Click here for all links to all sixteen of the team profiles for the Europe Closed Qualifier for ESL One Rio.
Rank (HLTV/ESL): #66/--
Invite or Qualifier: Open Qualifier #3
Lineup
- Ole Kristian "Marcelious" Langan
- Sander Nordeide "Grus" Iversen
- Kristian "akEz" Kornbakk
- Erik "truth" Hansen Dyrnes
- Haakon "Radifaction" Tholo
- Torbjørn "mithR" Nyborg (coach)
Five most recent results
- Europe Minor Open Qualifier #3 = 1st (Online)
- Europe Minor Open Qualifier #1 = 9-16th (Online)
- WINNERS League Season 3 Europe = 5-8th (Online)
- DreamHack Open Leipzig 2020 Europe Open Qualifier = 9-16th (Online)
- IEM Katowice 2020 Europe Open Qualifier #2 = 5-8th (Online)
Brief rundown
Denmark, Sweden and Finland are all represented and Norway has two representatives of its own in the form of Nordavind and Apeks.
Apeks made a surprise announcement that mithR, who is very much alive despite North’s viking funeral video for his departure, will be coaching them through the Closed Qualifier instead of Pål "Polly" Kammen. This temporary addition adds a new layer to Apeks and makes them a strong potential threat.
Welcome @mithRTV!
— Apeks (@apeksgg) February 27, 2020
The danish coach will be helping us in preparation for the ELS Rio Europe Minor closed qualifier.
We are thrilled to have his helping hand during this period!https://t.co/Mtm0syCAZI pic.twitter.com/5Wrz3UgbsS
Player to watch: Radifaction
Radifaction is one of the recognisable names on the Apeks roster having played on Nordavind and NoChance previously. He is not the superstar of this lineup but his best performances often see the team deliver wins when it matters.
The Closed Qualifier will be a test for Radifaction as well as Apeks and it could hinge on the level he brings against the opposition over the weekend.
GINX prediction
With both Norwegian teams on the same side of the upper bracket, there is a chance we see both pull off upsets in their initial matches to meet in the second round or play against each other in the first lower bracket round.
A previous encounter saw Apeks best Nordavind at Telialigaen Fall 2019, which means a Norweigian derby could go in their favour again during the Closed Qualifier, but the path to the Minor will be difficult for the team among such a competitive field.