Edited By
Marcus Chen

The Year 5 Championship scrims kicked off January 8, 2026, drawing attention from the esports community. Teams from around the globe competed in two blocks that day, with a prize pool of 300,000 JPY (roughly $1,900 USD) for the winner.
Format: Best of 6 (Bo6)
Teams: WE, SP & ED (3/3)
Format: Best of 6 (Bo6)
Teams: WE, SP & ED (3/3)
Mon-Wed: Mock group stage with two lobbies if 34 teams sign up
Thursday: Mock bracket stage
Friday: 50-Point Match Point based on Thursday performance
"Not exactly groundbreaking, but the action's always intense during these scrims!" - a fan commented.
Teams will be announced roughly an hour before scrims. Scores will be updated through the EEC bot and can be shared in discussion threads. While not all teams will stream, those that do will have a green circle in their Teamstream link.
Fans expressed varying sentiments during the scrims:
Notable Play: Many praised players like Alb for their exceptional gameplay, stating, "Alb is carrying this team so hard."
Frustrations: Some pointed out underperformance from others, like Rambeau, who one comment described as "arguably useless."
General Sentiment: Mixed reactions, with some users showing excitement for teams, while others raised concerns about team dynamics, such as, "Skittles hasnโt had a standout day."
๐ 300,000 JPY on the line for the winners
๐ฅ Alb's performance had strong support from the crowd
๐ Criticism for certain players raises strategic concerns
For more information and live updates, check out the Eternal Calendar or tune in to the live events on ESCLโs Youtube channel.
Fans and teams look forward to the upcoming weeks as they navigate through relentless practice and high-stakes play. How will these early matches shape the competition moving forward?
As the Year 5 Championship scrims progress, there's a strong chance weโll see shifting dynamics among teams. Based on initial performances, experts estimate around a 70% probability that standout players like Alb will continue to lead their teams, pushing them deeper into the competition. Conversely, teams struggling with underwhelming performances, particularly from players like Rambeau, may need to reassess strategies and communication, with about 60% likelihood of lineup changes as they move towards the main tournament. These developments will be crucial in determining which teams can adapt swiftly and maintain momentum heading into high-stakes matches.
In the realm of sports, a reminiscent situation unfolded during the 2010 FIFA World Cup when underdog teams surprised favorites early in the tournament. Teams like Ghana leveraged unexpected talent to challenge more established squads, similar to how players are stepping up in these scrims. Such surprises in performance can lead to shifts in betting odds and team morale, showcasing how early rounds can redefine expectations and strategies. Just as those teams made their mark unexpectedly, so too can current esports participants reshape the narrative if they find their rhythm just in time.