Nuclear TigeRES have claimed the championship title at the NODWIN Clutch Series 10, defeating Butterfly in a decisive grand final match. The Russian squad secured the victory with a clean sweep, marking their second consecutive triumph in the tournament series.
The final took place on Thursday, and saw Nuclear TigeRES enter the competition directly in the playoff stage. Their path to the trophy required overcoming three opponents before reaching the final showdown, while Butterfly fought through a longer route that began in the group stage.
The grand final unfolded across two maps, with Nuclear TigeRES demonstrating consistent control on both Inferno and Nuke. The team posted identical 13-7 scorelines on each map, leaving no doubt about their superiority in the series. Arseniy “senka” Kozlovsky delivered a standout performance on Inferno, the first map of the duel.
On Nuke, the second map, Egor “ayuki” Ershov took center stage and led the charge for Nuclear TigeRES. His commanding performance helped seal another 13-7 win, completing the sweep and securing the championship. The team’s ability to rely on different star players across the two maps highlighted their depth and preparation for the final.
Nuclear TigeRES Playoff Run and Championship Path
Nuclear TigeRES began their tournament journey in the playoffs, bypassing the earlier group stage. Their first challenge came against Just Players, followed by a matchup with CYBERSHOKE Prospects. The semifinal round pitted them against Sashi, and a victory there booked their ticket to the grand final. Each step of the way, the team demonstrated the form that has made them a consistent threat in the tier-two competitive scene.
Butterfly, by contrast, navigated a more demanding route to the final. They competed from the group stage onward and then faced a challenging playoff bracket. Their knockout opponents included ARCRED, ex-RUSTEC, and 1win. Overcoming this gauntlet earned them a shot at the title, but they ultimately could not match Nuclear TigeRES in the deciding series.
- Nuclear TigeRES entered the tournament at the playoff stage and defeated Just Players, CYBERSHOKE Prospects, and Sashi to reach the grand final.
- Butterfly started in the group stage and then eliminated ARCRED, ex-RUSTEC, and 1win during their playoff run to the final.
The championship victory carries significant weight beyond the trophy itself. Nuclear TigeRES earned a $50 thousand prize for their first-place finish, a substantial reward at this level of competition. The win also contributes valuable points toward the Valve ranking system, an increasingly important metric for teams seeking invitations to higher-profile events.
Currently positioned at 40th in the world rankings, Nuclear TigeRES are looking to build momentum in the second half of the year. Back-to-back NODWIN Clutch Series titles provide a strong foundation, but the team’s ambitions clearly extend beyond regional and tier-two success. The ranking points from this victory will aid their climb as they pursue opportunities against stronger opposition.
Individual Performances and Match Statistics
The grand final showcased individual brilliance from multiple players on the Nuclear TigeRES roster. On Inferno, senka’s 1.98 rating stood out as the defining statistical achievement of the series. His impact on the first map set the tone for the entire match and put Butterfly on the back foot from the opening rounds.
When the action shifted to Nuke, ayuki emerged as the driving force behind Nuclear TigeRES’s second map victory. His leadership and fragging power ensured there would be no comeback from Butterfly. The ability of different players to step up on different maps reflects a well-rounded team capable of adapting to various in-game situations.
| Player | Map | Notable Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Arseniy “senka” Kozlovsky | Inferno | 1.98 rating |
| Egor “ayuki” Ershov | Nuke | Led team to 13-7 victory |
With this victory, Nuclear TigeRES have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in the NODWIN Clutch Series, having now won both the ninth and tenth editions of the tournament. The $50 thousand prize and Valve ranking points provide tangible rewards that can help propel the organization toward larger competitions in the coming months.
For Butterfly, the runner-up finish represents a strong showing after a grueling path through the group stage and playoffs. Their performance against established opponents like ARCRED and 1win demonstrates competitive potential, even if the grand final itself proved one-sided. Both teams will now look ahead to their next opportunities as the competitive calendar continues.
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