Scarlet's Guide to the UL S2 Playoffs
The road to the top has finally started! Hello everyone, Scarlet here with a playoff preview article! This season was full of upsets, crazy endings, and many storylines that will affect UmaLeague folklore for years to come.
Veteran teams have been utterly dominated, as 4 out of 6 returners have been knocked out before the playoffs began, and now only VELO and FISH are holding down playoff positions for the old guard. Newcomers CGRY, DNF, CLUE, and AMB are now in the field chasing the ultimate glory that awaits them this November. Let's take a look at our idols as they aim to triumph in the finale of this Grand Concert!
Fishy Miracle
"Sleep with the Fishes!"
The very first team is none other than the invincible FISH, who earned a perfect 10-0 record in the regular season. Leading MVP candidate Sky has been dominating the front position with stats that eclipse every other front main in the league. Captain Benni has been no slouch as well, being top 10 in the league in scoring, and the remaining FISH starters have been pulling their weight as well, with Gerbear and Kashou also enjoying amazing seasons.
They are primed to be the heavy favorites to win it all this season due to the immense strength in their starting lineup, as well as formidable players like Duck and Spice waiting desperately for their chance to also join in on the fun. As they are the top seed, they have the special privilege of selecting between DNF/VELO for their first playoff matchup. This team is stacked, simple as that.
However, perhaps this dominance can be a point of weakness, as they haven't faced any setbacks. Will they be able to cruise through a higher stakes postseason? Or will they get caught by the bait from the other contenders?
Playoff Matchup
They have chosen to face VELO in Winners Semifinals.
Cinderella Gray
"The Clock is Near Midnight"
Despite the immense amount of strife and close calls this season, CGRY has finished up their season in a very formidable manner. Landing in the winners' bracket in their first season is no easy task, especially as they dealt with roster issues all season long. Despite that, they managed to prevail time and time again, and it was thanks to the efforts of their captain Mephis, the former HOGS darling Yunaka, and Potato's breakout season. Blurr has also been wicked good with his Tamamo Cross, which makes up for the lack of Oguri's heroics this season.
If there's one thing this team has, it's determination to get through the worst. They all will have to be able to translate this determination to results on the track to get through this postseason before they lose their magic when midnight strikes. Will they be able to overcome destiny?
Playoff Matchup
They are confirmed to be facing DNF in Winners Semifinals.
DraftNFamily
"Cause we're not just DraftNFriends, we're DraftNFamily"
3rd place belongs to the most hyped newcomers of the season, DNF! This team had been a playoff favorite before the season, and they overall showed why they were well-respected right from the start. Keeby and Neon are the best scorers for DNF, as they both were top 15 in the league in scoring. Rain has had complete flexibility, playing with a different uma in every game. Yelow and Aknama have been strong front runners who have helped their team, especially in Red Shift maps. And finally, there is also the invincible family man Adar, who is a perfect 5-0 so far in the games he has played in.
This team is balanced, strong, and as close as a family could get. That said, they have had to face multiple problems throughout the season, and they hope that nothing goes bad as the postseason draws near. They do get a chance to reverse a result earlier in the season in which they felt unfairly treated, which will be sure to serve as motivation for these playoffs! Will the family bring home silverware for the dinner table? Or will the trip end sooner than they would have liked?
Playoff Matchup
They are confirmed to be facing CGRY in Winners Semifinals.
Velocity
"Defend the crown"
The reigning champions avoided the fate of their fellow playoff teams last season and showed why they are worthy of their title. They mostly remained the same as last season despite the massive shift in the meta compositions of lobbies in this scenario. Once you see their stats, however, you find that they have yet to find any reason to change things up. Every starter they have is carrying their weight, especially with 3 of their starters being top 15 in scoring this season, those being JJAY, Pik, and Apol. They also still have Hjax in a more flexible role this season, and he has provided VELO necessary help for navigating lobby composition.
They have shown time and time again that the backliner threats are still around in this pace favored scenario, yet I believe they may have some things left up their sleeves for the postseason. The issue is that this success is very top heavy and ultimately depends on every starter being available for each game, as well as bringing their best careers for these important matches. Will they be able to win another title, without yours truly? Or will a new champion arise this season to take their trophy?
Playoff Matchup
They have been chosen to face FISH in Winners Semifinals.
Team Ambition
"Results require great ambition"
Another set of newcomers have arrived for the postseason! AMB has been a very solid team, holding a balanced record and having one of the most spectacular comebacks in UL history, which helped push them to the playoffs. Eracfles, Bandit, and Maki Roll have all shown out this season, which helped bring their team this achievement, as they all finished in top 20 in scoring overall in the regular season. Their team's flexibility following their MVP captain Eracfles has brought great results, as well as careful drafting that allow them to play games safe and without unnecessary risks.
They played well to earn this spot in the postseason, but it does follow that they need to step up considering the strength of the rest of the playoff field. Not to mention that starting in the losers' bracket will bring great anxiety to their drafting, as one mistake could cost them everything. Will ambition truly lead to glory? Or will it bring them to ultimate despair?
Playoff Matchup
They will face the loser of CGRY/DNF in Losers Quarterfinals.
Cluegi
"Cluegi"
The last team in the postseason has had a chip on their shoulder since the play-ins. CLUE has been the most impressive team in terms of how they have responded to adversity, as they went from near the bottom of the table to a playoff team by the end of the season. Shadow, their MVP player, has been dominant as the main rival to the favorite for the MVP award. Renko has shown out with Umas like Yukino Bijin, and he has been a top 15 scorer in the season.
The rest of CLUE helps support them in winning games, with Crow, Isaac, and their captain Juno making up the rest of this capable squad, playing with nothing to lose. Their main issues are the fact they have an inexperienced bench who haven't played much in the season, as well as the fact they have received the other end of the most shocking game of the season. Still, as long as Shadow breathes, CLUE has a chance to overcome their stronger rivals. Will all that remain be Cluegi? Or will Cluegi be not what remains?
Playoff Matchup
They will face the loser of VELO/FISH in Losers Quarterfinals.
Scarlet's Playoff Picks
Honestly, this season has been very balanced aside from the fish in the room. Every team has had shocking defeats, often losing games they shouldn't, unless you're the fish in the room once again. Every player has to play their best careers and build well in these playoffs, as one slip up could mean the end of your season.
We have the juggernauts against the reigning champs, the rematch of one of the most controversial games in the season, and two very hungry underdogs waiting to get their chance to pounce on a loser who will have to get their bearings and recover fast.
I'm going to say the finals will be FISH against CGRY, with FISH taking it all to round up their perfect season. Good luck to every team and their players here, and as someone who has a ring already, I only have one piece of advice for you:
DON'T FORGET TO GET THE SECRET EVENT CONDITIONS