ESL Pro League Season 20 is set to kick off on September 3, 2024, in Malta, bringing together 32 of the world’s best CS2 teams to compete for a $750,000 prize pool. With the tournament’s format—four groups of eight teams in a triple-elimination bracket—every match is crucial. The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, with the ultimate winner taking home $170,000. As we gear up for the action, let’s dive into a detailed preview of the first two groups.
Group A Overview
FaZe: FaZe enters ESL Pro League Season 20 with something to prove. Despite reaching the playoffs at IEM Cologne 2024, their recent performances have been underwhelming, lacking the confidence and dominance expected from a team of their caliber. This event presents an opportunity for FaZe to bounce back and regain their form. With a long event ahead, FaZe has time to find their rhythm, but a strong start is essential to set the tone for the tournament.
Sangal: Sangal is making their return to the LAN stage after nearly two years, marking this as a significant moment in their journey. The squad has been on an upward trajectory, recently qualifying for the RMR and RES Regional Champions. However, transitioning from online success to LAN is a challenge, especially against top-tier teams. Their opening match against FaZe will be a true test of their mettle and could set the stage for their performance in the rest of the tournament.
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP): Ninjas in Pyjamas have publicly stated that they perform better on LAN, and now it’s time to prove it. After a series of disappointing results online, including at BLAST Premier: Fall Showdown 2024, NIP faces a crucial opportunity to turn things around. Their opening match against HEROIC is a key matchup, as HEROIC has also been struggling with form recently. A win here could provide the momentum NIP needs to make a deep run in the tournament.
Natus Vincere (NAVI): NAVI comes into the event as the clear favorite in Group A and one of the top contenders to win the entire tournament. The Ukrainian powerhouse is in excellent form, having reached three consecutive finals leading up to this event. Their roster stability and consistent performance make them a formidable opponent for any team. In a group where others are searching for consistency, NAVI’s biggest challenge may be maintaining focus and avoiding complacency.
Other Teams (FlyQuest, Eternal Fire, Lynn Vision): While NAVI and FaZe are the clear favorites, the other teams in Group A shouldn’t be overlooked. Eternal Fire are capable of pulling off upsets, particularly against teams like Sangal, FlyQuest or NIP, who are still finding their footing. Lynn Vision, the underdog in the group, will be looking to gain valuable experience against some of the world’s best teams.
Group B Overview
Spirit: Spirit enters Group B as the main favorite, despite a somewhat inconsistent season so far. They’ve shown glimpses of their potential, but their performances have fluctuated. However, with the return to LAN and the stakes of the ESL Pro League, Spirit is expected to rise to the occasion. The only significant threat in their group appears to be G2, a team they’ve already faced twice since the player break, both times falling short. For Spirit, this group stage is about reasserting their dominance and ensuring a smooth passage to the playoffs.
G2: G2 is a team in transition, and that transition has been anything but smooth. Their recent roster changes have brought about inconsistency, making them vulnerable to well-prepared teams. While G2 has the firepower to dominate, their lack of cohesion could be their undoing, especially against teams like The MongolZ and 9z, who are hungry to prove themselves on the international stage. G2’s performance in Group B will be closely watched, as it will provide insights into whether their new lineup can gel in time to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Wildcard: Wildcard is one of the more interesting teams to watch in Group B. They’ve had a strong start to the season, winning NA Revival Series 1 and CCT Season 2 North American Series 2. Their qualification for ESL Challenger at DreamHack Atlanta 2024 and the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: American RMR shows their upward trajectory. Now, they face the challenge of competing against established teams like Spirit and G2. This group stage will be a crucial test of whether they can translate their North American success to the global stage.
Other Teams (MIBR, 9z, The MongolZ, 3DMAX, KOI): The remaining teams in Group B, while not the frontrunners, all have the potential to disrupt the group’s expected outcomes. 9z have shown flashes of brilliance and could capitalize on any mistakes from the top teams. The MongolZ, known for their tactical playstyle, could catch teams like G2 off guard, while 3DMAX and KOI will be looking to make their mark and potentially secure a playoff spot.
Key Matchups to Watch
- FaZe Clan vs. Sangal Esports: A crucial match for FaZe to set the tone of their tournament and for Sangal to prove they can compete on LAN.
- HEROIC vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas: Both teams have something to prove, and this match could be a defining moment for NIP if they manage to upset HEROIC.
- Spirit vs. G2: The potential clash between the group’s two favorites will likely determine the top seed and set the stage for their playoff runs.
- Wildcard vs. The MongolZ: A potential battle of two teams looking to break through, with potential implications for who advances from the group.
As ESL Pro League Season 20 kicks off, the first two groups are packed with storylines, from FaZe’s redemption arc to G2’s roster experiments and Spirit’s quest to reclaim their form. With so much on the line, every match will be crucial in determining who advances to the playoffs. Fans can expect a mix of intense competition, potential upsets, and standout performances as the world’s best CS2 teams battle it out in Malta.
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