The play-in stage of IEM XVI Katowice has come to a close. For the next couple of days, we’ll get to enjoy hot double-elimination bracket action in the group stage. There are two groups, each with eight teams and only six of them (three per group) will get to see the light of day in the playoffs. Betting on IEM Katowice groups is already active, so let’s see if there’s any good stuff to bet on this week!
And with that the first two days and play-in stage of #IEM Katowice 2022 has come to a close.
We’ve already seen what it means to these teams to be in with a chance of making it to the Spodek and we’ve only got more action to come.
See you during the group stage. ? pic.twitter.com/qDEx8hNGUb
— Intel® Extreme Masters (@IEM) February 16, 2022
CSGO bookies were always going to cover big events like this one with extra depth. Group stage bets were live just moments after the end of the play-in stage.
IEM XVI Katowice Group Stage Preview – Key Facts
- The play-in stage is over and we have our sixteen group stage contestants.
- The group stage begins tomorrow with two double-elimination groups, each with eight teams.
- All group stage matches are set for best-of-threes.
- Only three teams per group (six in total) will go through to the playoffs.
- Group winners go to the semifinals; second and third-place teams start from the quarterfinals.
- Grand finals are scheduled for a best-of-five.
Betting on IEM Katowice Groups – Predictions
Eight matches await us, four of which possess splendid value. Let’s have ourselves a closer look!
NiP vs. Gambit Predictions
- NiP to win at +223
- Gambit to win at -303
Ninjas in Pyjamas are going up against one of the tournament’s favorites, Gambit. We all know the CIS side is a beast and NiP will have major issues with them. They’d have them even if device was in their starting lineup, which he’s not.
As for the map pool, Gambit are a proper force to be reckoned with! NiP aren’t too bad, mind you, but Gambit have the entire map pool covered with above 50% win rate. Well, everything except Nuke which is their permaban.
So yeah, at the end of it all, going with Gambit is the only logical choice here. If we’re being totally honest, -303 is a good value considering all circumstances. NiP could go through to the playoffs, but I’m afraid they’ll be in for a proper lower bracket fight all the way through.
OG vs. Heroic Predictions
- OG to win at -118
- Heroic to win at -109
OG are the slightest of favorites here, following superb displays in the play-in stage. We all wondered how would nexa adapt to new surroundings, but the process seems to be doing just fine. He wasn’t the top contributor, mind you, but his IGLing was crucial in both play-in wins… especially against Renegades in that bo1 which went to overtime.
As for Heroic, we haven’t seen them play at their best against K23 on Pinnacle Winter Series earlier this month. It was their only competitive showing since BLAST Premier World Final last year. The lack of competitive action coupled with seemingly poor form should result in a straightforward win by OG.
Virtus.pro vs. CPHF Predictions
- pro to win at -256
- CPHF to win at +195
Next up, Virtus.pro vs. Copenhagen Flames! Copenhagen Flames showed up for the occasion in the play-in stage. Not only have they dealt with Fnatic (quite easily too, mind you) but they also humiliated NiP with a quick and easy 2:0 in the second round. CPHF won 16:3 on Nuke which goes to show you just how bad NiP is without device. Kudos to phzy, but it’s the truth.
Virtus.pro started 2022 off with a bang – they have won ESL Challenger #48 two days ago and looked comfortable doing so, mind you. They’re coming into this match with a winning mentality and will be difficult to stop, especially if YEKINDAR and Jame start doing their thing from early on.
As for the bet, I wouldn’t go for either moneyline. CPHF’s does offer a lot of value, but considering VP’s recent results (both ESL Challenger and IEM XVI Winter), it’s not worth the risk. Instead, I suggest going with total maps over 2.5 at +118. The map pools are pretty close and this match is bound to go the extra length!
Liquid vs. Faze Clan Predictions
- Liquid to win at +125
- Faze to win at -159
If you’re interested in betting on IEM Katowice groups, then you better pay close attention to our Liquid vs. Faze Clan picks. There’s plenty of value here so please allow me to elaborate.
According to online CSGO bookmakers, Liquid are the underdogs, but only ever so slightly. If you’re only interested in the moneylines, there’s good value here. You see, Faze Clan at -159 definitely possesses a ton. Why?
Well, let’s start off with Faze players themselves. Even though ropz hasn’t been in the main roster for too long, he’s already establishing himself as the key figure. He’s dropping top contributions left and right and is looking rather comfortable in his new surroundings.
Another thing to note is Liquid’s poor form. Even though they started off with a surprising upset, Liquid’s form dropped down and weren’t able to do anything noteworthy on BVLAST Premier Spring groups. NaVi cut them off with a marvelous 2:0 win. Even prior to that, Liquid had shown burning issues… issues which are likely to be exploited by Faze Clan tomorrow.
So yeah, -159 at Faze Clan is the best option for this one!
Who Will Qualify From Group A?
Remember, only three teams per group will be able to play on the playoffs. In group A, Gambit is the main favorite and should have a fairly straightforward path to securing the playoffs. They’re playing NiP in the opener and will go up against the better of Virtus.pro vs. CPHF.
On the other side of the group A bracket we have Vitality as the dominant side. They shouldn’t have major issues with Mouz, but are likely to be tested in the second round. Heroic and OG are not to be taken for granted. Both are tough, both have solid map pools and both of them have the potential to give Vitality a proper run for their money in the second round.
Gambit and Vitality are likely to meet in the upper bracket finals and secure playoff spots. As for the third and final team, I can’t make up my mind. Mouz isn’t in the equation really, so it will come down to who goes the extra length, OG or Heroic.
Who Will Qualify From Group B?
Group B sees G2 and NaVi as the main favorites, each in their own side of the bracket. NaVi are opening up against ENCE in what surely won’t be easy4ENCE. The better of Astralis vs. FURIA will be NaVi’s opponents in the second round, assuming they win.
As for the bottom of the bracket, G2 are up against Fnatic, and Faze are up against Liquid. G2 is the lone favorite here and should be in for a drama against NaVi, unless they start choking again.
So yeah, long story short, NaVi and G2 will go through to the playoffs from group B.
As for the third team, it’s going to be either Astralis or the better of Liquid vs. Faze. I’m leaning towards Faze, though. If Ropz can continue his brilliant run of form, Faze could develop into a dark horse in Poland.
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