Gears Esports has been underway for the last few months, as we march towards the first major event of the league’s circuit in sunny San Diego, California. With the Pro League cemented and well underway, I feel there hasn’t been as much recognition or love for the many other teams that are fighting and jockeying for place. After all, with the errors with the match finder being deployed (which we all are upset about for all the reasons ) and the changes to the circuit that will help the top two teams in challenger points receive travel for San Diego (don’t quote me on that, just what the literature on the website says), there is many stories and drama that can unfold throughout all these teams.

So how should we showcase the talented teams that didn’t make the Pro League this quarter? Many answers available with this question, but I found it was time to discuss the masses with a weekly and opinion based way that will sure stir the pot even more. Without further to do, let’s introduce the all and might new Gears Esports Power Ranking (Fall Quarter)!

Few notes before we begin. First off, this Power Rankings excludes all Pro Circuit teams (sorry Mazer Gaming, for not including you, just like Gears Esports ousted you on the weapon skins). So before anyone starts to cry wolf on the rankings about the Pro Teams, just remember, they got their own standings through Gears Esports, statistics, and all of that extra information for being in the league. Secondly, the Power Rankings have multiple factors and not just challenger points. This will include roster, challenger points, rumors, matches teams had in the bracket, and more. So don’t just look at the #CaseClosed #GetJipped Challenger Points Sheet, as that’s not the full story. So let the craziness begin!

Power Rankings – Week 3 – NA Fall Quarter

1. Pablos (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: INZEM, Xysho, Gearries, Lanarchy6016, and Abolish

Have you ever wondered what a team of young players that have great potential looks like? Look no further than Pablos. This is a team we’ve seen before, but in a different context when they played for Lux Gaming. Having Braveheart and Xcells leaving the competition, but picking up Gearries and INZEM has made this roster night and day. This version of the roster is stronger than what we’ve seen before. The players on the current roster mesh well together, play aggressive but cohesive, and can be a force to reckon with. They made a terror in the Week 2 Tournament, beating many qualified and well put together teams. Although they are not the top team in challenger points currently, they paved the way as one of the teams to beat. Missing the first week is likely the only reason they are not the top dog in points. Is there a repeat on the way?

2. Glory (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: VitalTheOne, Propells 24, k3soto, ClizzyClouts, GODPLAY5 (Jackal Tenebris)

How can you go against a team that is filled with pro players from other Gears titles? Also, they are currently the number one seed in the challenger points despite losing to Pablos during the Week 2 tournament. Overall, this squad takes their time while on the map, but also can put their foot down in a hurry if needed. Originally, I thought that Glory would be a team that would constantly play aggressive, but I’ve found that the leadership in the team has made this a roster into one that uses a lot of intelligence and quick wit. The maturing of some of the players on the rosters from one title to the other helps this team grow as well. Only question. What happened to Krash from Week 1? We know hndles played on another team in Week 2. The big what if of the rankings though, is if they on Glory for Week 2, would Pablos have won?

3. Technique (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: CREA7I0N, Oz, Peaquat, Xelerates, blast (Dreamerge)
Update: Team is the same five players. Coach Dreamerge didn’t show up on the roster this week.

Gears Esports was missing one of the most well represented smaller organizations until now. Reuniting some of the old team together and rekindling the chemistry, Technique (Version 2 mind you), took the tournament last week by storm. They knocked out a trio of teams that have been known to place well as of late (RIP CancerRz, This Site Trash, and HNC) before bowing out against Glory in the Semi Finals. Other than knocking off some of the rust and from what I heard was playing with at least one substitute (not sure if this is fact or fiction), I wouldn’t be surprised if Technique comes into Week 3 with some intensity and more matches that show they are for real. So, who is the true fifth coming into this week and will they live up to the potential for the team in the tournament this week?

4. Vision (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Raidhn, Azuries, TheeGreatChubbz, Homicide, Venomenal (GreaT)

Qualifying for the Pro League Ladder Tournament, but falling short, the roster of Vision is back to try and fight for one of the top spots. Missing the first week of the tournament (because of the surprise of the first week tournament), Vision did make a change in roster. Actually, Vision made a many different roster changes over the life of Gears 5 so far, but always holding on to a main core. The latest addition is Venomneal, who seems to fit better than Suhduceful. Now with a better team dynamic, I believe Vision will show their worth in the upcoming tournament. They as a lot of teams, fell to tournament winner Pablos. So look out for this team to be at the top again. Will they keep the train rolling going into this tournament?

