View source for European Quake League

{{EQL navbox}}
{{Infobox league
|liquipediatier=
|series=
|name=EQL
|tickername=European Quakeworld League
|image=eql1.gif
|icon=
|organizer=
|founder={{Player|Zanne|flag=se}}
|sponsor=
|game=
|type=Online Seasonal League
|country=
|city=
|venue=
|format=Group Stage ({{Abbr/Bo3}})<br /> Single-Elimination Bracket {{Abbr/Bo5}})
|prizepool=Fame and glory
|sdate=2005-10-10
|edate=2016-05-06
|website=eql.quakeworld.nu
|twitch=
|youtube=
|map1=
|map2=
|map3=
|team_number=
}}

== About ==

The European Quake League, most commonly referred to as EQL, is currently the most active 4on4 league in the European QW scene. It was founded in the autumn of 2005 to fill the void left by [[NQR]] following the crash of the QW.nu server, and thus NQR's web hosting.

Founded by [[Zanne]] with a website developed by [[Åke Vader]], EQL opened its doors for its first season in October 2005. The season finished in January 2006, with [[Fragomatic]] winning an uncompetitive and uninspiring division 1 playoff competition by beating [[Firing Squad]] 3-1 in the final.

The first season saw the crew, now consisting of such QW scene luminaries as [[Sassa]] and [[Term]], attempt to provide something that [[NQR]] was never really able to get a handle on: a consistent divisional structure and a promotion/relegation system. The divisional placement of the EQL crew was pretty good in season 1, but the playoffs that governed which teams went up and down left a lot to be desired. For example, [[Da Quaking Manjakks]] won both of their playoff matches in the division 3/4 rubbers, but still did not get promoted. Likewise, [[Osams]] lost both of their games in the division 2/3 rubbers, and ended up being moved up anyway.

=== A return to the activity of old ===

After a successful first season, EQL2 opened signups in January 2006. The level of activity that had started to rise when EQL first started had continued to grow, and in the second season division 1 had a group of clans worthy of the division. Old school clans [[LegeArtis]], [[Firing Squad]], [[The Viper Squad]] and [[Clan MalFunction]] were there, along with the fledgling team of [[Leftovers]] (whose players subsequently went on to re-form [[Slackers]]).

[[LegeArtis]] won the division 1 playoff competition, beating [[Firing Squad]] 3-1 in an exciting final match.

In the lower divisions, the relegation/promotion system was improved. The bottom clans in each division automatically dropped down, whilst the top clans in each division fought it out in a group playoff system to decide who should go up.

=== The big boys are back ===

With EQL2 closing its doors in late March 2006, the crew decided that a third season could be squeezed in before the usual [[QW Summer Inactivity]] kicked in.

EQL3 capitalised on the success of EQL2, and in division 1 we saw almost all of the same clans returning, along with [[Fragomatic]] (who had dropped out of season 2), [[Slackers]] and [[Koff]]. It was the strongest division 1 in several years, and predicting the outcome would be difficult.

The playoffs were a dissapointment with only one semifinal being played. [[LegeArtis]] beat [[Fragomatic]] in an exciting match which lasted for five maps. Sad enough [[Slackers]] received two walkovers, in the semifinal from [[Clan MalFunction]] and in the final [[LegeArtis]] gave them the walkover making [[Slackers]] the winner of this season without a single game in the playoffs.

=== EQL closes its doors ===

After having run for 20 seasons the last remaining admin [[Hooraytio]] announced on the 23rd of May 2016 that it was time to close the doors on the European Quake League, especially seeing the dwindling activity with the first division (of two) barely playing any games.

=== EQL opens its doors ===

Things change fast in QuakeWorld, and after just 8 years [[Hooraytio]] finally announced on the 1st of September 2024 the long awaited return of EQL in a league format. This marks the 22:nd season of the league, with more to follow.


