As Groups A and B reach their conclusion, all eyes are turning to the next phase of CS2 action at the ESL Pro League Season 20. Set in Malta from September 3 to 22, this prestigious event brings together 32 of the best teams in the world, all vying for a share of the $750,000 prize pool. The champion will walk away with a staggering $170,000, but the path to victory is anything but easy. With a triple-elimination format, every match matters, and the competition is fierce.
Let's dive into what to expect from Groups C and D, which are scheduled to kick off soon, and analyze the teams, their recent performances, and the potential outcomes.
Group C Opening Matches:
- MOUZ vs. Rooster
- BIG vs. Imperial Esports
- Complexity vs. M80
- Fnatic vs. Astralis
MOUZ – Rooster
MOUZ comes into this group as the clear favorite. With consistent performances over the past season, they are well-positioned to secure the top spot in Group C. MOUZ has demonstrated their ability to take on top-tier teams and are expected to sail through their first match against Rooster, a team that lacks the same depth of experience on the international stage.
BIG vs. Imperial
BIG and Imperial find themselves on similar footing, both struggling with consistency but capable of pulling off upsets. BIG has had an inconsistent run recently, especially after facing several roster changes. Their reliance on tactical execution might be tested by Imperial’s unpredictable playstyle. This match is likely to be closely contested, with both teams eager to stay in contention for a playoff spot. Whoever wins here could gain significant momentum moving forward.
Complexity vs. M80
Complexity enters this group with high expectations, but they've had significant struggles recently, particularly around the AWP role. The underperformance in this position has cost them some key matches, and if they don't address this issue, they could struggle in the upcoming matches. On the other hand, M80 has had a turbulent few months, especially after the departure of their star player, Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa. The team has failed to reach the same level of competitiveness and will face an uphill battle against Complexity. While M80 has some potential to surprise, Complexity’s experience might give them the edge in this matchup.
Fnatic vs. Astralis
The Fnatic vs. Astralis clash is the highlight of Group C’s opening round. Astralis, one of the most decorated teams in Counter-Strike history, is looking to reclaim their dominance. However, they face a Fnatic squad that has also been working to regain its form after some difficult months. Fnatic’s struggles with Aurélien "afro" Drapier have been a glaring weakness, but if they can iron out these issues, they might pose a serious threat to Astralis. Astralis, with their tactical prowess and deep roster, are still the favorites, but this match could be much closer than expected.
Overall, MOUZ seems to have the clearest path to the quarterfinals, while Astralis will have to overcome tougher competition to secure their playoff spot. Both Fnatic and Complexity could be dangerous underdogs in this group, capable of causing an upset if their performances align.
Group D Opening Matches:
- Vitality vs. ATOX
- FURIA vs. Falcons
- Liquid vs. ENCE
- RED Canids vs. Virtus.pro
Vitality vs. ATOX
Fresh off their win at IEM Cologne 2024, Vitality is the standout team in Group D. They are in peak form and are expected to easily dominate this group. Their opening match against ATOX, a team relatively inexperienced at this level of competition, should be a formality. Vitality’s star player, Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, has been in incredible form, and with such a well-rounded team, it’s hard to imagine them stumbling here. For ATOX, this match will be a valuable learning experience, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to challenge Vitality meaningfully.
FURIA vs. Falcons
The Brazilian team FURIA has undergone some significant roster changes, including a new in-game leader, and this could be the tournament where it all comes together. FURIA has always been known for their aggressive, fast-paced playstyle, but the addition of new players could bring a fresh approach to their game. They’ll face Falcons, who have shown signs of improvement but remain an inconsistent team. If FURIA’s changes start to click, they could make a deep run in this group. Falcons, on the other hand, need to prove they can perform at this level, having shown only glimpses of their potential.
Liquid vs. ENCE
This is one of the most intriguing matches in Group D. Liquid has had a strong showing recently, qualifying for BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024 and IEM Rio 2024, and performing well at IEM Cologne 2024. They’ve made significant changes to their roster, and the results are starting to show. On the other hand, ENCE is a team in transition, having recently fired their coach. How ENCE performs in this group could depend heavily on who they bring in to lead the team. Liquid, with their new-look roster, should be the favorites in this matchup, but ENCE is capable of pulling off surprises.
RED Canids vs. Virtus.pro
The Brazilian squad RED Canids will be looking to make a statement, especially with Henrique "HEN1" Teles leading the charge. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, having qualified for Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024: American RMR, but they’ve also been inconsistent. Virtus.pro, another team that recently changed its coaching staff, is a bit of a mystery. They’ve had the talent to compete at a high level but have struggled to put everything together. This match could be closer than many expect, with both teams having plenty to prove.
As we move into the next phase of ESL Pro League Season 20, Vitality and MOUZ stand as the heavy favorites in Groups C and D. However, with teams like Astralis, FURIA, and Liquid looking to make deep runs, anything can happen. The battle for playoff spots will be intense, and there are sure to be some surprises along the way.
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