In the eleventh season of the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), teams with German participation showed themselves as strong as they have not been for a long time.

Good past performances ensured that e-sports organizations such as Evil Geniuses, SK Gaming and Natus Vincere brought Canadian players to their teams. After the three European tournaments in the autumn season, however, it was not enough for any of them to qualify for the major tournament in Stockholm.

It was particularly close for Evil Genius, who were still playing for a major place until the last moment, but then missed the top five for qualification as seventh in the EU ranking.

RLCS-Autumn trail full of highs and lows

The Canadian organization SK Gaming did not come out of the starting blocks at all. "Unfortunately, my start to the season was not so exhilarating due to the lack of boot camp opportunities," SK player Damian "Tox" Schäfer told the German Press Agency. Due to significant Internet problems, one had only become 15th before Vitality.

Even at EG, despite a better start to the season, they were not satisfied with their own performance. "Just being top eight in the first EU tournament was not exactly what we wanted," says EC player Leonardo "Catalysm" Ramos. "And then we didn't even make it to the playoffs at the second tournament.»

In the end, another top-eight finish in the third regional tournament was not enough to qualify for the major. Similar to SK Gaming: after a good run in the second tournament, they did not make it to the playoffs again in the third regional.

Air up for Rocket League teams

But both teams set high goals for the rest of the season. "We are continuously working towards a permanent place in the top five," Tox said. Catalysm wants to "qualify for the World Cup and be the best team in Europe".

Special incentive: For the first time in two years, the Majors are being held as offline tournaments again. "Since I have never participated in a LAN tournament before, it would be great to experience it live! The fact that LANs are back motivates everyone," said Catalysm.

Tox also emphasizes the importance of these tournaments: "Of course, I am especially looking forward to the LAN events, which are a novelty for me." In his first professional season, he could only play online. "I can imagine that the atmosphere at the events will carry me even more through the tournaments and motivate me.»