News
Bank holiday scorcher
With the Three Ireland’s EStars final less than a week away, the small matter of who will face off at the 3Arena this Sunday had yet to be decided. Thank the banks for a Monday scorcher to play host to the Top Four league survivors in a semi-final showdown on Summoner’s Rift.
With finalists Bluebullberry and Zoinkers offering up their streams to host the games and with casters Nikita Buffee and David Whyms on commentating duties for the first clash, before Zoinkers himself took over for the later cast, it was business as usual for the Three Ireland EStars contenders. Except this time, the teams would face off in an arduous best of three encounter. The journey has been a long one. Ten teams, representing nine League of Ireland football clubs and main sponsors Three and composed of the country’s finest gaming talent, battling to earn their place at the 3Arena. The victors will walk away from the final with €20,000 and a trip to Las Vegas. Every win is crucial. Every loss is devastating. This is not a game. This is so much more.
Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers
Game one:
Emerging from the league in undeniable first place, Shamrock Rovers faced a Bray Wanderers side who, despite flashes of brilliance throughout the league, had never achieved their full potential. Indeed, it had been Bray’s earlier strong performances against Dundalk and St. Pat’s that had secured their progression when tied level on the final standings with the sides. For the first semi-final bout, Shamrock Rovers were back in the driving seat and quickly stamped their dominance in lane to dismantle Bray in a clinical performance. Result: Shamrock Rovers 1 Bray Wanderers 0
Game two:
After such a decisive opening display, Shamrock Rovers sat comfortable in the knowledge that one more victory would secure them their finals spot. Maybe too comfortable. Bray had other plans and weren’t about to go down without a fight. In a nailbiter, Bray took control of the game, Munch Stealer particularly making an impact, as the team capitalised on Shamrock Rovers’ jitters and ending the team’s eight-game winning streak to secure the victory. Result: Shamrock Rovers 1 Bray Wanderers 1.
Game three:
Having fallen in the second game, Shamrock Rovers opened their third act with a more confident start against Bray. The Bray confidence was buoyed by their victory and were determined not to go down easy. Despite rallying, Bray were unable to gain a secure foothold and Shamrock Rovers took the decider, the victory and booked their place in the final. Result: Shamrock Rovers 2 Bray Wanderers 1.
Sligo Rovers v Team Three
Game one:
Sligo Rovers emerged from the league stage comfortably in second spot, having enjoyed a burst of six consecutive victories. Level in points, but slightly behind in the standings, Team Three had a dream league opening, before suffering a wobble and regaining their winning ways to secure the third-place spot. When the teams first faced off in week three of the league, Three took the bragging rights, but a more cohesive Sligo were determined to close down Three star man Renghis and took a strong victory in the first match. Result: Sligo Rovers 1 Team Three 0
Game two:
After a strong opening from Sligo, Team Three had to regroup to attempt to keep their final hopes alive. For Team Three, it was not meant to be, with Sligo dominating throughout to take the second game and book their final place. Heartbreak for Three and we can look forward to the battle of the Rovers Shamrocks versus Sligo. We can’t wait. Result: Sligo Rovers 2 Team Three 0.
Mags Byrne of Three Ireland’s EStars said: “The semi-finals were absolutely brilliant and we are delighted to announce that Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers will contest the Final at the 3Arena, this Sunday, May 13th. We have a brilliant line-up planned for the Final with some of the biggest names in gaming and entertainment appearing, not to mention finding out which team will be the inaugural Three Ireland EStars champions. It’s going to be a brilliant night.”
Finalists decided, it’s off to the 3Arena for the Three Ireland EStars Final this Sunday. With performances from the F2 Freestylers, Prodijig, appearances by streamers Sjin and Turps from the Yogscast, RossBoomsocks, Rezone Games and Gross Gore, Cosplay from Guild of Nerd, not to mention the thrilling deciders to crown the Three Ireland EStars victors, this is an event not to be missed.
Tickets for the Three Ireland’s EStars Final featuring F2 Freestylers and ProdiJIG start from just €49.65 and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. Doors from 4pm.