After securing their spots in the championship bracket the two teams representing the European Halo community had their work cut out for them. While Power Gaming managed to put together a decent run Team Dignitas instantly fell at the hands of their first opponents, North of 49.

The Canadian team holds a WCG Halo 3 gold medalist - DarkScorpion - and have a fierce reputation as one of the best amateur teams. Immediately setting to work they found themselves in the midst of a close battle with Team Dignitas really having to get into gear.

The series finished 3-1 to North of 49 - who won two their games by only a single flag capture.

Although many will say Team Dignitas underperformed it was a harsh way to go out of a first MLG tournament. The roster hadn't had the luxury of hitting a competitive event until the opportunity of attending one of the toughest - an MLG opener - arose, and coupled with the daunting prospect of facing one of the top non-pro teams it's never going to be an easy ride.

Power Gaming meanwhile found themselves on the MLG mainstage for the first time after three pro circuit events and it seemed to bring out the best in Eddie 'Reaction' Leck. The team's main slayer dominated the opposition and finished with a +32 ratio come the end of their 3-0 win against Fire Breathin Franks.

Another comprehensive 3-0 victory came courtesy of Southern Smoke, conquerors of Team Dignitas earlier on in the tournament, and Power Gaming once again found themselves vying for a top 16 spot.

Standing in their way were Adrenaline Rush, the recent MLG Combine champions and a team with a huge buzz around them. The squad have rustled up a storm on the back of their victory and undeniably have the skills to back it up.

The American team pulled ahead with a quick 3-1 win on Narrows CTF but fell to a humiliating defeat in the next game, losing 50-25 in Team Slayer. Power Gaming then took the lead with a 250-107 win on Guardian Oddball and took the driving seat heading into Heretic CTF.

But Adrenaline Rush hit back with a 5-3 win taking the series to the fifth and final map. Unfortunately it wasn't to be for Power Gaming who fell short of advancing by a single kill, losing 50-49 on Amplified Team Slayer.

The story of Team Dignitas: new player, no event practice and being put against a seriously good team - can partially apply to Power Gaming. But three of the players are MLG veterans. This is the third case of being super close for them and the team must be disappointed with their result. Many are predicting the Adrenaline Rush squad to place within the top 12, and coming so close to beating a team of their calibre must be heartbreaking.

The final placement for Team Dignitas is 29th, while Power Gaming will find their overall position tomorrow. Currently they are in the top 24 and can finish 21st at best.

Sources: Power Gaming Twitter / Team Dignitas
Picture credit: MLGPro