USA and Canada claim the first two NA Esports Nations Cup final spots

After winning the right to represent their nations in the qualifiers earlier this week, the newly minted Team United States and Team Canada took to the North American qualifier. The two got byes to the upper-semis as heavy favorites to lock in two of the three spots at the Esports Nations Cup LAN final.

Though the United States had a much more competitive game than Canada, both secured their spots at the Saudi Arabian event in November.

United States 2-1 Mexico

After a surprising run to claim their spot, the Voca mix of Team US faced the CROSSFIRE runners-up core of Club 333.

Mexico picked Ancient to start and absolutely annihilated the United States with an 11-1 T-side that quickly turned into a 13-1 win. The United States picked Dust2 and recovered to lead 8-4 at halftime. Though Mexico took the lead back, the United States eventually closed it 13-10. Mirage was the decider, and the United States had another great first half to take a 9-3 lead. Though they lost the second pistol and conversions, they quickly closed it 13-6.

Canada 2-0 Guatemala

The other match was a far less competitive affair between the Joshua "steel" Nissan-led Canada and the Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa-led Guatemala.

The first map was Nuke, and Canada got off to a flying 8-0 start that became a 9-3 T-side half. After winning the second pistol, they quickly won the map 13-3. Map two was Mirage, and it was also a one-sided affair, as Canada's firepower depth was too much to handle. Canada had a dominant 10-2 first half, and though Guatemala got four to start the second, Canada ended it 13-6.

Mexico and Guatemala will play today at 04:00PM for the third and final spot at the Esports Nations Cup finals.