BIG and GamerLegion last met during Thunderpick World Championship 2024: European Series #1 in April, when BIG won in two maps. But that was before roster changes on both sides, so that result should not hold much weight.

According to the Counter-Strike betting sites, this is BIG’s game to lose, but neither squad has posted great results of late. BIG exited Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 with a 1-2 record and two losses against SAW and Team Falcons.

In contrast, GamerLegion’s last significant competitive endeavour ended with a last-place finish at BLAST Premier Fall Groups 2024. Since then, they have picked up a few wins, albeit mainly against second-division squads such as Zero Tenacity, SINNERS Esports, and 1win.

That would indicate Erik “ztr” Gustafsson and co. are in good form, but since they have not beaten any good teams lately, we should give this game to BIG.

Cloud9 have not achieved much since reaching the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 playoffs in March. They did enough to finish top two at Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024: European Open Qualifier #2 last weekend, but that came after exiting the BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2: European Qualifier in fifth-eighth place earlier this month.

PaiN Gaming have clawed their way to No.16 in the world standings by finishing top eight at IEM Cologne 2024 last week. The Brazilians have looked competitive at the top level for a while, and even though they’ve not beaten any elite teams, that doesn’t mean they will struggle on Friday.

Cloud9’s recent form makes it fair to question whether they should be considered a good team. And while they have enough talent to do better, we must first see it to believe it.

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Clearly, talks between the two parties have been going on for some time, as the announcement came shortly after GamerLegion, Snax’s previous team, announced that they had parted ways with their in-game leader, making way for the move to G2.

HE'S SAVING G2 CS

WELCOME @cios_snax pic.twitter.com/1UKQnLK9ra

— G2 CS (@G2CSGO) July 3, 2024

Snax is well-known in the Counter-Strike scene due to his very successful time with Virtus.pro, who won 10 titles as an organisation between 2014 and 2016, including a Major, EMS ONE Katowice 2014.

Interestingly, Snax will now reconnect with his ex-Virtus.pro teammate, Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas, who is the coach of G2, which should make the transition much easier for the new IGL.

After leaving Virtus.pro, Snax joined MOUZ and continued his winning ways by leading them to the ESL One New York 2018 title, which would turn out to be the last trophy that he lifted at the top level.

In 2023, Snax signed with GamerLegion, returning to a top-tier team for the first time since 2019, and he was tasked with leading their young core of players into several tournaments, with the best result being their third-fourth-place finish at the CCT Global Finals 2024 in May.

Now that Snax has signed with G2 Esports, he will complete their CS2 roster, joining Nikola “NiKo’ Kovac, Ilya “M0NESY” Osipov, Nemanja “?huNter-?” Kova, and new addition Mario “?malbsMd?” Samayoa.

G2’s new additions will debut at the Esports World Cup Counter-Strike 2 tournament, and plenty of spectators will watch closely to see how this powerhouse kicks off a new era under the leadership of Snax.

The Esports World Cup CS2 tournament will begin on July 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the world number six is marked an +700 chance with esports betting sites to claim the title and take home the US$400,000 winners cheque.

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Despite a shaky start on Inferno, G2 forced overtime and secured an 11-round streak on the CT side to eventually close out the map.

It's a DOMINANT second map from @G2CSGO to close out their opening #ESLProLeague S19 playoff match against @BIGCLANgg

19-16 Inferno
13-4 Ancient pic.twitter.com/p4kcIavTyV

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 7, 2024

The slow start was partially due to a lacklustre performance from Ilya ‘m0NESY’ Osipov and Nemanja ‘huNter-‘ Kova?, but Nikola ‘NiKo’ Kova?’s stellar play helped G2 turn the tide.

BIG missed key opportunities, and G2’s individuals came alive, particularly Nemanja ‘nexa’ Isakovi? with crucial multi-kills.

The following map, Ancient, saw NiKo back to his best with impressive plays, including a memorable Deagle quad-kill and ace.

G2 dominated, closing out the series 13-4.

FlyQuest secured a spot in the second round of the playoffs at the Counter-Strike 2 event with a 2-1 (11-13, 13-9, win over BetBoom.

After losing on Vertigo, FlyQuest rallied with wins on Mirage and Anubis.

Jay ‘Liazz’ Tregillgas’s consistent performance and Kirill ‘Magnojez’ Rodnov’s solid play justified his recent signing for FlyQuest.

BetBoom struggled with their T sides, leading to their downfall.

Paid by the round.

48 rounds played and it ends with a 2-0 victory for @virtuspro over @GamerLegion who will be eliminated from #ESLProLeague S19.

13-11 Anubis
13-11 Mirage pic.twitter.com/3Irxq6jbcr

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 7, 2024

Virtus.pro advanced to the next round with a hard-fought 2-0 (13-11, 13-11) win over GamerLegion, sealing victories on Anubis and Mirage.

