Heading into 2022, Astralis were hoping to put a tough 2021 behind them. However, an early poor start has them scrambling for change. Accordingly, the Astralis CS:GO Roster 2022 has undergone another change. Read on as we discuss the recent signing of “farlig” below!
Following a poor finish at the BLAST Premier Spring Groups event, the organization has chosen to make a change. Indeed, doing so they’ve decided to bench Philip “Lucky” Ewald who they had signed back in August of last year.
Bringing on a young player in the likes of Asger “farlig” Jensen, the rookie looks to fall in-line with this all-Danish roster below:
Andreas “Xyp9x” Hojsleth
Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander
Kristian “k0nfig” Wienecke
Benjamin “blameF” Bremer
Asger “farlig” Jensen
Alexander “ave” Holdt – Coach
Credits: ESL
Can Astralis return to their legendary form? Building around two veterans, it’s likely that this new addition might take some time to get used to. Once they’re up and running, do they have a chance at the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 15?
Anyways, they’ll hope to improve over their past record:
With the IEM Katowice Major ongoing, some teams will fail to achieve. Accordingly, one such team is the eliminated Fnatic. Indeed, following the placement, the Fnatic Roster CS:GO 2022 has announced an expected change – read on to learn more below!
Fnatic Roster CS:GO 2022 – Following IEM Katowice
Specifically, the likes of Owen “smooya” Butterfield has officially been sent to the bench after the event. Active since last October, the team simply hasn’t found success with the player to the extent they wished.
CS:GO Roster Update: With qualification for the Major starting this week and in order to move our CS:GO roster on to better results, we have made the decision to move @smooyacs to the inactive roster.
In his stead, the organization has promoted the youngster of Iulian “regali” Harjau from the Fnatic Rising Academy roster. Showing great promise, this injection of fresh blood could be just what the team needed:
Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson
Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin
Alexander “ALEX” McMeekin
William “mezii” Merriman
Iulian “regali” Harjau – New Signing
Jamie “keita” Hall – Coach
Credits: ESL
Anyways, there’s a lot of work to be done. They’ll like to improve their standing both in Europe and internationally, here are some past results:
9-12th @ IEM XVI Katowice
5-8th @ Pinnacle Winter Series #1
7-8th @ Funspark ULTI 2021
7-8th @ IEM XVI Winter
We’ll keep an eye out to sse how the team performs.
Indeed, with the BLAST Premier Spring Groups taking place, it’s awesome for CS:GO right now. Accordingly, BLAST has more news with regards to the future Open Qualifiers. Read on as we cover released details regaring the BLAST Premier Spring Qualifiers 2022!
BLAST Premier Spring Qualifiers 2022 – Quick Facts
BLAST Premier Spring Qualifiers are back 💥
With a combined prize pool of $135,000 the Spring Qualifiers will cover 100+ countries!
Participants – open to four continents and over 100 countries
Prize – 8 seeds for the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown featuring $135,000 prize pool. Also one slot to the Spring Finals!
Date – eight qualifiers hosted regionally in March, three days each
Specifically, regions are as follows including North America, CIS, South America, Iberia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Nordics and South East Asia.
Credits: Valve
Compared to last year, it’s clear that BLAST is placing an increased importance on Open Competition. This is backed up by BLAST Premier’s commissioner Andrew Haworth:
The qualifiers have become a hugely important part of the BLAST Premier and wider Counter-Strike ecosystem—giving teams of all ability and standing a shot at playing on a global stage, against the world’s best.
Credits: Andrew Haworth, BLAST Premier Commissioner
Indeed, the IEM XVI Katowice event looks to promise the first live crowd for competitive CoD in a while. Accordingly, there are massive expectations for this upcoming event with the best teams in the world. Read on as we provide all of the viewership details for this epic Major event!
Event Background
Once again, we have $1,000,000 on the line once again. Bearing this in mind, we have the best 24 teams from all over the world, trying to compete for world dominance at the historic offline venue at Katowice, Poland.
Organized by ESL, this event does in fact form part of the Intel Grand Slam. Running from 15th February to 27th February, the teams are listed below together with their journey here:
Directly Qualified Teams
Natus Vincere – Road To Katowice EU #1
Gambit Esports – RTK EU #2
G2 Esports – RTK EU #3
Team Vitality – RTK EU #4
Heroic – RTK EU #5
Virtus.pro – RTK EU #6
FURIA Esports – RTK NA #1
Team Liquid – RTK NA #2
Play-in Teams
Ninjas in Pyjamas – Road to Katowice EU #7
Astralis – RTK EU #8
FaZe Clan – RTK EU #9
GODSENT – RTK NA #3
Complexity – RTK NA #4
MIBR – RTK SA #1
Renegades – RTK OCE #1
BIG – ESL World Ranking
Entropiq – ESL World Ranking
OG – ESL World Ranking
CPH Flames – ESL World Ranking
Fnatic – ESL World Ranking
ENCE – ESL World Ranking
MOUZ – ESL World Ranking
Wisla Krakow – Mistrzostwa Polski
Sprout – Replacement Invite
Considering these incredible names, we’re in for another epic Major to kick of the year. Besides the prize pool up for grabs, there are also ESL Pro Tour and BLAST Premier Points up for grabs.
