• eSports
    •  November 17, 2016

    All Hope Is Lost For Echo Fox As ShahZaM Ditches A Lost Cause

    November 17, 2016
    Josh Jose
    Subscriber
    Josh Jose
    Subscriber

    When the Echo Fox lineup was finalised, the organisation seemed destined to become a top North American team with the ability to contest with international competition. The Foxes’ recent results are the polar opposite to the expectations placed upon them by the community. With their recent exit at ELEAGUE, many are questioning what the future holds for Echo Fox’s current lineup.

    During ELEAGUE’s 2nd season, Echo Fox were placed in Group B alongside G2, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and Virtus.Pro. Kicking off their campaign against Virtus.Pro with their debut de_nuke appearance, Echo Fox ran into a brick wall and lost 16-1.

    Under the leadership on Sean “seangares” Gares, Echo Fox were determined to turn their fortune around in their elimination match against G2, but they lost 2-0 in an embarrassing fashion. To make matters worse, they lost 16-3 on de_nuke and 16-2 on de_dust2, garnering just a feeble eight round wins to dress their 48 round losses. It was another blowout at ELEAGUE, and the disappointment was to become a reoccurring theme.

    Source: HLTV
    Source: HLTV

    Doubts started to emerge after yet another woeful performance at the ESEA Season 22: Global Premier Challenge. Considered the favourites alongside Bulgarian team Mortal Kombat, less than a second place finished would be considered a failure for Echo Fox. And, as we’ve come to expect, failure ensued.

    Echo Fox made it past the group stage, but doubt arose when they struggled against Chiefs Esports Club in their opening match and their loss at the hands of ALTERNATE aTTaX in the winners match. After barely making it out of the groups against ENCE, the forecast predicted a clean sweep against Crowns Esports Clubs in the semifinals. It did happen, only in favour of the latter, outclassing Echo Fox on a whole new level.

    Source: HLTV
    Source: HLTV

    The woes proceeded on towards Northern Arena. Albeit, their group stage matches against an old look OpTic and new look TSM did provide a glimmer of hope for Echo Fox fans. Yet, after nearly losing to compLexity, – who had Cory “APE” Bate standing in – a heavy forecast of disappointment hovered on Echo Fox. They failed to defeat Immortals in the semi finals, and only gained 6 rounds against Heroic in the 3rd place decider match. Yes, they did manage to take a map off Immortals, but to then get crushed into smithereens by Heroic? A very Echo Fox-esque way to exit a tournament, indeed.

    Honestly, the problem lies within the team structure itself. Daniel “roca” Gustaferri and Ronnie “ryx” Bylicki – the presumed star riflers – are completely hit and miss. Ryan “fREAKAZOiD” Abadir seems to be an airhead in the playing field, and is acting like an entry frag instead of an entry fragger.

    Seangares’ ability to lead a team is undeniable, but his way of leading is out of date with the current meta. The only shining star within the squad was Shahzeb “ShahZaM” Khan and he’s now on his way to pastures new.

    Seangares may also be set to take his leave:

    Watching Echo Fox play has been an incredibly infuriating experience. The team play was non existent, and there was little to no evidence of a buddy system being implemented into the team. It’s incredibly confusing as to how such a team – under the leadership of a player like seangares – have the inability to execute the basics of team play as a team. Roster changes are imminent, but will it lead to Echo Fox achieving what the community had expected of them? Probably not.

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