5. RIPCancerRz (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Rayminh, Crazel, Unreal Might, Movemxnts, Cee Tips

Making a splash in all tournaments they participated in, RIPCancerRz is another team that has worked together in multiple titles, but this roster is different than what we’ve seen from the past. With Rayminh’s leadership, Crazel’s fast adjustments, and Unreal Might’s all over well rounded play, I’m not surprised this team can make some noise and has done so. Movemxnts is great for this roster, as he fits well into the mold of the team’s philosophy and style of play. The only reason why this team isn’t rated higher, is because they recently lost Fadeaway, who stepped out of the team because of educational reasons (college is honestly awesome folks). Replacing him, is a capable player in Cee Tips. However, this tournament’s success or failure may weigh on the new addition to the team. It will be interesting to see if Cee Tips fits into the same play style or if it creates a divide for a promising team.

6. Money May (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Mental, Jarid, Wichy, z Curshmo (Dirty), Tristian Dougherty, (ffirearm)
Update: z Crushmo in place of Dirty. ffirearm is in as coach. Jarid still on the team.

Surprised? You are not the only one. This roster has tons of potential and each player on this team can change the tide of a match. However, if history has taught us anything, it is the honest fact that multiple players on this roster have been attributed to being hot headed. Being led by Tristian (who is a great player and has been duped over more times than I can show on both hands), this roster has multiple players who either ride the high road or sink to the bottom of the ocean in matches. Speaking of which, one of the members from this team is currently a F/A after losing to tournament winner Pablos last week. So who is the fifth? Is this team in the tournament tomorrow? We will see tomorrow.

7. Optimum Gaming (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: LOYALTY X ZlG, LimiTs vZ, RepTilian vZ, ToXicTacTiX vZ, CluTchZ vZ (Exhurtz)

One of the only roster’s that have consistently stuck together since Gears 5 has started only a few months ago. Have you ever seen them play? Maybe and maybe not, but that is besides the point. If you take the time to watch this roster, you will learn quickly that this team gels well together constantly. Also, when they make mistakes and have errors, they actually communicate how to become a better team. That’s what it is all about folks. However, guess who knocked them out of the tournament? Cue in Pablos. Other than that, can Optimum Gaming make noise this week and finish Top 8 or higher? They got the talent, so let’s see it happen!

8. Quantum Gaming (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: QG Pushyz, QG Reliant, QG Zet, Zizel, QG Rocky

A young roster that initially, we were not sure if it would continue after the past few weeks. At one moment in time, a teammate wanted to leave the team for what was “an offer” from what we heard through the grapevine. Only for the team to come back together before last week’s tournament, to fall so quickly in the bracket. However, they lost against Vision, which isn’t an easy match to start with. So with the brackets being shaken up for this week and Quantum looking to make up ground, I expect them to show out and bring the pain. The team does in fact play well together and fearless. As long as they keep that tempo and don’t doubt one another, I’m more than sure fireworks will fly. However, will the bracket give them a break or will the fireworks fizzle out before they begin?

9. HNC (Didn’t Check In for Week 3)

Roster: HNC Precision, HNC Demon, HNC Crucioh, WarriaK, Crashy (FYC Shots)

If you want to talk about an underdog team, one that can surprise you at a moments notice, HNC will prove to be a tough out. One of the most aggressive teams currently in the Fall Quarter, they will time and time again show no respect and push your daylights out. Whether it is with fast movement and gnasher skills or quick cross firing, they got the moves to punish teams. Only issue? Teams with more consistent team fire and rotations can pull a fast one on HNC’s tactics. Although the champs of National Gears of War League have great chemistry, they were met against the likes of Technique in the early going last week, which was their downfall. Expect them to bounce back this week, but we want to know, can HNC change the tempo of their game and outplay opponents that can punish their meta?

10. Sympathy (Didn’t Check In for Week 3)

Roster: Birdy, HbM Perfections, DeMo Beezy, ffirearm, Z Crushmo
Update: This roster has disbanded. Multiple players on other teams in the tournament today.

A star studded roster. The remains of two teams that battled in the Pro League qualifier and just missed out. This team once they find their footing, will be a force to reckon with. However, the first week together proved to be harder than expected. With a hard first round game against Gravity, followed by a fight against Glory, this team never got to show their true nature. If this roster is heading into the tournament this week, look for them to establish their ground quicker to advance in the tournament further. Many great players on this, but will they mesh with another week of growing pains as a full roster? Heck, did this roster change, as they are currently unconfirmed for the tournament?

11. Gravity (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: dominic fluehr, FYC Flash (Yachtyy), Nightfall3048, Canni (Vocabbz), Kryo TYB (VeSi), (Yachtyy)
Update: FYC Flash, Canni, and Kryo TYB take over for Yachtyy, Vocabz, and VeSi. Yacthyy, moved to coach.

