ESL Cologne starts next week and everyone will be making their predictions and then changing them every time they are wrong until they guess the entire tournament perfectly. So, of course the only way your prediction can mean anything is putting it out for everyone to see before anything starts. Unfortunately, ESL’s format only allows us to do that for the first day. After that the groups will be redrawn and then we can make the second part of our predictions. For now, at least, lets take a look at day one and predict each game here.
Group A – TSM to quarters
NiP > CLG – NiP always turns up against NA teams and CLG only manages to get close without winning very often against EU teams. NiP should win 16-10.
TSM > RNG – TSM is just too skilled for Renegades. They will be able to win both halves of just about any map. TSM wins 16-8.
TSM > NiP – NiP’s stars are past their prime and TSM have passed their finals. TSM will win 16-11.
Group B – EnVy to quarters
EnVy > F3 – EnVy is back in good shape after the roster change and F3 is well short of their former selves without simple. EnVy wins 16-6.
Kinguin > LG – LG had some nice strats back when they were Keyd, but that wont be enough for them hang with Kinguin’s better aimers. Kinguin wins 16-13
EnVy > Kinguin – Kinguin’s upside is they have skilled players. EnVy has more players that are more skilled. EnVy should take this one 16-9.
Group C – Fnatic to quarters
Fnatic > eBettle – Fnatic will show the new kids what the big leagues are like. Fnatic will win 16-6.
Na’Vi > Titan – Na’Vi’s players are going to prove too much for shox to carry against. Na’Vi should beat Titan 16-11.
Fnatic > Na’Vi – Bo1 lends Na’Vi a great chance to win this game but in a one-map showdown I think Fnatic’s map pool is a slight edge deeper. Fnatic wins 16-13.
Group D – VP to quarters
VP > iM – VP is leagues ahead of Australia’s number two team. VP will win 16-7.
Mouz > C9 – Mouz beat C9 recently, and in strong fashion. They have momentum but it should be close. C9’s second crack at a team is always much better. Mouz wins 16-14.
VP > Mouz – VP plays well in majors, mouz isnt quite on the top team level yet. VP will win 16-10.
Well, that should pretty much cover the first half of groups. Next post will come out after redraws are done.
