100 Thieves have been eliminated from contention for the IEM Beijing Global Closed Qualifier after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 series loss to Eternal Fire in the decisive qualifying match. The team joins BC.Game among prominent organizations failing to advance, with BC.Game having been knocked out earlier in the Round of 32 by Nemiga.
The elimination represents a significant setback for 100 Thieves as they pursue qualification for additional S-tier tournaments. The squad recently made their S-tier debut at the Esports World Cup 2026, having earned their spot through the Last Chance Qualifier earlier this month.
Prior to their elimination, 100 Thieves demonstrated solid form throughout the qualifier, recording impressive victories against 33 and INOX Division to reach the final qualifying match.
The best-of-three showdown saw Eternal Fire draw first blood on Ancient, their map selection, taking it 13-9 behind a powerful defensive display that broke open a 6-6 deadlock at halftime. 100 Thieves responded on Dust2, building a 7-5 advantage on the attacking side before closing out a 13-9 victory powered by stellar counter-terrorist play, with Alex "poiii" Nyholm Sundgren contributing eleven eliminations.
The decider map proved agonizing for 100 Thieves. After falling behind 3-1 on defense, they clawed back to edge the opening half 7-5. Switching to offense, they pushed ahead to a commanding 10-6 lead, seemingly in control. However, Eternal Fire mounted a devastating comeback, stringing together seven consecutive defensive rounds to snatch the map 13-10 and eliminate their opponents.
Following this qualification miss, 100 Thieves will next compete at Stake Pulse Beat II on September 21st.
