The upcoming clash between GUN5 and SAW at the ESL Challenger Atlanta 2024: European Closed Qualifier presents an intriguing test of form versus experience. GUN5, currently riding a wave of momentum after their victory in the European Pro League Season 18, is up against SAW, a team that has consistently proven themselves in higher-tier competitions. While GUN5 is arguably in the best shape they’ve ever been, SAW’s recent performances at events like IEM Cologne 2024 demonstrate that they are operating on a different level. This match will be a true test of whether GUN5’s recent surge can compete with SAW’s established dominance.
Team Background and Recent Form
GUN5: GUN5 is experiencing a significant upswing in their competitive trajectory. They recently claimed victory at the European Pro League Season 18, a milestone achievement for the team, which earned them $11,000 and, more importantly, a boost in confidence. Their progression in the ESL Challenger Atlanta 2024 qualifiers has been steady, with key wins over teams like Ninjas in Pyjamas and Sashi.
The standout performer for GUN5 has been Andrey "tN1R" Tatarinovich, who has consistently delivered for his team with a rating of 6.2, 0.71 kills per round (KPR), and 76 average damage per round (ADR). tN1R’s contributions have been critical in securing GUN5’s recent victories, making him a key player to watch in this upcoming match. However, while GUN5’s current form is impressive, the question remains whether they can maintain this level against a team of SAW’s caliber.
SAW: SAW, on the other hand, is playing in a different league. They recently reached the semifinals of IEM Cologne 2024, where they managed to take down heavyweights like G2 and FaZe, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. Additionally, they’ve effortlessly qualified for the RMR, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s top teams.
Michel "ewjerkz" Magalhães has been a star performer for SAW, consistently delivering top-tier performances. With a rating of 6.3, 0.70 KPR, and 80 ADR, ewjerkz has been pivotal in SAW’s recent success. His ability to perform against top-tier opponents sets him apart and will be a critical factor in this matchup. SAW’s superior experience, refined strategies, and individual skill levels position them as the clear favorites in this encounter.
Tactical Analysis
Map Pool Comparison: The map veto will be critical in determining how this match plays out. GUN5 has shown strong performances on Mirage, Dust2, and Ancient, while SAW has been dominant on Nuke and has a solid track record on Vertigo and Ancient. Given these tendencies, we can anticipate GUN5 picking Ancient, where they’ve had recent success, and SAW opting for Vertigo, a map where they can leverage their superior tactical depth.
If the match goes to a decider, Inferno is likely to be the battleground. Both teams have shown varying degrees of comfort on this map, but SAW’s experience and refined strategies give them a clear advantage. GUN5 will need to bring their A-game to push this series to three maps, and even then, SAW’s tactical prowess could prove overwhelming.
Predicted Map Veto:
- GUN5 pick Ancient
- SAW pick Vertigo
- Decider: Inferno
SAW’s map pool is more versatile and robust, giving them multiple avenues to exploit GUN5’s weaknesses. GUN5 will need to rely on their individual performances and hope to catch SAW off-guard with aggressive plays to make the series competitive.
Match Prediction
Expected Match Flow: SAW enters this match as the overwhelming favorites. Their superior experience, refined tactical play, and individual skill levels are simply on another level compared to GUN5. While GUN5 has shown promise, particularly in their recent victories, they are likely to struggle against a team of SAW’s caliber. Expect SAW to dominate the match, particularly on their map pick, with GUN5 potentially putting up a fight on Ancient.
Prediction: Given the disparity in experience and form, SAW is expected to secure a comfortable victory in this matchup. A 2-0 win for SAW seems the most likely outcome, with GUN5 potentially pushing SAW on Ancient but ultimately falling short. SAW’s superior map pool and individual talent should see them through to the next stage of the qualifier with relative ease.
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