Anticipation is building as we approach the North American Halo Championship Series: Pro League Summer 2017 Season, where we have seven out of eight teams set to compete in less than a week. While the top three teams have chosen to continue on with their previous lineups, we’re seeing some exciting changes with the other contenders for this season’s title. Let’s take a look at the seven teams that are locked in for Summer 2017.
TEAMS
OpTic Gaming
The OpTic roster has consistently shown dominance in Halo esports, and now the back-to-back champions will return to Summer 2017 with the lineup that won them the title at Worlds. Despite being the best in the world, OpTic will have to stay on top of their game to stay above top contenders like EnVyUs and Liquid. Judging by their performance at HCS Daytona, it doesn’t look like they’re about to let their guard down anytime soon.
Team EnVyUs
EnVy are also returning to the HCS Pro League with the same roster we saw at Worlds. After placing second at Worlds, they will be looking to overwhelm OpTic at Finals this season. After winning the Fall 2016 North American Finals and the HCS Daytona Grand Finals, it seems like EnVy are prepared to take on OpTic for the number one spot this season.
Team Liquid
After many underestimated the relatively new roster going into Worlds, Liquid have displayed fantastic teamwork and communication since their inception. After placing top three at Worlds and then again at HCS Daytona, there’s no doubt that Liquid are a top contender for the championship this season. The other top teams need to be at their best, because Liquid is looking to win their first title as a team this Summer.
Str8 Rippin
Str8 had a great run that landed them a top four spot at Worlds. This season, they are looking to beat that performance with the aid of the young player Danoxide of the former CP roster. In addition to bringing on a new player, Str8 have also enlisted former team member Tsquared to be the head coach this season. Str8 played well together at HCS Daytona, which bodes well for the start of the new season.
Luminosity Gaming
At the WC Qualifier in Las Vegas, the Luminosity Gaming crew pulled off an impressive losers bracket run to get to Worlds, where they finished top six. In the off season, Luminosity brought back Tripppey of the now-disbanded Team Allegiance. Luminosity had a strong start at HCS Daytona, and if the roster can maintain that kind of momentum this season, they’ll be a powerful force heading into Finals.
Ronin (formerly TMMT Crowd Pleasers)
Ronin acquired the Crowd Pleasers roster, who will compete under the new banner for Summer 2017. This upcoming season, we will see the return of half of the lineup we saw at Worlds with the addition of two new players: Suspector and Spartan from Team Allegiance. Last season, Ronin surprised skeptics with their performance at Worlds, and the new roster is undoubtedly looking to continue playing at the level we saw back in March.
Evil Geniuses
With Evil Geniuses, we’re seeing another revamped roster looking to win it all this season. In EG’s return to the HCS Pro League, the team has brought on the veteran player, Naded, of the former CP roster, as well as Falcated from Splyce. After failing to make Worlds in the NA LCQ, Evil Geniuses made some major changes heading into this season. Despite a bit of a slow start at HCS Daytona, this roster has a lot of talent and shows real promise heading into the Summer 2017 season.
LAST CHANCE QUALIFIER
Registration for both NA Open Qualifiers is currently open! Qualifier 1 will close on May 17 at 11:59PM and Qualifier 2 will close on May 18 at 11:59PM. The top four teams from each open qualifier will advance to a double-elimination Last Chance Qualifier on May 20. The winners final, losers semifinals, losers finals, and grand finals of the NA LCQ will be broadcast live on the Halo Twitch channel and ESL Halo Facebook page.
TUNE IN
Be sure to follow the ESL Halo Twitter and Facebook for updates as we approach the LCQ and #HCS Pro League Summer 2017 Season. Be sure to stream the NA HCS Pro League Summer 2017 broadcasts from the Halo Twitch channel and ESL Halo Facebook page on May 24!
