IEM Katowice 2021 Group Stage Top Picks and Predictions
Published: Feb 17, 2021 - Last Updated: Jul 23, 2023
Now that the IEM Katowice Play-In’s have concluded, the stage is set for the top teams to prove their worth. In this piece, we are going to share our top IEM Katowice 2021 predictions as CS:GO’s arguably most prestigious event of the year starts to unravel.
G2 vs. Spirit
Let’s start this IEM Katowice 2021 prediction with a fact. This is a huge mismatch where a team filled with superstars is playing against a mediocre CIS team. On paper, Spirit is riding a 5 match win streak while G2 has won only one match out of their last five. However, if you compare teams that G2 played against, you will find out why the ratio is looking as bad as it is.
When it comes to map pool, G2 should have an edge. Overpass and Vertigo are getting banned for sure. We can see G2 go for either Mirage or Dust 2 while Spirit will look for their chance to win on Nuke or Inferno. All in all, all of these maps are fairly comfortable picks for G2.
To summarize. These two teams played against each other once and G2 had no problems adjusting to Spirit’s style. Given the fact that bookmakers believe this is a coinflip, there is a lot of value on G2 right now.
Prediction: G2 Esports
Odds: 1.88
Betting Site: GG.bet
Astralis vs. mousesports
There is no denying that mousesports is struggling right now. Not even a week ago, the team lost its in-game leader karrigan, replacing him will certainly be a tall order. On the other hand, Astralis is always locked and loaded, and this match will be no different.
Map pool-wise, the Danes have a lot of maneuverability and we believe that they will opt-in for either Dust 2 or Nuke pick. Contrary to that, mousesports stands a chance on Inferno, but missing their IGL on such a map will present a lot of problems.
Let’s conclude this IEM Katowice 2021 prediction. Astralis is better in every aspect. The CSGO odds on Astralis to win are not that good hence why we encourage you to bet on Astralis to win 2-0.
Prediction: Astralis to win 2-0
Odds: 1.79
Betting Site: GG.bet
FaZe vs. Liquid
Both of these CSGO teams have recovered from roster changes and it seems like they are firing on all cylinders. However, FaZe showed us in the past that they can dispatch Liquid easily. Out of 12 maps these two teams played in total, FaZe has won 9.
Regarding map pools, we do not see a favorite. Liquid will probably grab either Overpass or Vertigo(depends on what FaZe is going to ban). On the other hand, Nuke seems like a no-brainer for FaZe in this one. For our IEM Katowice 2021 prediction, a deciding map will not play a factor since we are opting in for total maps played bet.
Both Liquid and FaZe are playing good Counter-Strike right now and there are not making many mistakes. This well be a game between two freshly promoted IGL’s as Fallen will face off against karrigan. Getting comfortable map picks in means that we are going to see a tense match that will be decided in the third map.
Prediction: Total maps | Over 2.5 |
Odds: 2.09
Betting Site: GG.bet
Evil Geniuses vs. Gambit Esports
Evil Geniuses has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of this year after beating Team Vitality and G2 Esports during BLAST Premier Spring. The North Americans are finally showing their worth on the big stage, and have more than what it takes to knock Gambit out to the lower bracket.
Gambit plays a wide array of maps, but have lately excelled on Overpass. Evil Geniuses on the other hand are noted for their strong play on Inferno and Nuke, but also have grown accustomed to a fairly large map pool.
Heading into the matchup, Evil Geniuses are looking poised to win the series, even though the odds are stacked against them.
Prediction: Evil Geniuses
Odds: 2.07
Betting Site: GG.bet
FURIA vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas
This is arguably the toughest match to call in the inaugural Group Stage. While FURIA has been on a sharp decline, NiP has looked rejuvenated as of late. It remains to be seen how well NiP will adjust to FURIA’s non-stop aggression, but everything points to a long war of perseverance rather than a one-way clean sweep.
Heading into the matchup, NiP will most likely ban Vertigo seeing as it’s historically been their weakest map, but also a map that FURIA’s aggressive style excells at. Overpass is looking like a shoo-in for NiP, as do most maps considering the Swede’s current form.
Expect this series to be a long one, with a third map almost a guarantee.
Prediction: Total maps | Over 2.5 |
Odds: 2.09
Betting Site: GG.bet
