APEX progressed from the round robin group stage today, with only a single Western team advancing to playoffs. After Misfits had already fallen in the 'group of death', Cloud9 were the next to have their hopes dashed after a close game against Kongdoo Uncia, while Fnatic were blown out 0-3 by RunAway. The teams who qualified for playoffs are:
1st Seeds
- Meta Athena
- Lunatic-Hai
- Kongdoo Uncia
- Kongdoo Panthera
2nd Seeds
- Team EnVyUs
- Luxury Watch Blue
- Afreeca Freecs Blue
- RunAway
The top seed teams drew lots on stage to decide who would choose their group and opponent first.
The first stage of APEX Season 2 playoffs will involve two GSL-style groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group will progress to the four-team bracket. As APEX features double-elimination this season, it is possible for teams to lose a match in the playoffs and still win the tournament. It makes both the initial opponent and the group selection vital.
Team selections
Ryujehong randomly selected the right to choose a group and opponent first. He said he personally wanted to pick LW Blue, but his team made a change and wanted to face off against EnVyUs. Moving with his team, Lunatic-Hai chose Group A and chose EnVyUs.
Meta Athena said they were very set on their decision, and during the interviews they saw that AF.Blue wanted to face them - confirming their choice even further. Meta Athena chose Group B, deliberately avoiding Lunatic-Hai, and instantly selected AF.Blue as their opponent.
Kongdoo Uncia went for Group A, avoiding his sister team Panthera and leaving them to face off against LW Blue in a Group B super-match.
Group A
- Lunatic-Hai vs. EnVyUs
- Kongdoo Uncia vs. RunAway
- Winners Match: TBD vs. TBD
- Elimination Match: TBD vs. TBD
- Decider Match: TBD vs. TBD
Group B
- Meta Athena vs. AF.Blue
- Kongdoo Panthera vs. LW Blue
- Winners Match: TBD vs. TBD
- Elimination Match: TBD vs. TBD
- Decider Match: TBD vs. TBD
This draw set the groups up for some incredible, stacked competition. The games will take place after the upcoming patch, throughout March.