The best predictions for the CSGO Rio Major challenger stage

William Davis Published 25/10/2022

The Rio Major challenger stage is almost here, and our predictions are based on Major history, recent form, and vibes.

The Rio Major is a rare opportunity for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players to get their hands on more souvenir gun skins. Players who have purchased the pass can earn free souvenir tokens and even a platinum coin for correctly predicting how the world’s best CSGO teams will perform. The challenger stage includes some of the less-known teams, which can make it difficult for more casual fans. With recent statistics and major history in mind, here are our predictions for the CSGO Rio Major.

Our predictions for the CSGO Rio Major challenger stage

First up is our prediction for which team will go 3-0. The most likely picks for this category are Team Vitality and Cloud9. The French-Danish team didn’t perform very well in the RMR qualifier, but Vitality is otherwise fresh off a championship at ESL Pro League Season 16. Cloud9 is another prestigious team with a history of advancing at the majors. Our Rio Major 3-0 prediction is Vitality due to the team’s strong recent performance and trove of major experience.

As for the other teams that will advance, we predict the following squads will make it to the Rio Major legends stage.

• Cloud9
• Bad News Eagles
• GamerLegion
• Outsiders
• FURIA Esports
• Fnatic
• Imperial Esports

Bad News Eagles has been slowly climbing the European rankings as a contender, and a recent trophy at Tipsport Cup Prague gives it some momentum. GamerLegion is in a similar position, knocking major mainstay G2 Esports out of the RMR in a thrilling three-game series. 

Outsiders is a clear analog to Cloud9, but the team historically has better results on LAN. FURIA is one of the strongest teams from the Americas, and while it can struggle in big international events, the challenger stage should be easy pickings. Roster shakeups aside, Fnatic is looking strong going into the Rio Major with RMR wins over Eternal Fire and 1win. Our predictions for the Rio Major challenger stages ends with Imperial Esports. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo’s last dance won’t end early on his home turf.

Lastly, the place of dishonor at 0-3 goes to Grayhound Gaming. The Australian team struggled in the Asia-Pacific RMR, losing to IHC Esports and dropping a game to Rare Atom. Greyhound could surprise with a win over another less-favored squad, but that’s not what most international fans expect from the team. Other contenders for 0-3 Rio Major challenger predictions are 00 Nation and Evil Geniuses.

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