CLG vs Cloud9

This is where things get interesting. Well, at least from a viewer's perspective; if you're looking to put your hard-earned money on the line, you'd be wise to skip this one. On paper, this should be nothing more than a one-sided blowout in favor of Cloud9. They're better across the board and have a lot more talent, experience, and sheer potential. There's no other way to put it — they've head and shoulders above Counter Logic Gaming.

And yet you wouldn't be able to tell based on how dreadful their play has been over the last three and a half weeks. This is not the Cloud9 of yore, nor are they a Top 3 team right now. They're worse than 100 Thieves, Team SoloMid, and probably even Team Liquid, which means they're at risk of losing their throne and subsequently missing out on the World Championship in China. All in all, the pressure is mounting, and they need to deliver if they intend on making their 2021 season count.

Counter Logic Gaming, on the other hand, have been looking mighty impressive, in no small part because of their bonkers all-in, heavy engage team comps. It's a simple strategy, no doubt, but it's been working wonders for them, although their play does still leave a bit to be desired. All in all, they're not to be trifled with, especially when they draft for comfort and play as fearlessly as they have throughout the last couple of weeks.

Now, let's make one thing clear: Cloud9 are favored for a reason, and they're also better, both individually as well as a five-man unit. There's no doubt about it. Still, even with Zven aboard, they haven't been all that impressive, and they'll surely need a bit more time before they can get back into the swing of things and potentially mount a comeback. That's why we're going with Counter Logic Gaming on this one, although it is by no means a "safe bet."

The odds are simply too good to pass up, so we're hoping that Cloud9 will continue underperforming for at least a little bit longer.