The ESL One Birmingham 2019 is all set to take place in a few weeks. The organizers have recently unveiled the groups, and it seem like we will have three of the best teams in the world in a single group. Let’s have a look at each group.
The group of death
The Group A look looks quite decent since it is a mix of strong sides and some teams who are yet to make their mark. The Group B can be easily rated as the group of death since it will be contested by some of the strongest sides in the world.
Team Secret, PSG.LGD and Evil Geniuses will competing for supremacy in the second group. It will be exciting to see these teams battle it out for the top spot. At the same with such strong sides, it seems like things are not looking great for the remaining candidates of the group. Keen Gaming, Alliance and Gambit will have to fight tooth and nail. Since out of the six participating teams only four will advance to the playoffs.
The underdogs
Keen Gaming has had their fair share of success in the 2018-2019 DPC season. Yet in the past few competition the team has failed to live up to its potential and has declined in form. We are really not sure if we can expect Keen to rise or fall in the competition. But we can guarantee you they will fight tooth and nail for the last playoff spot.
These are your #ESLOne Birmingham Groups! Which teams do you think will come out on top?
?? https://t.co/9nAKBMNX8R pic.twitter.com/Fmgxu0MU1s
— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) May 17, 2019
Gambit had trouble to perform or even qualify for Major competition of Dota Pro Circuit. Yet they surprised everyone in ESL One Katowice 2019. In the competition the side finished at 2nd place, losing to Secret in the final. Now the CIS side has the opportunity to seek revenge.
Alliance is the last team to complete the Group B. They team has remarkably improved in their recent matches and will aiming to see off Gambit and Keen Gaming. Statistically they are the worst team since they performed terrible in the DPC. Yet upsets are bound to happen on the big stage and Alliance will be aiming to pull off a decisive qualification the playoffs.
Things looking smooth for Group A
The Group A seems quite predictable since it is a friendlier mix of the the top vs middle tier teams. Vici Gaming and Team Liquid are the top candidates to qualify for the upper bracket. Meanwhile OG and Ninjas in Pyjamas will be eyeing the remaining two spots. These four will surely pose a great fight in the first phase of the competition and will be aiming to get started on the right foot.
Yet other two candidates will want to make the live of the top four as much difficult as possible. Forward Gaming have been in solid form lately. The new roster of the side has the potential to stir upsets. Since they got some wins against EG in the last competition. Meanwhile TNC Predator will be looking to avoid the depth of elimination.