FUT Esports' Stage 2 Run Ends in a Lower-Final Sweep as Team Liquid Rolls On

Team Liquid closed out the EMEA Stage 2 Lower Final without dropping a map, eliminating FUT Esports 3-0 to book a spot in tomorrow's grand final against Karmine Corp.

Liquid's path to this final came the hard way — the roster spent Stage 2 clawing back through the lower bracket to protect its Champions Shanghai points, and Saturday's sweep extends that run into a shot at the regional trophy. FUT, despite the loss, has already accrued enough Championship Points to travel to Shanghai regardless of tomorrow's outcome.

Split: Liquid sets the tone early

Every Liquid starter besides trexx posted a rating above 1.30 on the team's map pick, while FUT couldn't get a single player above a 1.00. purp0 led an attacking half that netted nine rounds, and Liquid never let FUT string together consecutive holds on defense. A pistol win to open the second half all but sealed it.

Ascent: kamo takes over

FUT stabilized briefly with an early pistol win on its own map pick, but Liquid answered by winning every round for the rest of the half. kamo alone collected 21 kills on defense without dying once. FUT clawed a 2-11 deficit back to 8-11 behind a KROSTALY-led push, forcing a timeout from head coach Vlad at match point, but the comeback stalled and Liquid closed it out 13-8.

Lotus: purp0 closes the door

FUT's third map pick was its most competitive showing, keeping pace on attack for a 5-7 first half. Liquid stretched the lead to 10-5 off a bonus-round conversion before FUT rattled off three straight rounds to cut the gap. The two sides traded rounds until 11-10, when a mistimed peek from s0pp handed purp0 an opening he didn't waste — he pushed the round through to match point and closed the series with a four-kill round shortly after.

Full box score

kamo's series line — a 9.80 rating on 314 ACS, 210 ADR and a 43% headshot rate — was the widest statistical gap between a series MVP and the rest of the field across Stage 2's playoffs so far. trexx, meanwhile, quietly ran the support role that made it possible: 30 assists and 82% KAST without ever needing to be the top fragger.

FUT assistant coach Bambino was candid about the gap after the match:

FUT's Championship Points already lock in a Shanghai berth regardless of tomorrow's result, softening the immediate blow. Team Liquid now turns to Karmine Corp in Sunday's grand final, looking to convert a lower-bracket survival run into a Stage 2 title.