For two days, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was the home to the eight best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams from Asia and Oceania. While a lot of fans saw the Australian teams of Renegades and Team Immunity as the clear favorites, the tournament knew to give fans thrilling matches and some surprises on the way to finding the two challengers for ESL One Cologne.

Renegades: The Australians going to their fourth CS:GO Major

After three participation as Vox Eminor in the Majors at Katowice and Cologne, Renegades were the first team to qualify as Challenger for ESL One Cologne. After two clear wins in the group stage, including the only 16-0 of the tournament, the Australians had to face the Koreans of myRevenge. While a lot of fans thought this was going to be an easy thing for them, myRevenge were able to force them into overtime on Cache, which Renegades won. However, on Inferno the Australians showed all their experience and took myRevenge, earning the first Challenger spot for ESL One Cologne.

Team Immunity: Making Oceania the third strongest region in ESL One Cologne

For the first time, Team Immunity, often referred to as the second best team in line in Australia gets the chance to compete with the best teams in the world at ESL One Cologne. Despite a solid performance in their group, placing first with two wins in a row, they had to work hard for their wins. Especially their first map, Cache, against MVP.Karnal in the semi finals saw them struggling before taking the win. However, they played another solid game on Cobblestone to qualify for ESL One Cologne as the second Challenger.

With the first two Challengers found, we say goodbye to Kuala Lumpur and look forward to the upcoming North American and European qualifiers on the weekends to come!