Coming into the Final as the No. 1 seed and favorite to repeat, the 23-year-old native of Helsinki, Finland became the first player to win back-to-back titles in GWC history. ENCEKI, who chose to represent the New York Islanders during this year's tournament, earned his ticket to the European Final by winning the Xbox One Console Finals. Along with CHEL bragging rights, the Championship trophy and first-ever GWC belt, the titan of competition was presented a check for $15,000 USD from host Carryln Bathe.
After splitting Game 1 and 2 in the Championship series, ENCEKI and fellow countryman, Jimi 'J-\-Jamaltheman' Rönkkönen (No. 3 seed), required a third and final game to determine the champion. Jamal had momentum in the first period, with Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson scoring the opening goal. ENCEKI tied the game mid-way through the second period with a goal by Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg. It was a battle of the goaltenders in a third period where no goals were scored prompting an additional frame in an already exciting match. Ultimately, it was Chicago Blackhawks winger Alex DeBrincat who scored the championship-winning goal early in overtime. As the EUR Runner-up, Jamaltheman still takes home $5,000 USD in cash in his first GWC LAN event.
A full-time YouTube and Twitch content creator and EA SPORTS™ NHL® 22 expert, Tammenpää is no stranger to the GWC main stage, winning the inaugural NHL® Gaming World Championship in 2018, 2021 and now 2022. He also won three European Regional titles in 2018, 2019, 2021.
ENCEKI Road to Championship
Xbox One Console Final vs. Lehmannens: 2-1, 4-0
Quarterfinal vs. I0LL1: 3-2, 4-0
Semifinal vs. eken45jr: 4-1, 2-1
Final vs. J-\-JamalTheMan: 3-1, (2-1), 2-1
