In the final week of action in the FC Pro Open Group Stage, six FC Pro players earned their right to play in the FC Pro Open Finals. But getting there was far from easy for those involved, in two nights that made FC Pro history.
Matchday 7 - Group C
Group C contained much intrigue as Matchday 7 began. Qualification was a possibility for all six FC Pro players in the group, though some had a bigger challenge than others.
Danipitbull Ready To Take On The World
At the close of Matchday 3, Danipitbull was in the prime position to claim the World Championship qualification spot, sitting 2nd of Group C. As he entered Matchday 7, he was laser focused on getting the job done.
He started off with a big goal-scoring performance against Stingrayjnr, winning 9-5. The Italian then followed up against Brice and Alihanlion, getting a draw in both matches, 5-5 and 2-2 respectively. He then encountered the resurgent nicolas99fc, who defeated Dani 6-1. Securing the NOVO eSports star a place in the Finals.
This left World Championship qualification hanging in the balance, making his final game a must-win match. After a gripping and competitive contest up against 2nd place AnasBadr, it was Dani who triumphed, trading his focus for emotion once his 4-3 victory and qualification was confirmed.
Nicolas99fc Defies The Odds
The chances of nicolas99fc qualifying for the FC Pro Open Finals were slim at the beginning of Matchday 7. Sitting at the foot of Group C, The Iceman knew that he had to have a near-flawless outing in order to secure qualification.
With an uphill battle before him, Nicolas got off to a less than ideal start. AnasBadr held him to a 6-6 draw, thanks to a last-minute equaliser. However, the Argentine would go on to have an incredible run of results.
The World No. 2 FC Pro player opened Matchday 7 with a convincing 7–4 victory over Alihanlion, securing his first win of the day. Quickly followed by a statement 8-2 victory over Stingrayjnr. From there, he overcame the challenge of Danipitbull, beating him 6-1. These wins placed Nicolas in the unlikely position of being just one win away from making it to the Finals.
In the final round of Matchday 7 games, nicolas99fc already sat in third, but needed a win when he faced off against Brice to rubber stamp his place in the Finals. The only way he would fail to qualify was if he lost to Brice and Alihanlion won his final match versus Stingrayjnr.
The Iceman rose to the challenge, outplaying Brice and picking up a huge 9-3 win. This victory secured his place in the Finals and completed a remarkable comeback.
The full list of Matchday 7 Group C results
Here is how the Group C table ended. Danipitbull, AnasBadr and nicolas99fc progressed to the Finals. Alihanlion in 4th earned a place in next season’s FC Pro Open Global Qualifiers.
Matchday 8 - Group D
The final Matchday of the FC Pro Open Group Stage was unpredictable and gripping. The stakes couldn’t be higher. With one more World Championship spot on the line, as well as the very last FC Pro Open Finals places. The drama levels were intensified as it was the closest group in the competition. With every FC Pro player in contention for qualification, it was truly unmissable.
Levi Achieves The Three-peat
Levi de Weerd has been a constant presence in FC Pro Open’s since the inception of FC Pro in the 2023/24 season. In his third consecutive appearance, the Team Liquid player was once again aiming to top his group, which he successfully did in the previous two seasons. Heading into Matchday 8, Levi led Group D and had another World Championship qualification in his sights.
The night started well for Levi, picking up a 10-8 victory against his Team Liquid teammate, Paulo Neto. And then he picked up a crucial ‘W’ against talented newcomer, Nassada. The two played out a 12-goal thriller, with Levi emerging with a 7-5 win.
At this point, the Dutchman was on 16 points and leading Group D, but then came a couple of setbacks. Back-to-back defeats to Hhezers 6-5, and GugaFerraz 3-2, allowed a credible challenge to his place at the top.
The last round of matches had the potential for so many possibilities and consequences depending on results. Levi could have lost top spot if he was beaten and either Nassada and HhezerS won their games.
Thankfully for Levi, he was to earn a point through a 4-4 draw against GuiBarros, who himself needed a victory to qualify for FC Pro Open Finals. Elsewhere in the group, Nassada and HhezerS were both unable to secure three points. As the final whistle blew, visible relief washed over Levi, as he confirmed his return to the FC Pro World Championships in July and qualified for the FC Pro Open Finals for the third year running.
Welcome To The Finals Nassada and HhezerS
In their FC Pro Open debut, both Nassada and HhezerS showed that they belong amongst the best FC Pro players at top competitions. Exceeding expectations and beating top calibre opponents within Group D, giving themselves platforms for future success within the FC Pro world.
Nassada, who’s route to qualification started when he achieved the highest global skill rating in the FC Pro Open Ladder, is a player many FC Pro players rate as one of the strongest attacking threats. He showcased his unrelenting attacking style constantly in Group D, and it was no different on Matchday 8.
The SC Freiburg player started the night in 3rd on seven points and quickly added another point to his tally when he drew 5-5 with GugaFerraz. His qualification hopes then took a hit when he was beaten 7-5 by Levi de Weerd, leaving Nassada in a precarious position with elimination a real possibility.
He bounced back by scoring 20 goals over the next two matches. Recording a 10-4 win over GuiBarros, immediately followed by a 10-9 victory against Hhezers. These additional six points put Nassada within reach of the FC Pro Open Finals and possibly qualification to the FC Pro World Championship.
In the final round of matches, a Nassada win would see him end Matchday 8 on top of Group D. Level with Levi de Weerd on points, but thanks to his superior goalscoring record, he’d finish top of the group.
Unfortunately, he was held to a 9-9 draw with Levi’s Team Liquid teammate, Paulo Neto. Though it meant he missed out on 1st in Group D, he successfully qualified for FC Pro Open Finals.
Meanwhile, HhezerS had his own evening of ups and downs throughout the course of Matchday 8.
The Italian began the night on nine points, just one point behind Levi de Weerd in 1st. He got off to a slow start when GuiBarros beat him 9-3 in the opening match. However, he recovered well and won two matches on the spin. 5-3 against Paulo Neto and 6-5 versus Levi de Weerd.
In his 4th match, the Ninjas In Pajamas player was narrowly defeated 10-9 by Nassada. This match was the highest scoring match in the FC Pro Open Group Stage.
For HhezerS, a win in the final round would see him climb to the top of Group D and a place in the FC Pro World Championship. A loss could result in elimination if other results went against him so the pressure was well and truly on!
As the final whistles blew across the group, HhezerS had lost 3-2 to GugaFerraz, but thanks to other results leaning in his favor, the Italian locked in his place at the FC Pro Open Finals by finishing in 3rd on 15 points.
Here are all of the results from the epic end to the FC Pro Open Group Stages
After all the madness and intrigue of Matchday 8, Levi de Weerd, Nassada and HhezerS all qualified for the FC Pro Open Finals on 26th January. And by finishing in 4th, GuiBarros will return for the FC Pro Open Global Qualifier next season.
You won’t have to wait long for FC Pro Open Finals action. The 12 finalists will be in action on 26th January from 4pm in front of a live studio audience. You can catch every match on Twitch and YouTube.
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