RLCS 2026 - Boston Major: North America Open 2 Recap

DataCoach was fortunate to be in attendance for the first Major of the year in 2026 as we headed down to Boston to witness some top tier gameplay. With the regional qualifiers done, all eyes turned to the main stage. How would Dralii and MonkeyM00n carry MENA's momentum onto LAN? Would NRG pick up where they left off last year, would EU reclaim the top of the table, or would a minor region surprise everyone?

The only problem with the first Major in Boston in February? A massive snowstorm hit the east coast and forced early travel plans on Sunday (for us) or risked being stuck in a hotel for an extra 2-3 nights waiting for flights to get rebooked. While we opted for the Sunday travel, we were able to see the teams compete on the main stage in person on Saturday, and watched along in transit on Sunday. Let’s dive into the results that, while surprising on the surface, the underlying numbers tell a different tale.

The Gentlemates were victorious on Sunday, showing out as a team while adding some incredible individual performances along the way. Let’s dive into Sunday’s results to see what went so well for the Mates, and where other teams faltered.

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Quick hits:

• Gentle Mates: In spite of averaging the 3rd most xG, the M8s were able to convert 124% of their scoring opportunities, leading Sunday with an average of 2.2 goals per match. On top of that, they were able to hold their opponents to 95% xG conversion. They were the only team in the playoff rounds that was able to convert higher than expected while also holding their opponents under.
• Vitality: Similar xG conversion to the M8s, Vitality was able to over convert on their opportunities but not able to generate as many. Where they fell short is conceding 2 goals per match, the only team outside Shopify to do so. 
• Falcons: Generating the second most xG per match, the Falcons were able to make quick work of Shopify in the quarters, but weren’t able to maintain the momentum against the M8s. 5 of the 7 games were one goal matches, showing how important converting on scoring chances is; they held their opponents to a best 75% xG Against, but weren’t able to convert when it mattered. They were the only team other than the M8s that had a positive goal differential; expect a bounceback next split.
• NRG: Having a negative 0.5 xG differential with 2.3 xGA was not going to end well for NRG. In spite of holding their opponents to a second best 78% xGA, conceding 2.3 xGA was just too much especially when combined with 81% conversion on the offensive end. The playstyle that made them dominate in NA’s split 1 did not translate to their first taste of international competition in 2026.
• Karmine Corp: If I were every other team, I would be concerned about Karmine Corp go forward. Despite their earlier than expected exit, they were able to generate 2.6 xG and the largest xG differential with +0.6. The problem? 51% conversion from this squad is a significant underperformance, leading to the 2nd lowest goals per match. Expect a major bounceback from KC as they generated the chances but weren’t able to convert like they have been able to historically.
• Shopify: The high of making it to Championship Sunday was quickly erased with a forgettable performance from this squad. The lowest xG generated and the highest xGA, their -1.2 xG split was the worst in the field, capped by 23% xG conversion for. Under the hood there were some clear breakdowns that VP and team will hopefully rectify over the next few weeks before the next split begins.

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MVPs:

Goal Scoring: Nass

Without a doubt in anyone's mind, Nass was the offensive MVP of Championship Sunday. Despite generating the 3rd most xG, he blew the field away with 177% and doubled the 2nd closest in the field with 1.4 goals / match.

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Playmaking: Oski

While Nass peaked with solo plays throughout Sunday, his impeccable offensive performance wouldn't have been possible without Oski's playmaking abilities. With the 3rd most passes completed per match, Oksi was able to generate 0.28 xG per match, 2nd most on Championship Sunday. With .5 goals per match scored on his passes, Oski's playmaking had 165% conversion and 6 goals, topping the leaderboard for playmaker. 

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Game Changing Defense: Coming Next Week!

DataCoach has been hard at work understanding Expected Goal generation, deep diving on how teams create it effectively, who converts and how it ties with overall results. Next week we will be sharing who the best defenders are, based on their ability to prevent high Expected Goal scenarios.

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Noteworthy Takeaways:

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Solo Plays generated 2.7 xG/match, but only had 82% conversion. Passing plays on the other hand only had 1 xG/match, but 118% conversion. It was evident that while Solo Plays are important, Passing plays led to more goals.

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Watch out for Karmine Corp

Karmine Corp as a unit generated the most xG per match, with both Atow and Juicy over 1 Expected Goal per match. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. As a unit, they converted only 55% of their xG, well below expectations, especially for KC. They also generated the most passing plays, with 3 attempts on net from team plays per match. Coming next week: as we share game changing defense, we will be able to isolate if defenders were able to impact KC, or if they were truly missed opportunities.

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Expect this team to bounceback next split.