IEM Rio 2023 Group Stage: Betting Tips & Predictions














Kicking off today, the Intel Extreme Masters event looks to get things started with some exciting matches. There are a number of games to look forward to – in this IEM Rio betting preview Day 1, we’ll be providing three match previews:

  • FaZe Clan vs 9Z Team
  • FURIA Esports vs Fnatic
  • Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Natus Vincere

IEM Rio Betting Preview Day 1 Betting Preview

With $250,000 on the line, IEM Rio as hosted by ESL is an S-Tier event featuring the top 16 CSGO teams in the world.

Moreover, hosted at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio, Brazil, the event will run from 17th April to 23rd April.

The first stage of the competition involves a Group Stage, with four groups of four teams each. Within each group, a double elimination format group will be taking place, with BO1 opening matches followed by BO3 matches.

Bearing this in mind, and that only the top 3 teams progress from each group, here are some specific matches to consider for CSGO betting as scheduled below:

17th April – Group B Upper Bracket Quarterfinals

  • FaZe Clan vs 9z Team (19:45 CEST)
  • FURIA Esports vs Fnatic (19:45 CEST)

17th April – Group A Upper Bracket Semifinal

  • Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Natus Vincere (21:00 CEST)

In this particular IEM Rio Betting Preview Day 1, we’ll be using reliable CSGO betting odds as provided by Pinnacle. As we’ve described in our very own Pinnacle review, the esports industry pioneer is a top esports betting platform to consider for your bets.

FaZe Clan vs 9z Team

IEM Rio 2023 Betting Tips and Predictions
Image Credits: ESL

For this first match, the favorite is rather clear. Naturally, FaZe Clan, the champions of the Intel Grand Slam Season 4 and ESL Pro League Season 17, look to start this event strong against 9z Team.

Meanwhile, 9z Team have two things going for them against one of the best CSGO teams.

Apart from recently winning the B-Tier CCT South America Series #5, the fact that this match is a BO1 gives them the opportunity to upset.

  • Predictions: FaZe Clan (1-0) 9z Team
  • Odds: FaZe Clan Outright Win (1.268), 9z Team Outright Win (3.850)
  • Betting Site: Pinnacle

FURIA Esports vs Fnatic

The last time FURIA Esports competed at an event hosted at Rio, they placed 3-4th (IEM Rio Major 2022).

Besides the homefield advantage, they recently won the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 American RMR and 9-12th at the ESL Pro League S17.

Meanwhile, Fnatic have also performed well recently, placing second at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 Europe RMR and 13-16th at the ESL Pro League S17.

While FURIA Esports are clearly the favorites, Fnatic are defintely not out of this one – a great esports betting opportunity.

  • Predictions: FURIA (1-0) Fnatic
  • Odds: FURIA Esports Outright Win (1.647), Fnatic Outright Win (2.270)
  • Betting Site: Pinnacle

Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Natus Vincere

Similar to the first match we discussed, Natus Vincere are also strongly favoured in their own match against Ninjas in Pyjamas.

Maintaining their legacy roster, Natus Vincere has maintained their impressive run by claiming the most competitive RMR for BLAST.tv Paris Major while also placing 3-4th at ESL Pro League S17.

On the other hand, Ninjas in Pyjamas have not been as dominant, placing 17-20th at the EPL S17, and 7th in their respective BLAST.tv Paris Major RMR event.

Bearing this in mind, Natus Vincere are the favorite here and look to maintain this momentum for the entire event.

  • Predictions: Ninjas in Pyjamas (0-1) Natus Vincere
  • CSGO Odds: Natus Vincere Outright Win (1.425), Ninjas in Pyjamas Outright Win (2.890)
  • Betting Site: Pinnacle

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Gabriel Sciberras

Gabriel is an esports journalist and content writer, covering every related esports scene and topic under the sun, apart from plenty of experience in the realm of technology and gaming. When he’s not covering international news, he’s focused on the local Maltese scene.

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