Esports World Cup: Day 1 Recap and Group Stage Format Explained

Following Day 1’s matches, 12 players have already secured their spots in the third phase of the tournament, which begins on Day 4. With 48 competitors divided into 12 groups, the competition is being run in a GSL-style format, a structure designed to give players multiple chances to qualify while keeping the action tense.

Here’s how the format works:

• Each group consists of four players (A, B, C, and D).

• In the opening round, A faces B, and C faces D.

• The winners of those matches then play each other in a “winners’ match,” with the victor immediately qualifying for the next phase.

• The second day of group play features the elimination side: the losers of the first round face off, with the defeated player knocked out of the tournament. The winner of that match then takes on the loser of the winners’ match. The victor of this final decider secures the group’s second qualification spot.

Day 1 was dedicated to the winners’ side only, meaning we now know the first 12 names advancing to Phase 3:

• Group A – AngryBird

• Group B – MenaRD

• Group C – EndingWalker

• Group D – Zhen

• Group E – Xiao Hai

• Group F – Torimeshi

• Group G – YHC Mochi

• Group H – Blaz

• Group I – Itabashi Zangief

• Group J – LeShar

• Group K – Fuudo

• Group L – Bonchan

With these results locked in, 36 players remain in contention. They will battle it out on Day 2 and Day 3 for the four remaining qualification spots, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the group stage.