The group stage of ESL One: Road to Rio is nearing its conclusion. Some teams are satisfied with their positions while others – not so much. Let’s see who stands where before the final duels decide everybody’s fate.
Ninjas in Pyjamas with a shot at redemption
Ninjas in Pyjamas – the leaders of Group A, have the golden opportunity to finish top two and enter the playoffs in the upper semifinal stage. Which is not unfamiliar territory as they were inches away from doing the same at ESL Pro League Season 11. Back then the Swedes did the impossible and dropped out of first place by losing to a winless at the time ENCE squad. NiP then went out in the first stage of playoffs, so they might want to learn their lesson here and not repeat that feat.
Sitting right next to them with the same 4-1 record are Astralis. The four-time Major winners are far from their choking days and should make use of the relatively easy schedule that lies ahead. Surprise package Heretics are, alongside Vitality, currently in the playoff hunt with a 3-2 record. Reigning ESL Pro League champions Fnatic will do everything they can to avoid following that title with a group exit, so neither Heretics, nor Vitality should feel too comfortable in their seat.
ENCE are tied with Fnatic at 2-3 and could also mess up someone’s calculations but all seems to be over for Dignitas and Complexity. While still mathematically in it, those teams’ 1-4 records make it hard to bet on them.
Look at FaZe, they are the captain now
FaZe Clan have been the undisputable rulers of Group B so far. Four wins from as many games makes them the only undefeated team in Europe. GODSENT are the Heretics equivalent here and are even doing slightly better currently. The 3-1 record places them in second with a game in hand as the four teams immediately below them have played five matches each. Don’t blow this one, GODSENT!
The four squads we’re talking about are G2, Copenhagen Flames, mousesports and Movistar Riders. The former two are in the driving seat with three wins to two losses on their resumé while mouz and Movistar Riders come into matchday 6 with a reverse record. North could also enter the race at full sprint if they take advantage of the game at hand they have. The Danes have a single win out of four but now knowing what the situation is, you can see how they might creep into the top four. The same cannot be said of c0ntact Gaming who’ve let themselves down big time and have four defeats and zero victories to their name.
What comes next at ESL One: Road to Rio EU
Both groups will return to action today and some questions could be answered straight away. Both Group A leaders will join the server with a chance to separate themselves from the pack. Meanwhile, a fight at the top of Group B might do the same or drag GODSENT firmly back into the marathon for second place.
Today’s schedule consists of the following matches:
- Astralis – Dignitas
- Ninjas in Pyjamas – Team Heretics
- FaZe Clan – GODSENT
- North – c0ntact Gaming
If you don’t have the time to watch the games live, don’t worry, we’ll be back to tell you all about what has happened at ESL One: Road to Rio, as we always do.
