Rally Portugal always produces two spectacular aspects: on the limit driving and dramatic crashes, which the Williams Gaming Club virtual rally delivered in abundance. In addition to the exhilarating twitch livestream with three esports drivers competing live, enjoyment was had all around the world in this event designed to celebrate both the professional and amateur tenacity and spirit of rally, which was displayed by all competitors.
Numerous drivers flocked to this event which proved popular with the WRC game community as a whole, including a selection of current and emerging esports talent. This, coupled with Williams Esports accompanying livestream, ensured an event to remember and ultimately an event that went down to the wire.
With the narrow, rough and obstacle-strewn stages which we described in our introduction to the event, the gaps generally reflected the consistency of the drivers. In the end after four challenging stages it was TRT’s Tommi Mäkinen and Kaapo Kalenius, two Finnish esports prodigies, who were locked in a tense battle for the lead, the former emerging victorious by less than a tenth of a second after 19 minutes of competitive driving, that’s less than a car length of difference after 30km!
Completing the podium was esports legend Joona Pankkonen, the first finisher of the livestreamed event hosted by Williams Esports. Joona’s drive was calm and collected, with simultaneous flashes of brilliance behind the wheel and fascinating commentary. Completing the top 5 were Alexandar Celik and TheBac0nato0or, two impressively quick drivers capable of competing for victory, however who both made unfortunate errors denying them a podium opportunity.
Placing second in the livestream and 6th overall was Izamusing, competing toward the top until a disastrous setup change led to two mistakes on the second stint, with spectacular recoveries (and exclamations) caught live being the only consolation for the lost time. TheAmbientMike was the first non-Skoda finisher in 7th, and also the last driver within a minute of the blistering winning pace. Whaddayamean completed the rally in a solid 8th place, while another of the livestream guests, Patryk Gerber, rued his curtailed preparation for the event in 9th displaying glimpses of pace nonetheless. Completing the top 10 was none other than Williams Esports Community Manager, Will Green, proving that you need not be a pro driver to achieve solid results. The lead presenter of the event, Punjew, was on course for a brilliant result until a puncture on stage 4 deflated his chances, his attempt to reach the finish on 3 wheels was surely the highlight of the evening for spectators!
We hope you enjoyed this event in exactly the way you wished, and hope you will join us soon for another virtual dash with Williams Esports and Samitto!