This article is part of our DraftKings CS:GO series.
Games (EDT):
- 8:00 a.m: ENCE (E) vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP)
- 11:30 a.m: Spirit (SPI) vs. GODSENT (GOD)
- 3:10 p.m: Cloud9 (C9) vs. Gen.G (GenG)
ENCE (1-1) vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas (0-2)
The first match of the day is the concluding match of Group D in Europe, ENCE vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas. Group D has been one of the tightest of the tournament, with ENCE taking down NaVi before being demolished by Vitality, who themselves lost to NaVi in the Group D opener. NiP on the other hand, with new member hampus, have struggled thus far in the group, falling 2-0 to Vitality in dominant fashion. If ENCE want to end the group 2-1, they will look towards Jamppi, their new star man, who has shown the potential that has many considering him the next up and coming talent. While his $12,000 salary reflects that talent, Jamppi could be well worth it, as the Finn has shown the ability to compete with the very best in the world. On the Swedish side Plopski and nawwk will have to step up as they look to avoid a bottom-of-the-group finish. hampus, the new addition, will fall in that category too, with his first performances for NiP showing a stark lack of cohesion throughout the side. The maps for this match should be the same three that have shown up the last two times these two sides met, Inferno, Overpass, and ending on Train. While all three of these maps favor team play,
Games (EDT):
- 8:00 a.m: ENCE (E) vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP)
- 11:30 a.m: Spirit (SPI) vs. GODSENT (GOD)
- 3:10 p.m: Cloud9 (C9) vs. Gen.G (GenG)
ENCE (1-1) vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas (0-2)
The first match of the day is the concluding match of Group D in Europe, ENCE vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas. Group D has been one of the tightest of the tournament, with ENCE taking down NaVi before being demolished by Vitality, who themselves lost to NaVi in the Group D opener. NiP on the other hand, with new member hampus, have struggled thus far in the group, falling 2-0 to Vitality in dominant fashion. If ENCE want to end the group 2-1, they will look towards Jamppi, their new star man, who has shown the potential that has many considering him the next up and coming talent. While his $12,000 salary reflects that talent, Jamppi could be well worth it, as the Finn has shown the ability to compete with the very best in the world. On the Swedish side Plopski and nawwk will have to step up as they look to avoid a bottom-of-the-group finish. hampus, the new addition, will fall in that category too, with his first performances for NiP showing a stark lack of cohesion throughout the side. The maps for this match should be the same three that have shown up the last two times these two sides met, Inferno, Overpass, and ending on Train. While all three of these maps favor team play, ENCE, bolstered by the firepower of Jamppi could look to take the veto towards a Dust 2 or Mirage and let the young star shine.
Prediction: ENCE 2-1 NiP
E Players to Target: Jamppi ($12,000 Captain, $8,000 Flex)
NiP Players to Target: nawwk ($11,100 Captain, $7,400 Flex), REZ ($10,500 Captain, $7,000 Flex)
Spirit (1-1) vs. GODSENT (0-2)
The second match of the day is the Group C decider, a re-scheduled match that sees Spirit looking to finish the group 2-1, while GODSENT look to avoid a 0-3 elimination in their first tournament with new addition farlig. Spirit come in to the match as favorites, and on their form that's hard to deny, especially given the level of play from mir, iDISBALANCE, and the rest of Spirit thus far. The only thing holding Spirit back from a 2-0 record was an unfortunate Internet problem, which caused them to lose mir during their match with FaZe Clan, while up 1-0 in the series, before being reverse swept 2-1. GODSENT on the other hand have struggled throughout the group, despite the new firepower added by farlig, and will look to turn it around and qualify over the Swedish side of Fnatic with a victory. If Spirit want to take their victory, they will look towards continue brilliance from mir and iDISBALANCE in particular. If those two players show up, Spirit should have no issues taking down GODSENT. On the GODSENT side, farlig will have to go massive which might be a tall task considering the Danish AWPer has been in fine form for GODSENT, but unable to carry them over the line to a victory. farlig's performance could make or break this match, especially with some of the inconsistency iDISBALANCE has shown in the past. Spirit will look towards Dust 2, or Inferno, while GODSENT favor Overpass and Nuke, with the latter being their home map generally. If the match does end up on Nuke GODSENT will have to take the CT-sided map if they want any chance in the series.
Prediction: Spirit 2-0 GODSENT
SPI Players to Target: mir ($11,700 Captain, $7,800 Flex)
GOD Players to Target: Farlig ($12,600 Captain, $8,400 Flex)
Cloud9 (1-1) vs. GenG (1-1)
The final match of the day is the Group B decider from North America, as Cloud9 and GenG, both with 1-1 records, come into the match with a playoff spot secured. This match has the potential to be an interesting match, with both teams looking to solidify their map pool and playbook as they go into the playoffs of DreamHack Masters Spring. With the only thing on the line being the 2nd vs. 3rd seed in the group as 100 Thieves have already secured the group's top spot. Gen.G come into this match with something to prove, the young side have been climbing the ranks of North America, but seemingly faltered in DreamHack Masters Spring, where Gen.G have struggled to put together strong performances across all five members. s0m and BnTeT in particular will look to continue their good form and put in consistent performance as Gen.G continue in DreamHack Masters Spring. Cloud9 have been in a similar boat, but with an up and coming superstar leading the way, floppy has been incredible for Cloud9, establishing himself as one of the most lethal players in North America. The value in this match will be unpredictable considering both sides will be heading to the next round. They may seek to test their limits or new playbooks against each other in preparation for a tough knockout bracket.
Prediction: Cloud9 1-2 Gen.G
C9 Players to Target: floppy ($11,400 Captain, $7,600 Flex), motm ($8,700 Captain, $5,800 Flex)
GenG Players to Target: koosta ($11,400 Captain, $7,600 Flex), s0m ($8,400 Captain, $5,600 Flex)
