The 2024 Aurora Cup, NLC’s highly anticipated Pro-Am tournament, brought together top talent from Europe’s national leagues and Division 1 teams in a high-stakes contest. This third season of the tournament showcased 16 teams, including eight from the NLC, five invited national league teams, and three wildcard squads. Among these teams was Nativz, eager to make their mark with a mix of veterans and new blood. Here’s a recap of the Nativz 2024 journey through the Aurora Cup.
The Nativz Roster
Leading the charge was Head Coach SethHs and Manager Reclamation, who whipped up and guided a dynamic roster with both rising stars and seasoned competitors. The team lineup included:
- Top Lane: Archfiend, aiming to beat the Aatrox one trick allegations.
- Jungle: Hybradge, a familiar face and interview superstar from our Summer Split roster.
- Mid Lane: D1verse, the only French mid laner who doesn’t play Cassio.
- ADC: MKR, who has never been seen flashing backwards.
- Support: LeoLeCargo, the man solely responsible for holding back the other four from griefing.
Swiss Stage Success and Setbacks
The Aurora Cup format featured a Swiss-style structure where Nativz needed three wins to advance to the knockout stage, with three losses meaning elimination. Qualification and elimination matches were best-of-three, while the rest were best-of-one.
Game 1: BrodnFriends
Nativz began the tournament strong, securing a decisive victory against BrodnFriends. The team synergy shone through, with effective early-game control and a confident transition into the late game, which ultimately won Nativz the match. This promising start bolstered their confidence as they looked ahead.
Game 2: Lundqvist Lightside
In the second round, Nativz faced Lundqvist Lightside. It was a tough matchup, and despite strong efforts, Nativz fell short. Lundqvist Lightside's strategies challenged Nativz on all fronts, leading to a disappointing loss. Yet, the team quickly regrouped and analyzed their weaknesses, determined to come back stronger.
Game 3: Dusty
Nativz bounced back with resilience, securing a win over Dusty. This victory was pivotal, not only because it placed Nativz one win away from the playoffs but also because it reflected the team’s adaptability. The entire lineup performed exceptionally, with standout plays from Hybradge in the jungle and D1verse in mid lane, which allowed Nativz to capitalize on every opportunity.
Game 4: Rich Gangstas (2-0)
Needing one more victory to qualify for the knockout stage, Nativz went head-to-head with Rich Gangstas. In a best-of-three series, Nativz delivered a clean 2-0 win, clinching their spot in the playoffs. The games were a showcase of cohesive play and strong drafting by Coach SethHs, who helped the team to anticipate and counter RichGangstas’ moves. This performance proved Nativz could adapt under pressure and execute their plans with precision.
Playoffs: Knocked Out by Regem Esports
Advancing to the playoffs, Nativz entered the knockout stage against Regem Esports. The playoffs introduced the "fearless draft," where each team could only pick a champion once per match, and the final game, if necessary, was a blind pick. Unfortunately, Regem Esports proved a formidable opponent, taking the series 3-0. While Nativz fought valiantly, Regem’s synergy and tactical play ultimately secured them the series. Despite the loss, Nativz' playoff qualification marked a significant achievement in the Aurora Cup, and their journey was filled with valuable lessons for future tournaments.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Aurora Cup Experience
We now await further information from the NLC tournament organisers as to whats in store for the league next year. Keep up to date with everything Nativz across our social media.
