The start of Year Four in the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) has seen some well-known players fall short of expectations. Notable figures like Nickmercs and Nokopuffs are facing the need for a comeback after failing to meet their goals in the first qualification attempt.
The pre-season qualifiers for Apex are spread across four weekends, giving teams multiple chances to secure a spot in their respective region’s pro league. Each weekend consists of six highly competitive rounds, with only the winning team from each tournament earning a guaranteed place among the pros. The remaining four spots in the pro league will be awarded based on accumulated points over the course of the competition.
Even the smallest setbacks can have a devastating impact on a team’s chances of success, casting doubt on the pro league aspirations of several prominent Apex personalities.
Nokopuffs, an Apex content creator, missed qualifying for the first pre-season qualifier final by just 13 points, along with teammates Prophet and Sang. They finished in 17th place in their group. Noko acknowledged that they haven’t been playing with confidence so far but are aware of what they need to improve on to perform better. To have a chance at qualifying for the pro league, they will need three consistently improved performances or an outright tournament win.
Another notable figure, Nickmercs, also failed to reach the first pre-season qualifier final with his team Tripods, exiting the competition in round three. This early elimination is surprising considering their participation in both split two of the ALGS pro league and the pre-Championship last chance qualifiers in 2023.
Zachmazer, a competitor in the pre-season qualifiers, wasted no time mocking Tripods’ performance after their failure to reach the semifinals. Zachmazer, currently playing on E8, a team that comfortably made it to the first pre-season qualifier final, took a jab at Tripods on social media.
While Zachmazer faced criticism from Tripods fans for his dig at the team, he clarified that he was not hating on the players themselves and that trash-talking competitors is simply part of the job.
Regardless of trash talk, Zachmazer is right to highlight Tripods’ shortcomings. The team only accumulated 170 points in the first pre-season qualifier weekend, which is disappointing compared to the 105 points gained by current favorites DropInGaming in their semifinal group alone.
As the pre-season action continues, fans will anxiously await to see if their favorite players can secure a coveted spot in the pro league. Other well-known figures like former BLVKHVND coach Voltic and retired pro BulletL are also yet to prove their worth in the competition, with much at stake.
All eyes will be on Nickmercs and Noko as they continue to fight for pro league status.
Source: DOTESPORTS
