The Rocket League Championship Series on Wednesday announced the disqualification of eighth=seeded European team ZentoX from the RLCS, citing a residency issue with one of its players.
Leaf Esports, Penta, Copenhagen Flames and Red Eye will all play in a tournament to determine who replaces ZentoX in RLCS League play. ZentoX declined to comment on the disqualification.
This is especially relevant for Leaf Esports and Penta, both of whom were favorite to make it into League Play before the open qualifiers began. Penta will perhaps be the most grateful for another chance. As of now, it will have missed out on two seasons of RLCS despite being expected to qualify with ease. Penta and Leaf esports will be the favorites on paper going into the final tournament, but Red Eye should also feel confident: It took down Penta in what was one of the upsets of the open qualifier. Copenhagen Flames were the surprise of the open qualifier with many having the team outside the top 16. If the Flames can get a run going, only three matches separate it and a spot in RLCS.
This could make waves for RLCS Europe as a whole as well. Should Penta qualify, it would be expected to be a sixth contender for the top 4 LAN spots. Leaf would be in a similar situation, and for Copenhagen Flames and Red Eye, making RLCS would be a massive upset and perhaps a launching board for the programs.