EWC 2026: AG.AL exits quarterfinals, all semifinal matchups set
The Crossfire tournament in Paris concluded its quarterfinals. Defending champion AG.AL lost to Vix Gaming. All other semifinal pairings have been confirmed.
On Thursday, August 20, the quarterfinal matches of the EWC 2026 for Crossfire took place in Paris. The tournament began with a shock result: the defending champion AG.AL was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
The match started with map selection, where Vix Gaming took the initiative by choosing 'New Compound'. The South Korean team won the first map 1:0. However, the situation changed drastically in the second map: AG.AL suffered a massive blowout, losing the series 3:10.
Nevertheless, the decisive moment came down to the wire. In a one-on-one scenario, Vix Gaming won the final map with a score of 10:8, closing out the series and securing their spot in the semifinals. This marked a significant comeback for the team following their victory at the CFS Grand Final 2023.
The remaining quarterfinal matches followed the classic script of top-tier teams clashing. Team Liquid secured an emphatic victory over Natus Vincere, taking the series 2:0. Similarly, Kingz Esports also dominated Team Vitality with a 2:0 scoreline, guaranteeing their place in the semifinals.
The final quarterfinal match was between Stallions and ROC Esports. The Stallions, who were the main force at CFS 2025, defeated the veteran squad of ROC Esports 2:0. Thus, all quarterfinal matchups for EWC 2026 in Crossfire are set.
Semifinal matches will take place tomorrow, August 21, and the Grand Final will be held on August 22 in France.