I had something similar !
like in 16th I had to beat a lvl 5 (I am lvl 3 !)
8th round was a 4th lvl
Quarter Finale another lvl 5
Semi Finale lvl 4
and for the finale... a lvl 3 !! But one that had an almost full team of scout...

Just like you, never thought I could make it to Q-F ! Glad to see sometimes efforts are rewarded (and sometimes a little luck i guess !)

Good luck to any other finalist in this end of season !