Speaking of the devil! Gravity is currently revamping itself as Suhduceful is looking to build another powerhouse style team. Sadly, they had the difficult task of going against Sympathy in the first round since they didn’t run the first week of the tournament Fall Quarter (like a lot of teams on this list). It is hard to judge this roster from one match, but it was an important one to take note of. Almost beating Sympathy is a good way to start. However, I’m not sure if this team is still together at this point or if they are trying new people on the roster. So without further to do, will we see this roster pull up for the tournament or a different look for Gravity?

12. LITBOYZZZ (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Nunez, Cellz, Victoreez, Terminus7577, Kyng Switzer

Another victim of Pablos. First round. Not an easy start to a roster that is trying to put it all together. The difference with this roster from prior teams with Nunez on them are the names of young players that have the skill and potential. Now the next part to this puzzle, is developing them. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with many of these players throughout Gears. Lots of raw talent individually, but now time to see it all be pulled together. With a new start with this tournament, can this roster show us what they are made of with an extra week of work now in the books? Will they also not run into an unfortunate bracket again so we can better analyze them for the next power rankings? Tomorrow will tell the story.

13. Brutal Democracy (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Jippery McCloud, BDG Abyss, BDG Vibiez, BDG Luck, Sir1 WHOA

Honestly, whatever I write in this space, I’ll try to stay as unbiased as I can (hard to do when talking about the team you are apart of). Another team that has been together since the game started and have made vast improvements. This roster is starting to show up more consistently and when working as a team, they can create upsets. However, which Brutal Democracy will show up this tournament? If there was a team that is Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, you found your winners here. Consistency is what we will be looking for. Side Note: Pablos also knocked them out last week.

14. The Fam (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: FIexecution, J O H N lN Y, Demoralz, Le Bounce, Caelan McLaughlin (Afentico)

Under the radar team, The Fam has been another consistent hit in the first two weeks of tournaments. Hitting Top 16 both times as the team above them in the rankings, this roster consist of a lot of homegrown talent. Mutliple players on the team have been together before, so the chemistry is strong with the team. Nice rifle play and great team cross fire. When it came to last week, they worked magic in their first match against Disperse, but hit a road block with the Scavzy led New York roster. With a higher seeding in the bracket than most, will The Fam be able to string together multiple wins to advance further into the tournament? They are another underdog team that can cause an upset if not paid attention too.

15. HydraGG (Checked In for Week 3 under a Different Name – Fight Back)

Roster: TraMa Said No, TwiSsta, AhToMiC, SickestGOW, AwakeKitten3075 (rrozado)
Update: AwakeKitten3075 takes rrozado’s spot.

The heart breakers so far in the first two weeks of tournament play. When one reads the names on this roster, the feeling of a powerhouse team is in play. However, they were undone last week by StarbriteZ’s This Site Trash team. Honestly, this team has play makers, smart individuals, and talent that can create havoc against any team they set their sites on. The worry here though would belong to the famous “too many cooks in the kitchen” mentality. Multiple players on this roster are veterans and leaders in Gears, so can they find the one person to listen to in game and follow the calls or will they do the exact opposite and possibly unravel from it? With another week of practice, this might be their week to shine as a new force.

16. First Rounders (Checked In for Week 3)

Roster: Rxboticz, IBxsh, QuietCalf124956, Funny Maybe, mX KneX

A team that has a lot left to prove. The first week of tournaments, they came out swinging as one of the few teams ready to play. However, the second week, they got hit by a full truck of Vision. So here’s the chance to show the community that they are here to stay and make a name for themselves. The big question, is what how will they react to their third week of play? They have a stable roster three weeks in a row, but need to prove the other teams wrong in the sense that they are high in challenger points because of multiple teams missing the first week. So let’s see some game play and action First Rounders!

Just Missed Out

Teams: IP GG’s, Ether, Grinders, Goose Gang Honk, Unite Gaming

Omissions and Extra Information

Side Note: This Site Trash and New York rosters are currently unknown. From tweets throughout the week, it seems these rosters are shuffling or mixing, leading to them not being placed on the rankings. We also are currently confused on Animocity Gaming’s status this week. The whole roster without their coach, signed up as Goonigans. Which negates all of their points from the prior week (Tied 7-13 with 80 Points) unless they went through the proper channels to get a team name change from PGL.

What Was Their Team Name?

With open online tournaments, we get the excitement of going against or seeing some of the most random and strange team names on the opposing side of the battlefield. These are team names that made either players head scratch, laugh, or brought a grin from ear to ear. Observe the names of the holy!

This Site Trash
Omojo Gaming
Delta Cognition Assailants
U.S. Army Esports

#CaseClosed

Tomorrow is the big day. Tournament number three. Any predicitons? Teams to watch out for? Some cliff notes you got or opinions? Throw them my way on Twitter at JipperyMcCloud. Also, make sure you capture some of that action during the tournament so you can show up with your highlights on the power rankings for your team! Until next time, #getjipped Gears Family!

Updated: November 10 (9:53 AM EST)