Despite a good “comeback day” on Friday, Jonas Wirth did not make it past the group stage at the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The German was unable to show any reaction after the disappointment in Berlin
Most fans and experts probably didn’t expect to see Jonas Wirth as frustrated and resigned this season as he has been in Riyadh over the last few days. Back then, ‘Jonny’ had just won the eChampions League. It was his second major individual title in a row, having already secured the German individual championship in the VBL Grand Final in April. What was even more impressive was that he hadn’t lost a single game in either competition.
Wirth seemed unbeatable and, after his international triumph in the FC-24 premier class, was also considered one of the top favorites for the world title. At the FC Pro World Championship in Berlin, he then found his champion in a completely unleashed Anders Vejrgang – the exit in the round of 16 came surprisingly early. Even then, ‘Jonny’ didn’t always seem happy with himself and his performances. A few weeks later, this negative development continued in Saudi Arabia
Wrong start, frustration and an outsider’s defeat
The Fnatic newcomer got off to a false start in the FC-24 tournament of the Esports World Cup on Thursday: He squandered a 3:1 lead against Dutchman Levi de Weerd (3:4) at the start, and it even became clear against his compatriot Emre Yilmaz (3:8). All in all, ‘Jonny’ didn’t look too good against Australian Mark Zakhary (4:8) either – zero points after three match days. Wirth repeatedly lapsed into agitated gesticulation and discussion, his frustration was clear to see
In the knowledge that he would have to improve considerably, the ex-Paderborn player announced a “comeback day” on X on Friday. Posted, done: ‘Jonny’ kept his title chances alive with victories against local hero Ahmad Mujahid (5:4) and Gabriel Freitas (3:1). The decision on who would progress was to be made on Saturday, when all the players played their last preliminary round match.
A win against Japan’s Taichi Aoki, who was regarded as the clear underdog, would have saved Wirth for the so-called Resurrection Stage. Instead, he was taken apart by the eSportsman from the Kashima Antlers: ‘Jonny’ went down to a 1:7 defeat. The giant finished Group A in last place – two wins, five defeats and a goal difference of -14. The 2023/24 season, which seemed like an absolute fabulous season in the meantime, ended on a poor note for Wirth.
Continue reading: Login disruption and Leipzig insinuation
Vejrgang, who had also made a weak start to the preliminary round, was able to complete his comeback. The Dane finished third in Group B and progressed directly to the quarter-finals, where Brazil’s Freitas awaits on Sunday evening. Despite advancing to the knockout phase, the world champion in Riyadh has so far been unable to build on his dominant performances at the World Championships in Berlin: In addition to the failed revenge against Paulo Chaves (3:5), he also lost to the two eSports legends Nicolas Villalba (5:8) and Mossad Aldossary (2:3).
From RBLZ Gaming’s point of view, however, the latter defeat after extra time seems to have been accompanied by questionable circumstances for protégé Vejrgang. “A login to Anders’ account in the 112th minute and no picture for three in-game minutes. Coincidence?”, the X account of the Leipzig team asked its followers. The RBLZ did not go into more detail about the at least implied accusation of interference. The disruption caused by the login could also be seen in the stream, but the control room quickly switched off
If Vejrgang switches back to his World Cup mode from the quarter-finals onwards, even such minor inconsistencies will not stop him. However, fearsome opponents Chaves aka ‘PHzin’ or the “Iceman” Villalba, whose style of play does not seem to suit the 18-year-old at all, could do just that. Vejrgang and his RBLZ coach Daniel Fehr should be warned after the failures in the group stage and be on the lookout for solutions. If they find them, their chances of a third major title in a row are excellent