Day One Swiss Stage Review

The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) 2025 Birmingham Major commenced on March 27, 2025, at the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, marking a significant event in the competitive esports landscape. This tournament brings together 16 elite Rocket League teams, competing fiercely in the Swiss Stage format, where achieving three series victories is crucial for securing a spot in the playoffs.

FURIA Esports launched the tournament with an impressive 3-0 sweep against the Helfie Chiefs, showcasing their dominance with game scores of 4-0, 2-1, and 8-3. This performance set a high standard for the other teams participating in the event.

The competition intensified as Geekay Esports secured a decisive 3-1 victory over FUT Esports, while NRG demonstrated resilience by overcoming Gen.G 3-1 after initially trailing 0-1. NRG regained their momentum with sequential wins of 2-1, 1-0, and 2-1.

Highly regarded as a pre-tournament favorite among esports betting platforms, Karmine Corp narrowly triumphed over Wildcard in a thrilling 3-2 series. This match underscored Karmine Corp’s competitive spirit, especially after recovering from a deficit where they lost two of the first three maps.

Taken to the wire. @KarmineCorp secure a W in Swiss Round 1! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/t0dn8xdQop

— Rocket League Esports (@RLEsports) March 27, 2025

In another nail-biter, Team Vitality clinched a close 3-2 victory against Twisted Minds, further emphasizing the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament. The game’s scorecard reflected a dramatic reversal of fortunes, ending with 1-2, 3-1, 2-1, 4-5, and 3-4 outcomes.

The Ultimates managed to outmaneuver Luminosity Gaming with a 3-1 victory, displaying resilience after a slow start and losing the opening map 2-3, ultimately winning the next three rounds with confidence.

Concluding round one, both Dignitas and Team Falcons emerged victorious with 3-1 results against Complexity and Team Secret, respectively, showcasing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

As round two unfolded, Vitality and Karmine Corp further established their dominance by achieving commanding 3-0 victories over FURIA Esports and Geekay Esports, respectively. Additionally, Team Falcons and NRG continued their undefeated streaks, each securing 3-1 victories.

KCVITFALNRG

All 2-0 👏 pic.twitter.com/HRJge0pEJE

— Rocket League Esports (@RLEsports) March 27, 2025

With round two concluding, the tournament spotlight now shifts to Luminosity Gaming, FUT Esports, Team Secret, and Helfie Chiefs, as they desperately seek to recover after suffering two consecutive losses. Gen.G, Wildcard, Complexity, and Twisted Minds, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum following their first wins of the Major.

The next matches will determine the fate of these teams, as rounds three and four are set to take place on Friday, culminating in the advancement of eight teams into the playoffs while eight others will face elimination from the Birmingham Major.