đź“ť FACEIT League 2026 - EMEA Master Playoffs Preview
The FACEIT League Season 7 - EMEA Master Playoffs kick off today (February 4, 2026), following a highly competitive regular season, which has set the stage for several must-watch matchups.
The top eight teams from EMEA will face off, with the top four finishers earning direct qualification to Phase 2 of the OWCS 2026 Stage 1 Open Qualifiers, skipping the Swiss stage.
With OWCS implications on the line, the playoffs feature a mix of familiar names looking to return to the top flight and exciting up-and-comers hoping to make their breakthrough.
The EMEA bracket is shaping up to be very competitive. There is no clear consensus favourite, and even the top six is up for debate heading into the first round.
Star Bits x Hypnos vs. Dreamlight
One of the most anticipated first-round matchups sees Star Bits x Hypnos take on Dreamlight, with both teams finishing the regular season tied in record.
Dreamlight’s roster includes hitscan player Majed “slowdive” Alghamdi, who previously played for Vision Esports alongside Park “Viol2t” Min-ki, Choi "ChoiSehwan" Se-hwan, and Tama, winning the FACEIT League Season 5 Master in EMEA. Star Bits x Hypnos, meanwhile, replicated last season’s strong form, finishing with eleven wins across the regular season.
The two teams already played a five-map series during the regular season, where Star Bits x Hypnos came out on top, and fans will be hoping for another close contest here.
Ereus vs. SRPeakCheck
Ereus play SRPeakCheck in a matchup that could become competitive if SRPC rise to the occasion.
SRPC feature several recognisable names, including Roni “LhCloudy” Tiihonen, known for his Reinhardt, who has recently flexed onto Vendetta. Former OWCS players Paavo “Sauna” Ulmanen and Daniel “Dannedd” Rosdahl fill the DPS slots, alongside content creator Mihai “mL7” Lupascu on support. While this team is undeniably fun, they haven’t been able to punch up to the strength of rosters at the top.
Ereus, however, enter the playoffs as one of the favourites, with an equal record to regular season winners Quasar (now 1TurboVs100Lions). With Lars’ Zarya play forming the backbone of a team that has shown strong adaptability, thanks to Hitori's experience playing in OWCS. On paper, Ereus hold a clear advantage.
Mewthree vs. Team G4mbit
Mewthree have undergone significant changes compared to last season. Built around GoldenPants’ signature Wrecking Ball, they enter the playoffs with momentum, taking on Team G4mbit in a rematch of a regular season series that previously went G4mbit’s way.
Since their loss to G4mbit, Mewthree have surged to a 12-3 regular season record, winning every matchup, while G4mbit finished 10-5. Recent form suggests Mewthree may have the edge, though this matchup has all the makings of a close series.
1TurboVs100Lions vs. GG YesYes
The final matchup in the first round is between 1TurboVs100Lions (Quasar during the regular season) and GG YesYes. 1TurboVs100Lions posted the best regular season record and enter the playoffs as heavy favourites.
Despite connectivity issues plaguing NBHD, 1TurboVs100Lions have looked dominant. TurboSmooth, widely regarded as the best Vendetta player in the region, could be a decisive factor in this series.
GG YesYes exceeded expectations throughout the regular season but struggled against teams above them in the standings. PetitPigeon has stood out, particularly on Venture. While anything’s possible in Overwatch, an upset here would be one of the biggest surprises of the playoffs.
What’s at stake?
Touted to be one of the most competitive FACEIT League Master playoffs in a long time. With no clear frontrunner, the top 6 directly qualifying to FACEIT League Season 8 Master and direct qualification to the OWCS Open Qualifiers on the line, the stakes could not be higher.
Whether you’re a long-time follower of the tier 2 scene or tuning in for the first time, the FACEIT Master Playoffs offer an early look at players and teams who may soon shape the future of OWCS.