Sashi Esport Defeats Virtus.pro to Advance to Round of 16 at EWC Open Qualifier Sashi Esport delivered a stunning upset by defeating Virtus.pro in a Best of 3 series, securing their place in the Round of 16 at the Esports World Cup 2026 Open Qualifier. The Danish team, ranked around #52 globally, triumphed over the veteran organization in a 2-1 series on August 9, ending Virtus.pro’s run at the Last Chance Qualifier for the main EWC event. The result, which took place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, marked a significant moment in competitive Counter-Strike history. The match, part of the single-elimination playoff phase of the EWC Open Qualifier, saw Sashi overcome the odds as betting markets had heavily favored Virtus.pro. The Danish team had already qualified for the knockout rounds by navigating the group stage, where they competed alongside teams like SINNERS. Virtus.pro, ranked between #34 and #48 globally, entered the playoffs as a formidable force, boasting a legacy spanning over two decades of Counter-Strike competition. Despite their storied history, the organization was eliminated in three maps, a testament to Sashi’s resilience and tactical execution. The EWC 2026 Open Qualifier, held from August 7-9, featured a $100,000 prize pool and served as a critical opportunity for teams to qualify for the main Esports World Cup. Sashi’s victory carries weight beyond the immediate payout, as it positions them to compete in the Round of 16. The win also highlights the unpredictable nature of esports, where underdog teams can disrupt established powerhouses. Virtus.pro, founded in 2003, has long been a dominant force in Counter-Strike, with success across multiple game iterations, including CS:GO and CS2.#counter_strike #esports_world_cup_2026 #sashi_esport #virtus_pro #paris_expo_porte_de_versailles
Crimson Desert's Steam Pre-Order Revenue Estimated at $20 Million Two Days Ahead of Launch Crimson Desert has generated significant buzz ahead of its March 19 launch, with research firm Alinea Insights estimating that the game has already surpassed $20 million in Steam revenue based on pre-orders. The figure is derived from an approximate 400,000 pre-orders, placing the title at the top of Steam's Top Sellers list. This achievement has allowed it to surpass long-standing chart leaders like Counter-Strike in the U.S. and the recent indie hit Slay the Spire 2, which dropped to fourth place. On SteamDB, Crimson Desert currently ranks as the fourth most-wishlisted game, with over 170,000 followers. The game’s success has been attributed to its accessible hardware requirements, which stood out in an industry increasingly focused on high-end specifications. This decision, announced prior to the launch, contributed to its growing popularity. Alinea Insights highlighted the studio’s community engagement efforts as a key factor in its success, noting the transparency and authenticity of its interactions with players. A recent gameplay demo shared on the PlayStation Japan YouTube channel further bolstered its reputation and anticipation. The pre-launch momentum has been sustained by the development team’s focus on fostering a strong online presence. The game’s position on Steam’s charts and its high wishlist count reflect the confidence of both players and critics. As the launch date approaches, the game’s performance in the first days of availability will likely provide further insights into its market impact.#steam #crimson_desert #alinea_insights #playstation_japan #counter_strike
