Counter-Strike continues down under as the ESL Pro League playoffs kick off in Oceania, with four teams battling for the crown from September 21 to October 6.
Many of you may not have followed the region’s domestic Counter-Strike, with the only exposure to the region for some being 100 Thieves’ Australian all-stars. So, let’s take a look at who’s playing and what their odds are.
Who’s playing at ESL Pro League Oceania?
Four of the best Oceanian teams are battling it out in this season of the region’s Pro League. They’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket, meaning once a team loses twice, they’re out.
The region’s household name Renegades enter as expected favorites, with Avant and Order coming not too far behind. Last but not least, Chiefs enter the fray as the clear underdog.
You can check out each team’s odds to win it below:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Renegades | +100 |
| Avant | +250 |
| Order | +250 |
| Chiefs | +700 |
Odds as of September 11 at Sportsbook
Renegades dominate down under
The Oceanian region has been all Renegades in 2020, with the squad absolutely dominating the competition. They’ve won six events in a row and have only lost once in the last three months.
Things don’t even look close at the moment, with Renegades winning ESL One Cologne Oceania without even dropping a map, and losing just one map in the last 21. They’re the clear favorites here and it’ll be interesting to see if they can be stopped.
Can Order or Avant finally win a trophy?
Order and Avant have secured their spots as second and third in the region. Renegades win every event and one of these two finishes as the runner-up every time.
Order and Avant trade blows with each other often and when comparing the two, there isn’t a clear favorite. However, they face a common rival and it remains to be seen if they can take down Renegades when it counts.
Do the young Chiefs have what it takes?
Chiefs enter the event as massive underdogs and it’s easy to see why. They’re a young, inexperienced squad that has a lot to prove. This roster has only been together since the start of August and each player has played only a handful of big events.
At those events, they managed to sneak wins away from Avant and Order, but they have yet to take a crucial playoff game, or even a map, off the favored Renegades.
It’s possible the young underdogs could surprise the favorites with some outstanding aim or innovative tactics, but taking the event, especially in double elimination, is a very tough task.
