The digital dust from the battle arena in Paris has barely settled and now the gladiators are about fight once again.
For the second time this summer, the top teams will battle for fame and glory. HLTV.org gives you predictions for whom to bet on and who not to.
1)PGSPokerStrategy.cc
The Polish team has been unbeatable for a very long period of time. Latest at the ESWC they once again proved that they are with out question the best team in the world. Their will to win, constant improvement of tactics and superior aim makes them the huge favorites for this years Gamegune event.
2)fnatic
Fnatic dominates the Swedish scene and have done for quite some time now. That fact by it self indicates a world class team. With some of the best aimers and a world class captain they always finish in the top. Unfortunately for Fnatic they faced PGS in the semifinals at ESWC and not the final, but it was clear to everyone that it was the competitions two best teams.
3)69N-28E
The Finnish team went to Paris with yet another championship and they seemed a bit tired and unmotivated. With a few weeks of break Lurppis will have his troops back in gear and is a contender for the title. If nasu gets on a roll this team might go all the way and tilt PGS of the throne.
4)Made in Brazil
Made in Brazil with cogu in the starting five is always a lethal opponent at any event. At the ESWC they managed to finish 4th after losing to Fnatic in the semi finals. On their best days they can win against any team, but at Gamegune with that many strong opponents they will have to bring their A game to every single match. If that’s not possible they won’t be able to go all the way.
5)
SK Gaming is dying to show everyone that it was a mistake not to let them participate at this year ESWC. There is no question about their individual skills, but there have been some disturbance with in the team. With proper practice and preparations though, they can go far in Spain. They have had the possibility to study the tactics of their worst opponents with out revealing their own. If they have taken advantage of this it could give them the edge they need.
6)Ninjas in Pyjamas- Not attending
Heaton and his team mates showed at ESWC that they are still a team to fear. It seemed like NiP needed a couple of matches before they really got in gear, but they still made it to the quarter finals were the later winners from PGS knocked them out. If they can pick up the pace a bit faster and get momentum they are certainly not to be ruled out. But it will demand a focused and well prepared team from the first kick off.
7)Virtus.pro- Not attending
The Russians attended ESWC with a stand in, but never the less made it to the quarter finals. With a few more weeks of practice they can do a tad better if they get a bit of luck in the brackets.
8)mousesports- Not attending
Auch… it was supposed to be the year of the mice, but no. Months of disasters has resulted in a change in their starting five. This might be in their favor and only chance to win since the lack of tactics will make them unpredictable, but with teams like PGS and Fnatic in the peleton they really need a lot of luck.
9)Begrip Sweden
The team has potential and ESWC might have given them the wake up call they needed. In todays counter strike scene you can’t show up unprepared. Begrip Sweden, in time, can go far, but this isn’t the event.
10)Dignitas
Surprised all at ESWC and with AdY in the starting five, they look even stronger. Never the less, British gaming have never been fearsome and the team still needs a lot of progress. That being said, they might pull a rabbit or two out of the hat and beat a favorite or two.
To name a few out siders we have mYm and convention, but they seem to lack the element of surprise and skills. They might get close, but no cigar.
