Rocket League is a vehicular soccer video game in which players compete 3vs3 to win. So, 3v3 car soccer. The objective is simple: score more goals than the other team. Identical to traditional soccer, except that you cannot end the game in a draw. There is overtime, and much like the old NFL overtime rules, first to score wins. Oh, and you can fly and blow up your opponents.
While we may not understand the advanced mechanics, terminology, or why a car is a different design, I know that one team scoring 5 goals beats the other scoring 4. The similarities to traditional sports and single game mode make Rocket League one of the easiest esports to enjoy for the casual viewer.
The Format
Professional Rocket League (RLCS) matches are played in either a best of 5, or best of 7 format; with the winner moving on in the bracket. There are 7 total regions in Rocket League esports. Each region will have online play, alternating weeks, leading up to an in-person event. For the sake of simplicity and viewing, we’re going to stay focused on the big two regions: NA (North America) and EU (Europe).
Our contests will be progressive. Since it’s bracket play on the weekends, we won’t know who plays who until the prior day concludes. Each day (Fri, Sat, Sun) will feature new questions with a tiebreaker on Sunday. Friday will have the most questions due to the number of games played, but Sunday’s questions will be worth more points.
The Picks
It’s the second week of the European Open in Rocket League’s Season. Therefore, we have a little more to go on rather than just throwing stuff at a wall hoping it sticks like we did with North America two weeks ago. Talent-wise, Europe is far better than North America and the games are way more competitive. So here are my top three teams competing in this weekend’s European Open.
1. Karmine Corp
With this being the second week of Rocket League’s European Season, we have a little more to go on. KC looks like the best team in the world right now and were unstoppable two weeks ago, winning the Grand Finals 4-0 over Team Vitality. With a recent World Champion in Drali leading the offense, they’ve been scoring at will against the best teams in Europe. After going 3-0 in their three Swiss Stage matches, it’s hard to not have them as the favorite again this week.
2. Team Vitality
As I mentioned above, Vitality lost in the Grand Finals of EU Open 1. The three players on Vitality have 4 World Championships under their belts, so a bounce back is not out of the question. It’s really a toss up between them and KC as to who wins it all. Wouldn’t be shocked to see them face off in the Grand Finals again and if that happens, well, anything can happen.
3. Ninjas in Pyjamas
Partly because of the name of the organization, I really like this team as a potential “upset” to win it all. They’re talented and have one of the best young players in the world on their team in Nass. They’re still figuring out how to play together but one thing to know about Rocket League in Europe, these kids grind the game and truly look to play better as a team. Just because they have Pyjamas in their name, don’t sleep on them if you’re looking for a non-favorite to pick. They’ll be there on Sunday.
If you want to tune in, matches are broadcasted on Twitch and YouTube. Be sure to get your picks in by 1PM EST on Friday and check back in both Saturday and Sunday morning for the day’s questions. Best of luck this weekend and we’ll see you for the EU Open next week.
