For those unaware, the coming week is simply awesome for CS:GO. Specifically, the long-awaited IEM Rio Major 2022 will finally be taking place. Bearing this in mind, here at esportsguide we have our very own set of predictions in this featured article below!
Event Background
So, before we proceed, let’s explain how the event will work. Below, find a few quick facts listed below:
- Prize Pool: $1,250,000
- Date: 31st October to 13th November
- Organizer: ESL
- Teams: Top 24 CS:GO teams in the world
- Venue: Rio de Janeiro (Riocentro, Jeunesse Arena)
Heading into this event, which was cancelled last year, 24 teams have qualified through multiple regional qualifiers. Indeed, this is the most exxiting event since the start of the season at the end of August. With that out of the way, let’s dive a little deeper into the predictions!
IEM Rio Major 2022 Predictions – Legends Favoured
Quite simply, our predictions will also take into consideration the level of seeding of these teams. Specifically, not all teams have been seeded equally.
Accordingly, as part of the format, there will be three stages – Challengers, Legends and Champions. Bearing this in mind, certain teams have already been seeded into Legends thanks to strong performances all year long.
Furthermore, this does mean that these teams have a higher chance of winning it all and rank higher in the rankings – here are the teams seeded in the Legends Stage:
- FaZe Clan
- Natus Vincere
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- ENCE
- Sprout
- Heroic
- Team Spirit
- Team Liquid
These teams earned their spot mainly through impressive performances in the regional major qualifier events.
Looking at Results Since August
Regardless of the seeding, we need to take a better look at the season to understand how teams have been performing.
With regards to timeline, it’s best to consider events since the end of August. For those unaware, the player break for CS:GO often takes place in August – a time when rosters change too.
Here’s how the competition has looked like in the past few events seen:
ESL Pro League Season 16
- #1 – Team Vitality
- #2 – Team Liquid
- #3-4 – Cloud9, G2 Esports
BLAST Premier: Fall Groups 2022
- #1-3 – OG, Natus Vincere, Team Liquid
IEM Masters XVII – Cologne (July)
- #1 – FaZe Clan
- #2 – Natus Vincere
- #3-4 – Astralis, Movistar Riders
We’ve included the IEM Masters XVII Cologne event as it’s a great example of the long rivalry this year between FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere.
History of the Grand Slam – IEM Rio Major 2022
Speaking of FaZe Clan, let’s talk about the Intel Grand Slam.
Accordingly, set every season, the Grand Slam is an added $1,000,000 incentive for any team that manages to win four out of 10 events organized by ESL at the highest level of CS:GO.
For the 2021 season, here’s how teams stack up in terms of wins:
- Team Vitality (x2)
- Cloud9 (x1)
- FaZe Clan (x3)
Indeed, FaZe Clan this event have the opportunity to win the Slam. However, any team that stops them will also be provided incentive of $100,000.
Our Final Thoughts
So although FaZe Clan may be the favourite for this event, the likes of Natus Vincere, Team Vitality and Team Liquid are strongly on their tail.
Here’s a tentative ranking from our end:
- #1 – FaZe Clan
- #2 – Team Vitality
- #3 – Natus Vincere
- #4 – Team Liquid
Feel free to watch the event on esportsguide!
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