GoNext Esports just shocked the world. The ALGS Year 4 Championship just wrapped up in Sapporo, Japan, and the Apex Legends esports scene won’t be the same after this one. With 40 elite teams battling it out for their share of a massive $2,000,000 prize pool, expectations were sky-high—but nobody expected the jaw-dropping underdog story that unfolded.
The History of GoNext Esports
GoNext Esports may have shocked the world at ALGS Year 4, but their journey to the top has been a grind built on perseverance and smart roster moves. Founded in 2021, the European-based organization started as a small contender in regional Apex Legends circuits, steadily gaining recognition through strong placements in third-party tournaments and Challenger Series events. The Greek-based organization was founded by a few friends who have a demented passion for Esports like the rest of us.
Despite early struggles, GoNext solidified its presence in the pro scene by making strategic roster additions, bringing in José “Uxako” Llosa, Filipe “Hiarka” Morgado, and Kyllian “zhidan” Brun—a trio known for their aggressive yet calculated playstyle and veterans of ALGS events. Their first major breakthrough came in ALGS Year Three, where they managed a respectable mid-table finish but failed to break into the top-tier conversation. That all changed in Year Four when their relentless drive and tactical brilliance finally paid off. This is the first time the EMEA region has brought an ALGS title home.
The Ultimate Cinderella Run
European dark horses GoNext Esports shocked the world, clinching the championship title despite entering as the 29th-ranked team in the ALGS Global Rankings due to poor performance in scrims leading up to the LAN. Composed of José “Uxako” Llosa, Filipe “Hiarka” Morgado, and Kyllian “zhidan” Brun, this squad proved that resilience, strategy, and well-timed aggression can overcome the odds.
Their path to victory wasn’t easy. In the Group Stage, GoNext Esports secured two map wins and finished seventh overall, just enough to keep their championship dreams alive. Moving into the Bracket Stage, they clawed their way through a grueling eight-game series, ultimately finishing in joint eighth place—enough to advance, but far from the favorites.
The Finals: Clutch Factor on Full Display
The Grand Finals? Pure chaos. The pressure was intense, with nine maps determining the ultimate champions. As teams battled to hit the crucial 50-point match threshold, GoNext stayed cool under fire. After winning game seven, they became match-point eligible, meaning one more victory would crown them champions.
With all eyes on them, GoNext Esports delivered in game nine, securing the win and stunning the Apex Legends world. They outplayed some of the most dominant teams, including Luminosity Gaming and Virtus.Pro, proving that esports is all about who shows up when it matters most and further cementing Match Point format as the best tournament format in Esports and it isn’t particularly close.
While GoNext Esports grabbed the headlines, Alliance put up a performance worthy of respect. The Swedish organization dominated the Group Stage, finishing at the top, and kept the pressure on in the finals with 95 points, but just couldn’t close out the win. The championship showcased just how unpredictable competitive Apex Legends can be. Multiple teams hit the match-point threshold, turning the Finals into an all-out war for first place.
Exciting Changes Coming to ALGS Year 5
As the dust settles on Year 4, Respawn and EA are already gearing up for an even bigger ALGS Year 5, bringing some exciting changes to the competition. One of the most anticipated updates is the revamped tournament format, which will introduce a more streamlined qualification process, ensuring that the best teams consistently make it to the later stages.
The possibility of in-person regional qualifiers is something the community has been clamoring for. This could elevate the competition even further, making every match feel like a high-stakes LAN event.
Additionally, prize pool allocations are being adjusted to provide better financial support for emerging teams, making it easier for new organizations to break into the scene. Fans can also expect enhanced broadcast features, including expanded player statistics, real-time analytics, and behind-the-scenes content that brings them closer to the action.
Perhaps the biggest change? Legend bans. During future LAN events, the legends with the highest pick rate will be banned for the rest of the series. This will force teams to have multiple legend comps planned for each series and will drastically increase the variety of gameplay seen during tournaments. This is something that is not only good for competitive integrity but viewership engagement as well.
The ALGS Year 4 Championship was a defining moment for Apex Legends esports. GoNext Esports walked away as unexpected champions, proving that rankings and predictions mean nothing when the action starts. With the competitive landscape shifting after this tournament, one thing is for sure—nobody will underestimate the underdogs again.
One thing is clear—ALGS Year 5 is shaping up to be the most ambitious and competitive season yet and Apex Legends is definitely not a “dead game.”
