Sandrock Team Preview

Our last team preview centres on the kings of MENA, Sandrock Gaming. One of the greatest stories in all of esports, with the core of the team dating way back to 2018, and Sandrock’s signing in 2019, the team battled away for months on end without RLCS before getting their chance in the 2021-2022 season.

And when the opportunity was finally thrust in front of them, they took this chance with both hands. Within MENA, Sandrock has been unbelievably strong, losing just one series across 2 splits and winning all 6 regional events, with their dominance already guaranteeing themselves a spot at the Wildcard event of worlds.

In qualifying for Stockholm, Sandrock’s performance was highly anticipated, and even with oKhaliD unable to attend, requiring super sub Senzo to step in, the team still proved why they’re one of the most heavily anticipated teams in the world. They swept G2, 3-1ed Furia, and dominated Ground Zero en route to a top 8 berth.

Now, with oKhaliD in attendance, and Ahmad’s issues with school resolved, Sandrock’s full lineup will be on display for the first time on LAN. As a team, Ahmad’s world class offensive mechanics guarantee some jaw-dropping goals, oKhaliD is his perfect right hand man, and trk511 is the often underrated glue in their defence, who stepped up when needed in Stockholm.

For the team, it’s going to be the debut for all 3 players in front of a crowd, which could pose issues with a team largely new to RLCS. But if their Stockholm performance tells us anything, they’ll be unfazed by this additional pressure, and could be one to watch as they push for top 6.

Their group is probably the best they can wish for as well. Should be able to clean up the erratic Pioneers, and although SSG and Dignitas will both present strong challenges, there is a real chance for Sandrock to top the group, all but secure their spot in the main stage of worlds, and prove to the scene once more why they’ve earned the right to be in RLCS.