The third year of the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) was a rollercoaster of triumphs and disappointments. While some teams soared, others struggled to meet expectations, leading to memorable moments for fans and players alike.
FURIA Esports’ Unexpected Decline
FURIA Esports, once a dark horse in competitive Apex, experienced a sharp decline in 2023. Despite their innovative play in 2022, the adoption of their aggressive style by other teams in 2023 led to a loss of their unique advantage.
Their failure to adapt resulted in an 11th-place finish in the domestic Split One and a disappointing 37th place at the Split Two Playoffs, marking a silent end to their competitive year.
Vexed Gaming’s Group Stage Challenges
Vexed Gaming, known for their aggressive edge playstyle, faced a significant setback at the Split Two Playoffs. Their decision to change landing spots on World’s Edge and a tough group stage draw with TSM affected their performance, leading to an early exit in 40th place.
Aurora Gaming’s Visa Woes
Formerly Fire Beavers, Aurora Gaming faced visa issues that significantly impacted their performance. The absence of their star player, taskmast33r, and subsequent roster changes led to a lackluster 33rd-place finish in the group stage and internal disagreements that further hampered their chances.
Crazy Raccoon’s Year of Setbacks
Crazy Raccoon, led by the iconic IGL Ras, faced their own challenges in 2023. Unable to adapt to the fast-paced international meta, they saw early exits in both Split Playoffs. Their decision to withdraw from the Championship due to Ras’ impending military service marked a quiet and early end to their competitive year.
The Bigger Picture
2023 highlighted the volatility of competitive Apex. Teams that once dominated found themselves struggling to keep up with evolving strategies and external factors like visa issues. It also underscored the importance of adaptability and the ability to overcome unexpected challenges.