Halo Infinite: HCS Anaheim Pools Revealed

Time Stamp: February 5, 2022 9:14 PM

See who will compete in pool play at next weekend’s Halo Championship Series (HCS) event in Anaheim, California.

The first offline event for the 2022 Halo Infinite competitive season is nearly here. Next weekend, 16 of North America’s best teams compete for a $125K USD prize pool in Anaheim, CA. Some of the teams involved have proven themselves elite–chief among them is reigning HCS Raleigh Champions — Cloud9. The team of Eco, Renegade, StelluR and Pznguin has looked untouchable, winning all four HCS Pro Series competitions to date.

While Cloud9’s dominance is the singularly most critical storyline, other teams such as OpTic Gaming, FaZe Clan and Sentinels have shown flashes. Sentinels could be the one to it after welcomjng Mathew “Royal2” Fiorante back to the team following his suspension in December, which could make a significant difference. HCS Anaheim figures to be an intense event from start to finish.

Today, the HCS unveiled which teams will compete in four separate pools next weekend before bracket play. Let’s take a look at the pools ahead of the competition!

HCS Anaheim Pools

The Group Stage at HCS Anaheim features the top-eight teams from HCS Raleigh and another eight that guaranteed their spot via the Regional Qualifiers (https://estnn.com/hcs-anaheim-regional-qualified-teams-prize-pool-format-more/). Each pool features a blend of the two, which league officials determined via HCS Points that teams have accumulated since the first tournament.

Here is a complete list of the groups set for action next weekend in Anaheim:

Pool A

  • Cloud9
  • Sentinels
  • Oxygen Esports
  • We Love Anime

Pool B

  • FaZe Clan
  • Spacestation Gaming
  • G1
  • FNATIC

Pool C

  • OpTic Gaming
  • G2 Esports
  • Complexity
  • Incognito

Pool D

  • eUnited
  • Pioneers
  • XSET
  • Pushin P

Who are the Top Teams?

Cloud9 is the clear favorite, which they have proven time and time again in Raleigh and ensuing online events. The second tier of teams includes OpTic, Sentinels and FaZe Clan; three rosters have shown the ability to hang with Cloud9 but failed every attempt since Raleigh. The remaining teams hope to overcome the odds and establish themselves on LAN. Halo Infinite continues to evolve with each passing online tournament and qualifier.

It seems Cloud9 has the game figured out. They’ve already created a dynasty despite the game’s December 8 launch date. The return of Royal2 for Sentinels could be the missing ingredient that could elevate put the two-time Halo World Champs back on top.

Here is a look at the prize pool all sixteen teams will look to earn a considerable portion of beginning February 11:

  • 1st: $45,000
  • 2nd: $27,500
  • 3rd: $14,000
  • 4th: $7,800
  • 5th-6th: $3,850
  • 7th-8th: $3,000
  • 9th-12th: $2,500
  • 13th-16th: $1,750

The action promises to deliver exciting matches at the very least. Can Cloud9 maintain their spot atop Halo Infinite? We’ll find out in less than a week. Stay tuned to ESTNN for more content ahead of HCS Anaheim!

Featured Image: Halo Championship Series

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