a better incentive to teams without risking going home from an immediate loss.”
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