After a shaky performance earlier in the Counter-Strike 2 tournament, FaZe’s recovery was driven by strong performances from H?vard “?rain?” Nygaard, David “?frozen?” ?erňansky, and Robin “?ropz?” Kool.

PLAYOFFS FOR @FaZeEsports

It's Ro16 in the #ESLProLeague S20 playoffs for the S17 champions pic.twitter.com/klZzxtnUkq

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 6, 2024

Their counter-terrorist side on Anubis laid the foundation for rain to shine in the offensive half, while Dust2 saw a dominant FaZe performance, with Finn “?karrigan?” Andersen rallying his team loudly throughout.

Sangal, after defeating FaZe in their opening matchup, couldn’t build on that momentum.

They suffered defeats to Eternal Fire and FaZe, falling to the Last Chance Stage, where they will face FlyQuest.

FaZe’s recent form marks a shift after early exits from BLAST Premier Fall Groups and IEM Cologne.

Now, with an impressive run at the BLAST Premier Fall Showdown and solid improvements at ESL Pro League, they are back in playoff contention.

Congratulations @Team__Spirit!

They've secured a spot in the Ro16 of the #ESLProLeague Season 20 Playoffs @chopperis @magixx772 @donk1337 @sh1rocsgo @zont1x977 pic.twitter.com/2D4xIi92kw

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) September 6, 2024

Meanwhile, Team Spirit also earned a playoff berth after reverse-sweeping 3DMAX.

Despite losing the first map on Anubis (6-13), Spirit bounced back with dominant wins on Ancient (13-6) and Nuke (13-2), powered by standout performances from Danil “?donk?” Kryshkovets and Myroslav “?zont1x?” Plakhotia.

In the Last Chance Stage, KOI and Lynn Vision were eliminated after losses to Wildcard and FlyQuest, respectively.

FlyQuest managed to stave off elimination in a hard-fought series against Lynn Vision, while Wildcard continues their tournament run after defeating KOI.

The MongolZ and 9z have also dropped into the Last Chance Stage following losses to Spirit and 3DMAX.

The MongolZ took Spirit to the brink but couldn’t close the series, while 9z’s defeat leaves them struggling to regain their early-season form after setbacks at IEM Cologne and BetBoom Dacha.

Spirit’s playoff berth was hard-fought, having earlier survived a scare from Wildcard and losing to MIBR.

Their recovery, alongside FaZe’s resurgence, adds intrigue as the tournament heads into the final stages.

Saturday’s ESL Pro League fixtures

• 9z Team ($2.25) vs The MongolZ ($1.57) @ 1:30pm CEST
• Sangal ($1.40) vs FlyQuest ($2.75) @ 1:30pm CEST
• Heroic ($1.57) vs Ninjas in Pyjamas ($2.25) @ 4:30pm CEST
• Wildcard ($3.40) vs 3DMAX ($1.30) @ 4:30pm CEST
• Eternal Fire ($2.62) vs Natus Vincere ($1.44) @ 7:30pm CEST

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Virtus.pro, led by Dzhami “Jame” Ali, secured the third playoff spot at the Counter-Strike 2 event after defeating FlyQuest 2-1 (16-14, 11-13, 13-7), while Cloud9 kept their hopes alive by dominating Wildcard 2-0 (13-1, 13-5).

.@virtuspro lock in their spot in the #IEM Chengdu 2024 playoffs after a 2-1 victory over @FlyQuestCS!

16-14 Inferno
11-13 Vertigo
13-7 Ancient pic.twitter.com/Y5M9AI2ziE

— Intel? Extreme Masters (@IEM) April 9, 2024

Virtus.pro’s journey was marked by ups and downs, particularly evident in their match against FlyQuest.

Despite a dominant start on Inferno, they faced fierce resistance from FlyQuest’s aggressive AWPing, led by Alistair “aliStair” Johnston.

However, Virtus.pro’s resilience led them to secure overtime and eventually a hard-fought 16-14 win.

The following map, Vertigo, saw FlyQuest in control with an impressive 11-1 lead in the first half.

Yet, Virtus.pro staged a spirited comeback, fuelled by clutch plays from Evgenii “FL1T” Lebedev and David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan.

Although they fell short, losing 11-13, Virtus.pro bounced back convincingly in the decider map, securing a 13-7 victory and a coveted playoff spot.

Astralis showcased dominance in their match against FaZe, securing their spot in the playoffs.