== [[EQL Hall of Fame|Hall of fame]] ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; margin-left: 0px"
|-
!'''Season'''
!style="width:120px;"|'''Date'''
!style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"|{{Medal|1}} '''Winner'''
!style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"|{{Medal|2}} '''Runner-up'''
!{{Medal|3}} '''Third place'''
!{{Medal|3/4}} '''Semi-Finalists'''
|- 
|[[EQL Season 23|Season 23]]
|2025-02-16 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}  
| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}
| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}
|- 
| [[EQL Season 22|Season 22]]
| 2024-09-01 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}  
| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}
| {{team|TBD|flag=TBD|link=false}}
|- 
| style=white-space:nowrap |[[EQL Season 21|Season 21]] 
| style=white-space:nowrap |2016-05-06
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=TBD|link=false}}
|- 
| [[EQL Season 20|Season 20]]
| 2015-12-22 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}  
| {{team|Crazy 88|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Beer Bear Balalaika|flag=ru}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 19|Season 19]]
| 2015-01-05 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} 
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}
| {{team|Experience|flag=eu}} / {{team|felia-020|flag=se}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 18|Season 18]]
| 2014-05-10
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Chosen|flag=se}} 
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}
| {{team|Majestic|flag=se}} / {{team|Immortals|flag=se}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 17|Season 17]]
| 2013-12-08
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} 
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}
| {{team|Firing Malfunction|flag=eu|link=false}} / {{team|the norse|flag=eu|link=false}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 16|Season 16]]
|2013-07-03 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}} 
| {{team|Crazy 88|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Oclan|flag=us}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 15|Season 15]]
|2012-03-27 
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}} 
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|ParamedicS|flag=hu}} 
| {{team|Crazy 88|flag=eu}} 
| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 14|Season 14]]
|2012-01-08
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} 
| {{team|Crazy 88|flag=eu}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 13|Season 13]]
|2011-05-09
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}
| {{team|Fusion|flag=eu}} 
| {{team|Clan Malfunction|flag=fi}}
|-
| [[EQL Pro|Pro]]
|2011-01-31
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}
| {{team|OJOJ VITUN HELPPO!|flag=fi}} 
| {{team|Fusion|flag=eu}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 12|Season 12]]
|2010-12-16
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Fusion|flag=eu}} 
| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 11|Season 11]]
|2010-05-09
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Enigma|flag=se}} / {{team|Fusion|flag=eu}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 10|Season 10]]
|2010-01-10
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}  
| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}} / {{team|USSR|flag=ru}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 9|Season 9]]
|2009-06-08
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Druidz|flag=se}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Clan Malfunction|flag=fi}} / {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 8|Season 8]]
|2008-12-16
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Bear Beer Balalaika|flag=ru}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Druidz|flag=se}} / {{team|Clan Malfunction|flag=fi}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 7|Season 7]]
|2008-07-22
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Sega Gubbar|flag=se}} / {{team|Bear Beer Balalaika|flag=ru}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 6|Season 6]]
|2007-12-23
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}} / {{team|Slackers 2|flag=eu}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 5|Season 5]]
|2007-06-19
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Dota Allstar Guys|flag=un}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Clan Malfunction|flag=fi}} / {{team|Antiquad|flag=fi}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 4|Season 4]]
|2006-12-18
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|KOFF|flag=fi}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}} 
| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} / {{team|Firing Squad|flag=nl}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 3|Season 3]]
|2006-06-14
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Lege Artis|flag=se}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}  
| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}} / {{team|Clan Malfunction|flag=fi}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 2|Season 2]]
|2006-03-20
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Lege Artis|flag=se}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Firing Squad|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=tbd|link=false}}  
| {{team|Leftovers|flag=se}} / {{team|the Viper Squad|flag=fi}}
|-
| [[EQL Season 1|Season 1]]
|2006-01-12
|style="background-color: rgba(255, 215, 57, 0.15);"| {{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}}
|style="background-color: rgba(204, 204, 204, 0.1);"| {{team|Firing Squad|flag=eu}}
| {{team|Undecided|flag=TBD|link=false}} 
| {{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}} / {{team|Antiquad|flag=fi}}
|}

===Medals won per team===
{|class="sortable wikitable"
! '''Rank'''
! '''team'''
! {{Medal|1}}
! {{Medal|2}}
! {{Medal|3}}
! '''Total'''
|- 
| 1. ||{{team|The Viper Squad|flag=fi}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};"| '''7''' || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};"| '''2''' || align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''9'''
|-
| 2. ||{{team|Slackers|flag=eu}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};"| '''6''' || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};"| '''6'''|| align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''12'''
|-
| 3. ||{{team|Fragomatic|flag=se}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};" | '''4''' || align="center" | 0|| align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''4'''
|-
| 4. ||{{team|Suddendeath|flag=se}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};" | '''2''' || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''5'''|| align="center" | '''1''' 
!align="center"| '''8'''
|-
| 5. ||{{team|Lege Artis|flag=se}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};" | '''1''' || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''1'''|| align="center" | 0
!align="center"| '''2'''
|-
| 6. ||{{team|Dota Allstar Guys|flag=un}}|| align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|1light}};"| '''1''' || align="center" | 0 || align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 7. ||{{team|Firing Squad|flag=eu}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};"| '''2'''|| align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''2'''
|-
| 8. ||{{team|KOFF|flag=fi}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};"| '''1'''|| align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 9. ||{{team|Bear Beer Balalaika|flag=eu}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''1''' || align="center" | 0
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 10. ||{{team|Druidz|flag=se}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''1''' || align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 11. ||{{team|ParamedicS|flag=hu}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''1''' || align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 12. ||{{team|Chosen|flag=se}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" style="background-color:{{Color|2light}};" | '''1''' || align="center" | 0 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
| 13. ||{{team|Crazy 88|flag=eu}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" | 0 || align="center" | '''3''' 
!align="center"| '''3'''
|-
| 14. ||{{team|Fusion|flag=eu}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" | 0 || align="center"  | '''2''' 
!align="center"| '''2'''
|-
| 15. ||{{team|OJOJ VITUN HELPPO!|flag=fi}}|| align="center" | 0 || align="center" | 0 || align="center" | '''1''' 
!align="center"| '''1'''
|-
|}

==Admins==
* {{player|Hooraytio|flag=se}}
* {{player|Zalon|flag=dk}}
* {{player|Itsinen|flag=fi}}
* {{player|Nas|flag=se}}
* {{player|Trash|flag=se}}
* {{player|bps|flag=se}}
* {{player|PleuraXeraphim|flag=ie}}
* {{player|Zappater|flag=se}}

[[Category:Leagues]]