Counter-Strike’s first Main of 2022, the PGL Main Antwerp 2022 began previous this week, and what week it’s been! We’ve noticed quite a lot of surprises throughout those previous days, from Astralis in the end failing to advance to Imperial conserving the Brazilian dream alive, and that was once just the beginning of the event. This Saturday, we’ll be seeing the 8 survivors from the Challengers Level going through the 8 Legends groups, and with the likes of FaZe Extended family and Natus Vincere round, issues will best get spicier.
Due to this fact, let’s make the most efficient out of the small smash the Main will take this Friday, proper prior to the following level of the contest kicks off. Right here’s all you wish to have to understand in regards to the Legends Level in addition to our conventional storyline previews, the place we evaluate the 8 extra attention-grabbing groups coming to the contest. After all, be at liberty to have a look at our earlier preview right here because it features a have a look at positive storylines which gained’t be lined right here, and don’t overlook to have a look at our Select’em predictions, too!
STAGE FORMAT
The PGL Main Antwerp 2022: Legends Level might be kicking off this Saturday, 14th. At 10 AM UTC, PGL might be website hosting the primary two suits of the day: Heroic might be taking up Group Liquid, whilst Dangerous Information Eagles face Copenhagen Flames. The hole day of the Legends Level will see a complete of 16 best-of-one collection being performed in general, with each and every taking taking part in two times.
As for the event layout, the Legends Level will see the similar Swiss Machine bracket that was once used within the Challengers Level. Because of this the Buchholz Machine might be used for seeding suits from the second one around onwards. As for the suits, preliminary suits are best-of-one collection. Within the different hand, deciders and removal video games are best-of-three collection. The highest 8 groups – those which organize to get 3 victories prior to 3 defeats – will qualify for the Main’s ultimate level.
In spite of everything, it is possible for you to to practice the entire motion via quite a lot of tactics. PGL will circulation all video games via Twitch and YouTube, and you’ll be able to additionally practice the motion via Valve’s Steam.TV. You’ll additionally practice avid gamers’ point-of-views via PGL reputable website online, which will also be discovered right here. This imply that you’ll be able to all the time have your favourite participant POV as soon as he’s at the server. In spite of everything, let’s have a look at the hole around time table, and the storylines to practice.
CLOUD9 – THE PRODIGAL ORGANIZATION RETURNS
Cloud9 leaving Counter-Strike ultimate yr without a doubt broke some hearts. The group has been a family title in International Offensive, and its Main name is fondly remembered to at the present time, in spite of everything. On the other hand, again then the group promised it might be again at some point, and they’re going to after all debut their new roster in Antwerp this Saturday. The crew which in the past performed below Gambit is now in Cloud9’s ranks, and lovers have top expectation for that squad.
Those expectancies are comprehensible, although. Vladislav “nafany” Gorshkov workforce certified for Antwerp undefeated, and they have got been constantly one of the vital splendid groups from the CIS area. Now, this roster does have some problems that some were criticising them for, and this Main can also be the grounds for those avid gamers to turn whether or not those criticisms are unfounded. Antwerp can also be where for Cloud9 to turn that during an international with ENCE, FaZe, FURIA and G2, they have got a spot one of the best.
On the finish of the day, each and every crew coming to Belgium this week has or had one thing to end up, and but, for Cloud9, it’s like there’s one thing else right here for them. This roster goes via a reputedly unending adventure to end up themselves and beat expectancies. They’re noticed as one of the vital groups suffering from the top of the web generation, and it’s tough to argue in opposition to that. As an alternative, the dialogue is set how a lot they had been affected, and the way some distance they have got improved since then at offline occasions.
Because of this, Cloud9 will after all resolution this query later beginning this weekend. Having a company backing them as soon as once more without a doubt lifts a weight off their minds, and this workforce wishes to turn that they aren’t “onliners” and as an alternative display that they’re Cloud9’s price tag to the highest of the scene.
