The opening match between Eternal Fire and Astralis at IEM Rio 2024 is sure to be an intriguing contest. This best-of-one (BO1) battle will determine which team moves forward in the upper bracket and which team falls into the lower bracket. Both teams have had very different trajectories in recent months, making this a highly anticipated clash.
Eternal Fire is having an incredible year, arguably the best in the organization's history. The team has risen to the top echelons of international Counter-Strike, currently sitting at fifth place in Valve’s ranking. They recently reached the finals of ESL Pro League Season 20, where they pushed NAVI to five maps but ultimately lost 3:2. This performance, along with their other recent results, has earned them the respect and fear of many top-tier teams.
Eternal Fire’s Journey: A New Era for Turkish Counter-Strike
Eternal Fire’s key strength lies in their deadly aim, a hallmark of their playstyle. They rely heavily on sharp individual performances, and İsmailсan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş, their best player, is known for his world-class fragging ability. XANTARES has been putting up impressive numbers over the last six months, boasting a rating of 6.6, 0.75 kills per round (KPR), and 85 average damage per round (ADR). His ability to create space and win crucial duels has been pivotal in Eternal Fire’s success.
READ MORE: Preview of IEM Rio 2024
At the ESL Pro League, Eternal Fire displayed a wide map pool, which has been a key to their rise. They’ve consistently shown their versatility across several maps, making them a formidable opponent in map vetoes. Eternal Fire's performance against top teams, including a surprising win against Vitality at the ESL Pro League, only solidifies their position as a top contender at IEM Rio 2024.
Astralis’ Struggles: Can They Rebuild?
On the other side, Astralis has been a shadow of its former self in recent years. Once a dominant force in Counter-Strike, the team has struggled to regain its footing, cycling through multiple roster changes and suffering from internal scandals. Their most recent shake-up came with the signing of Casper "cadiaN" Møller, who has taken over the in-game leadership (IGL) role while transitioning to a rifling role. However, Astralis’ initial results with cadiaN have been far from promising.
At BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024, Astralis had a disappointing performance, losing both of their matches. While they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with their double-AWP setup and solid performances from Martin "stavn" Lund, the team still has a long way to go. Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz, the team's star AWPer, is no longer burdened with IGL duties and is expected to focus purely on his AWPing. Over the last six months, dev1ce has a rating of 6.3, 0.7 KPR, and 75 ADR—solid stats, but not enough to carry the entire team.
The primary issue for Astralis remains their lack of cohesion and the time required to integrate cadiaN into the lineup. Less than a month since his arrival, it’s unlikely that Astralis has resolved all their tactical and strategic issues, which leaves them vulnerable, particularly in a BO1 format.
Predicted Map: Inferno
In a BO1, the map vetoes become crucial. Based on recent map statistics, Inferno is the most likely pick. It’s a strong map for both teams, with Astralis winning 60% of their Inferno matches in the last six months, while Eternal Fire has a 66.7% win rate and is currently riding a six-game win streak on the map.
Eternal Fire’s map pool is one of the deepest in the tournament, and they’re confident across several maps. However, Inferno stands out as a battlefield where both teams feel comfortable. Eternal Fire’s aggressive, aim-heavy style matches well with Inferno's dynamic, close-range fights, while Astralis will likely rely on their tactical discipline and experience to win key rounds.
Why Eternal Fire are the Favorites
Given the recent form and team dynamics, Eternal Fire enters this match as the clear favorite. Their recent performances at ESL Pro League Season 20, especially their close loss to NAVI, have shown that they are capable of competing with the world’s best. Eternal Fire's superior map pool and individual firepower give them the edge, particularly in a BO1 format where surprises are more common.
Astralis, on the other hand, is still in the rebuilding phase. While cadiaN’s leadership brings hope for future improvement, the team is far from being the well-oiled machine it once was. Their recent results, including a 0-2 exit at BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024, suggest that they are not yet ready to compete at the highest level. Their inconsistency, especially with the constant roster changes, makes it difficult to predict how they will perform under pressure.
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