Just weeks after finishing last at the Esports World Cup, Wildcard jumped back into action facing HOTU in the Thunderpick World Championship Closed Qualifier. Their return proved challenging as they fell 0-2, immediately landing in the lower bracket.
The stakes couldn't be higher in this 16-team qualifier, with only the champion earning a ticket to the main event. Wildcard now faces the daunting task of winning five consecutive series to claim that coveted spot.
The opening map was Wildcard's choice of Mirage, but HOTU came out blazing with seven straight rounds. Though Wildcard managed to answer back and narrow the gap, HOTU maintained an 8-4 lead at halftime. The second half followed a similar pattern as Wildcard lost the pistol round and subsequent conversions. Despite grabbing three rounds, HOTU responded with two more to seal the map 13-7.
On HOTU's Cache selection, they continued their dominant performance by taking the pistol round on their T-side. The half was filled with crucial clutch moments, but HOTU controlled the tempo and finished with nine rounds. After HOTU captured their fourth consecutive pistol round and conversions, Wildcard could only muster two rounds before falling 13-5.
Wildcard's tournament life now hangs by a thread. They must regroup quickly for tomorrow's elimination match against EYEBALLERS at 07:00 AM to keep their championship hopes alive.