Despite a less than inspiring performance in the tournament so far, Virtus.pro managed to overcome GamerLegion, who showed promise with strong fragging performances from Henrich ‘sl3nd’ Hevesi and Andreas ‘aNdu’ Maasing.

FaZe Clan faced a tough challenge from Monte but secured their spot in the next round with wins on Vertigo and Mirage.

Despite a loss on Nuke, FaZe’s resilience, especially Helvijs ‘broky’ Saukants’s standout performances, helped them edge past Monte, who showed great potential with their new players.

FaZe will need to step up their game for their rematch against Natus Vincere in the next round.

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GamerLegion secured their playoff berth by defeating ENCE in a two-map series (Nuke 13-5, Overpass 13-10) in the Group C lower bracket final.

Welcome to the #ESLProLeague Season 19 Playoffs @GamerLegion

From Group C, they secure themselves a spot in the RO16 pic.twitter.com/niXD8gJthJ

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 3, 2024

The new additions to GamerLegion Counter-Strike 2 roster, Henrich “sl3nd” Hevesi (1.54 rating) and Andreas “aNdu” Maasing (1.40), showcased outstanding performances, overpowering ENCE with their firepower.

In the Group D lower bracket final, BIG triumphed over HEROIC in a thrilling three-map encounter (Nuke 5-13, Vertigo 16-13, Ancient 13-5).

“It was a rollercoaster for sure, but we are mentally very strong,” said Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz about BIG’s comeback after losing the first map.

“We thought Nuke is one of our better maps, but we got a big reality check that we need to work on it a bit more.”

BIG vs HEROIC started on Nuke, where HEROIC dominated, securing a convincing victory.

However, BIG rallied back on Vertigo, with Florian “syrsoN” Rische and tabseN stepping up to tie the series.

Despite a close match, BIG secured the win in overtime, propelled by syrsoN’s clutch performance.

On Ancient, BIG showcased their dominance, securing an 8-4 lead on the T side and closing out the series with a 13-5 victory, earning themselves a spot in the EPL S19 playoffs.

The German side, @BIGCLANgg are through to the #ESLProLeague Season 19 Playoffs!

The R016 awaits pic.twitter.com/GeDm4f0kj2

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 3, 2024

Earlier in the day, GamerLegion began their journey with a strong performance, dominating the first half of Nuke against ENCE and eventually winning 13-5.

aNdu’s exceptional performance on Nuke, with 25 kills and a 2.04 rating, propelled GamerLegion to victory.

Overpass saw a closer battle, with both teams trading rounds.

GamerLegion, however, staged a comeback from a 6-10 deficit to win the map 13-10, with Isak “isak” Fahlén’s clutch defuse being a pivotal moment.

FURIA advanced to the second round of Group C’s last chance stage with a 2-0 (13-6, 13-6) victory over Bad News Kangaroos.

Despite a comfortable win, FURIA must win two more series to reach the playoffs.

Kayke “kye” Bertolucci impressed for FURIA, especially on Inferno, where he posted a 1.92 rating.

Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo praised kye’s performance, emphasizing his bright future with the team.

FURIA’s dominant display on Inferno and Mirage secured them the victory over Bad News Kangaroos, setting up an elimination match against ENCE.

With both teams facing challenges, FalleN emphasized taking it “game by game” as FURIA aims to progress further in the tournament.

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In Group C, MOUZ dominated GamerLegion with a 13-1 victory on Nuke but struggled on their own map pick of Mirage, requiring a 16-12 overtime win to secure a playoff spot in the Counter-Strike tournament.

Last seasons #ESLProLeague Champions are already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs!

Congratulations @mousesports pic.twitter.com/K1TVbv2hqs

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 1, 2024

Team Liquid also secured a playoff spot after a hard-fought 2-0 (22-19, 13-11) victory against Monte.

Despite slow starts on Ancient and Mirage, Liquid managed to close out the series with triple overtime on Ancient and all 24 rounds on Mirage.

The game showcased impressive performances from Russel ‘Twistzz’ Van Dulken and Casper ‘cadiaN’ M?ller, but Liquid’s shakiness and miscommunication were evident, especially with several team flashes on Mirage.

They face a tough challenge against MOUZ in the upper final, where a direct berth to the quarterfinals is at stake.

We have our second team from Group C to be guaranteed a spot in the #ESLProLeague Season 19 Playoffs!

Congratulations @TeamLiquidCS pic.twitter.com/32uwaHr9zW

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 1, 2024

In the lower bracket, ENCE struggled, winning Bad News Kangaroos’ Vertigo pick but falling 9-13 on Nuke.

They managed to restore some confidence with a decisive 13-0 win on Anubis, but questions remain about their long-term competitiveness.

