Honestly, I think the most difficult outcomes to predict will be these potential matches: TE vs RNG in lowers, BLG vs TE rematch in lowers, FPX vs RA (they're both on similar level), and I guess you could argue that ASE vs TYLOO could be questionable but I think TYLOO is the weakest team in their group.

Overall, I don't think we'll see any big upsets this round of the tournament, but I do think we'll see BLG reclaim their top 4 status by knocking out TE. FPX should probably beat RA given that they pick the right maps, and chances are that RA could beat ASE to qualify for the next stage.

If y'all have any suggestions to modify my pick'em, please don't be shy to tell me, because I do want to try to make a perfect pick'em. Thank you!
https://www.vlr.gg/pickem/3881d940

(Yeah I copied this post from another one of my comments)

See, like... that TE vs BLG elimination match is so goddamn annoying to predict! Like, yes BLG have been playing alright recently, but TE stomped them 2-0 last time. Additionally, imo BLG isn't too strong of a team right now, I'd gladly say that RA or even FPX could beat them. But can BLG beat TE twice? The RA vs FPX series is also slightly more difficult to foresee a result imo because both games last act had different outcomes. But I do think that there are certain maps where FPX's strategies just can't be countered by RA (ex. Lotus). Overall, I think your pick'ems are pretty solid and you've clearly put thought into it. Cheers!

Honestly, I think the most difficult outcomes to predict will be these potential matches: TE vs RNG in lowers, BLG vs TE rematch in lowers, FPX vs RA (they're both on similar level), and I guess you could argue that ASE vs TYLOO could be questionable but I think TYLOO is the weakest team in their group.

Overall, I don't think we'll see any big upsets this round of the tournament, but I do think we'll see BLG reclaim their top 4 status by knocking out TE. FPX should probably beat RA given that they pick the right maps, and chances are that RA could beat ASE to qualify for the next stage.

If y'all have any suggestions to modify my pick'em, please don't be shy to tell me, because I do want to try to make a perfect pick'em. Thank you!
https://www.vlr.gg/pickem/3881d940

Wonderful!

Wow. You're right, it makes sense! I still have lots to learn about the CN scene, and you've helped out a lot by providing an excellent explaination to my frustrations. This is one of the most insightful comments I've read on this website. Thank you so much Yukel!

I remember watching his Raze against TYLOO last act. And he was amazing. Let's hope that he shows up this time as well. Personally, I'd like to see it go three maps.

That is based.

Hey, does anyone know whether pick'ems will be added for these groups or the final knockout event?

Thank you, I'm glad I did! I think CN Val is going to be pretty interesting in general and I can't wait to follow the league.

Yes indeed! ASE is playing FPX in a banger matchup!

These series/matchups are the hardest ones to predict with my skills. ASE has great players, but they've lacked a lot of dominance potential by not playing bunt and monk, whom in my opinion, are better than Yuicaw and YHchen. Now, I understand that they probably aren't playing them for very valid reasons, but since they aren't going to play, then I'd like to believe that FPX will win this series. FPX made an amazing run last time and gave RA, the runners-up, a run for their money. They've shown how good they are, and I think players like Autumn and AAAAY are going to be instrumental in their (possibly) 2-0 win.

Disclaimer!!!!1!: I am not the most confident in this particular prediction. I understand that some people might try to bet money from my predictions, but please be advised that I myself am not very confident in this 2-0 FPX win prediction.

To be honest, TYLOO looked okay against DRG. They won 2-0, and didn't drop a map, but at the same time, it wasn't a dominant performance from them. On the other hand, we all know what RA can do. Defeating FPX and taking of a map from EDG basically sets them on the same level as a high-ranking Chinese team, and they've shown just how good their players are (stew, MarT1n, viva...). Unless TYLOO figures out a way to 1. get more consistent, and 2. stop throwing rounds they should be winning (as seen against DRG), I don't find it hard to imagine RA winning this series 2-0.

In a hot rematch between BLG and TE, we're seeing a rejuvenated BLG face up against the fourth finisher from last act. Personally, I think that TE has solid mechanics and skills and it is highly possible that they take a map off BLG. However, with Yosemite back in the team, and momentum from the previous matches, I think it is likely that BLG wins this map 2-1 if not 2-0. Time will tell.

I hate to say this, but I think there is not a single drop of doubt in the ocean of possibilities that EDG doesn't win this series with a clean sheet. RNG has looked good and has great players such as Minimise, Swerl, and xiaonuo, but like the Trace Esports match against EDG last time, I just don't know if they have what it takes to beat a team on EDG's level. 2-0 EDG win.

Well, they did indeed win 2-0, so uh, great I guess.

I appreciate you too brother! I'm doing pretty well this act and I hope to continue to do so. Thank you so much!

So based.

DRG 2-1 it is lol.

I respect that. China's a very nice country.

Brother you're chinese now?

We'll see about that...

Another 13-0? What the malarkey I'd have never thought that there'd be so many 13-0s lol.

