We take a look at who is most likely to challenge SK for title in Sao Paulo...
The ESL Pro League finals are just around the corner, and with plenty of the world’s top teams in attendance, there’s massive competition for the biggest prize in Brazil. Let’s take a look at a couple of favourites and a few outside shots that could easily spring a surprise.
SK to win ESL Pro League – {ODDS:115326894:2.75}
Since winning the Cologne major in July, SK have been favourites at every LAN they have attended.
But the Brazilians , however, have only managed two third place finishes at offline events in that time and are struggling for form online.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that both times SK were denied a place in the final round was against bogey team Virtus.pro who aren’t even competing in Sao Paulo.
Adding to that, SK haven’t lost a best of 3 on LAN to any other team in the past 4 months.
With a favourable system and without their arch-rivals there to spoil the party, SK look good value to claim the throne on home soil.
mousesports to win ESL Pro League – {ODDS:115326898:8.00}
The past few months have seen mousesports fall from the heady heights of 8th to a pitiable 17th in HLTV’s world ranking. But they seem to have now found the magic formula.
Since drafting in the supremely talented Spaniard loWel to replace oskar, things have looked positive.
They secured third place in the ESL Pro League ladder and have won an impressive 12 out of their last 15 matches.
Niko will be a key player for them. He is considered the best player in the world by many and has the best LAN rating out of every player in 2016 at 1.22.
Dignitas to win ESL Pro League – {ODDS:115326899:10.00}
Having surpassed all expectations by winning Epicenter, Dignitas travel to Sao Paulo with momentum.
They faced Na’vi, Virtus.Pro and Fnatic, all in best of threes and came out on top during the competition, something not many teams are capable of.
Despite a strong performance at Epicenter, though, their toughest test is likely to come from SK, who boast a record of 83 wins and only 32 losses in total, on LAN.
10.00 looks like long odds for Dignitas to repeat their heroics in Moscow, and nail a second consecutive LAN trophy.
Faze to win ESL Pro League – {ODDS:115326901:13.00}
Historically they have struggled getting the best from their talented players but the addition of Karrigan has strengthened Faze.
He’s capable of giving them direction and understands how to use player’s strengths and call on the fly.
The star-filled line-up managed to secure fourth place in the ESL Pro League, and more impressively take first seed of group A at ELEAGUE, whilst winning two best of three series against Cloud9 and Immortals.
If the stars can align again, Faze will be amongst the top bets in Brazil, but so far it’s not looked likely.
Optic to win ESL Pro League – {ODDS:115326903:21.00}
Rated as the third-best team North American team in HLTV’s ranking behind Cloud 9 and liquid, Optic are looking to transfer their impressive online success to LAN.
Currently 11th in HLTV’s world ranking they are above both Faze and mousesports.
Online they have taken best of 3 wins against current Pro League champions, SK, and against immortals, the second-best Brazilian team.
They are definitely outsiders but they’ve had more time to prepare than many of the teams at the event, giving them a good chance to cause upsets.
