JACKZ of all trades

Group C is the most EPL-y of all the EPL groups. The 32-team format has brought with it an easy route to the playoffs for all but the very worst of the ‘big’ teams, and it’s no different here.

Three teams have even turned up with stand-ins: niko for OG, n9xtz for 00NATION, and JACKZ for Vitality. If EPL had any prestige left (spoiler: it doesn't) this group might have killed it off.

We know that not every event can be a Cologne, and there are positives to EPL’s format. More teams means more opportunities to help smaller scenes, with this group shining a light on Australia in particular.

Rooster are unsalaried, and paid for their own bootcamp in Europe to get ready for this group. Grayhound are the best in the region so probably deserve a slot in a 32-team event.

But god damn does it make the games boring. There’s been 7 2-0s so far, with only 00NATION’s 2-1 defeat by Grayhound offering a truly close affair.

ESL’s talent are carrying the show, make no mistake. But there has been a new champion, something to keep us entertained between the desk segments and shoulder content: JACKZ.

Cut from G2, cut from HEET, the sun looked to have set on the 30-year-old entry fragger’s career.

But apEX and Vitality have thrown him a bone, probably purely so Vitality could rock the French flag again.

So JACKZ getting a 1.37 rating wasn't really in the script.

Somehow, someway, the Frenchman — who recorded lower than a 1.00 rating for the last three years straight — has re-ignited. He’s in the shop window and he’s sparkling.

It may be against Grayhound and a rudderless OG but it’s not like there’s anything else interesting happening in this group.

Now the opening fixtures are out of the way, watchability might improve. Vitality face FaZe on Sunday, and OG and NIP are in a lower bracket battle with paiN for the last two playoff slots.

But, we doubt there’s gonna be any classics. You'll probably be fine just reading the TL;DR.