ENCE – A DIAMOND IN THE CUTTING
PGL Main Antwerp marks a brand new level in Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer’s profession. The Danish captain has been lively for over a decade, however he most commonly remained within the shadows of Denmark Counter-Strike. In spite of being on the subject of a leap forward previously, corresponding to when his Heroic roster completed as one of the vital most sensible 4 groups in IEM Katowice 2017, best now we’re seeing what the in-game chief is really able to. Such a lot in order that his first Main look was once finally yr’s Stockholm Main.
On the other hand, ENCE isn’t just Snappi’s display. Actually, it’s Lotan “Spinx” Giladi who’s ceaselessly on the highlight from the roster. The 21-year-old rifler has been hanging world-class performances constantly for some time now, and his 1.28 HLTV Ranking at this week’s Challengers Level isn’t even the most efficient we’ve noticed from him in those previous couple of months. Spinx is a spotlight gadget however extra importantly, he’s the type of participant each and every crew aiming for the highest wishes.
But, ENCE isn’t simply Snappi and Spinx both. If there’s one guy that still wishes a shoutout, it’s Pavle “maden” Bošković. The newest addition to ENCE ranks has transform an crucial a part of the roster. With him, Snappi has some other sturdy participant to paintings with however extra importantly, Spinx has extra freedom with maden round, permitting each to play to their splendid. Upload in the truth that Paweł “dycha” Dycha has additionally been bettering his consistency and it’s simple to know why this crew has been so excellent since he joined.
However, the reality here’s that ultimate yr ENCE was once a coarse gem. Lets see the markings of greatness, however they weren’t there but. In Antwerp, although, this diamond goes to turn how vibrant it may shine.
FAZE CLAN – GOLD IS NOT ENOUGH
Again in Stockholm ultimate yr, FaZe Extended family got here to that Main as underdogs after slightly managing to qualify for it. Again then, the crew appeared to be one participant clear of greatness and it was once disappointing, but comprehensible, to peer Finn “karrigan” Andersen failing to make that squad paintings. In the end that one roster transfer got here, and in lower than 12 months since its ultimate Main, FaZe are actually coming as favorites. The participant chargeable for this transformation is no person else however Robin “ropz” Kool.
On the identical time ropz is a key issue for this crew turning into contenders, he gained’t be on my own in Antwerp. FaZe, as a unit, needs this name. For that, they’re going to want to step up much more than they did in IEM Katowice and EPL XV. That is, in spite of everything, the Main! That is the development Karrigan and Håvard “rain” Nygaard were looking forward to because the ELEAGUE Main Boston 2018. Again then, FaZe had been favorites to win their first Main name, however they failed. Afterwards, the crew crumbled, and each didn’t dispute Main titles till now.
BACK FOR ANOTHER RIDE
Nevertheless, Karrigan and Rain are again in combination, and they have got 3 world-class avid gamers with them. The adaptation right here in comparison to Boston is they changed its fragging trio composed by means of veterans corresponding to Ladislav “GuardiaN” Kovács with younger but skilled blood. As an alternative of GuardiaN, for instance, we have now the 21-year-old Helvijs “broky” Saukants within the AWPer position. FaZe’s younger stars haven’t reached their attainable, however they know rather well the right way to carry out at the largest phases CSGO has to supply.
And this makes transparent why many see the celebs aligning for FaZe in Antwerp. This roster is the nearest to perfection the group has ever fielding. Moreover, they’re going via a excellent segment after profitable two premier occasions, they usually know PGL Main Antwerp might be the 3rd. The go back of Cloud9 to Counter-Strike would possibly’ve shaken lovers that noticed their goals shattering again in 2018, however it’ll take greater than a dream run to take FaZe off the trophy this time. Except, most likely, lacking Robert “RobbaN” Dahlström, their trainer, turns into an excessive amount of of a subject for FaZe.
