IEM Dallas 2023 is about to start, and groups have flown out to america to participate in one of many greatest occasions of the CS:GO calendar. With IEM Rio 2023 and BLAST.television Paris Main 2023 winners Vitality sitting this one out, and NAVI lacking too, it represents a fantastic alternative for a brand new staff to take residence a trophy in 2023.
Let’s check out the favorites of IEM Dallas 2023, and their odds of profitable the newest CS:GO tournament.
Heroic
A fast bounce again for Heroic? Credit score: Stephanie Lindgren | © BLAST
Trying on the groups at IEM Dallas 2023, it’s inconceivable to not see Heroic among the many on the spot favorites. The staff fell to GamerLegion within the Semi-Finals of the BLAST.television Paris Main 2023, in arguably essentially the most surprising results of your complete event. In Dallas, they’ve been given a chance for an on the spot bounce again.
They’ll want a robust mentality to get it over the road, because it’s not simply the ghosts of Paris that may hang-out them. Heroic have by no means received an Intel Extreme Masters occasion, regardless of having completed runners-up thrice. There have been some painful losses alongside the best way, such because the IEM Rio 2022 remaining defeat to Outsiders. Solely time will inform if cadiaN and his staff can lastly break this duck. As soon as they acquired one over the road, there’s a sense extra will quickly comply with.
Astralis
A brand new hope for Astralis. Credit score: AstralisCS on Twitter
Astralis? Favorites in 2023? We actually wouldn’t fully rule them out right here. After demoting Xyp9x to the academy, his substitute Altekz has been a slight revelation. He appears proper at residence in his new position, and dev1ce appears to be again to his best possible. Even gla1ve appears to have recaptured some nice type. The one lingering concern is Buzz, and if he can carry out Astralis can go far at IEM Dallas 2023.
The staff have been grinding on the Tier 2 circuit recently, profitable CCT South Europe Collection 4. It’s a small step in the proper course for Astralis, who with Altekz abruptly don’t look too far-off from being actual opponents. Profitable IEM Dallas 2023 might show a step too far proper now, however hold one eye on how this Astralis roster performs.
G2
HooXi wants a Dallas W. Credit score: G2CSGO on Twitter
G2 want one thing to go their method, as a result of they’re susceptible to squandering the momentum they garnered originally of the yr. Consecutive event wins gave excessive hopes for G2’s 2023, however it hasn’t come collectively but. After being a key underperformer of the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, NiKo and his staff can open a brand new chapter in Dallas.
It’s an vital event for HooXi specifically. The person performances of the IGL have been underneath intense scrutiny recently, however he can set himself again on the proper path with one other event win at IEM Dallas 2023. Something much less would probably put his place in jeopardy within the post-Main roster swaps.
Liquid
One final dance for nitr0. Credit score: TeamLiquidCS on Twitter
We had hometown heroes Vitality win the Paris Main. Might we see the identical in Dallas with NA’s Liquid? It will be a hell of a narrative, after it was introduced IEM Dallas 2023 can be nitr0’s remaining event in CS:GO. The staff confirmed some optimistic indicators on the Paris Main, and if they will take a few of that momentum into this event, they’ll be robust to beat.
Regardless of how they do, it’s positive to be an emotional farewell for nitr0. The IGL has been a Liquid stalwart in CS:GO (one transient flirtatious dalliance with Valorant apart). We anticipate to see YEKINDAR proceed to be taught the IGL position at IEM Dallas 2023, and he may very well be the ready-made substitute if all of it goes to plan.
Opening Matches
The opening matches of IEM Dallas 2023 promise to be a spicy affair. We’ve acquired a specific eye on Liquid vs Astralis, rekindling the legendary 2019 CS:GO rivalry. Apart from that, the opening day needs to be fairly reduce and dry.
G2 vs Nouns needs to be a non-contest, and the identical may very well be mentioned for Cloud9 vs Grayhound. Evil Geniuses will probably wrestle to place up a battle in opposition to FaZe, too. FURIA vs OG might be fascinating. A lot of FURIA’s roster is taking part in to stay on the Brazilian staff, whereas OG’s out-of-contract stars are taking part in to discover a new staff, which may very well be a really fascinating prospect to see.
