feaver
The first day of the PGL Stockholm Major 2021 playoffs is approaching, and that means we will soon find out the name of the new champion – the best CS:GO team in the world. There are only 8 contenders for the title of champion left on the list. Let’s sort out who has the highest and lowest chances to become the new champion.
I’ve arranged the pick’em grid as follows:
Pick’em for the New Champions Stage
Na’Vi vs Team Vitality
I think it’s no secret that Natus Vincere are the 100% favorite in this tournament. I won’t betray my gut and I won’t deny the obvious facts. The Ukrainian team really looks the best in this championship. So far the impression is that their game is a head higher than that of their opponents, whoever they are. All factors come together: teamwork, coaching strategies, and the individual performance of each player. What should stop them from winning this Major?
I think it certainly won’t be Team Vitality. The French barely went to the playoffs, defeating Entropiq in a tough match. I think they will get a boost of energy from their captain apEX, and ZywOo will shoot well. And I also think Na’Vi won’t be easy, but mistakes in a moments and lack of creativity in strategies will lead Na’Vi to victory in this match.
Gambit vs FURIA
I know that many well-known commentators and analysts made predictions in their Pick’Ems that Gambit Esports should beat FURIA. However, I think they all give too little chance and respect to the Brazilian team. I think FURIA is very underrated as a team. There are great shooters there, such as KSCERATO and yuurih. If these guys turn on, they might not leave Gambit’s chances in the clutches. Yes, I think that FURIA is definitely stronger than Gambit in clutches.
Also, map veto will make a big contribution to the outcome of this match. FURIA in the New Legends Stage showed that they can be ready for their opponent’s picks. Just remember the brilliant Vertigo against Entropiq. I think FURIA can surprise Gambit on their own choice.
G2 vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
I feel like G2 already stepped up their game a lot during the championship. What this team showed in the New Legends Stage is championship level Counter-Strike. I’d like to mention the interaction between the pair of NiKo and nexa. They were great in a lot of situations. It’s obvious that captain’s decisions and calls in G2 work and they have enough creativity to surprise their opponents with their tactics.
NiP have not yet reached their full potential. The level of play that they showed in the New Legends Stage may simply not be enough for such a strong team as G2.
Heroic vs Virtus.Pro
Heroic and VP are the most unpredictable duo on the New Champions Stage. Both teams show a good level of play. I think Heroic will beat VP due to the individual skill of their scorers. On the other hand, it’s worth considering the Jame Time factor. This player is a master of the sniper rifle. Nevertheless, Heroic look stronger in terms of individual performance. I think the series will be very close.
Hypothetical matches
All hypothetical matches are listed in my bracket. Na’Vi in a hypothetical match should cope with FURIA due to their experience. After all, the Brazilian team does not have as many strategies as Na’Vi. Even if Gambit passed, Natus Vincere still would have defeated them, because it is a team from their region. They are well aware of how Gambit play.
What would happen in a hypothetical match G2 vs Heroic – hard to say. On the one hand, G2 showed a flawless game at the New Legends Stage. On the other hand, Heroic have already established their teamwork at a high level. I would really like to see Heroic vs Na’Vi Grand Final, so I think that the Danes will be able to beat G2 due to their strong motivation to win. However, with any result of the confrontation between G2 and Heroic, I think Na’Vi is out of their chances. My Pick’Em says: Na’Vi will be the champions of the PGL Stockholm Major. They really deserve it.