MRI EMEA Day 1 Preview
As Week 1 of Marvel Rivals Ignite Preseason comes ever closer, more and more people are wondering who to look for in Week 1 of EMEA. From regional powerhouses to new orgs looking to set out their standings in the region, I will be covering what to look for in this weekend's slate.
Friday:
Coming into week 1, NAVI are still widely considered one of the top teams in the world. With top finishes in Ignite, this roster brings some serious experience to the region. The core of 
GermanyTrqstMe, FinlandRaajaro, as a tank line-up with 
HungaryLv1Crook and United Kingdomfate at the back is one of the strongest backbones in the region. Now reinforced by Canadian player 
CanadaTerra, this team is ridiculously dangerous to face in week 1
That said, NAVI aren't untouchable. Their shock loss to YWL in last month's Mega Monthly exposed a few cracks, with teams definitely looking to exploit them.
Alter, on the other hand, are a new team coming fresh off a 2nd-place finish in MRC Season 6, only falling to RAD. Their team, led by United KingdomTeamCaptain , the former Wolverine one-trick, is seen to thrive in dive comps with Rogue in the mix. The additional import of Zcube could add another factor.
Still, on paper NAVI just looks stronger. If their dive comps get rolling, this could be one-sided.
Prediction : NAVI Win
Peps are a French org who picked up a group of experienced Ignite players with some definite potential in them. GermanyBabybat, a support plate from Germany, stands out as a key player with the tank duo of Icelandic IcelandFrankyBoxing and Saudi Saudi ArabiaiMLK being up there with the region's best, with Saudi ArabiaiMLK's groot being a potential standout
Heretics, a Spanish org new to the region, are stacked with experience and talent, however. Built from the old Citadel Gaming core, they've added proven winners in DenmarkNaga alongside fresh talent in SwedenOasis and IsraelBeetle. Add in Linepro coaching, who could shake things up with support bans; this team looks very well-rounded.
Heretics should take this, but Peps have upset potential.
Prediction: Heretics win
CrownFall is one of the more intriguing teams that qualified through MRC. The unsigned Arab roster has a strong tank line led by late pickups United KingdomRosa from Alter Zenith and Saudi ArabiaAbooHuu. They have a relatively strong DPS lineup in the region
But they are running into a brick wall
Russian org Virtus.Pro are currently the best team in the world with no real debate, with their DreamHack Atlanta first place. DenmarkSypeh is arguably the best support in the game, with SwedenSparkR often seen as the best DPS player in the work and his duo Germanyphi being revolutionary in his performances on Daredevil.
Their flexibility is what really sets them apart; from full dive comps to a clean front to back, they can hit a team with anything.
Prediction VP win
The Arab Org Vision are a bit of a mystery in the team. The Saudi team hasnt shown much publicly, with most in the know having them towards the bottom despite having GermanyGainer and Saudi Arabiateller who are both well known in the scene
Reason, meanwhile, has a solid foundation. Built from ex-Insomnia and Luminity players, they got a strong Polish tank duo in PolandPasiw0 and PolandFOREVER774. That said, the dropping of their Daredevil player Oleggattor right before pre-season could force adjustments Even with that uncertainty, REASON should win through their experience of Igite bans
Prediction: REASON to win
Shikigami (formerly Cooking with Kaya) have been quietly consistent in the region, landing multiple top MRC placements before being picked up. Their tank duo of Swedenkaya and Swedenisidor alongside DPS SwedenLeyolaz is a big strength, and scrim rumours suggest they're even better than their results.
Pulsar is new as an org but not lacking in talent. DenmarkTreeman is known for his strong Groot in ranked (ironic I know) and AustriaSeLegendXXVII bring a massive support pool
Still, Shikigami just looks better in terms of firepower.
Prediction: Shikigami win
With Friday's game coming thick and fast, hopefully this article helped you on who to look out for and what teams to root for. Hope you enjoy with some guaranteed entertainment on Friday