by Esportbet brings you free Counter-Strike: Global Offensive betting picks for the opening four matches of PGL Major Stockholm 2021 on Tuesday, October 26. Here are our selections for the opening day of the New Challenger Stage, with top odds courtesy of BetOnline.
TEAM SPIRIT vs FAZE CLAN CS:GO BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| CS:GO Betting Odds: | Spirit +127 at BetOnline | FaZe -172.41 at BetOnline |
| When: | October 26, 2021 at 10:00 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/PGL) |
It’s no secret that FaZe Clan have been struggling this season, and while Finn “karrigan” Andersen and co. should perform better on LAN, it’s very tough to be optimistic about this squad. FaZe are 7-4 across their last 11 outings, but that record is a bit misleading since they haven’t beaten any notable squads.
FaZe Clan’s only notable accomplishment of 2021 happened in July when they placed top-four at Intel Extreme Masters XVI Cologne. Since then, FaZe haven’t accomplished anything of note.
Team Spirit haven’t achieved much more than FaZe and have even lost games against weaker teams – including FunPlus Phoenix, K23, and Entropiq – but that doesn’t explain the latest CS:GO betting odds. These opening Bo1 tournament matches are usually much closer than expected, and while FaZe should have a slight edge, there is far more value with Team Spirit.
Team Spirit to win
ASTRALIS vs COPENHAGEN FLAMES CS:GO BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| CS:GO Betting Odds: | Astralis -227.27 at BetOnline | Flames +158 at BetOnline |
| When: | October 26, 2021 at 10:00 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/PGL) |
Even though both teams are Danish, Copenhagen Flames and Astralis have yet to meet on the battlefield. And even though we don’t have any previous head-to-head record to look at, it’s very easy to understand why the defending Major champions are priced at only -227.27.
However, the answer to that is not necessarily because Astralis are that much better, but because the esports bookmakers consistently overvalue them. Even though Astralis are tough to beat, we shouldn’t overlook Copenhagen, especially in a Bo1.
The Flames have achieved plenty across the last few months and even finished top seven at Intel Extreme Masters Season XVI Fall Europe at the start of October. They could have placed higher had they had a more favourable draw; however, they still won against G2 Esports and BIG and forced tight series against Team Vitality and Movistar Riders.
Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and co. have the tools to win this bout, but we will play it safe and side with the outsiders with a 3.5-round advantage.
Copenhagen Flames +3.5 rounds
MOVISTAR RIDERS vs RENEGADES CS:GO BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| CS:GO Betting Odds: | Movistar -232.56 at BetOnline | Renegades +166 at BetOnline |
| When: | October 26, 2021 at 12:30 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/PGL) |
Renegades impressed many when they reached the StarLadder Berlin Major semi-finals in 2019. Although a remarkable achievement for the organization, this is not the same roster. The current iteration of Renegades includes enough solid pieces to score upset wins against teams who underestimate them, but their long-term success remains questionable.
Movistar Riders are surprise attendees at the Major, but there is no denying that they deserve to be here. As a relatively unknown roster that lacks star names, not many people expect Movistar to deliver; however, based on their recent showings (5th at IEM Fall), we would consider them as dark horses to reach the playoffs.
Movistar Riders should win, but we don’t expect a complete stomp. The esports bookmakers have set the total round line at 26.5, which seems very low and presents us with a great bet. Renegades might not win, but they should be able to reach double digits.
Over 26.5 total rounds
BIG vs ENTROPIQ CS:GO BETTING & MATCH DETAILS |
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| CS:GO Betting Odds: | BIG -149.25 at BetOnline | Entropiq +111 at BetOnline |
| When: | October 26, 2021 at 12:30 CEST |
| Watch Live: | Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/PGL) |
BIG are priced as the betting favourites for their opening PGL Major Stockholm 2021 bout with Entropiq, which doesn’t seem right. And not because Entropiq are stronger, but rather because BIG are weaker than what the CS:GO betting odds suggest.
BIG have yet to find their footing since the departure of İsmailсan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş in August 2021 and haven’t placed higher than fourth-sixth in any tournament across the last two months. While still an excellent tactical team, BIG lack firepower.
Entropiq, meanwhile, placed top four at Malta Vibes Knockout Series #2 in September and earlier this month finished Intel Extreme Masters XVI Fall CIS in third. Even though the Russians haven’t faced a top-tier team since IEM Fall CIS, that’s hardly an excuse not to bet on them at odds of better than +100.