FURIA – ROAR HIGH
FURIA are the darkish horses of PGL Main: Antwerp. The Brazilians were taking part in rather well in recent times, and similar to ENCE, they selected the very best time to step up. Coming to the Main, we’ve a extra assured than ever Andrei “arT” Piovezan, a Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato keen to head additional than FURIA ever did in Majors, and a Rafael “saffee” Costa who assists in keeping proving that age gained’t forestall him from turning into one of the fearsome AWPers within the recreation.
Extra importantly, although, the Brazilians appears to be higher than ever. Even again once they had Henrique “HEN1” Teles and Vinicius “VINI” Figueiredo of their ranks this roster didn’t glance slightly as excellent. Whether or not that is because of their improve participant, André “drop” Abreu, turning into precisely what the crew wishes or saffee’s affect at the crew’s morale, it’s undeniably that FURIA hasn’t ever been so neatly rounded up.
It’s going to be very attention-grabbing to peer how some distance FURIA is going in Antwerp, and the way they’re going to carry out general. As discussed above, arT’s playstyle could be a blessing or a curse relying on how his opponent adapts to him. Yuri “yuurih” Boian can also be a participant to stay an in depth eye on. The rifler went via a stoop ultimate yr however he’s again, and I’m curious to peer how neatly he’s going to fare now.
FURIA is an impressive crew, one no opponent must underestimate. For instance, they had been overwhelmed by means of FaZe again in EPL XV, however that was once an in depth fit. Will arT be capable of problem groups like FaZe in Antwerp? Additionally, how now not having Nicholas “guerri” Nogueira in the back of them as their trainer will have an effect on this crew’s efficiency?
G2 – NO SECONDHAND DIAMONDS
Coming to Antwerp, G2 had but to totally persuade the sector that they might be capable of battle for the trophy. Certain, Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen has an unbelievable quantity of firepower to paintings with on this crew, together with Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, however on every occasion G2 left the server, it felt like any individual would level a subject with them. To really be thought to be challengers in opposition to the likes of FaZe and Na’Vi, G2 had to display a lot more than they did till now.
Thankfully, the Europeans did simply that on the Challengers Level, nearly. G2 certified for the Legends Level undefeated, however it’s undeniably that the crew had some troubles. Extra in particular, their fit in opposition to Group Spirit highlighted that this roster nonetheless has problems with their T aspects. Some enhancements had been spotted of their subsequent fit which noticed G2 going through ENCE.
In the long run, it kind of feels that their attacking aspect is attached to how Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov performs. If the teenager can win duels in opposition to his fighters’ AWPer, G2 will carry out a lot better than what we noticed from their recreation in opposition to Spirit. With this in thoughts, m0NESY present shape needs to be mentioned. It’s transparent that he’s some distance from achieving any ceiling, and he’s creating briefly. But, at this time, is he ready to compete with the most efficient on the planet? Will he be capable of tackle FaZe’s broky in a possible come upon?
MAKE OR BREAK
In the long run, regardless of having a roster of veterans, G2 might be depending lots on their AWPer, similar to some other crew. As we discussed above, m0NESY is creating neatly sufficient, however he nonetheless is a chance taker. His taste is entertaining when it really works, and due to his ability, it ceaselessly does. When it doesn’t, although, m0NESY turns into an overly irritating participant to look at. For each and every participant there’s a line between taking dangers and making dumb performs, and one best uncover how some distance he can cross prior to passing this line with enjoy.
Till then, although, lovers higher be expecting to peer the younger AWPer depending so much on his uncooked abilities, which will transform an issue right here. It wouldn’t be sudden to be told that G2’s fighters are investigating what m0NESY has a tendency to do as an attacker, and the right way to correctly close him as early as conceivable as he’ll sooner or later give openings. For a crew like Na’Vi which has a robust AWPer, they may not even want this. If their participant can outplay m0NESY with enjoy, G2 might be at an obstacle straight away.
