Spacestation Gaming took down Ninjas in Pyjamas at the 2020 Rainbow Six Siege Invitational to become the first North American team to win the tournament since its debut in 2018.
Since the tournament began two years ago, European teams have dominated the competition with PENTA Esports lifting the trophy in the first year, while G2 Esports took all the glory last year at the Place Bell Arena in Montreal, Canada.
In 2020 though, North America finally stood tall at the summit of Rainbow 6 esports, as Spacestation Gaming took down NiP’s Brazilian lineup to claim the $1 million grand prize, and the ability to call themselves the world’s best team.
Thanks to their run in the winner’s bracket, Spacestation kicked off the grand finals with a 1-0 advantage over Ninjas in Pyjamas, meaning they only needed to win two maps to seal victory, compared to the three that the Brazilians would need if they hoped to taste victory in Montreal. Things were looking good for NiP, who blitzed their way through Spacestation in the opening two maps of the contest, putting them just one map away from the win.
With their backs against the wall, the North American team managed to regain their composure, edging out their opposition in a tightly-contested third map to level the series at 2-2. SSG were struggling to gain any sort of dominance over their opposition, but a massive 1v3 from Nathanial ‘Rampy’ Duvall acted as a turning point for the team, as losing the round would have given NiP match and tournament point.
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With $1 million on the line, SSG produced a near-flawless performance on Bank to close out the tournament, and take their place at the top of Rainbow Six Siege, taking the map 7-3 with a dominant final round.
Despite defeat, NiP’s run to the finals was incredibly impressive, taking down G2 Esports, Team Empire, and Fnatic on their road to Spacestation Gaming, but just couldn’t close out the game against their North American rivals. The team still takes home $450,000, while third place TSM scoop up $270,000 for their efforts.
You can view the full final placements below.
Rainbow Six Siege Invitational 2020 Final Placements and Prizes
Place | Team | Prize Money |
1st | Spacestation Gaming | $1,000,000 |
2nd | Ninjas in Pyjamas | $450,000 |
3rd | Team SoloMid | $270,000 |
4th | BDS Esports | $200,000 |
5th-6th | DarkZero Esports | $150,000 |
5th-6th | Fnatic | $150,000 |
7th-8th | G2 Esports | $110,000 |
7th-8th | MIBR | $110,000 |
9th-12th | Team Empire | $80,000 |
9th-12th | Natus Vincere | $80,000 |
9th-12th | Team Liquid | $80,000 |
9th-12th | Team Reciprocity | $80,000 |
13th-16th | FaZe Clan | $60,000 |
13th-16th | Rogue | $60,000 |
13th-16th | Giants Gaming | $60,000 |
13th-16th | Wildcard Gaming | $60,000 |