24 teams.
$1,250,000 on the line.
And it all starts today with a 16-team Play-In.
The Opening Matchups (Jan 28)
| Matchup | Time (CET) | My Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora vs GamerLegion | 02:00 | GamerLegion |
| HEROIC vs PARIVISION | 02:00 | PARIVISION |
| Astralis vs paiN | 04:30 | Astralis |
| NRG vs B8 | 04:30 | B8 |
| Legacy vs BC.Game | 07:00 | Legacy |
| FUT vs 3DMAX | 07:00 | 3DMAX |
| Liquid vs NiP | 09:30 | Liquid |
| Passion UA vs G2 | 09:30 | G2 |
The Storylines You Can’t Ignore
1. The Return of the King (BC.Game)
The most viewed match of the day will undoubtedly be BC.Game vs Legacy. Why? Because s1mple and electronic are finally back together on a LAN that actually matters.
After BC.Game’s disappointing run in the Rio qualifiers, s1mple needs a vintage performance to prove this project isn’t just a “last dance” for the legends.
2. PARIVISION: From Bounty to Bosses
I just wrote about how underrated PARIVISION is, and their opening match against HEROIC is the ultimate litmus test.
Fresh off their BLAST Premier Bounty title, Jame and his crew aren’t the underdogs anymore.
Expect methodical, “Jame-time” CS that will frustrate a young HEROIC squad.
3. Liquid’s Family Emergency
A massive blow to the North American hopes: NAF is missing Kraków due to urgent family matters.
Krimbo (formerly of BIG) is standing in.
While Krimbo is a world-class anchor, losing NAF’s late-round composure is a huge “if” for a Liquid team that already struggles with closing out maps.
Players to Watch
- s1mple (BC.Game): Can he still carry at the S-tier level?
- Jame (PARIVISION): The ultimate tactician. If PARIVISION is to win against HEROIC, it starts with Jame’s passive calling.
- nota (PARIVISION): The young Russian delivered a series MVP in the recent Blast Bounty Grand Final. Can he keep it up against HEROIC?
- malbsMd (G2): In the post-NiKo/m0NESY era (who are already in Stage 2 with Falcons), malbsMd has become the focal point of G2’s aggression.
- npl (B8): B8 has been grinding the tier-2 circuit for months & have made recent tier-1 appearances.
The Takeaway
The 18+ crowd in Poland is notoriously loud and the TAURON Arena is a massive upgrade in scale.
If you’re looking for a “safer” option, look toward G2, PARIVISION, GamerLegion, Heroic, or Astralis to glide through Stage 1.
But if you want the drama, watch BC.Game. If things go poorly, electronic and s1mple will have to answer some serious questions about their future together.
About Nick S
Nick S has been following pro Counter-Strike since 2009. He witnessed the franchise transform from a grassroots scene to a global esports phenomenon. Nick provides high-level analysis on tactics and trends.