The Elite Teams at IEM Oakland
In large-scale international LANs like IEM Oakland, the responsibility falls on the elite level teams to set the standard for competition. These teams, including Virtus.pro, SK Gaming, Na`Vi, and Dignitas, act as the watermark for other teams to reach and the players to beat.
Na`Vi and SK as Clear Favorites
At IEM Oakland, only two of these elite teams will be present – Na`Vi and SK. While this gives them a better chance of performing well, it also brings unpredictability to the group stage. With a mix of international competition and a best-of-one format, the tournament promises to showcase a volatile battle among teams from around the world.
Na`Vi’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Na`Vi is considered one of the favorites, thanks in part to their superstar player, s1mple. While s1mple’s individual skill is undeniable, the rest of the team has struggled to maintain consistency. The team’s communication and dynamic pace changes need improvement, and their success may depend on s1mple’s ability to carry them through the best-of-one format.
SK’s Enigmatic Performance
SK Gaming’s performance at IEM Oakland is just as crucial as Na`Vi’s. While they have shown signs of returning to their dominant form, their recent matches against Virtus.pro and Cloud9 indicate weaknesses in their strategy and individual play. SK might need to rely more on tactics and teamplay rather than individual star performances to secure a win at the tournament.
Melting Pot of Global Talent
IEM Oakland also features teams from North America, Europe, and China. Cloud9 and Liquid represent North America, while FaZe, Immortals, and Tyloo add diversity to the competition. The best-of-one format can give these teams a chance to shine and potentially upset the established European teams.
In addition to these teams, there are other noteworthy competitors such as Mousesports and Heroic. While they may not be favorites, they contribute to the overall excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. IEM Oakland offers a unique balance between favorites and underdogs, making it an exciting event for fans of competitive Counter-Strike.
What are your thoughts on IEM Oakland’s setup? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @GAMURScom.
Note: This article is purely for informational purposes and does not provide any answer to the rumor about the lion photo.
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