Playing their first tournament with Nicolai “device” Reedtz as the in-game leader, Astralis exhibited cohesion and strength, particularly highlighted by Martin “stavn” Lund’s stellar performance.

With a 1.65 rating, stavn showcased significant improvement, contributing to Astralis’ commanding 2-0 (13-7, 13-4) victory over FaZe.

Not even close @AstralisCS take out the Major grand finalists @FaZeClan with a clean 2-0 to make it to the #IEM Chengdu playoffs!

13-7 Ancient
13-4 Nuke pic.twitter.com/yfK7XslffO

— Intel? Extreme Masters (@IEM) April 9, 2024

Following their win, device highlighted their team’s adaptability and cohesion under new leadership, crediting role adjustments for their improved performance.

Astralis will face Virtus.pro in a highly anticipated clash for a spot in the semi-finals.

In other matches, Lynn Vision’s journey came to an end as they were eliminated by G2 in 2-0 (13-8, 13-11) fashion, dashing hopes of Chinese representation in the playoffs.

Similarly, FURIA suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Heroic, despite a strong start.

After FURIA claimed Ancient, Heroic emerged victorious on Nuke and Overpass to take the series 2-1 (6-13, 13-6, 13-11) and set up a showdown against G2 for a chance to advance to the playoffs.

Wednesday’s IEM Chengdu matches

• Cloud9 ($2.37) vs FaZe Clan ($1.53) @ 1:30pm CST
• FlyQuest ($1.57) vs Nemiga ($2.25) @ 1:30pm CST
• Team Liquid ($2.25) vs MOUZ ($1.57) @ 4:30pm CST
• Virtus.pro ($1.57) vs Astralis ($2.25) @ 4:30pm CST
• G2 Esports ($1.44) vs Heroic ($2.62) @ 7:30pm CST
• Winner of FlyQuest/Nemiga vs Winner of Cloud9/FaZe Clan @ 7:30pm CST

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G2 Esports is one of a handful of teams that should expect to make the playoffs, and in doing so, the world number five should get their campaign off to a good start with a comprehensive win over 9z.

Team Liquid and Heroic will be one of the best matches of the opening round of the group stage, as Casper “cadiaN” Moller will take on his old side for the first time since making the move to Liquid. Expect a tight contest here.

Lynn Vision got the better of FURIA in the opening stage of PGL Major Copenhagen in a best-of-one series and it is very hard to tip against the Chinese team here, who will be playing in their home country.

There are 126 rankings between MOUZ and TYLOO going into this clash and that is why MOUZ is so short with Counter-Strike 2 betting sites. MOUZ should be kicking off their IEM Chengdu campaign with a good win.

Although FlyQuest puts their eight-game win streak on the line at Cloud9 in their opening match of IEM Chengdu, the level of competition has been much easier than the challenge that Cloud9 presents. FlyQuest will be up against it here and are predicted to struggle.

Virtus.pro will be looking for some redemption at IEM Chengdu after suffering a controversial exit from the Copenhagen Major. Wildcard will have their work cut out for them against the methodical game plan of VP.

Monte have been replaced by Steel Helmet on the eve of the tournament and will face Astralis in the opening round. Astralis should be winning this best-of-one series comfortably.

FaZe Clan may start this match against Nemiga as heavy favourites with esports betting sites, but the world number one is known for being slow starters. FaZe Clan should be winning but don’t be surprised if it is closer than expected.

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After suffering their first loss of PGL Major Copenhagen, Eternal Fire will attempt to qualify for the elimination stage for the second time against GamerLegion. With both teams ranked inside the top 15 in the world, this contest will be close, and all three maps are very likely to be seen.

The all-Asian clash between Lynn Vision and TheMongolz will be a rematch of the upper-bracket final of the Asia RMR, which TheMongolz won easily. With both of their Major lives on the line, it is expected that TheMongolz claim victory in two maps here.

Legacy will face Apeks in one of the most intriguing series of the day, as the former has struggled against European Counter-Strike teams, and the latter has struggled against Brazilian squads throughout the opening stage. This contest is too close to call, so betting on the overs in the total maps market looks like the play.

SAW’s 11-series win streak was snapped by Cloud9 on day two, while paiN Gaming destroyed ENCE in a best-of-one match. Expect SAW to kick off another win streak here with a dominant victory.

ECSTATIC and Imperial are set to play the match of the day as both teams strive to advance to the elimination stage. Both squads have shown good signs in previous series, so expect a tight three-map thriller.