FURIA suffered a major upset, losing 0-2 to a makeshift FORZE line-up, including a humiliating 0-13 defeat on Overpass.

Kaike ‘KSCERATO’ Cerato performed well, but FURIA’s struggles, especially with stand-in Kayke ‘kye’ Bertolucci, raise concerns about the team’s direction.

In Group D, BIG narrowly defeated BOSS 2-0 (16-13, 13-10), while Natus Vincere comfortably advanced by defeating FlyQuest 2-0 (13-5, 13-6).

FURIA’s loss means they drop down to the last-chance stage, facing Bad News Kangaroos next.

FURIA’s co-owner expressed frustration and promised solutions after the humiliating defeat, highlighting the team’s determination to bounce back.

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GamerLegion will clash with ENCE for the second time in 2024, with the Finnish side winning 16-14 in the second round of PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 European RMR B in February. GamerLegion have since produced mixed results and made a couple of roster changes, adding Henrich “sl3nd” Hevesi and Andreas “aNdu” Maasing to the active lineup.

Even with the fresh blood, GamerLegion have won only three of their last seven series — and those wins were against lesser opposition in MOUZ NXT, Copenhagen Wolves, and GUN5. ENCE, meanwhile, are 2-5 from their last seven outings, with concerning defeats against FORZE Esports, OG, AMKAL, FURIA Esports, and paiN Gaming.

ENCE placed top six at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024, but they’ve not shown much since. This looks like a 50-50 match, making it hard to pass on GamerLegion at outsider odds.

Ninjas in Pyjamas are in a difficult spot ahead of their first ESL Pro League Season 19 match, as they’ll have to compete with two stand-ins. Maoz “BluePho3nix” Paz will fill the final missing spot on the roster, while Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara will replace Fredrik “REZ” Sterner, who was unable to fly out to Malta.

HEROIC field a complete roster but enter the tournament in shaky form. At the start of the month, HEROIC secured a respectable top-eight finish at IEM Chengdu 2024, but they later added a round-one exit from the Esports World Cup 2024 European Open Qualifier with a loss against Brazylijski luz.

Inconsistency has been the theme of this team since the turn of the year, so while HEROIC have the talent to do well, they rarely show what they’re capable of. For this reason alone, backing Ninjas in Pyjamas to win a map makes more sense.

After finishing in fifth-sixth place at Skyesports Masters 2024, FORZE Esports added Aleksey “NickelBack” Trofimov and Owen “smooya” Butterfield to the active lineup. And while the new-look roster looks solid, they have yet to play an official match together.

Monte haven’t made any roster changes since March, yet their results over the last two months leave a lot to be desired. With just one tournament title from RES Eastern European Masters Spring 2024, Monte look like vulnerable favourites for this match.

FORZE’s questionable synergy is a big reason to doubt their chances of winning on Tuesday. Still, they field a better lineup, and they’re against Monte, who’ve recently struggled against lesser squads.

FURIA Esports last met with Team Liquid in the second round of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 American RMR, where they won 13-10. Since then, FURIA have played 15 series and lost all but five, with four of those defeats coming in their last five outings.

On the other side, Team Liquid are 5-1 across their last six series; however, they’ve beaten just two notable teams over that stretch: Legacy and M80.

Liquid should be priced as favourites with the top esports betting sites, but -222.22 is way too short for a team that has been anything but consistent over the last four months.

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Eternal Fire advances to the Elimination Stage after an edge-of-your-seat series against GamerLegion! The battle was fierce, but EF emerged victorious! #PGLMAJOR " pic.twitter.com/lxD36D0Oz0

— PGL (@pglesports) March 19, 2024

Engin “?MAJ3R?” Küpeli expressed mixed emotions after the series, acknowledging the team’s subpar performance while also emphasizing the importance of winning Counter-Strike series even on off days.

Despite struggling early on Overpass and Mirage, where they faced a staggering 23-round losing streak, Eternal Fire managed to rally and secure crucial victories.

Their comeback was fueled by a sense of disrespect when GamerLegion called a timeout, igniting a hunger for redemption going into Inferno.

This map proved to be their stronghold, with Ismailcan “?XANTARES?” D?rtkarde? leading the charge in a dominant performance to secure a 13-2 map win.

The series reached its peak excitement on Vertigo, where both teams showcased their prowess.

Ultimately, it was key plays from XANTARES and Ali “?Wicadia?” Haydar Yal??n that secured Eternal Fire’s victory, despite a tense final round.

GamerLegion, though not eliminated, now sits in a precarious 2-2 position, awaiting further results to determine their fate in the tournament.

In another match, paiN secured their elimination stage berth with a convincing 2-0 (13-10, 13-7) victory over SAW, thanks in large part to Rodrigo “?biguzera?” Bittencourt’s standout performance.

paiN triumphs over SAW in a two-map series (2-0), clinching their spot in the Elimination Stage !

