Iberian kings: Movistar Riders win RTP Arena Cup to qualify for Fall Showdown
Movistar Riders will feature at BLAST Premier Showdown of the year following their win at the RTP Arena Cup.
A spectacle involving all of the region's best teams, the Spaniards climbed to the top of the mountain, despite GrimyRannarr stating that their Portuguese rivals SAW would be favourites.
"SAW just needs to make sure they can replicate that same level of success, and this is a prime opportunity for them. Even Movistar, straight off the back of a strong Group Stage at Pro League, will have a tough time against the Portuguese giants." - GrimyRannarr
Champions of RTP Arena Cup
Beginning the event in a group containing n00rg, FALKE ESPORTS, and GrimyRannarr's underdog pick, FTW, Riders were forced to battle it out against n00rg thanks to a 16-11 loss against the underdog FTW side in the group's winners match.
Having finished second in their group, Movistar Riders would go on to face SAW earlier than expected in their semi-final match. A close-fought affair with two overtime games and a second map that went the full 30 rounds, it took the Spanish side everything they had to overcome the team GrimyRannarr had highlighted as the one to beat.
SAW will be disappointed they couldn't secure the Fall Showdown spot. Photo: Michal KonkolIn the final a rematch against FTW, the Portuguese team would end up banning Ancient, which had given them the victory over Riders in the group stage. Instead facing off on Inferno and Anubis, Riders claim the first map, 16-12 before closing out the series in Anubis 16-4.
With their win in the RTP Arena Cup, Movistar Riders will now have the opportunity to play in the BLAST Premier Fall Showdown. With a chance at qualifying to play in the BLAST Premier Fall Final, the team will be keen to continue their RTP Arena Cup form into the event.
The BLAST Premier Fall Showdown is set to begin on October 4th and you can catch all the action right here on BLAST.tv.