| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1pm CEST | ECSTATIC @ $3.00 (+3.5) | Cloud9 @ $1.36 (-3.5) | O/U 20.5 |
Both teams bring solid form into their opening match of the Major, and we expect to see a close game between Cloud9 and ECSTATIC.
Over 20.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1pm CEST | Eternal Fire @ $1.50 (-4.5) | TheMongolz @ $2.55 (+4.5) | O/U 22.5 |
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 Mongolz +4.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2pm CEST | ENCE @ $1.53 (-2.5) | Imperial @ $2.37 (+2.5) | O/U 21.5 |
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.
Over 21.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2pm CEST | Apeks @ $1.40 (-3.5) | paiN Gaming @ $2.75 (+3.5) | O/U 20.5 |
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.
Apeks -3.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3pm CEST | 9 Pandas @ $1.80 (-2.5) | AMKAL @ $1.90 (+2.5) | O/U 21.5 |
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.
Over 21.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3pm CEST | Heroic @ $1.28 (-4.5) | Lynn Vision @ $3.60 (+4.5) | O/U 20.5 |
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.
Heroic -4.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4pm CEST | FURIA @ $1.40 (-3.5) | Legacy @ $2.75 (+3.5) | O/U 20.5 |
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.
Over 20.5 rounds
| Time | Team 1 (Handicap) | Team 2 (Handicap) | Over/Under Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4pm CEST | SAW @ $1.57 (-2.5) | KOI @ $2.25 (+2.5) | O/U 21.5 |
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.
SAW -2.5 rounds
]]>
The ramifications of their defeat, a resounding 2-0 loss (13-11, 13-8), reverberate throughout the Counter-Strike community, marking their third consecutive absence from the prestigious Major tournaments.
The match, which unfolded with tense anticipation, saw Astralis grappling to assert their dominance, especially on Overpass, where the scoreboard remained tight until 9 Pandas clinched a decisive victory in round 24.
Despite Astralis’ valiant efforts, including pivotal pistol wins and clutch moments, they couldn’t stave off 9 Pandas’ strategic brilliance and technical finesse.
Transitioning to Nuke, 9 Pandas strategically outmaneuvered Astralis, exploiting their vulnerabilities and executing a relentless offensive that left the Danish team reeling.
The repeated assaults on the upper bomb site showcased 9 Pandas’ confidence and tactical acumen, ultimately sealing their triumph and dashing Astralis’ dreams of Major qualification.
The absence of Astralis from the upcoming Major tournament is emblematic of the organization’s post-pandemic decline.
Despite high-profile signings such as Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard and Martin “stavn” Lund, touted as potential savours, Astralis has struggled to find cohesion and capitalize on their individual talents.
Role conflicts, the lack of a coach, and mounting community pressure have all contributed to their downward spiral, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s future trajectory.
The disappointment is palpable not only for the players but also for the Danish fans, who had eagerly anticipated seeing their homegrown team compete on the grand stage.
Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the loss underscores the emotional toll it has taken on the team, further emphasizing the need for introspection and reform within the organization.
Nothing mattered more than this. I��m crushed trying to find any words to put on what happened.
The biggest sorry to our fans & the organization who believed in us.
It��s an impossible pill to swallow not being a part of the celebration of Counter Strike in Copenhagen��..— Nicolai Reedtz (@dev1ce) February 23, 2024
As Astralis grapples with the aftermath of this devastating defeat, they face a critical juncture in their journey.
With their next pivotal tournament, IEM Chengdu, looming on the horizon, the team must regroup, address their shortcomings, and strive for redemption.
Whether they can reclaim their former glory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the road ahead will be fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
]]>