BC.Game eliminated from PGL Masters Bucharest qualifier
BC.Game have been eliminated from the first open qualifier for PGL Masters Bucharest 2026, falling 1-2 to FOKUS in a series that stretched to overtime on both decisive maps. The defeat marks the team's fourth failed qualifier in under a month, following earlier exits from the Esports World Cup, Stake Pulse Beat II, and IEM Beijing.
The series began on Dust2, where BC.Game established an early advantage. They secured a five-round streak to open the map and built a 9-3 lead heading into the second half. Despite FOKUS winning the second pistol, BC.Game took the next four rounds to close out the map 13-4.
On Mirage, FOKUS responded with a 7-0 start on the CT-side, maintaining an 8-4 lead despite BC.Game fighting back. FOKUS won the second pistol, but BC.Game clawed back to force overtime. In the extra rounds, FOKUS emerged with a 16-14 victory to level the series.
The deciding map on Nuke saw FOKUS start strongly on the T-side, turning a 4-0 lead into a 9-3 half. BC.Game matched their opponents' momentum to send the map to overtime, where FOKUS took a 16-18 lead. However, BC.Game failed to capitalize on the series point, pushing the match to a second overtime. FOKUS closed out the map 19-16 with a flawless 3-0 T-side run to win the series 2-1.
Statistically, Azbayar "Senzu" Munkhbold led BC.Game with 67 kills and a 1.19 Rating 3.0, while Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev recorded 56 kills and a 1.09 Rating 3.0. For FOKUS, Paavo "podi" Heiskanen posted 59 kills and a 1.10 Rating 3.0, and Mateo "Matheos" Prišlin contributed 53 kills with a 1.14 Rating 3.0.
Following the roster overhaul that added Emil "Magisk" Reif and Ayush "mzinho" Batbold, BC.Game were expected to advance more smoothly through this level of opposition. The team previously won the Elisa Esports BreakOut Series 1, but recent qualifier results have fallen short of expectations generated by their high-profile signings.
BC.Game will have one final opportunity to reach the European closed qualifier. The second open qualifier is scheduled for September 5-6, while the closed stage will take place from September 9-13. PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 will be held in Bucharest from October 24 to 31, featuring 16 teams competing for a total prize pool of $1.25 million.
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