An incredible performance that propels them forward. #PGLMAJOR pic.twitter.com/Pk8CDnYTUX

— PGL (@pglesports) March 19, 2024

Their success highlights their exceptional T-side play and ability to outclass top-tier opponents.

On the other hand, SAW’s momentum faltered as they suffered consecutive defeats, putting them at risk of an embarrassing exit from the Major.

ECSTATIC also secured their place in the elimination stage with a 2-1 (13-4, 10-13, 13-9) victory over Imperial.

ECSTATIC progresses to the Elimination Stage with a triumphant 2-1 victory over Imperial !

Imperial will fight tomorrow for their chance to remain in the tournament#PGLMAJOR pic.twitter.com/ROqhLveY8C

— PGL (@pglesports) March 19, 2024

Despite being considered underdogs, ECSTATIC’s solid gameplay and strategic depth propelled them to success, led by standout performances from Tobias “?kraghen?” Kragh Jensen and Magnus “?Nodios?” Olsen.

Imperial, on the other hand, struggled to match their opponents’ tactical prowess, highlighting a need for improvement in their strategic approach.

Meanwhile, Lynn Vision, Apeks, and ENCE were all eliminated from the Major after suffering their third loss of the opening stage.

Wednesday’s matches

• Legacy (-112.36) vs TheMongolz (-112.36) @ 1pm CEST
• Imperial (-102.04) vs GamerLegion (-123.46) @ 4pm CEST
• SAW (+102) vs FURIA (-128.21) @ 7pm CEST

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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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Led by four-time Major winner Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, ENCE’s core displayed remarkable coordination and strategy, leaving Astralis reeling and facing the prospect of missing out on their third consecutive Counter-Strike Major.

ENCE secures their spot at PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 with impressive wins over Astralis on Vertigo (13-6) and Ancient (13-9)!

Astralis isn't out yet – they have one more shot in the LCQ starting tomorrow! #PGLRMR pic.twitter.com/BJCDjyMeYo

— PGL (@pglesports) February 22, 2024

The match began with ENCE dominating on Vertigo, a map that has proven challenging for Astralis in recent encounters.

ENCE executed a clear game plan, exploiting weaknesses in Astralis’ defense and securing a convincing lead early on.

Despite Astralis’ efforts to rally, including some individual brilliance, they were unable to stem ENCE’s momentum, ultimately succumbing to a decisive defeat.

On Ancient, Astralis aimed for redemption, but ENCE continued their dominance, capitalizing on their strong start and maintaining control throughout the match.

Despite some glimpses of hope for Astralis, including a lead at one point, ENCE’s resilience and strategic plays proved too much to overcome.

With a well-executed B rush towards the end, ENCE secured their victory and their place at the Major in Copenhagen.

Meanwhile, ECSTATIC, led by Patrick “Patti” Larsen, fought their way to a 2-1 (3-13, 13-9, 13-5) victory against Guild Eagles in a hard-fought battle.

ECSTATIC is headed to the Major after an intensely contested series against Guild Eagles!

The Eagles aren't out of the fight yet – they're heading to the Last Chance Qualifier! #PGLRMR pic.twitter.com/4GFJpRIANL

— PGL (@pglesports) February 22, 2024

Despite a setback on Ancient, ECSTATIC rallied on Inferno and Overpass, demonstrating resilience and composure under pressure.

With key plays from players like Magnus “Nodios” Olsen, ECSTATIC secured their berth at the Major, while Guild Eagles faced relegation to the last-chance qualifier.

Heroic also emerged victorious, overcoming GamerLegion in a decisive 2-0 (13-5, 13-9) victory.

HEROIC is on its way to the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024!

GamerLegion bows out after a two-map defeat (Overpass & Mirage) and heads to the Last Chance Qualifier. #PGLRMR pic.twitter.com/WjlJZE0Ofy

— PGL (@pglesports) February 22, 2024

Despite initial doubts surrounding their lineup, Heroic showcased their potential with impressive wins over top teams.

Led by René “TeSeS” Madsen and Rasmus “sjuush” Beck, Heroic’s determination and skill earned them a coveted spot at the Major, while GamerLegion faced the prospect of competing in the last-chance qualifier.

Astralis, GamerLegion and Guild Eagles will join BetBoom Team, 9 Pandas and Fnatic in the Europe last-chance qualifier, where the six squads will battle for one Major spot.

Last-Chance Qualifier round one matches

• 9 Pandas (+200) vs Astralis (-277.78) @ 1pm EET
• BetBoom Team (-138.89) vs Guild Eagles (+100) @ 4pm EET
• Fnatic (+100) vs GamerLegion (-138.89) @ 7pm EET

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