I had classes so I couldn't comment lol. Despite the fact that NIP played well against JDG, I don't think it'll be enough to take out a team like RNG. They're on great form right now, and although they lost to BLG, imo they showed enough to convince me that they could beat a team like NIP. I think SWERL is going to perform extremely well this series, and I think RNG will take this 2-0.

Your right, but I was talking about how the main stage of this act will include 7/8 of the same teams as the last act if TYLOO makes it.

I cannot wait to see EDG GC play on the international stage!

Fingers crossed. =]

I mean, personally, I believe that these two teams are quite similar in strength, and I can see 4AM having just as much of a chance to win as DRG. I could've made quite the irrational decision by choosing DRG over 4AM.

Yes, I will credit you as the better analyser if 4AM wins 2-0. lol

Yup

lol

You might just be right. There's an abundant amount of 2-0s and not a lot of 2-1s. So perhaps DRG will win 2-0 instead of my original 2-1.

how do i delete this?

You might just be right. There's an abundant amount of 2-0s and not a lot of 2-1s. So perhaps DRG will win 2-0 instead of my original 2-1.

I just want to start by stating how I'm somewhat disappointed that there will be a lack of new matchups in this act of the tournament. If we ignore the invited teams and the already-established teams from last act (EDG, BLG, FPX, ASE, TYLOO), we will see that the only "new" teams that created intrigue were WBG, TE, and of course, RA. There were a total of 8 individual teams that played in the final stage of the first act. Which teams managed to bypass the play-ins and groups? EDG, FPX, TE, and RA. Which teams are getting qualified from play-ins? BLG, ASE, and two unknown teams. I just want to point out how if TYLOO wins this series against TBD (which they might very well do as so), the only new team we'll be seeing in playoffs will be one of: RNG, JDG, or NIP. Of course, I'm probably asking for too much, but I feel like watching these teams play the same opponents over and over is kind of... you know...

tldr: TYLOO might make playoffs by winning this 2-0.

Yeah they really shut down RNG on Split. I think any team that goes against BLG in the future should just focus on getting Split banned.

Well said!

Oops! I forgot that they're live right now lol. I can't watch live right now, but BLG looks good. They might even win 2-0 if this continues.

Some are still pretty high... GG.Bet is 8.5/1.0 right now...

Two teams with a competitive history have come to face each other in what looks to be a series with excellent potential to be an amazing game. While ASE have made a run like everyone expected, TYLOO on the other hand, is still somewhat under scrutiny after failing to show results against ASE and TE last event. However, it must be acknowledged that TYLOO has played quite decently against 4AM and KZ, and that they are not to be underestimated in any way. ASE still looks like a consistent top 5 Chinese team and I think they might very well prove it here by winning 2-0.

I must say, I really love the variety we've seen in this Chinese scene these past weeks. Each acts has its fresh teams and different players to watch, and I'm enjoying it like it's a plate of fish and chips. 4AM has been one heck of a team to watch. They've performed well above expectations, shown good team cohesion and synergy, and are just overall a well-put-together team. Regardless, DRG is not to be belittled, as they have excellent players such as vo0kashu and YuChEn. This will be an interesting clash of playing styles, as a very proactive 4AM faces a much more patient DRG. In conclusion, although these two teams are imo very similar in terms of strength, I think DRG might just be able to pull this series over the line 2-1.

Must've been exhausted after that EDG trouncing. Nice to see they brought it back somewhat on the 2nd map, although the loss was kind of forseeable.

I really, really appreciate your comment. Valorant is my favorite game and I love its Esport scenes. Interactions with people like you are, ultimately, what drives me to really embrace this hobby of mine. So, once again, thank you very much!

Absolutely.

Yeah, they probably just saw BLG 4-0 NRG and went "duh BLG goated team"

Wow, color me impressed, TYLOO actually did it! In spectacular fashion, they've shut down one of the hottest prospecting teams this tournament, and hopefully both of their runr continues the way they deserve.

Perhaps they just don't gel together well.

Gotchu bro, then I'll be counting on RNG to 2-1 win lol

Quite possibly so. They definitely have what it takes.

Facts.

I think NIP should be favorites for this series. Although they've just suffered a defeat against BLG, JDG didn't have the best time against RNG either, letting a 10-2 lead fall apart to lose the map. vici is great for JDG, but I don't know if his team can support him well enough to exploit their overall potential as a team. Therefore I am going to place my hopes on NIP and predict a 2-0 NIP victory.

This is looking like a banger matchup. If there's any doubt that BLG won't make it far, then this series is their chance to prove that they can still contend for the tournament title. RNG is looking great right now, and I think they stand a good chance against BLG. Yosemite was awe instilling last game against NIP but imo unless whzy steps up his game and perform like we all want him to, it'll be a tough match for BLG. I genuinely believe that this will be a close 2-1 series but I cannot put my word on either team. Sorry!

Good game from BLG. Yosemite being there just made them win. Biank also played well, but whzy was lacking in several parts of the series. Nice try NIP and I think they can challenge for qualifiers this group.