Na'vi out, Epsilon in for ECS Development League

Published: September 7, 2016 6:40 PM /

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Counter Strike Global Offensive CSGO

Epsilon eSports stepped in on short notice to replace Natus Vincere as one of the four invited teams to participate in the debut season of the Esports Championship Series Developmental League after Na'vi dropped out.

According to a press release, Epsilon will be facing off against three other invited teams including the new and improved Godsent, Gambit and Flipsid3 Tactics, as well as four regional qualifying teams, Team AGG, Tricked, Heroic and Team Preparation. The number one team will automatically advance to fill one of two spots open to the European division in the $3.5 million ECS main league. The remaining spot will be filled after a promotional tournament featuring the ECS Season 1 European division's worst ranked team, Dginitas, and the highest placing teams of the Developmental League. 

This week marks the second time Na'vi has dropped out of the ECS, the first coming almost immediately after the start of season 1. Na'vi, a top five Counter Strike: Global Offensive team in the world according to hltv.org, were dropped from the league and their spot remained empty through the remainder of the season. They were given a chance to regain their spot through the Developmental League but dropped out the week the league was due to start. 

On the North American side, SK gaming, The Immortals, Renegades and Selfless are the invited teams and RONIN, skg, Prospects and paiN earned their way into the developmental league through the North American Open Qualifiers. SK Gaming's line up was kicked out of season 1 of the ECS main league after the roster moved from their Luminosity banner to the SK organization. The top two teams of the developmental league will face off against the lowest placing teams in the North American division of the ECS Season 1, Echo Fox and Kaliber. 

The ECS Developmental league begins Sept. 9 and concludes on the 27. The premiere of the ECS Season 2 is set for Oct. 11.

Who do you have winning the Developmental League in their division? Make your case in the comments.

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