FPS General

We're only a few days away from Day One of the FPS General Tribes: Ascend Invitational Tournament, where 16 professional Tribes: Ascend teams will be facing off in Capture the Flag action.

The Tribes: Ascend Invitational has an overall prize purse of $2500, where the champion will receive $1750, 2nd place will receive $500 and the 3rd place team will earn $250. To seed the tournament, we've used a Power Ranking system which is determined based on each teams previous tournament performance, overall ability and other variables to give them a rating.

This Power Ranking system ensures that we have the absolute best and most competitive tournament possible, by matching up teams that will provide the best challenge for each other. We've been looking at the bracket all morning and these matchups are going to be incredibly exciting to watch.

We'll be posting the official Tournament Bracket later today, but here is some insight on how our panel ranked each team...

#1 Monomaniac Esports (mMe)
Despite a loss to team idk? in the ESL Opening Cup semi-finals round, mMe have been on top since Tribes Ascend competition began.  With the home field advantage, one of the most stable rosters in TA and a history of success at high level competition, mMe will once again be the team to beat.

#2 Team Legion (LgN)
Since last facing Team Deadstop in high level competition, Team Legion has made some tweaks to their core roster, and won themselves a spot in the NASL Finals alongside mMe.  With these additions, Legion possesses possibly the best defensive core in Tribes Ascend competition and the ability to control the flow of a game versus any opponent.

#3 I Don’t Know? (idk?)
With a win over Monomaniac Esports in ESL and a shot at taking home first place in that tournament, team I Don’t Know? have proven themselves to be one of the best teams in Europe.  With a solid roster and the benefit of games played on both US and European servers, idk? will be worth watching very closely.

#4 Icarus (i-)
Taking over the top spot on the TeamWarfare League ladder from Monomaniac Esports is a feat few teams could hope to achieve, but given the skill and veterancy of the team Icarus roster, it is perhaps unsurprising.  Now sponsored by Papa John’s pizza, Icarus has both the talent and stability necessary to win, and they should not be underestimated.

#5 working as intended (wai.)
Following their win over Team Legion in the quarterfinals of ESL, working as intended have proven they are a top contender in the world of Tribes Ascend.  Watch for unorthodox strategy and big plays to win games for wai.

#6Heartbreakerz (-3-)
Currently vying with wai. for the second spot in the ESL grand finals puts Heartbreakerz among the top 3 teams in Europe.  With server locations being the most favorable to EU teams of all North American tournaments so far, -3- could go far in this tournament.

#7 Area 51 Gaming (51)
A newly retooled Area 51 Gaming is a conglomeration of veteran Area 51 players and much of the roster from Team ZFZ.  With their strengthened roster, 51 will be back with a vengeance after elimination by mMe in the NASL semifinals.

#8 Tao of Tribe (tao)
One of the most exciting and dynamic teams to play the game, Tao will be in top form with some new additions to their roster in key positions.  Boasting solid offense and defense, Tao have proven repeatedly that they are a match for any team.

#9 Boss
Despite significant roster changes over the past months Boss has remained one of the premiere teams in North America with consistent performance against top teams.  Watch for Boss to put on a show no matter the opponent.

#10 Over 9000 (over9k)
In the ESL Opening Cup Over 9000 had close games in their quarterfinals matchup against mMe.  This solid 4th seed European team should prove a match for any team they face.

#11 Epidemic (ePi)
With a focus on defensive play and highly coordinated offense, Epidemic has the ability to take games from even the best teams.  Watch for dynamic capping strategies and a defense that plays like a brick wall in ePi’s matches.

#12 Exica (ex)
The original and authentic dark horse returns! Exica boasts a solid veteran roster capable of competing at the highest level.

#13 Egocentric (ego)
With as many roster changes as Egocentric has suffered, its surprising that Egocentric has managed to survive, let alone compete.  Despite this, however, ego has continued to have success against top teams.

#14 Revenant (REV)
Currently sitting atop the New Bloods Tournament standings are Team Revenant after a close victory of Puppy Kisses.  With their invitation to the FPS General Invitational, Revenant now set their sights on top tier Tribes Ascend competition.

#15 Mercenaries International Alliance (MIA)
One of only a few multi-game clans active in Tribes Ascend, MIA has been competing since beta.  With a long history of matches, MIA will bring their competitive experience to bear in the FPSGeneral Invitational.

#16 Puppy Kisses (PK)
After a close loss to Revenant in the fifth round of the New Bloods Tournament, Puppy Kisses is sitting in second place and has an undefeated record on the TWL ladder.  With their great record in the tournament and a quickly improving roster, Puppy Kisses is ready for mainstream Tribes competition.

Casting the tournament will be Tribes: Ascend and eSports experts from the FPS General team as well as from Hi-Rez Studios. The casting team will be made up of SmallKiwi, HiRezBart, Arcad1zzle, JonniTheJuicyJ and FishStix. These guys will be calling the entire tournament, doing play by play for each match and bringing their expert insight to the competition.

Be sure to stay tuned to FPS General and follow us on Facebook and Twitter, as we'll have more announcements on the FPS General Tribes: Ascend Invitational Tournament in the near future, including the official bracket later today!