Ranked 2ndSan Antonio X-factorThe last NXL event in Philadelphia was redemptive moment for San Antonio X-Factor, as they defeated the Russian Legion, took home the 1st place trophy and are now ranked 2nd overall. They actually beat the Russians twice in Philly, the only team to hand the Russians a loss, let alone two, in three tournaments.nKnown as the most consistent team in the league for having made every Sunday since 2012, they won the World Cup in 2013, but it then took them 27 tournaments to put another win on the board. The curse in now broken and They’ve been building up steam all year long taking 6th in Vegas, 3rd in Texas, and now they head into Chicago as the team to beat.nTheir recent success is no surprise; no team has been more due than X-Factor. This was not just luck; their victory was a result of steady, high-level production from the whole squad.nThey have one of the deepest rosters in the league and they were getting production and clutch performances out of everyone, giving coach Ryan Brand lots options to work with and making them much harder to scout. No other coach spread the playing time around as much he did. But his players just kept earning it.nLong time veteran all-stars Archie Montemayor and Colt Roberts sealed the victory in a close overtime point. Montemayor had multiple highlight reel moves and swept the field on awards taking home finals MVP, overall MVP and the Golden Barrel Top Gun Award. But the MVP assist goes to Colt Roberts, whose timing and smart gunfights helped constantly put him in the right place at the right time all event long.nJesse Stephens has proven himself as an attacker at the highest level, his versatility and aggression have made him a big asset. He can play the snake or Dside. Meter Ninios has also evolved into a very versatile player, who’s playing the best paintball of his career, and has become a huge asset as well. It’s been a long time, and long story, but they’ve earned their spots the hard way.nBilly Bernacchia has been holding down the attacking duties on the snake side for almost a decade and half and just keeps getting more and more consistent as the years progress. He can always be counted on.nNick Slowiak is a giant gun off the break, and he’s earned all the playing time he’s been getting recently by producing kills, staying alive, communicating and putting a ton of paint down field.nThe crafty Raney Stanczak is a master of the mind games and can play anywhere in any position and has been massive addition to X-Factor this year.nThe confidence gained from this win could the difference maker that sends the Best Kids In Texas on a run. They are definitely one the big favorites to win the NXL Chicago open.