IEM Cologne 2023: Play-In Preview and Predictions

Out of 16 teams competing at the IEM Cologne 2023 Play-in, only eight are going to be skilled enough to book themselves a ticket for the main event. In this piece, we will bring you closer to IEM Cologne 2023 Play-in betting as we will provide a brief overview and best picks for the opening matches. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it.

IEM Cologne 2023 Play-in Overview

The format for IEM Cologne 2023 is simple to understand – a double-elimination bracket has been put in place which basically means that teams can lose one match before being eliminated.

Bear in mind that the opening matches are played in the best-of-one format while every other match is contested in the best-of-three series. As we mentioned above, the best eight teams are advancing through to the IEM Cologne 2023 main event.

According to the best CSGO betting sites, the teams with the highest chance of claiming a top 8 spot in this qualifier are Team Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Apeks, FURIA, Astralis, and MOUZ.

As for the underdogs, by far the least favored team is TheMongolz, followed by BIG, Complexity, and Grayhound.

Down below, we will provide some of the safest predictions for the opening matches so do not miss out on that part of our article.

MOUZ vs TheMongolz

In our books, this is the easiest match out of them all to make a prediction on. There is no denying that MOUZ is miles ahead of TheMongolz both individually and strategically. On top of that, MOUZ had plenty of time to prepare for this event as they took a six-week break prior to this event.

TheMongolz, however, took an even bigger break but we do not see anything that they can bring to the table that is going to help them go their way. On top of that, they just recently brought in mzinho, a player that had barely any chance to prove himself and he is a massive enigma right now. As it always happens, up-and-comers like him often choke on the big stage as they can’t handle the pressure.

All in all, even if you claim an IEM Cologne bonus in order to enhance your starting bankroll, there is still barely any value on MOUZ. This is why we are bringing in the round handicap bet that should be easy to hit.

• Prediction: MOUZ Round Handicap (-4.5)
• Odds: 1.53
• Betting Site: GG.bet

OG vs 9INE

This match should be interesting as both teams will want to kickstart their IEM Cologne campaign with a win. After going through numerous changes, OG started their journey with four straight defeats. On the other hand, 9INE is looking really good right now as they claimed five straight victories.

The logic is simple in this one. On one side, we have OG that is yet to win a match with their new roster. Contrary to that, 9INE have been together for quite some time now and they won their last five bouts. With even odds, there are no ifs and buts on who the smart money is on.

• Prediction: 9INE to win
• Odds: 1.75
• Betting Site: GG.bet

Grayhound vs FURIA

In the end, we are leaving you with one prediction that can be labeled as nothing else but a booster for your accumulators. We all know that Australian teams have a hard time on the big stage and they barely ever deliver solid results.

Contrary to that, FURIA always shows up on the big stage and with this match, they have a perfect opportunity to break out of the slump they are currently in and start their campaign with a victory.

• Prediction: FURIA to win
• Odds: 1.26
• Betting Site: GG.bet

Header image: ESL