It's not often a Challenger team wins the Major but if it's going to happen it's this year...
This years Challengers feature some of the worlds best teams and here’s what you need to know about their chances of success in Atlanta.
Godsent
Godsent’s line-up have the most Major titles per player, so if anyone knows what it takes to win one then it’s them.
After swapping Krimz for Lekr0, the Swedes no longer own Legend status and instead had to go through a series of qualifiers to earn their spot.
They may have won both the Minor and Major qualifier, but during the Minor they dropped Maps to LDLC, Epsilon and lost a BO3 to Hellraisers – matches they should be winning if they’re to take the title in Atlanta.
Luckily the opening stage will be played using the swiss system, a format that should benefit them in trying to progress to the playoffs.
Godsent to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334994:13.00}
FaZe
Before having an in-game leader that can give them direction, FaZe were always struggling to get out of groups.
But ever since the arrival of Karrigan, they’ve gone from strength to strength and don’t look like slowing down.
They’ve gone from 14th to 7th in HLTV’s world ranking thanks to three third-place finishes at IEM Oakland, IBUYPOWER Masters and ELEAGUE Season 2.
During the Major qualifier the European team didn’t drop a single map – not even against the current No. 2 in the world, OpTic.
If FaZe can make the most of their momentum then they have the best chance among the challenger teams of causing an upset.
FaZe to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334988:13.00}
OpTic
OpTic have gone from 13th in December to 2nd in January. Talk about coming into perfect form at the right time.
Much of the community believed their Northern Arena win was a one-off that they wouldn’t be able to sustain, but they instantly dispelled those doubts with an outstanding victory at ELEAGUE season 2 that cemented their status as North America’s best team.
At any given moment each player has the ability to create an incredible play out of nothing, giving them a dynamic not many other teams possess.
As long as OpTic don’t pull a liquid and get over-confident at the first sign of success, they can win the Major.
OpTic to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334989:10.00}
North
The combined firepower of Magiskb0Y, K0nfig and Cajunb is something even the best teams should be wary of.
There is no doubt that North are one of the hardest-working teams, constantly looking for ways to improve.
The excitement of signing for FC Copenhagen will only hype them and make them even more eager to win their first Major.
Talking of first Majors, ELEAGUE will be Magiskb0Y’s debut, but if his 2016 LAN stats are anything to go by then he will set it alight.
If North’s young players can handle the pressure then they have every chance of passing the semis, and from there it’s anyone’s game.
Mousesports
mousesports have always been a team on the verge of success, narrowly missing out on winning multiple tournaments.
Their best finishes were two respectable thirds in 2016 at the ELEAGUE Major qualifier and ESL Season 4.
The European mix have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with the best but if Niko doesn’t show up then they have no plan B.
Their star players have also recently been in excellent form, with Niko and loWel outstanding during the Major qualifier.
If they manage to beat Na’Vi in their opening match then they stand a chance of reaching the playoffs, but beyond that it’ll be a tough road to the final.
mousesports to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334993:19.00}
EnVyUs
Since the addition of SIXER, EnVyUs haven’t seen any significant improvements in either results or performances.
This ought to worry the French line-up as many of the teams they’ll be facing off against have been consistently improving and developing.
They recently managed to win WESG in a dominant fashion, albeit with a lack of tier-one opponents to challenge them.
Nevertheless, EnVyus will be heading into the Major with confidence and, as everybody knows, confidence can take you a long way.
EnVyUs to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334991:11.00}
G2
G2 have some of the best players in the world on their roster but are often let down by a lack of consistency.
When Shox and Scream turn up at the same time they can be unbeatable, but more often than not only one player will be on form.
2016 has been an up-and-down year for the French side, with results few and far between.
Their best tournament was ECS Season 1 where they managed to take the title with wins over Luminosity and Fnatic.
The Major may be the event where things start to click again, and if it does then their opponents should be concerned.
G2 to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334992:13.00}
HellRaisers
Down in 19th, Hellraisers are one of the worst-ranked teams at the event, with only fnatic below them.
The CIS team don’t have any impressive event victories to boast of in 2016 but they do have a new addition.
That is, of course, Deadfox.
He could be the catalyst Hellraisers need to take a step forward and progress.
His ability to win rounds single-handedly and carry others at times will give them a much-needed boost in firepower.
Unfortunately, one star player is unlikely to be enough for HR to reach the playoffs, but there’s no doubt they’ll give it one hell of a go.
Hellraisers to win ELEAGUE – {ODDS:127334996:19.00}
