jL with stickers and apEX without them is now almost a reality. In addition, a strange VRS paradox could leave one player with a sticker but no Major spot, and another with a Major spot but no sticker.
Why does this matter? Stickers and Major spots usually go together, so a split between them is rare. As a result, a single quarterfinal and a single group record could change who gets what.
The Vitality scenarios
Vitality are guaranteed to play at least five matches at the tournament. They can reach the quarterfinal with a 3-1 record, advance with a 3-2 record, or go out with a 2-3 record.
However, in none of these scenarios does apEX get his sticker. Instead, jL gets it.
apEX has just one route to his stickers. In that case, Vitality finish the group stage with a 3-1 record. Then apEX comes to play in the playoffs, which start on October 29.
The FUT, Astralis and VRS paradox
Meanwhile, the VRS rules could create an unusual situation. It depends on FUT’s quarterfinal at PGL Bucharest.
The problem is that FUT are already guaranteed to rank above Astralis in the Valve ranking. If FUT do not reach the semifinal in Bucharest, cmtry will stay on the rosters of both teams. However, under the VRS rules, only FUT will qualify for the Major, as the higher-ranked team.
As a result, cmtry will appear in the ranking as part of two teams at once. The lower-ranked club will not get a Major invite, because its roster is no longer “suitable.”
What it means for cmtry and SunPayus
If FUT lose in the PGL Bucharest quarterfinal, the outcome is clear. Astralis player cmtry will get FUT stickers but will not play at the Major. FUT player SunPayus will not get a sticker, but he will play at PGL Major Singapore for FUT.
For this reason, the whole Astralis team need to be rooting for FUT in that quarterfinal.
Why it matters
In short, two small details could decide several players’ stickers: Vitality’s group record and FUT’s result in Bucharest. For example, a 3-1 group finish is the only way apEX keeps his stickers. Likewise, a FUT loss in the quarterfinal would leave cmtry without a Major spot and give SunPayus one.
Finally, the playoffs begin on October 29, so the picture will become clear very soon.
