9INE Shocks the World with Last-Minute Entry to Gamers8!

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Polish team 9INE has emerged victorious in the second European open qualifier, earning themselves a spot at the prestigious Gamers8 tournament. The event, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 16th to 20th, boasts a staggering $1 million prize pool. With this achievement, 9INE completes the roster for the highly anticipated Saudi competition, joining esteemed teams such as Heroic, Vitality, and fnatic.

9INE faced a challenging path to secure their place in the coveted $1 million event. They fought hard against formidable opponents, defeating sYnck, the revamped Spirit lineup, Aurora, and 1WIN in close matches throughout the qualifier. However, it was their intense showdown against SAW that truly tested their mettle. After exchanging blows on Ancient and Vertigo, the teams found themselves deadlocked. The decisive battle took place on Anubis, where 9INE exhibited their prowess, securing a commanding 16-8 victory to solidify their place at Gamers8.

The qualification victory adds another prestigious LAN tournament to 9INE's already packed schedule. In addition to Gamers8, the Polish team has upcoming appearances in the IEM Cologne Play-in, the Hussar Cup, and a campaign in ESL Pro League Season 18's Group D, promising a thrilling journey for both the team and their fans.

While 9INE celebrates their triumph, other prominent teams faced unexpected setbacks in the second open qualifier. Astralis, showcasing their newly formed roster, bowed out in the Round of 16, while Ninjas in Pyjamas failed to secure their spot in Riyadh after a heartbreaking overtime defeat to SAW in the quarter-finals.

Furthermore, some top-tier squads failed to advance past the initial stages of the competition. MOUZ, with Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek's return and Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo's promotion, were eliminated in the third round following a resounding 6-16 defeat against Robin "robiin" Sjögren's 1ADL side. Similarly, Bad News Eagles suffered an early exit in the second round after a disappointing 10-16 loss to Sashi.

As the stage is set for the grand Gamers8 tournament, 9INE's triumph serves as a testament to their skill and determination. With their place secured, they are poised to showcase their talent on an international stage, aiming to leave their mark and compete for the prestigious title and the substantial prize pool that awaits.

The complete Gamers8 team list is as follows: