This past Summer Season, the Halo Championship Series debuted on the DreamHack stage in Atlanta for the first time and broke the record for the number of competing teams. This fall, the top eight teams from Summer Season will compete through four weeks of competition, culminating in the Fall 2017 Finals at DreamHack Denver.
Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses seemed to really hit their stride during regular season after bringing on Tapping Buttons, and will be returning to the HCS Pro League with the roster that played so well together last season. We saw some great team dynamics throughout the summer and at DreamHack Atlanta, where they had a top five finish. EG have been playing very well, and if we continue to see this level of play from the veteran players Roy and Lunchbox, the top teams will definitely have to watch out for EG as they head into Fall Season.
Luminosity Gaming
The Luminosity Gaming roster experienced some big changes in the past few seasons. After the addition of TriPPPeY and APG last season, LG seemed to find their rhythm as a team and were able to churn out some fantastic wins. This season, LG brought on Rayne, who was previously on Team Liquid. The new LG roster will undoubtedly be looking to continue their momentum from last season and beat out the top teams this Fall. The LG roster have shown their individual skill, and if they continue to play well together they’ll a major threat to the top teams.
OpTic Gaming
OpTic are once again returning to Pro League with their legendary roster. OpTic didn’t leave DreamHack as number one, but they are still the reigning World Champions and will no doubt be looking to regain the top spot this season. This team has continually displayed incredible teamwork and individual skill, making them one of the best teams to ever play professional Halo. Splyce need to be on top of their game during this season, because OpTic are unstoppable when they’re playing at their best.
Naventic (formerly Oxygen Supremacy)
Naventic looked poised to take the final spot in the Summer Pro League during the Last Chance Qualifier, but lost out to Splyce. At Finals, they fought all the way through the Open Circuit to take on Str8 Rippin, who were up for relegation. In an incredible Bo7, Naventic swept Str8 and earned a spot in the Pro League for the first time. Though they have never made it to Pro League as a team, the roster are no strangers to the Halo scene. Now that they’ve made it, the rest of the Pro League teams should be prepared to defend themselves from these deadly newcomers.
Ronin Esports
Ronin staved off relegation in the Summer Pro League and proved yet again that they belong among the best Halo teams in the world. They are returning to Fall Season with the addition of Sabinater, the young player from the eRa Eternity roster. Ronin have shown that they are an aggressive team that can play well under pressure, and this will serve them well going into Fall Season as they look to take down the other Pro League teams.
Splyce
Splyce put themselves on the map after entering the 2017 World Championships through the LCQ. Before the start of Summer Season, Splyce earned the final Pro League spot after defeating Oxygen Supremacy. This season, the young roster will be returning to the Pro League as the Summer 2017 Champions after defeating the powerhouse of OpTic Gaming. Splyce have shown continual improvement over the seasons, but they will need to be at their best in order to defend the number one spot from teams like OpTic and EnVy.
Team EnVyUs
After finishing in third place at DreamHack Atlanta, Team EnVyUs are returning to the Fall Pro League with the same roster that earned them first place at Daytona. EnVy had a bit of a slow start to Summer Season, but were able to push through the competition to leave Summer Finals with a top three finish.
Team Liquid
At DreamHack Atlanta, Team Liquid showed the aggression and skill that have made them such strong competitors in HCS. This season, they will be entering the Pro League with the new addition of Spartan after he was released by Ronin. Spartan is no stranger to the Team Liquid banner, and playing alongside former teammate, SubZero, there’s no doubt that Liquid will be an intimidating opponent to the other top teams. Liquid are still looking to win a championship as a roster, and they will definitely be coming into Fall Season ready to fight for the number one spot.
TUNE IN
Be sure to tune into the first day of HCS Fall Season on the Halo Twitch channel or ESL Halo Facebook page starting Wednesday, August 23. Follow along for highlights and additional content on the ESL Halo Twitter and Facebook as the world’s best Halo players battle for the Fall championship title!
