After one of the most intense competitions the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) has seen, the ALGS Birmingham Championship trophy has been awarded to TSM.
Their win brings them back to the top of the world following TSM’s win at London’s Split 1 Playoffs earlier this year – and solidifies them as the best team Apex esports in the world.
Birmingham’s Championship gifted Apex Legends a tournament to remember, with several breakthrough performances from non-NA regions and shocking early exits.
The Match Point Finals concluded after eight intense games, with TSM being the team to pull through with a last-minute win for the ages. Several false starts from the team left the crowd in doubt, but their legacy cannot be disputed, and it will continue with another trophy in their back pocket.
We spoke to both coach Raven and player Reps following their Championship title, especially concerning their team dynamic and adaptability to the game’s shifting meta.
Reps was particularly vocal about the support that he finds in his team, explaining: “Me and Hal have so much trust and respect for each other, because we have been together from the start. We have been through lows, we’ve been through the highest of highs… I just honestly have to thank him for constantly sticking by me and believing in me.”
Raven was also particularly confident in how the team had managed to adapt cohesively together since their win at the Split 1 Playoffs, despite facing a challenging meta to navigate.
“It’s not my preferred meta, but in terms of comparing split 1 to now, we have pretty much a consistent identity – playing for positioning, and playing for eventually inevitably winning the game,” Raven said.
“Me and Hal have so much trust and respect for each other, because we have been together from the start. We have been through lows, we’ve been through the highest of highs… I just honestly have to thank him for constantly sticking by me and believing in me.”
Reps, TSM
Overall, Raven explained that their approach to the game through their motto of “patience is a virtue” is central to their continued success. Whether they dominate a LAN tournament or – as they did with the Championship – work their way up the ladder to the top, the team will find the success they desire.
Also, Optic Gaming also had a memorable day, winning Games 1 and 3 and becoming the first team to reach match point. However, after a close call coming second to NRG and a series of almost-wins, seven teams were on match point before a winner was declared.
Throughout the entire competition, the APAC teams have been exceptionally notable. FPS games are stereotypically dominated by the North American and European regions. However, Apex Legends appears to be leading the charge in growing talent on a more global scale.
DreamFire, Blvkhvnd and Pulverex all stood head and shoulders above the ALGS Birmingham competition in notability, providing some of the most incredible moments over the five days.
In particular, Pulverex’s qualification to the final blew even the most experienced casting and host talent away. Blvkhvnd showed particularly incredible skill, remaining at the top of the leaderboard throughout every day of the competition.
TSM win ALGS Birmingham as Verhulst earns EA’s first ever Positive Player Award
Verhulst, a beloved member of the community and exceptional player, has earned EA’s first Positive Player Award.
Recognising positivity is crucial in an environment where pressure can encourage toxicity, and EA is aiming to start a movement towards a greater appreciation of those exhibiting the best qualities.
As inaugural winner of the award – given on the day he became champion once again – Verhulst is certainly a player that will go down in the history books.
Editor’s note: That concludes our ALGS Birmingham news coverage, we’ll be back with more another time. Thanks again to the incredible Hannah Marie for producing excellent content as always.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for companies such as Lionscreed Esports, Esports Insider, and SideQuest Hub she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.