Format
We're finally returning to the Spodek for #IEM Katowice 🇵🇱
With multiple in-person events over the last 9 months, we're applying our learnings to ensure the safety of players, fans & staff alike; and to conform with all local regulations.
With regards to format, it’s a classic approach to a CS:GO Major.
Starting with the Play-In Stage, here 16 teams will compete in order to try and reach the Group Stage. Running from 15th February to 16th February, a double elimination bracket is planned. With opening matches as BO1, all remaining games will be BO3.
At this point, only half the teams (the top 8) will make it to the Main Stage to join the rest of the competition. Here are the opening matches for the Play-In:
Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Wisla Krakow
CPH Flames vs Fnatic
GODSENT vs MOUZ
Sprout vs FaZe Clan
OG vs Renegades
ENCE vs Entropiq
Complexity vs BIG
Astralis vs MIBR
Credits: ESL
Moving on, the 8 teams from the Play-In stage will join the 8 teams waiting at the Main Stage. Taking place from 17-20th February, here the competition will opt for two double-elimination format groups. Each group will have eight teams and matches will be BO3, with the aim of narrowing down the competition.
Here are the Groups so far:
Group A – Team Vitality, Heroic, Virtus.pro, Gambit Esports + 4 Play-In Teams
Group B – Natus Vincere, FURIA Esports, Team Liquid, G2 Esports + 4 Play-In Teams
Seeding into the Playoffs, will be determined as follows for each of the two Group Stage groups:
Winners to the Semifinals
Runners-Up to the Quarterfinals (High Seeds)
3rd Place to the Quarterfinals (Low Seeds)
Seeded into the Playoffs, we’ll have our final six teams. Running from 25-27th February, a single elimination bracket will decide the competition. All matches will be a BO3 except for the Grand Final, which will naturally be BO5.
Schedule for IEM XVI Katowice
Credits: ESL
Considering the length of this exciting event, feel free to visit the official event page for an updated and detailed schedule.
Watch IEM XVI Katowice CS:GO on esportsguide
You can also watch the IEM XVI Katowice CS:GO live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.
Accordingly, there are a few considerations for predictions. However, there’s one thing which is clear. Clearly, Natus Vincere are the biggest threats and will hope to come in and win again. Can anyone stop them?
Promising the first offline crowd in a while, IEM Katowice is setting some pressure on teams. Accordingly, there have already been issues such as TYLOO being unable to make it. In a new update, it seems at FaZe CS:GO IEM Katowice will have to play with a Stand-In as one player cannot make it!
FaZe CS:GO IEM Katowice – Unfortunate Stuff
Standing in as the 5th member of our professional CS:GO roster to begin IEM Katowice, please welcome @COL_jks!
ropz will rejoin the starting lineup following his recovery & quarantine as soon as it is safe for him to do so. #FaZeUppic.twitter.com/elTfdTBKwh
Specifically, the likes of Robin “ropz” Kool has tested in a way which will make him unable to attend the event. Since joining, the team saw immediate success and this is definitely a blow to the team’s confidence.
Now, instead of using their substitute player of Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer, the organization has made the decision to go ahead with Justin “jks” Savage from Complexity.
Accordingly, this looks to be the roster for the upcoming event:
Havard “rain” Nygaard
Helvijs “broky” Saukants
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken
Finn “karrigan” Andersen
Justin “jks” Savage – Stand-In
Robert “RobbaN” Dalhstrom
Credits: ESL
Let’s see if this team can continue where they left off at the BLAST Premier Spring Groups 2022. Here are some past achievements for context:
Indeed, the return of offline events has been quite exciting. Yet, it has brought about some difficulties. Accordingly, some teams are struggling to find a presence at certain venues. Such news reaches the likes of Renegades IEM Katowice 2022 – read on as we discuss the roster below!
Renegades IEM Katowice 2022 – Bringing in Liazz
Specifically, a report has the likes of Renegades, who has been a four-man roster since December, is still looking for a fifth.
Bearing this in mind, and a looming event, a replacement is needed. Accordingly, reports have discussed the likes of John “Liazz” Tregillgas as a potential stand-in for the Australian organization.
Accordingly, invited to the IEM XVI Katowice which is to take place on February 15th, the Australian team will have to integrate the roster and practice before competing. He’ll likely join the current roster:
Simon “Sico” Williams
Joshua “INS” Potter
Jordan “Hatz” Bajic
Alistair “aliStair” Johnston
David “Kingfisher” Kingsford – Coach
Overall, the roster hasn’t succeeded much in the past year with regards to international events. Accordingly, the organization is hoping to change all of that starting with 202 and the upcoming event.