ENCE and FURIA have been two of the most inconsistent high-profile teams during the opening stage, and it is hard to tip either squad with confidence in the final series of the day.

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Going off the first two matches that both Imperial and Apeks have played, Imperial look to be in better form after playing out two close maps on day one.

Although paiN Gaming surprised a few with an opening series win, ENCE come into this match as heavy favourites with the top Counter-Strike betting sites, and we expect to see them winning this match well.

Both GamerLegion and Legacy have proved to be no pushover during their opening two matches, and this clash could be one of the closest best-of-one series on day two.

Given the up-and-down form of both ECSTATIC and Lynn Vision, it is hard to back any team with confidence; therefore, we will take the overs in the total rounds market.

Best-of-three matches

With their Major future on the line, TheMongolz and AMKAL will clash in a do-or-die best-of-three series, with both teams seeking their first win of the opening stage. Although both teams have 0-2 records, this series will be close, and we expect to see all three maps.

Eternal Fire have been impressive in their opening two clashes, defeating TheMongolz and paiN Gaming easily, while Heroic struggled to beat Imperial in overtime. Due to their recent form, we will be siding with Eternal Fire in this contest.

Both FURIA and KOI have struggled in both of their matches, and they will have to win here to stay alive in the Major. FURIA are the higher-ranked team and clear favourite here, so we will be siding with Brazilian squad.

Cloud9 and SAW will seek to earn promotion to the PGL Major Copenhagen elimination stage after recording back-to-back wins on day one. Given that SAW defeated Cloud9 in a best-of-three series two weeks ago, we are going to side with the underdog in this series.

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Both teams bring solid form into their opening match of the Major, and we expect to see a close game between Cloud9 and ECSTATIC.

Although Eternal Fire enters this match as a red-hot favourite, The Mongolz have shown improvement on the world stage in recent times, therefore, we will be taking the underdogs at the handicap.

The betting says otherwise, but the ENCE vs Imperial clash has the potential to be one of the closest matches of the day. We will be taking the overs in the total rounds market.

Apeks appears to be one of the safer bets of the opening day, as they clash with paiN Gaming, who were one of the last teams to qualify for the Major. We anticipate a dominant win by Apeks.

9 Pandas and AMKAL played out a close three-map series in the Europe RMR last month, with two of the three maps covering the 21.5-round line; therefore, the overs look like a great bet here.

Esports betting sites have got this one right. Heroic should dominate Lynn Vision here if the world number 12 thinks they have any chance to contend for the Major.

FURIA and Legacy will meet in an all-Brazil clash, with both teams putting their three-game win streaks on the line. These matches are normally very tight, so we will be taking the overs in the total rounds market.

SAW will put their nine-match win streak on the line against KOI, and we believe the favourites can extend that streak to 10 with a victory here.

Esports betting tips

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Lynn Vision will enter the first quarter-final as massive outsiders when they take on the world number two MOUZ on Saturday afternoon. After losing to Astralis (4-13) in their opening series, they would go on to beat their Chinese counterparts, TYLOO (2-1), in the lower-bracket final to qualify for the quarters.

MOUZ couldn’t have started their tournament in any better fashion, as they destroyed Wings Up 13-2 in their best-of-one match before advancing to the upper-bracket final to take on FaZe Clan. After the recent rank changes in the world rankings, the series between FaZe and MOUZ would mean that the top two teams in the world would face each other early in the event. Although MOUZ took the opening map of the series, they would lose the next two in similar fashion by throwing away a first-half lead and ultimately lose the series 1-2.

It is hard to see Lynn Vision making this series a close one, so it’s easy to see why MOUZ are unbackable favourites. MOUZ should be winning this series, and they should be winning it easily.

ENCE began their CS2 Asia Championships with a strong, but not dominant, win over TYLOO in the opening round before facing Astralis in the upper-bracket final. The international squad, which is ranked fourth in the world, was expected to take out Group A and qualify for the semi-finals; however, Astralis had other ideas. Astralis destroyed ENCE on Overpass (2–13), but ENCE would come back and take Vertigo (13–10) to send the series to Ancient. Unfortunately for ENCE fans, the third map would be much like the first, as Astralis would close out the series with a dominant 13-2 score line.

Ninjas in Pyjamas were dealt the toughest clash of the opening round, where they had to play the world number one FaZe Clan, and the matchup did not disappoint. After the two couldn’t be split after 24 rounds, the match went to numerous overtimes before FaZe finally took the series (28-25) after 53 rounds were played. Fortunately, Nip’s lower-bracket final was much more of a straight-forward task, as they dominated their series with Wings Up (2-0), claiming both maps with a 13-6 score line to qualify for the quarter-finals.

