Our representative Aurora has been eliminated from ESL Pro League Season 22 after losing to FaZe in the 2-2 decider match, failing to secure a playoff spot.
Both teams entered the tournament on shaky footing, but FaZe—who reinstated rain to the roster after jcobbb’s departure due to VRS eligibility issues—managed to recover and claim the final playoff ticket.
Aurora, on the other hand, faced numerous challenges throughout the tournament. Despite starting several maps strongly, the team repeatedly failed to close them out. Following a poor performance against NAVI and a disappointing showing versus FURIA, hopes were high for redemption—but it never came.
FaZe’s Rough Start Turns Into a Playoff Breakthrough
After forfeiting their opening match due to roster issues, FaZe found themselves in a dire position. They later suffered a 0-1 loss to 3DMAX, pushing them to the brink of elimination. However, back-to-back victories over Astralis and Inner Circle helped them stay alive and set up a decisive 2-2 match against Aurora.
Aurora entered the matchup as the statistical favorite despite recent struggles. The team started strong on Mirage, but FaZe’s flawless play on the T side turned the tide. Aurora managed only one round after the side switch, losing the map 13-8.
On Train, Aurora delivered an unexpected dominant performance. After falling behind 0-2, they strung together 10 consecutive rounds, taking psychological control of the match. They went on to shut FaZe out completely on CT side, securing a stunning 13-2 victory.
Everything came down to Dust II. While Aurora is known for their strength on the map, luck and timing were not on their side this time. Despite a solid effort, FaZe’s composure and precision—particularly from frozen, broky, and Twistzz—proved decisive. jottAAA’s 1.62 rating was impressive, but ultimately not enough.
After a 13-10 defeat on Dust II, Aurora’s ESL Pro League journey came to an end.
| Team | Player | K – D | +/- | ADR | Rating 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora | Samet ‘jottAAA’ Köklü | 54 – 36 | +18 | 90.7 | 1.55 |
| İsmailcan ‘XANTARES’ Dörtkardeş | 51 – 42 | +9 | 101.5 | 1.36 | |
| Ali ‘Wicadia’ Haydar Yalçın | 35 – 42 | -7 | 58.4 | 0.90 | |
| Engin ‘MAJ3R’ Küpeli | 28 – 32 | -4 | 58.7 | 0.85 | |
| Özgür ‘woxic’ Eker | 29 – 34 | -5 | 53.9 | 0.78 | |
| FaZe | David ‘frozen’ Čerňanský | 44 – 39 | +5 | 84.2 | 1.13 |
| Russel ‘Twistzz’ Van Dulken | 36 – 36 | 0 | 65.7 | 1.07 | |
| Helvijs ‘broky’ Saukants | 43 – 36 | +7 | 74.2 | 1.04 | |
| Finn ‘karrigan’ Andersen | 35 – 39 | -4 | 64.0 | 1.02 | |
| Håvard ‘rain’ Nygaard | 28 – 47 | -19 | 68.5 | 0.73 |
Aurora Fans Express Frustration After Disappointing Exit
Fans voiced their frustration following the loss, particularly criticizing the team’s inability to capitalize on favorable matchups. Many blamed captain MAJ3R, questioning his strategies and leadership at the top level.
Others, however, defended the veteran, crediting him for leading the team to this stage in the first place.
Following the elimination, MAJ3R responded emotionally on social media, addressing the criticism directed toward him.
To all my fans — whether you love me or not, I’m aware that our recent results have been disappointing. For a long time, we’ve been trying to achieve something great for our country. I know you’ve gotten used to seeing better from us, so I understand your frustration when things don’t go well.
I’m proud of my team; no matter the circumstances, we always give our best. We’re truly going through a tough period right now. Whether you choose to stand behind us or against us, that’s your choice — and I respect that.
To everyone sending me kind and positive messages — may God return that positivity to you many times over in your own lives. I love you all.
And to those who insult us — in other words, me — it’s okay. One day, you’ll understand things better from a different perspective. May God protect you all.MAJ3R