Reflex GT 2 Preview!

It's the first big competitive Black Ops LAN featuring European players
this weekend, when Reflex GT 2 kicks off near Amsterdam. We are going to
do a little preview for those unaware of what's going down!

The first event came about when the EGE decided to cancel their event in
October with only a month to go, leaving many who'd booked travel and
hotels out of pocket. In stepped the Reflex organisation who struck up a
deal with the Kaos centre to bring an event for those stranded. 8 MW2
teams showed up and competed for over a €1000's worth of prizes with
Fariko taking the win. We are now approaching the eve of their second
event which is boasting it's full 16 team cap. So much so they had to
turn teams away that were wanting to attend. Could we see a full 2 day
event for Reflex 3?




On to this weekend's event and you'll notice there is quite a few big
name teams attending this weekend but there is also many missing. The
once mighty Fnatic are in hiding after stealing (currently unofficially)
Tobi 'Tobi' Foster of Royalty, who have had to find a last minute
replacement. The number 1 ranked team for December-November, SK Gaming,
couldn't make it due to exams whilst all-star line-up Knockout had
formed when team passes were no longer available.


The prize for the event is currently being kept quiet but it's expected
to be around the €1000 mark, which is similar to their first event. The
tournament will take place at the Kaos Centre in Weesp, Netherlands.
Check out their website HERE.




Predictions


Instead of myself doing the predictions, I thought I would get someone
who knows the community like the back of his hand. Callum 'Swanny' Swan,
formerly of Power Gaming, has stepped up to the podium to lay down his
Reflex predictions. Known for being insane with an assault rifle and a
temper to match, he was the perfect absentee of the event to decide who
goes in my official preview.


1st: Reakless

Reakless, captained by the infamous Frenchman mAxxie are my
favourites for the title. Although they’re yet to impress in online
tournaments the team is comprised of 4 very individual talents, all
capable of holding their own on LAN. JeeZy will be looking to better his 2nd place at DGC whilst mAxxie is hot favourite to pick up the accolade of MVP.



2nd: Imperial

This brings me to the LADs; Imperial. Whilst many will be losing their
metaphorical LAN virginity at this event, Richie Atkins will be on the
lookout for that special someone. This laid-back line up have done the
damage online, booking themselves a respectable place in the finals of
ShopTo with a 3-2 win against the All-Star line-up of Knockout. Although
boasting an array of colourful language and insults I expect their
inconsistency as of late will lead to a fall at the final hurdle.



3rd: Royalty

Unsurprisingly Royalty are seeded first, coming into the event after a
series of impressive online wins. Nevertheless with the premature
departure of Tobi less than a week before the event many will
question how they will perform as a team. Their recent attendance of
social LANs will give them the edge, however I doubt it will be enough
for carry them to victory.



4th: NoNipplez

Many people’s outsiders NoNipplez are up next. They may be overlooked by
the masses, but what they lack in experience is made up in confidence.
Up and coming slayer Sheep is featured alongside resident scousers OtoMan and Macca, who picked up a solid 2nd place at last year’s ECL.



Outsider: Fariko.YIN

Fariko, spearheaded by the big Braniac, are once again out in
force - making up a quarter of teams in attendance. It is, however, Yin
who will be looking to do the most damage; fronted by the slick-haired
veteran Daredevil who coached his way to an impressive 1st place
at the last event. The team features a few changes, most notably the
inclusion of wannaB and his impressive physique. Completing the team are KniFeR and StricT who will undoubtedly be unsatisfied with anything less than a repeat of their last performance.



Choke team: QPAD

Who else but the mighty GamweLL and company? The team’s first LAN, an ex-convict and a weekend in the ‘dam. This can only end badly. A pickup by the name of Realize
completes the line-up with some much needed experience from ECL.
Assuming the lads are able to make it to the second round, a squad of
seasoned veterans in the art of banter await in what is sure to be a
highlight of the event.

Check out Swanny's Twitter this weekend for his opinion on Reflex as it happens! @TheSwanny



Decerto will be bringing FULL coverage Live from the event on both the Decerto front page and our Twitter, @Decerto_net. We'll have interviews, scores, pictures, videos, blogs and a link to the stream!

Who's your top 4, dark horse and chokers for the event?