It’s weird how time repeats itself. Accordingly, a heart-sinking update has surfaced regarding IEM Katowice CS:GO 2022. Indeed, as one of the top events of the year, no team wants to miss out. However, TYLOO will be withdrawing from the reasons for unforeseen reasons!
IEM Katowice CS:GO 2022 – Due to Travel Restrictions
Credits: IEM
Back in 2020, ViCi Gaming couldn’t make it to the IEM Katowice event, and instead TYLOO was invited.
This time around, TYLOO is on the receiving end. Specifically, the global situation has made it impossible for the prominent Chinese organization to fly out to the event kicking off later this week.
Bearing this in mind, Intel Extreme Masters came out with the following Tweet regarding the situation:
An update on #IEM Katowice CS:GO: @tyloogaming have withdrawn due to restrictions around COVID19.
Due to reasons of elligibility, Sprout will instead be competing as based on the ESL World Rankings. While they’re not the next team in line at the ESL World Rankings, they are also the only elligible one’s at the nearest rank.
We’ll be seeing the action kick off on February 15th with Sprout now in the game. They’ll be competing in the Play-In stage before the main event to try and compete with the best.
Last year, BLAST made massive waves with its incredible BLAST Premier Series of events for competitive CS:GO. Accordingly, the event organizer is stepping up its game like never seen before. Read on as we discuss recent news regarding BLAST Media Rights.
Specifically, the news is based on a press release from the organizers themselves. Here’s a quick run-down:
35 Global Media Rights Deals
130 Territories
25 Languages
Considering this phenomenal expansion, BLAST is single-handedly bringing CS:GO and the esports industry with it to traditional media outlets.
Specifically, the VP of Distribution and Programming at BLAST had the following to say:
Accordingly, we are delighted to start the 2022 season with the widest distribution in our history. BLAST Premier has been on a path of rapid growth since inception two years ago and is now available in over 25 languages worldwide.
We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the vast majority of our existing licensees as well as welcome so many new partners to the BLAST family.
Besides BLAST and PGL, another massive organizer for CS:GO is ESL. Accordingly, they’re returning with the ESL Pro League Season 15. Bearing this in mind, the organizers have announced the groups for the 24 teams – read on to learn more!
ESL Pro League Season 15 Groups – Listed Below
The groups for #ESLProLeague Season 15 have been set and they are spicy! 🔥🤩
All the action starts with Group A on March 19th! Which group is the group of death? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/HsMofDiNvE
What makes the ESL Pro League so special is the open nature of these events. Avoiding permanent partner teams only, a certain portion are teams who have fought for their spot and look ready to contest the big names.
All 24 teams will be headed to Malta on 9th March to compete all the way to 10th April. Taking to Twitter, here are the 4 groups of six:
A – G2 Esports, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Entropiq, Fnatic, MOUZ, LookingForOrg
B – Team Vitality, Virtus.pro, FaZe Clan, FURIA Esports, ENCE, Sprout
C – Gambit Esports, Team Liquid, GODSENT, BIG, Movistar Riders, Party Astronauts
D – Natus Vincere, Heroic, Astralis, Complexity Gaming, Evil Geniuses, AGO
Credits; ESL
Naturally, these teams will compete in four single round-robin format groups, where each group will have six teams. It’s here that only the top 3 teams from each group will progress onwards.
It’s been a while since ENCE has been at the top of CS:GO. Accordingly, the esports organization is aspiring for better results this coming year. To do so, a roster change just went down. Indeed, feel free to read on as we discuss the ENCE CS:GO Roster 2022!
ENCE CS:GO Roster 2022 – Future Changes?
Specifically, the roster is releasing the name of Joonas “doto” Forss from the roster. This change follows the recent acquisition of Pavle “maden” Boskovic from FunPlus Phoenix.
Joonas @dotocsgo Forss is now officially released from his ENCE contract, and completely free to look for other opportunities.
Swapping the player in, here’s what the roster looks like right now:
Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer
Lotan “Spinx” Giladi
Pawel “dycha” Dycha
Aleksander “hades” Miskiewicz
Pavle “maden” Boskovic
Eetu “sAw” Saha – Coach
Considering this new lineup, can the team improve?
Credits: ESL
We’re not sure, but new players are always a great start. Accordingly, they’ll hope to improve their standings in both Europe and Internationally, especially compared to last season:
13-16th @ IEM XVI – Winter
20th @ BLAST Premier World Leaderboard 2021
5-6th @ DreamHack Open November 2021
15-16th @ PGL Major Stockholm 2021
Let’s see if they can return to their former winning form of years past.