Nonetheless, admittedly this segment has been overly unfavourable about m0NESY. He may well be one of the vital largest risktakers within the most sensible stage at this time, however he has ability to again his entertaining taste. Moreover, his explosive taste can lend a hand G2 weigh down fighters that don’t have the sort of gifted AWPer. Identical to he may well be irritating to look at, he can be slightly the headache for his fighters.
IMPERIAL – NEVER LET THE SPARKLE FADE AWAY
Imperial assists in keeping surpassing expectancies. Previous within the yr, some anticipated Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s crew to fail to qualify for the Main. But, they simply misplaced as soon as right through the American RMR. Then, many thought to be them to be one of the vital groups leaving the Main within the Challengers Level. Some even anticipated them to head out winless. But, Imperial is coming for the second one level of the Main.
It wasn’t simple, although. The Brazilians had a coarse time in opposition to Group Spirit, who overwhelmed them of their opener. Group Liquid was once no fit for Fernando “fer” Alvarenga, however after being overwhelmed by means of Dangerous Information Eagles, Imperial was once at the verge of being eradicated. Within the ultimate days of the level, IHC gave a scare to Imperial’s lovers, however the Brazilians survived. In the long run, Imperial confronted forZe as underdogs, however as a present to their large fanbase, they overwhelmed the CIS powerhouse and certified for the Legends Level.
Because of this, the one query that continues to be about this roster is how some distance can they take this dream? FalleN has been doing a excellent activity because the crew’s AWPer and captain. Fernando assists in keeping handing over at the fragging entrance. Lincoln “fnx” Lau is acting like best he can, clutching like best he can. Ricardo “boltz” Prass has carried out neatly in Antwerp and in conjunction with Vinicius “VINI” Figueiredo, they have got been FalleN’s knights. Whether or not they take the initiative or transform late-round bastions for the squad.
This, whilst this crew doesn’t have a celeb like ENCE’s Spinx or G2’s NiKo, Imperial is making the most efficient out of what they have got. And reality learn, this crew has enjoy, a excellent thoughts main them, and a large number of battle in them. This isn’t a Main-winning roster. Imperial is a squad made to damage expectancies. And so they’re doing this simply tremendous.
NATUS VINCERE – ONLY THE NOW MATTERS
It’s tough to wrap our heads about the truth that after Antwerp Natus Vincere is probably not the similar. Now not because of effects, however because of the present global occasions which are regrettably affecting esports. Even so, although, Na’Vi avid gamers are devoted to take advantage of out of each and every event they attend. If this crew requested for a smash, it might be utterly comprehensible. But, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and his teammates are nonetheless preventing, and nonetheless taking part in like one of the vital splendid CSGO squads in the entire global.
Therefore, it’s no wonder to peer why Natus Vincere is among the favorites coming to Antwerp. This crew is specializing in what’s happening now for them and live at some point at time. At the moment, they’re utterly targeted in this Main and this is going to turn resilient everybody here’s. It’s transparent that some avid gamers aren’t taking part in at their splendid, corresponding to Denis “electroNic” Sharipov who has confronted a stoop previous within the yr. Even so, it’s now not like they have got given up. Natus Vincere is competing with all they have got.
As for Na’Vi probabilities of profitable PGL Main Antwerp, it’s honest to mention that experience a good shot at it. FaZe can be favorites in a conceivable come upon, however Na’Vi is a powerhouse on their very own. There’s an overly practical global the place Natus Vincere reaches the playoffs and sooner or later wins over FaZe. Not likely, however nonetheless now not unimaginable in any respect.
General, Natus Vincere must a minimum of be concentrated on a playoffs end. Anything else after achieving the Champions Level can be going above expectancies for them, and a conceivable win over FaZe can be welcome. Nonetheless, if Na’Vi is taking at some point at time – one fit at time – why we must fear about what’s going to occur up to now forward?
WELCOME, LEGENDS
This Saturday, 16 groups will get started writing the climax in their stories in Antwerp. For favorites and underdogs alike, their long term is of their fingers.
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