New-look Imperial win Thunderpick WC 2025 South America Series 1 over ODDIK

It has been all upheaval over at Imperial, with the recent benching of chayJESUS and decenty. But with the arrival of Portuguese talent shr and the returning veteran chelo, things are still looking up for Imperial. What better way to kick off life for this new roster than by waltzing through the Thunderpick WC 2025 South America Series 1 and locking in a spot in September’s Closed Qualifier?

Imperial ease past ODDIK in new roster debut

It was only yesterday that Imperial announced chelo’s return just 15 minutes before his debut in the Thunderpick WC 2025 South America Series 1. Talk about tight. Now, after wins over Bounty Hunters, BESTIA, and ODDIK, they have become the second South American team to reach the Thunderpick WC Closed Qualifier, joining both Legacy and NAVI Junior, who secured their places earlier this year.

.@imperialesports ARE YOUR #ThunderpickWC 2025 SA SERIES 1 CHAMPIONS! 🏆

🟢 @chelok1ng
🟢 @vini
🟢 @TRYZSE1
🟢 @nowaycs2
🟢 @Shrcs27 pic.twitter.com/FJAxOAS3Bu

— Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) July 2, 2025

In the Grand Final against ODDIK, things felt a little too easy for Imperial. Two maps were all that was required, despite noway putting up a terrible 0.65 rating. His contributions were balanced out by try, who farmed ODDIK with a 1.53 rating and +18 K/D ratio. It was a strong first Final for chelo, too, who impressed with a solid 1.15. Things may have gotten a little hairy on map two of Anubis, but Imperial showed exactly why they were favorites in this one to come through unscathed.

There’s still a way to go before Imperial reach the Thunderpick WC 2025 proper, though. From September’s Closed Qualifier, just four of the 16 teams in attendance will make it to Malta’s October LAN, which means Imperial still need to be on top form if they’re to be in with a shot. The good news is that there’s plenty of Counter-Strike to be played between now and then, giving this new Imperial roster the chance to gel together first.