by Round 1 at BLAST Premier Fall Showdown 2024 comes to a close on Friday, August 23, 2024, when BIG clash with GamerLegion and paiN Gaming look to eliminate Cloud9 from another significant event. Here are our top Counter-Strike betting picks for the two series, with esports odds courtesy of top bookmakers in United States.
BIG vs GAMERLEGION CS2 BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| Best Odds: | BIG -161.29 at BetOnline | GL +126 at BetOnline |
| When: | August 23, 2024 | 15:30 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/BLASTPremier) |
BIG and GamerLegion last met during Thunderpick World Championship 2024: European Series #1 in April, when BIG won in two maps. But that was before roster changes on both sides, so that result should not hold much weight.
According to the Counter-Strike betting sites, this is BIG’s game to lose, but neither squad has posted great results of late. BIG exited Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 with a 1-2 record and two losses against SAW and Team Falcons.
In contrast, GamerLegion’s last significant competitive endeavour ended with a last-place finish at BLAST Premier Fall Groups 2024. Since then, they have picked up a few wins, albeit mainly against second-division squads such as Zero Tenacity, SINNERS Esports, and 1win.
That would indicate Erik “ztr” Gustafsson and co. are in good form, but since they have not beaten any good teams lately, we should give this game to BIG.
BIG to win
PAIN GAMING vs CLOUD9 CS2 BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| Best Odds: | paiN -112.36 at BetOnline | C9 -112.36 at BetOnline |
| When: | August 23, 2024 | 18:00 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/BLASTPremier) |
Cloud9 have not achieved much since reaching the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 playoffs in March. They did enough to finish top two at Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024: European Open Qualifier #2 last weekend, but that came after exiting the BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2: European Qualifier in fifth-eighth place earlier this month.
PaiN Gaming have clawed their way to No.16 in the world standings by finishing top eight at IEM Cologne 2024 last week. The Brazilians have looked competitive at the top level for a while, and even though they’ve not beaten any elite teams, that doesn’t mean they will struggle on Friday.
Cloud9’s recent form makes it fair to question whether they should be considered a good team. And while they have enough talent to do better, we must first see it to believe it.
