IEM Katowice 2021 Play-In Top Picks and Predictions
One of the most anticipated CSGO tournaments of 2021 is all set. Out of 16 teams, only 8 of them will book themselves a spot in the main event of IEM Katowice 2021. Below, you can find our IEM Katowice Play-In predictions so do not miss out.
BIG vs. Movistar Riders
In the first match of Play-In, the German-based CSGO roster will battle it out against Movistar Riders. Individually, BIG is miles ahead of Movistar Riders, but that is not everything. Tactically, they are also playing on a level above Movistar Riders.
Since this is a best of 1 match, map veto will not be a problem for BIG. In the end, these two teams will face off on either Nuke or Inferno and we simply do not see a way BIG loses this one.
Prediction: BIG to win
Odds: 1.30
Betting Site: GG.bet
Gambit vs. TeamOne
The way TeamOne qualified for this event is unusual and they are nowhere near the level needed in order to stand a chance. On the other hand, Gambit proved in the last couple of months that they can compete against anyone. Sadly, odds represent that.
Given the fact that TeamOne only plays a handful of maps on a decent level, Gambit will have an advantage by banning Dust 2 and Nuke. All in all, a small round handicap bet is definitely the best choice here as TeamOne is one of the worst teams on this event.
Prediction: Gambit(-4,5)
Odds: 1.53
Betting Site: GG.bet
Spirit vs. Cloud9
Here we are with our first underdog pick. There is no denying that Spirit is a more established team, but we do not believe that they are much better than Cloud9. On paper, this is a coinflip and odds should be set like that, hence why there is a lot of value in this bet.
At the time of writing, odds on Spirit are set roughly around 1.50, while odds on Cloud9 vary from 2.3 to 2.55.
If we compare map pools for this match-up, we are slightly leaning towards Cloud9. By doing the research, we believe that either Nuke or Dust 2 is going to be played in this one. A couple of months ago, Cloud9 stomped Spirit on both Nuke and Dust 2.
Prediction: Cloud9 to win
Odds: 2.18
Betting Site: GG.bet
OG vs. fnatic
There is no denying that this is going to be the most intense match of the day. Both OG and fnatic are top-ranked teams and they will look to book themselves a spot in the IEM Katowice 2021 main event.
Form-wise, OG and fnatic are on the losing side of things and this is the game where they will have to wake up. As for the map veto for this one. There are a lot of similarities and in the end, this match will be contested on either Mirage or Inferno which makes our total round played(over) bet even better. To summarize, top teams who are playing on a comfortable map, and whose past matches were always tense is a great recipe for a nail-biting match.
Prediction: Total Rounds Played(25,5) – Over
Betting Site: GG.bet
Odds: 1.39
Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. Complexity Gaming
NiP shocked the world at BLAST Premier Spring after beating two of the World’s best squads in spite of recent roster changes. Complexity on the other hand went the whole way, winning Group B with stellar victories over Vitality, G2 Esports, and Evil Geniuses.
Both teams are in incredible form at the start of the year and will be looking to build upon that. If NiP stands any chance of victory over the favored Complexity squad, they need to get Mirage off the table. Both teams have fairly similar map preferences, with Complexity looking like the overall stronger side on Overpass, and Inferno looking like a toss-up between them. If NiP shows up like they did at BLAST, there is room for a potential upset.
Prediction: NiP
Betting Site: GG.bet
Odds: 2.25
