EPICENTER 2018 CSGO Tournament Preview
Contrary to popular belief, I believe EPICENTER 2018 will serve as a training ground for the biggest spectacles left in 2018. Of course, I’m referring to ECS and ESL Pro League finals, both of which are scheduled later this year. With that said, it’s important to analyze this tournament as well as all participating teams. As we all know, some of them (a good number of them, for that matter) will have a chance to compete at ECS and ESL Pro League, so their EPICENTER form could give us a hint of their future performances. The best way of doing just that is via our EPICENTER 2018 tournament preview in which you’ll learn a great deal about the format, participating teams, and betting tips.
As for the actual EPICENTER 2018 tournament, it has retained the same format as last year’s installment with the only exceptions being the grand finals match and the playoffs bracket system. You see, instead of it being Bo5, EPICENTER 2018 will have the grand finals as Bo3, the same as all other playoffs stage matches. Additionally, there is also an extra team from each group going through to the playoffs which will surely spice things up. More information on the tournament format can be found right down below:
EPICENTER 2018 Format
Just like I mentioned above, this year’s EPICENTER tournament basically has identical format as last year’s installment. With the exception of grand finals match that’s going to be played in Bo3 fashion this time around.
With that said, this tournament will feature 2 double-elimination groups with 4 teams in each. Only the last placed teams in each group are eliminated. 3rd and 2nd placed teams go against each other (cross-group) in quarterfinals while the semis are reserved for group winners. One last thing – all matches on this tournament are scheduled to be played in Bo3 fashion which means there will be plenty of special bets revolving around correct score or map handicap.
Current Power Standings | Tournament Expectations
Expectations are always set to be high since EPICENTER 2018 is set in the Eastern European capital of gaming – Moscow. That’s basically one of the reasons why we think so highly of it (another reason would be a brilliant composition of teams, of course) and why we made this EPICENTER 2018 tournament preview in the first place. So, driven by those words, let’s take a closer look at the teams that stand a good chance of winning it:
NaVi
Natus Vincere is at the top of their game at the moment. They are currently holding the second spot on the overall ranking, right behind The Great Danes – Astralis. Considering the fact Astralis is not going to compete on this tournament (they had to step down due to player fatigue and busy schedule), this automatically promoted NaVi to be the main favorites. And they indeed are – bookies have them at an average of 3.00 outright winner odds which should be taken into consideration when preparing your betting slips.
FaZe
FaZe has had quite a difficult time in recent months. Ever since Olof’s injury, they have been trying to get back on their feet. Each time they seemed a bit closer but ended up failing at the crucial moments. Still, despite their recent bad luck and performances, they are still considered as one of the key teams to win EPICENTER 2018. Even more so after Astralis and Mousesports declined their invitations due to busy schedules.
Match Predictions
As far as match predictions are concerned, there are 2 interesting matchups between teams that are already qualified. As some of you already know, the last participants of EPICENTER 2018 will be decided in the next couple of hours as the wildcard champions. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the 2 matchups I was just telling you about:
FaZe vs ENCE
Our EPICENTER 2018 tournament preview couldn’t be completed without some good old betting tips. So, why don’t we start off with the first match of the entire tournament, the one between FaZe and ENCE?
Needless to say, bookies have FaZe as strong favorites with average betting odds of roughly 1.5. However, ENCE should not be taken for granted, especially considering huge oscillations in FaZe’s performances in recent months. Not to mention their recent StarSeries triumph which pushed them above FaZe in the overall team ranking.
Still, I believe in NiKo and co; enough to give them an edge. FaZe might be suffering in mid-game rotations and clutch situations, but their individual superiority should be the difference as countless times before.
FaZe vs ENCE Betting Predictions
Low Risk: FaZe Match Winner
High Risk: FaZe Match Winner, Over 2.5 Maps
NiP vs AVANGAR
The Swedes aren’t exactly enjoying their greatest form at the moment. They are placed at the 12th spot in the overall ranking, just 2 spots from their next opponent – AVANGAR. With that said, the stage is set for what will definitely be a great match and a great introduction to hectic group B display.
As for the actual betting prediction, I’d say there’s no way for NiP to lose this one. Sure, their form isn’t the greatest… but if GeT_RiGhT and F0rest end up having a good day, chances are this match is going to end in a 2:0 blowout.
AVANGAR will have their chances, there’s no doubt about it. They are on quite the roll at the moment, enjoying a 9 matches win-streak which is a praiseworthy feat by all standards. Still, the likes of forZe, 3DMAX.CS and others can’t even be compared to the quality of NiP’s team. That’s why my predictions are as follows.
NiP vs AVANGAR Betting Predictions
Low Risk: NiP Match Winner
High Risk: NiP Match Winner, Under 2.5 Maps
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