ENCE and Ninjas in Pyjamas are yet to face each other in an official CS2 series, but considering the level that both of them are playing at in China, we expect to see all three maps in this quarter-final.

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Despite this setback, Na’Vi left a lasting impression with a dominant performance on Mirage, a map of their choosing, which they convincingly won 13-4.

FaZe, led by Finn “?karrigan?” Andersen, initially had a strong start in the series, taking a commanding 6-0 lead on the attacking side of Overpass, their map pick.

However, Natus Vincere showed resilience and managed to secure five of the final six rounds in the first half.

Unfortunately for Na’Vi, the tides turned when the teams switched sides, as FaZe took control on the defensive side and ultimately closed out the map with a 13-7 victory.

In a similar fashion, Natus Vincere dominated their Mirage pick, with Aleksi “?Aleksib?” Virolainen and Valeriy “?b1t?” Vakhovskiy leading the charge on the scoreboard.

Mihai “?iM?” Ivan made impactful plays on both sides, and even Andrey “?B1ad3?” Gorodenskiy, despite his role as a coach, secured a triple kill in the late stages of the map, sealing FaZe’s fate and preventing a comeback.

The final map, Inferno, became FaZe’s playground as they raced to a 7-1 lead on the defensive side, leaving Natus Vincere struggling to find their footing.

Although Na’Vi managed to string together two rounds, they ended the first half 9-3 behind.

The second half proved no different, with a 4-4 scoreline securing FaZe’s continued presence in the tournament as they clinched the map 13-7.

#1 & #5 eliminated from #IEM Sydney by @FaZeClan

They take down @natusvincere 2-1 to advance to the Group A lower bracket final!#IEM pic.twitter.com/WbGYkJiLEA

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) October 17, 2023

On the other side of the bracket, GamerLegion delivered a decisive blow to Apeks, eliminating them in a two-map series.

The showdown began with a strong GamerLegion performance on Vertigo, winning 13-8, followed by an impressive comeback on Overpass, where they triumphed 13-11 despite trailing 6-10.

GamerLegion’s recent resurgence can be attributed to the addition of Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski as the in-game leader, which seems to have unlocked the team’s individual brilliance.

Frederik “?acoR?” Gyldstrand and Sebastian “?volt?” Malo? shone in the matches, recording two of the highest ratings in the server.

Apeks’ decision to pick Vertigo didn’t pay off as they struggled on the offensive side, managing to secure only four rounds.

This allowed GamerLegion to reach map point at 12-4. Although the Snax-led team encountered some resistance, they ultimately closed out the game with a 13-8 score.

GamerLegion carried their momentum into the second map, taking a 6-2 lead. Apeks, led by ?dne “?sense?” Fredriksen, made a valiant effort with two 1vs1 clutches, resulting in a tied score at the switch.

Apeks continued their strong performance, going up 10-6 after a pistol-round win.

However, GamerLegion rallied, winning seven of the final eight rounds to secure victory in two maps and advance to the lower-bracket final, where they will face FaZe for a playoff spot in the first Counter-Strike 2 event..

The last match on the B Stream for tonight was @GamerLegion eliminating @apeksgg from #IEM Sydney 2023 in a 2-0 series.

Vertigo 13:8
Overpass 13:10

GGWP! #IEM pic.twitter.com/ndIQb6zdmu

— Intel? Extreme Masters (@IEM) October 17, 2023

Earlier in the day, Cloud9 sent Lynn Vision packing with a dominant 2-0 victory, while Grayhound suffered a similar fate at the hands of Monte.

Although the Australian squad showed some promise on the second map, they couldn’t secure the map victory, and Monte claimed the 2-0 series win to eliminate the final Australian representative at IEM Sydney.

Wednesday’s IEM Sydney matches

• Complexity ($2.50) vs Cloud9 ($1.50) @ 1:30pm AEDT
• Monte ($1.83) vs Fnatic ($1.83) @ 1:30pm AEDT
• GamerLegion ($3.00) vs FaZe Clan ($1.36) @ 4:30pm AEDT
• MOUZ ($1.61) vs BetBoom Team ($2.20) @ 4:30pm AEDT
• G2 Esports ($1.72) vs ENCE ($2.00) @ 7:30pm AEDT
• Winner of Complexity/Cloud9 vs Winner of Fnatic/Monte @ 7:30pm AEDT

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